TAKEOVER OF INVESTRUST BANK BY BOZ WORRIES ZUPED

…we should strive to support local banks as opposed to having more foreign banks in Zambia

Lusaka… Wednesday April 3, 2024 (SMART EAGLES)

The Zambians for Peace Unity and Development (ZUPED) has expressed concern over the take over of Investrust Bank by the Bank of Zambia due to its insolviency.

Zambia’s Central Bank has announced the takeover of Investrust Bank PLC effective April 2, 2024 due to its insolvency.

Bank of Zambia (BoZ) Assistant Director – Communications, Besnat Mwanza, made the announcement in a statement issued in Lusaka yesterday.

But ZUPED President Ronnie Jere says this is worrying because in July last year, the Central Bank took control of a state – owned Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ).

Mr Jere said these are entities under the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) whose chairman is President Hakainde Hichilema.

Mr Jere emphasized the need for government to support local banks as opposed to depending on foreign ones.

“With effect July 21, 2023, the Central Bank took control of the Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ), and yesterday we were notified of the takeover of Investrust Bank. Why are we failing to keep and support our local banks? Something must be done,” he said.

Mr Jere has also expressed concern over the escalating high cost of living in the country saying this needs an urgent solution.

“The levels of poverty in the country are worrying. If those who are in government are not seeing it, let them go on the ground and get first time information from the people on the levels of poverty.”

He said with the introduction of loadshedding in the country, businesses are struggling to thrive.

“This is a serious issue which should not be ignored. If big entities like banks are closing, what more small businesses? Small business holders are struggling to keep their businesses, the likes of saloons, baber shops, welders and others; they are closing down.”

He hoped that homemade solutions and measures will be found by the government in order to deal with the current challenges in the country.

SPEAKERS SPEAK MORE THAN MPs IN PARLEY – MUNDUBILE

Lusaka – Tuesday, 2 April, 2023.

MPOROKOSO PF member of parliament Brian Mundubile says Presiding Officers not only lack a comprehensive understanding of the parliamentary system, but also speak more than the elected MPs.

And Mundubile says there is a lack of transparency and accountability in the UPND government, noting that if there were, the Mopani deal would have been taken to Parliament.

Meanwhile, Mundubile says the true perpetrators of crime are out there, not the individuals being seen in court.
Speaking on Millenium TV’s “The Platform” Sunday, Mundubile said Presiding Officers seemed to view some members of parliament in the opposition as enemies to the system.

“What is supposed to happen is that the Speakers, Government Chief Whip, Leader of Opposition, Opposition Whips, are actually on one side. So, when there is a situation on the floor of the House, the Speaker actually appeals to the leaders in the House being the Government Chief Whip, the Leader of Opposition and the other whips to take care of the situation. When the Leader of Opposition rises to his feet and appeals to the presiding officer that he wants to help, that should be a welcome idea to the presiding officer because you are actually helping the House,” he said.

“The misfortune is that we have presiding officers who may not comprehensively understand the parliamentary system. They feel by virtue of being in opposition, I am an enemy to the system. So, if he had given me an opportunity, I was actually going to help him”.

Mundubile said he expected members of parliament to speak more in Parliament, but observed that, contrary to his expectation, the Speakers spoke more instead.

“If you look at the current Parliament for instance, I don’t think you even know the names of the Whips. I don’t even know who the Whips are. It’s rare that presiding officers are making use of the Whips. So, we are actually spending a lot of time by presiding officers engaging members directly. It’s not supposed to be like that. A functional House is actually run by the Whips. Presiding Officers are there as umpires, referees, just to regulate.

So, what you have now, you have Presiding Officers speaking all the time. They speak more than the elected Members of Parliament. That is a House full of members, it’s a House for the people. So, you’ll expect members to speak more than Presiding Officers. Unfortunately, what happens is the exact opposite,” he said.

“I may just give a quick example. For instance, let’s say a member of parliament is given eight minutes to debate and in between, he wants to give some examples, he wants to give some background, you’ll see Presiding Officers interjecting and taking three minutes. The watch has stopped but the Speaker has taken three minutes in trying to guide a member, meaning that particular debate has taken 13 to 14 minutes, that’s a waste of time”.
And Mundubile said there was a lack of transparency and accountability in the UPND government.

“It’s a source of concern actually. It started with the transfer of shares from ZCCM-IH to First Quantum; 20 percent because Article 210 is very clear; any disposal or transfer of public assets or property should be subject to Parliament approval. They’ve been building on, 20 percent didn’t come to Parliament, dual carriageway didn’t come to Parliament and now Mopani. It is because there’s no transparency and accountability in the UPND government. If there was transparency and accountability, even the deal on Mopani would have come to Parliament because if that had come to Parliament, the first question we would have asked [is] there was a tender for Mopani and there were four bidders,” he said.

“The one that was selected was not among the four bidders that were interested in the mine. We would have occasion to interrogate why this newly formed company which was formed around the same time the tenders were out is now the one that has been selected as the best selected bidder. We would have wanted to know more about the background of this company whose address is just a cell number. We would have known why there are so many things that are unclear about the company. We would have also wanted to know why President Hakainde Hichilema’s best friend is on the Board of that new company. We would have had occasion to ask these difficult questions”.

He added that the true perpetrators of crime were out there, not the individuals being seen in court.

“There are many things that have come on the floor of the House for the sake of information so that the Zambian people are informed. Their representatives ask questions on clarifications. Now, these big transactions are being done outside Parliament completely and for obvious reasons. So, whilst the Courts are filled with people who have been arraigned because they built their houses brick and mortar, they are being questioned where they got the money from, we have our leaders, looting our mines in broad daylight with their friends as Zambians sit back and watch. The real criminals are out there not those ones that you are seeing in the Magistrate Complex,” said Mundubile.

(Credit:News Diggers)

LUSAKA BUSINESSMAN CLAIMS FAITH MUSONDA’S LAND EARMARKED FOR ACC FORFEUTURE

BUSINESSMAN Samuel Mulozi has come to the aid of ‘billionaire’ journalist Faith Musonda, claiming ownership of her land in Ibex Hill, property no. F378a/11, which he wants to redeem from the ACC, on reasons that it is wrongly a subject of litigation.

Mulozi has submitted before the Economic and Financial Crimes Court that Musonda’s Television station Life TV sits on property no. F/378a/11/F which is a subdivision of his property F378a/11 that the Commission has earmarked for forfeiture.

In this matter the Anti-graft body wants the Court to forfeit Musonda’s house in Kingsland City a farm in Chisamba, business premises, Money in her Bank accounts and farm machinery on reasons that they were illegally acquired.

The ACC has cited Faith Musonda and her companies Sela Property Investments Limited, Convenant Broadcasting Company ,Life Television limited as interested parties in the matter.

The properties that have been seized and earmarked for forfeiture are ; Plot no. LUSAK/LN_24982/3 in Kingsland City, plot no. F/1504/A in Chisamba, plot no. F/378a/11 in Ibex Hill, Bank of Zambia Government bonds issue no.01/2021/BA, Treasury bills issue no.11/2021TBs, Madison Finance Fixed term deposits unit no. 1140446 and assorted jewels.

Others are a Tafe tractor 7515 75HP-unregistered, plough disc BD mounted AF3, Harrow Disc BD GHO-R mounted 16, planter BD PLB-4 mounted row, sprayer Boom Jacto(M) condor M12, Trailer 5TN steel deck and a Toyota Allion registration no.72M.

However Mulozi has found an affidavit opposing an affidavit in support of originating notice of motion, claiming ownership of the land that encompasses the TV station.

He explained that the property knowns as F/378a/11 is the entire extent of the land and not a subdivision belonging to the journalist.

Mulozi said his lawyers wrote to the ACC informing it about the correct status of the property but no action has been taken to rectify the said error.

“Musonda’s subdivision was already marked off and has an independent survey diagram which describes the actual subdivision that was acquired and the same is known as subdivision F of subdivision 11 of Farm 378a Ibex Hill, and should reflect as F/378a/11/F and not F/378a/11,” he stated.

“I applied for other subdivisions to be created on my land and the same was denied by the Commissioner of lands for the reason that there was a restriction notice placed on the land.”

Mulozi said he has not been able to deal with his land as he wishes and the same has caused him great inconvenience.

“The applicants actions and error ought to be corrected to avoid me facing any further inconvenience when dealing with my land,” he said.

“The Commissioner of lands guided that the restriction notice can be placed directly on the actual subdivision F of Farm 378a/11 belonging to Musonda and not on the entire portion of land. I risk my entire portion of land being forfeited to the state if the said process is left as it is, as the property number listed as F/378a/11 and that it belongs to the first Musonda is incorrect as that is my property.”

He said the property being referred to as subdivision no.F/378a/11 has his house and the land is in extent of 3 hectares more or less and that the subdivision where Life TV is situated is known as subdivision F of property no.F/378a/11 and measures only 2441 square meters or 0.60 acres.

“The applicant(ACC) is supposed to refer to the subdivision that was acquired by the interested party from Samuel Mulozi which is known as F/378a/11/F. We respectfully urge this court to hold that the said property known as F/378a/11 should not be a subject of this litigation as it mistakenly mentioned,”said Mulozi.

Kalemba

Whoever is crying just let them cry – Kabuswe

By Rhoda Nthara

WE have followed the law, Mopani will continue running, assures mines minister Paul Kabuswe.

“Those that are peddling lies let them continue. Whoever is crying just let them cry at the end of the day they will get tired and stop crying,” he said in response to Kantanshi

PF member of parliament Anthony Mumba’s question over Mopani shares transfer.

“Thank you once again Madam Speaker and thank you very much honourable minister and congratulations for job well done. For us we will be praising where it is due and we don’t care what we will be called because it’s for the people of Zambia. It’s not for me or my children. It’s for the people out there,” said Mumba in a question of clarification in the House on Thursday following Kabuswe’s ministerial statement on IRH acquisition of 51 per cent shares in Mopani Copper Mines. “Now honourable minister this message you have sent to the people out there is very encouraging. But it’s also under threat because you have been accused that you have not followed the Constitution. You have been accused of breaching the Constitution and that this transaction will be reversed. Now for those that are listening right now who you’ve assured will not be retrenched in this very difficult economic time and for me as patron of Mighty Mufulira Wanderers we have assured that

Mighty will be funded and many other sporting disciplines in our district. What is the real position in terms of this accusation that the government has not followed the Constitution or indeed there is a breach that government has carried out? Because this does not only threaten the Zambian people who are looking forward to doing business and working but also the investor and the confidence we are putting at risk?”

In response, Kabuswe said the new dawn government did not break the law.

“Thank you very much honourable member and thank you for the accolade you have given to the government of President Hakainde Hichilema over this deal. Madam Speaker, government is not run by just one person. Government has several wings and because our government is so methodical and well organised, when we were doing these transactions we had teams in place. Those who were looking at legal due diligence, the technical due diligence [and] the financial due diligence around this deal to make sure that as we make a decision we do not break the law,” said Kabuswe. “We have the chief legal advisor of government who is the Attorney General and gave his opinion and yes including the environment.

Madam Speaker there’s no sale that has taken place. I know they are referring to article 210, I remember that I always sign consents of transfers of shares and I haven’t done that because there’s no sale. So not to worry Zambians, we have followed the law. You are very safe. Mopani will continue running. Those that are peddling lies let them continue.

Whoever is crying just let them cry at the end of the day they will get tired and stop crying. That’s why they have been lying that Mopani has been sold for $130 million. Nothing can be further from the truth including lying that President Hakainde Hichilema has sold Mopani to himself. If you have nothing to say just say thank you and sit down. Just keep quiet because we told you that we would resolve these matters and we have resolved them. And KCM will be resolved.”

The Mast

CHISAMBA IS MAIZE SUFFICIENT AND CLAIMS BY ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS (EFF) LEADER KASONDE MWENDA UNTRUE AND DANGEROUS

DATE: 1st APRIL 2024

THE Food Reserve Agency (FRA) wishes to refute allegations made by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Leader Mr. Kasonde Mwenda on Friday, 29th March 2024 where he claimed that the Agency (FRA) had run out of maize in Chisamba District and that “hunger was deepening in the area”. The Agency wishes to state that Chisamba District is food secure and that there is still plenty of maize in the area more than enough for vulnerable households.

The Agency wishes to remind the public that it is a strategic government institution mandated to provide a strategic service to all Zambians regardless of race, ethnic, political and religious affiliation. Therefore, the Agency cannot neglect any person in its provision of services. In this regard, the Agency wishes to strongly refute claims by the EFF Leader, as they are not only false, but also irresponsible and dangerous.

The Agency wishes to advise members of the public, especially those aspiring for political office such as Mr. Mwenda to be responsible and factual when commenting on emotive and sensitive matters such as food security as reckless statements have a potential to cause civil unrest. Moreover, in as much as Mr. Kasonde would want to prove his relevance in politics, he should not lose his sense of responsibility when making comments in public. In this regard, the Agency wishes to urge the public to ignore his sentiments, as they are all lies. If it is true that the Agency has run out of maize, how is it possible that Zambia Correctional Service and Zambia National Service are currently collecting maize for milling into affordable mealie meal that is being offloaded daily on the local market countrywide? How is it also possible that the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit is currently collecting maize from FRA and distributing to vulnerable families in rural areas? In addition, the Agency as was announced recently, has re-strategised, intensified the Community Sales programme and is currently conducting the programme in 84 districts. Maize is also being released to Ministry of Education for the Home Grown School Feeding Programme, to boarding schools and hospitals just to mention but a few. All these programmes would have stopped if there was no maize.

Further, the Agency wishes to inform the public that the country is approaching the harvest period, and despite the drought, some households will be able to retain some quantities of crops for household food security. The Agency will also strategise to buy designated crops in locations that may have surplus stocks for redistribution to drought affected areas. Further, the public should be aware that on mopping up local maize stocks, the Agency contracted commercial farmers who have since started delivering the early maize crop. Government has also already indicated proactive response mechanisms to address the current situation, some of which include importation of maize to ensure the country continues to be food secure.

In conclusion, the Agency wishes to state that Chisamba District is food secure and currently has a total of 78,732 by 50 kilogramme bags of maize while Central Province has a total of 413,297 by 50 kilogramme bags all being stored in FRA storage facilities. (Original signed by) John Chipandwe Public Relations Coordinator

PF and UKA must not betray their only Nelson Mandela & Donald Trump for 2026 in ECL: Why miss the winning penalty when there is no a goalkeeper?

1. In Brazil, Lula de Silva saved two terms left power. In his retirement, sitting President Bosonalo maliciously persecuted him for corruption and sent into jail after conviction. In 2023, Lula was out of prison and majority Brazilians asked to contest again. He convincingly defeated the man who arrested and today, Lula is president again.

2. Today, Edgar Lungu sits as Brazil’s Lula in Zambia. Many voters regret voting ECL out because HH is a Bosonalo, one who over promise, persecutes rivals and fails to deliver. Therefore, PF and UKA must not allow anyone to fight or betray their Lula in Lungu: he is the only 2026 winning password.

3. Despite the apartheid regime parading him as a terrorist and imprisoning him for 27 years, the ANC and South Africans remained focused in believing that Nelson Mandela was their lead political hope and emancipation hero. In PF and UKA today, it is shocking to learn that there are some people who think that they are politically better placed to contest and redeem Zambians from the chains of UPND and HH in 2026 outside Lungu.

4. In the ANC, challenging Nelson Mandela was deemed betrayal to liberation because he was the most popular, powerful and internationally recognized politician among them. Let PF and UKA members emulate ANC leaders going into 2026.

5. In the US, most Republicans are very clear and firm about Donald Trump as the only candidate who can forcefully compete with Joe Biden and win in December this year. They treasure his experience as a Republican President, his media punch, his capacity to fundraise and his global political stature.

6. In Israeli politics, Benjamin Netanyahu takes the same place. In Russia, Vladimir Putin is respected as such.This is the place of Lungu today in Zambian opposition politics: I appeal to PF and UKA supporters to run with this gospel always going into 2026.

7. Let everyone in PF and UKA know that, in Zambia today, only Edgar Lungu has the political stature of Brazil’s Rula De Silva, Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, US’s Donald Trump, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame or Russia’s Vladimir Putin. We are talking about someone deemed the symbol of state fatherhood, political hope, freedom, citizen empowerment, happiness, national unity and peaceful coexistence.

8. Even President HH does not come close to this political stature of Lungu because most Zambians generally take Bally for a liar, failure, western puppet, traitor, conman, hypocrite, fake, selfish and too proud.

9. If your wedding knife boy takes the courage of urinating on the only cake for your life mass event for whatever reason, the only option left is to immediately and brutally red card him out of the event. For me, I see UKA betraying their only political cake for winning 2026 in ECL by allowing Luckson Mulusa to continue as their SG after insulting and attacking both Edgar Lungu and PF on Diamond TV. For now, he is still a big spoiler to the UKA end game because he is malicious to their winning formula.

10. Even after publicly disrespecting and intentionally denouncing Lungu and PF, the most important, popular and powerful stakeholders in UKA, there is no one in UKA who condemned their SG or compelled him to openly apologize, show remorse and restore credibility to the injured people. This gesture alone is treacherous and dangerous for UKA going into 2026.

11. They are dearly carrying an SG who does not respect their only Mandela, Trump, Netanyahu, Putin and Lula for 2026. To many stakeholders in PF and Zambia, this is seen as a calculated act of betrayal.

12. To some extent, the decision of appointing and keeping Mulusa in UKA as SG today is not different with the decision of brining back Miles Sampa in PF in 2017 after he voluntarily left in 2015. And later, PF made Miles both Lusaka Mayor and Matero MP. Mr Mulusa openly disrespected President Lungu when he was his cabinet minister. Today, the same Mulusa is still disrespecting Lungu in UKA as SG.

13. Who brought him in UKA and what is their key agenda? Why should UKA miss the last and winning political penalty in 2026 when the goal keeper has run away? By appointing unrepentant Mulusa who disrespects Lungu and PF as their SG, UKA is betraying everything good for them going into 2026.

14. In UKA and with that unapologetic attitude, Lucky Mulusa is their Miles Sampa in the making. How on earth can an alliance of political parties bring an SG who does not belong to any of the alliance political parties? This decision is one of the most dangerous one for such alliance.

15. In such alliances, key positions are for members of alliance parties. Where is the political loyalty and allegiance of Lucky Mulusa if he does not belong to any party in UKA? This is how good players miss penalties by thinking that they have already scored before kicking the ball.

16. This is where PF is shocking everyone. In UKA, PF MPs and Members of Central Committee (MCC) are watching as bystanders or distant observers of the alliance. They have a duty to engage ECL, submit their views and actively support Lungu to make UKA work and deliver victory in 2026. Ultimately, PF is the main beneficiary of UKA because it’s the largest party in the alliance.

17. Any senior PF member who opposes UKA is opposing rebranding and betraying the needed stakeholder partnership to dislodge UPND and HH in 2026. PF must cherish UKA and UKA must cherish PF: this is the golden rule going into 2026. In fact, it is bigger betrayal if PF MPs and MCCs fail to speak out and defend their lion’s share inside. PF is UKA and UKA is PF.

18. PF MPs and MCCs must not endorse a misplaced model in UKA that “all political parties and presidents in the alliance are equal”. There is a workable model called “UPND alliance”: the biggest party takes the lion’s share. PF leaders must guide UKA members to stop hypocrisy. Many UKA members bring only themselves into the alliance while PF brings a former republican president and a party with MPs, Councilors and members countrywide. This thinking of “equal rights and powers in UKA” is treacherous to UKA itself and everyone.

19. Shockingly, there are some senior PF members who covertly oppose UKA and think PF came bounce back in 2026 on its own. This is misplaced thinking and dangerous political betrayal. PF needs alliance members if PF is to wage a winning political battle for 2026. PF must open doors too wide and allow more stakeholders to enter: even Luck Mulusa if he shows true repentance towards PF and Lungu.

20. UKA is the best political vehicle PF needs and must cherish. Any PF leader or MP who opposes UKA is betraying everyone. UKA brings new faces, UKA brings more numbers, and UKA brings PF rebranding. Thus, PF needs UKA and UKA needs PF. This political honest is vital and crucial going into 2026.

21. In 2011, HH would have become Republican Vice President had he accepted to form an alliance with Micheal Sata and become his running mate. But arrogant HH refused to humbled himself and wanted Sata to be his vice president. That’s how PF leaders like Winter Kabimba rubbished everything and the PF-UPND alliance collapsed. However, PF through Micheal Sata ended up winning on their own and arrogant HH was left in the losing cold.

22. I hope that PF and UKA leaders will not miss the ECL train going into 2026. Political honest demands that they all front Lungu as their leader and in him or through him, they push for regime change in 2026.

23. Both PF and UKA must not act spiritual and diplomatic by assuming that winning 2026 will be automatic. They face king Saul, Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar in HH, he is brutally vicious and politically cruel to stay in power. Therefore, PF and UKA must be sober, honest, intelligent, brave and avoid digging their own graves.

24. While UKA will surely grow bigger, it is important to know that some among them will defect and others will become true Judas Iscariot and Miles Sampa soon or later. Therefore, before key decisions are made, UKA leaders must always engage and consult their parties. This is how they will insulate themselves from betray or mitigate digging risky holes in UKA and their respective parties.

25. In conclusion, it is crucial for UKA members to understand that big political parties should have their deserved bigger shares in the alliance and smaller political parties must equally gain their reciprocal smaller shares. This is the only way UKA under the leadership of PF will score that last penalty to win in 2026 with either ECL as the presidential candidate or someone else fully backed by Lungu. It’s wrong and betrayal to politicize straightforward politics.

#ConcernedCitizenDemocracyWorks

PRAY FOR OUR CURRENT NATIONAL LEADERS THEY ARE TELLING TOO MANY LIES – NSONEKA LOBBY’S CHURCH.

Katuba Isumpuke Foundation Chairperson Isaac Mwendela Nsoneka alias Katuba – 001 has petitioned the church and its leaders to come together and pray for National Leaders who are in the habit of telling lies to citizens.

Speaking in Katuba on Sunday morning, when he attended Easter Sunday Mass at St Bakita Catholic Church in Katuba Ward Mr. Nsoneka says he is appalled by the high unbearably high cost of lying currently confronting the people of Zambia.

“Our church elders and pastors, please pray for our national leaders, this is the job you must take seriously because there is a new tendency of lying unnecessarily in the country. This tendency must come to an end if we are to develop this our country. These leaders we have today say one thing and the opposite thing happens” he said.

“For this country to develop, we need sincere leaders who will speak the truth to their own people. At times being a human being you can say one thing and fail to fulfill, but instead of adding more lies, come back to the people and apologize for lying and ask for more time” he said.

And Mr. Nsoneka retaliated the need for all churches to combine forces and pray hard for things to change in the country.

As the church nodded in agreance, Mr Nsoneka indicated that things have become worse in the country as hunger is extremely unbearable for citizens.

“There is untold hunger in the country, this is one of the worst hunger situations because unlike the others before it, this one is coming with a bonus of a lying leadership” Mr Nsoneka said.

Nsoneka further said that the current economic situation should be used as an opportunity for all Zambians to embrace each other in truth not lies.

He says the people of Katuba and Zambia are at an even greater risk of extinction from Hunger and the high cost living when those in top leadership prioritize lies over confronting the true nature of the country’s distressful situation.

The moment those in Government keep on lying and unceremoniously pushing those who call them out for telling lies the worse the situation gets ” he said.

UMODZI KUM’MAWA CONDEMNS SELECTIVE AND MALICIOUS ARREST OF CHIEF CHIKWA AND DEMANDS HIS IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 1, 2024

KUM’MAWA DEVELOPMENT COALITION, also known as UMODZI KUM’MAWA, strongly condemns the recent arrest of Chief Chikwa, an esteemed traditional leader within our community. This arrest, which appears to be highly selective, raises serious concerns regarding the fair application of the law. We therefore demand his immediate release.

It has come to our attention that several chiefs from different regions, who possess licenses similar to Chief Chikwa, have been freely cutting trees without facing any consequences or harassment. This blatant disregard for consistency in law enforcement undermines our faith in the justice system and highlights the inherent bias within it.

UMODZI KUM’MAWA unequivocally opposes and condemns the arrest of our chief on the aforementioned charges because he is not the only chief who cuts trees in Zambia. How can a Chief be arrested for cutting trees in his own chiefdom when he even had a government license? Hence, we deem this arrest as political, malicious, selective and unacceptable especially that other chiefs in other regions are doing the same.

Chief Chikwa’s chiefdom exists entirely within a Game Management Area, leaving us to question where the Police and Government expected the chief to legally cut trees. The constraints imposed by the GMA have created an untenable situation that restricts sustainable development and exacerbates the socio-economic challenges faced by our people. As KDC, we demand the immediate release of our chief.

UMODZI KUM’MAWA calls for an end to the unfair targeting of Chief Chikwa and urges the authorities to critically examine the limitations inherent in Game Management Areas. We implore the Police and the government to address the systemic issues plaguing our communities, including the need for equitable access to natural resources and a comprehensive review of the current conservation policies.

Umodzi Kum’mawa Development Coalition (KDC) aims to strategically advance development programs for the people of Eastern Province in the broader context for the modernization and development of Zambia by advocating and defending for their interests and rights in all sectors. The coalition recognizes that the region has abundant natural resources and the local people must always be engaged and prioritized to discover and actualize their full developmental potential just like other Zambians elsewhere.

Issued for and on behalf of UMODZI KUM’MAWA

Chanoda Ngwira F
SPOKESPERSON

PARLIAMEMT MUST BE A BATTLE GROUND FOR IDEAS
By Faston Mwale, Socialist Party – MCC

By all rationality, parliament must be a space for the exchange and contestation of developmental ideas and any departure from this call amounts to suppression of ideas and suppression of ideas amounts to totalitarianism. The suspension of honorable Jean Chisenga, from the House for 30 days for heckling at President Hakainde Hichilema as a liar after addressing parliament on the progress made in the application of National Values and Principles on 15th March 2024 is an obvious example of suppression of civil and political rights promulgated in articles 19 to 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which include the freedom of expression which in turn finds currency in various pieces of legislation in Zambia’s Constitution.

In bourgeoisfied politics, lying is not an unexceptional sentimental expression, it is part of the ideological apparatus seeking to turn the unsuspecting masses into passive consumers of falsehood. The heckle as an emerging idea must therefore be contested in parliament by way of debate.

I do not imagine that heckling at the President as a liar in the aftermath of the address to parliament was a breach of parliamentaryetiquette necessitating suspension from the house. The suspension is widely perceived as an effort to limit the expression of strong dissent and intuitively reinstall the President’s image which has suffered from damage occasioned by deceptive politics, manipulation, fabrications and lying. Rather than weaponizing the law to crack down on dissenters, the UPND should seriously reflect on why the leadership is frequently trapped in webs of lies.

A lying fit is an inherent feature of the bourgeoise ideology that defines the United Party for National Development. For as long as the party is shaped by the bourgeois ideology, it will continue to consciously or unconsciously pursue deceptive politics as a way to buttress itself in power. But pursuing deceptive politics is surely treading a very dangerous path whose consequences are not difficult to fathom.

The adage “lies have legs” is a tested truth. Unfortunately, the UPND is frequently trapped in webs of lies.It is important for the UPND leadership including its rank file to seriously think about why sentiments positing that the UPND is just an opportunistic lying equipment are growing bolder.

Lying can have destructive consequences on the ruling party and already it can be seen with great clarity that the distance between the masses and the ruling party is ever growing huge. Every statement coming from the UPND must first be subjected to a test of verity before consuming it. One of the reasons why the UPND is not guaranteed a second term is that its leadership has not learned the art of telling the truth and this has frustrated a lot of people. The UNPND should make a conscious effort to exorcise itself of the demon of lying, otherwise it will continue to suffer from spontaneous bouts of heckling from brave warriors in he likes of hon. Jean Chisenga.

Thank You ZESCO, The Staggered Load-Shedding will Create a Lifeline for Zambian Businesses

By Daimone Siulapwa

I Write What I Like

31.03.2024

In response to the impassioned pleas of citizens and the dire circumstances faced by businesses, ZESCO has taken a commendable step forward by implementing a staggered eight-hour daily load-shedding program for residential areas in Lusaka, effective from April 1st, 2024.

This decision, while arriving later than desired, serves as a much-needed lifeline for the Zambian business community, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which were on the brink of closure due to the previous prolonged load-shedding periods.

The significance of this decision cannot be overstated. For many SMEs, which form the backbone of the Zambian economy, the recent 20 days of eight-hour load-shedding wreaked havoc, causing significant damage and losses.

The advocacy efforts of many citizens, calling for shorter load-shedding durations or a staggered approach, have not gone unnoticed.

Their relentless pursuit of a solution has yielded tangible results, demonstrating the power of collective action and citizen engagement.

The revised load-shedding schedule, which entails two power outages of four hours each, spread throughout the day, aims to minimize disruption while providing some semblance of stability for businesses and households.

While it may not completely alleviate the challenges posed by power outages, it represents a step in the right direction towards finding a more equitable and sustainable solution.

ZESCO’s acknowledgement of the unique needs of industrial and farming operations is also noteworthy.

By allowing for a single uninterrupted eight-hour block of load-shedding with 16 hours of full power supply for these sectors, ZESCO recognizes the critical role they play in the nation’s economy.

This tailored approach enables better production planning and helps safeguard the livelihoods of countless individuals employed in these sectors.

However, as we express gratitude for ZESCO’s responsiveness to stakeholder concerns, it is essential to acknowledge that there is always room for improvement.

While the implementation of staggered load-shedding is a positive development, it begs the question of why such measures were not implemented earlier to mitigate the extensive damage caused by the previous prolonged load-shedding periods.

Looking ahead, it is important for ZESCO to continue engaging with stakeholders and exploring innovative solutions to address the underlying issues contributing to power outages.

Proactive measures, such as investing in infrastructure upgrades and diversifying energy sources, can help build a more resilient power grid capable of meeting the needs of all sectors of society.

Writting as Chairman for SMEs Association of Zambia (SMEAZ)

Advocating for the Empowerment of Citizens owned SMEs and the Reservation of some Business for Zambian citizens only

For more Info. Smeszambia@gmail.com

STATEMENT BY ZAMBIA’S SIXTH PRESIDENT, DR. EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU, ON EASTER SUNDAY

Fellow Zambians, two days ago we remembered and celebrated the death of Jesus Christ, our King and redeemer. As we did that, we reflected on the meaning and importance of his death to us as mankind.

Today, he has risen from his death. And as we reflect on this important development, we want to remind ourselves always that a true leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.

We also want to remind ourselves that authority without wisdom is like a heavy axe without an edge, fitter to bruise than polish. In a constitutional democracy, authority is directly derived from the people through the vote.

No matter the circumstances, we must always strive to deliver what we promised. Where we fail, it is only humane that we come back and explain ourselves without excesses of finger pointing.

In leadership, just like in ordinary life, mistakes are made and we must learn from them. With hindsight, we can become better shepherds.

This Easter was a poignant consideration of what has befallen our country; the drought. With prayer and introspection, it can be concluded that ours is a nation in search of reconciliation and true belief.

We stand at a crossroads as a democracy and also as a Christian nation. But nothing is insurmountable if we care enough. In Easter, we learn of pain and anguish but most importantly the power of forgiveness and love for humanity.

This is what God has granted us through his son Jesus Christ. How then can we depart from the teachings, the living sacrifice of Jesus? Can we today stand and confidently claim to be Christians, embracing the body of Christ when some of our leaders clearly show antichrist behaviour and issue statements that are not far from blasphemy?

Are we not opposing Jesus Christ when we call those who are working hard to explain his teachings as Lucifers? Are we not proving to be antichrist when we mock a day that is selected for prayers, forgiveness and reconciliation?

These are some of the questions we need to ponder on as we remember the death of Jesus Christ and celebrate his resurrection today.

Fellow Zambians, political power is transient but God’s reign is supreme. With the risen Christ today, we must hold hands and together dedicate our hearts and efforts to national reconciliation, justice and peace.

Our lips and hearts must sing from the same hymn book. Anything short of that won’t do.

Signed
Edgar C. Lungu
LUSAKA
31/03/2024

ERB maintains K31 per litre

ERB wrote;

During the period under review, both prices of oil on the international market and the exchange rate between the kwacha and the United States Dollar remained fairly stable.

Since the last fuel price review on 29th February 2024, the price of petrol and kerosene increased by 0.94% and 0.33%, respectively, while diesel reduced by 1.96%.

Specifically, petrol increased from U$$90.41/bbl to US$91.26/bbl, kerosene increased from US$97.81/bbl to US$98.13/bbl. while diesel declined from US$100.48/bbl to
US$ 98.5 |/bbl.,

The overall stability in oil prices was mainly due to marginal increase in demand for petroleum products from major consumers such as China and the United States of America.

The impact of the announcement that the Organisation for the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)+ would extend its production cuts
from March to June 2024, did not take effect during the review period.

Further, some OPEC members
supplied beyond the allocated quotas which helped to stabilise the prices on the global market.

In addition, the Kwacha recouped its losses against the United States Dollar mainly driven by the positive
sentiments attributed to the news that an agreement had been reached on the debt restructuring.

This has resulted in the Kwacha improving its performance against major currencies in the past few days.

The kwacha appreciated by 1.75%, from K25.74/US$ in February 2024 to K25.09/US$ in March 2024.

During the month of April 2024, it is expected that the positive news of debt restructuring wil provide a level
of stability in the foreign exchange market that will see the Kwacha have reduced exposure to extreme
trading volatility the short to medium term.

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has therefore maintained the pump prices of Petrol, Diesel,
Kerosene and Jet A-1 for April 2024.

The prices for Petrol, Diesel, Kerosene and Jet A-l will continue
to be K31.12/litre; K28.78/litre; K20.44/litre; and K28.23/litre respectively.

The prices have been maintained because the changes in the two key fundamentals that determine
domestic prices of fuel, that is, international oil prices and exchange rate of the Kwacha against the
United States Dollar, resulted in changes in the domestic fuel prices that were below the set
threshold of 2.5 percent.