STOP ZANGENA POSTINGS ON SOCIAL MEDIA – CIVIL SERVANTS ADVISED

THE Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) has advised civil servants to desist from posting salary updates on social media as this exposes them to scammers.

ZICTA Cyber Security Specialist Emmah Kapambwe says her Authority has noted with concern the increase in the number of complaints involving teachers, nurses and some police officers especially towards month-end.

ZANIS reports that the ZICTA Cyber Security Specialist said this in Solwezi when she made a presentation during a stakeholder’s sensitisation meeting on Cyber Security attended by cross section of society.

Ms. Kapambwe said social media postings have exposed public service workers and making them vulnerable to scammers in the recent past.

“Of late we have seen a number of complaints coming through involving teachers, nurses and even police men and women, they are being targeted by scammers because of the Zangena postings on social media,” she said.

She advised people to avoid posting too much personal information on social media as this attracts scammers and expose them to harm.

Ms Kapambwe also advised people especially those aged between 35 and 65 years to guard against online gender-based violence, a trend that is seemingly becoming common.

Meanwhile, ZICTA Copperbelt Regional Officer Christabel Simbulo said digital financial crime is not easy to investigate as most of the people involved are not locally based hence the delay in capturing the perpetrators.

Ms Simbulo disclosed that the authority is however constantly upgrading the system to deal with new trends citing the tightening of the sim card registration system to include a facial image of the sim card owner.

“From the time we introduced this requirement, we have seen a huge reduction in complaints of people being scammed. So far, over 2 million fake sim cards have been deactivated,” she said.

She stated that ZICTA has introduced an option to report a missing or lost phone on the *707# short code and encouraged people to make use of that option so that the authority can lock the device and protect the account as well as contacts on it.

By Emmanuel Mwamba
SPEAKER REFUSES TO ALLOW QUESTION ON PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S BREACH OF THE CONSTITUTION

Lusaka-Thursday,21st March 2024

The Speaker of the National Assembly has refused to accept a question on why President Hakainde Hichilema has allowed the sale of Mopani Copper Mine to Delta Mining without approval of the National Assembly.

Article 210(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia states that;

(2) A major State asset shall be sold, transferred or otherwise
disposed of, as prescribed, subject to the approval of the National
Assembly signified by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Members
of Parliament.

(3) For the purposes of this Article, “major State asset” includes a parastatal and equity held by the Government, as prescribed.

Government has sold 51% shares of the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines-Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH) in Mopani Copper Mines to Delta Mining Limited (Delta) of Dubai.

In a letter dated 21st March, 2024 to Pambashe MP, Hon. Ronald Chitotela, stated that Parliament does not admit questions on the interpretation of the Constitution in accordance with Stand Irders 71(1)(c).

The breach of the Constitution by the President is an impeachable offence.

Below is the letter
QUESTION UNDER STANDING ORDER 76

I refer to your letter dated 13th March, 2024 and note the contents contained therein.

Kindly note that while I admitted your Question under Standing Order 76 on the floor of the House, it has become apparent upon careful scrutiny of your question that it is inadmissible.

The inadmissibility of the Question stems from Standing Order 71(1) (c) of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2021, which provides as follows:
“71. (1) a question shall be admissible if it-
(c) does not ask for an expression of opinion or the solution of an abstract legal question of a hypothetical proposition.

It is clear that in the response to your Question, the Minister will be expected to provide legal opinion of the meaning of Article 210 of the Constitution.

Such interpretation of a
legal nature goes against the spirit of the above Standing Order and, therefore, renders your Question inadmissible
In this regard, the Question although important, cannot be processed due to the
provisions in the Standing Orders.

GOVERNMENT HANDS OVER MOPANI TO NEW INVESTOR AS EQUITY PARTNER

GOVERNMENT has handed over Mopani Copper Mine to International Resources Holding as the equity partner.

IRH has taken up 51 percent of the Mine’s shares while ZCCM-IH returns 49 percent.

ZANIS reports that speaking during the handover ceremony in Kitwe today, President Hakainde Hichilema disclosed that the delay in unlocking Mopani Copper Mine was due to hidden debt complications that were shipped on the mine by the previous government.

Mr. Hichilema said a debt of over USD $1.7 million was dumped in Mopani which the government had to clear before an investor could take up the Mine.

President Hichilema said his government has since reduced the debt to USD $576 million.

“In this deal, Mopani is not only receiving capital injection but it will also see a sustainable debt restructuring, our government inherited debt not only from private and official creditors but in Mopani also, people saw Mopani as a place for dumping liabilities,” he said.

The Head of State noted that the handover of Mopani to the IRH will rejuvenate the Copperbelt province to its old glory.

The President assured the mine suppliers and contractors of better job opportunities and job stability to the Mine workers.

Meanwhile, Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe challenged the new investor to improve Mopani Copper Mine into a world class asset.

Mr. Kabuswe said he was happy that a good deal was arrived at after a protracted search and negotiations for an equity partner for Mopani.

And International Resources Holdings Chief Executive Officer Ali Alrashdi expressed the company’s commitment to creating value from the mine asset for the benefit of various stakeholders.

Mr. Alrashdi said his company’s goal is to serve the people, the community and ensure sustainability in the operations of the asset.

ZCCM-IH Board Chairperson Kakenenwa Muyangwa announced the clearance of the USD $1.5 million debt that was left by Glencor at Mopani which he said makes the company’s balance sheets clean and stronger going forward.

Mr. Muyangwa also stated that the money that has so far been injected into Mopani will help the mine complete the on-going expansion project and other capital projects to sustain the 11,000 jobs the company has.

Earlier, Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo assured the new investor of the local people’s support and readiness to work with them.

Mr. Matambo said his office is also open for any consultation.

He stated that the handover of Mopani to United Arab Emirates’ International Resources Holdings (IRH) brings relief to the people of Copperbelt who have been suffering economically because of reduced productions at Mopani Copper Mine.

Mpulungu Harbor defends 93% profit drop

Following audit findings that Mpulungu Harbour Corporation Limited (MHCL) Company profit dropped by 93% attributed to a reduction in cargo volume passing through the Port, MHCL has revealed that the Reduction in cargo throughput and 93% profit loss was due to Limited shipping capacity, Fuel Shortage in Burundi, Reduced export of sugar to the Great Lakes region and Low Clinker exports.

According to the auditor general’s report for the financial years ended 31st December 2021 and 2022, Mpulungu Harbour Corporation Limited (MHCL) Company’s profit reduced by 93% from over K4 million in 2021 to about K363 thousand in 2022.

The AG report also revealed that the reduction in profit was mainly attributed to a reduction in cargo volume passing through the Port from 231,000 metric tons in 2021 to 185,000 metric tons in 2022.

However according to a press query response from Mpulungu Harbour Corporation Limited (MHCL) to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, MHCL Acting Managing Director Katowa Kabunda revealed that between 2022 and 2023 the Mpulungu Port ship calls were restricted because of inadequate cargo ship operators on the Lake amidst many competing Ports of call, a situation he said was exacerbated by the sinking of two ships in February and March 2022 which led to ship calls reducing from 308 to 267.

Kabunda said that the Persistent fuel shortages in Burundi negatively affected vessel operators’ turnaround time and calls per month.

He said that a Surge in domestic market demand for Sugar reduced quantities available for export adding that the increase in supply chain costs made the Mpulungu Corridor less attractive as an export route.

“Reduction in cargo throughput and net profit was a result of the following factors; a) Limited shipping capacity – Mpulungu Port ship calls are restricted because of inadequate cargo ship operators on the Lake amidst many competing Ports of call. This situation was exacerbated by the sinking of two ships (2,200Mt lost capacity per ship call) in February and March 2022. As a consequence, ship calls were reduced from 308 to 267 between 2022 and 2023. b) Fuel Shortage in Burundi – Persistent fuel shortages in Burundi negatively affected vessel operators’ turnaround time and calls per month. c) Reduced export of sugar to the Great Lakes region –Surge in domestic market demand for Sugar reduced quantities available for export. In addition, the increase in supply chain costs made the Mpulungu Corridor less attractive as an export route,” he said.

Kabunda noted that the demand for Clinker dropped from 112,000 Mt (2021) to 46,000 Mt (2022), due to supply contract credit terms disagreements between Burundi Cement Company (BUCECO) and Chilanga Cement Plc following a… Follow the link to read the full article https://zambianbusinesstimes.com/mpulungu-harbor-defends-93-profit-drop/

GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO IMPROVING SERVICE TO CITIZENS

Yesterday, the Minister of Justice Hon. Mulambo Haimbe responded to a question in Parliament raised by Kalabo Central MP Chinga Miyutu who wanted to find out at what intervals local courts, countrywide, receive grants from Government and whether there are any plans to increase the amount allocated to each grant

Below are the highlights:

✅ The Minister disclosed that Government has increased funding disbursed towards local court operations to K1,741, 643.18 from K550,000.00 to ensure smooth dispensation of justice

✅ The local courts receive a sum of K1,741, 643.18 which is sent to all the 10 provinces quarterly. The quarterly funding was previously K550,000 Kwacha and erratic.

✅ Mr. Haimbe said while previous disbursements were erratic, the funds are now received by the local courts consistently and Government will continue to increase the allocation to the judiciary for the purposes of infrastructure buildings and rehabilitation.

✅ He said since the New Dawn took over administration over the past two and half years, his Ministry was striving to improve infrastructure and basic services under the judiciary to deliver justice to citizens.

✅ The New Dawn Government must be commended for increasing the amount threefold from a situation where the entire judicial local court structure was only receiving K500, 000 for operations.

✅ He added that the allocation is consistent and it is distributed to the local courts in an equal and even manner regardless of their location.

✅ Government will always view local courts and the court system generally as important because matters of justice cannot be taken lightly and trivialized.

✅ He said it is for this reason the superior courts will always play their part to ensure that justice is delivered in the criminal justice process and funded accordingly.

✅ Government is aware of the state of the various court infrastructure across the country including the local courts, and the Ministry has recorded an improvement in the last two years and six months from what was there in the past.

✅ Government acknowledges the critical steps taken by some members of parliament where CDF is used to bolster the efforts of the judiciary by constructing some of these facilities.

✅ The judiciary has since increased allocation towards the lower court infrastructure including the subordinate court and the local court.

By Misheck Kakonde

It is with grave concern that I address recent incidents of political misconduct and misrepresentation of facts within our esteemed institutions. The actions of certain individuals, particularly Minister Gary Nkombo in one of the newspapers’ statements and the Speaker of the National Assembly’s behavior, are both disappointing and unacceptable.

Minister Nkombo’s treatment of women, as exemplified by his disregard for a woman selling kachasu, is deeply troubling. No individual, regardless of their position, should engage in such behavior, especially when it involves denying rightful compensation for losses incurred by the mother who was selling Kachasu. Such actions only perpetuate inequality and injustice within our society.

Furthermore, the misuse of parliamentary privileges to silence dissenting voices, as seen in the suspension of Members of Parliament like JJ Banda emanating from his Facebook post, is a blatant abuse of power. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right, and it should never be curtailed under any circumstances, let alone through arbitrary and unjust measures. Moreover, all Zambians have a right to speak, and members of parliament enjoy parliamentary privileges while on the floor of the house.

Mr. Nkombo should not think Parliament is his house where he can tell a member of parliament Chisenga that she will go unpunished for calling the president a liar. It is imperative that Minister Nkombo, the Speaker, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, and all those in positions of authority understand that their actions have consequences. No one is above the law, and those who engage in lawlessness while holding power will inevitably face accountability. History has shown us time and again that justice prevails, and those who exploit their positions for personal gain will ultimately answer for their deeds.

Moreover, we cannot overlook the issue of factual misrepresentation, particularly by our president Mr. Hakainde Sammy Hichilema. The recent instance of the President misrepresenting information about the severity of droughts in different years is deeply concerning. The truth matters, especially when it comes to matters of public interest and policy decisions.

The evidence is evident, the drought of 1991 impacted a larger portion of the population compared to the recent drought in 2024. The President’s claim that 2024 experienced the most severe drought in a century is erroneous and deceptive. Such distortions only erode the public’s faith and trust in our leadership.

Furthermore, in 1991, Zambia’s population stood at 7,888,466, with 4 million individuals affected by the drought, constituting 50.75841962% of the population. In Zambia as per the recent census of 2023, we are 20,569,737, and 6,000,000 people are affected by the drought representing 29.1690652146%. The drought suggests a divine sign possibly disapproving of UPND’s governance, and these are dangers of poor planning and selling maize to other nations.

As responsible citizens, it is our duty to hold our leaders accountable for their actions and ensure that truth and integrity prevail in our governance. I call upon all stakeholders to uphold the principles of justice, transparency, and accountability in the service of our nation.

The author is a legal scholar, comparative politics specialist. Email: misheckkakonde@gmail.com

SELF-DECEPTION: HICHILEMA’S HIRED CROWDS

Today, Mr Hakainde Hichilema is expected in Kitwe to officiate at the handover ceremony of Mopani Copper Mines to its new Strategic Equity Partner – International Resources Holding (IRH).

But reality has dawned on the UPND government and party leadership that they’re seriously struggling with support. The ground has shifted, and they’re extremely unpopular on the Copperbelt. This has put immense pressure on both the provincial administration and party leadership. Because whilst they want to impress and show Mr Hichilema that all is well on the ground, that the people of the Copperbelt are with him, the opposite is what is unfortunately true. People don’t want him. People are tired of his endless lies and stories. This has created panic amongst the party functionaries.

As such the provincial administration and the party leadership stayed awake throughout the night today mobilising and dispatching buses across the province to ferry people that have been hired to show solidarity and support for Mr Hichilema during today’s visit to the Copperbelt.

But then, this is not the first time such a fruitless exercise is being undertaken. A few weeks ago, Mr Hichilema was in Chipata, Eastern province to officiate at the Youth Day celebrations, and the provincial administration and the UPND leadership once again ferried people across the province, with some coming as far as Southern Province and Lusaka, to go and drum up support for Mr Hichilema at the event.

It is quite shocking to see a leadership that is always ready and willing to go to any length to exaggerate and distort reality, all in an effort to create a totally false impression of themselves and their capabilities. A leadership that is so morally run-down that it does not mind misleading itself and its supporters by creating a non-existent reality, which they both end up accepting as true, and eventually celebrate it with songs of praise and dances.

It’s incredible how Mr Hichilema and his league regime have become victims of their own propaganda. They’re now believing their own lies. They’re lost and in confusion! With the 2026 general election fast approaching, we wait to see how they’ll manage to transport and pay people across the country because the truth is, they’re not wanted anywhere in the country. They’re extremely unpopular!

And for the people on the Copperbelt, let them not be deceived. Inkumba ni nkumba nangu isambe shani, teti ichinje! This administration has made known to the Zambian people that the poor masses of this country are not anywhere near the equation and, as such, deserve no place, value, or respect from them. Their actions and attitude towards the people on the Copperbelt are there for all to see. Like we have always said, Mr Hichilema and his friends are here to protect mining transnational capital and not the working masses.

Just look at what is happening at KCM in Chingola. After all those speeches, songs of praise, and dances, is Chingola back on its feet? Are miners and suppliers well taken care of by KCM? Nothing! Yet this government wants to go on lying and make people believe that they’re committed to uplifting the living standards of the people on the Copperbelt.

Mr Hichilema and his administration are all about greed and wealth accumulation. But all this won’t end well. It shall soon catch up with them because Zambians are not fools. Already, the atmosphere is that of exhaustion. People are fatigued of his lies, inconsistency, and self-serving attitude. Let him know that this country is way too big than him, and so he must stop playing with people’s livelihoods and the country’s future.

Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party

Esther Lungu will today reveal how she acquired pricy flats

THE Economic and Financial Crimes Court has declined to stay Esther Lungu’s forfeiture case and allow her to challenge one of its rulings.

The Court says Esther’s application is devoid of merit as the there are no extenuating circumstances warranting it to suspend today’s proceedings.

In this case, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has requested the Economic and Financial Crimes Court to forfeit Esther’s 15 semi-luxurious houses State lodge area worth K41.5 million on reasons that they were acquired using illegal means.

Esther wanted to challenge the Court’s decision to throw out her application to have the case referred to the Constitutional Court for a determination on whether the Chief Justice has power to constitute the EFCC, through a statutory instrument as a division of the High Court.

Esther argued that the jury erred when it ruled that the specialized Court enacted by the Chief Justice is a division of the High Court.

In opposing an application by former First Lady Esther Lungu to have her forfeiture case suspended pending appeal, Drug Enforcement Commission senior investigations officer Emmanuel Khondowe charged that constitutional rights to property does not extend to illegal wealth.

Khondowe said non-conviction based forfeiture does not require criminal proceedings or a conviction.

He said the halting of proceedings pending appeal is not a right but the same is exercised at the discretion of the Court.

Ruling on the application judges Pixie Yangailo, Mwanajiti Mabbolobbolo and Vincent Siloka said Esther made the application late on December 11, 2023 two months after they had already delivered ruling.

The jury said the appeal has failed to pass an arguable test.

“We are not persuaded, that the appeal will be rendered nugatory by the mere fact that the proceedings herein will proceed and a judgement on merit given. We say so because a judgement given is capable of being stayed,” the Court indicated.

“We therefore do not agree with the interested party’s assertion that proceeding herein will prejudice the interested party, as the Court might consider what the interested party considers to be erroneous conclusions in its judgement.”

The judges said a party who is keen on obstructing a matter from proceeding, would simply choose multiple appeals against interlocutory rulings by the trial court and then seek stay of proceedings in the trial court.

“An applicant must demonstrate that there are exceptional circumstances, which make the stay of proceedings justified as opposed to having the case concluded and arising grievances taken up on a single appeal. We opine that the interested party has not met this high threshold in this case,” said the Court.

It dismissed the application and condemned Esther to costs, which will be taxed in default of agreement.

The Court has also summoned two bank officials, Brian Muleya Mutakwa who is the branch manager of ZANACO, Cairo branch and Choolwe Chiyala a relationship manager of First National Bank Zambia Plc to produce Esther’s bank statements and including those of the Esther Lungu Foundation Trust.

The former First Lady will have her day in Court today at 09:00hours and explain how she acquired the 15 flats which the DEC suspects to be disproportionate to her income

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba

When we learnt that some senior citizens in Lusaka, retired Arch Bishop Telesphore Mpundu and one Brebner Changala to be specific, in their capacity as Our Civic Duty Association (OCIDA) had written the US Embassy suggesting that sanctions must be imposed on President Hichilema and some of his government officials, we were left flummoxed and speechless! We remained scratching our heads during the most part of day trying to figure-out what we had missed during our excursion from civilization tending to our goats in the village, to be greeted by calls of such drastic measures on our return.

As Mpundu was jumping onto a Washington bound to escalate their petition with US officials…….well according to Social media; back home, the United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) chairman, eminent lawyer, Sakwiba Sikota, who we believe still has some unfinished business to settle with Hichilema for outclassing him for the UPND top position, was informing the media that they intend to submit a supplementary petition to the US government to reinforce the need for targeted sanctions against Hichilema and other top government officials for alleged human rights violations.

We rather got even more confused when some members of OCIDA distanced themselves from the letter written to the United States embassy in Zambia.

“Just like the decision to write to the US embassy, most of the statements have been issued by the OCIDA Chairperson without consulting other members,” revealed the OCIDA Trustee, Leslie Mbula, in a statement. “We therefore disown it and ask those associated with it to resign from the association on moral grounds.”

Where does this leave Mpundu and his friend, Changala? They’ve actually been exposed that they are part of the cartel which is motivated by sheer bitterness and pathological hatred for an individual, hence see nothing resorting to such acts of extreme unpatriotism.

The problem with those folks in Lusaka is that they tend to think our capital is Zambia and vice versa; whatever they say must be taken as the golden truth. However, those of us domiciled in other precincts across the country will tell you that after 7 years of anguish and misery, we’re finally enjoying a whiff of fresh air, some economic challenges notwithstanding. Violent party cadres that used to terrorise our citizens in the markets and bus stations have since been flashed a red card; every Jim and Jack can now go live on air and blatantly criticise the government, if they want to, without any risk of violent party cadres, some of them now serving as MPs, descending on them and beating them to pulp or indeed emptying the contents of theirs bowels into the mouths of helpless journalists; constituency development fund is being dispersed to every corner of the nation in equal measures in good time – ask Sunday Chanda; civil service jobs are being handed-out to citizens without discrimination; the opposition is allowed ample space to mobilise without any encumbrances – the list is of course, endless!

Now, where’s this hullabaloo about imposing sanctions emanating from? What sort of gross human rights violations has Hichilema’s administration committed to deserve sanctions as compared to the previous absolutely corrupt and brutal Patriotic Front regime?

Curiously, some opposition leaders have always taken pleasure in mocking and taunting Hichilema as a puppet of the West; in their warped thinking, a collection of Caucasians huddled in air-conditioned offices in Washington, London and Paris simply have to pull some strings and our president obliges without any qualms! Those who personally know HH will tell you the man is not a pushover. During his boardroom days, he’d authoritatively present his case and maintain his ground until he got what he wanted. True to this strong trait in him, Hichilema along with Presidents Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana and William Samoei Ruto of Kenya recently issued a joint statement in the influential Economist Magazine, on the need to reform the global financial systems that must treat Africa fairly.

“Firstly, African leaders must be bold in promoting their ideas and participating when decisions are being made that affect the continent. The three of us have made it clear that we will not sign on to global regulations and agreements that are not shaped with our input,” part of the statement reads.

And during his state visit to Botswana early this year, Hichilema encouraged that country not to accept unfair trade conditions especially those that undermine and substitute decision making by African mineral producing countries.

Do you still want to insist Hichilema is a puppet of the West when he’s simply trying his level best to do business with everyone to extricate us from our current economic quagmire?

Well, unlike our colleagues in the East, one decent thing about the West even if they may have their own weaknesses, since we are all fallible, is that they won’t easily “bankroll” you before you satisfy certain benchmarks or conditionalities – how is your government dealing with corruption? Are fundamental human rights being upheld? Is there ample room for the proliferation of democracy in the nation? It’s totally unwise for anyone to expect Western embassies to rely on their twisted reports when they have their own ‘spooks’ lurking in their embassy buildings that actively monitor the prevailing conditions in the nation.

And just in case our friends have missed it, the United States government, through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), has announced $367 million (9.2 billion Kwacha) of new support toward Zambia’s national HIV response over the next year. In addition to this, Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane has also revealed that the World Bank will provide 100 million dollars under the National Energy Advancement and Transformation- NEAT- programme aimed at improving the operations of the power utility company ZESCO whereas the Irish government has committed 300, 000 Euros towards the efforts to address the devastating challenges arising from the drought situations.

If indeed dictatorship is looming and blossoming in our beloved nation, how come the West is still ‘raining’ funds on us and still considering more funding to come out way, including debt restructuring by the International Monetary Fund?

Mwaloba ilyauma!

Prince Bill M. Kaping’a
Political/Social Analyst

THE SAD REALITY OF ZAMBIAN POLITICS: A NATION OF HUNGRY INTELLIGENT ILLITERATES

20th March 2024

In Zambia, everyone celebrates 24th October as our Independence Day. Ironically, very few are ready and prepared to live, act and speak as free citizens of a democratic nation. So many have become prisoners of their own consciousness for choosing what’s convenient over what’s right for the nation.

Today, everyone knows what’s wrong, but they are scared to point out those wrongs. We have become an expert nation of gossipers, backbiters and pretenders. Even those who are walking in the corridors of power, they know what’s going on wrong, but instead of giving the correct counsel and advice, they would rather give a fake smile and a nod of approval to their appointing authority as a form of survival instinct.

Those in the corporate world, they betray their own consciousness and choose to pay a blind eye to all the wrongs so they can remain relevant to the Government of the day, including senselessly employing unqualified caders as long they are recommended by someone who is considered politically correct; someone who can speak for them and keep them in that position – what a senseless nation of intelligent illiterates!

If you were to talk about those doing business and looking for GRZ and parastatal contracts, they are willing to kill, to give kick backs and say all manner of bad and nasty things against their perceived competitors just so that they can emerge favourites to be awarded hefty contracts. One wonders how people sleep and find justification for the sudden accumulation of wealth which has only become possible through political connections and not hard work.

Genuine Zambian patriots who believe in the land of works and joy in unity, are left as bystanders. There is a deliberate wave of intentional exclusion if you are not considered politically correct. Citizens are being excluded from available opportunities within their own “independent” country. Think about this, who will be wasting their time to go and vote if citizens realize that their vote is only good for empowering someone to vilify, undermine and exclude them from participating national affairs?

After we fought for independence from white colonial masters and domination, sadly, a new form of colonialism emerged. You must belong to the ruling party of big boys for you to get favours and business deals. As you do, make sure whatever is wrong that you see, spin it and find something positive to say about it. That way, your relevance becomes noticeable and rewarded secretly. We are not surprised to see those who are pretending to be clever than a collective intelligence of citizens.

Even those who once served in past governments have not been spared from the effects of this ugly phenomenon of destructive politics. As high profile figures, citizens would listen to them when they speak out. But they have been told, what’s your voice without money, opportunities and government support? So in order for their children and grand children to remain employed in the civil service, they must never criticise the government, rather, they should be in the forefront to praise however things may be wrong.

This sad reality of a politically induced parasitic mindset is spreading at such a fast rate that not even Churches or NGOs have been spared. As a Pastor, Bishop, Apostle, if you need an envelope or support to build your Church, just be in good books with those in power and if you see anything wrong, forget about your prophetic mandate. I’m not saying this is happening in every Church, but certainly in some.

Just pretend as if you are not seeing anything wrong happening. Incidental to this, if as a Pastor you want to attract membership that belong to the ruling elite with hefty tithes and offerings, don’t say anything wrong about what’s happening in Government because if you do, you will send away high value Church members.

It’s so sad how the focus of Churches has been reduced to numbers and not salvation. The more numbers you attract, the more tithe and offering and the more comfortable the life of the set man.

Sadly, the net effect of a compromised Church is a dysfunctional society that loves money above relationship, money above truth, money above morality, a society that perpetuates hate against each other and celebrates wrong over right!

It’s not surprising that the pursuit for money and wealth through political connections and appointments has handed us a rotten judiciary, rotten legislature, and highly toxic executive.

Institutions of governance have become blind to justice and patriotism at the altar of political rewards. The cycle continues and more political parties are being registered because everyone now knows if you want to get rich fast and wield immense power to hypnotize everyone to start hero worshipping you, just become a politician!

Citizens must introspect and decide if this is the kind of independence and self-rule that our forefathers envisioned when they said stand and sing of Zambia, proud and free. Every citizen must search their hearts and their conscious if what they are perpetuating is right for our children and the generations after them.

We must arrest the political animal we are creating and return our nation to sanity before it’s too late!

More @ grindstonetv.com

Author: Kennedy K. Mambwe

Zambia extends heartfelt congratulations to Vaughan Gething on his election as the First Minister of Wales, marking a historic milestone as the first Black leader of a government in the United Kingdom.

President Hakainde Hichilema congratulated the new First Minister of Wales, born in Zambia, Vaughan Gething, on his election to the highest office in his country.
“We look forward to enhancing bilateral relations between Zambia and the UK. Longyfarchiadau ar eich swydd newydd, da iawn. (Congratulations on the new job),” President Hichilema said.

Gething’s election as the government leader follows his recent victory in the contest to lead Wales’ governing Labour Party. His ascent to the highest office in Wales was sealed with 27 votes out of 51 in the legislature, the Senedd, where Labour holds the majority.

Wales, with a population of approximately 3 million, constitutes one of the four constituent countries of the United Kingdom, alongside England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. While the British government in London oversees defense and foreign affairs, regional administrations in Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Belfast govern areas such as education and health.

Gething’s political journey has been notable, having served as Wales’ health minister during the pandemic and subsequently as economy minister, grappling with significant challenges such as Tata Steel’s plans to close blast furnaces at its Port Talbot plant.

Assuming leadership amidst turbulent times, Gething inherits a government often at odds with the Conservative administration in London. His leadership will navigate issues ranging from economic recovery to environmental protests, reflecting the diverse array of challenges facing Wales.

Gething’s historic achievement resonates deeply with his personal journey, born in Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, in 1974. His family’s relocation to Wales saw him grow up in Dorset before returning to Wales as a student at Aberystwyth University. Despite facing challenges, including political divisions, during his university years, Gething’s amiable nature and resilience left a lasting impression on his peers.

His election as Welsh Labour leader underscores his dedication to public service and marks a significant moment in Wales’ political landscape. Zambia celebrates Gething’s achievement as a testament to the values of diversity, inclusion, and leadership, wishing him success in his new role as First Minister of Wales.

Emmanuel Banda, the Member of Parliament for Petauke, has been suspended from the National Assembly for a period of 30 days following a complaint lodged by Clement Andeleki, the Member of Parliament for Katombora, regarding a defamatory video circulated on social media.

The suspension stems from a video in which Mr. Banda made allegations accusing the National Assembly of suspending opposition MPs to facilitate the misappropriation of funds. The video prompted Andeleki to file a complaint with the Speaker of the National Assembly.

In her ruling, Malungo Chisangano, the First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, declared that Banda’s actions constituted a breach of parliamentary privilege and contempt of the House. Chisangano emphasized that Banda’s remarks cast a negative light on the integrity of the National Assembly, labeling them as unbefitting of a member of parliament and potentially damaging to the institution’s reputation.

Chisangano further expressed her hope that such behavior would cease, cautioning Banda against further misconduct. The ruling was delivered amid an attempt by Banda to disrupt proceedings, leading to his expulsion from the House.

The suspension serves as a disciplinary measure aimed at maintaining order and upholding the decorum of parliamentary proceedings. Banda’s suspension highlights the importance of maintaining civility and respecting parliamentary procedures, reminding MPs of their responsibilities as elected representatives. The PF MP has been suspended from Parliament at least 3 times in the last 4 months.

In November 2023, MP Emmanuel Banda was one of 17 PF members of parliament suspended for a period of 30 days. The suspension, followed an incident of misconduct that took place during a parliamentary session.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti, announced the suspension, which she described as a response to “unparliamentary behavior” and a breach of the house’s decorum and integrity. The lawmakers’ actions were widely seen as a protest against the Speaker for purportedly denying them an opportunity to speak.

This is not the first time the MP finds himself in controversy.Former Post Newspaper journalist, Peter Sukwa, recently reached out to the Human Rights Commission, urging them to intervene and revive the case involving an alleged assault by Petauke Member of Parliament, Emmanuel Banda, who is accused of assaulting Sukwa and urinating in his mouth.

In a letter addressed to the Human Rights Commission, Sukwa highlighted the incident and the impact it has had on his life, noting that he has faced continuous mockery since the assault. Copies of the letter were also sent to Amnesty International, the Chief Justice, and the Zambia Institute of Independent Media Alliance (ZIIMA).

Sukwa expressed his ongoing distress and the need for justice in the matter. The journalist has been seeking avenues to address the alleged assault, seeking support from both national and international human rights organizations.

Emmanuel Banda had previously been fined 12,000 Kwacha for the alleged assault, with 10,000 Kwacha allocated as compensation to Sukwa. The reopening of the case could potentially bring new developments to light and ensure a thorough examination of the incident.