FQM, STAKEHOLDERS ACT TO PROTECT WORLD’S UNIQUE FOREST MAVUNDA ONLY FOUND IN NORTH WESTERN PROVINCE

Solwezi, Sunday (March 17, 2023)

First Quantum Minerals -FQM- and other partners have had a Zambian, John Muzenzi, sponsored to undergo training in America as Fire Marshall to control forest/bush fire in Mavunda, a type of Forest only found in Zambia’s North Western Province.

Mavunda is unique worldwide because it is a ‘Dry Ever Green’ Forest scientifically known as Cryptosepalum Forest.

The Forest is where Adamson Bratson Musanda Mushala, a Zambian Insurgent who led a resistance movement against the One-Party Government of President Kenneth Kaunda from 1975 until his death in 1982 was hiding until when he was killed by officers of the Zambia Army.

The Forest covers Chief Ntambu, Sailunga, Chibwika, Sikufele, Chizela and Matebo’s chiefdoms.

Senior Operations Manager at West Lunga Conservation Project, John Muzenzi, said the Forest has remained intact because Chiefs protected it for decades, urging youths to protect it for future generations.

Mr. Muzenzi said the Project is working closely with the Government and Traditional Leaders in seven chiefdoms and the community to protect wildlife, rivers and forests.

This came to light at a Traditional Leaders Caucus on Ending Forest Fires, organised by Centre for Environment Justice -CEJ- in Solwezi District, North Western Province.

Mr. Muzenzi said despite the Forest being unique, it can be destroyed by fire outbreaks which President Hakainde Hichilema has spoken strongly against as the law prohibits uncontrolled bush fires.

The Fire Marshall said West Lunga Conservation Project with support from First Quantum Minerals -FQM- observed depletion of the West Lunga National Park and, therefore, increased the number of Community Game Scouts to protect few animals that remained in Game Management Areas.

He disclosed that there were four elephants in West Lunga National Park before the West Lunga Conservation Project but the number has increased to over 100, following combined interventions.

“Elephants that felt threatened by poachers are now migrating from Kafue National Park to West Lunga National Park where they feel safer. The year 2022 recorded unprecedented fire which stakeholders failed to contain in Game Reserves and National Parks threatening biodiversity and human life after killing a 5 year old child. FQM therefore, sent me to America to learn how to control late bush fire to protect biodiversity and human life. West Lunga Conservation Project is now working closely with the Forestry Department and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife in five districts to fight fire through community governance to stop burning forests after August,” he said.

Mr. Muzenzi said 31 Community Forest Managements Groups (CFMGs) have been formed working with Government and Traditional Leaders coupled with the formation of 6 Community Resource Boards.

“Community members committed to stopping Bush fires if given Alternative Livelihoods prompting FQM and other stakeholders to assist them with beehives for beekeeping,” he said.

Mr. Muzenzi said FQM and the goodwill of other donors also established Community Game Reserves for community ownership and protection of which the number of animals has risen from 178 to over 400 protected in a fence by the community themselves.

“Other donors have built an abattoir in Chief Ntambu’s area for all Zambians to access bush meat at an affordable price when communities start harvesting from their Community Game Reserves,” he said.

Mr. Muzenzi said while waiting for wild animals to increase before harvesting them in a controlled manner, communities have been assisted with 18 cattle that multiplied to 23, as a source of animal protein.

“We are happy that 2023 was the best year in combating unprescribed bush fire outbreaks due to various interventions,” he said.

And Centre for Environment Justice -CEJ- Head of Research and Studies, Freeman Mubanga, called for adoption of technology to monitor forests such as Remote Sensing and Real-time Monitoring Systems like the Global Forest Watch platform.

Among the Chiefs in attendance was Dr. Chief Mumena of Kalumbila District, Senior Chief Sailunga, Chief Kakoma (Representative) as well as Chief Ntambu all from Mwinilunga District.

Others are Chief Lumpuma of Lufwanyama District, Chief Musaka, Chief Mulonga (Representative), Senior Chief Kalilele (Representative) and Chieftainess Chikola of Mushindamo District and Chief Kapijimpanga (Representative) of Solwezi District.

CEJ COMMUNICATIONS UNIT

FRIDAY KASHIWA OF SHIWANG’ANDU WRITES

March 16,2024

THE OCIDA FILE; THE DARKEST AND SADDEST MOMENTS WHEN THE EMINENT PERSONS AND DISTINGUISHED RETIRED LEADERS WE LOOK UP TO HAVE STARTED TO PLAY POLITICS OF DIVIDE AND RULE.

OCIDA, the Our Civic Duty Association was launched at Kapingila House in Lusaka on Wednesday 24th June 2020 by Eminent and distinguished retired citizens.

The OCIDA was formed NOT as a political party but as a civic organization whose primary objective was centered on Advocacy, the Promotion and Enhancement of good governance.

Some media platforms affectionately and proudly referred to it’s formation as THE COMING OF THE THIRD – FORCE.

From the word go, some big and serious pronouncements were made as to the motivation and the causes that had led to the formation of OCIDA, prominent amongst them were, but not limited to the following: To fight

• The PF government corruption.
• The PF government dictatorship.
• The ever shrinking democratic space.
• The Anti Tonga – Lozi tribalism.

The Association in most instances worked, or even now work in camera, but occasionally would release some hard-hitting and explosive statements against the PF government corruption, dictatorship and the shrinking democratic space. And have decided to maintain the status quo, checks and balances for the New Dawn Administration.

These statements were by then collectively and even now ought to be crafted, drafted, finalized and then by consensus, would be passed over to the Chairman, the only mandated member, to release to the press and the public.

That was then.
Not now. No more any meaningful consensus amongst the OCIDA honorable membership

THINGS FALL APART.

Exactly after 11 months of it’s formation, our country, Zambia, successfully and peacefully witnessed change of Government and leadership from the Patriotic Front – PF to the UPND and from Edgar Chagwa Lungu to Hakainde Hichilema respectively.

This unfortunately seemed to have been the turning point of our hitherto respectable, cherished, honorable, promising and distinguished organization of our time.
The organization we wanted to show off to our new generation that we had men and women of integrity who came together to form
THE THIRD FORCE.

I have said unfortunately because immediately after the New Dawn Administration started settling down to start carrying out their serious governance business, the OCIDA started developing some huge and ugly cracks within their leadership and membership structures.

Two camps visibly and shamelessly emerged. Nothing good to show and to tell our next generation about.

One camp wanted to and still want to continue with and drive the original agenda, vision and objective upon which the organization was formed.

But for this camp to achieve that goal and for this camp to make any meaningful legitimate respectable and acceptable decisions and pronouncements, locally and internationally, they need to at least be supported by about 75% of the existing membership.
That’s the same good corporate governance these old distinguished but now retired senior citizens have been preaching and advocating to us up to their now distinguished and graciously advanced ages.

With due respect, I don’t know whether Mr Brebner Changala and His Grace the Archbishop Emeritus Telesphode Mpundu managed to get the required OCIDA membership acceptable, mandate to issue and release that UPND leadership and other governance deficiencies index that has huge implications and damaging repercussion effects both locally and internationally.

The other camp is even more difficult to understand and to describe because it’s like they detached themselves from the main officially established, registered and regulated OCIDA official hierarchy that they were part of.

Maybe people can now comfortably confirm that this other camp has now finally achieved what they wanted and have now migrated and reached to where they really wanted to get to from the inception of OCIDA, where the rules are that You Don’t Talk With Food In Your Mouth.

This is the camp that has decided, after change of Government, to remain mute and shamelessly detach themselves from the main OCIDA structure and start employing their own confrontational tactics, mainly reactive ones to the other main OCIDA camp.
Is it because they have achieved what they wanted, but still riding on the platform and objectives they pretended they were part of at formation.

With due respect Mr Lesley Mbula and your other colleagues I can’t identify, what will we tell our next generation that we had the most accomplished and honorable top civil servant of our generation who is now showing some signs and leadership of Divide and Rule.

You read the other version of the OCIDA group statement but did you sign it. And you expect Zambians and the American Embassy to take you and your group seriously.

Mr Mbula you and your colleagues were champions of good corporate governance but now you seem to have decided to do the opposite by parading yourself with one or likely no other bonafide member of OCIDA, to discredit the other discredited group.
And am sure you all think and take, us ZAMBIANS we are FOOLS.

If you our most honorable, distinguished and accomplished leaders of many years can now start practicing the politics of Divide and Rule, then what legacy are you going to leave and for us to show and tell our children and grandchildren that you the two groups have left for us and for them.

Shame on you.

The Fall of Amos Chanda and the lessons for Those Who Acquire Political Power

(I Write What I Like)

By Daimone Siulapwa

The recent sentencing of Amos Chanda, former special assistant for press and public relations to ex-president Edgar Lungu, along with his wife and sister-in-law, sends a strong message to those in positions of power.

This episode serves as a cautionary tale, reminding politicians and their appointees that arrogance, greed, and a sense of untouchability will not shield them from accountability.

Amos Chanda, once at the pinnacle of influence, exemplified traits of arrogance and entitlement.

His conduct, both during his tenure at State House and afterward, reflected a belief in his invincibility.

However, the law has no regard for titles or past affiliations when justice is at stake.

The sentencing of Chanda and his associates highlights the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting institutions like the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Regardless of one’s status, insulting and obstructing law enforcement officers cannot be condoned, an ordinary citizen would not dare do that.

Magistrate Dominic Makalicha’s disappointment in Chanda’s behavior underscores the gravity of the offense, particularly considering Chanda’s former high-ranking position.

Chanda’s case serves as a stark reminder that power is transient and should be wielded with responsibility and humility.

The repercussions of abusing power extend beyond personal consequences; they erode public trust in governance institutions and undermine the principles of democracy.

Furthermore, Chanda’s attempt to downplay his actions and seek leniency in sentencing underscores a sense of entitlement that is all too common among those in positions of authority.

The court’s decision to impose a sentence commensurate with the severity of the offense sends a clear message that no one is above the law.

As Zambia strives to strengthen its democratic institutions and promote transparency and accountability, cases like Chanda’s serve as pivotal moments for reflection and reform.

Political leaders and public officials must internalize the lesson that accountability is non-negotiable and that the principles of democracy demand unwavering respect for the rule of law.

Daimone Siulapwa is a political analyst, an advocate for tribal unity and Citizen Economic Empowerment. Send your comments to dsiulapwa@gmail.com

PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA NEVER PROMISED ANYTHING TO THE PF

Authored By Mupishi Jones

The closest promise he might have made to the PF is that they shouldn’t be scared, those with nothing to hide will be protected, whilst those that will be found wanting by the law, will be on their own.This he is fulfilling! Why are the PF complaining over unfulfilled promises?

He never promised anything to them.I challenge any member of the PF to state clearly what President Hakainde Hichilema promised them? The PF had everything at their disposal.How possible could it have been for President Hakainde Hichilema to promise the PF who had everything?They had unlimited access to the treasury,they had more power than the police and the courts, they were building mansions, driving top-of-the-range vehicles, frequenting expensive restaurants,they were sending their children and girlfriends to expensive private schools and colleges whilst imposing school fees to our poor citizens.These poor citizens are the ones President Hakainde was promising that once voted into power,he was going to introduce free education.He has fulfilled.

President Hakainde Hichilema was promising university students that once voted into power,he was going to re-introduce meal allowances.He has fulfilled .

He was promising those teachers and nurses who graduated ten years ago that once voted into power, he was going to employ them based on their qualifications.He has fulfilled.

President Hakainde Hichilema was promising citizens and their members of parliament in all the constituencies that once voted into power,he was going not only going to increase the CDF exponentially, but disburse it timely to all the constituencies at once.He has fulfilled beyond belief.

President Hakainde Hichilema was promising those marketeers and bus drivers that once voted into power, markets and bus stations will be for every citizen regardless of political affiliation.He has fulfilled.These are the people President Hakainde Hichilema was promising and not the PF!

He promised citizens generally that once voted into power, he was going to immediately abolish political hooliganism and caderism, which was the hallmark of the very PF who today are in the forefront accusing him of not fulfilling his political campaign promises.He managed to abolish political hooliganism and caderism.

President Hakainde Hichilema was making promises to the citizens and not to the PF.He promised citizens that he’ll reduce the price of both mealie meal and fuel.The fact that the prices of some other commodities are still high doesn’t mean he has failed, but it’s just a matter of time, after all, it’s just within two years in office!

Therefore, we’re tired of hearing the PF accusing UPND that it has failed to deliver on its promises as though he was promising them.He was promising the citizens that once voted into power, anyone who dipped his fingers into state funds, he’ll be made to account.That he is fulfilling.The fight against corruption was one of the fundamental promises he made to the citizens, it’s a citizens fight.
I submit

Mupishi Jones
0977480386

By Venus N Msyani

Has the Varieties Democracy Institute (V-Dem) 2024 Democracy Report cleared President Hakainde Hichilema and his administration? Among the locals Hichilema scores extremely poor when it comes to demonocracy, human rights, and good governance.
V-Dem 2024 Democracy Report has a positive news about Zambia. Hichilema didn’t hesitate to recognize that during his address to the parliament on the progress made in the application of National Values and Principles on Friday 15th 2024.

The report places Zambia at third position among nine nations grappling with the threat of autocratic rule. Included are Lesotho, Maldives, Brazil, Benin, Bolivia, North Macedonia, Thailand, and Tunisia.

Zambia comes after Lesotho and Maldives. The report says, while the rest continue to grapple with lower levels of democratic governance, Zambia has shown substantial progress in halting the encroachment of autocratic governance.

“Madam Speaker, we are committed to deepening our democracy. And constitutionalism, as the surest way through which our people can be assured of their freedom and right to participate in decision making.

Again, statistics are there, for everybody to see. The ratings are there, for everybody to see. We don’t have to say it ourselves. In this regard, we are delighted and honored that Zambia has been named among the top three most democratizing countries in the world.

Madam Speaker, this has been done by an independent credible organization called V-Dem. This recognition underscores our government continuous effort to promote the virtues of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law.”

Appearing unshaken and proud of his governance, President Hichilema spoke inside a parked parliament. Among the locals he scores very poor. Many Zambians don’t appreciate his version of democracy because it is not different from the previous version, which Zambians rejected on 12th of August 2021.

It is a democracy where it is okay to call someone a hater for not agreeing with President Hichilema. It is a democracy full of unnecessary arrests, intimidations, bullying, and brutality. Torture reports have been reported.

It has reached the point where some individuals and good governance advocates have started seeking help from the international community. Few days ago Our Civic Duty Association (OCIDA) petitioned the United States Government to impose sanctions against Hichilema and other top government officials. OCIDA cites the continued abuse of institutions of governance and the erosion of democracy under the leadership of President Hichilema.

About five months ago Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) leader Sean E Tembo announced he has reported Hichilema to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity. Mr. Tembo cites torture and failure to protest citizens.

On November 3rd 2023, right here on Lusaka Times, on Feature Politics appeared an article in which the author is asking the international community to help to force Hichilema to repeal the remaining oppressive laws.

There are many other negative reactions about Zambia current version of democracy. Has the V-Dem 2024 Democracy Report cleared Hichilema and his administration?

Honest Mweemba writes ✍️

OPPOSITION POLITICAL PARTIES IN ZAMBIA ARE USELESS

16-03-2024

Opposition political parties in Zambia have lost direction and lack the understand of their importance role in a Mult- Party democracy like Zambia.

It is unfortunately that in Zambia 90% of the opposition parties and individuals are there to oppose merely everything including policies you would not expect a normal person to be against with example is CDF increase and Decentralisation surely who says people deciding what they want at community level is a bad idea, who says bringing back meal allowance is not good, who says massive recruitment of youth is a bad idea etc…?

The biggest problem our opposition have is the hate for President Hakainde Hichilema as an individual some of them hate him because of where he comes from and some of them hate him because he beat them in 2021 general elections (these are called bad losers)

A reminder to opposition parties is that when you’re in opposition you are supposed to be a government in waiting and when you’re a government in waiting your job is to point out what you believe are the wrongs done by the ruling party and bring out your alternative policies in regards to your criticism or if it were you in government how would you have done it better, this is called checks and balances. Unlike what we see and hear from opposition criticism without solutions time for politics of bitterness and hate is long gone we are in a civilised space

If one ask few questions M’membe and UKA are saying CDF increament and Decentralisation is a bad idea can they then tell the nation how CDF increase from 1.6M to over 30M and Decentralisation is a bad idea and how they would have done it better…

Can they tell the country how massive employment of youths is a bad idea and what they would have done at the expense of employing these youths who have been employed under the newdawn government

As opposition since they are against free education if it were them in government how much was going to be School fees since they’re ati free education? They are also against the bringing back of meal allowances what then is their suggestion at the expense of meal allowances for students?

Opposition politics in a multiparty democracy is not about derogatory remarks against the head of state, is not about lying, is not about inciting people to raise against the government of the day, is not about painting your country black to the outside world, instead its about criticising and bringing out alternative workable solutions on the table for the benefit of the national

By Honest Mweemba

CIC PRESS TEAM

MADAM NAWAKWI OUGHT TO KNOW THAT THERE IS A BETTER WAY TO CHALLENGE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES , NOT USING UNCIVILIZED LANGUAGE AGAINST INNOCENT CITIZENS

By Mark Simuuwe

It is sad that Madam Edith Nawakwi has decided to use unpalatable language against President Hakainde Hichilema as a way of resolving her personal matter with law enforcement agencies , instead of using the court as she has done before .

It is this kind of talk which puts her in bad standing with other citizens. You cannot win sympathy by insulting others .

In a video circulating on social media , Ms Nawakwi sent scathing attacks at HH stating that ,she is “, not Hakainde’s cow to be kept in a kraal by stopping me from travelling out of the country”.

If she is pronounced a flight risk , she has to resolve that with law enforcement agencies without dragging the name of the President into disrepute.

This is a straightforward matter which can be handled by the courts of law , not through insults .

Instead of insulting the persona of the President to paint a picture that the President is the one issuing instructions, let her use legal means to settle her scores .

Crying out to the public is not the answer ; the answer lies in herself .It is her own mouth which landed her in problems .

Remedies are there for her to challenge the decision of enforcement egencies by way of litigation , than abusing each other outside the court .

Many of us know that she is in court on a matter she started herself and when things don’t go well , she must must not blame others.

The rule on flight risks, assuming it is relied upon , is a matter of law and simply requires an application to court to seek and order , which order can be granted if unchallenged.

It should also be noted that desparaging remarks would only degenerate the situation and drag in people not involved.

I recall , when the PF were in leadership , Madam Nawakwi was very active with court matters ; in the same manner , it would be important that she does not abandon the court process .

BANGWEULU lawmaker Anthony Kasandwe and his Milanzi counterpart Melesiana Phiri has sued Patriotic Front (PF) president Miles Sampa in the Constitutional Court where they are challenging Mr Sampa’s decision to expel them from the PF without being heard.

The duo seeks a declaration that the purported acceptance of their resignation letters by PF secretary general Morgan Ng’ona on the basis of refusal to accept deductions to their salaries is void.

They two MPs also seek an order that the letter Mr Ng’ona wrote to the Speaker of the National Assembly, purporting to convey their resignation from PF, without their express consent or knowledge of the resignation, is null and void.

This is not all.

The Members of Parliament also seek an order stopping Mr Sampa and others from continuing to harass and interfere with their work as MPs.

The petitioners also seek an order that their purported expulsion from the PF party in line with Article 72 (2) (e) of the Constitution is null and void.

In the petition, the two lawmakers have cited Mr Sampa, Mr Ng’ona and the Attorney General as first, second and their respondents.

“Your petitioners shall aver at trial that the first respondent [Mr Sampa] is not the legitimate president of the party,” they submit.

The petitioners added that the PF central committee has not approved any person to take part in the party presidential elections since the last general conference.

“The purported extraordinary general conference convened by the first respondent in which he purportedly ushered himself as president of the party was not a meeting convened by the general conference,” the documents read.

The petitioners submit that on October 24, 2023, Mr Sampa was expelled from the PF for gross misconduct, an ejection he never challenged.

Mr Kasandwe will submit at trial that in 2015 after being elected MP, he voluntarily wrote to the National Assembly instructing them to deduct K3, 000 monthly contribution to PF activities.

Another deduction was to go to a named orphanage and the other deduction towards the National Assembly football club.

Mr Kasandwe said after the 2021 general elections, PF MPs wrote to the Clerk of the National Assembly authorizing the deduction of K5000 from each lawmaker’s salary.

He adds that Mr Sampa and others later purportedly took over the PF leadership through their illegal extraordinary general conference.

“They froze all the accounts of the party including the emergency fund held at Mwansa by the 12 MPs from Luapula,” the document reads.

The petitioners and 40 other PF MPs wrote to the clerk of the National Assembly instructing the office to stop making any deductions from their respective salaries.

“The decision to allow any deductions from their salaries was voluntary and at their discretion as the owners of the said funds and that there is no constitutional mandate for them to do so,” the petitioners submits.

The petitioners add that on March 11,2024, they learnt that Mr Ng’ona wrote a letter purportedly accepting their resignations from PF due to the fact that they wrote to the clerk of the National Assembly instructing to stop deducting the monthly contribution meant for the party.

“According to Mr Ng’ona, the non-contribution to the party was taken to mean that your petitioners had voluntarily resigned from the party in line with the Constitution of Zambia,” the document read.

The petitioners argue that at no point where they ever expelled from and they have neither faced any disciplinary action nor given any right to be heard in relation to any disciplinary charge.

(Mwebantu)

99% OF NORTH WESTERN PROVINCE ON MINING CONCESSION, MUMENA UNHAPPY

Solwezi, Saturday (March 16, 2024)

Chief Mumena of Kalumbila District, North Western Province, says 99% of North Western Province is now under licences for either mineral exploration or mining, describing the situation as disturbing.

Dr. Mumena said the 1% remaining is a small piece in Chavuma District which is a sensitive area because of landmines from ended Civil War in Angola.

The Traditional Leader said it is worrying that the Province which is the source of Zambezi and Kafue Rivers can have it’s ecological integrity under threat of mining.

This came to light at a Traditional Leaders Caucus on Ending Forest Fires, organised by Centre for Environment Justice -CEJ- in Solwezi District, North Western Province.

“It is exciting that CEJ brought this important assignment to discuss environmental protection issues in North Western Province. North Western Province is the headwaters of Zambezi, Kabompo, Kafue, Mutanda, Lunga and many other big rivers with most of them flowing into the Zambezi River. North Western Province is the part of Zambia where we are having plenty of rainfall especially in Mwinilunga District. We need a special programme after making strong recommendations to Government on how best we are going to progress with this Province knowing it’s special purpose in the ecosystem of this Country. If we continue as business forever, we only have ourselves to blame. Some of the drivers of deforestation is mining which is a necessary evil funding much of the Government coffers. If you look at North Western, 99% of all the land in the Province is concessioned off. If you look at the Cadastre Map of Zambia, 99% is either an exploration licence or a mining licence. The only remaining part of the Province is a small place in Chavuma District and the only reason why it was left out is because of the land mines that are there from the Angolan Civil War because it remains a sensitive area. If all these licences were allowed to be processed, can you imagine what disaster we are sitting on, it’s a time bomb,” he said.

Dr. Mumena said in as much as mining is a necessary evil, but it is irrational to mine the whole Province including where palaces are sitting.

“Yes, we know that it is also a revenue to Government as they give out licences but we must be rational. We must begin to rethink which side of the bread is buttered. The Cadastre Map of Zambia which can easily be downloaded shows that every part of North Western Province is on mining licence. Where all our palaces are sitting, there are mining licences. We need to call a spade a spade looking at the importance of the ecosystem. We already have three huge mines which have brought a lot of dewatering and many other things. It is not necessary that every area of the Province must have a mining licence even if it is bringing revenue to Government because we already have three big mines. Even the licence itself is money, even Zambia Environmental Management Agency -ZEMA- makes money from all these things but what are we doing for a Province like ours which feeds the ecosystem of Zambia?” he asked.

Meanwhile, Centre for Environment Justice -CEJ- Executive Director Maggie Mwape said the issue of Ending Forest Fires is an important discussion of national interest.

Ms Mwape said CEJ was looking forward towards developing action oriented interventions from the Traditional Leaders Caucus held in North Western Province and will hold similar dialogues in other Provinces.

Among the Chiefs in attendance was Senior Chief Sailunga, Chief Kakoma (Representative) as well as Chief Ntambu all from Mwinilunga District.

Others are Chief Lumpuma of Lufwanyama District, Chief Musaka, Chief Mulonga (Representative), Senior Chief Kalilele (Representative) and Chieftainess Chikola of Mushindamo District and Chief Kapijimpanga (Representative) of Solwezi District.

PF LOST POWER BUT MAINTAINED THE ARROGANCE

Authored By Mupishi Jones

A cocktail of state power with equal measure of arrogance is what made the Patriotic Front of Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu to be behaving in that thurgery manner during their entire seven year rule.

It was this combination of power and arrogance that was making PF cadres to ban other citizens from trading in state run markets and bus station with impunity.It was this combination that was making Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu pretend that he was incapable of bringing political hooliganism to an end.It wasn’t the law which Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu was using to declare other regions of this country as no-go regions for his political opponents but just that combination of power and arrogance.

When Bowman was going round closing people’s bars and beating bar patrons during the pandemic era,he was neither using the law nor reason but that combination of power and arrogance! It is a no contest fact that most of the beneficiaries of government contracts during the PF of Mr Lungu were PF cadres or those close to the PF.It was not because these PF and associates were eligible and best evaluated bidders but they were getting these contracts through shear arrogance and power!

Every government procedure was contaminated with power and arrogance of the PF cadres and it’s associates.Getting a job in government, getting university scholarship, getting a voters card were all being determined by their arrogance and power instead of the law.

The PF is the first political party in the political history of this country which lost power but still maintain its arrogance.UNIP was quickly scrapped off it’s arrogance just upon losing power to the MMD.Equally the MMD when it lost power to the PF, the PF quickly moved in to remove that arrogance.

But the PF of Mr Lungu still holds on to it’s original arrogance even after losing power to an extent of even daring the law.The only difference with the PF of Mr Lungu today is that they have replaced that lost power with bitterness.What the PF of Mr Lungu should always remember is that the political landscape of this country from the days of UNIP,was drifting towards an “unwritten” rule that when a party loses power then it must cease to exist!

However, President Hakainde Hichilema discontinued that trend though at his own high political risk.He’s allowed the PF to hold press briefings and talk their lungs out from anywhere in this country.If he wanted,he could apply the same arrogance of power which Mr Lungu and his colleagues were using to circumvent the law and apply pliers to their body parts where it hurts most!

This is something that the PF of Mr Lungu wouldn’t understand or agree because they still think the way President Hakainde Hichilema is accommodating them is the same way they treated MMD when it lost power.A bad system doesn’t appear bad to those implementing it, they’re even ready to go miles to defend it.

Listen and closely observe Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s arrogance and bitterness when he’s talking to the media or in public,sometimes he thinks he’s still got that combination of power and arrogance.Listen to Raphael Nakachinda, listen to Given Lubinda and others, one would think they are still in power!

Contrast the level of arrogance and the intensity of bitterness when Mr Lungu and his PF members are talking to the way President Hakainde Hichilema, honorable Situmbeko Musokotwane, honorable Gary Nkombo, honorable Kabuswe, Honorable Sylvia Masebo and others talk when facing the people.There’s at least a sense of humility and human empathy in both their selection of words and body language.

The PF of Mr Lungu seems to have quickly forgotten that these same UPND leaders can also be arrogant if they choose to.Those that are coming into Zambia today and when they listen to Ministers like Nkombo, Masebo, Kabuswe, Doreen Mwamba, Elvis Nkandu,Tayali they wouldn’t know that these guys are made of a different type of metal incomparable to this arrogance we’re seeing from Mr Lungu and his colleagues.

They can also be lethal.To dislodge PF from power at its peak of arrogance wasn’t chicken feed, people died in the process!
It is this arrogance and bitterness that make majority Zambians develop goose pimples just at the mere thought of adding power to that combination again in 2026!

The PF of Mr Lungu may be riding on their perception of President Hakainde Hichilema and his UPND that they have failed to deliver on their campaign promises, but one sure thing I can tell Mr Lungu and his colleagues is that the majority Zambians feel the restoration of law and order, putting Zambians first before political affiliation when giving government jobs,abolishing political hooliganism, are the most important achievements amongst the promises UPND made whilst in opposition.
I submit

Mupishi Jones
0977480386

Justice and Freedom for Florence Solochi

By Daimone Siulapwa

In the ever interesting tumultuous landscape of Zambian social media society, one name rings loud and clear today: Florence Solochi.

Her recent cries for help have reverberated across the nation, shaking the very foundations of our conscience.

Yet, amidst the clamor for justice and freedom, we find ourselves at a critical juncture—a moment that demands swift and decisive action.

At the heart of this crisis lies a young woman, barely 24 years old, thrust into the spotlight under the most harrowing circumstances.

Allegations of unspeakable abuse and manipulation within her own family have cast a shadow over her already troubled existence.

But as a nation, we must rise above the petty distractions of accusations against her and focus on what truly matters: Florence’s health and safety.

It is easy, perhaps, to dismiss her claims as mere fabrications or the delusions of a troubled mind.

But to do so would be a grave disservice to the principles of justice and compassion that should guide our every action.

Regardless of the veracity of her accusations, Florence Solochi deserves our unwavering support and protection.

The wheels of justice may turn slowly, but they must turn nonetheless.

The authorities have a duty—a sacred obligation—to investigate these allegations without fear or favor.

No stone should be left unturned, no lead left unexplored. Florence’s story may be just one among many, but it represents a cry for help that can not be ignored.

But beyond the realm of law enforcement lies a deeper, more pressing concern: Florence’s mental and physical well-being.

As a confessed drug addict, she stands at the intersection of multiple crises—trauma, addiction, and mental illness.

Yet, instead of condemning her to the shadows of society, we must extend a hand of compassion and understanding.

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) had an opportunity after her arrest—a chance to turn Florence Solochi into a symbol of hope and redemption.

By offering her rehabilitation and support, they could have transformed her from a victim of circumstance into an advocate for change.

But alas, that opportunity was missed, and now we must pick up the pieces and forge a new path forward.

For Florence Solochi should not just be statistics or a headline—she is a symbol of our collective failure to protect the most vulnerable among us, including our own children in our own homes.

As a nation, we have a duty to ensure her safety and well-being, regardless of the cost.

The scars of her past may run deep, but they do not define her future.

It is time for Zambia to unite behind a common cause—to stand up for justice and freedom, not just for Florence Solochi, but for all who have been silenced by fear and oppression.

Let us be the voice of the voiceless, the champions of the downtrodden. Let us rise to the challenge and reclaim our humanity.

In the end, the fate of Florence Solochi rests in our hands.

Will we choose to ignore her pleas for help, or will we rise to the occasion and fight for her right to justice and freedom?
The choice is ours, but the consequences of inaction are too dire to contemplate.

So let us stand together, as one nation, one people, and demand justice and freedom for Florence Solochi.

For in her struggle, we find our own humanity, our own capacity for compassion and empathy.

And in her triumph, we will find hope for a brighter tomorrow—a tomorrow where justice prevails and freedom reigns supreme.

A Unified Call to Action for Vice President Mutale Nalumango, Women’s Advocacy Groups, and the Church

In the wake of Florence Solochi’s courageous plea for justice and freedom, our nation finds itself at a crossroads—a moment that demands unity, compassion, and unwavering resolve.

As we rally behind Florence’s cry for help, we must recognize that no single entity can address this crisis alone as her cries represent all our children faced with the same problem of substance abuse

It is only through collective action and solidarity that we can hope to bring about real change.

To Vice President Mutale Nalumango, we extend a heartfelt appeal.

As a woman and a mother, you possess a unique perspective—a perspective that demands action and empathy.

We implore you to stand up and be counted among those who champion the cause of justice and freedom.

Speak out against the injustices faced by Florence Solochi and countless others like her.

Demand accountability from those in power like you and ensure that no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of truth and justice.

But your role should extend beyond mere talking —it is a call to action.

Take concrete steps to address the systemic issues that have allowed such atrocities to occur.

Advocate for legislative reforms that protect the rights of the vulnerable and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

Lead by example and show the nation that compassion and justice are not just lofty ideals, but guiding principles that should inform every decision we make.

Madam Vice President, this is the right time to establish Zambia National Sex Offenders Register (ZANASO), we have all the frame work in place as a country.

And to all girl child and women’s advocacy groups, we issue a similar call to arms.

Your voices matter, your actions have the power to effect real change.

Let us put aside our differences and come together as one, united in our commitment to justice and freedom for all.

But our coalition for change would be incomplete without the inclusion of the church—the moral compass of our society.

To the clergy and congregants alike, we implore you to heed the call for justice and compassion.

Let us not forget the teachings of our faith, which command us to love our neighbors as ourselves and to stand up for the oppressed and downtrodden.

In this moment of crisis, the church has a vital role to play—a role that extends far beyond the confines of its walls.

It is a call to action—to speak out against injustice, to offer solace and support to the afflicted, and to work tirelessly for a more just and equitable society.

Let us harness the collective power of our faith communities to shine a light in the darkest corners of our society and to bring hope to those who have been forgotten.

Together, Vice President Nalumango, women’s advocacy groups, and the church, we can ensure that Florence Solochi receives the support and protection she so desperately needs.

Together, we can hold those responsible for her suffering accountable.

Together, we can build a society where no woman or girl is ever again forced to endure the horrors of abuse and exploitation.

So let us stand shoulder to shoulder, united in our commitment to justice and freedom.

Let us all be the voice of the voiceless again and the champions of the oppressed.

Daimone Siulapwa is a political analyst, an advocate for tribal unity and Citizen Economic Empowerment. Send your comments to dsiulapwa@gmail.com

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA GRACE AND OFFICIATE AT THE 2024 NATIONAL YOUTH INDABA & LAUNCH OF THE NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY

……….As the Head of State interacts with over 2000 youths in one Hall…

REPUBLICAN President of Zambia Mr Hakainde Hichilema today graced and officiated at the 3rd edition of the National Youth Indaba and launch of the National Youth Policy attended by over two thousand young people drawn from across the country, held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre here in Lusaka.

The National Youth Indaba is an annual event aimed at harnessing the thoughts and views of our young people on how to, among other important issues, leverage an enhanced coordinated multi-sectoral approach in a Youth Development Strategy to achieve inclusive and effective Youth Empowerment and Employment Opportunities across the country.

This year’s National Youth Indaba was a special occasion and a historic moment for our young people and the country at large as we witnessed the official launch of the much anticipated National Youth Policy by the Head of State, after long working hours and wider consultations between the Government, youth, various stakeholders and partners, to get it done.

The policy whose launch was held under the theme “Accelerating Youth Participation and Empowerment in Zambia” aims to address the challenges faced by the youth in the country, such as high unemployment levels, limited access to factors production, inadequate skills, drug, alcohol and substance abuse amongst others.

The implementation of the Revised National Youth Policy will also address the gaps in the previous Policy, thereby promoting entrepreneurship, empowerment and job creation, and enhancing coordination, implementation and monitoring of youth empowerment programmes, in line with our UPND Government’s policy direction of engaging the youth in national development matters.

Some highlights from the National Youth Indaba and the launch of the National Youth Policy event;

✅ Youths have been challenged to invest in themselves to ensure that they are prepared enough to become the future leaders the country needs.

✅ The Head of State called on the youth to strive to give the best of themselves.

✅ Youth were advised that the difference between failure and opportunity is failure looks for you. But you are the one to keep pursuing opportunities. You have the task of not getting tired of pursuing opportunities.

✅ Young people were advised to take care of their health first.

When you are not well, as an individual, as a family, the country is not well. If the country is not well, you are not well. This explains the essence and purpose of us all working together.

Responding to the question on drugs and alcohol abuse, the Head of State acknowledged the rise adding that this undermines the health of the youth, hence affecting their development, that of their families as well as the development of the entire country.

✅ Also, young people were urged to up their game in order to become innovative and promote entrepreneurship.

✅ Access to Finance: A Crucial Component

Access to finance is critical to the Zambian government’s comprehensive strategy to support youth entrepreneurship. Recognising that financial barriers often hinder the aspirations of young entrepreneurs, the government committed to continue improving and implementing targeted measures to ensure that financial constraints do not stifle innovation and business development.

In addition, the Government and stakeholders committed to better access to funding, the provision of education and training, and reducing bureaucratic red tape to help young entrepreneurs overcome crucial challenges.

✅ Youths urged to venture into Agriculture.

Youth were challenged to expand and discover their potential through agriculture following the introduction of the Credit Window program by the Government through the Ministry of Agriculture, which aims to transform the agricultural sector and support increased productivity.

✅ A call for youth to prioritise education.

“Education means understanding the world around you and learning to lead in this complicated world. You have to get skills and do your best with your skills. Do something that benefits you but also benefits others,”

✅ The Head of State also called on the youth to strive to give the best of themselves.

Youth participants had an opportunity to hear about various initiatives to afford the youth the opportunities to fulfil their potential as well as successful projects founded by youth to contribute to Zambia’s transformation.

Zambia@60 #BeTheChange

Hon. Elvis Nkandu, MP
Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts

World Bank, recognizing the pivotal role of energy in Zambia’s development trajectory, has taken decisive steps to bolster the nation’s energy sector. With a commitment to fostering sustainability, the World Bank has earmarked a significant $100 million grant. This funding injection is specifically designed to enhance the operational efficiency and financial stability of Zambia’s national power utility, ZESCO.
In a bid to bolster Zambia’s energy sector and pave the way for a sustainable future, the World Bank has allocated a $100 million grant to enhance the operational efficiency and financial stability of the country’s national power utility, ZESCO.

This grant is part of the larger National Energy Advancement and Transformation Program (NEAT), a comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming Zambia’s electricity landscape by 2033. With an overall budget of $700 million, NEAT is poised to revolutionize Zambia’s energy infrastructure, ensuring financial sustainability, reliability, and resilience in the face of climate change challenges.

Achim Fock, the World Bank Country Manager for Zambia, emphasized the significance of this grant in addressing Zambia’s immediate energy needs while laying the groundwork for long-term growth. “This International Development Association grant represents an important step towards supporting Zambia to secure a sustainable and resilient energy future for its people,” Fock stated.

The first phase of the NEAT program, spanning from 2024 to 2026, will focus on enhancing ZESCO’s financial performance and operational reliability. Additionally, it will bolster electrification financing mechanisms through support for the Rural Electrification Authority (REA). Notably, the program will streamline Zambia’s procurement process for non-hydropower renewable energy projects, aligning with the country’s commitment to diversify its energy sources.

Yadviga Semikolenova, World Bank Practice Manager for Energy in Eastern and Southern Africa, underscored the importance of increasing renewable energy capacity to enhance climate resilience. “The deliberate focus on increasing renewable energy capacity by a substantial 1,458 megawatts demonstrates the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Zambia to diversify its energy sources and enhance climate resilience,” Semikolenova stated.

The NEAT program not only supports Zambia’s energy policies outlined in the 8th National Development Plan (8NDP), Vision 2030, and National Energy Policy (NEP) but also aligns with the World Bank’s broader mission of eradicating poverty and promoting sustainable development.

With the infusion of this grant, Zambia is poised to embark on a transformative journey towards a more reliable, sustainable, and resilient energy future, ensuring access to affordable and clean energy for all its citizens.

Early this month President Hakainde Hichilema officially declared the prolonged dry spells in Zambia as a National Disaster and Emergency, citing the devastating impact of the El Niño weather phenomenon on the country’s agriculture, water availability, and energy supply.

The declaration, made in accordance with the disaster management act, underscored the severity of the situation, with millions of Zambians at risk of food insecurity and livelihood disruption. President Hichilema has outlined short-term measures including humanitarian relief efforts, importing food and electricity, and promoting alternative energy sources, alongside long-term strategies focusing on water harvesting and irrigation development to stimulate agricultural production. President Hichilema indicated that the government would realign the 2024 national budget to achieve the targeted measures.

Meanwhile Zambia’s power utility, ZESCO, is navigating negotiations with Mozambique to secure an additional 120 Mega Watts of power in response to the nation’s electricity deficit. Energy Minister Peter Kapala revealed this initiative during a parliamentary session addressing Zambia’s energy challenges.

ZESCO plans to withdraw 120 Mega Watts from the export market, aligning with existing bilateral contracts, to bolster domestic supply amidst the crisis. Additionally, ongoing negotiations between ZESCO and Ndola Energy Company Limited aim to resume operations at a 105 Mega Watt power plant by April 2024.

The government emphasized strategic institutions’ uninterrupted operation during load shedding, prioritizing entities like health facilities, water utilities, and industries. While ZESCO initiates load shedding to mitigate reservoir depletion, it anticipates monthly revenue losses of approximately $35 million. Long-term strategies outlined include renewable energy expansion projects and the completion of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to sustainably address Zambia’s energy needs.

ZESCO commenced 8-hour daily load shedding on Monday, March 11, 2024. The decision followed a meticulous assessment of water levels in the Kafue and Zambezi basins.

Source: World Bank

12 REASONS WHY UPND PRAISE SINGERS AND ALL ZAMBIANS MUST THANK ARCHBISHOP TELESPHORE MPUNDU

By Dr. Chris Zumani Zimba

1. In South Africa, we talk of Desmond Tutu, an Anglican archbishop best known for his strong and open opposition against state brutality, oppression and injustices of the apartheid government then. This is the stature of Archbishop Mpundu today in Zambia.

2. As outstanding clergy in speaking for justice, freedom and equality, the renowned South African clergy received the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1984 ahead of Nelson Mandela. Tutu was the feared voice that openly spoke against the apartheid regime and petitioned the UN, US, UK, EU, AU, SADC several times.

3. In post apartheid South Africa, Tutu was in 1995 named head of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission by Nelson Mandela in order investigate, mediate and heal the country from apartheid era human rights abuses and political atrocities. Even in his grave, Archbishop Desmond Tutu still remains a respected activist.

4. In Zambia today, Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu takes the place and role of Desmond Tutu. Mpundu firmly believes in promoting human rights, equality and fundamental freedoms for all people. He has shown Zambians high moral principles in his career as a Catholic clergy and citizen.

5. Before our eyes and those who have passed away, Archbishop Mpundu stand out among few Zambians who consistently speak for the oppressed, vulnerable and marginalized in society. He is a man of noble aspiration for humanity; he is a citizen of noble contribution to Zambia both morally, spiritually and politically.

6. This has been his moral duty and political signature under all our seven presidents: Kenneth Kaunda, FT Chiluba, Levy Mwanawasa, Rupiah Banda, Micheal Sata, Edgar Lungu and now Hakainde Hichilema. In Zambia, Archbishop Mpundu is a big moral institution that each republican president has not ignored. He is a loud political and religious voice for all.

7. Like Desmond Tutu, archbishop Mpundu is among very few Zambians who have openly condemned overt authoritarian tendencies and weaponization of state institutions by president Hichilema and his UPND government. “Under Hichilema, Zambia is a one man dictatorship”, such have been his views consistently.

8. This is the person who partnered with HH to oppose and fight what was then deemed as ‘PF dictatorship’ before 2021 and his role as OCIDA chairman was very crucial in raising the national and regional advocacy message against president Edgar Lungu.

9. In the face of Archbishop Mpundu, we see a man who consistently sings the same song of Justice, democracy, good governance and peace for Zambians regardless of who is in state house. There are very few people with this type of

12 Key Areas Bally has relegated to Amateur League from Champions League: Why HH should be fired as the worst coach in 2026

By Dr. Chris Zumani Zimba

1. In 2019, Dr Kennedy Lishimpi, Director of Cancer Control at the Ministry of Health reported that “Zambia had comprehensive cancer treatment centre with a 252-bed in-patient facility, intensive-care unit, eight high-dependency wards, outpatient department and an 80-bed outpatient chemotherapy administration suite at UTH as a regional centre of excellence for training, diagnosis and treatment for cancer”. Thus, under PF and Lungu, Zambia became a regional role model for cancer treatment while mobility and death were significantly reduced.

On 10th March, 2024, Diggers Newspaper reported that Zambia was now ranked number in the world for “most death from cervical cancer” and morbidity is also among the highest globally. This is under Bally’s administration. Our cancer centre once regarded as the best regional hospital has now been ruined to a death centre and BID status. Our patients mainly wait being sent to either South Africa, Tanzania or India for ages while many just die waiting in vain. So, HH has moved this sector from best to worst in three years.

2. Between 2015 and 2018, the “World Democracy Index” of Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) ranked Zambia on 8th’s most democratic in Africa out of 54 countries and 99th in the world out of 167 states. This was under PF and President Lungu and all these scores were consistent with Freedom House’s annual study of political rights and civil liberties worldwide for the same period. At this stage, Zambia was truly in the champions league politically although democracy faced many challenges.

Since 2022, the former Catholic Archbishop of Lusaka, Telesphore Mpundu has repeatedly said that “Zambia is now under a one man dictatorship”. His views are supported by most key governance stakeholders in Zambia. Thus, ranking Zambia under HH as 3rd most democratic state in Africa for 2023 by “V-Dem”, some unpopular outfit is loudly laughable and questionable: this V-demo ranking is a pure relegation of Zambia politically.

3. For Electricity Supply, HH promised heaven on earth for all Zambians with zero load shedding as long as he was president. Today, Bally is the first president to have declared a countrywide load shedding of 8 hours per day while it is still raining. This is against his 2021 prior national elections commitment. Remember, when PF and Lungu were in power, they made loading shedding a historical story. So, HH has relegated this sector to the worst level.

4. While Lungu was giving our farmers 2 to 3 bags of fertilizer plus crop seeds per year, HH’s government has repeatedly made 5 to 10 farmers to share one or two bags of fertilizer in form of “MEDAS”. In the Agricultural sector, Bally has moved Zambia from being food secure to being a food begging state. PF consistently kept more than 2 million metric tons of maize reserves with Food Reserve Agency (FRA). However, HH’s dealership spirit told him to export more than 1.5 million metric tons of FRA reserve maize to DR Congo and Tanzania without shame or remorse. Today, Zambians are smiling starvation, hunger, anger and death from food crisis.

5. In terms of cost of living, PF and Lungu left basic commodities and services as follows by August 2021: 25 kg mealie meal at K90 to 130, 50 kg of fertilizer at K560, 50 kg cement at K80, fuel at K15 per liter, bus fair from Chipata to Lusaka at K260,000, bus fair from Chelston to Lusaka City Market at K10, 2kg sugar at K28, 1 kg pork was K56, 1 kg beef was K42,2 liters of cooking oil at K55 and so on.

6. In less than three years, HH has doubled and tripled the prices of all the above commodities and services-the total opposite of what he promised. HH promised to reduce market prices and “fix it” for everyone. Today under Bally, many Zambians cannot afford to buy what they easily afforded four (4) years ago under PF. From “Bally will fix it”, HH has delivered “Bally will bury them” with tags of “political failure” and “economic disaster” at his presidential gate.

7. Apart from moving Zambia from being some functional democracy under PF and MMD, HH has speedily pushed the country into an emerging one party authoritarian state by throwing all state institutions to derail or destroy PF and Lungu politically through Miles Sampa and his gladiators team. Under Chiluba, Levy, RB, Sata or Lungu, the three wings of government maintained some degree of autonomy (separation of powers). But now under HH, the executive, legislature and judiciary have all been butchered and reduced to run under the strong hand of one man’s “Mingalato” new politics-Bally.

8. HH has moved Zambia from a corrupt state to a ripe kleptocracy (rule by theft) and Kakistocracy ( rule by the worst people). The Auditor General’s Report as well as Financial Intelligence Centre Publications for 2022 and 2023 are best first evidences. The famous 2023 KK Airport gold scandal, the resignation of Foreign Affairs Minister, Human Rights Commission corruption scandal, etc all confirm kleptocracy under HH’s rule.

9. Under Lungu and his PF, government ensured that Zambia got an equal or lion’s share from our mineral resources by taking bigger stake in KCM and Mopani Mines as well as Kansanshi’s FQM mine. The PF government refused to give tax concessions to foreign mining companies and made sure they yielded huge profits and revenue for the country from this sector. Since 2021 to date, HH has unilaterally auctioned our mineral resources to foreigners by giving them tax breaks while milking every coin from poor Zambians. To date, Zambia is foolishly begging for loans with harsh conditions from the IMF while we lose billions of dollars in mining tax holidays.

10. While PF and Lungu feared God or/and promoted religion, traditional values and cultural diversity by creating ministries of chiefs and traditional affairs as well as religious affairs and national values, ordained 18th October as national day of prayers, HH’s government brutally condemned all these institutions and consequently relegated them to the toilet of their cabinet. HH has even abandoned the construction of the “National House of Prayer” and disrespected every Christian by simply not having anything to do with God while his UPND top officials even mock prayers.

11. While Lungu and PF are on record to have openly denounced homosexuality repeatedly and practically deported a known American ambassador who was a gay and lesbian activist, HH is merely coughing to be against homosexuality on paper while his actions speak the opposite. Today, Western embassies are free to fly gay flags on our soil, self confessed gays and lesbians are celebrated as social media icons. Zambia police can even cover peaceful protests by lesbian activists while HH has Tony Blair, a known homosexual champion globally as one of Bally’s key presidential foreign advisors. This is how Bally has relegated everything we hold morally dear to our hearts.

12. In the past, we have seen some conservative and remorseful practices of political tribalism. But for UPND, ethnic politics and regionalism is now open and ‘normalized’. Since 2006, UPND has been formally a tribal and regional political party following the death of Anderson Mazoka and the birth of ‘Chuindu Chaitwa’ Movement of ‘only a Tonga can succeed a Tonga’. All these years today, UPND has remained a political outfit of tribal and regional demagogues with HH as their only anointed ethnic leader.

Dr Chris ZUMANI Zimba is a Political Scientist, Researcher, Author & Consultant specialized in Comparative Global Governance and Democratic Theories. He holds a PhD, MA, BA and Cert in Political Science. Zimba was President Lungu’s Political Advisor from December 2019 to August 2021. By philosophical approach, Dr. Zimba is a Pan Africanist as well as Afro-Christian by religion.
Email:chriszumaniZimba.cz@gmail.com

THE UGLY ZAMBIAN PARLIAMENTARY RECORDS!!
By Hon. Munir Zulu MP

The current Speaker of the Zambian National Assembly is perhaps the first and last female Speaker to occupy that office for generations to come, Yes ! This is a woman that has allowed herself to be dented by her emotional decisions which she has refused to separate from her person as Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia.

Madam Speaker would have allowed herself to be respected by the house from the year 2021 to 2026 without any member disrespecting her office or herself because of the decisions that she makes as a presiding officer of the house.

She has now lost respect from the both sides of the house because of her emotional decisions that are extremely partisan beyond those members of the right who equally get shocked with her rulings unfortunately.

Madam Speaker may not know that as members that interact with each other do talk and we agree on alot of the happenings and at the same time do disagree without emotions attached.

If at all madam Speaker had a genuine heart of impartiality, she should have asked herself one fundamental question, why is it that my deputy has earned the respect of the both sides of the house? Why is it that the house is full when am not presiding as Speaker? Your deputy has made the house as enabling environment for all to debate without engaging the members as prescribed by the standing orders!

Madam Speaker your failing to pronounce certain names of certain constituencies like kantanshi only exposes how you despise some sect of the house but ever willing to give them prominence just to appear balanced.

Madam Speaker you change rules that govern the house at your own will without consulting members but quick to announce that parliament made its own rules when you know for a fact that the rules applicable now where not adopted by the house.

Madam Speaker, you are quick to respond to any point of order raised by the members of the executive and act. Yet when complaints are brought to your office by members from your left side no response is given.

Madam Speaker what is currently protecting you is the judiciary that is not willing to deliver any ruling that is before court. Imagine if judgments are delivered against you when out of office and in your retirement? I personally as Munir do accept that you hate me with a passion but I don’t pay hate with hate madam and maybe its a reason I do not go to court when you suspend me and do not even challenge your decisions.

If I was to challenge your decisions in a just society, you know the genuine outcome! I am not a person that holds a grudge against people for long like the record file will show in your office that I once withdrew a complaint against a minister because you could not act.

Similarly you have tried to protect a minister whom I complained against but allowed him to put in a counter complaint so that I withdraw mine, but just to let you know that walls have ears am not withdrawing my complaint.

The people you have resolved to suspend are Hon Jay Banda, Hon Binwell, Hon Mundubile and myself . So go down in history as having suspended the most members of Parliament in two years if that pleases your heart madam.

I don’t mind being kept in one defunct committee for five years as that’s your prerogative as Speaker, I don’t mind not travelling like you or any member like Chabinga every other day to earn an allowance as I did not even know that parliament has such programmes before I was elected.

As I conclude madam Speaker, no matter how much you hate me, suspend me I hold no grudge against you but I feel sorry for you! What will you be remembered for? The first woman Speaker that suspended the most members that she despised? The speaker that made committees based on patronage? The speaker that chose who travels the most because of ethnicity? The speaker that chose to curtail debates ? The speaker that allowed members to be outside the chamber because of it being toxic? Or the speaker that suspends Munir after reading this? So after you read this when will you name me again? Since my last suspension was because of my genuine traditional attire which you detest!

HICHILEMA AND INTEGRITY

I don’t know a person who has contradicted himself or negated what he had previously stated as his firm belief like Mr Hakainde Hichilema. No wonder Mr Levy Mwanawasa and Mr Michael Sata, among many others, have questioned his integrity. One wonders what Mr Hichilema really believes in.

Integrity is the noblest possession. The integrity of the upright guides them.

In 2 Corinthians 6:6-8, we are told, “…by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honour and dishonour, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors and yet are true.”

By integrity, I do not mean simply sincerity or honesty; integrity rather according to the meaning of the word as its derivation interprets it – entireness-wholeness-
soundness: that which Christ means when He says, “If thine eye be single or sound, thy whole body shall be full of light.”

This integrity extends through the entireness or wholeness of the character. It is found in small matters as well as great; for the allegiance of the soul to truth is tested by small things rather than by those which are important.

Integrity originally means wholeness. A leader who can attain within himself a unity or wholeness of drive and outlook will possess integrity. The acquiring of this quality is thus no little thing, and the process requires no minor adjustments. It is a major problem of the whole life philosophy and character of the individual.

What do we mean when we speak of a man of integrity? One who will be true to the highest he knows; who will never betray the truth or trifle with it; one who will never make a decision from self-regarding motives; one who will never yield to the persuasion of friends or the pressure of critics unless either conforms to his own standards of right and wrong; one who will face the consequences of his attitudes, decisions and actions, however costly they may be; one who will not be loud in self-justification, but quietly confident and humbly ready to explain.

Let your actions speak; your face aught to vouch for your speech.

Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party

Zambia has bigger problems than podcasters´

…Amb Mukwita says, advises govt to realign priorities

From Millenium TV -15.03.23

Zambia must focus on slashing down high poverty levels and out of control food prices instead of drawing up laws to send podcasters to jail for five years says Ambassador Anthony Mukwita.
Mr Mukwita also asked the current government to ´take a chill pill´ and not prosecute everyone that does not agree with them to nurture the countries ´shaky´ democracy.
“The governments priority must be reducing high costs of mealie above K380 per 25 bags in Lusaka and more in far flung areas not crafting laws to send podcasters to jail for five years,” said Ambassador Mukwita.
Mukwita, an international relations analyst, former editor in chief and published author said the mere ´discussion´ of a law that possibly send people to jail for speaking on social media without a licence is tantamount to ´going back in the stone age´ for Zambia once hailed for being a budding democracy due to a huge space of free media and expression.
Recently the IBA publicised a plan to start regulating social media space in Zambia that could see ´erring´ podcasters without licence jailed for years.
Ambassador Mukwita was speaking during an interview on Millenium TV on Friday as condemnation mounts against government plans to jail podcasters.

GET A THICK POLITICAL SKIN SAYS AMB: MUKWITA

He said, “politicians must become thick skinned and resist jailing or prosecuting everyone that disagrees with them like Zambian leaders of the past such as Frederick Chiluba once called a ´twit´ in a newspaper headline and Levy Mwanawasa once called a ´cabbage´.”
“Once people get scared of free expression, they will stop speaking and once they stop speaking, they won´t warn you (government) of any political potholes ahead,” said Ambassador Mukwita, “let Zambians speak now like they did in the past…politicians have become too ´sensitive´ in my view nowadays.”

DROUGHT DISASTER ANNOUNCMENT BY PRESIDENT HICHILEMA

Ambassador Mukwita advised the President to immediately pronounce ´a hunger or food disaster´ because it is coming one day or another.
“Droughts come with crop failure, lower harvests, food shortages and expensive maize imports,” said Ambassador Mukwita, “I advise the President to man up and announce a food disaster now than later.”
Food ques reminiscent of first President Kenneth Kaunda days in late 1980s have been recorded in Zambia forcing chief government spokesman Cornelius Mweetwa to announce massive maize imports before doubling down to announce that Zambia has sufficient food.
Oxfam places the number of Zambians that face starvation today at about six million or more as the basic food basket in Lusaka teeters at about K10,800 per month on basics alone for a small family of five.
“I wonder how we came from having more than 1,4 million tons of maize to distributing food relief,” said Ambassador Mukwita, “what were our leaders thinking and why does Mr Mweetwa keep twisting his tongue on this serious matter, even contradicting President Hichilema´s good announcement. Who is telling the truth on the critical food shortage?
Ambassador Mukwita also advised government to allow civil society groups such as OCIDA to operate freely and unrestrained as they lobby for greater freedom of assembly and expression just like the current government did pre-2021 polls.
Recently OCIDA asked the United States to sanction President Hichilema and some government officials to correct ´alleged´ shrinking democratic space in Zambia.

Ambassador Mukwita said it, “is a pity and shame that copper rich Zambia has about 64 pc of people living in poverty today.”
The full interview is available on the Millenium TV Facebook page

SOON after being jailed, former Special Assistant to the President for press and public relations Amos Chanda, his wife Mable and his sister in-law Ruth Nakaundi appealed against the seven month jail term imposed on them.

On Wednesday, Mr Chanda and the two woman were jailed seven months for obstructing Anti-Corruption Commission officers who went to search at his house.

The trio were later fined K135 each after being found guilty of showering unpublishable Bemba insults on ACC officers who were conducting a search at the former Government official’s house.

But the convicts have appealed against the judgement.

In their notice of appeal, the appallents contend that Ndola Chief resident magistrate Dominic Makalicha, who sat in Lusaka, erred in law and fact when he convicted them for the offense of use of insulting language and instruction of of Anti-Corruption Commission(ACC) officers.

Mr Chanda and the two women argue that the magistrate erred because he convicted them when there was no sufficient evidence tendered by the prosecution warranting the conviction.

They further contend that the learned magistrate misdirected himself and erred in law and fact when he rendered a custodial sentence of seven months against the appallents.

The convicts argue that the magistrate erred im law and fact when he avoided the evidence of the defence and cross examination to uphold his final ruling at no case to answer stage.

“The trial court erred in law and fact when it proceeded to convict the appallents based on a charge sheet that was amended,” the notice dated March 13, 2024 reads in part.

When jailed the trio on Wednesday, rebuked the convicts for insulting law enforcers.

Mr Chanda and the woman poured insults on the officers calling them monkeys, idiots, and other deep Bemba insults which the magistrate even confessed hearing for the first time.

Magistrate Makalicha wondered how the convicts could turn at ACC officers who were conducting a search at the house in line with their duties, through a court order, whose execution is in the name of the President.

“What you did was very wrong and against the law, the officers were not doing the work in their own capacities, they did that on behalf of the institution, under the order of the court,” magistrate Makalicha said.

He said the insults showered on the female and male officers belittled the ACC, a very important institution.

“ACC is a very important institution of governance, and the convicts know and understand the role of the institution in our country, their job was simply allow the officers to do their work,” the court said.

The magistrate added that the convicts should have simply allowed the officers to do their job “then you challenge them thereafter, if there is anything to challenge, other than subjecting such insults”.

Magistrate Makalicha said having held a high position in the civil service, Chanda was expected to prevent the women from committing the crime but the opposite happened.

“Very unfortunate!” and “the convicts needed to be punished to prevent others in the habit of insulting and obstructing officers conducting their duty”

“If this is allowed to continue, people be scared even to join ACC for fear of being insulted”.

(Mwebantu)

A SUPERB COMEBACK

By Dickson Jere

On Tuesday, the President made a superb appointment, which was overshadowed by those of State Counsel. And the media did not give it much attention…

He appointed and swore-in veteran and experienced career diplomat to the position of Special Envoy to the President at State House. The candidate for the job is undoubtedly suitable given the current political and diplomatic situation in the world and Zambia’s profile.

Ambassador Lazarous Kapambwe started his diplomatic journey in 1981 when he joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a graduate from University of Zambia. He worked under President Kenneth Kaunda as desk officer during those trying moments of our diplomacy.

However, it was during the reign of President Frederick Chiluba that Ambassador Kapambwe shot to prominence during the peace talks in the then Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which Zambia anchored and culminated into the Lusaka Peace Accord.
He was later posted to Addis Ababa by President Levy Mwanawasa, SC where he served as Ambassador from 2003 to 2007. He was a Permanent Representative to the African Union and was also accredited to Sudan and Yemen.

Under President Rupiah Banda, Kapambwe was our Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York where he served from 2007 until 2012 when he was recalled by President Michael Sata. However, as he was heading back home, he was poached by the AU Chairperson Nkosazana Zuma (as she then was) as Economic Affairs Advisor in Addis Ababa. He served diligently until 2017 when President Edgar Lungu reappointed him as Ambassador to UN in New York, once again!

In 2020, he was swapped and made Ambassador to the United States, making him one of the few Zambians to have served as both US Ambassador and UN Permanent Representative. Others include former President Rupiah Banda and Dr Ngosa Simbyakula. He was recalled in 2023 after his tour of duty ended but his services were widely sought by number of international organizations as he setup his consultancy in Lusaka.

And on 13th March, 2024, his services were, once again, sought by Zambia’s 7th President Hakainde Hichilema who appointed him as his Special Envoy. Ambassador Kapambwe is a diplomat par excellence!

Kapambwe also served as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

I am sure his services and advice will come in handy given that our diplomacy is taking international centerstage. An experience hand is needed in such situations We, as a country, are being talked about in SADC and our position in the Israeli and Palestinian war has also become the point of moot discussions.

You do not easily find such fine career diplomats in our politically polluted foreign service.

Congratulations are in order!