HICHILEMA HAS RAISED POLITICAL ANGER AND OUTRAGE BY HIS ATTACKS ON DEMOCRACY

Lusaka-12th January 2024

When the State sponsored a so-called Extra-Ordinary Conference against the Patriotic Front and orchestrated it’s legitimacy by recognising the stooge leader and changing records of Office Bearers at the Registrar of Societies and Parliament, we warned that the actions were promoting lawlessness in the country and were a blatant attack against Democracy and the status of Zambia as a multiparty state.

These actions by the State also unnecessary raised political temperature and pressure in the country.

On our part, we kept on advising our loyal members and citizens to remain calm.

However Government attacks have continued by attempting to supplant the leadership of the Patriotic Front and enforcing the marginalisation of the leadership at the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and other government wings even when matters remain active in court for determination.

These lawless actions perpetrated by the State have raised a deep sense of indignation and outrage in the members of the Party and the general citizens.

To this effect, we have seen videos circulating where, citizens in Eastern Province, randomly accosted and harassed a “Chama Amelika” ( Nkonge Musubilwa) and “Mr.Ground” (Victor Kapungwe) and surrendered them to the Police in Petauke.

This is a sad state of affairs where citizens feel they may not obtain justice and relief from the Police , courts of law and institutions of democracy and begin to take the law into their own hands.

It is imperative that President Hichilema abandons this project to steal, kill and destroy the Patriotic Front and restores the cause of democracy in Zambia.

For example, we have noted that Mr. Miles Sampa has been allowed to hold a big political activity on Saturday 13th January 2024 despite the prevailing cholera outbreak conditions that do not permit and the stringent measures announced against public gatherings.

This is a sad reminder of the earlier activity where the State allowed a similar activity on a sacred day of Independence Day of 24th October 2023.

It is these provocative actions that cause outrage amongst citizens and members of the Party and fuel the urge by citizens to take the law into their own hands.

Issued by;

Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba
Chairperson of Information and Publicity,
Member of the Central Committee
PATRIOTIC FRONT

By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba
Government to borrow $1.2billion to help finance 2024 national budget

I perused through the statement by Hon. Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane on the implementation of the 2024 Budget and found the following interesting;

●Financing (borrowing) amounting to K33.3 billion & translating to 19 percent of the budget or 5.2 percent of GDP.

●Introduce a levy of between 8 ngwee and K1.80 on the transaction value for person-to-person mobile money transfers.

●Increase toll tariffs for heavy duty trucks with 4 axle and above by K100 and abnormal load vehicles by K300;

WINNERS

●Recruitment of 4,200 teachers and 1,200 non-teaching staff, K356.1 million.

●Recruitment of 4,000 health personnel, K344.1 million.

●Expand the list of selected media, film and music equipment for which customs duty was suspended in the 2023 Budget. The relief on customs duty will be for a period of 3 year.

●Remove customs duty on electric motor cycles, electric vehicles, electric buses, electric trucks, and attendant accessories such as charging systems;

●Provide tax holiday for producers of seeds, ginning and spinning of cotton in order to revitalize the cotton value chain.

STATEMENT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2024 NATIONAL BUDGET

Welcome and happy new year.

Today we focus on 2024. We are still collecting data on 2023 budget performance. It will require analysis before being shared.

The briefing has been convened to share points of emphasis on the 2024 Budget presented to Parliament on 28th September, 2023, approved on 14th December, 2023, and which came into effect on 1st January, 2024.

The 2024 Budget is K177.9 billion.

It is expected to be funded from 3 key sources, namely:

1) K141.1 billion domestic revenues translating to 79 percent of the budget;

2) K3.4 billion as expected grants from co-operating partners translating to 2 percent of the 2024 Budget; and,

3) Financing (borrowing) amounting to K33.3 billion & translating to 19 percent of the budget or 5.2 percent of GDP.

In the 2024 Budget, the Government has set out key objectives targeted at unlocking Zambia’s economic potential.

These are:

1) Attaining a real GDP growth rate of at least 4.8 percent;

2) Reducing inflation to the 6-8 percent medium-term target band;

3) Maintaining international reserves above 3 months of import cover;

4) Increasing domestic revenue to at least 22 percent of GDP;

5) Reducing the fiscal deficit to 4.8 percent of GDP; and

6) Limiting domestic borrowing to no more than 2.5 percent of GDP.

Given the foregoing resource envelope and key objectives, expenditure policies to be implemented in 2024 are premised on the thematic areas of the Eight National Development Plan (8NDP) i.e. Economic Transformation & Job Creation, Human & Social Development, Environmental Sustainability, and Good Governance Environment.

A. ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION & JOB CREATION

K40 billion was approved by Parliament under this pillar for the following sectors:

1) Roads: The Government will construct, rehabilitate, and maintain roads, including feeder roads across the country at a cost of K8.3 billion;

2) Agriculture, Fisheries and livestock: K13.8 billion was approved, of which:

i) Implementation of the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), K8.6 billion;

ii) Purchase of grains, K1.7 billion;

iii) Irrigation and farm block development, K598.4 million; and,

iv) Animal Disease Control, K498 million.

3) CDF: I take this opportunity to confirm that the entire 2023 CDF allocation was released by the close of December, 2023. Residual CDF funds from 2023 have been retained for use by each constituency this year. On the other hand, Parliament approved the increase of total CDF allocation to K4.8 billion in 2024 from K3.55 Billion in 2023. This means, each constituency will receive K30.6 million in 2024. Compare this to the K28.3 million allocated to them in 2023, let alone, the K1.6 million per constituency allocated in 2021 by the previous administration.

We encourage fellow citizens to take advantage of the CDF bursary facilities to ensure that children are in school.

B. HUMAN AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Parliament approved K60 billion for the 2024 Budget to implement the following key policy measures:

1) Education: K27.4 billion to be spent on, among others:

a) Recruitment of 4,200 teachers and 1,200 non-teaching staff, K356.1 million;

b) Continuation of the free education policy, K1.9 billion. Of this amount, K518.4 million has so far been released as school grants to support effective operations of various public schools which are scheduled to open next week.; and

c) Completion of previously abandoned secondary schools, K338.3 million.

2) Health: K20.9 billion to be spent on, among others:

i) Recruitment of 4,000 health personnel, K344.1 million;

ii) Completing construction of remaining 4 mini-hospitals in Phase I & commencing construction of 135 mini-hospitals under Phase II – approx. K239.8 million; and,

iii) Procuring medicines and medical supplies to support delivery of health services – K5 billion.

3) Housing and Community Amenities: Parliament approved K2.7 billion to construct 28 dams and rehabilitate 6 others.

4) Public Service Pension Fund: Parliament approved K3.9 billion for the Public Service Pension Fund in an effort to reduce the waiting time for pension payments.

C. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Parliament approved K1.4 billion for implementation of environmental protection programmes and to aid build resilience against the effects of climate change in line with the COP 28 Agenda.

In addition, 50 automatic weather stations will be installed to improve weather advisory services to the agriculture community and other stakeholders.

D. GOOD GOVERNANCE ENVIRONMENT

Among other policy measures, the following were approved by Parliament:

1) Reduce budget deficit on cash basis, to 4.8 percent of GDP from projected outturn of 5.3 percent in 2023;

2) Enhance compliance by implementing tax administrative interventions that leverage on technology – and changing the operating model for the Zambia Revenue Authority; and,

3) Commence consultations to introduce a unified Tax Administration Act to enable the harmonisation of tax treatment across different tax types and ease tax administration.

To support the above-mentioned expenditure policies, we will raise domestic revenues amounting to K141.1 billion, broken down as follows:

1) K61.3 billion or 34 percent of the 2024 budget from Income Tax;

2) K36.4 billion or 20 percent of the budget from Value Added Tax;

3) K16.9 billion or 9 percent of the budget from Customs and Excise duties (including export duties); and,

4) K26.5 billion or 15 percent of the budget from Non-Tax Revenue (Fees, Levies, Fines etc).

SOME EMPOWERMENT & BUSINESS FACILITATION INTERVENTIONS IN THE 2024 BUDGET

1) CDF Community Projects, K2.88 billion;

2) CDF Youth & Empowerment Facility, K955.8 million;

3) CDF School & Skills Development Bursaries, K942.9 million;

4) Women Empowerment (Cabinet Office – Gender Division), K16 million;

5) Youth Empowerment (Ministry of Youth Sports & Arts), K31.2 million;

6) School Feeding Programme, K111.7 million;

7) Food Security Pack, K1.2 billion;

*8* Social Cash Transfer, K4.1 billion;

9) Livelihood Empowerment Scheme (Ministry of Community Development), K102.3 million;

10) Farmer Input Support Programme, K8.6 billion;

11) Credit Guarantee Scheme, K386 million;

12) SME Empowerment Funds (CEEC), K391.9 million; and,

13) Public Sector Credit Facility, K150 million.

RESOURCE MOBILISATION

To raise the domestic revenues, Parliament authorized the Government to implement the following revenue measures, according to the tax type:

1) INCOME

a) Extend the 2 percent local content allowance on income earned from value addition to sorghum and millet in order to encourage local value addition;

b) Provide tax holiday for producers of seeds, ginning and spinning of cotton in order to revitalize the cotton value chain;

c) Increase the Pay-As-You-Earn tax-free threshold for individuals to sixty-one-thousand-two-hundred Kwacha per annum from fifty-seven-thousand-six-hundred Kwacha per annum.

Parliament also gave us authority to reduce the top-marginal tax rate to thirty-seven percent, and adjust the income bands accordingly; and,

d) Increase the discount on applicable corporate income tax rate from 14.2 percent to 20 percent for first 5 years of operation, for all businesses in rural areas, except mining.

2) CUSTOMS AND EXCISE

a) Remove customs duty on electric motor cycles, electric vehicles, electric buses, electric trucks, and attendant accessories such as charging systems;

b) Reduce excise duty to 25 percent from 30 percent on hybrid vehicles designed for the transportation of persons;

c) Remove customs duty on machinery, equipment and other goods designed for petroleum exploration;

d) Remove customs duty on machinery, equipment and other goods designed for geothermal energy activities; and,

e) Expand the list of selected media, film and music equipment for which customs duty was suspended in the 2023 Budget. The relief on customs duty will be for a period of 3 years.

3) VALUE ADDED TAX

a) Increase the period in which a business can claim a refund on VAT incurred on eligible goods before the commencement of commercial operations to 7 years from the current 4 years for hydroelectricity generation in order to promote power generation; and,

b) Increase the period in which a business can claim a refund on VAT incurred on eligible goods before the commencement of commercial operations to 7 years from the current 4 years for hydroelectricity generation.

4) NON-TAX

a) Increase toll tariffs for heavy duty trucks with 4 axle and above by K100 and abnormal load vehicles by K300; and

b) Introduce a levy of between 8 ngwee and K1.80 on the transaction value for person-to-person mobile money transfers.

5) ANNUAL BORROWING PLAN (ABP)

a) Parliament gave authority to Government to borrow K33.3 billion translating into 19 percent of the budget or 5.2 percent of GDP;

b) The K33.3 billion borrowing will be financed through domestic and external borrowing amounting to K16.3 billion and K17.0 billion respectively;

c) Domestic financing will be raised through the issuance of Treasury Bills and Government Bonds, while external financing is mainly from disbursements on already contracted loans as approved in the ABP;

d) Contraction of any new external loan will be restricted to concessional terms, largely from multilateral lenders such as the World Bank and African Development Bank. As part of performance tracking, the Ministry will provide updates to the National Assembly on the implementation of the 2024 ABP, at mid and end year;

e) To restore debt sustainability, the Ministry will continue to make progress on the debt restructuring exercise. The debt restructuring once concluded will free up financial resources which will be channelled to strategic social and economic sectors.

6) DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION

a) Grants from co-operating partners amounting to K3.4 billion translating to 2 percent of the Budget;

b) 3rd IMF ECF Review in April, 2024 and 4th in October or November, 2024. We anticipate more disbursements from the fund this year, once successfully reviewed. We will stick to the ECF programme objectives as that is what our economy requires to continue its recovery.

7) BUDGET RELATED LEGISLATION

To support the implementation of the 2024 National Budget, Parliament approved the following legislation:

a) The Mobile Money Transaction Levy Act No. 16 of 2023;

b) The Income Tax (Amendment) Act No. 22 of 2023;

c) The Customs and Excise (Amendment) Act No. 25 of 2023;

d) The Zambia Revenue Authority (Amendment) Act No. 26 of 2023;

e) The Value Added Tax (Amendment) Act, No. 27 of 2023; and,

f) The Appropriation Act No. 29 of 2023.

*8* CONCLUSION

a) 2024 is the year for further unlocking Zambia’s economic potential (budget theme);

b) Above measures are targeted at growth, especially with action taken to increase CDF, boost productivity in the agriculture and livestock sector, and accelerate mining production through KCM, Mopani and other existing and future players;

c) The public sector has been positioned to ensure that all efforts are made to lessen the encumbrances faced by citizens in doing business;

d) Continue with zero tolerance to corruption and prudent financial management; and,

e) Having acquired the support of Parliament, we need the support of all other citizens to ensure that the 2024 Budget is implemented smoothly.

Delivered By:

Dr SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE, MP

MINISTER OF FINANCE AND NATIONAL PLANNING

President Hakainde Hichilema has commended the government and opposition political parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for maintaining peace and stability during the just ended General Elections.

Mr Hichilema said this when he received a brief report from the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) Head Enock Kavindele on the status of the just ended general elections in DRC at State House.

Mr Hichilema, who is also Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) organ on politics, defence and security cooperation, commended the opposition parties in DRC for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner.

ZANIS reports that the President observed that Zambia and DRC share the longest border and that peace and stability in the two countries is of paramount importance for the two countries to foster economic development.

The President has since thanked the SADC electoral observation mission team headed by former President Enock Kavindele for accepting to undertake the mission to DRC.
Mr Hichilema also urged Mr Kavindele and his SADC electoral observation mission team to expedite the compilation of the formal report so that he can also report to SADC summit, and that the deadline for submission of the formal report is January 22, 2024.

Meanwhile, Mr Kavindele disclosed that the team worked hard despite the vastness of the country and the large number of candidates who participated in the election.
Mr Kavindele said the country had 26 Presidential candidates but the electoral observation mission only deployed its staff to 14 provinces.

He assured the President that the SADC electoral observation mission will present the formal report before January 22, 2024 to President Hichilema for onward presentation to SADC summit by the President.

President Hakainde Hichilema in his capacity as Chair on the SADC Organ on Politics and defence and security cooperation appointed former President Enock Kavindele as Head of SEOM in DRC.
The mission’s objective was to observe and assess the elections in accordance with the revised SADC Principles and guidelines.

PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA’S VIEWS ON BUILDING HOMES IN RURAL COMMUNITIES

He writes…

My Fellow Citizens,

In May 2023, our administration proudly launched the National Decentralisation Policy and the Zambia Devolution Support programme. This programme provides for smooth transfer of functions from Central Government to Local Authorities countrywide. These initiatives mark a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, signaling our commitment to equitable development across all regions. The increased budgetary allocation towards the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is a testament to this undertaking. Our government envisions a Zambia where opportunities are not concentrated solely in urban centers but are distributed across the entire landscape.

Our beautiful country, with its vast landscapes and abundant resources, has long been home to both rural and urban communities. However, over the years, there has been a growing trend of migration from the rural areas to our bustling cities.

Migration is a natural aspect of human life. It occurs for various reasons, whether economic, social, or educational. Yet, as your President, I am compelled to draw attention to the implications of unchecked and unplanned rural to urban migration. Our fellow citizens in rural areas must not be hasty in their decisions to relocate to the cities without a well-defined purpose, as that could lead to destitution.

We understand the aspirations of our people and we encourage citizens to pursue their dreams where opportunities lead them. However, we wish to assure you that your government is actively creating an enabling environment in rural areas. We urge you, our citizens, to consider the vast potential that lies within the very soil you tread upon. Investing in agriculture is a cornerstone of our rural development strategy. Land in rural areas offers immense potential for various husbandry activities – providing a livelihood that is both sustainable and empowering. We encourage you to explore opportunities in cultivation and breeding of crops and animals. Embrace land as a source of prosperity for yourselves and future generations.

Affordable housing is another critical aspect we are addressing, and this is not limited to the urban settlements. Our commitment to rural development includes initiatives to make decent housing more accessible in these areas. By building homes in rural communities, we are not just providing shelter, but also contributing to the creation of vibrant, self-sustaining villages.

In tandem with our rural development efforts, the Rural Electrification Authority has been further empowered this year to connect more communities to the national power supply grid. This initiative will not only enhance the quality of life in rural areas but also unlock new possibilities for economic activities.

As citizens, you play a pivotal role in the success of these initiatives. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the benefits of our rural development programs are fully realized. Before considering relocation to urban centers, we implore you, beloved citizens, to explore and harness the opportunities available in our rural communities.

May God bless you all, and may God bless our beautiful country

Hakainde Hichilema
President of the Republic of Zambia

CAPTAIN DERRICK F. LUEMBE ANNOUNCED AS NEW DIRECTOR GENERAL OF CAA

Lusaka… Friday January 12, 2024

The Civil Aviation Authority Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Captain Derrick F. Luembe as the CAA’s new Director General with immediate effect.

CAA Board Chairperson Dr. Patrick Nkhoma says Captain Luembe brings a wealth of experience in aviation having worked in both the private and public sectors, locally and abroad.

Dr. Nkhoma said he is confident that Captain Luembe will drive the CAA’s mandate and steer its strategic direction towards supporting and facilitating Zambia’s aviation industry’s growth especially now, as Zambia prepares to undergo the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) audit between August and September 2024.

“With over twenty-five years experience in the aviation sector and a proven track record of serving in various leadership capacities in Zambia, Cape Verde, Ghana and Kuwait, Captain Luembe is well-equipped to lead the Zambia CAA team into its next phase of growth and development. I am also confident that he will build on the solid foundation laid by his predecessors and heighten the growth trajectory of Zambia’s aviation industry”, he said.

Captain Luembe is a multi-skilled, visionary and transformational leader with experience in regulatory policy; airline management; strategy; governance; crisis management; problem solving; developing strategic solutions; stakeholder management and facilitating pragmatic decision making.

He joined the Civil Aviation Authority as Senior Inspector Personnel Licencing in 2018 and rose to the position of Chief Inspector Personnel Licencing in 2023.

He previously worked as Director Flight Operations and Accountable Manager at Fast jet Airlines Tanzania.

He also worked as Deputy Director General and Director Flight Operations at Ceiba Intercontinental airline in Equatorial Guinea.

The Captain also worked as ATR Fleet Manager; Operations & Training Manager; ATR Captain/ Instructor Cape Verde Airlines; as well as Flight Operations at Zambian Express.

Captain Luembe begun his career at the defunct national Airline Zambia Airways as Pilot in 1980.

He is a holder of an Air Transport Pilot’s License, the highest Pilot’s license.

Captain Luembe is also an Instructor and Designated CAA examiner.

Captain Luembe is a member of the Professional Pilots Association of Zambia.

Dr. Nkhoma has thanked Eng. Nathan Kaluba who acted as Director General for the CAA from October 2023 for his valuable contribution to the CAA.

Issued By:
Sepiso Zimba
Public Relations Manager

Why Zaloumis and Chipenzi at ECZ will not announce the defeat of HH in 2026: ECZ is now just a political collaborator of the UPND in power

By Dr. Chris ZUMANI Zimba

1. Stubborn Stakeholders opposition and rejection to Chipenzi and Zaloumis at ECZ

On 13th June, 2021, New Congress Party President Peter Chanda branded Mr Chipenzi, then GEARS Initiative executive director for justifying UPND political violence on Patriotic Front members and marketers in Mandevu Constituency as ‘a known fully-fledged UPND sympathizer’.

In justifying the UPND violent behavior, Mr Chipenzi as GEARS boss then said, “panga for panga of self defence, is what the UPND used is in line with the Constitution and section 17 of the penal code”. Surprisedly, Chipenzi was trying to justify UPND’s criminal conduct before the 2021 Presidential and General Elections as GEARS boss and elections expert.

On 28th November, 2022, News Digger’s Angela Munchishi did a story entitled “Chipenzi and Zaloumis are UPND, ECZ will never hold credible polls”. To date, this news headline for Diggers Newspapers against Chipenzi and Zaloumis stands both factual and accurate before the eyes of all Zambians.

Mr. Nasson Msoni, President of All peoples Congress (APC) was quoted on 28th November, 2022 by “Zambian Observer” in their article titled “Zaloumis, Chipenzi Are UPND Stooges- Msoni”. This is the permanent worry and troublesome position of all opposition politicians, independent scholars, NGOs and Zambians everywhere.

Speaking to News Diggers on 28th November, 2022, late Honorable Tutwa Ngulube, a prominent Lusaka lawyer and PF MCC observed and argued that “the appointment of Mwangala Zaloumis and McDonald Chipenzi as ECZ chairperson and commissioner respectively was wrong because the two were UPND members and would not be neutral in their duties”

On 30th November, 2023, Dr. Chishimba Kambwili warned HH that “My Brother President Hakainde Hichilema, there are so many people you can appoint as chairpersons for ECZ, but those people should not be Mrs Zaloumis and Mr Chipenzi. I have nothing against both. But she and Chipenzi are partisan affiliated to the United Party for National Development (UPND)”.

On 13th December, 2022, Copperbelt-based outspoken Catholic Priest Fr. Augustine Mwewa observed that “Chipenzi has been defending UPND even when they are supposed to speak. He has been like a spokesperson for UPND and he is so emotional on UPND matters. Sometimes he tries to be objective but he is politically inclined. He does not qualify to be in ECZ,” he noted.

”If you want Zambia with no tension and want to regard ECZ as fair, do not appoint the two individuals….If any country does not trade carefully on the issue of electoral bodies, democracy is bound to fail,” Chishimba Kambwili openly warned president HH in November, 2022.

The list of stakeholders opposing and denouncing McDonald Chipenzi and Mrs Mwangala Zaloumis at ECZ is endless and cannot be covered in one article as this one. Apart from HH and UPND members, Zambians from all walks of life are against their presence at ECZ. This fact is known by everyone.

Just ask key political party leaders outside UPND such as Edith Nawakwi, Fred M’membe, GBM, Bowman Lusambo, Dr. Sishuwa Sishuwa, Saboi Imboela, Harry Kalaba, Jackson Silavwe, Sean Tembo, Mweenda Kasonde, Chishala Kateka, Chilufya Tayali, Raphael Nakachinda, etc: they all don’t want to hear these two names around ECZ as they deem them politically poisonous and sure evils to Zambia’s democracy.

2. Our critical analysis and observations to Chipenzi and Zaloumis at ECZ

For most Zambians, having Mr. McDonald Chipenzi and Madam Mwangala Zaloumis as top commissioners at ECZ is not only strange, unprofessional, unethical politically and dangerous, but that their presence brutally undermines the integrity, credibility, objectivity and neutrality of such a crucial body entrusted to administer elections in our country.

With the two ruling party members being anointed as top commissioners at Zambia’s electoral body, ECZ will remain a political collaborator of the UPND and the chances of witnessing credible, fair and transparent elections in our country will never be guaranteed in 2026 and beyond.

Everything about Zaloumis and Chipenzi at ECZ is true with Father Mwewa’s views, a Copperbelt-based Catholic Priest who in December, 2022 stressed and warned that “appointing politically inclined commissioners to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) appears like a scheme to rig future elections”.

In 2026 and as long as Mwangala Zaloumis and McDonald Chipenzi remain at the top of ECZ, Zambians must know that the two will make the announcement of HH’s defeat impossible if he loses because they are members of the ruling party and Bally is not just their appointing boss but also their preferred presidential candidate on UPND ticket.

In this press statement on 28th November, 2022, Mr. Nasson Msoni observed that “No one believes that having persons with declared political interest and sitting in the Commission will give the institution the degree of the legitimacy required to conduct and oversee free and fair elections. In a nutshell it is not too late for the President to reflect on his choice of the appointments and do the right thing”, he argued.

Yes, if Zambia is to prepare for free, fair and credible elections in 2026, the president has no choice but to revise and reverse the composition of ECZ at commission level by boldly removing and replacing politically inclined individuals like McDonald Chipenzi and Mwangala Zaloumis.

If we accept known UPND members at ECZ today, we should accept the fact that 2026 presidential elections will not be free, fair and credible in Zambia because, there is no way party cadres will disappoint their ruling party, their appointing boss, their presidential candidate and their political appeasement jobs.

3. What else makes Chipenzi and Zaloumis unfit to be top ECZ Commissioners?

When it comes to Madam Mwangala Zaloumis, l do not need to research and write anything much about her membership and affiliation to the ruling party. I have just attached nice pictures for her in full party regalia on different party events: things speak for themselves for HH’s Chairperson for our ECZ

On 12th August 2015, Charles Sakala reported on ‘All Africa News’ that the Grand Coalition on the People Driven Constitution ‘secretly’ removed Macdonald Chipenzi from his position as spokesperson because of his association with the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND), a matter that threatened to tarnish the image of the strictly non-partisan group.

On 10th February, 2016, Lusaka Times reported that Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) Executive Director then, MacDonald Chipenzi was challenged to step down from his position following reports that he had applied to contest Siavonga parliamentary seat under the UPND. This was confirmed by PF Mandevu Constituency Chairman Joseph Tamba then who revealed that Chipenzi had applied to contest the seat on UPND ticket.

The truth is that, this McDonald Chipenzi consistently opposed and mounted unwarranted attacks on Sata, Lungu and the PF government throughout his civil society life both at FODEP and GEARS simply because he was both a zealot opposition party sympathizer and at some point top most preferred candidate for Siavonga constituency on UPND ticket.

4. Our partisan ECZ, our diminishing hope for true Democracy and peace

For the first time in the history of this institution, ECZ has had the most controversial and questionable conducts and actions since August 2021. This is because the impact of partisan politics is at its peak and highest levels at ECZ today.

What happened to PF’s Hon Joseph Malanji and Hon Bowman Lusambo in 2022 is a savagery and unpleasant attack to our democracy and ECZ was the lead hangman for the ruling party. This remains clear evidence and classical example that ECZ is no longer our hope for democracy, peace and national unity as a country especially with known party cadres like Zaloumis and Chipenzi as its bosses.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia is established under Article 229 of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016. The Commission came into existence as an Electoral Management Body (EMB) in 1996.

In accordance with Article 229 (2) of the Constitution of Zambia, the Commission has the mandate to carry out the following functions:

1. implement the electoral process;
2. conduct elections and referenda;
3. register voters;
4. settle minor electoral disputes, as prescribed;
5. regulate the conduct of voters and candidates;
6. accredit observers and election agents, as prescribed;
7. delimit electoral boundaries; and
8. perform such other functions as prescribed

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.

Masebo’s hold on Hichilema, dangerous

…his archilles heel, a fatal flaw that is forming his downfall..

By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

● The country has faced a persistent critical shortage of medicines, medical supplies and laboratory re-agents. Despite repeated cries of help, Masebo dismissed such assertions by stating that stakeholders were lying or malicious, or health workers and pharmacists were stealing the drugs.

It took a Report by the Committee on Health, Community Development and Social Services probing the critical shortage of medicines and medical supplies was the truth established.

Besides many weakness of the health sector exposed in the Report, a key finding was that Zambia’s availability of essential medicines and medical supplies in public health facilities countrywide was between 42%-53.1% contrary to the recommended WHO stock levels of 75% and above.

Masebo rejected the Report.

The Committee consisted of Dr Christopher Kalila, MP (Chairperson); Mrs Majorie
Nakaponda, MP (Vice Chairperson); Mr Monty Chinkuli, MP; Dr Aaron Daniel Mwanza, MP; Mr Luhamba Mwene, MP; Mr Joseph Simumpuka Munsanje, MP; Mr Peter Phiri, MP; Mr Paul Chala, MP; Mr Menyani Zulu, MP; and Mr Leevan Chibombwe, MP.

President Hichilema took no action and supported Masebo on the matter.

Despite the continued shortage of medicines crisis, President Hichilema recently proudly declared that stock levels of essential medicines now stood at 93% as reported to him by Masebo!

● Mr. Mcebisi Mlonzi, the chairman of TFM Holdings PTY LTD of South Africa that was solicited to build infectious disease hospitals in Southern, Western and Northwestern provinces revealed that the Minister of Health, Silvia Masebo solicited for a bribe and a luxury motor vehicle from him.

In a letter dated May 15, 2022 he wrote-“We write to you to place on record that we have been approached by representatives of the Minister of Health to arrange facilitation fees and a vehicle for her. We are, for obvious reasons very uncomfortable with this and wish to ask you to place this on record in Zambia”.

Mcebisi further revealed that he hosted Masebo with her partner in South Africa while she was pursuing the same corrupt goal.

He proceeded to report the matter to President Hichilema and the Anti-Corruption Commission(ACC).
But President Hichilema chose to do nothing about these serious allegations.

● Despite serious allegations and evidence that Government was buying medicines from Egypt from an agency, and the $70million procurement contract failed to meet minimum standards as provided by the Public Procurement Act of 2020,and the medicines were not tested and approved by the the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA), President Hichilema ignored the reports and once again sided with Masebo’s lies that this was an alleged government-to-government arrangement.

● As Masebo’s incompetence and failures are exposed, Hichilema has instead chosen to remove and replaced the Permanent Secretaries. He has removed Dr. George Magwende and Prof Lackson Kasonka. The crisis at the Ministry has not ended because President Hichilema chooses to provide pain killers to dowse the pain of a tooth ache when it requires a tooth extraction.

● On Friday 5th January, 2023, Masebo advised Lusaka residents to go to villages as they were safer there from the Cholera outbreak.

Sadly this statement has been supported and expanded by President Hichilema!

CONCLUSION

Clearly, Masebo is Hichilema’s archilles heel, a fatal weakness, that has formed as part of his quick downfall.

Laura Miti writes….

A retrospective look on 2023 concludes the following:

Economy

The 2023 economic situation had, for me, two rather divergent assessments:

1. Tough, Depressing
   There is no arguing with the fact that 2023 hit Zambian pockets viciously. The inescapable indicator of that being the high price of mealie meal. The Kwacha galloped south and, with it, prices of food and other essentials. In simple terms, the ordinary citizen was hungrier than they had been in previous years. Compounding the fact of the economic difficulties were, to use an incongruity, the gleeful lamentations of opposition parties about how tough things were. Their song, on repeat about, how the current government was failing. If you did not know that you were hungry, and your bills were becoming more difficult to pay, there was Emmanuel Mwamba and Fred M’membe to happily tell you. So, yes, 2023 was economically rough.
2. Navigating Stormy Waters
   There was an inverse view to the depressing economy set out above. My view, that I have shared often, and which nothing has yet convinced me to change, is that, all things considered, if 2023 had visited us with the country under any of the politicians we now have as alternatives to the presidency, things would have been much worse. Simply, it is remarkable that, given the mountain of debilitating debt in our path, the country remains some kind of going concern.

I am almost certain, and would be glad to be convincingly divested of that view, that any other government would have told us that social benefits like free education, meal allowances for students or social cash transfer were impossible, given the economic straits. We can add to that employment of teachers, nurses and others. That, in the current environment, these social safety nets, that reduced what citizens had to pay from their pockets, were in the budget and implemented, is remarkable.

Significant for me, about the economy, is that I have not heard one politician suggest how they would have navigated the stormy debt waters differently and better, were they in power. In simple terms, it is my view that 2023 was hard, but could have been more difficult with a less economically astute President and his financial team. This is especially true because what happens to our economy is, right now, not in our hands. It is in the hands of the people we owe astronomical amounts of money. And they are not our friends.

Politics

There is no other way of saying it- our political environment in the last year was horrible. It was both annoying and concerning. Just as I commend President Hichilema, for holding tight onto an economy wanting to gallop into the full red, I blame him for allowing our politics to degenerate back to mindless wallowing in the mud.
Exchange of insults, prevention of opposition parties from holding meetings, ruling party unconvincingly not being involved in PF internal madness, arrest of opposition leaders at the drop of a hat for illegally extended periods – what was all that??

My view is that the government, HH especially, felt the pressure of citizen unhappiness on the economy. Now, rather than speak honestly to the country about its inability to fulfil promises, naively, if sincerely, made in opposition, the powerholders inexplicably decided to undo the gains they had made, on quietening the political temperature. Take, for example, decisions like allowing Inspector General of Police, Musamba, to sound and act as unprofessionally as the worst IGs we have had. In this country, the political environment is largely determined by the conduct of the police. Well, in 2023, they were drunk.

Social

In 2023, we as a country continued to display the extent to which our education system is failing us. The frivolous issues that caught our attention, and the important ones we ignored, showed us to be a society with a very weak ability to think critically. To ask the simple question – does this make sense? Our ability to be totally consumed, for extended periods, by the absolute nonsense happening in so-called celebrity lives is award winning. I need not speak about our national ability to be conned by Papas.
Eh, head aches just thinking about who we socially can be.

There is an upside to us, though. It is that we remain a thoroughly humorous country. I cannot count the number of times I have found myself laughing hard at something hilarious, said about a serious matter. Our mungulu is 5-star, as is our easy nature. All said – Zambia is a beautiful country to live in, and that was not different in 2023.

Legal

The big win was the passing of the much-awaited Access to Information Law. A surprisingly good law, it turned out to be. One that we will need to test. We, however, still await constitutional amendment as well as that of the Public Order and Cyber Security Laws. These are a problem for our democracy. With the need for law reform, 2023 ended with a judiciary, few people trust, still needing fundamental change.

Other

As ever, there were intriguing sideshows to 2023.

There is the presidential marriage. I doubt we have had a presidential couple that does so much for this institution that is in so much trouble in Zambia. HH, and his Mutinta, come across as a genuinely loving and self-contained partnership. I mean, how many times, in this country, have we seen someone with the kind of money, and now power, that the chap in State House has, who does not play a string of away games. We can only hope that this period, in which this couple is in the limelight, will bring some minimum stability to marriages – kaili we like copying those in power. Why not copy some good? Also good to observe is that we do not have a rogue presidential child, hogging the media.

Next aside, is my good friend, Sunday Chanda. His ability to reimagine himself remains riveting. Hmm, if truth be told, this man should be feared. Kuli kuchinja kwa so?? What other versions of him exist??

Anyhow, what Sunday has managed with his constituency, by use of the CDF, is something to applaud. CDF can change communities, if those that manage it can simply understand what really matters to people, and deliver on it.

Then we had the Copper Queens! Just loved, loved, loved them – all round!

Here is to 2024! May it be kind!

MUSAMBA’S RECKLESS MOUTH NEEDS TAMING

If we were to grade all police chiefs that have presided over the affairs of the Zambia Police Service, Graphael Musamba would top the list as the worst ever! Whether his careless statements have been by design or not, only he knows best. From the time he took over from Lemmy Kajoba, Graphael has been on rampage threatening the opposition as if he heads the UPND secretariat. He has literally taken over UPND secretary general Batuke Imenda’s job. Just after being sworn in, his first statement criminally defamed Socialist Party leader Fred M’membe whom he accused of planning criminal activities. It was a political statement that sent citizens in awe. Citizens wondered whether that statement was written by State House aides or UPND secretariat officials. Thereafter, he issued a barrage of other highly political statements that have clearly defined Graphael as a political hired gun by President Hakainde Hichilema. Graphael is at it again. He has told the opposition to hold rallies indoors because, according to him, the situation in the country is volatile. We challenge Graphael to tell the nation which law he is using by saying this. We also challenge him to point at and explain the volatile situation he is talking about. We all know that the UPND has failed to run government methodically. They have failed to fulfill the many promises they gave to the Zambians.

Further they have willfully raised the cost of living due to incompetence. If this is the volatile situation Graphael is referring to, then he is extremely toxic and does not fit to be Inspector General of Police. This is an economic situation that should make opposition question those in authority all the time. Further, the Constitution of Zambia mandates opposition parties to mobilise all the time under police protection. And since we just have two years to the next general election, the opposition should intensify their mobilisation. Graphael should therefore not put himself in the forefront protecting UPND’s bad governance by forbidding public gatherings in form of political rallies. We are all aware that Graphael was exhumed from the police museum by Hakainde, but this should not turn him into a lawless police officer in his quest to please the appointing authority.

What Graphael said is illegal and utter nonsense, and the opposition should dismiss it with the contempt it deserves. Zambia is a democratic state with full rights and freedoms of the people guaranteed. One of them is freedom of assembly which Graphael is trying to take away from Zambians who should enjoy it. If this is what they have planned with Hakainde so that when people get agitated he invokes the Constitution it will not work. Certainly not in Zambia!

In fact, this habit of exhuming service men and women should stop. It takes away progressive ideas from young officers with fresh minds. You cannot pick up an ancient piece from the museum and expect it to live up to modern democratic trends. Modern policing requires civility and upholding the rule of law. It does not require threats through the gun. It requires intelligence and respect for the rule of law.

We therefore agree with Lusaka lawyer Celestin Mukandila who has described Graphael’s statement as unconstitutional, and has urged the Law Association of Zambia to challenge this illegal decree.

In his letter to Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) president Lungisani Zulu, Mukandila said the statement must be challenged immediately, warning that failure to do so will erode fundamental human rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

“Mr president you will note that in line with the objects for which the Association is established as provided for in section 4 (l) of the law association of Zambia Act Chapter 31 of the laws of Zambia, the association is mandated to seek the advancement of the rule of law and the rights and liberties of the individual. Further, Article 20(1) as read together with Article 21(1) of the Constitution of Zambia chapter 1 of the laws of Zambia guarantees the protection of the freedom of expression and the protection of freedom of assembly and association,” said Mukandila.

“Your excellency, from the aforementioned provisions of the law and the decided Supreme Court decisions, the Law Association of Zambia must immediately challenge the constitutionality of the statement that the Inspector General of Police made as the said statement abrogates the guaranteed constitutional rights of the opposition political persons and proposes to threaten criminal prosecution of gatherings that may occur. Your excellency, I opine that the statement that was made goes against the tenets of constitutionalism, the rule of law as well as the principles of a good democracy such as ours and promotes the advancements of a one-party state tendency which must be checked to protect our democracy and multipartism we have achieved thus far. Your excellency, the country is earmarked for general elections in the next two (2) years and such statements only prove a shrinking democratic space which curtails opposition political players from participating in a leveled playing field of this democratic process in offering alternative solutions to our country. Your excellency, your intervention in defense of our democracy, rights, and individual liberties is in line with the mandate as the Law Association of Zambia is a necessity at present.”

In fact, all stakeholders should rise up and challenge these dictatorial tendencies Hakainde is breeding using state institutions. It should not just take LAZ. The church, civil society, individual activists and all stakeholders should stand up to defend their rights and freedoms. This year should not be like last year where Hakainde stopped the opposition from holding rallies. No sane Zambian should tolerate this archaic way of governance. UPND has destroyed the Judiciary, the Legislature and every other institution of government. For example, the Anti-Corruption Commission is just a shell of itself. This is probably the worst it has ever been in its history. The Drug Enforcement Commission is equally just on paper. All these institutions are now just fighting political battles for the UPND. They are just finishing taxpayer’s money through incompetence.

So Graphael should know that Zambians will not allow him to handover the Zambia Police Service to the UPND secretariat on a silver platter. It is a people’s institution which should serve everyone including those in opposition. Just as we have said before, if Graphael wants to please Hakainde so much, let him go and work at the UPND secretariat. Graphael’s careless, illegal and inflammatory statements are a recipe for chaos in the country, which has remained as a beacon of peace in Africa. They are highly divisive. He is pushing citizens against the wall so that when they react he can justify use of extreme measures. He needs to be tamed and urgently so. Graphael is certainly not a good top cop. But what Graphael should not forget is that when reckoning time comes he will remain alone and there will be no one to defend him, not even Hakainde. It is said that “life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” Remember that and act accordingly!

Zambia does not start and end with Graphael or Hakainde. It is a collective, perpetual society.
[The Mast]

By Peter Sinkamba

LAURA MITI IS CALIBRE DESERVING APPOINTMENT AT HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

I have had interactions with commissioners at Human Rights Commission since its establishment in May 1993, when late President Fredrick Chiluba appointed a commission of inquiry to investigate human rights violations by past governments. Initially called the Munyama Commission, headed by prominent lawyer Bruce Munyama, the commission held public hearings throughout the country to gather evidence of human rights violations.

Not all commissioners were brave in the Munyama Commission. Outstanding with bravery were late John Chipawa Sakulanda and Laura Harrison. Among other things, the duo exposed the use of torture in secret detention centers throughout the country. The duo took to task police and prison officers who were into the habit of torture and abuse of human rights.

Following on the Munyama Commission’s suggestion, in1996 the government made amendments to the constitution to provide for the establishment of a permanent human rights commission under Article 25. The Human Rights Commission Act of 1997 was passed by the Zambian parliament on March 13, 1997 and signed into law by President Chiluba.

The Human Rights Commission Act was billed as a central pillar of the MMD’s efforts of legal reform to bring about a culture of respect of human rights by all in the country. President Chiluba appointed then High Court Judge Lombe Chibesakunda to chair the Permanent Human Rights Commission (PHRC), along with five other commissioners. Of the five, only Sakulanda crossed over from the Munyama Commission.

Sakulanda continued serving the PHRC with unmatched bravery to protect and uphold human rights in Zambia till his untimely death in 2006.

Thereafter, the commission became a shadow of itself, full of pretenders for human rights commissioners.

I have keenly followed Laura Miti commentaries since her appointment as a Commissioner at PHRC. To me, the commentaries she makes in her personal capacity on social media, and elsewhere, reveal a frustrated courageous soul working with pretenders.

I think she could have made impactful contributions to human rights accountability by all if only she had served during the reign of Laura Harrison and late John Sakulanda at PHRC. Instead of making running lamentations, Sakulanda and the two Lauras would have by now moved PHRC to pack IG Musamba were he surely belongs.

Abasuma baliya!