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Giannis Antetokounmpo is latest athlete to start media company after LeBron James and others

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Giannis Antetokounmpo is latest athlete to start media company after LeBron James and others

NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo has joined the growing list of athletes who have started a media company. He is the co-founder of the yet-to-be-announced Improbable Media. He established the company with ex-NBA star and ESPN host Jay Williams.

The company is already advertising for a VP of Branded Entertainment and has the ambition of creating original and commercial projects across media platforms, according to Business Insider. The news outlet said the company’s content will reflect Antetokounmpo’s interests in empowerment and charity.

“We’re establishing a state-of-the-art content studio that not only generates revenue but also nurtures passion-driven communities while offering innovative marketing solutions to brands. With our media and brand consultancy arm, we’re on a mission to redefine the world of branded entertainment,” reads the job posting.

Starting a media company adds to the NBA star’s growing business empire. After successfully guiding the Milwaukee Bucks to win their first NBA championship in 50 years, the Greek-Nigerian purchased a stake in Major League Baseball side Milwaukee Brewers.

The purchase made the two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) the first new individual investor added to the Brewers ownership group since Mark Attanasio purchased a controlling interest in the Milwaukee Brewers in 2005.

In August, Antetokounmpo and his brothers Thanasis, Kostas, and Alex joined Serena Williams and her sister Venus Williams as owners of the Los Angeles Golf Club, the inaugural team of Tiger Woods’ TGL golf league. Months before that, the brothers became minority investors in Major League Soccer (MLS) club Nashville SC.

From humble beginnings, Antetokounmpo was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 15th overall pick in 2013 following a stint with Greek basketball team Filathlitikos.

In an interview with The Undefeated in 2019, Antetokounmpo spoke about his upbringing in a Nigerian household in Greece and how it has shaped his life.

“I grew up in a Nigerian home,” he said. “Obviously, I was born in Greece and went to school in Greece. But at the end of the day when I go home, there is no Greek culture. It’s straight-up Nigerian culture. It’s about discipline, it’s about respecting your elders, having morals.”

“I want to see where my family comes from, where my mom was raised, see my family, see where my dad was raised. That is very important. I hope my kids can do the same thing for me,” he said at the time. “Obviously, I am going to have kids that are going to grow up in the U.S., but one day I hope they can go back [to Greece] and visit and see where I grew up, the playground I was playing.”

Antetokounmpo is now the latest athlete to start a media company after LeBron James’ SpringHill, Stephen Curry’s Unanimous Media, and so on.

CIVIL AND CRIMINAL MATTERS CAN RUN PARALLEL- MAKEBI ZULU

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CIVIL AND CRIMINAL MATTERS CAN RUN PARALLEL- MAKEBI ZULU

CIVIL AND CRIMINAL MATTERS CAN RUN PARALLEL- MAKEBI ZULU

Lusaka-Wednseday, 6th December 2023

Lawyers for the Patriotic Front have dismissed assertions by Miles Sampa’s lawyers that civil and criminal court matters may not run parallel.

The lawyers have cited various authorities to present the justification and purpose of the criminal proceedings before Lusaka Magistrate Litiya.

MAKEBI ZULU ADVOCATES
Plot No_4470/House No
Corner ot Zambezs and Mugott Road, Roma
PO Box 38200. Lusaka, Zambia
Tel+260 211 295 799
Fax +260211 295 797
Mobile: +260 977 257 038/+260 763 954 140

6th December, 2023

Messrs Iven Levy Legal Practitioners
Plot No. 28
Msuzi Road, woodlands
LUSAKA

Dear Messrs:

REF: ALLEGED CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS BEFORE HON.LITIA AGAINST HON. MILES SAMPA AND MORGAN NGONA WITHOUT APPROCAL/FIAT
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS

The above caption matter refers and further reference is made to your letter of the 6th instant.

We wish to point out firstly that we are disappointed with the tone of the letter wherein you make allegations against ourselves that present a very discourteous state of communication/ language.

Our understanding of the practice is that in our dealings we ought to be courteous to each other.

Your allegations of professional misconduct does not sit well with us.

Rule 38 of the legal practitioners rules contained in SI. No. 51 of 2002 speaks to this issue.

It provides as follows:

“A practitioner shall treat professional colleagues e with the the utmost courtesy and fairness in relation to court matters or any other professional business or dealings.”

Your allegation has no substance and it ought not to have been made in the first place.

You have alleged that there are civil proceedings therefore, we cannot have criminal proceedings going on.

This averment is erroneous at law. As you may well know criminal proceedings and civil proceedings run in parallel and can ran at the same time.

You may wish to look at and familiarise yourselves with the case of Shoprite Holdings Limited and Shoprite checkers (PTY) Limited V Lewis Chisanga Mosho SCZ NO.40 of 214 which speaks to the subject of criminal and civil matters running in parallel and at the same time.

The Court in that case confirmed that position and held that criminal and civil matters can run in parallel and at the same time.

The constitutional Court of Zambia has also guided on matters that have to do with institution of a private prosecution.

In the case of Wang Shunxue v Attorney General and Wang Quinghai 2021/CCZ/003, the Constitutional court was very clear.

It was the position of the Court that once a private prosecution is commenced you cannot proceed to have proceedings such as plea and evidence given until consent from the Director of Public Prosecutions is obtained. Nowhere in the Judgment does the Court say you first obtain consent before filing the complaint relating to the matter that should be prosecuted privately.

In fact the history to the above matter is that, this matter had been commenced before the Magistrate Court and to be precise before Hon. J Bwalya as she was then.

Upon an application and subsequently a petition being filed into the Constitutional Court, which led to the decision now which is binding on parties, the Court stayed the matter pending obtaining of consent from the Director of Public Prosecutions following guidance from the Constitutional Court.

This was the same even in the case of The People v Graphael Musamba commenced by way of private prosecution by Dr. Fred Meembe.

The examples are numerous on the subject.
Simply put, a criminal matter and a civil matter can run in parallel.

DPP Gilbert Phiri heeds call to handle cases himself, appears before EFCC

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DPP Gilbert Phiri heeds call to handle cases himself, appears before EFCC

DPP heeds call to handle cases himself, appears before EFCC

DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Gilbert Phiri this morning appeared before the Economic and Financial Crimes Court to address concerns it raised about his juniors’ work ethic on Tuesday.

Phiri had a private audience with principal resident magistrate Irene Wishimanga in her chambers were he apologised on behalf of his subordinates for ‘slowing down’ productivity.

The Prosecution’s boss who assured the magistrate of correctness indicated that he will see to it that State advocates handling Fredson Yamba and Joseph Malanji’s criminal case are efficient.

At the last sitting magistrate Wishimanga called on the DPP to get his hands on the case as his advocates were not serious with work.

This was after State advocate Lewis Kandele requested for an adjournment on behalf of his colleagues who were out of jurisdiction attending to national duty.

The request for an adjournment did not sit well with magistrate Wishimanga who ordered that Phiri should take up the case himself if his juniors are failing in their duty.

She said it was inexcusable that the case would drag when there are four prosecutors on record.

“I have three or four advocates attending to this matter Surely even if one or two is out of jurisdiction the others can attend to this matter? as of today non of them is here. Is that fair to the accused and indeed the court especially that state is prosecuting the matter? ,”she wondered.

She said it was unacceptable for the State to slow down the matters before the fast track Court (Economic and Financial Crimes Court) yet the Court is expected to expeditiously dispose of cases.

“They could have assigned other State advocates. This is unacceptable and not regarding to dates set by the court! If the State advocates are busy with other matters It’s best the DPP comes in in person and attends to these matters so that we make good progress. The Court’s time should not be wasted because of people who are not willing to work,” ordered magistrate Wishimanga.

But during the private meeting Phiri requested for a short adjournment to make amends for the the wasted time.

Magistrate Wishimanga granted the request by the DPP and adjourned the case to December 13.

Yamba a fomer secretary to the treasury and Malanji who is former minister of foreign affairs are accused of failing to adhere to guidelines relating to the management of public resources and possessing property suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Yamba is alleged to have abrogated the law relating to the management of public property when he approved the transfer of K154, 201, 197 for the purchase of a chancery for the Zambian mission in Turkey.

Malanji is accused of possessing two helicopters BELL430 and a BELL 206 Jet Ranger helicopter suspected to be proceeds of crime.

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba

HH Wants To Increase The Term From 5 Years To 7 Years. He Wants To Remove The 50 Plus One Clause, So That There Is No Rerun. He Wants To Remove A Running Mate – Fred M’membe

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HH Wants To Increase The Term From 5 Years To 7 Years. He Wants To Remove The 50 Plus One Clause, So That There Is No Rerun. He Wants To Remove A Running Mate – Fred M’membe

HICHILEMA IS DESTROYING THIS COUNTRY

…this is not an internal PF issue, Dr M’membe comments on the expulsion of 9 PF MPs

Lusaka, Wednesday, December 6, 2023 (Smart Eagles)

Socialist Party (SP) president Fred M’membe has lamented that President Hakainde Hichilema is destroying the country.

This comes after the expulsion of nine Patriotic Front (PF) MPs by the Miles Sampa camp.

Addressing the media today, the opposition leader enlightened Zambians that the Head of State is behind the ordeal with intentions of manipulating the Republican Constitution.

“It is not an internal matter of the PF. It is an issue of very serious national consequences. It is not about Mr Miles, it is about Mr Hakainde Hichilema wanting to obtain the majority in Parliament that he failed to obtain through normal elections,” he argued.

“The purpose of that is to give himself a majority in parliament that he needed to make constitutional changes, to make amendments to our constitution. He wants to effect changes to the constitution to perpetuate his rule, to entrench his corrupt regime power for a long time.”

Dr M’membe observed that Zambians have been very consistent on the constitutional issues.

He added that Zambians have never allowed the constitution to be manipulated easily.

“That is what is behind this. It is not about the PF. Its about his own personal rule. We cannot accept this as a country, we must not accept this as a people. This will be the beginning of the destruction of this country,” he said.

“Zambian people have resisted any effort to manipulate the constitution. They resisted it under the PF, Mr Hakainde himself and his team resisted that on Bill 10. We should resist it the same way. Why does he want to change the Constitution? He wants to ensure that he stays in office much longer. He wants to increase the term from five years to seven years. He wants to remove the 50 plus one clause, so that there is no rerun. He wants to remove a running mate so that he can appoint a vice president of his choice. These are some of the fundamental things he wants to change the constitution for.”

He said the Head of State wants the number of MPs from the opposition to drop down so that automatically they have a two third majority in Parliament.

Dr M’membe explained that such a development would enable them effect the changes they want.

“This is not acceptable. We cannot continue on this path. Mr Hichilema is destroying this country. He has failed to deliver what he promised in terms of economic benefits. Now he wants to butcher the Constitution of this country, to protect himself from his failures. This must not be accepted,” he said.

“And it may not stop at the nine that have been removed. They may continue to remove more people. And in fact, those who remain also will be intimidated into supporting or tolerating what he wants to do.”

The SP leader warned Zambians that President Hichilema has no restraint on what he wants to do.

“If we allow Mr Hichilema to take this path the country will be destroyed for a very long time. A very dangerous precedence is being set. We know he won’t stop easily unless you the Zambian people stop him,” he said.

Mr Hichilema has crossed the Red Line……as Zambia teeters on brink of catastrophe says M´membe

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Mr Hichilema has crossed the Red Line……as Zambia teeters on brink of catastrophe says M´membe

Mr Hichilema has crossed the Red Line…”

…as Zambia teeters on brink of catastrophe says Dr M´membe

07.12.23
Socialist Party President Dr Fred M´membe says Zambia´s President Hakainde Hichilema has crossed the political ´red line´ and is now risking throwing the whole country into total confusion as he attempts to change the constitution to prolong his stay in office.
Dr M´membe was speaking during an impromptu press conference following the ´expulsion´ of nine members of parliament belonging to the legal opposition Patriotic Front (PF) at the hands of the ´illegal´ faction led by expelled PF legislator Miles Sampa.


“He (President Hichilema) has crossed the red line,” Dr M´membe said, “he has manipulated all the three arms of the government and if we let him continue on this path, Zambia´s democracy and constitution will be damaged irreparably. We must rise and stop him before it is too late.”


The SP President told Zambians to open their eyes to the fact that Miles Sampa “has no capacity” to cause the confusion in the PF, expelling members and causing all sorts of mayhem without the support of President Hichilema.


“He (HH) wants to reduce the numbers of PF MP´s so that he can achieve a two thirds majority in parliament which he failed to get during a normal election in august 2021,” said Dr M´membe.


If he is allowed to reduce the number of MP´s from the opposition, the SP leader warned that, “he (HH) will then scrap the 50 pc + 1 in favour of a simple majority to avoid an election rerun. He will also scrap the running mate so that he ca have his own vice President but most of all he wants to EXTEND his office life as President from the current five years to 7 years while turning Zambia into a single party state.”


Dr M´membe called on all Zambians regardless of party politics or religious affiliations to join hands and fight Hichilema from decimating Zambia´s hard fought for democracy.


“Even if we differed in the past, or we had accused each other of witchcraft lets put all that behind and fight to safeguard our democracy and our constitution,” Dr M´membe said, “Zambia is much bigger than Mr Hichilema lets fight for whats right.”

Source: Dr Fred M´membe press conference 06.12.23

KWACHA TO CONTINUE DEPRECIATING DUE TO LOW COPPER PRODUCTION OUTPUT SAYS ANDD

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KWACHA TO CONTINUE DEPRECIATING DUE TO LOW COPPER PRODUCTION OUTPUT SAYS ANDD

KWACHA TO CONTINUE DEPRECIATING DUE TO LOW COPPER PRODUCTION OUTPUT SAYS ANDD
…UPND government should avoid playing politics at the expense of economic development and address the operational challenges in the mining sector.

Lusaka… Thursday December 7, 2023

The kwacha will continue depreciating due to low copper production output which has consequently lead to low copper export volumes as a result the country is generating less foreign exchange earnings which is negatively impacting the performance of our domestic economy, observes Advocates for National Development and Democracy.

ANDD Executive Director Samuel Banda has analyzed that Zambia is having less copper production output because the two national strategic mines Konkola Copper Mines and Mopani Copper Mines are not operating at optimum level efficiently and effectively due to financial constraints and operational challenges.

“Due to low copper production output and low copper export volumes, the Kwacha is now trading at K24.3 against a single US dollar and unfortunately, this is shrinking our domestic economy further, its triggering the cost of doing business and living standards will continue to go up. Every day the prices of basic commodities are increasing,” he observed.

“Sad, majority Zambians are failing to cope up with this continued trend of increasing in prices of basic commodities.

Our recommendation is that the UPND government should stop playing politics at the expense of development and welfare of our people and focus on implementation of policies that will help address economic challenges such as the continued depreciation of Kwacha, high cost of living and doing business.”

Mr Banda is of the view that the UPND government should focus on increasing copper production output by ensuring that Vedanta – KCM transition process is finalized.

He said Government should quickly address this Vedanta – KCM transition process this month so that by January, 2024 the investor should have taken over the mining firm.

“We only hope that this transition period can be concluded this month of December so that Vedanta can start operating KCM by January optimally, inject the US$1 billion for mining recapitalization and development, increase copper production output
and create the much needed employment and business opportunities,” he added.

“Additionally, this will promote trade and commerce in our country.

Equally, Government should hasten the contractual partnership negotiation process with International Resources Holding, an investor expected to operate Mopani Copper Mine as an equity partner so that Mopani Copper Mine can also begin to operate optimally and increase copper production out and create employment and business opportunities for our youths. As ANDD we want to indicate that mining is a biggest contributor to our national economic growth and development as it accounts 80% of our Gross domestic product (GDP).”

Mr Banda stated that looking at national mineral portfolio, copper accounts for most of the foreign exchange enernings as it has actually been the main traditional export commodity since independence.

“Therefore in this regard, as a matter of urgency, in the interest of revamping the mining sector, which is our largest economic sector, we are appealing to the government to ensure that they promptly finalize the Vedanta KCM transition process,” he concluded.

DRC 2023 ELECTIONS: The Silence By SADC: Is The Regional Body Treating A Potentially Volatile Situation With Kid Gloves?

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DRC 2023 ELECTIONS: The Silence By SADC: Is The Regional Body Treating A Potentially Volatile Situation With Kid Gloves?

DRC 2023 ELECTIONS: The Silence By SADC: Is The Regional Body Treating A Potentially Volatile Situation With Kid Gloves?

The significance of the Democratic Republic of Congo to regional and global geo-politics can’t be overemphasized. In addition to the geopolitics, a healthy economy in the DRC has a spiral impact on the region and vice versa.

In less than two weeks, the DRC will go to the polls with a clear indication that the race is largely between opposition leader Moïse Katumbi and incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi.

In fact, independent polls so far carried out show that Katumbi is leading with an overwhelming majority of nearly 75%.

Tshisekedi’s tour around the vast central African nation have been met with boos and apathy.

Conversely, Katumbi has attracted massive turn-outs with many pledging to make a difference in the ballot.

Even with clear indication that the election is tilting towards the opposition, the government of Tshisekedi is seen to be organizing a fraudulent pathway to victory.

Going by the atmosphere in the country, a result that will be at variance with the people’s choice will plunge the DRC into choas.

We already know how much misery the war in the DRC has brought to the country, the region and the world at large. It’s not in the interest of humanity that bodies such as SADC can continue watching without any action.

The situation is evidently worrying because of the manner the election has been prepared by CENI and if not careful will potentially result in economic, political and social chaos which will spill over to the region.

Despite the red flags, SADC has rather take a pedestrian approach watching as the DRC elections take the form of tribalism and favoritism by those in power.

The CENI is under the leader of a certain Denis Kadima. Kadima is a known friend and ally of president Felix Tshisekedi. The two are also tribesmate from the Kasaï city of Mbuji Mayi.

As if that is not enough, Kadima and Tshisekedi have created a tribal cable that aims to rig the elections to the detriment of a country with 100 million inhabitants.

The are several incidents in addition to the tribal network that raised questions about the organization of the elections.

For instance, the CENI deliberately printed voter’s cards that are fading and have had to reprint some of them. The transparency of the voter register is shrouded in secrecy.

Further, the CENI has not offered an open operating platform for observer missions and created a barrier for the opposition to access sufficient information on the process of the election.

There are reports of third party equipment deployed to manipulate results and voting pattern. All these elements have left the opposition and the population on the edge.

Failure by SADC to help bringbthe situation under the control will be catastrophic. The regional body will have itself to blame should a bloodbath be the out of these fraudulently arranged polls.

The world is watching.-DRC News Today

I was sent to Chimbokaila for fighting for restructure of student loan policies!

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I was sent to Chimbokaila for fighting for restructure of student loan policies!

I spent 8 days at Central Police and one day at Chimbokaila before being released on bail for a case called “Idle and disorderly”, a misdemeanor case which is also given to people for curfew (Shishita). At Chimbokaila, I was in cell 13, the same cell where president Hakainde Hichilema was when he was arrested for treason.

That is why, when I Iook at the people taking credit for a fight they were not even a part of, and a raw deal, it makes me laugh.

We started fighting for the restructure of the HELSB policies in 2018. In 2021 during campaigns, the president simpathized with us and promised that he was going to remove the high and draconian interest rate and monthly deductions which sometimes goes up to 60% of an individuals basic salary immediately he was voted into power, but this was not the case. The fight solidified in 2022 after I launched a massive mobilisation campaign on social media and other media platforms. We formed a committee called the HELSB Restructure Campaign Committee (HELSB-RCC) from a WhatsApp group comprising of at least 850 graduates and students. The committee has played a huge part in terns of planning and contributing resources for programs such that without it, nothing would have happened and I would have been in jail right now.

We started by petitioning HELSB in April 2022, then I did a lone naked protest on 21st May, 2022 where I delivered a petition letter to the ministry of Education. The PS, Mr. Joel Kamoko called us for a meeting, and we concluded that we, as stakeholders, should submit a concept note (position paper) outlining our proposals and that after that, we were going to be called for restructure committee meetings so that we could participate in the restructure process. We were never called for any meeting even after making necessary follow ups, therefore, the restructure was not transparent or participatory.

When nothing happened and our proposals were not included in the 2024 national budget, I did another naked lone protest on 28th September, 2023 where I intended to take a petition to state house. That was when I was arrested taken to Chimbokaila. Many of you saw it, I was holding a pamela and cooking oil in a small plastic, you just thought I was protesting against high cost of living because you didn’t read what was on the placard I was holding. The HESB-RCC committee pushed for my bail and sourced for a lawyer for me through contributions. When I got out, I found that the landlady was a UPND member who even has a position at constituency level, she chased me out of the house, she even reported me at the police station that I was refusing to move out, I had to find a house at a sudden notice and shifted.

The reduction of the interest rate which was done by the government is just a small component of the proposals which we made and a political mingalato(gimmick) which does not even address the many challenges which graduates are facing due to student loans. So it’s only the government, praise singers and uniformed poor students who are celebrating the change they know nothing about. Therefore, we are still organizing a bush protest since the police refused to allow us to go ahead with a normal protest to show our displeasure.

What we proposed was

  1. Reduction of high interest rate
  2. Reduction of high monthly charges
  3. Stopping penalties accrued by unemployed graduates
  4. The government to rescind it’s decision to list poor and unemployed graduates on the TransUnion’s Credit Reference Bureau.

By DAVID CHISHIMBA
HELSB-RCC COORDINATOR

KALOMO MAN RETURNS FROM JAIL ONLY TO FIND WIFE HEAVILY PREGNANT

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KALOMO MAN RETURNS FROM JAIL ONLY TO FIND WIFE HEAVILY PREGNANT

KALOMO MAN RETURNS FROM JAIL ONLY TO FIND WIFE HEAVILY PREGNANT

THE joy of walking to freedom after serving a jail sentence quickly turned into heartbreak for a 49-year old man of Kalomo District in Southern who returned home only to find his wife heavily pregnant for another man.

While Njamba Musokotwane was sweating to cultivate government land and plant state cabbages as a convict, a free man on the outside was also mercilessly ploughing his 32-year old fertile wife Nitah Phiri in whom he repeatedly deposited his “seed”.

As the reformed Musokotwane returned home in Germany Township to continue the marriage from where he left off, shock overtook him when he was welcomed by his wife with gigantic protruding belly as if she was carrying triplets.

The situation immediately put the marriage on the rocks as it became clear Musokotwane couldn’t have been responsible for the baby baking in the wife’s stomach.

But to save her marriage, Nitah resorted to an unsafe abortion method which saw her prematurely extract the baby under formation and threw it in a sewage pond

According to neighbours as reported by the Zambia Daily Mail, Nitah is said to have wrapped the foetus in a chitenge material which she threw in Germany Township sewage pods around 21:00 hours last Thursday.

But like the adage states ” Nothing is hidden under the sun,” someone saw her in the act and reported the matter to police.

The whistle-blower reported that the suspect was married to Musokotwane, who had just come out of serving a jail sentence at Kalomo
Correctional Facility.

“When he was released from prison,
he discovered that his wife was heavily pregnant for another named David Phiri of Malaa Extension in Livingstone,” Daka said.

“That resulted in serious conflicts between the couple, which compelled. The suspect to get some herbs from her friend known as Masambo of Matondo Village in Siachitema chiefdom and she used the same to terminate the pregnancy.”

It is reported that after the act, Nitah started boasting about how she had solved the problem, a situation which forced members of the comunity to report her to police.

She later confessed to police after she was apprehended.

The police in collaboration with Kalomo Town Council retrieved the foetus on Monday and took it to Kalomo Urban Clinic awaiting post-mortem examination that will include extraction of samples from it and the suspect for DNA examination.

Rita is still in police custody while authorities search for her friend Masambo for administering abortion herbs.

Kalemba

Stakeholders Express Disappointment as Parliament Rejects Motion on Sign Language and Braille

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In North Western Province, several stakeholders have conveyed disappointment in response to Parliament’s decision to reject a motion advocating for the introduction of sign language and Braille writing as optional subjects in all public schools. The motion aimed to address communication barriers for individuals with visual and hearing impairments.

Simona Mubiana, Assistant Provincial Coordinator of the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD), expressed his dismay, terming the motion as progressive and potentially beneficial for the nation. He proposed that the government should reconsider and make sign language a compulsory subject, integrated into the curriculum from Primary to Secondary Schools.

“It is unfortunate that members of parliament have rejected a motion that could have helped to address the communication barriers that exist among the visually impaired, people with hearing impairments, and abled individuals in the country,” remarked Mr. Mubiana.

He emphasized that the rejection of such a motion indirectly promotes inequality, contradicting Zambia’s 2023 vision of becoming a prosperous middle-income country without leaving anyone behind. Mubiana referenced Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 10, emphasizing the need to reduce inequalities through deliberate policies and programs.

Supporting the motion, according to Mr. Mubiana, would have facilitated more effective communication, enabling the future generation to express themselves without depending on interpreters. He expressed concerns about the existing communication barriers, particularly in public service sectors like health, where reliance on interpreters can lead to violations of human rights ethics regarding confidentiality.

Mr. Mubiana urged the church to invest in and incorporate an interpreter’s department to accommodate all congregants, including those with visual and hearing impairments.

Setty Maseka, the Provincial Organizing Secretary of the Zambia National Union of Teacher (ZNUT), shared the sentiment of disappointment. He stressed that the rejection is not only a setback for individuals with hearing and visual impairments but for the education sector as a whole.

“Sign language and Braille writing play a significant role in fostering inclusivity by providing communication accessibility to individuals with hearing and visual impairment,” noted Mr. Maseka.

He implored the National Assembly to reconsider the motion, emphasizing its potential benefits in promoting inclusive education and ensuring that no one is left behind. Last Wednesday, Acting Minister of Community Development and Social Services Rodney Sikumba argued that the motion could not proceed, citing the government’s prior introduction of Braille and Sign Language as optional subjects in the Zambia curriculum framework of 2013.

Tiktok to launch subscription model for content in Kenya

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China’s entertainment platform Tiktok has announced plans to launch a subscription model for content in Kenya.

The short-form video hosting service says the subscription will borrow heavily from other African countries where it has seen a success.

According to Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, Tiktok director of government relations and public policy in Sub-Saharan Africa, paying for content is a work in progress.

Speaking in Nairobi on Wednesday, Mgwili-Sibanda said the platform is considering introducing a firewall where users would have to subscribe to access content.

“In terms of some of the features we have launched, the Tiktok Series allows them (content creators) to put their content around firewalls and have people subscribe.

“It is not yet in full force in Kenya as it is in other African countries. But that is something that we are working very hard on to make sure that we can roll it out here [in Kenya] so that we can address some of the concerns that the Kenyan government has raised with us.”

The social media platform notes that “as of June 6, 2023, creators in select regions who are 18 years or older, have an account that is at least 30 days old with at least 10K followers, have posted more than three public videos in the last 30 days, and have at least 1K authentic video views in the last 30 days, are eligible to join Series.”

The firm said creators with less than 10,000 followers but meet the other requirements can apply by providing a link to premium content they’ve previously sold on other platforms via the Creator Center on the TikTok app.

“Application does not guarantee access,” it added.

The popular social media app hosts user-submitted videos that can range in length from three seconds to 10 minutes. It allows users to create, view and share videos recorded on mobile devices or webcams.

According to the Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2023 survey, Kenya leads the world in TikTok usage. The report indicates that Kenya has 54 per cent of global TikTok usage, with 29 per cent of Tiktok activity in the country revolving around staying informed with news updates.

Tiktok is considered one of the fastest growing social networks, with the report revealing that 44 per cent of respondents use the platform and that it is popular among 18 to 24-year-olds.

Kenya is followed by Thailand and South Africa.

Mr Mgwili-Sibanda was speaking during the launch of TikTok’s partnership with Yunus Social Business (YSB), an arrangement that aims to invest financially in selected social enterprises, while providing others with training and mentorship on branding, sales, e-commerce and using digital platforms for business success.

In this way, they will support selected social enterprises.

Youth, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba said: “TikTok has had an impact beyond entertainment and social interaction; it has influenced various aspects of society, education and philanthropy, positioning itself as an impact organisation by providing a platform for people from diverse backgrounds to share their stories, talents and creativity.”

DRC elections: Factors that have shaped Tshisekedi’s bumpy first term

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DRC elections: Factors that have shaped Tshisekedi’s bumpy first term

Africa’s second-largest country by land mass, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is scheduled to go to the polls on December 20, 2023. President Felix Tshisekedi will be seeking re-election. However, his first tenure has been decidedly mixed.

Tshisekedi’s first term has been defined by three major factors: questions over the legitimacy of his 2019 election victory, violence in Eastern DRC and the state of the country’s economy.

I have researched extensively and taught on contemporary Congolese politics for 15 years. In my view, while Tshisekedi has had some successes, including the DRC’s joining of the East African Community and a modest upturn in economic growth since the pandemic, much work remains to improve the lives of Congolese citizens.

Legitimacy questions haunt the presidency
Tshisekedi has been president since January 2019 after an election that one of his then opponents, Martin Fayulu, claimed was stolen. These claims were supported by a Congo Research Group and Financial Times analysis of voting data that found Fayulu had won the election. The courts, however, upheld Tshisekedi’s win.

The upcoming election is also mired in controversy. DRC’s electoral commission has promised a rebrand in an effort to shake off the irregularities of the 2018 poll. It has registered nearly 44 million voters in the country of 102 million people.

However, Fayulu, as well as the United States, the European Union and other international election observers have raised doubts about the accuracy of voter records. Fayulu has threatened to boycott the 2023 elections if the voter lists are not redone and audited.

The electoral commission cleared 24 candidates to run for president.

They include 2018 presidential contender Moïse Katumbi, Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege and Augustin Ponyo, a former prime minister. The campaign period has officially begun and already there are plans to rally opposition support behind Katumbi.

Given the controversies involved in this election, as well as in his assumption of office in 2019, Tshisekedi will need to work hard both to win the upcoming poll and do so in a way that citizens believe to be credible.

East DRC violence
While Eastern DRC was unstable before Tshisekedi came into power, the escalation of violence since 2022 has made it a defining feature of his presidency.

At least 120 armed groups are active in the region. One of the most significant of these armed groups is the M23. In March 2023, M23 violence led to the displacement of about 500,000 people. In recent weeks, it has broken a months-long truce and resumed attacks in Eastern DRC.

International and regional peacekeepers have been trying to address the conflict in Eastern DRC. Yet, their presence points to the failure of the Congolese government to deal with the violence on its own.

A state of siege announced by Tshisekedi in the eastern region’s provinces of North Kivu and Ituri in 2021 worsened the human rights situation there. The military took over key state posts from civilian leaders. This despite the Congolese army being linked to violence in the region.

It was meant to last one month, but the siege was extended many times by Tshisekedi’s government.

Two years on, there has been no “meaningful public debate” about it. In the run-up to the December elections, Tshisekedi announced he would “gradually ease” the siege. Such interventions have made it difficult for Congolese people to believe that Tshisekedi’s policies have resulted in a more peaceful Congo.

Economic growth, prospects
Tshisekedi has registered some success in managing the Congolese economy. The country’s GDP growth rate went down during the pandemic but has made a modest recovery. It increased to 8.92 percent in 2022 from 6.20 percent in 2021, with the mining industry being a major driver.

In 2022, the DRC joined the East African Community as its seventh member. Tshisekedi’s hope was that this move would promote trading relationships and reduce tensions with the DRC’s neighbours. Entry gives the DRC access to a market of 146 million consumers and means it can start importing more goods from its east African neighbours.

The DRC also signed a mining deal with the United Arab Emirates in July 2023. The deal is worth $1.9 billion and involves developing at least four mines in Congo’s northeast region. Such deals are important because mining is the main driver of economic growth in the DRC.

Read: Congo’s mines and landmines

Tshisekedi also broke ground on a new road cutting through Zambia to Tanzania to speed up the movement of Congolese exports. The DRC is landlocked – the new road will cut about 240km from the journey between some of the country’s copper and cobalt mines, and a port in Tanzania.

But Tshisekedi’s economic record isn’t all positive.

The upcoming election is causing financial problems for the state. It’s expected to cost about $1.1 billion. The World Bank predicts that the election will widen the country’s fiscal deficit in 2023 to -1.3 per cent of GDP. Further, foreign exchange pressures caused by spending on security and pre-election processes have seen the Congolese franc slide 20 percent against the dollar.

Tshisekedi’s government is looking to increase revenues from a much-anticipated re-negotiation of a China-DRC mining deal. The president is under pressure to get more from the deal, which is worth $6.2 billion. Tshisekedi wants a 70 percent stake in the Chinese-Congolese firm Sicomines, up from the original 32 percent.

The Chinese deal is one way in which Tshisekedi’s economic achievements could have impacted the lives of Congolese people given the hoped-for investment in schools, roads and hospitals. However, it’s unclear how many of these infrastructure projects have been implemented. At the same time, the country’s mining industry has been plagued by allegations of human rights abuses.

What next
In his presidential campaign, Tshisekedi has emphasised his administration’s economic and diplomatic achievements rather than the situation in Eastern DRC.

However, the pushback from opposition candidates on these achievements means Tshisekedi will need to campaign hard to win. An election that is seen as illegitimate will only further damage Tshisekedi’s credibility, especially given the amount of money the Congolese government is spending on it.

One of the best things Tshisekedi could do for his country now would be to run a free and fair election. This would go a long way towards rescuing his troubled term in office so far.

Smuggling network exposes Nepalis defending Russia

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Twelve people in Nepal were arrested for smuggling young men into Russia’s army. This has brought attention to the fighters from Nepal.

This week, Nepal requested Russia to send back Nepali soldiers because six of them died in a fight in Ukraine.

The smugglers reportedly took $9,000 from each man to bring them into the country on tourist visas, according to Kathmandu police.

It is not known how many Nepali people are in the army of Russia, but it is believed to be at least a few hundred.

The ambassador of Nepal to Russia said that about 150-200 Nepali people are fighting for Russia. Locals also say that many people are signing up every week to fight for money and residency visas.

The BBC knows that people from Nepal are still going to Russia to join the military. Many people got hurt in the war and are getting help in hospitals in Russia.

Nepal is very poor. About 40% of the people there are living in poverty, according to the World Bank.

It mostly doesn’t allow people to join foreign armies, but there are exceptions for Gurkha soldiers to join the Indian and British armies. It’s difficult to enforce this ban.

Russia is trying to add more soldiers to its army as its fight with Ukraine continues. It has hired soldiers from places like Georgia, Syria, and Libya.

Nepali police said on Thursday that there is no evidence that Russia was directly involved in hiring Nepali mercenaries.

The country of Nepal has asked Russia to stop using Nepali soldiers. It also called the Russian ambassador in Nepal to remind him of Kathmandu’s position.

Police Chief Kumud Dhungel said that they found some Nepali people were given letters inviting them to visit Russia.

The police think that these brokers might help the mercenaries travel to Russia through India or Dubai so they can avoid being questioned at the airport in Nepal. He said that they asked the Indian authorities for help with their investigation.

On Monday, Nepal requested for the bodies of six soldiers who died in a battle to be returned to Nepal.

However, the ambassador of the country in Russia, Milan Raj Tuladhar, told the BBC that there has been no progress in this matter so far.

The victim’s sister told the BBC that she has been asking for help from Nepali authorities to get compensation and bring her brother’s body back.

The Russian military has already buried the bodies, according to the authorities. “The woman, who didn’t want to give her name, said they should talk to the Russian government to help us. ”

In June, the BBC said that lots of young people from Nepal went to Russia with student and work visas. Some of them even joined the Russian army to make money and become citizens of Russia.

“Everyone is aware of Nepal’s economy. ” “What should we do if we return there. ” one of the soldiers asked in a video on TikTok.

According to a government spokesperson, it was reported this week by the Kyiv Post that there were Nepalis fighting with Ukrainian forces, but the exact number is not known.

It’s not clear if Nepali people working as soldiers in other countries are sending money back to their families in Nepal.

But sending money home is very important for many families in rural Nepal. The International Labour Organization says 3. 5 million Nepali people work in other countries, mostly in the Middle East, South East Asia, and India.

3 dead in shooting at University of Nevada

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3 dead in shooting at University of Nevada

Police report that a shooting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) campus has resulted in three deaths.

The suspect, described as a white former college professor in his sixties, was shot and killed by officers after a confrontation. One additional victim is in critical condition at a local hospital.

The university and other institutions within the southern Nevada System of Higher Education were closed for the remainder of the day.

The incident prompted a police response following reports of shots fired on campus, and campus police later investigated additional reports near the Student Union building.

It warned students at Beam Hall to “evacuate to a safe area” and to “RUN-HIDE-FIGHT”, which is a common active shooter protocol in the US.

Adam Garcia, the university police chief, reported that two campus officers engaged the suspect in a shootout before the suspect was struck and killed.

At an earlier press conference, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department sheriff Kevin McMahill stated that they currently have “no idea on the motive.”

According to the sheriff at a Wednesday evening press conference, one additional victim is in stable condition at a local hospital. Additionally, four other people were taken to the hospital for panic attacks, and two police officers were treated for minor injuries.

A student present on campus noted to a local ABC station that it appeared as though police were on the scene promptly.

Describing the scene to the reporter he said: “You don’t know what to do. You’re calling your family, texting your friends like ‘I love you guys’ because he [the shooter] could burst through the door at any minute.”

A ground stop was issued earlier at Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport – which is near the school – with authorities citing security reasons.

The airport is urging travellers to check their flight status and notes roadways around the airport are closed due to police activity.

President Joe Biden said in a statement that UNLV is the “latest college campus to be terrorized by a horrific act of gun violence” and that he and First Lady Jill Biden are “praying for the families of our fallen”.

Carolyn Goodman, mayor of Las Vegas, called it “tragic and heart-breaking news” and said she was “praying for everyone on campus”.

Shortly before 13:00 local time, the university said police were “evacuating buildings one at a time”.

Nevada’s Governor Joe Lombardo said his office was in “constant communication” with Las Vegas police, the university and emergency responders.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are collaborating with local police on the investigation. The Clark County Fire Department has set up a family reunification center at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Additionally, the UNLV campus will remain closed on Thursday and Friday.

Paris knife attack suspect charged with terror offences

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A man suspected of stabbing a German tourist to death near the Eiffel Tower was charged late Wednesday with carrying out a terror attack and placed in solitary confinement, his lawyer said.

The deadly assault late on Saturday came with France at its highest alert level against the background of the war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.

It followed a series of recent isolated attacks in the country.

The incident has increased security concerns in the run-up to the Paris Olympic Games that begin in July.

The case is being handled by French anti-terrorist prosecutors who have opened an investigation into a “terrorist” plot.


Armand Rajabpour-Miyandoab, a French national born in 1997 to Iranian parents, is a known Islamist radical who has sworn allegiance to the Islamic State group and was under psychological surveillance for mental health issues.

He was arrested over the killing of a 23-year-old man, identified as a German-Filipino citizen, with two blows from a hammer and four from a knife, as well as wounding two others. Solitary confinement

Rajabpour-Miyandoab appeared before the investigating magistrate in the late afternoon, who formally charged him.

His lawyer Clementine Perros later told reporters that a judge placed him in solitary confinement as part of his pre-trial detention.

He told investigators he acted “in reaction to the persecution of Muslims around the world”, a source close to the investigation said, describing him as “very cold” during questioning.

He said he picked the Eiffel Tower as “he could not bear it being lit up in the colours of the Israeli flag”, the source said.

French authorities had displayed solidarity with Israel after the unprecedented 7 October attacks by Hamas that killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw some 240 hostages taken, according to Israeli authorities.

An Israeli military campaign to destroy the Palestinian militant group has since killed more than 16,000 people in Gaza, most of them women and children, the Hamas-run government there says. Conversion to Islam

Rajabpour-Miyandoab, whose family is not religious, converted to Islam at 18 and began consuming huge amounts of IS propaganda, according to prosecutors.

A woman known to the authorities whom Rajabpour-Miyandoab is said to have met the night before the attack was also detained for questioning but released without charge at this point, the source close to the investigation said.

A source close to the case said that the 27-year-old woman belonged to the “jihadist sphere” and had recently received a marriage proposal from the suspect.

He had previously been sentenced to five years in prison in 2016 for planning an attack, before he was released in 2020.


France’s Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Monday that there had been a “psychiatric failure” in his case, as “doctors said on several occasions that he was doing better”.

He said regional authorities did not have the power to issue an administrative order for such an individual to undergo psychiatric treatment, and “this has to change”.

Rajabpour-Miyandoab’s mother had reported concerns about him as recently as October, but there was insufficient proof at the time to take legal action. Radicalised through internet

An account Rajabpour-Miyandoab opened on X, formerly Twitter, in October showed “many posts about Hamas, Gaza or Palestine more generally”, according to France’s top anti-terror prosecutor Jean-Francois Ricard.

On it he posted a video in Arabic, presenting himself as an IS fighter based in Afghanistan.

Rajabpour-Miyandoab had been radicalised through contacts on the internet and had been in touch with perpetrators of similar past attacks, Darmanin said.

These contacts included a radicalised Islamist from Russia’s Caucasus region who would later kill teacher Samuel Paty, beheaded outside his school near Paris in 2020.

(with AFP)

AU and UN discuss more alignment of Agenda 2063 “The Africa We Want,” and SDGs

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AU and UN discuss more alignment of Agenda 2063 “The Africa We Want,” and SDGs

The three-day seminar convened by the UN Economic Commission for Africa in collaboration with the AUC was held in Dar es Salam Tanzania, under the theme “Towards an ‘Integrated Africa’: Achieving the SDGs and Agenda 2063 for the Continent that We Want”.

The meeting aims to reflect on the achievements and challenges of the OAU/AU in the past six decades and to chart a way forward for the realization of the two development agendas.

The participants examined the linkages between Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030: the two global frameworks that seek to promote sustainable development and social justice in Africa. They also discussed various issues, such as the role of regional integration, trade, industrialization, peace and security, governance, human rights, digital transformation and financing for development in advancing Africa’s development goals.

The seminar featured a video keynote speech by Mr Claver Gatete, the new Executive Director of the ECA, who reaffirmed his commitment to strengthen cooperation with the AU.

“The next phase of Africa’s journey is for its economic transformation and development. That’s what Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030 are all about, and that’s why we are all here today to discuss options to speed up the implementation of the two agendas, where progress so far has been uneven,” he said.

Ms Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, expressed in a video message her appreciation for the initiative and stressed the importance of advancing the continent towards a “borderless and integrated” Africa.

The Seminar brought together close to 55 UN Officials, AU experts, policymakers, academics, civil society representatives and youth representatives.

Said Adejumobi, Director of Strategic Planning, Oversight and Results Division at ECA, highlighted the long history of collaboration between the AU and the UN. He cited several examples of joint initiatives, such as the establishment of the African Development Bank, the regional economic communities, the Abuja Treaty for the African Economic Community, the African Peer Review Mechanism, the Lagos Plan of Action and the Final Act of Lagos, Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement.

The joint framework for the implementation of Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030 was signed in 2018 by the Chairperson of the African Union and the Secretary General of the UN. The synergy and coherence in the implementation of the two agendas are now referred to as “two agendas, one framework”.

IT’S A MESS: HICHILEMA IS BLANK ON THE ECONOMY….Alefwaya nangu talefwaya, 2026 yena aleya- Fred M’membe

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IT’S A MESS: HICHILEMA IS BLANK ON THE ECONOMY….Alefwaya nangu talefwaya, 2026 yena aleya- Fred M’membe

IT’S A MESS: HICHILEMA IS BLANK ON THE ECONOMY

It is clear that Mr Hakainde Hichilema and his corrupt puppet regime have no plan to manage the economic crisis of the country.

They spoke so eloquently about their plans and their policies to solve the economic problems of the country. They also have blamed everybody except themselves for the problems that are causing so much misery and suffering amongst our people.

And it’s on this same basis that the people gave them a platform to make their voices heard and to eventually get them into government.

Our people had hope that they were making the right choice and that they were choosing decent, honest and committed leaders. Our people literally believed every word of assurance that was given by Mr Hichilema.

But today, there is nothing happening in the country and life keeps getting worse. The rising cost of living is hurting the very citizens they promised a better life.

The hunger, poverty and despair that is currently prevailing in the country is heartbreaking as prices of commodities sharply rise daily whilst the earning power remains stuck in a rut.

The situation keeps getting desperate and it is spiraling out of control. There is hopelessness everywhere including amongst the ruling party supporters. But for how long shall this be tolerated by our people?

Even though, Mr Hichilema and his league are trying so hard look busy and pretend like all is well, and they have answers to our problems, the reality is that they are blank in their minds and definitely stuck.

Mr Hichilema and his corrupt puppet regime have no idea what they’re doing and where they’re taking us as a nation. They’re at sea and if not stopped, they will destroy this county terribly.

What we are saying here is not something new because even senior UPND leaders are discussing these matters in the dark corners of this administration. It has dawned on them that they lack leadership, foresight, intellect and demonstrable ability to understand the state of our economy and the social political situation.

Equally, Mr Hichilema’s own Cabinet ministers are admitting secretly that he lacks the selflessness and capacity to engineer a workable and sustainable economic and political transformation for the country.

In fact, even their friends in the international community are talking about their failure to manage and transform this economy and ultimately guarantee a prosperous and sustainable survival of the people.

We are aware that a number of their Western counterparts have already passed a verdict that Mr Hichilema will not solve this economic crisis and instead will resort to tyrannical and authoritarian measures in his quest to retain power.

And so, all these draconian steps such as the violation of our Constitutional order, human rights abuses, detentions and torture, abuse of the judiciary, parliament, the police and other institutions of governance are all well calculated at boosting Mr Hichilema’s chances of securing a second term of office.

Mr Hichilema wants power at all cost even when it’s absolutely clear that there is nothing they will do to turn the economy around or warranty their continued stay in office. They only want power for selfish reasons. To protect their business interests and their corrupt financial networks.

But it won’t work. There is no way the Zambian people will allow personal interest to dictate the future of our country.

We shall stand together and stop this selfish and reckless ambition of Mr Hichilema and restore order, stability, prosperity, and democracy in our country.

Alefwaya nangu talefwaya, 2026 yena aleya!

Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party

DPP GILBERT PHIRI APPEALS AGAINST KAMBWILI’S 5-MONTHS SENTENCE

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DPP GILBERT PHIRI APPEALS AGAINST KAMBWILI’S 5-MONTHS SENTENCE

DPP APPEALS AGAINST KAMBWILI’S 5-MONTHS SENTENCE

Lusaka-Thursday, 7th December,2023

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Gilbert Phiri SC, has appealed against the sentence given to Patriotic Front Member of the Central Committee, Dr. Chishimba Kambwili.

Kasama Magistrate Senior Resident Magistrate, Samson Mumba, convicted Kambwili and sentenced him to five months imprisonment with hard labour.

Kambwili was convicted for the charge of expressing or showing hatred, ridicule, or contempt for persons because of name or place of origin contrary to Section 70(1) of the Penal Code.

However, Dr. Kambwili has appealed against both the conviction and the sentence.

But the DPP has also filed a cross-appeal demanding that a higher sentence be meted out against Kambwili.

But many stakeholders have condemned the court process and conviction of Kambwili as an act of selective prosecution since persons such as Bumba Malambo and Minister of Education, Douglas Siakalima, who have issued sttong tribal remarks against a people, have not been arrested and arraigned before court.

Below is the Cross Appeal by the DPP, who has stated that he wishes to be present in Kasama when his application against Kambwili’s sentence was being heard.

REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA NOTICE OF APPEAL AGAINST SENTENCE
(Section 321 – 323)
IN THE HIGH COURT OF ZAMBIA HPA/. ./2023

Name of Appellant: DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS

Whereas CHISHIMBA KAMBWILI was convicted on the 30th day of November, 2023, in the Subordinate Court of the First Class for the KASAMA DISTRICT, A (Case No. 1SW/250/2022 of the offence of EXPRESSING OR SHOWING HATRED, RIDICULE OR CONTEMPT FOR PERSONS BECAUSE OF TRIBE OR PLACE OF ORIGIN CONTRARY TO SECTION 70(1) OF THE PENAL CODE CHAPTER 87 OF THE LAWS OF ZAMBIA.

To the Clerk of the above Court.

I, the above named appellant, hereby give notice that I desire to appeal to the High Court against the sentence of the accused person.

I desire to be present when the Court considers the appeal

Dated at KASAMA this 5th day of DECEMBER 2023.

Safeguarding Democracy: The Imperative of Citizen Vigilance- Edwin Lifwekelo

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Safeguarding Democracy: The Imperative of Citizen Vigilance- Edwin Lifwekelo

Safeguarding Democracy: The Imperative of Citizen Vigilance

In recent times, Zambia has found itself embroiled in a political controversy, with allegations surfacing that the ruling party, UPND, has planted individuals within the main opposition party, PF, to undermine the country’s democracy. This situation serves as a stark reminder of historical instances where leaders elected into office transformed into despots, raising concerns about the fragility of democratic systems.

One of the most chilling examples of such a transformation occurred during the rise of the Nazi party in Germany. Adolf Hitler, initially elected through democratic processes, exploited the system to consolidate power and dismantle democratic institutions. The erosion of checks and balances paved the way for a totalitarian regime that inflicted immense suffering on millions.

Erosion of Democracy in Nazi Germany: A Case Study

Adolf Hitler’s ascent to power in Germany during the 1930s demonstrated how a democratically elected leader could systematically undermine and subvert democratic principles. Following the appointment of Hitler as Chancellor in 1933, the Nazi party employed a range of strategies to circumvent democracy and consolidate power.

Enabling Act (1933): One of the pivotal moments came with the passage of the Enabling Act, which granted Hitler’s government the authority to enact laws without the Reichstag’s approval. This marked a significant deviation from democratic norms, as it concentrated legislative power in the hands of the executive, effectively sidelining parliamentary checks.

Suppression of Opposition: Hitler’s regime engaged in a systematic suppression of political opposition. The Nazi party orchestrated the Reichstag Fire in 1933, blaming it on communist elements, as a pretext to curtail civil liberties and arrest political rivals. The subsequent Reichstag Fire Decree suspended key civil rights, providing the Nazis with unchecked authority to quell dissent.

Gleichschaltung (Coordination): Through the process of Gleichschaltung, or coordination, Hitler dismantled existing democratic structures and integrated them into the Nazi framework. Political parties, labor unions, and other organizations were either dissolved or co-opted, eliminating pluralism and consolidating power within the Nazi party.

Manipulation of Elections: While the Nazis initially participated in democratic elections, their methods were far from fair competition. Intimidation, propaganda, and later outright manipulation characterized their approach. The rigged referendum of 1934, merging the positions of President and Chancellor, further concentrated power in Hitler’s hands.

Control of Media: The Nazis meticulously controlled the media to manipulate public perception. Propaganda became a potent tool in shaping public opinion, creating a narrative that justified the erosion of democratic norms and the suppression of dissent.

By dissecting the mechanisms through which the Nazi party circumvented democracy, we gain valuable insights into the vulnerabilities of democratic systems. The erosion of democratic principles occurred gradually, often exploiting legal avenues, and serves as a stark warning about the need for citizens to remain vigilant in safeguarding their democratic institutions.

The historical parallels underscore the critical importance of citizens being vigilant to protect their countries against the potential threat of dictatorship. Vigilance begins with an informed electorate actively participating in the democratic process. Citizens must stay abreast of political developments, scrutinize actions of elected officials, and question any signs of erosion of democratic norms.

Moreover, a vigilant citizenry is essential in identifying and challenging attempts to infiltrate and manipulate opposition parties. The allegations in Zambia emphasize the need for robust mechanisms to ensure the integrity of political organizations and prevent subversion from within. Citizens must demand transparency and accountability, holding their leaders to the highest ethical standards.

The role of the media cannot be overstated in fostering vigilance. A free and independent press acts as a watchdog, exposing corruption, challenging abuses of power, and informing the public. Citizens must support and defend media outlets that uphold the principles of impartiality and truth, as they play a pivotal role in preserving the health of democracy.

History teaches us that the path to dictatorship often begins with the erosion of democratic institutions. Citizens should be wary of any attempts to weaken the judiciary, curtail freedom of speech, or undermine the rule of law. These are red flags that demand immediate attention and collective resistance.

The allegations in Zambia underscore the need for citizens to remain vigilant guardians of their democracy. By learning from historical examples, especially the rise of the Nazi party, we can appreciate the gravity of the situation and recognize the signs of potential authoritarianism. Democracy is a precious gift that requires constant nurturing and protection, and it is the responsibility of every citizen to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding it against the encroachment of dictatorship.

ZAMBIA YOU DESERVE BETTER

Edwin Lifwekelo
PF Media Director

FNB drags lawyer Lewis Mosho to court over unpaid loan

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FNB drags lawyer Lewis Mosho to court over unpaid loan

FNB drags lawyer Mosho to court over unpaid loan

FIRST National Bank Zambia Limited has sued ‘shrewd’ Lusaka lawyer Lewis Mosho in the Lusaka High Court for non repayment of K372, 662.8 which is an outstanding balance of two loan facilities which he obtained last year.

The Bank wants the Court to compel the former Post Newspaper provisional liquidator to pay outstanding debt cumulative to k289, 804. 00 on loan account number 4000000159114 as at October 30, 2023 and K82, 858.80 on another loan account number.

In its statement of claim the Bank said that by
credit agreement dated August 8, 2022 made between the parties Mosho borrowed a K100, 000 from it and the terms of the the credit agreement were that the loan would attract interest at the current Bank lending rate at 31.50% per annum.

It was agreed that the interest would be , calculated on the daily outstanding balance and debited to the loan monthly.

FNB said Mosho committed to repay the loan in 12 monthly instalments at K10, 065. 04 on August 30, 2022.

It said Mosho got another loan worth K350, 000 on October 8, 2020 on the same conditions as the previous loan to be repaid in a year in monthly instalments of K35, 177.65. beginning August 30, 2022.

“In breach of clause 14 of the credit agreement of August 30, 2022 the defendant defaulted on his loan repayment in instalments,” FNB stated.

“Mosho’s loans with the plaintiff remain unpaid and stand at K289, 804.53 on the K350, 000 personal loan facility with account 4000000619114 and K82, 868. 80 on the personal loan facility of k100, 000
00 wiih account No. 4000000519112 as at October 30, 2023.”

It said it wrote to the lawyer on Marc 16, 2023 reminding him about the payment which he had defaulted and he was given a 15-day ultimatum in which to liquidate the outstanding balance failure to which legal action for recovery of the said amounts would be instituted.

It said despite several reminders the cash-strapped Mosho has neglected to clear the debt and as a result it has incurred a loss.

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba

STOP THE ROLL OUT OF AUTOMATED SPEED CAMERAS UNTIL ZAMBIAN ROADS ARE READY FOR SPEED CAMERAS – ZRHSG

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STOP THE ROLL OUT OF AUTOMATED SPEED CAMERAS UNTIL ZAMBIAN ROADS ARE READY FOR SPEED CAMERAS – ZRHSG

STOP THE ROLL OUT OF AUTOMATED SPEED CAMERAS UNTIL ZAMBIAN ROADS ARE READY FOR SPEED CAMERAS – ZRHSG

Lusaka 5/12/23 – THE Zambian Roads & Highway Safety Group (ZRHSG) has received with mixed feelings the notice that speed cameras have become operational and will from December 1 begin charging vehicles deemed to be over speeding.

The Road Safety Group feels Zambia has not been made ready for these speed cameras.

The Road Safety Group would have expected that the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) would consult widely road users, especially commercial users on how these cameras can be introduced on our roads.

Unlike others, commercial road users are on the road not for fun but ply their trade there. Therefore, issues of speed and time it takes to complete a journey in order to undertake an assignment are critical elements of their planning and costs.

The Road Safety Group has not seen any preparations by RTSA, the local councils or the Road Development Agency (RDA) for the coming speed cameras.

These preparations should have included widening and repairing of damaged roads for the vehicles to use at recommended speeds.

We expected to see an upward review of speed limits to cater for the faster and safer models of cars on our roads. Our speed limits are low and a danger to efficiency and safety of most vehicles. The latest models of vehicles are designed to safely travel at higher speeds than is currently permitted in Zambia. Highways need to be opened up for higher speeds of above 100 -120km per hour.

We expected to see painting of speed humps, installation of road signs showing what speed zones one is passing and which area speed camera are erected.

We expected to see warning speed camera signage wherever these cameras are installed.

It is our considered view that in the absence of these markings and speed signage on roads, by RTSA, RDA and local councils, the usage of automated speed cameras to charge motorists of their hard earned money, would be stealing by false pretence by the government through RTSA.

The Road Safety Group therefore calls on the Government to look into this and halt this exercise until Zambia and its roads are made speed ready for the automated speed cameras.

Signed: EJMB

Mthoniswa Banda

Group Admin – Zambia Roads & Highway Safety Group (ZRHSG)

0977 405086

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Background Information

The Zambian Roads & Highway Safety Group (ZRHSG) is a registered road safety and road health group with over 12,800 members who promote an improved road network and road safety in Zambia. The Group offers space for sharing personal experiences and knowledge on road safety issues on Zambian roads and Highways.

These discussions will help identify road safety issues, bad policies and bad road designs requiring improvement by government and its agencies such as RTSA, RDA, NRFA, ZP and local councils.

Periodically, the ZRHSG will produce a statement summarising the group discussion and sharing this opinion with Road Safety agencies and other policy makers so they improve Zambia’s Road Safety.

The Group also has awareness and capacity building programmes for keeping road users safe and healthy while on the Zambian roads.

The judiciary is on trial!

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THE MAST DECEMBER 6, 2023 COMMENT

The judiciary is on trial!

One of the hallmarks of Dr Kenneth Kaunda’s leadership is that he respected the separation of powers among the three arms of government. That is the Executive, the Judiciary, and the Legislature. History is there to remind us that whenever the Executive misbehaved, the Legislature and Judiciary quickly put a stop to its excesses. Whenever people were detained indefinitely without trial, they rushed to the Judiciary and the institution rose above board to protect people’s rights.


But the behaviour of the Judiciary since 1991 when the country reverted to multiparty democracy has been worrying. In most instances, the Judiciary has been used by the Executive to harass perceived political enemies by those in government. But with the appointment of an eminent human rights lawyer, Mumba Malila as the country’s Chief Justice, many Zambians were relieved. We have followed his track record and we still have hope that even in these UPND manoeuvres, the Judiciary under him will rise to the occasion and provide sanity not only in the State-sponsored PF wrangles but other illegalities – political mischief. Indeed, as former president Edgar Lungu said last week Friday, the Judiciary is on trial now just as it was under his presidency.


When we earlier confronted some of our colleagues in the UPND about their quest to annihilate the PF despite them proclaiming democracy, they quickly distanced themselves from the manoeuvres.


“No, UPND has got nothing to do with this,” some of them said. But, as history has taught us, treachery is like a pregnancy – it grows. And in treachery, it is pride that grows faster because those practicing it feel more superior and intelligent than everyone else. And so they eventually fail to conceal their treachery – they begin to proclaim it publicly. When we reached out to these colleagues of ours after a catalogue of events that have occurred since Miles Sampa’s mock PF convention, they have gone under. It seems they are not ready to face us after our perceptions were proven accurate by the new dawn government.


Minister of Information and Media Cornelius Mweetwa had, not until recently, consistently distanced his administration from sponsoring Miles and team. But can he do this anymore? No, because almost every UPND official is bragging about this assault on democracy. They are openly confessing to having masterminded this brutality through some ‘useful idiots’ in PF. We also saw UPND aligned media go into a frenzy about this episode. In some WhatsApp groups purported to be for journalists, some journalists were over the mood celebrating the strangulation of the PF. In fact, they behaved worse than ordinary UPND cadres. We wondered whether these were journalists or direct subordinates of UPND national youth chairman Gilbert Liswaniso.


Unfortunately, some intellectuals too joined in the celebration, regardless of the consequences to the country’s democracy. We have said it many times before that, yes, the PF injured many people’s hearts when they were in power. PF were brutal and a law unto themselves. No one wants a return of that barbarity, under any form of disguise!


And Zambians already punished PF for that by voting them out of government in August 2021. So killing the PF when it is needed the most is certainly a promotion of dictatorship. Those supporting the UPND’s quest to dismantle the PF should for once calm down, remove their emotions and think about the future of this country. What will become of this country when UPND becomes the only active political party with majority representation in parliament? Already, President Hakainde Hichilema has displayed clear dictatorial tendencies as he seeks to wipe out almost all opposition parties. How much damage will he cause to this country if left unchecked? With his unbridled self-righteousness, how many dissenting voices can survive under Hakainde’s one party rule if it were to succeed?
Hakainde has already weakened all necessary public institutions.


While he may be a conflicted messenger, given his record while in State House, we take it from hindsight he has reflected and we should seriously analyse Edgar’s lamentations that: “The blatant breach of the Constitution at parliament is very concerning. And the judiciary is on trial, not only to do justice but to be seen to be doing justice. Institutions that are charged with the responsibility to stop illegalities are the ones perpetuating such vices. What a shame! It, therefore, becomes extremely difficult to remain silent or in retirement when injustice and assault on democracy are being perpetrated. This must be fought and stopped forthwith. But it can only be easily achieved if the media pursued their watchdog role with patriotism, and without fear or favour. Let the media work in national interest, not in the interest of those who are pursuing foreign agendas at the expense of Zambians. Gladly, I have all the confidence in our media through their diversity. With our combined efforts, victory is certain. This fight is for my brother in Nakonde, my sister in Livingstone, my grandmother in Sikongo, my brothers and sisters in Bweengwa, my cousins in Kaputa and my grandfather in Mwinilunga. This is a fight for our people in all the ten provinces as one Zambia, One Nation. Viva democracy! Abash dictatorship!”


The Judiciary has, indeed, a huge task of restoring sanity in our politics, especially stopping the State sponsored blatant strangulation of the PF. For the sake of our democracy, civility and socio-economic advancement the PF should definitely survive!

Ukraine’s SBU claims killing of ‘traitor’ former MP Illya Kyva in Russia

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Ukraine’s SBU claims killing of ‘traitor’ former MP Illya Kyva in Russia

Former Ukrainian MP Illya Kyva has been assassinated in Russia by Ukraine’s SBU security service, law enforcement sources have told BBC Ukraine.

“The criminal was liquidated by using small arms,” the sources said.

His body was found outside the capital Moscow, Russian investigators said.

Earlier this year, Kyva was given a 14-year jail sentence for high treason and calling publicly for the occupation of Ukraine. He had already fled Ukraine and was convicted in absentia.

Several Ukrainian media outlets also quoted their sources as saying the SBU was behind the assassination of the former lawmaker, who was 46.

“Yes, we can confirm Kyva is no more. This fate will befall other traitors of Ukraine and puppets of Putin’s regime,” Andriy Yusov, spokesman for Ukraine’s military intelligence, told Ukrainian TV.

Russia’s SK state investigative committee said preliminary information indicated Kyva was shot dead in the village of Suponevo, to the west of Moscow. A criminal investigation is now under way.

Kyva had campaigned unsuccessfully for Ukraine’s presidency in 2019 and left the country only a month before Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

He had been a regular participant in propaganda TV shows on Russia’s state-run media.

He had also reportedly been planning to seek political asylum in Russia.

In a separate development, Russian-backed politician Oleg Popov was killed in a car bombing in Ukraine’s eastern Luhansk city on Wednesday, local officials said.

Most of the Luhansk region has been seized by Russia. Ukraine has not commented on that attack.

His death came a few weeks after fellow Luhansk region lawmaker Mikhail Filiponenko was killed in a similar attack that was claimed by Kyiv.

Since the Russian invasion, the SBU and military intelligence have claimed a number of successful operations against high-value targets in the country’s occupied regions as well as in Russia itself.

Russia’s bridge linking occupied Crimea to Russia has been targeted several times, causing substantial damage.

Last week, the SBU said it had blown up a rail connection in Russia’s Far East near the border with China that served as a major transportation hub.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs accused of ‘gang rape’ of 17-year-old girl in 2003

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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs accused of ‘gang rape’ of 17-year-old girl in 2003

A fourth woman has accused Sean “Diddy” Combs of sexual assault, alleging he and two others gang raped her when she was 17.

Jane Doe, as she is referred to in the legal action, claims the rapper flew her to his New York studio in 2003.

She alleges she was given “copious amounts of drugs and alcohol” before Diddy and two other men took turns raping her.

Mr Combs, 54, said he “did not do any of the awful things being alleged”.

The woman claims she drifted in and out of consciousness during the alleged ordeal, and says she was left in so much pain that she could barely stand or remember how she got home.

In a statement to BBC News, lawyers for the woman said: “As alleged in the complaint, Defendants preyed on a vulnerable high school teenager as part of a sex trafficking scheme that involved plying her with drugs and alcohol and transporting her by private jet to New York City where she was gang raped by the three individual defendants at Mr. Combs’ studio.

“The depravity of these abhorrent acts has, not surprisingly, scarred our client for life.”

The woman’s legal team confirmed a federal lawsuit had been filed against Mr Combs and two other men, as well as two responsible corporate entities.

BBC News has approached Diddy’s company, Bad Boy Entertainment, for comment.

Lawyers allege one of the other two men named in the lawsuit “approached Ms Doe at a lounge in Michigan, near to where she was living at the time, told her that he was ‘best friends’ with Mr Combs, and proceeded to call Mr Combs, who was in New York City.

The two allegedly “convinced” Ms Doe to take a private jet to Mr Combs’ recording studio in New York City.

“Once there, the defendants plied Ms Doe with drugs and alcohol and viciously gang raped her, one after the other.”

It is also claimed one of the men forced her to give him oral sex, which allegedly left Ms Doe “choking and struggling to breathe”.

Responding to the latest allegations, Diddy said in a statement to BBC News: “Enough is enough.

“For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy.

“Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday.

“Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.”

Last month, Diddy was accused in a lawsuit by R&B singer Casandra Ventura, known as Cassie, of rape and sex trafficking. The pair settled out of court the day after it was filed.

Two further women subsequently came forward accusing the rapper of rape. Diddy has denied the claims. BBC News

Zim Govt denies trafficking of over 400 minors at Beitbridge Border Post

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HARARE – The Zimbabwean government on Tuesday denied reports that over 400 children under eight years were intercepted on the South African side of the Beitbridge Border Post aboard 42 buses by authorities from that country.

A commissioner with the SA Border Management Authority (BMA) Dr Michael Masiapato was earlier this week quoted saying they had blocked the attempted trafficking of 443 children under the age of eight destined for the neighbouring country from Zimbabwe over the past few days.

Masiapato claimed that the children were removed from 42 buses destined for SA during a sting operation at the Musina Border Post across the Limpopo River as they were being trafficked into that country.

After taking the children out of the buses, Masiapato said the BMA engaged Zimbabwean officials and handed the children for processing back into the country.

In a press statement at the end of the weekly post cabinet media briefing, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister, Kazembe Kazembe expressed concern at the reports emanating from the neighbouring country’s officials including his counterpart, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.

“We wish to categorically state that no such incident occurred. If at all there was a case of human trafficking of minors, the buses, the drivers and the crew would now have been arrested facing human trafficking charges as guided by the trafficking in persons’ legislation common to both jurisdictions in line with our regional and international obligations,” said Kazembe.

“To date, Beitbridge Border Post has no record whatsoever of any 42 buses denied entry into SA or 443 minors intercepted or handed over to the Zimbabwe authorities. If there is any information to the contrary, we hope to be advised through the well established communication channels established between the two countries.”

Kazembe said the Zimbabwean authorities were however aware that Zimbabwean parents resident in SA, especially on Zimbabwe Exemption Permits, (ZEP) which do not allow for the inclusion of any dependents, invite their children to that country for the festive season once schools in the country close for the holidays.

He said the authorities are also aware of the requirement that the minors travel with their guardians accompanied by supporting affidavits obtained from their consenting parents in line with agreed procedures.

“However, the SA authorities are not accepting commissioned affidavits preferring that minors and their guardians tender affidavits commissioned by local courts,” he said, adding that Zimbabwean authorities remain committed to cooperating with their SA counterparts and the region to ensure that movement through borders in the region remain safe, orderly and regularly. New Ziana

SA minister says bus drivers should have been arrested for carrying child travellers from Zimbabwe

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SA minister says bus drivers should have been arrested for carrying child travellers from Zimbabwe

SOUTH AFRICA – Home affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi says bus drivers who allowed scores of minors to travel from Zimbabwe to South Africa unaccompanied and without consent forms from guardians should have been arrested.

On Saturday the home affairs Border Management Authority (BMA) conducted a sting operation at the Beitbridge port of entry and is reported to have found 443 unaccompanied minors under the age of eight.

The BMA said the minors only had passports and no other required documents, such as parental consent letters.

According to home affairs unaccompanied child travellers (under 18) should have a copy of their birth certificate, parental consent letters, a copy of the passport and letter from the person who will receive the child in South Africa with contact details.

Motsoaledi believes the bus drivers should have been arrested by the BMA.

“Our guards are new. I believe they should have arrested those drivers. They said no because the children produced passports and the drivers might have said it was legal,” he said.

In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Motsoaledi said the department was in consultation with Zimbabwean authorities to conduct further investigations into what was alleged to be “human trafficking” by the BMA.

“I am sure they [authorities] can look for the drivers because they cannot just disappear into Zimbabwe. Many of them are in business and they cannot just stop,” he said.

TimesLIVE Premium spoke to long-distance bus operators between Zimbabwe and South Africa who said the saga about the minors was due to a sudden change in policy by the BMA.

Motsoaledi defended the BMA for describing the situation as “human trafficking”.

“The fact remains that an eight-year-old is found in a plane, bus or car crossing a border with no other documents from parents or authorities except that child is carrying a passport. It is safer to regard it as trafficking until proven otherwise,” Motsoaledi said.

“Even if you can prove they are not being trafficked, what has happened is illegal and should not be allowed in any country.”

There has been a clash about the number of unaccompanied children between Zimbabwe and the South African government.

Zimbabwe’s public service, labour and social welfare minister July Moyo said from November 25 to December 3 124 children were handed over to the department.

“Upon identification, the children were moved to a place of safety at Beitbridge reception centre awaiting relatives/family tracing and reunification. To date 101 children have been reunified.”

Moyo said efforts to get the 23 remaining children to their parents were underway.

“Most of the identified children are from Bulawayo metropolitan province and Matabeleland south province. The children were mainly intercepted attempting to cross the border without the requisite travelling documents.

“Others were travelling without an accompanying parent or guardian. The ministry is working with the Zimbabwe Republic police to find the perpetrators of this heinous offence. As a preventive measure, the ministry is conducting a nationwide awareness-raising programme to sensitise citizens on responsible parenting and safe migration.”

The BMA told TimesLIVE a statement would be issued on Tuesday to clarify the contradiction in numbers. TimesLive

Busta Rhymes Shines On “The Tonight Show,” Sharing The Stage With His Talented Daughters

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Busta Rhymes Shines On “The Tonight Show,” Sharing The Stage With His Talented Daughters

Busta Rhymes recently appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and he had a proud dad moment. The legendary rap star hailing from Brooklyn, showcased not only his musical legacy, but also his pride as a father.

The hip-hop icon took center stage on Tuesday, December 5. He delivered a performance of two tracks from his latest album, Blockbusta – “The Statement” and “Legacy.” What made this particular appearance truly special was the inclusion of Busta’s children in the performance. In addition, as the stage lit up and the cameras started rolling, it was clear that the legacy he’s building extends beyond his illustrious music career.

Moreover, for the rendition of “Legacy,” Busta Rhymes shared the spotlight with three of his six children. Daughters Cacie (aka CIE) and Mariah (aka Rai), and son Trillian took the stage with him.

The familial collaboration brought an extra layer of meaning to the performance. Showcasing not only the artist’s musical prowess but also the harmonious bond between a proud father and his gifted progeny. Adding to the ensemble was Busta’s loyal and long-time collaborator, Spliff Star.

Star joined the stage to amplify the energy and excitement. The chemistry between the performers was undeniable. Furthermore, it created a memorable moment that resonated with both the live audience and viewers at home.

Busta Rhymes Brings Out His Family

Moreover, Busta Rhymes’ appearance on The Tonight Show not only showcased his talent but also underscored the importance of family and generational skills. Prior to the show airing, the artist took to IG to write: “THE BLESSINGS AIN’T STOPPING SO WE AIN’T NEVER STOPPING!!! @jimmyfallon TONIGHT!!! YOU WILL BE MEETING MY LEGACY!!” he wrote. “AS WE PERFORM #LEGACY TONIGHT WITH MY INCREDIBLY TALENTED CHILDREN @heyimcie @rai.is.rad & @originaltrillian. AS WE PERFORM #LEGACY FROM THAT #BLOCKBUSTA ALBUM AVAILABLE AND STREAMING EVERYWHERE RIGHT NOW!! #LET’S GOOOOOOOO!!” The rapper’s ability to seamlessly blend his role as a musical icon with that of a proud father was a testament to the multifaceted nature of his success.

However, as the final song played, it was clear that Busta Rhymes couldn’t contain his joy. The crowd applauded and Busta embraced each of his musically-gifted children in a heartwarming display of familial pride. Moreover, in the world of hip-hop, where authenticity and legacy are everything, Busta Rhymes continues to set the bar high. However, his recent performance on The Tonight Show not only entertained but also served as a reminder that true greatness extends beyond the stage. Sometimes, it’s a family affair. What are your thoughts on the performance? What do you think of his new album Blockbusta? Let us know on HNHH!

“SHAME ON US FOR FAILING TO RUN HILLCREST”

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“SHAME ON US FOR FAILING TO RUN HILLCREST”

“SHAME ON US FOR FAILING TO RUN HILLCREST” – TZT.

In the pictures is a swimming pool at Zambia’s greatest pride, Hillcrest National Technical Secondary School in Livingstone.

It is called a national school because it admits the best pupils from across Zambia and expected to equip them with technical skills. It is called Hillcrest because it was constructed at a crest of a Hill.

The school as well as the pool were constructed by the colonial masters in 1956 for white children. Using Zambian resources from the mines, they built an extremely beautiful school with two storey dormitories and classrooms. They equally constructed a huge swimming pool with a deep end of about 11m. Those who could have seen it in 1956 may confirm that it was a marvel to watch.

Whites, then believed that this is how a school must look like.
Clearly the whites have a different mindset because to them, way back then, a school had to be spacious and have swimming pool facilities. That is why all the schools they built before independence have no rival 58 years later. They were beautiful and had swimming pools. No school that we constructed as a people after independence can be compared to what they left. To us swimming should be done rivers were crocodiles live.

When we got our independence and chased the whites, we started running Hillcrest. Look at how we have messed it up instead of improving it. The place looks like a war zone with little improvements to what the colonial masters left.

TZT has been reliably informed that what used to be a vibrant world class sports swimming pool is now a fish pond. The diving board still looks new and unused because nobody dared to use it after the whites left.

We have humbled the school and the buildings seem to be asking God to bring the whites back. It breaks our bones to realise that foreigners had a greater love for this school than us the locals and owners of the land. Shame on us. We are a disgrace.

How can the cream de la cream from such a hugely neglected and epitome of filthness change Zambia when they graduate? These are people breading litter in Lusaka and canonizing corruption in High places. We need change our mindset. Ubu bupuba.

©️The Zambian Times

A lot of gas discovered in Zimbabwe

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A lot of gas discovered in Zimbabwe

Australian minnow, Invictus Energy, has moved from citing “encouraging signs of hydrocarbon”, in its drilling campaign in Zimbabwe, to formally declaring a hydrocarbon discovery.

The company is on the sidetrack to the Mukuyu-2 well, (Mikuyu-2STK), its fourth hole on the Mukuyu prospect, in the Caborra Basa project, onshore Zimbabwe.

“We are delighted to declare a gas discovery from the Mukuyu-2 sidetrack well in the Upper Angwa formation”, Scott Macmillian, Invictus’ Managing Director, declared in a statement. “The discovery represents one of the most significant developments in the onshore Southern Africa oil and gas industry for decades”.

Invictus explains that the decision to call a discovery was made after an intermediate wireline logging was run with the primary objective of obtaining hydrocarbon samples from Upper Angwa reservoirs located close to the base of the Upper Angwa formation following indications from real-time logging while drilling and mudgas.

“A limited suite of wireline logging data was acquired over the interval from 1,969metre Measured Depth (MD) to 2,975mMD in the Basal Pebbly Arkose and Upper Angwa formations which identified multiple hydrocarbon bearing reservoirs in the Upper Angwa. A total of four hydrocarbon samples were recovered to surface from two separate zones in the Upper Angwa using the wireline formation testing tool. A further two formation water samples were recovered from the Basal Pebbly Arkose formation”.

Wireline log interpretation calculates a preliminary net pay estimate of 13.9metres for the Upper Angwa, “however, this estimate is still subject to further calibration of the logs with core and fluid data to determine appropriate net cutoffs and subsequent pay estimates”, Invictus explains. “Significant additional gross sands were intersected within the Upper Angwa gas leg but are below the current net reservoir cutoff. These intervals may have better reservoir development elsewhere in the Mukuyu field and along with the refinement to the net pay criteria represents additional upside. Further appraisal and technical evaluation of log, core, seismic and well test data is required to determine the full extent of the resource size.

Prior to the Mukuyu-2 Sidetrack, Invictus had earlier drilled Mukuyu-1, Mukuyu 1 Sidetrack as well as Mukuyu 2. In all cases it filled the media with upbeat reports of “elevated mud gas and fluorescence were encountered and strong gas shows”.

Now “the Mukuyu-2 discovery, seven kilometres away and 450 metres updip of the Mukuyu-1 well, which can subsequently be classified as a discovery, provides confirmation of the large potential of the Mukuyu field which has a structural closure of over 200km2 “, Macmillian says. “With additional hydrocarbon bearing reservoirs ahead, the focus now is to complete the drilling and evaluation program and obtain further wireline data including fluid samples to declare an additional discovery from the Lower Angwa formation.”

Gas and fluid properties from the recovered samples will be confirmed following laboratory testing once the sample bottles are dispatched from the rig for analysis. No additional fluid samples were captured in order to preserve the wireline formation sampling tool and remaining sample chambers for use in the interpreted Lower Angwa hydrocarbon-bearing zones where thicker sandstone units were penetrated in Mukuyu-2.

The Exalo Rig 202 is drilling ahead “towards the total depth at approximately 3,400mMD sidetrack section through the remaining Upper and Lower Angwa reservoirs where multiple hydrocarbon bearing zones were intersected in Mukuyu-2.”, Invictus notes in that report.

Source – africaoilgasreport

UK Prime Minister and opposition spar over Rwanda deportation deal

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UK Prime Minister and opposition spar over Rwanda deportation deal

At Prime Minister’s Questions in Parliament, Britain’s Rishi Sunak faced criticism from the opposition Labour Party over his controversial plan to fly migrants to Rwanda in a bid to deter illegal immigration.

Britain’s Home Secretary travelled to the East African country earlier in the week to sign a treaty in a bid to revive the controversial proposal which was blocked by the UK courts.

Opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer asked “apart from members of his own cabinet, how many people has the Prime Minister sent to Rwanda?” – the answer being none so far.

Prime Minister Sunak replied “If you believe in stopping the boats, as we on this side of the house do, you need to have an effective deterrence and returns agreement. It’s as simple as that.”

He added, “We will do everything it takes to get this scheme working so that we can indeed stop the boats and that’s why this week we have signed a new legally binding treaty with Rwanda, which together with new legislation will address all the concerns that have been raised, because everyone should be a no doubt about our absolute commitment to stop the boats and get flights off.”

The agreement, which UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says is crucial to achieve his pledge of slashing irregular migration before a general election expected next year, was signed in Kigali.

It was penned by Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta and British interior minister James Cleverly, who travelled to the Rwandan capital to salvage London’s stalled bid to send migrants to Rwanda after the UK Supreme Court deemed the arrangement unlawful.

The judges sided with a lower court decision that the policy was incompatible with Britain’s international obligations because Kigali could forcibly return migrants to places where they could face persecution.

Sunak had vowed to persevere with the contentious project by securing a new treaty that he promised would “address concerns” raised in the Supreme Court’s ruling last month.

“There is a lot of desire to continue to improve the process. The UK and Rwanda are working on this because it is important,” Cleverly said at a joint press briefing in Kigali.

Biruta added that Rwanda “is very committed to this partnership and that is why we worked with the UK government to address the concerns raised by the Supreme Court”.

Source: Africanews

New bride killed by shark attack day after their wedding in Bahamas

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A woman was killed by a shark while she was paddleboarding in The Bahamas, just one day after she got married.

The person, who was in her 40s and from Boston, USA, was attacked and killed by a wild animal in the ocean near a Sandals resort where she was staying on Monday.

She got married on Sunday and was close to Cable Beach on New Providence Island when a shark attacked.

The police said that she was with a family member, and both of them were saved by a lifeguard.

The new bride got hurt badly on the right side of her body, including her hip and upper leg, said the police.

The ambulance workers tried doing CPR on her, but she didn’t make it.

An American woman was bitten and killed by a shark near a resort in the Bahamas, according to the police.

Around 11:15am, the police were told that a woman from Boston, Massachusetts, USA, was attacked by a shark. This was said in a statement by the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

Early reports say that a woman and a man in her family were paddleboarding behind a resort in western Providence, about three-quarters of a mile from the shore, when she was bitten by a shark.

“A lifeguard saw what was happening, got in a rescue boat, brought the person and a family member to safety. ”

Sgt Desiree Ferguson said: “We are very sorry for this sad situation. ”

A spokesperson for Sandals Resorts said they are very sad that a guest died while paddleboarding almost a mile from the shore.

We want to send our sympathy to the family and friends of the guest.

“We are staying in touch with them and giving them as much help as we can during this hard time. ”

While shark attacks that cause death are not usual in The Bahamas, there have been at least two reported recently.

On November 21, a 47-year-old woman from Germany disappeared while diving in the waters near West End, Grand Bahama. She was last seen by a shark, according to the police.

In September 2022, a 58-year-old woman from America died in a shark attack while swimming with her family in the waters of New Providence.

A woman got really hurt when a shark bit her on the head while she was diving last month.

Kevin McCarthy declares his retirement from Congress

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Kevin McCarthy declares his retirement from Congress

Kevin McCarthy, a former leader of the US House, has announced that he will be leaving Congress at the end of December.

Mr McCarthy, who is 58 years old, announced on Wednesday in an article in the Wall Street Journal.

He said he will leave the House at the end of the year to help America in new ways.

Mr McCarthy, who is a Republican, was removed from his position as Speaker in October because some members of his party rebelled against him.

In January, it was very chaotic when he became Speaker. It took 15 rounds of voting before he got enough support for the job.

In his article, Mr. McCarthy said that even though he’s not in Congress anymore, he will keep trying to get really smart and talented people to run for office.

“The Republican Party is getting bigger all the time, and I want to use my experience to help the new leaders,” he wrote.

The California lawmaker has decided to retire after working in the House for 16 years. During that time, he moved up the ranks of the Republican leadership, serving as Majority Whip, Majority Leader, and then Speaker. His retirement marks the end of his career in the House.

In his last year as President, there were disagreements within his own party because some members didn’t agree with him making a deal with Senate Democrats to fund government agencies and prevent a shutdown.

Mr McCarthy was removed from the Speaker role by a rarely used procedural tool called a motion to vacate, which was filed by Florida Republican Matt Gaetz.

Mr Gaetz said that Mr. McCarthy made a secret agreement with Democrats to keep giving money to Ukraine for their defense against Russia. Some Republicans think the US can’t afford to keep doing this.

Mr McCarthy said it wasn’t true. However, he was removed from his position by a small margin, with 216 people voting for his removal and 210 people voting against it.

He said in the Wall Street Journal that he still feels positive about things.

“Why wouldn’t I be. My dad is a firefighter. ” I have been in the same job for 17 years. I was once not allowed to intern there. He said it only happens in America.

His leaving means California Governor Gavin Newsom will have to schedule a special election to choose someone new.

Rwandan migration bill violates certain human rights laws – Lawyer

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A new law will allow the government to move forward with its Rwanda policy by letting ministers ignore certain human rights laws.

The Home Office said the bill, which will be introduced to Parliament on Thursday, states in UK law that Rwanda is a safe country for asylum seekers.

The new agreement was signed by Home Secretary James Cleverly with a country in East Africa.

The treaty and bill aim to tackle the issues raised by the Supreme Court.

The top court in the UK said it was not allowed to send some people seeking asylum to Rwanda.

In April 2022, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a plan to stop people from crossing the Channel in small boats.

Legal issues have caused delays, so no one seeking asylum has been sent to Rwanda from the UK.

The bill needs to be approved by Parliament and it removes certain parts of the Human Rights Act.

However, it doesn’t go as far as some Conservative MPs on the party’s right would have wanted.

Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman and her supporters wanted to get rid of the Human Rights Act and other international laws.

Someone who knows Mrs. Braverman well said the bill has serious problems and will be stuck in the courts for a long time.

“The prime minister has allowed all illegal migrants to make human rights claims if they are being sent back, and they can appeal if their claims are denied,” according to the source.

“It’s another letdown for the Tory voters and the normal patriotic people who want to stop this madness. ”

The new law admits that it might not follow basic human rights rules.

Laws don’t usually come before members of parliament with a legal warning.

This is the second time this year that the government has asked Parliament to vote on laws that might not be legal – the first time was with the Illegal Migration Act.

Lawyers have warned government officials that the new laws in Rwanda could be challenged in court and might not be compatible with human rights obligations.

Rwanda’s foreign minister, Vincent Biruta, said that the country cannot continue with the plan unless the UK behaves according to the law.

He said: “Rwanda and the UK both think it’s really important that our partnership follows international law and requires both countries to act in a lawful way. ”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that with the new emergency law, we will be able to control who comes into our country, stop people from making dangerous trips across the channel, and reduce the number of lawsuits in our courts.

Leader of Bosnian Serbs Dodik put on trial for opposing international envoy Schmidt

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Leader of Bosnian Serbs Dodik put on trial for opposing international envoy Schmidt

Bosnian-Serb leader Milorad Dodik is being put on trial for not respecting decisions made by the international peace envoy in Bosnia.

Mr Dodik, the leader of the main Serbian region in Bosnia-Herzegovina, does not accept Christian Schmidt’s power.

He keeps saying he will separate from the group.

According to the peace agreement brokered by the US in the 1990s to end the Bosnian war, Mr. Schmidt has the power to cancel laws and remove officials who could disrupt the peace.

Over 100,000 people died in the war from 1992 to 1995. Later, Bosnia was divided into two areas. One area is mostly for Serb people called Republika Srpska, and the other area is for Bosniak and Croat people called the Federation.

The trial on Wednesday is the end of a conflict that began two years ago when Christian Schmidt became the international High Representative.

His predecessor, Valentin Inzko, only used his strong powers once, just before he finished his 12 years as the leader. Schmidt wants to show he is in charge, but Milorad Dodik wants to challenge him.

The 64-year-old leader from Bosnia-Serbia has made some new laws that try to make Bosnia’s national institutions in Republika Srpska look less important. Goals have also been to target tax agencies, courts, and property owned by the government.

He has stopped Mr. Schmidt from going to the area, even though the envoy has gone to the area where most people are Serbs.

If Dodik is found guilty in this new trial, he could go to jail for up to five years and be banned from politics.

It may seem like Republika Srpska is getting ready to leave – and Milorad Dodik often talks about making the region its own country.

Over the weekend, he said on Serbian TV that if Donald Trump is elected again as US president next year, he won’t hesitate to support him. During Joe Biden’s time as president, the US has punished him for saying he might leave important Bosnian groups. Dodik wants Mr. Trump to become president again.

But he does not have support from other countries for independence, not even from nearby Serbia.

He is friends with Russia and China, and they both don’t accept Christian Schmidt as the international envoy.

Mr Schmidt said that now that Russia has started a big war in Ukraine, the Western Balkans could be a place where Russia might get involved. However, he thinks the leader of the Bosnian-Serb doesn’t have much ability to make important decisions.

“He said that all he can do is create trouble whenever he likes in Moscow,” he said in an Austrian newspaper.

Many people think that Milorad Dodik wants to create a sense of crisis in Republika Srpska in order to stay in power for a long time by taking advantage of the fears of the voters.

EU to postpone tariffs on electric vehicles in UK until 2027

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The European Commission has suggested delaying tariffs on electric cars traded between the UK and EU for three years.

Car manufacturers from both the UK and EU said they are not prepared for the new trade rules that will start after Brexit in January.

The rules were supposed to help the car industry in the EU, but the 10% tariffs would probably make things very expensive.

EU countries must still say yes to the plan at a meeting next week.

The Commission said no to waiting to make the rules, even though car makers and the UK government asked them to.

On Wednesday, the Commission said the EU needs more time to help its car industry because it is still facing problems from the pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and competition from US subsidies.

According to EU “rules of origin,” cars made in the EU or UK would need to be mostly made from local parts to avoid tariffs, starting in January.

The goal was to keep European industry safe from cheaper products coming from countries like China, which has become a big player in the global electric vehicle market.

However, when it comes to trading between the UK and EU, electric vehicles would have needed to have batteries made in either the UK or the EU. Many car makers said they would have trouble meeting this requirement.

Battery production in the local area has been slower than we thought, so the manufacturers have to depend on getting batteries from other places.
Expensive expenses

Trade groups worried that the new rules would make European companies lose £3. 75 billion in the next three years.

There were worries that high taxes could make it harder to make electric cars and might raise prices.

The UK government asked the EU to delay the rules.

The carmakers on both sides of the Channel will be happy because the Commission’s decision means they don’t have to pay tariffs that were supposed to start in January.

European makers send the most vehicles to the UK, with 1. 2 million cars being shipped to UK ports last year. The UK sells more cars to the EU than any other place.

The European Commission wants to delay the rules for three years, but it also wants to add a rule to the Brexit trade deal that says the delay cannot be longer than that. It said that its rules of origin would stay the same from 2027.

The Commission will give €3bn to European battery makers over the next three years to help them grow.

The new deadline is making people pay attention to making electric cars in the UK. Companies like Jaguar Land Rover are planning to build big factories to make car batteries, but they haven’t started making any batteries yet.

There are still questions about a place in Blyth, Northumberland that has been chosen to make car batteries.

‘All our kids are gone’ – Tanzanian town reels from floods

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Marieta Banga tells the BBC that eight members of her family were killed by the weekend’s flooding and mudslides in northern Tanzania – and that all she remains with is pain.

Ms Banga, from the impacted Hanang district, said: “We heard a loud noise, rushed outside, and saw a mudslide and floods. Later, after the rain stopped, we… saw that no houses were left, nothing remained, and all our kids were gone.

“My brother’s kids – six of them – and their mother were also gone. Another relative who is staying with us was also gone.”

Record levels of rainfall over the weekend triggered mudslides in the town of Katesh and neighbouring villages, affecting hundreds of people.

Sixty-five people were killed, around a third of whom were children. More than 110 others were injured.

Christina Bura, a resident whose son was killed in the disaster, said she awoke to mud engulfing her home.

“Around 06:00, I was asleep when my husband woke me up, asking, “Isn’t that an earthquake?”.

“Our kids and I started to run outside, but we found ourselves surrounded by mud everywhere, and it began dragging us. We were stuck for some hours, and others were being dragged beside us”

The family is now homeless.

“In our neighborhood, there are no houses now, and there are no cows,” she said.

Church leader, Esther Martin said the mudslides destroyed her home before decimating the church building.

“I was dragged in mud, rocks, and trees for almost 2km (1.2 miles). I started to pray, saying I’m not dying, and God helped me. I managed to hang on to a tree and climbed on top.”

Katesh, a once vibrant town has been reduced to a sorry state, such is the extent of the damage.

Temporary shelters have been set up for those who lost their homes, while rescue teams continue to comb through tonnes of mud and debris in search of the people who may still be trapped.

Authorities in Tanzania said the erosion of nearby Mount Hanang is the primary cause of the mudslides.

Government spokesperson Mobhare Matinyi said loose rocks on the mountain absorbed rainwater and created pressure that led to a collapse.

“Mount Hanang comprises of volcanic sediments…the area was unable to withstand that pressure and so a portion collapsed, and mud started flowing down the Jorodom river washing away trees, and impacting settlements along the riverbank,” said Mr Matinyi.

The country’s meteorology agency has issued warnings of heavy rainfall during the remainder of December.

SPEAKER’S RULING ON ALLEGED EXPELLED MPS

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  • SPEAKER’S RULING ON ALLEGED EXPELLED MPS

SPEAKER’S Ruling Date:
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Parliamentary.

Period:

Third Session of the Thirteenth Assembly

● Ruling by the Hon. Madam Speaker – On a Point of Order raised by Mr. R K Chitotela, MP for Pambashe Against the House for according Mr. M B Sampa, MP for Matero the Privileges and Immunities enjoyed by Members when he had allegedly been expelled from PF

●the Point of Order raises the issue of the status of a Member who has been expelled from the political party that sponsored him or her to the House.

●This was settled by the Constitutional Court in the case of Chishimba Kambwili v Attorney General, 2019/CC/009.

●In that case, on 27th February, 2019, the Speaker of the National Assembly declared the Roan Parliamentary seat vacant on the basis that Dr C Kambwili, MP, had left the Patriotic Front (PF), the political party on which he was elected as Member of Parliament, and that he joined the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

●The Constitutional Court at pages J37 and J38 stated as follows:
“Our firm view is that while the Speaker was well within his power to respond to the Point of Order that was raised on the Floor of the House, he exceeded his powers when he proceeded to apply the purposive canon of interpretation of statutes in order to ‘cure’ the lacuna that he identified in Article 72 of the Constitution as amended.

●We find that the Speaker exceeded his power as the function of interpreting the law and the Constitution is vested in the Judiciary as provided by Article 119 of the Constitution.

FOR RULING BY THE HON MADAM SPEAKER ON A POINT OF ORDER RAISED BY MR R K CHITOTELA, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR PAMBASHE AGAINST THE HOUSE FOR ACCORDING MR M B SAMPA, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR MATERO CONSTITUENCY THE PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES ENJOYED BY MEMBERS WHEN HE HAD ALLEGEDLY BEEN EXPELLED FROM THE PATRIOTIC FRONT PARTY

Hon Members, the House will recall that on Thursday, 26th October, 2023, when the House was considering the Ministerial Statement by Hon S Masebo, MP, Minister of Health, on the Cholera outbreak in the country andthe Hon Minister had just concluded responding to a question by Mr Charles Mulenga, Member of Parliament for Kwacha Constituency,Mr R K Chitotela, Member of Parliament for Pambashe Constituency, raised a Point of Order against the House.

In his Point of Order, Mr R K Chitotela, MP, cited Standing Orders131 (7) and 202 (2) of the National Assembly of Zambia, Standing Orders, 2021, which provide for a Point of Order to relate to the interpretation or enforcement of a law on privileges of Members and the privileges of Members, respectively.

In his Point of Order, Mr R K Chitotela, MP enquired whether the House was in order to accord Mr M B Sampa, Member of Parliament for Matero Constituency, the privileges and immunitiesgranted to Members of Parliament when he had been expelled from the Patriotic Front (PF) Party and court process had been issued to that effect.

Hon Members, in her immediate response, the Hon Madam First Deputy Speaker reserved her ruling. I have studied the matter and will now render my ruling.

Hon Members, let me begin by reminding the House that a Point of Order cannot be raised against the House. This is because the purpose of a Point of Order is to draw the Speaker’s attention to a breach of the rules of the House by a Member.

The Point of Order is, therefore, inadmissible.

However, given the fact that this matter has attracted a lot of interest from a wide spectre of society, I have decided to provide guidance to the House and, through the House, the public at large.

Hon Members, the Point of Order raises the issue of the status of a Member who has been expelled from the political party that sponsored him or her to the House.

As you are well aware, the fate of a member who is expelled from the political party that sponsored he or she to the House is provided for in Article 72 of the Constitution of Zambia, Chapter 1 of the Laws of Zambia

As you are also aware, under Article 128(1) (a), the interpretation of provisions of the Constitution is the preserve of the Constitutional Court.

This was settled by the Constitutional Court in the case of Chishimba Kambwili v Attorney General, 2019/CC/009.

In that case, on 27th February, 2019, the Speaker of the National Assembly declared the Roan Parliamentary seat vacant on the basis that Dr C Kambwili, MP, had left the Patriotic Front (PF), the political party on which he was elected as Member of Parliament, and that he joined the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The Constitutional Court at pages J37 and J38 stated as follows:
“Our firm view is that while the Speaker was well within his power to respond to the Point of Order that was raised on the Floor of the House, he exceeded his powers when he proceeded to apply the purposive canon of interpretation of statutes in order to ‘cure’ the lacuna that he identified in Article 72 of the Constitution as amended.

We find that the Speaker exceeded his power as the function of interpreting the law and the Constitution is vested in the Judiciary as provided by Article 119 of the Constitution.

The interpretation of the Constitution as a legal instrument is the function of the Courts, the branch of government to whom is assigned that delicate task.”

Hon Members, for me to delve into whether or not Mr M B Sampa, MP, should continue to enjoy the privileges of this House would require my interpreting the provisions of Article 72.

As clearly indicated by the Constitutional Court in the Chishimba Kambwili case, the interpretation of the Constitution is a function of the courts.

In view of the foregoing, I do not have the jurisdiction to do that.

I thank you
________________________________________

Ruling Date:
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Parliamentary Period:
Third Session of the Thirteenth Assembly

Miles Sampa’s SG Morgan Ng’ona cracks whip, expells 9 MPs And Emmanuel Mwamba from PF

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Miles Sampa’s SG Morgan Ng’ona cracks whip, expells 9 MPs And Emmanuel Mwamba from PF

Ng’ona cracks whip, expells 10 from PF

IN the continuing drama featuring an all-villain cast of the PF, Miles Sampa’s Secretary General Morgan has flexed his political muscle and expelled nine members of parliament along with Emmanuel Mwamba from the party.

Ng’ona said he would this afternoon follow up the expulsions with a letter to the National Assembly to have the seats of the lawmakers declared vacant.

The nine expelled include Brian Mundubile (Mporokoso), Nickson Chilangwa (Kawambwa), Musonda Mpakata (Lupososhi), Christopher Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa), Steven Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu), Mutotwe Kafwaya (Lunte), Mulenga Fube (Chilubi), Ronald Chitotela (Pambashe), and Remember Mutale (Chitambo)

The mass expulsions come after the lapse of a two-day ultimatum given the lawmakers to explain their attendance of what he termed an unauthorized meeting, a violation of party principles.

Ng’ona told Kalemba that arrogance and pride had caused the members to be expelled because they were given an opportunity to explain themselves but chose to ignore the ultimatum.

“Now that we have expelled them, they are free to conduct themselves in whichever way they want without observing any rules as obligated by PF party members,” Ng’ona said.

Msanzala Constituency member of parliament Elias Daka was also written to but has survived the chop.

On December 2, 2023, Ng’ona wrote to the 11 PF members, demanding an explanation for their participation in what the party deems an “illegal meeting unknown to the Party leadership.”

According to the letters of expulsions written to the affected members, none of them provided any communication on the matter within the specified timeframe.

In expulsion letters addressed to each member and signed by Ng’ona, the 10 breached Article 29 subsections (c) (d) (h) (I) (j) (p) of the party constitution.

“Considering the gravity of the offences committed and your lack of remorse, we have no option but to expel you from the party with immediate effect,” Ng’ona stated in the letters.

The expelled were further directed to surrender all party properties and documents in their possession and are prohibited from participating in any Patriotic Front programs henceforth.

With the expulsions, it remains to be seen how the Edgar Lungu-led group of the PF will react and weave themselves out of the Mbampe dribble.

By Moses Makwaya

Kalemba

Miles Sampa’s Expulsion Letters Are Illegal And A Nullity, Ignore Them- Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

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Miles Sampa’s Expulsion Letters Are Illegal And A Nullity, Ignore Them- Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

MILES SAMPA’S EXPULSION LETTERS ARE ILLEGAL AND A NULLITY, IGNORE THEM-AMB.MWAMBA

Lusaka- Wednesday, 6th December 2023

We have noted the purported letters of disciplinary action that were issued by a Mr. Morgan Ngona against certain Patriotic Front members of parliament.

We must state that we have active matters in the Lusaka High Court and Lusaka Magistrate Court, and these actions being carried out with impunity by Miles Sampa violate the sanctity and integrity of the courts of law.

We advise that Sampa’s letters and action must be treated as part of a case of typical forgery we have repeatedly complained about to the Police and the courts of law.

We have demonstrated that Miles Sampa or his appointed officials have no authority, mandate, or powers to suspend or expel anyone in the Patriotic Front. Further he has no mandate to carry out political activities in the name of the Patriotic Front.

It is on record that Mr. Sampa was a suspended official at the time he held an illegal conference, a further aggravated action that earned him an expulsion from the Patriotc Front Party.

The action was illegal, and therefore, all subsequent actions Sampa and his so-called Secretary General, are engaged in, remain a nullity, and must be treated so.

We have also noted that Sampa’s activities are supported and orchestrated by the State to attempt to recognise and legitimise Sampa as PF President through the actions of offices of the Registrar of Societies, the National Assembly and the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC).

These activities are a broader attack on Democracy and the rule of law.

We have witnessed the State at the forefront of promoting lawlessness.

Such actions remain totally illegal and are an abrogation of the Republican Constitution and the Rule of Law.

We urge our members of the Party to remain unmoved by these illegal attacks against the Party and its senior leaders and therefore ignore Sampa’s letters.

Issued by;
Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba
Chairperson of Information and Publicity
Member of the Central Committee
PATRIOTIC FRONT

Petition about my eligibility to contest elections is incompetently before Court – Lungu

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Petition about my eligibility to contest elections is incompetently before Court – Lungu

Petition about my eligibility to contest elections is incompetently before Court – Lungu

FOMER president Edgar Lungu has asked the Constitutional Court to dismiss a petition by youth activist Michelo Chizombe questioning his eligibility to contest the 2021 general elections and future presidential elections.

Lungu says the ConCourt’s mandate on the issue came to an end when put his eligibility debate to rest in three different petitions that were before it prior the last poll therefore it cannot determine the matter as it is functus officio.

Chizombe is questioning Lungu’s eligibility to contest in the 2021 general election and future elections after being sworn into the office of President twice

He wants the Court to declare that Lungu’s participation in the previous election was unconstitutional.

Chizombe who has cited Lungu, the Electoral Commission of Zambia and the Attorney General as respondents in the matter indicated that Lungu contravened the constitution when he participated in the August 12, 2021 general elections.

However Lungu has filed a motion for a determination of four questions of law arising from the matter.

He wants the Court to determine whether a fresh action brought before Court is Res judicata (already decided upon) when the Court had previously pronounced itself three times on the same matter in the case of Dan Pule and others Bampi Kapalasa and Joseph Busenga and the Legal Resources Foundation Limited and two others.

The former Head of State wants the Court to decree whether the petition can be deemed an abuse of court process, considering that the arguments presented in the petition could have been reasonably raised at an earlier stage within the legal proceedings.

“Thirdly, it is the question of whether this court lacks jurisdiction as it is functus officio, having already made a pronouncement on the matter in the cases mentioned above,” the notice read.

“Lastly, it is the question of whether the petition seeking to challenge the eligibility of the first respondent falls outside the parameters outlined in Article 101(4)(a) and (b) of the constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act no. 2 of 2016 which delineates a specific process and timeline for challenging the validity of elections and candidacy, thereby raising the question of the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the petition after the prescribed period has lapsed.”

Lungu indicated that he will request to dismiss the petition in its entirety with costs as the case is incompetently before Court owing to the irregularities he has spelled out.

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba

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