By Dr Lubinda Haabazoka

It’s a bit shameful for us as a country to wait for foreign diplomats to speak out before we cool down! Ideally as a nation we should focus on things that build and not divide us!

– Instead of shooting at children when dealing with smuggling of mealie meal, see a way in which you can empower citizens to export that mealie meal

– Instead of burning Zambian citizens’ camps who are trying to make a living by mining their God given gold, you should clamp down on big firms who run away with millions of dollars in unpaid taxes! A Zambian can never be an illegal miner in his own country!

– Instead of sponsoring factions to destabilise opposition political parties, that money should be spent on uniting citizens so that we tap into the knowledge of each citizen to ensure development in our country. How can the kwacha trade at almost k24 with the abundance of so many resources!

-Instead of chasing after small rental taxes from the already over taxes citizenry, we should be developing ways of benefiting from our God given resources as a source of government revenue!

– Instead of confiscating property from Zambians in the so called unexplained wealth, why not give Zambians assets so that they can create wealth? We are the only country at the moment that believes that it’s only foreigners who can make money in a short period of time and not Zambians! I have heard of civil servants who have Honda fits forfeited to the state and foreigners given a mine for $20m only to make $200m in a year!!

– we are a very funny country! We demolish houses for citizens in their own countries in the so called unplanned construction but fail to build even a single room for the homeless!

– we spend time and money on lawyers in courtrooms but don’t have money to fund small businesses! Even my kid understands that the head of the legislature is wrong! Such a person despite their credentials has failed to run a powerful branch of government! It’s now an embarrassment! Ireen Mambilima would not have behaved in such a manner! Instead of our learned population putting this in order, some are supporting! By supporting such illegalities we are rendering our country into banana republic status! Let’s hit on the breaks countrymen!

We don’t love ourselves! We don’t deserve each other! We don’t deserve our own country! We are foreign to this land! Because we have opened ourselves to criticism! We need to learn from Zimbabwe! Zimbabweans are building mansions while we are filling our court rooms and prisons with people that want to build houses. We need to change! We need to refocus! we should not compete amongst ourselves! We should compete against the whole world!!! Definitely Mainza Chona or kenneth Kaunda did not dream of this Zambia. A Zambia of childish politicians who can meet at a location and declare themselves a leadership of a political party? Politicians who despite going to school fail to defend the constitution that they themselves wrote? A state that is talking about torturing its own citizens?

Who did we wrong to arrive at this? Am deeply concerned! When shall we grow up as a nation? Just look at our social media idols? Those days growing up we would idolise the Dean mungombas, the Nkumbulas! The Lawrence Katilungus! We wanted to be like them! We wanted to make this country great! But today I can hardly recognise my own country!

Our preoccupation should be how to create generational wealth! IMF, France or whoever is heading our debt restructuring thing is wasting our time! $15bn is peanuts for Zambia! Let’s pay off that debt using Sugelite and other minerals! If we give each other tasks, within two years we can pay off whatever we owe! Let’s have an indaba where we can discuss this! This country did not educate us so that we just cheer from the stands!

Have a blessed day

HABAZOKA IN DENIAL TO UNDERSTAND UPND’S ECONOMIC MODEL

By Mark Simuuwe

I have read some article by Lubinda Habazoka,making rounds on social media .

Habazoka , while campaigning for PF in 2021 , giving PF strategies was caught on camera working on how to cheat citizens on the sinking economy and defending overborrowing at that time , said it is difficult for any country to manage to restructure the debt ; when Zambia has managed to get the deal today , he says $15bn is peanut . But he has no solutions just like PF, who have no answers to the mess they created .

He is busy talking of home grown economy which is already UPND’s economic model of avoiding economic centralism by devolution. This is what has made government use CDF as a devolved economic model .

He also seems ignorant as to why we are training SMEs and offering skills training in metal fabrication, General agriculture , Fish Farming , Carpentry, Metal fabrication for free and also free education. Once these are offered , we have human capital growth . This is the formula which helped China under the “big Contract “. They had to improve human capital and created food security using citizens as the main players.

We can now give Agro loans as we have started effective this year as a way of creating micro-economic stability at household level . We are also giving Market booster loans, empowering women , and youth , while conducting SMEs skills training in a graduating manner .

We also now going to have skilled SMEs who will understand running business in a competitive market .

We shall also have an educated community which will be innovative using free education .

We continue opening up for FDI and encourage partnerships with Zambians to stimulate growth , while reducing on capital flight through using home made products in industrial economic zones , to also reduce on the cost of transportation.

This is why we have a $138 million fertilizer plant to produce 300,000 metric tones of Urea fertilizer once at full capacity , and 700,000 metric tonnes of D -compound.

While all these are taking place , we have a robust monitoring mechanism looking at Challenges and successes for improved and efficient undertakings.

My view is that UPND is coming up with an economic model that will require mindset change from PF way of thinking to the 21st century way of running an economy , where you make running of the country as a project tied to specific goals and deliverables.

Right now we are working on mindset change to make citizens understand that an economy must be grown by citizens and growing is a process the same way we grow plants before the yield . And to do that requires many players , with the necessary skills and Identifying the right plants , suitable for the market .

We have no doubt that the path we have taken is a solution to Zambia. We want Zambians to own the economy and be the ones to control the economy.

As to use of Suigilite to pay debt ; Habazoka has not conducted any research to tell the country how much suigilite the country has . Why did he tell PF to do that when he was their advisor but defended overborrowing.

Mining is not like gardening . There are explorations done to ascertain the lifespan and presence of desired mineral.

Habazoka has forgotten that exploration was last done in the 1970s as presented in the National Bidget for 2024.

To this effect , government allocated resources towards conducting a national wide mineral exploration so that we know what we have , what we have exploited already, and how we can exploit the remaining resources in a sustainable way or without depriving the future .

An Urgent Call for Revolutionary New Blood in Zambian Politics

By Daimone Siulapwa

Zambian politics is now marred by the presence of tired, old, insensitive, and tribalistic leaders who shamelessly believe this country owes them perpetual favours.

These arrogant players, devoid of any genuine concern for the populace, have employed a myriad of tactics to secure and retain power.

From orchestrating family strife to resorting to violence, propaganda, lies, and even delving into the realms of religion, black magic, and witchcraft, they have spared no arsenal in their quest for political relevance.

Over the last three decades, these selfish and heartless politicians have dragged our nation from bad to worse, all under the guise of democracy.

While chanting the mantra of democratic rights, they have shamelessly looted our resources, constructed opulent mansions, and afforded their children the finest education and jobs in our top parastatals—all at the expense of the struggling masses.

The public display of parliamentary bickering among the ruling and the opposition conceals the disturbing reality that, behind closed doors, these politicians engage in backroom deals, dividing the spoils of our collective suffering.

Recently, a blatant double standard has emerged when comparing the fate of a citizen caught stealing a loaf of bread in Mutendere to that of a politician in kabulonga caught with millions of dollars suspected to be proceeds of crime.

While the former faces a five years imprisonment term, the latter negotiate their sentences, evading the consequences of their grand-scale theft. The question that bergs answer is: What kind of a legal system allows such a glaring disparity in justice?

Why should we allow politicians to only forfeit suspected stolen wealth and escape possible jail sentence while we can’t allow a petty thief to return the loaf of bread he stole to escape a jail term? Your guess is as good as mine; these laws are made by the same looting politicians, they protect themselves.

This plain reality highlights the politicians’ blatant disregard for the people they claim to represent. They remain indifferent to the plight of ordinary citizens, content to watch them succumb to hunger and disease.

In all this reality, politicians remain untouched by the harsh consequences of their policies. When they fall ill, taxpayers fund their treatment in the world’s best hospitals; they remain insulated from hunger, indulging in multiple lavish meals daily. Even in death, they are granted a national mourning that surpasses the yearly budget of a secondary school in Lusaka, and also at a high cost of loss to many private businesses.

Amidst these escalating crises—from food scarcity to a weakening currency and soaring prices—members of our parliament are shamelessly considering a hike in their benefits, they now want a personal to holder car, housing allowance and many more picks paid for by us the citizens.

What kind of insensitive leaders do we have? The clear absence of sacrifice and austerity measures underscores their detachment from the struggles of the average Zambian.

It is time for Zambians to cast aside these worn-out politicians and usher in a new era led by the younger generation. The future belongs to the youth, and it is imperative that they seize control of their destiny.

As long as the political landscape is dominated by individuals accustomed to the luxuries of power, our nation will struggle to develop.

The nation desperately requires a new breed of revolutionary young MPs, individuals who intimately understand the struggles of hunger, unemployment, and economic hardship.

The current crop of politicians, spoilt by the luxuries of parliamentary life, has lost touch with the harsh realities faced by the majority.

They have forgotten how it feels to sleep hungry; they have forgotten how it feels as a parent when you can’t feed your children.

They have forgotten how it feels when you can’t pay your own rent the land lord evicts you. They have forgotten how painful it is when a bread winner can’t find employment.

They have forgotten how it feels when your business has to close down because you can’t afford the cost of business.

They have forgotten how it feels when your wife leaves you because you can’t provide for her anymore; these are the daily tragedies of a common man.

Zambians must look towards the horizon of 2026 as an opportunity for a revolutionary change. A new parliament, infused with virgin MPs unburdened by past failures, presents a chance to reshape the nation’s destiny that we need badly.

We must bring aboard those willing to work and even die for the betterment of Zambia, over the experienced politicians who, for over three decades, have failed to deliver tangible improvements to the people they purportedly represent.

At this critical moment, power must return to the people. The call for a political revolution is not just a desire but an imperative for the survival and prosperity of Zambia. It is time to consign the old politicians to the annals of history and usher in an era where the voice and needs of the people are not just heard but respected.

Power to the people—a rallying cry that must reverberate across the nation, heralding a new beginning for Zambia, void of tribalism and social injustice. The time for change is now, and the youth must be at the forefront of this transformative journey.

22/11/23

Daimone Siulapwa is the Editor-in-Chief of The Voice Newspaper. He is also a political analyst, an advocate for tribal unity and Citizen Economic Empowerment. Send your comments to dsiulapwa@gmail.com

ZRA vehicles were given to PF for campaigns, witness tells court

A former administration manager at the Zambia Revenue Authority has told the Economic and Financial Crimes Court that unused vehicles belonging to the authority were given to the Patriotic Front to be used in campaigns prior to the 2021 general elections without following procedure.

Sitali Mulozi a businessman told principal resident magistrate Sylvia Munyinya that Calistus Kaoma who was the director administration at ZRA ordered him to give 22 vehicles to PF through an internal tender following a directive from then Director general Kingsley Chanda.

In this matter Chanda and Kaoma are charged with abuse of authority of office for disposing of 22 vehicles belonging to ZRA without following guidelines and prejudicing government.

Among the vehicles are 13 Mitsubishi pajeros, a Nissan hardbody, a Nissan Tida, Nissan microbus, a Toyota Corolla, four Toyota Hilux, and a Toyota prado.

Mulozi said according to laid down procedure obselete, disused and unservisable institutional property would be disposed of by way of by public auction, disposal by internal tender, disposal by rotary, disposal by donation and also disposal by destruction depending on the type of asset.

“Regards to the disposal of motor vehicles, once schedules are received, I, as secretary would liaise with the chairperson who was at the time Mr Kaoma, and call for a meeting for the assets disposal committee to consider the motor vehicles proposed for disposal,” he said.

Mulozi indicated that prior to 2015, the authority predominantly disposed of motor vehicles by way of public auction.

He said Kaoma had engaged him and informed him that there were numerous complaints from members of staff indicating that they there were unable to participate in the public auctions because they couldn’t compete with externals who had formed cartels to purchase the vehicles at an exorbitant price.

Mulozi said Kaoma guided that going forward from, the committee should recommend an Internal tender as a method of disposing of motor vehicles.

He said once the board approved the disposal, the board secretary Suzyo Ng’andu, would inform the members that approval for disposal has been granted he would circulate a memo to members of staff

The witness said sometime in 2017 Kaoma, asked him if it was possible for non-employees to take part in the purchase of the used vehicles but he guided that it was not possible.

“He then mentioned to say that there were external people who were interested in buying the used ZRA vehicles. At first, he did not mention the names of people who were interested in the vehicles. I told him the only way externals could participate was if we reverted to public auctions. But there would be no guarantee that the interested externals would be ending up to buy the vehicles,” Mulozi said.

“Not long after that discussion, Mr Kaoma called me and confided in me that the externals who were interested in the used ZRA motor vehicles were the then ruling party, the Patriotic Front and that senior officials had sent that request through the commissioner general who at the time was Kingsley Chanda.”

He said Kaoma had told him that the directive to facilitate the disposal of the vehicles was from Chanda.

“I told him that the only way externals would get used ZRA vehicles would be if they bought from members of staff who had bought from the internal tender. This is because it was not uncommon for members of staff to buy internally at relatively low price and those who wanted would sale at a higher price of they so wished,” Mulozi said.

“Mr Kaoma asked if members of staff would be willing to sale after buying internally. I responded and said that it was difficult to g round asking the winners after the internal tender if they would be willing to sell, I told him it would be tedious.”

He said Kakoma guided that when preparing the advert not all vehicles approved for disposal would be advertised to members of staff.

He said he was given a names for members of staff to be awarded vehicles.

“Mr Kaoma then released money in most cases it was above the reserve price of the vehicles. Separately, he left some of the money with me and advised that our clerk deposits the money in the ZRA bank account in the names that he had provided,”Mulozi said.

“These vehicles were being excluded from the advert to members of staff so as to reserve them for the interested externals who in this case were the Patriotic Front party for use in party mobilisation and campaign activities.”

Mulozi added that the exclusion of vehicles is against the ZRA policy that provides for the sell of all the vehicles through internal tender without exception and does not provide for any exceptions.

CAPTION: File photo for illustration

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba

Government gives riotous UNZA students second chance

GOVERNMENT has pardoned 18 University of Zambia (UNZA) students implicated in a protest at the institution on September 18.

On the fateful, students at the highest learning institution took to the streets to protest the lack of elections in the students’ Union.

However, the protest took an ugly turning into a orgy of violemce, damage to property and looting.

After investigations, the University management suspended and expelled 18 students.

Education Minister Douglas Syakalima, responding to pleas from parents, extended a second chance to the students but issued a stern warning against any repetition of similar actions.

“I hope this will be the last time. Whether the Bible says 70 by 7 pardoning/forgiving, I am only human; I am not going to follow the biblical way,” he stated.

“You are pardoned. Go back to school.”

The riot, sparked by the cancellation of students’ union elections by university management, led to the arrest of 10 individuals, including five students.

Socialist Party National Youth Secretary Gabriel Banda was apprehended as the alleged instigator and is currently facing court proceedings.

And UNZA imposed a K1000 charge on the students for damages resulting from the September 18 riot.

Syakalima expressed disappointment, suggesting that the students may have been influenced by meager sums to incite the protest, advising against mixing politics with education.

He questioned why students would be swayed by small amounts when they receive allowances.

Syakalima reiterated that students from other countries like Zimbabwe were are working together in order to find solutions to build the country

“Here there is no thinking in the University, the only thing that you can do is to be influenced by a K50,” Syakalima said.

“Why do you want to be influenced by K50 or K200 when you are being paid meal allowances which was never even so.”

He urged students not to take their educational opportunities for granted.

Hudson Sakayi, speaking on behalf of the parents, expressed gratitude to the government for reinstating the students at UNZA following the expulsions and suspensions.

By Moses Makwaya

Kalemba

In a courtroom drama unfolding at the Kawambwa Magistrate Court, Member of Parliament for Kawambwa, Nickson Chilangwa, has formally requested the dismissal of charges leveled against him, pointing to what he claims are glaring inconsistencies in the testimonies provided by state witnesses.

Mr. Chilangwa, represented by his defense counsel Jonas Zimba, argued that the statements from state witnesses, including a police officer, did not align, highlighting a significant absence of recorded entries in the Occurrence Book at Kawambwa Police Station between August 12 and August 18, 2021.

During his defense, Mr. Chilangwa urged the court to scrutinize the testimonies, expressing skepticism over the reliability of medical reports presented before it. He alleged that these reports were fraudulently prepared as an “afterthought” on August 15, three days after the incident in question occurred on August 12, 2021.

The lawmaker criticized the police for what he deemed an inadequate and unprofessional investigation, asserting that numerous gaps in the state’s testimonies had vindicated him. He urged the court to place more weight on the evidence provided by a former Police Officer in Charge who testified that he did not fire gunshots in the air and that Mr. Chilangwa and his co-accused were not present when the Mahindra vehicle was burnt.

Mr. Chilangwa suggested that his inclusion in the case was politically motivated, citing a state witness, John Lukwesa, who claimed in a recorded video that he was instructed by United Party for National Development (UPND) officials to implicate Mr. Chilangwa and others.

In a surprising revelation, Mr. Chilangwa asserted that the Mahindra motor vehicle, which he is accused of burning, has two different engine numbers. He argued that the engine numbers appearing in the police officer’s photo album and the white book were inconsistent, implying the possibility of two vehicles being involved.

Furthermore, Mr. Chilangwa contended that, according to information in the white book, the Mahindra motor vehicle belonged to an individual named Obed Mulomba, contrary to the indictment and testimonies by state witnesses claiming it was property of the UPND.

Adding to his defense, Mr. Chilangwa informed the court that the police had issued an alert notice to impound the vehicle, alleging its occupants were instigating violence in Kawambwa.

The court adjourned the proceedings in the late afternoon, with the continuation of Mr. Chilangwa’s defense scheduled for today. The case involves Pambashe Member of Parliament Ronald Chitotela and Mr. Chilangwa, along with five others, facing charges of arson, malicious damage to property, threatening violence, and assault.

STOP ALANGIZI TACTICS AND UPHOLD UNITY TO ACHIEVE GENDER AGENDA

Lusaka (23.11.2023) It is with regret and concern that we as women in the United Party for National Development wish to address the behavior of fellow women in politics, who have resorted to using politics and divisive tactics while neglecting the importance of solidarity and unity among women in decision making positions.

Women in politics need to be reminded that Gender Agenda rests upon the collective efforts of us women in politics who need to position ourselves as leaders, models, advocates, and pioneers of gender equality. However, it is unfortunate that women in politics gathered and overlooked their values and goal of creating a society a society where gender does nit limit opportunities or determine one’s value.

The recent attacks on the Speaker by women in politics during their press briefing is not only regrettable but also undermines the very principles ,we stand for as women.

Resorting to tactics that do not align with the ethos of gender equality and empowerment is a step backward in our collective journey towards Gender Agenda

It is important to reiterate that within the realms of parliamentary proceedings, adherence to constitutional frameworks and guidelines takes precedence over party affiliations. Judging a fellow parliamentarian based on political affiliation, or personal biases does not only derail the discussion but also detracts from the real issues at hand.

Women in politics have a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of their counterparts, fostering collaboration, and nurturing a conducive environment for increased representation of women in decision-making positions.

This responsibility extends beyond mere criticism and delves into constructive guidance, support, and mentorship.

The vision of achieving equal representation, the 50/50 call, necessitates solidarity, cooperation, and a shared vision among women in politics irrespective of their party affiliation.

Unlike resorting to divisive tactics and personal attacks, the focus should be on analyzing situations objectively, providing constructive feedback, and promoting an environment where all voices are heard and respected.

As we navigate the complexities of political discourse, it is important that women in politics uphold the values of unity, respect, and solidarity.

We call upon all women in positions of power to re-orient their approach towards collaborative problem-solving, setting aside differences and embracing the collective responsibility to advance the cause of gender equality and empowerment.

@ UPND MT See less

BINWELL MPUNDU

THE MUSOKOTWANE /KALYALYA ECONMICS ARE ANCIENT THEY WILL KILL THE LITTLE ECONOMY WE HAVE AT THE MOMENT.

Again ba Finance Minister Hon Musokotwane and Ba BOZ governor Ba Kalyalya are proving to be outdated in their approach to managing the economy.

Today the Dollar is at K 24 and experts predicts it will get to K30 by January and the BOZ has adjusted the Reserve Ratio in trying to stop the depreciation of the Kwacha .

The truth is that the move will not do anything to address the depreciation but what it will do is to basically crowd out all the money available for banks to lend to the private sector.

Look guys,the economy should be driven by the private sector but what Ba Musokotwane is doing is to kill the private sector by removing money that the private sector can borrow from Banks to pump into their businesses. They believe that there is too much money around and people are buying too much dollars thats why the dollar is appreciating out of the demand and so they have resorted to stiffle the citizen by crowding out Liquidity so that even the little liquidity that will be available for borrowing will be too expensive and no one will be willing to borrow .That will completely kill the already dead private Sector .Lets face it,is there any money today in circulation that ba Kalyalya wants to remove out of circulation??isnt every Zambian broke today??

I will tell you this and u will remember me ,the Economics of Ba Musokotwane and Ba Kalyalya is oudated and they will Kill the Little economy left already.

We must be looking for other solutions to arrest the depreciation of the Kwacha and exports would help but what are we going to export if you are killing the private sector.

Anyways am not an Economist this is the little i have learnt from the streets.

TIME TO CHANGE THE WAY WE DO THINGS WE NEED FRESH MINDS IN LEADERSHIP AND AM READY IF YOU NEED ME .

BINWELL MPUNDU
NKANA MP
UMWINA NKANA.

Revoke Makebi’s practicing license, Miles Sampa asks LAZ

PF president Miles Sampa has lodged a complaint against Lusaka-based lawyer Makebi Zulu to the Law Association of Zambia for professional misconduct.

Sampa wants Zulu’s license revoked by the legal practitioners committee of the Law Association of Zambia as he is a sell out.

The Matero member of parliament has accused Zulu of breaching the lawyer-client privilege for ditching him for Edgar Lungu after the 2014 disputed PF convention.

Sampa said just like Judas Iscasriot had traded Jesus for 30 pieces of silver Zulu has done the same by trading information about his personal life which was shared to him by virtue of their relationship.

In his complaint letter dated November 21, 2023, Sampa said he had dragged Lungu to court for dribbling him during an intra- party elective conference in Kabwe.

Sampa said he challenged Lungu’s installation as PF president in the High Court and he was represented by Sebastian Zulu, Sakwiba Sikota and Makebi Zulu.

He said Lungu was represented by Lewis Mosho and a Mr Chasi.

Sampa said he entrusted his lawyers including Zulu with the most confidential information and by law he is guaranteed that his former advocates will not act against him and leak confidential information to his opponents.

“In the premises, I have noticed with dismay that Makebi Zulu Advocates who represented me in similar matter against Edgar Changwa Lungu has now switched sides and now representing my opponent against me, and my confidential information obtained under seal of professional confidence is likely to be leaked to my opponent which is against professional ethics,” Sampa said.

He feared that Zulu’s switching of client allegiance was in conflict of interest.

“This committee will agree with me that this matter is of political nature that may contain the most confidential information in order to pursue such matters as such is given to our lawyers,”Sampa said.

“Whether the matter is contentious or not, there is the possibility that the information obtained under the seal of professional confidence may become relevant to the matter at hand. In 2014 when Messrs Makebi Zulu Advocates acted for me, he obtained a lot of confidential information which he is prohibited now to disclose, and it was with the same parties of Edgar Lungu lead faction.”

He said a client should be able to have confidence that their secrets are safe with their lawyer.

Sampa lamented to the legal practitioners committee that Zulu might let the cat loose

“The legal profession has a code of conduct where rules and principles are set that regulates the conducts of all legal practitioners in Zambia and which all the members of the profession must adhere to and failure to this, this committee has jurisdiction to discipline that member,” Sampa said.

“Mr Chairman, Makebi Zulu Advocates has breached the rule of confidentiality in that he has switched from representing me in 2014 in a similar matter with almost the same facts to acting against me as a former client.”

He said the matter was sensitive and Zulu has demonstrated that he cannot be entrusted with information.

“The practitioner’s name may be struck out off the roll, not by way of second punishment but because he is not a proper person to practice the legal profession,”said Sampa.https://kalemba.news/…/revoke-mekabis-practicing…/

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba

PRESENTED TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

BY HON. SYLVIA T. MASEBO, MP

MINISTER OF HEALTH

November, 2023

Madam Speaker,

First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude for according me this opportunity to update the nation through this August House on the status of the 2023 net recruitment of 3,000 Health workers countrywide.

Madam speaker,

The vision of Government in the health sector is “A nation of healthy and productive people.” To attain this vision, it implies that Government working closely with key stakeholders should put in place a robust an

d resilient health system that will facilitate the attainment of national targets, global sustainable Development Goal (SDG) and Universal Health Coverage, Leaving No One Behind.

Madam Speaker,

I am pleased to inform the House that the New Dawn Government has demonstrated its commitment to strengthening the health system through the increased annual budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Health.  The House may wish to recall that the budget allocation to the health sector has i

ncreased over the past three years from K9.2 billion in 2021 to K12.4 billion in 2022 and now K16.1 billion in 2023.   The increased budgetary allocation is necessary in order to address the challenges such as unstable supply chain, obsolete medical equipment, inadequate infrastructure and inadequate staffing levels.

Madam Speaker,

The House may wish to note that over time, we have made notable progress in terms of construction of health infrastructure as a country. Currently there are a total of 3,581health facilities across the country of which 3, 419 are GRZ and 162 are faith based.  The House may further wish to note that not all these health facilities are operating at full capacity.  Most of them are operating at different levels of service delivery.  These health facilities include specialised hospitals, tertiary hospitals, second level hospitals, first level hospitals, health centers and health posts.  The failure to operate at full capacity has been attributed to the limited fiscal space that has resulted in the number of positions not being funded over long periods from the time the organization structures were approved by Cabinet Office.  I wish to reiterate that, the investment in health infrastructure has been informed by a number of factors that include; population growth and the changing disease patterns.

Madam Speaker, while appreciating the increased number of health facilities which aim at promoting access to quality health care as close to the family as possible, the shortage of healthcare workers in these facilities continues to be a concern for government as it counters government efforts to attain the desired health goals.

Madam Speaker,

A competent and adequate health work force is the nerve centre of every resilient health system and is key to achieving universal health coverage.  However, there are a number of health workforce challenges that include but not limited to the following:

• critical shortages in the supply of health workers;
• an inadequate mix of skills in the workforce;
• inequitable geographical distribution of health workers; and
• gaps in their competencies, motivation and performance.

Addressing these major health work force challenges is therefore crucial to strengthening the healthcare system and building a robust health system that is resilient to disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies.

Madam speaker,

Currently, there are a total number of 3,581 approved health facilities across the country representing an establishment of 139,590 positions, out of which 72, 697 positions are filled. This accounts for 52% filled up positions while 64,276 remain unfunded representing 48%.  These facilities include grant aided institutions (faith based).

Madam Speaker,

As at 30^th September, 2023 the construction of an additional 233 new health facilities had been completed.  These additional facilities will result in the creation of a total of 7,276 additional positions to be operationalized and this will result in an increase in the establishment from the current 139,590 to 146,866 and further increasing a staffing shortfall from 64,276 to 74,187.  Therefore, in order for the Ministry of Health to reach 100% staffing capacity, it shall require a total of seven billion six hundred and forty-eight million four hundred and eighty thousand six hundred and fifty-one Kwacha ninety Ngwee (K7, 648, 480, 651.90) per annum to operationalise the 74,187 positions.

Madam Speaker,

The House may wish to recall that, during the Official Opening of the Third Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly on Friday, 8^th September, 2023, His Excellency Mr. Hakainde Hichilema the President of the Republic of Zambia pronounced and assured the nation that, the recruitment of 3, 000 health workers will be undertaken as budgeted for in the 2023 budget estimates. This is a build-up on the landmark recruitment of over eleven thousand (11,000) health workers in 2022. Following the Presidential Pronouncement, the Ministry of Health working closely with key stakeholders commenced the process to ensure that the 3,000 health workers are recruited in a transparent manner and are equitably distributed across the country.

Madam Speaker,

In order to be inclusive and transparent in the 2023 net recruitment, Government through Ministry of Health has consulted with key stakeholders in the sector so as to build consensus on the mode and criteria to be used in the recruitment process.  This approach involved:

1. Receiving submissions from Provincial Health Offices and health facilities on the priority areas to be considered;
2. Meeting with the Public Service Management Division, Ministry of Finance and Civil Service Commission to discuss the recruitment process; and
3. Holding consultative meetings with the following professions associations: (a) Zambia Medical Association; (b) Biomedical Association of Zambia (c)Zambia Institute of Environmental Health; (d) Pharmaceutical Society of Zambia; (e)Zambia Union of Nurses Organisation; (f)Midwifery Association of Zambia (g)Clinical Association of Zambia; (h) Resident Doctors Association; (i)Nutrition Association of Zambia; (i)Radiological Association of Zambia; (k)Zambia Society of Physiotherapists; and (l) Zambia Dental Association.

Madam Speaker,

Following the consultations, stakeholders resolved to take a two-fold approach to the recruitment which the Ministry would start with:

1. promotion of In-service staff; and followed by
2. recruitment of new entrants thereafter.

1. Promotion of In-Service Staff

Madam Speaker, this House may wish to note that the past recruitments had always focused on new entrants. This has created stagnation in career progression among most health workers and in some cases contributed to demotivation and poor performance among health workers who remained in same positions for a long time and also those that have been assigned administrative roles in higher positions without receiving commensurate pay.

Therefore, starting with processing promotions for in-service health workers, will not only result in the creation of vacant positions for the new entrants but most importantly, this will motivate the staff who have held same positions for a long time and will allow for optimal performance while at the same time strengthening retention system in the health sector. The transfer by cadre and cascade effect are as follows:

Madam Speaker,

In line with the National Decentralisation Policy, the promotions of in-service staff will be conducted through the respective Health Facilities District Health Offices, and Provincial Health Offices.

2. Recruitment of new entrants

Madam Speaker,

The recruitment of the new entrants will be conducted to fill up the created positions following the promotions. In order to ensure transparency in the recruitment process, the recruitment of new entrants has been decentralised to the district and provincial levels. To this effect, the Civil Service Commission has advertised for the recruitment of 3,000 health workers as per the Conveyance of Treasury Authority No. 7 of 2023 dated 27^th September, 2023.

You may wish to note Madam Speaker that, the closing date for receiving applications was Friday, 22^nd September, 2023.

Madam Speaker,                                            

The received applications will be screened through a transparent and accountable process as follows:

Firstly, the Human Resource Sub-Committees at District Level will shortlist and select candidates based on a prescribed criterion.

Secondly, the selected candidates will be validated at provincial level by the Human Resource Management Committees.

Thirdly.  the selected candidates at provincial level will further be validated for quality assurance by the National Technical Committee comprising officials from the Civil Service Commission, Public Service Management Division and Ministry of Health before the publication of the successful list of candidates in the print media.

Madam Speaker,

Some key activities such as granting of Treasury Authority by Public Service Management Division, advertising for the recruitment of 3000 health workers by the Civil Service Commission and receiving of applications by Provincial and District Health Offices have been implemented.  The process of promotions and transfers of in-service staff has reached an advanced stage in that Ministry of Health has completed the exercise and forwarded to Civil Service Commission for finalisation.

Madam Speaker,

The roadmap for the remaining key activities is as follows:

• Screening, shortlisting and selection of applicants by the Human Resource Management Committee and Human Resource Management Sub-Committee is expected to be completed in the month of November, 2023;
• Recommendations of selected candidates to Human Resource Management Committee by the Human Resource Management Sub-Committee is expected to be undertaken in the month of November, 2023;
• Validation and recommendations of selected candidates by the Human Resource Management Committee is expected to be completed by in the month of November, 2023;
• Validation and processing of the recommendations of successful candidates by the Civil Service Commission, Public Service Management Division and Ministry of Health is expected to be completed in the month of November, 2023;
• Publication of successful candidates in the print media, website, Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) and Community Radio Station is expected to be undertaken the first week of December, 2023; and
• Issuance of appointment letters to successful candidates by Public Service Management Division, Provincial Health and District Health Offices is expected to be done in the first week of December, 2023.

Madam Speaker,

As indicated earlier, the 2023 recruitment of health workers is being implemented in two phases starting with the promotion of in – service staff and followed by the recruitment of new entrants.  In order to ensure that suitable candidates are promoted and recruited, the Civil Service Commission has since directed that the recruitment process for health workers be halted until further notice.  In addition, the Commission has directed the Provincial Administration to ensure that, in the meantime, the application documents are maintained at the Districts to be submitted to the Province t the opportune time.

Madam Speaker,   

I wish to conclude by saying that while the Ministry is operating at 52 percent filled up positions in the current establishment, the recruitment of health workers is a continuous process towards attaining an ideal situation.

In order to match up the skilled-staff to patient ratio, my Ministry will continue to lobby for Treasury Authority in order to attaining staffing sufficiency for improved quality health service provision and for better health outcomes and ultimate national productivity.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA DELIVERS KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE ZAMBIA-ITALIAN BUSINESS FORUM

He writes…

Great honor to deliver the keynote address at the Zambia-Italian Business Forum in Rome today, where a total of 34 Zambian companies, under the auspices of the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and supported by the Zambia Development Agency, participated in the exchange of views between the two countries’ business potential.

We encouraged Italian companies to explore opportunities in agriculture, energy, mining, infrastructure, health, and tourism that were in abundance in our country.

Considering the interconnectedness of the global community, we urged businesses to collaborate as a team, transcending bureaucratic boundaries and segregation.

Recognizing that Italian businesses possess advanced technology and capital, while we boast critical mineral endowment, we emphasized the crucial importance of fostering mutual partnerships that benefit both countries, through top-notch technology, innovative solutions, and accessible capital.

We anticipate tangible transactions resulting from the forum and encouraged businesses facing challenges in setting up companies in Zambia, to bring them forward for resolution.

Hakainde Hichilema,
President of the Republic of Zambia

STOP THE INJUSTICE TOWARDS DEFENCELESS WOMEN – KATEKA

21st November 2023

New Heritage Party President Chishala Kateka says the UPND government’s injustice towards defenceless women should stop.

Ms Kateka stressed that such actions that pressure women into wrongdoing, are unacceptable and create fear for those in the public service, when they are being intimidated into submission. She was speaking at a press conference organized by women of opposition political parties at the New Heritage Party Secretariat in Lusaka this morning.

She specifically raised issue with the recent questionable removal from office, of the former DPP Lillian Shawa Siyuni and the recently ‘surrendered’ Registrar of Societies Mrs Thandiwe Phiri Mhende, complaining that this was an unfair treatment of women.

“What was the woman supposed to do in that position?” She quipped, referring to a subpoena that was issued to the former Registrar of Societies, “should she have sat on that information? Or listen to her bosses?”

“Where is the justice in what has been done to that poor woman?” She pointed out that the effect of that injustice, has Mrs Mhende’s career disrupted. Mrs Mhende was fired after obeying a subpoena to produce opposition Patriotic Front party’s current office bearers registered with the Registrar of Societies.

Ms Kateka’s concern is that these actions by the UPND government will erode people’s confidence in the system when government employees fail to do the right thing for fear of being fired or mistreated.

“What message are you sending to other government workers? Don’t do what is right?” She asked. “You are putting fear in the public service.

“It is not right to use a whole system to fight a young lady who cannot fight against you.”

Ms Kateka encouraged fellow women to stand up to such mistreatment of women and urged fellow women to join in solidarity. “This is something that women need to take up. What are we saying? Why are we quiet? We need to speak up for those amongst ourselves who are being downtrodden. It is not right.” She said.

The women from opposition political parties were compelled to speak out against several events that have irked the public including the ongoing issue with the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Nelly Mutti, the detention of Mumbi Phiri, the firing of the DPP and the Registrar of Societies among other concerns.

NHP MEDIA TEAM

I have only served once as President – Lungu

FORMER president Edgar Lungu has backed up the sentiments by his supporters that he was not sworn into office of President twice.

Submitting before the Constitutional Court in a matter where youth activist Michelo Chizombe is questioning his third bid to participate in the 2021 general elections and future presidential elections, Lungu swore that he has never served two terms as alleged by Chizombe.

In this matter Chizombe 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.

He stated that the electoral body contravened the constitution when it accepted Lungu’s nomination and allowed him to be on the ballot paper for the 2021 presidential elections which enabled him to participate.

The petitioner wants the Court to pronounce that Lungu is not eligible to contest a presidential election under the current constitution as read with the now repealed 1991 Constitution (as amended).

He wants the Court to declare that it was illegal for ECZ to include Lungu on the ballot.

Chizombe is seeking a combined interpretation of Sections 7 of Act no.1 of 2016 and Section 2 of the same Act.

He also wants the Court to declare that the entire Article 106 of the Constitution (Amendment) Act no. 2 of 2016 did not apply to Lungu’s first presidential term.

Chizombe is further seeking a declaration that Lungu is not eligible to seek presidential office for a third term.

But in his answer to the petition, the former president argued that the ConCourt had already pronounced itself on his eligibility debate when it cleared all constitutional hurdles for his attempt at third term.

He said a dissenting judgement by Court president Margaret Munalula cannot be relied upon to set a precedent.

In July 2021 professor Munalula dissented the ruling of the majority which decreed that Lungu’s first term in office was not a complete term as defined by Article 106(6) as it was inherited from late President Micheal Sata.

This was in a case where Legal Resources Foundation Limited, historian Sishuwa Sishuwa and Chapter One Foundation petitioned Lungu for abrogating the law when he filed in his nomination papers as the PF presidential candidate in the August 12, 2021 general elections after assuming the office of President twice.

Judge Munalula had ruled that the term which Lungu concluded on behalf of late President Sata was not inherited as it was a full term although it lasted for 19 months.

She said Lungu was barred by Article 106(3) of the Constitution from running for presidency.

However Lungu argues that the reasoning of the majority aligns with established principles and precedents.

He said Chizombe missed an opportunity to challenge his qualification for the election when the issue was taken to Court under three different petitions.

“A dissenting judgement does not represent the majority opinion which set out legal precedent. Relying on a dissenting judgement indicates that Chizombe has no case,”Lungu said.

“The first respondent (Lungu) will aver at trial that he has not served two terms as alleged by the petitioner.”

He added that the Court should embrace the principle of finality in legal decisions, and consider the grim effects of setting aside a decision that was rightfully made in his favour.

“This court should thoroughly review all relevant legal provisions and the majority decisions was not made in ignorance of any applicable law,” said Lungu….https://kalemba.news/…/i-have-only-served-once-as…/

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba

TRIAL OF AMB. MWAMBA ALLEGING THAT HE ASSAULTED A POLICE OFFICER BEGINS

Lusaka- 21st November, 2023

A Police Officer has told the court that they didn’t issue a police call-out to summon Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba.

Detective Simwenda Steven also stated that
Simwenda he was not aware that he was reported for assault at Woodlands Police Station and that Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba had sued him and two other Police Officers for damages over his torture.

Simwenda also confirmed that they picked persons who took videos of the arrest from the Car Wash.

He confirmed that the phones were taken from the persons, including a pregnant woman, and after that, the Police deleted the evidence.

Simwenda couldn’t explain why the phones were taken from the ladies and why he couldn’t produce the images to prove his allegations of assault against Mwamba.

At the beginning, Simwenda claimed that he was not aware that there were other people present when he apprehended Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba.

He said their intention was to pick up Amb. Mwamba from the Car Wash.

He said there was no need to give Amb. Mwamba summons or police call-out.

He said there was a fracas at the car wash.

He confirmed that he damaged Amb. Mwamba’s thumb to protect himself.

He said they grabbed the phone from him against Amb. Mwamba’s will.

When Simwenda was shown pictures of Amb. Mwamba’s injuries on the shoulder and knocked out tooth, the witness said the injuries were consistent with the medical report from UTH.

Simwenda also confirmed that they had grabbed phones from persons that took videos of the arrest.

He also stated that it was not an offence to take pictures of the arrest but couldn’t explain why the rounded up the persons taking the videos.

Simwenda also claimed that he didnt remember that he had was part of the officers that tortured and beat Rizwan Patel from Lilayi Police Station and took him in the bush were he fired an A.K 47 over the head of Mr. Patel to compel him to implicate Amb. Mwamba was a source of certain documents that were published.

Simwenda was shown a court action filed in the Lusaka High Court number 2023/HP/847.

In the suit Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba has sued Steven Simwenda, Joseph Kapasa and Brian Chipango,the police officers who assaulted.
Simwenda also stated that he had only learnt on Social-media that Amb. Mwamba had filed a complaint to the Public and Police Complaints Commission over their unethical and criminal court.

Simwenda also said todate the Police have not charged or arrested Amb. Mwamba for the offence of publication and no such a matter had been brought before court.

On 14th June 2023, over 12 unkown men arrived at a car wash in woodlands, brutalised Amb. Mwamba and picked him to an unkown place.

Mwamba remained in police custody at Emasdale Police and was leter charged for assaulting a police officer.

COUNCIL OF CHURCHES IN ZAMBIA VOICES OUT STRONG CONCERNS OVER GOVERNANCE OF THE COUNTRY

● CCZ wishes to condemn in the strongest terms the redeployment of Mrs. Thandiwe Phiri – Mhende Chief Registrar of Societies.

●concerns around matters of national interest such as shrinking democratic space, increase in cost of living, and the continued arrests of opposition political party members.

● CCZ expresses its solidarity with the statements by the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ), Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), and Lawyers Association of Zambia (LAZ) that have equally spoken to matters of public interest.

● Anation faces widespread issues such as corruption, social unrest, economic inequality, or political instability, it can indeed become more difficult to govern effectively.

●The CCZ is also worried about the selective way the fight against corruption is being undertaken. We demand that all citizens should be treated fairly and that no one should be above the law.

●CCZ notes with concern the challenges around the Farmers Input Support Program (FISP) that has continued to witness farmers complaining of inadequate inputs and in some cases forced to share inputs.

Below is the Full Statement

Stop Making the Waters Muddy – Ezekiel 34:18 reminds us

Introduction

“Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet? Ezekial 34:18 reminds us.”

The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) believes an unhealthy political and social environment can have detrimental effects on a country, potentially leading to challenges in governance.

When a nation faces widespread issues such as corruption, social unrest, economic inequality, or political instability, it can indeed become more difficult to govern effectively.

A healthy political and social environment typically involves factors like the rule of law, transparent institutions, respect for human rights, and civic engagement.

These elements contribute to stability and enable governments to address challenges and meet the needs of their citizens. Conversely, when these factors are compromised, it can lead to dissatisfaction among the population, erode trust in institutions, and create an environment that is more difficult to live in.

The CCZ reiterates its concerns around matters of national interest such as shrinking democratic space, increase in cost of living, and the continued arrests of opposition political party members.

These issues have been spoken to publicly and privately through engagements with the govemment particularly State House and concerned stakeholders, a situation that has prompted reactions through pastoral letters and press statements as captured in the end-of-year note issued on 2nd January 2023 among other press releases.

This background, therefore, prompts CCZ to share the following.

1. The Council of Churches in Zambia CCZ wishes to condemn in the strongest terms the redeployment of Mrs. Thandiwe Phiri – Mhende Chief Registrar of Societies. The Registrar’s redeployment raises more questions than answers especially since this development was proceeded by office searches and police callouts.

We wish to urge the government to uphold the rule of law not just by lip service but by walking the talk. We cannot talk about development if we will say one thing and do the complete opposite.

2. Political leaders should remember to prioritize the wel-being of their constituents, act with integrity, and follow the rule of law as prescribed in the Zambian constitution. They should endeavor to represent the interests of the people and not their own.

The political field should not be muddy, less it will be suffocated and make the country ungovernable.3. CCZ is taken aback to learn of the many civil servants who have been transferred and redeployed and, in some cases, sent on leave because they were perceived not to be supporting or sympathizing with the ruling party.

This is not the Zambia we want, and this is not the rule of law we have longed for. We urge office bearers to check their consciousness and defend the law as established.

4. The continued trend of political party cadres making threats and unnecessary protests at the expense of respecting those in Authority is uncalled for. One wonders where these cadres get such powers, why the police are selective in slapping the law on such lawbreakers.

Political parties must be issue-based in their campaigns and market themselves without resorting to violence and intimidation of opponents.

All political parties should live as brothers and sisters in love and unity despite their political affiliations. CCZ therefore, calls on the Political Leaders to tame their cadres and to walk the talk by living by what they say.

Cadres just like any other citizens should not take the law into their own hands but instead report any anomaly to relevant institutions for action.

5. CCZ notes with concern the challenges around the Farmers Input Support Program (FISP) that has continued to witness farmers complaining of inadequate inputs and in some cases forced to share inputs.

6. The CCZ is also worried about the selective way the fight against corruption is being undertaken. We demand that all citizens should be treated fairly and that no one should be above the law.

7. We encourage the government not to use the police to fight political battles. The continued unprofessional conduct of using state security wings to fight political opponents also sends a wrong reputation on the democracy of the nation.

While we do not agree with ill sentiments from some political players that cause tension and division in the country, we call for professional conduct of the police service as they manage such incidences. The conduct particularly on Sean Tembo, Fred M’membe, Given Lubinda, and Raphael Nakachinda among other political players is uncalled for. Let us firmly plant, nature and promote human dignity as this will enhance our democratic reputation as a Country.

8. In conclusion, CCZ expresses its solidarity with the statements by the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ), Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), and Lawyers Association of Zambia (LAZ) that have equally spoken to matters of public interest. Our call is that the government should pay attention and take hid of the advice rather than being defensive.

God Bless us all, God Bless Zambia.

Fr. Emmanuel Chikoya General Secretary