Power has gotten to HH’s head – M’membe

By Fanny Kalonda

IT seems power has gotten to Mr Hakainde Hichilema’s head and is starting to affect his judgment, says Socialist Party president Fred M’membe.

Dr M’membe said there’s need to administer justice with impartiality.

“It seems power has gotten to Mr Hakainde Hichilema’s head and is starting to affect his judgment and vision – it’s blinding him quite fast. By allowing opposition leaders to be unjustifiably arrested, detained and prosecuted, Mr Hichilema, those in power, are sending a dangerous signal that the criminal justice system can be used to persecute and fix opponents of the regime” he wrote on his Facebook wall. “Contrary to his insinuations, there’s no opposition leader that has put himself or herself above law or thinks that he or she is above the law. Their complaint is that there’s no equality before law under Mr Hichilema’s administration. It is a well-known fact that throughout history, those who administer or control the criminal justice system hold the power with the potential for abuse and tyranny. And this is exactly what Mr Hakainde Hichilema is doing.”

Dr M’membe said the statutory powers to arrest and prosecute those who commit crimes should be reasonably exercised and in good faith.

“We have been attacked by known UPND cadres and complained to the police but no arrests or prosecutions have ever taken place. There’s need to administer justice [with] impartiality. Impartial law enforcement should be guaranteed by institutions charged with that responsibility,” he said.

Dr M’membe said President Hichilema has forgotten so easily because he demanded the rule of law in opposition.

“We should apply institutions to every aspect of law enforcement as a wall wired with high-tension electricity line. The only antidote to the culture of venality is the readiness of our criminal justice system to apply the laws fairly and equally. We should at all times uphold the rule of law, integrity of the criminal justice system and the right to a fair trial,” said Dr M’membe. “No section of the community has all the virtues, neither does any have all the vices. It’s amazing how Mr Hichilema has forgotten so quickly because not so long ago he demanded for the same equality before the law that we seek today from those who were in power at that time. So what has changed now?”- The Mast

CCPC REVIEWS THE NON – ISSUANCE OF SMALL CURRENCY DENOMINATIONS TO CUSTOMERS BY RETAIL OUTLETS

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has embarked on an exercise to review the reported non–issuance of small-denominatedchange to consumers by retailers in the country.

This follows numerousconsumer complaints received by the Commission to the effect that retailers do not give consumers small change after transacting.

In this regard, the Commission has issued a Call for Comments pursuant to Sections 5(d) and 85of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act No. 24 of 2010 (“the Act”).

TheCommission has since commenced engagements with the retail sector to make submissions on this general practice towards the successful completion of the review.

While the private sector is at liberty to set prices and pursue pricing strategies based on their commercial considerations, the Act prohibits trade practices that are determined to be unfair and detrimental to consumers.

CCPC Executive Director Brian Lingela says these provisions are designed to protect public interest in case of market failure and unconscionable conduct.

“While the psychological pricing strategy is one of the most adopted pricing strategies in the retail sector, particularly in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods(FMCG) sub-sector, this strategy is still expected to take cognizance of the
existing country realities such as the availability of denominated coins or dispensable small change.”

Mr. Lingela says Consumers exercise purchasing decisions on the belief that the difference between the product price and the amount tendered would be returned as change regardless of the amount.

Byadopting certain pricing strategies, retailers equally impliedly commit to providing change regardless of the amount to consumers.

Currently, Zambia has six banknotes and four coins in circulation. These areK100, K50, K20, K10, K5, K2 banknotes, and K1, 50N, 10N, and 5N coins.

The Commission understands that the current set of denominations and coins only support a specific type of pricing such as those denominated in 10N and 5N.

These include prices that end with a 5N such as K99.95 or those with a 10N such as K99.90. With inflation having a bearing on this, lower-value coins such as 5N and 10N coins tend to lose value in the eyes of the public.

Additionally, the public tends to hold on to these coins out of circulation.

The Commission therefore is calling on the retail sector and other interestedstakeholders to make submissions to the Commission on the practice of non-issuance of small change to consumers.

Where it will be established that sucha practice constitutes a violation of the Act, the Commission will issue an Advisory Note indicating the grace period required to wind up this conduct, after which enforcement of the provisions of the law will be effected.

MUBIANA NALWENDO (Mr.)
Senior Public Relations Officer

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION CONDEMNS THE ALLEGED
TORTUR!NG TO D€ATH OF A SUSPECT AT MKUSHI POLICE STATION, IN CENTRAL PROVINCE

21st November 2023

The Human Rights Commission (HRC/Commission) strongly condemns the alleged tortur€ of a suspect to de€ath at Mkushi Police Station in Central Province, on 19th November 2023.

The reported tortur!ng to d€ath of Mr. Allan Sikalango, aged 37 years at Mkushi Police Station is a grave crim€ and a violation of human rights, which calls for punishment of
perpetrators and the compensation of the family of the deceased in order to end impunity.

The Commission will thoroughly investigate the reported violation to come up with impartial and credible findings that will contribute to a fair and just action and decision.

So far, preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased, who was a resident of Itala Compoundin Mkushi, was picked up by the police together with three others and taken to Mkushi Police Station where he was reportedly subjected to severe beating during interrogations.

The Commission has been informed that the suspect could hardly walk on his own from the interrogation room when he was taken back into the police cell.

It would appear that the suspect di€d in the police cell moments after coming from an interrogation room but other inmates thought that he was still recuperating from severe beating and agreed to “give him time to rest”.

It was only when they tried to wake him up so that he could eat that they discovered that he had actually di€d.

The Commission wishes to commend the Zambia National Service for swiftly acting to protect life and property from the irate residents who wanted to riot against the death of the suspect at the reported hands of police officers.

The death of the suspect at Mkushi Police Station is just one of several such heinous cases of tortur€, which render credence to the campaign by the Commission for the enactment of a law that criminalises torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

The failure by the Government to enact an anti-tortur€ law is giving an impression of tacit approval of torture as an acceptable means of carrying out investigations and interrogationsby law enforcement officers, thereby leading to deaths and permanent disabilities of suspects.

Zambia made a historical milestone on 23rd December 2022 when President Hakainde Hichilema abolished the d€ath penalty, which effectively meant that there are no longer any more judicial killings in Zambia.

It is therefore ironic and acceptable that the country should be experiencing extra-judicial killings through acts of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

The right to protection against troture is an absolute right at international, reginal and national level.

Therefore, the government should take practical measures aimed at outlawing and effectively punishing acts of troture.

Torture is not a mere act of assault, but “any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or a confession…”

Therefore, the Commission calls on the Government, through the Ministry of Justice, to immediately start the process of enacting a comprehensive law that criminalises tortur€ in Zambia to send a strong message that Zambia is a torture free zone and upholds the sanctity of life.

(Signed)
Mweelwa Muleya
Spokesperson
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement with Zambia on the Second Review of the Extended Credit Facility
November 20, 2023

End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.
The Zambian authorities and the IMF team have reached a staff-level agreement on economic policies to conclude the second review of the 38-month Extended Credit Facility -supported program (ECF). Once the review is approved by IMF Management and completed by the Executive Board, Zambia will have access to about $184 million in financing (SDR 139.9 million)
Despite a challenging environment, the economy is showing resilience, with real GDP growth now projected at 4.3 percent in 2023 and 4.7 percent in 2024. External and domestic conditions have put pressure on the external balance and the exchange rate, raising inflation.
Economic policies will continue to focus on restoring macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, while protecting health, education, and social spending, safeguarding financial stability, and stepping up structural and governance reforms to unlock Zambia’s growth.

Washington, DC: A staff team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Ms. Vera Martin, IMF mission chief for Zambia, visited Lusaka from October 25th to November 8th, 2023, to discuss progress on economic and financial policies to in the context of the second Review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement. The arrangement was approved by the IMF Executive Board on August 31th 2022, for a total amount of SDR 978.2 million (about US$1.3 billion). The program is based on the authorities’ homegrown economic reforms that aims to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, and foster higher, more resilient, and more inclusive growth.

At the end of the mission Ms. Vera Martin issued the following statement:

“I am pleased to announce that the Zambian authorities and IMF staff team reached a staff-level agreement on the second review of Zambia’s economic program under the ECF arrangement. The staff-level agreement is subject to IMF Management approval and Executive Board consideration. Upon completion of the Executive Board review, Zambia would have access to SDR 139.9 million (about US$184 million), bringing the total IMF financial support disbursed under the arrangement to SDR 419.6 million (about US$555.7 million).

“Amidst challenging conditions, the Zambian economy has performed better than anticipated. Growth is expected to reach 4.3 percent in 2023 as non-mining non-agricultural growth is more than compensating for weak mining production this year. Inflation pressures persist despite a tighter monetary stance by the Bank of Zambia, driven by higher food and fuel prices and a sustained depreciation of the exchange rate. The current account balance is projected to deteriorate to a deficit of 1.8 percent of GDP in 2023, driven by lower mining exports receipts and strong import growth.

“The medium-term outlook remains favorable, supported by expanding mining production and the completion of the debt treatment plan, and hinges on proactive reform efforts. In a context of elevated global uncertainty, external downside risks arising from a weakened global economic outlook, commodity prices volatility and regional conflicts, prudent economic policies are warranted. Building external buffers remains important.”

“The Zambian authorities have made progress in implementing reforms under the Fund-supported program, including significant fiscal efforts in 2023, which are expected to continue in 2024, to address lower mining revenues. The primary balance (cash basis) in 2023 is projected at 0.2 percent of GDP, in line with program parameters. Fiscal targets for end-June were met supported by lower current spending and higher nonagricultural and non-mining revenues. Despite the consolidation, the authorities have upscaled social spending to support the most vulnerable and continue to provide free primary education. Near-term reform priorities should focus on perennial revenue measures and better cash and liability management that would reduce the financing needs, crucial to restore fiscal space and debt sustainability. In addition, strengthening tax administration, removing tax exemptions, and actively combating tax evasion can also contribute to improve revenues and governance.”

“Further tightening of monetary policy may be needed to contain inflationary pressures, while building reserves will enhance external resilience. The Bank of Zambia pursues reforms to enhance the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission through strengthening the monetary policy framework and its governance. The Bank of Zambia is also working on strengthening the banking sector and promoting financial inclusion.”

“Improving the business climate remains key for economic diversification and private sector-led growth and relies on continued efforts towards improving the anti-corruption framework and battling Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism; enhancing transparency, including in the energy and agricultural sector; and publishing beneficial ownership information for awarded government contracts.”

“We welcome the agreement on the MoU reached with official creditors and ongoing discussions with private creditors to reach an agreement on a debt treatment. We look forward to the authorities’ continued efforts to reach an agreement with all creditors in line with program parameters.”

“The IMF staff team is grateful to the authorities for the open and productive discussions. The team met with Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane, Governor Denny Kalyala, Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa, Secretary to the Treasury Felix Nkulukusa, Deputy Governor Francis Chipimo, other senior government officials, representatives of the private sector, civil society organizations and development partners. The team would like to thank the Zambian authorities for their cooperation, hospitality, and constructive discussions.”

MEDIA RELATIONS
PRESS OFFICER: NICOLAS MOMBRIAL

PHONE: +1 202 623-7100EMAIL: MEDIA@IMF.ORG

@IMFSpokesperson

DECLARE YOUR ASSETS AND MAKE THE DETAILS PUBLIC-USA AMBASSADOR

…citizens must play a key role in fighting corruption by demanding that your government act to enforce transparency and accountability..

NOVEMBER 20, 2023

Remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Zambia Michael C. Gonzales

Transparency International Zambia 2023 Anti-Corruption Conference, Livingstone, Zambia, November 20, 2023

(As prepared for delivery)

Good morning distinguished colleagues, ladies, and gentlemen. And please allow me to say, all protocols observed. It is an honor to be here today among so many professionals with the shared goal and challenge of combating corruption.

Corruption affects all levels of society and all nations. It erodes public trust in government and democratic institutions, deepens poverty and inequality, threatens public security, and stifles opportunity and democratic and economic growth. It affects people in virtually every aspect of their daily lives, draining vital resources.

Indeed, corruption is a global challenge that all governments face and there is no one way to tackle it. The United States is not immune. But the fundamental truth is that no organization or government can fight corruption without three key things: transparency, accountability, and political will. This is what I would like to focus on today.

Asset Declaration

When we speak about transparency and accountability, we must first understand the tools available to prevent conflicts of interest, corruption, and build public trust for and the integrity of government officials. One such tool is asset declaration, the topic I was specifically asked to speak about.

Currently, the Parliamentary and Ministerial Code of Conduct in Zambia requires Members of Parliament, the President, Vice President, cabinet and provincial ministers, and the Speaker of the National Assembly to declare their income and assets. This is a good start, recognizing the important role leaders play in setting the tone for accountable governance. But I would argue, this is not sufficient. I would argue that, to be effective, we must expand these requirements to include permanent secretaries, directors general, and all controlling officers and employees managing, responsible for, or involved in public procurement and contracts. Such an expansion would strengthen the public trust in government, particularly if these declarations included the income and assets of spouses and children – as we do with public disclosures in the United States – since we know their names are often used to hide illicit assets.

Let’s remember that the purpose of asset declarations is to prevent corruption by public officials and make it easier to hold those who do engage in public corruption to account. Asset declaration requirements are more effective if they are enshrined in law, and if officials completing these declarations sign them as sworn statements they can be used, if needed, in any legal proceedings. It is also necessary to have accountability officers review the annual declarations and compare them to previous years’ submissions to identify and seek explanations for changes. I would argue the declarations should be electronic to facilitate and automate the content analysis of these declarations and prevent collusion among filers and reviewers. I would go one step further in requiring that asset declarations be made available to the public to allow independent civil society to flag issues or conduct targeted audits or investigations. So, I call on the Zambian government to finalize and adopt new comprehensive asset declaration legislation within the next year.

While it’s important to require asset declarations, compliance and accountability are key. A March 2022 civil society review of the Asset Declaration Register at the Supreme Court found that only seven of Zambia’s 25 cabinet ministers and two of the 10 provincial ministers had declared their assets. This is only a 28 percent and 20 percent compliance rate, respectively. Where are the penalties for non-compliance by these high-level officials and who holds them accountable? It is inexcusable that those who are required to make such declarations have not done so. This government has gone to great pains to emphasize its focus on enforcement of the rule of law. But, again, leadership is not about only doing the bare minimum that is absolutely required by law, but to going beyond and doing what is right and needed to lead and shape reforms. So, wouldn’t it be powerful if President Hichilema, every sitting minister, and every permanent secretary proactively declared their assets now and did so annually for the remainder of their times in public service? Leadership is demonstrated through actions, not just words, and I urge the Zambian people to demand more from your leaders in terms of transparency and accountability.

USG Disclosure Requirements

In the United States, our government maintains rigorous asset declaration requirements for senior officials and employees working in procurement and with contracts and grants. Let me be clear, we have these safeguards in place because corruption is a human venture that is not limited to only certain countries or environments. I am so passionate about the fight against corruption because I have seen how it has deprived my country and the American people of the benefit of public resources, just like it does Zambia.

As U.S. Ambassador to Zambia, I am not exempt from asset declarations. In fact, every year I am required to file an electronic declaration outlining all my income, property, investment, and retirement assets, as well as those belonging to my spouse and children.

Asset disclosures for U.S. officials are publicly available. If you are curious – feel free to Google me and you will be able to find mine. That is accountability in action! But, I don’t only have to declare my assets and income because I’m the Ambassador. Every U.S. government employee – senior or junior – responsible for procurements or overseeing public contracts must declare their assets every year. These are scrutinized by our lawyers for compliance. This systemic approach makes all of us accountable for appropriate use of public funds.

As an example of this commitment to transparency, last year I got an e-mail from Washington notifying me that the U.S. government handed over more than 1,000 disclosure statements – including my own – to the Wall Street Journal following that newspaper’s request through our Freedom of Information Act, something akin to the Zambian draft Access to Information bill.

This exercise should not be something to shy away from or avoid – but to embrace. I commend Vice Present Nalumango, National Assembly Speaker Mutti, and those other officials who have made their declarations. Let’s press for full compliance now.

Beneficial Ownership

Another key tool available is beneficial ownership declarations. Declarations of assets require officials to disclose all sources of income, including benefits that they receive from a private business or company. We all know that those in prominent influential positions play a key role in creating and exploiting corruption vulnerabilities in the economy. The low compliance of beneficial ownership helps them to hide those companies which they may own which are bidding on government contracts…talk about a conflict of interest. When they win those contracts, the public is absolutely right in asking whether it was because their company provides the best value for money for the Zambian people, or whether it’s just their time to eat. So, when someone – say, the Information Minister’s husband – when their company continues to be awarded massive public contracts – say, for provision of fertilizer under FISP – not only is the public right in asking questions, but, transparent public tenders, declarations of beneficial ownership of companies, and asset declarations of public officials all play key roles in providing public confidence that the taxpayers got value. These tools provide credibility that the public servant is fully serving the people. And, these tools help us highlight if or when the government officials is a crook and to hold them accountable.

Ensuring transparency in beneficial ownership is, therefore, a critical component to making asset declaration efforts real. Currently, compliance with beneficial ownership requirements among registered companies in Zambia stands at about 15 percent, so there is much work to be done. Again, I ask, where is the accountability? How much was PACRA budgeted in order to maintain this registry or is it just a charade?

Transparent public procurement processes, combined with establishing electronic linkages between asset declarations and beneficial ownership would clarify who benefits from public procurement contracts and confirm whether they disclosed these assets in their declarations. This strengthens the integrity of the public procurement process and builds citizen trust that government is using public money for their intended purpose and not for personal gain.

Media Role/Access to Information (ATI)

Media and civil society also play a critical role in promoting transparency, as evidenced by the presence today of so many interested activists at this conference. However, to be effective in their fight against corruption and to build public trust in government, information must be made available. I commend the government for moving the Access to Information Bill to Parliament; that is a notable reform towards greater public accountability. But, a law with the right title and bad content that simply provides a veneer of benefit while further entrenching government’s ability to withhold information is a failure and should be an offense to the public. I am concerned that several recent edits to the Access to Information bill that were made before being tabled to Parliament remove key provisions that are vital to the legislation being a meaningful tool for accountable and democratic governance. If passed and implemented, a solid Access to Information law will promote transparency and public accountability by allowing civil society and media to scrutinize information and ask the hard questions.

Civil society and media should not be considered adversarial “watchdogs” keeping government in check, but a critical “guard dog” supporting and enabling government to deliver on its anti-corruption commitments while being vehicles for informing the public of that work.

Passage of quality Access to Information legislation is a critical step to empower media and civil society to leverage the transparency ATI will mandate to analyze government actions and identify corruption.

I urge Members of Parliament to carefully review the bill, along with civil society and public comment, and strongly consider the benefits this increased transparency will have on public trust and government efforts to stamp out corruption. I hope MPs carefully consider comments from the public and civil society, especially on the need for proactive disclosure to ensure that information is publicly available, a supremacy clause within the ATI given the probability of inconsistency with other acts, immunity for information officers who disclose information in good faith, as well an empowered commission as an arbiter of disputes regarding compliance whose decisions are binding.

Accountability and Enforcement

In addition to transparency – particularly in public procurements – and asset declarations by public officials, increased accountability is essential to effectively combat corruption.

There must be consequences for individuals who abuse their public positions for personal gain. They must lose their jobs, their assets, and/or their freedom. The costs of corruption must exceed the financial gain if we are going to stem corrupt practices. Remember when I mentioned that I must file disclosures every year? The consequence for even filing my disclosure late is $200 (4,000 kwacha). Penalties for failing to file, or for filing false claims include fines of up to $70,000 (1.4 million kwacha) in addition to potential criminal charges.

I commend the ACC for its notable increase in corruption-related investigations and prosecutions. I would argue though that the government’s proposed five percent budget increase for the ACC is insufficient to provide the resources and additional staff the ACC needs to effectively investigate corruption. How can we justify the Anti-Corruption Commission having fewer than 300 employees country-wide to investigate and prosecute corruption cases as well as conduct the necessary oversight and scrutiny of these declarations to prevent the perpetuation of corrupt practices?

Investigating and arresting former officials is appropriate and expected when there is convincing evidence. And over the past decade during which corruption was effectively industrialized by senior officials in government, there is a deep, deep pool of former officials to be held accountable. Because, let’s be honest, when you go into public office having a modest house in a compound, and you leave office with $400,000 in cash laying around the house that you need to pass it to your niece for safe keeping, it calls into question where that money came from, because it wasn’t just your government salary! And if it came from corrupt practices or abuse of office, there must be accountability.

But it’s important there be comparable attention and investigations to ensure accountable government among current administration officials and political leaders as well. We are still waiting to see convictions of current administration officials for corruption. When the PS repeatedly cancels and re-issues the high-value procurement, selecting a limited cohort of allowed bidders, it’s a problem. When a minister’s son or nephew routinely pressures companies in his father’s or uncle’s sector to give them money to secure licenses or concessions, it’s a problem. Let us demonstrate that indeed there are no sacred cows and that no one is above the law. But we all know that despite the lovely words, the Zambian people are only going to believe it when accountability is held, when corrupt officials lose their jobs, their assets, and their freedom.

While it takes time for investigations to accumulate sufficient evidence to prosecute, I urge the government to demonstrate its political will by empowering its anti-corruption, law enforcement, and prosecutorial bodies to ensure accountability and justice are not only retrospective but introspective and that they are not just words but actions. ACC is not going to do it with a small and under-resourced staff. So, funding and equipping Zambia’s accountability institutions now – while Parliament is still deliberating on the national budget – is absolutely vital to delivering the action that builds a stronger government, strengthens citizen trust, and enhances credibility of leadership.

Why this Matters?

The reforms I suggested today are tried and true steps implemented by governments around the world to promote transparency and accountability and reduce corruption that robs from citizens.

And that brings me to the question why should we care? Why should Zambians care? By promoting transparency and accountability in public procurement, the government can prevent the introduction of expired medicines that can harm and kill Zambians; prevent the construction of shoddy and unsafe roads that put drivers at risk; and avoid public infrastructure debts that Zambian children and grandchildren will be forced to pay.

The ACC estimates that between 2005 and 2018, Zambia lost $34 billion through mis-invoicing, especially in the mining sector. That’s 680 billion kwacha. That means that in the past 15 years, a full one-and-a-half years’ worth of the entire country’s productivity went into the pockets of corrupt officials and businessmen! How many schools and hospitals could that have been built with those funds? How many new jobs and investments in agriculture could have been supported? What would the price of mealie meal be today if even a fraction of that $34 billion was invested in productive agriculture? Zambia would have zero debt today! Transparency and accountability build public trust in government by ensuring precious financial resources are used as intended.

I encourage the government to follow through on its commitments to implement the institutional reforms that will bring the transparency and accountability that is required to successfully combat corruption.

Regardless of your position, every one of you here today has a key role to play in fighting corruption.

The Zambian people – you, yourselves – can play a key role fighting corruption by demanding that your government act to enforce transparency and accountability.

I wish you all the best of success with this important conference. Thank you.

HH URGES FOREIGN, ZAMBIAN BUSINESSES TO COLLABORATE

Republican President Hakainde Hichilema has urged foreign investors to collaborate with local partners in Zambia, emphasizing that it is a key avenue for sustainable economic development and business growth in the country.

President Hichilema, alongside other Heads of State and dignitaries, addressed the high-level gathering of the German business community at the ongoing G20 Compact with Africa conference in Berlin this morning.

Highlighting investment opportunities across various sectors of the Zambian economy, the Head of State underscored the importance of joint ventures between foreign and local investors as a reliable model for sustainable economic development that benefits all parties.

President Hichilema encouraged the European business community to explore Africa’s abundant natural resources. However, he stressed the significance of processing and value addition within African countries to generate local jobs and foster the expansion of local economies.

Furthermore, President Hakainde reiterated the necessity for reasonably priced capital for African countries, countering the current scenario where the financial risk profiles for African countries are excessively high, leading to elevated costs.

In a significant commitment, the German government has pledged over 4 billion Euros in investment in African countries by 2030. The investment spans sectors such as energy, infrastructure, mining, agriculture, and tourism.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz assured the gathering that these financial commitments were not loans but direct investments, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between the economies. Mr. Scholz emphasized the potential for Africa’s young population to acquire skills that contribute to global economic development.

This is contained in a statement issued by Clayson Hamasaka, Chief Communications Specialist at State House.

EUROBOND HOLDERS FUME

…After Zambia informs London Stock Exchange, Debt Reschedule with bondholders cannot be implemented….

Zambia External Bondholder Steering Committee Statement regarding Ofricial Creditors Committee (OCC) stance on Comparability of Treatment

US and Europe, November 20, 2023

The Zambia External Bondholder Steering Committee (“the Committee”) is very disappointed and deeply concerned with recent developments with regard to implementing an agreement with the Government of Zambia (the “Government”) on a restructuring of Zambia’s
(i)US$750,000,000 5.375 per cent. Notes due 2022,

(ii) US$1,000,000,000 8.500 per cent. Notes due 2024 and

(iii) USS1,250,000,000 8.970 per cent. Amortising Notes due 2027.

The Committee and the Government announced on Thursday, 26 October that an agreement-in-principle (“AIP”) on restructuring terms had been reached after many months of collaborative, but also very challenging, discussions.

The proposed provided the Government with significant cash flow and debt stock relief to support that the
restoration of macro-economic and debt sustainability.

Notably both Zambia and the Committee agreed AIP was compatible with the targets and parameters of the Debt Sustainability Analysis embedded in the approved program and the Comparability of Treatment principle as agreed with the
International Monetary Fund (“IMF”), Official Creditor Committee (the “0CC”), as confirmed in the Government’s press statement of 26 October.

Following the announcement of the AIP, the IMF requested certain adjustments to the AlP to ensure the fullest possible compatibility with the IMF targets and parameters.

The Committee re-engaged in negotiations and revisited the agreed AIP to ensure full IMF support.

The Government confirmed that the revised AIP (the “Revised AIP”) published by the Government earlier today is compatible with the IMF program parameters and debt sustainability targets.

In light of the additional concessions made in the Revised AIP, the Committee has been deeply disappointed to learn that at a meeting on 17 November, the OCC concluded that the Revised Proposal still does not meet its interpretation of the Comparability of Treatment criteria.

The Committee’s Revised AIP provides for more debt relief on an NPV basis than that of the OCC (in addition to providing significant upfront debt forgiveness, while no principal debt reduction is forthcoming from the OCC), ensuring that this would more than meet any reasonable interpretation of Comparability of Treatment.

In particular, as set out in the Appendix, the Revised AIP exceeds the net present value effort provided by the OCC by a small margin in the “base case” and a significant margin in the “upside case”, using the OCC’s own methodology.

We understand that the OCC Co-chairs indicated that they view the Revised AIP as not being comparable with the memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) agreed between the OCC and the Government, despite:
(i)) the IMF’s position that the revised proposal meets IMF program parameters and DSA targets; and

(i) the fact that the Government views the Revised AIP (as it did the original AIP) as comparable with the OCC’s concessions under the MOU.

The MOU is not a public document.

The Committee notes that it has been frustrated by this and the current process which requires reliance on the OCC’s assessment of comparability in circumstances where a lack of transparency prohibits discussion or independent assessment of comparability by bondholders.

Further, we understand that there was no consensus amongst the OCC members as to what would be required from bondholders to comply with their interpretation of the Comparability of Treatment principle.

In any event, in taking the position it has, the OCC is demanding debt relief from commercial creditors that is materially higher than either the Government or the IMF deem necessary to restore debt sustainability.

In doing so it is creating very clear inter-creditor equity issues and is going far beyond the OCC’s envisaged role under the Common Framework in verifying Comparability of Treatment. This is inconsistent with the Common Framework.
This is an extraordinary position to take and will have significant adverse consequences, most immediately for Zambia. It will also completely undermine the already diminishing credibility of the Common Framework. No bondholder will accept official bilateral creditors seeking to re-negotiate the terms of the restructuring agreement they reach with a sovereign debtor in circumstances where the IMF has confirmed that an agreement already meets its own requirements for restoring debt sustainability.

It is not for official bilateral ereditors to dictate debt terms to other creditors in circumstances where the Government has confirmed Comparability of Treatment.

Given the fiduciary duty they owe their clients, the Committee cannot possibly consider or countenance providing more debt relief than is necessary to restore debt sustainability as defined by the IMF.

The Revised AIP had been finely calibrated to meet the IMF program, and the Government’s own, annual constraints.

This requires implementation in 2023. The regrettable additional delays resulting from the position taken by the OCC now make it very challenging to resolve the situation in a sufficiently timely manner to allow for an agreement with bondholders to be implemented within the required timeframe.

The Committee continues to stand ready and willing to implement the Revised AIP, supported by the Government and the IME, if a way can be found to obtain OCC support or otherwise proceed with the debt restructuring Zambia so urgently needs.

Members of the Committee include the following asset managers (acting either directly or on behalf of funds or other accounts they manage): Amia Capital LLP; Amundi (UK) Limited; RBC BlueBay Asset Management: Farallon Capital Management, LLC; Greylock Capital Management, LLC.

By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA CANCELS MEETING WITH ZAMBIANS IN ITALY

Rome-Monday, 20th November 2023

The Zambian Embassy In Italy has informed the Zambian Community in Italy that President Hakainde Hichilema has cancelled their scheduled meeting.

Many Zambians have travelled from other cities and towns and have arrived in Rome for the meeting with the President.

They have however, expressed deep disappointment to learn that the meeting has been cancelled and the sudden turn of events at the last hour.

This afternoon, the Embassy wrote;

“Dear fellow Zambians,
The Embassy of Zambia regrets to inform you all that the meeting
that was scheduled for tomorrow 21st November, for the President
of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema to meet Zambians living in ltaly has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances”

“The Embassy is aware of the sacrifices made that many had
already made in order to attend the meeting”.

“We are also aware of the great effort put in by the Executive of
Zambians living in ltaly in order to contribute to the success of the
meeting. The overwhelming support from each one of you is truly
appreciated.”

“It is our sincere hope that such a meeting shall be
held in the near future”.

Zambians in Italy have expressed shock and disappointment at the sudden turn of events.

“It was too good to be true: My first feeling of enthusiasm of meeting the Presidente and the businessmen and women coming from Zambia just to a sense of disappointment and anger, with the feeling of not being respected as well as a community. we could have preferred being informed in time at least enough that all these meeting were not possible. I can’t just understand the reasons given in this letter to explain this treatment that we have received here in Italy.”

“We need deserve much better. this time it’s has been a disappointment: One Zambia one nation.”

Another senior member said;

“The issue is with the President not even the Embassy or our Association, we did everything they asked of us and followed all instructions and directives only to be told this at the end…I flew in today because of this otherwise my plan was to come back from Zambia this month end…”

When President Hichilema visited Rome and the Vatican, he failed to meet the Zambian Community that was organised in advance.

Last week the Executive of the Zambian Community in Italy shared the good news and wrote to their members;

“Greetings! We are excited to announce that His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, the Republican President of Zambia, along with the private local businesses entourage, will be visiting Italy on November 21st of this year (next week Tuesday). “

“This is an excellent opportunity for Zambians living in Italy to meet and interact with the President and to discuss matters related to the country’s development and investments through the Diaspora’s lens.”

“We extend a warm invitation to all Zambians living in Italy to attend this historic event. The President is keen to engage with the Zambian community in Italy and would appreciate your presence at his visit. The event will take place at a place yet to be communicated in Rome starting promptly at 6:00 PM.”

“We look forward to a successful visit and to seeing you there!”

This is the second roll that he has failed to meet the diaspora community.

PF & UPND ALLIANCE RUMOURS ARE FAKE & DELIBERATE PROPAGANDA BY A CLIQUE OF JAIL BOUND FORMER PF MINISTERS & THEIR LOOT BENEFICIARY CADRES

19.11.2023

Been prompted to issue this statement after a number of inbox inquiries from those amongst us that are gullible from professional propagandists most of whom somehow briefly found their way into the Zambian political arena. In reality they have no role to play on top or bottom of the politics segments of Zambia other than to cook lies to sustain their presence.

This so to maintain some space to continue stealing public resources for their personal pockets at the expense of the poor majority. Despite their relevance having expired in August of 2022 and as it was then, they have never known or learnt how to concede defeat. The known now former PF hijacker have since resolted to desperate last kicks propaganda preaching directly or through paid surrogates that Miles Sampa wants PF in an alliance with UPND.

It’s all Lies as it’s them that were about to sell PF to a smaller party for their personal gain. Evidence is in public domain.

In the profile pic was about 2004 when the PF founder President Michael Sata and the UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema conferred as main opposition leaders to the then MMD government led by Rupiah Banda (MHSRIEP). Big difference herein to current status quo in that now one of the two (PF) is in opposition and the other (UPND) is the ruling party.

For us we will never even attend a meeting discussing diluting the PF more so towards ruling or any other party. It will never happen as that would be betraying both Zambians & Michael Sata. We have an emotional and inescapable duty to one day get the PF back into government where Michael Sata left the boat and hijackers carelessly got it removed from power. This happened purely due to their greed, corruption and sponsorship of violent cadres into public domains like markets and bus stations.

The sponsors of above headlined lies are those former PF leaders that lost in elections in 2021 and also recently had their clique lose at the PF primaries at the extra ordinary general conference held on Zambia’s independence Day anniversary 24th October 2023. They continue to live in denial of their circumstances and current realities. Their only remaining ammunition is sponsoring false hood and propapdaga. The same tactic that did not help them win public votes in 2023.

If it’s not us in Gods’ plans to take PF back into power, the new PF leader that will replace us will indeed one day get to take the PF back into power.

PF in opposition is vital and good on behalf of Zambians for the much needed checks and balances on the ruling UPND. An alliance with the ruling UPND is therefore impossible in the period under Miles Bwalya Sampa as the opposition PF President.

We urge all true PF members especially those that never or refused to benefit from their government coffers stolen money to dispel such propaganda with the contempt it deserves .

Issued by;

Miles Bwalya Sampa, MP
Patriotic Front (PF) President

By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

Zambia informs London Stock Exchange, Debt Reschedule with bondholders cannot be implemented

The Government of the Republic of Zambia announces that a restructuring agreement with its Eurobond holders cannot be implemented at this time

The Government of the Republic of Zambia (the “Government”) announces today that, following the agreement in principle (“AIP”) reached with the Steering Committee of the Ad Hoc Group of Bondholders (the “S teering Committee”) on 26h October, the authorities and their advisors conducted consultations with the country’s Official Creditor Committee (the “OcC) and the staff of the International Monetary Fund (the “IMF Staff).

The 0CC, through its Co-chairs, concluded that Comparability of Treatment would not be achieved in the Base Case scenario, although would be achieved in the Upside Case scenario.

The OCC stated that the AIP, despite similar present value concessions to the deal agreed between the Government and the OCC, was not in compliance with the Comparability of Treatment in the Base Case scenario due to a shorter extension of the duration and lower contribution to the closing of the balance of payment financing gap during the IMF program period. The fact that bondholders have agreed to nominal face value concessions (“haircut”), while the OCC members have not, is not considered a mitigating factor since the haircut is not part of the criteria listed in the G-20 Common Framework to assess Comparability of Treatment.

In addition, the IMF Staff assessment showed that the AIP with bondholders would breach the DSA targets.

The debt service-to-revenues ratio would reach 16.7 percent in 2025, 2.7 percentage points higher than the 14 percent target, while the present value of the debt stock-to-exports ratio would be marginally breached (by 1 percentage point), at 85 percent in 2027.

In light of these reservations, the Government and the Steering Committee continued their engagement over the past week and discussed possible amendments to the AIP.

During these discussions, the Steering Committee made a revised proposal attached hereto as Annex A (the “Revised Proposal”), which the Government has duly consid er ed.

The Government views the Revised Proposal as compatible with the objective of restoring debt sustainability and with the principle of Comparability of Treatment.

In parallel, the authorities and their advisors also engaged with the IMF Staff and the 0CC Secretariat.

The IMF Staff advised the Government that the Revised Proposal, if implemented, would be compatible with the IMF program parameters and debt sustainab ility targets.After being notified of the outcome of the consultations with the OCC, the Steering Committee confirmed that any additional concession on their part was not possible. In the Steering Committee’s view, the Revised Proposal met the IMF program parameters and the debt sustainability targets and met the Comparability of Treatment criteria as it already delivered a present value effort higher than the OCC by 2 percentage points in the Base Case and 6 percentage points in the Upside Case.1

Notwithstanding a comprehensive agreement on the Revised Proposal between the Government and the Steering Committee, as well as an agreement with the IMF Staff in relation to the program parameters and debt sustainability targets, the Government currently does not have the support of the OCC and is unable to move forward at this time with the implementation of the restructuring with the Bondhold ers.

The Government regrets that discussions with bondholders have not yet yielded an agreement that could be supported by all of its stalkeholders.

The Government is committed to continuing its efforts to find a satisfactory solution that avoids further costly delays in completing the country’s debt restructuring.

In this context, the Government intends to continue discussions in good faith with all relevant parties on how it can reach a successful and comprehensive debt restructuring.

This announcement is made by the Government of the Republic of Zambia and constitutes a public disclosure ofinside information under Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (16 April 2014).
ANNEX A: REVISED PROPOSAL

Kambwili has exhausted everything on his plate, says Mampa

By Oliver Chisenga

CHISHIMBA Kambwili has given himself up for hire, UPND member Happy Mampa has charged.

He has warned against taking Kambwili seriously, describing the former Roan member of parliament as “a political clown who is easily moved by material things”.

Mampa recalled how Kambwili misled Zambians through his vocal outbursts and criticism of Edgar Lungu and the PF regime.

“Kambwili by all means should shut up and allow the UPND government work. As much as all Zambians have the right to speak, Kambwili has exhausted everything on his plate, that’s why he is now, just like prior to the 2021 elections, is talking about tribalism,’’ Mampa said in a statement. ‘’The man does not have anything new to say. If you listen to his style of politics, it’s empty. Zambians trusted him to be their saviour but because of his greed, he switched back to the PF for a price … the story is well known.”

Mampa said Kambwili’s inconsistent political standing saw him abandon his party, the National Democratic Congress, which was doing well and a hope to many Zambians when the PF regime under Lungu would stop at nothing to attack whoever spoke against its brutal governance style.

He further recalled that Kambwili, who later teamed up with then opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND in an alliance in an effort to “liberate” Zambia, spoke for the voiceless.

“The former political heavyweight, now tired and retired politician honourable Chishimba Kambwili is a comedian and political clown. Kambwili above all is the chief tribalist who has for some time now transgressed against the Zambian laws regarding tribalism. Don’t be surprised if the law visits this loud mouthed tired politician and he will have himself to blame,’’ Mampa said. ‘’Ba Kambwili was one person who suffered so much at the hands of the PF regime to an extent of undressing both his wife and daughter but because of his selfish interests, lack of direction and focus he went back to his vomit.”

Mampa further remembered how Kambwili on various television and radio interviews told Zambians to refer to him as a “lunatic” if he went back to the PF.

“He told us to regard him as a lunatic if he went back to the PF, stating that he was a principled man, but which principles was he talking about? Today he even has the audacity to condemn and castigate NGOCC, condemn the women and organisations that stood for him when his wife, our mother, was stripped naked by the cadres in uniform disguised as the police,’’ said Mampa. ‘’That was pure police brutality. His daughter was left half naked by the police and the same NGOCC he is condemning today spoke against the brutality on his family. Mr Kambwili, the Zambian people are not as dull as you think.”

We are going to hold hands with you in developing this country, Chanda tells HH

By Fanny Kalonda

WE are going to hold hands with you in working and developing this country and we dare to continue building against all odds, Kanchibiya PF member of parliament Sunday Chanda promises President Hakainde Hichilema.

Chanda said it is a misjudgment to politicise the Constituency Development Fund in the country.

“There is time for everything. It is time to work,” he added.

In a vote of thanks during the handover of the 156 CDF police vehicles to all constituencies on Friday at Lusaka Showgrounds, Chanda commended President Hichilema for aggressively pushing the decentralisation agenda.

“The people of Zambia today can talk about Kanchibiya because we have said yes to development. Because of the expanded scope of the Constituency Development Fund, we have said to ourselves that development is apolitical. We have said to ourselves that it is misjudgment to politicise the constituency development funds because Mr President what you have done in expanding and increasing the scope of the CDF is unprecedented. Mr President those of us with a gift of knowledge and wisdom understand that under the face of the earth there is time for everything. It is time to work,” he said.

“The 156 vehicles we are receiving today Mr President will go a long way in improving security in our constituencies. I represent a constituency Mr President with zero police presence. Through the Constituency Development Fund we are constructing a police facility which is nearing completion and this vehicle comes in to coincide with the handover of that particular facility.”

Chanda said people in Kanchibiya understand that Rome was not built in one day adding that they also understand President Hichilema’s vision and are going to run with it.

“There are those who have said Mr President that the people of Kanchibiya have dramatised CDF. We have not dramatised CDF. We have not played propaganda with CDF. We have stated as a matter of fact because it is our duty to communicate and to inform whenever we are using public resources prudently. Your Excellency Mr President we want to commend you for aggressively pushing the decentralisation agenda. The royal highnesses from Kanchibiya Constituency, and I speak for his royal highness senior chief Kopa, I speak for chief Kabinga, chief Luchembe, chief Mpempo, we are all agreed that the bottom up approach is the way to go and I know when I say this I speak on behalf of my fellow members of parliament who are present here and those who have not availed themselves at this particular function,” said Chanda.

“Our people Mr President can now be empowered to determine their own destinies through decentralisation and the increased scope of CDF. Those of us from Kanchibiya Mr President do understand that Rome was not built in a day but much as Rome was not built in a day we are going to hold hands with you in working and developing this country and we dare to continue building against all odds. We understand the vision even as captured in the national anthem, a land of work and joy in unity, all one strong and free.

Your Excellency we understand your vision and we’re going to run with it because it’s the vision for the Zambian people. And so between now and then, we shall not play politics. We are holding hands to bring development to our people. The development they so much require. In conclusion Your Excellency, I’ll be failing in my duty if I do not state that we are your co-labourers. That we are your co-workers. That we are your co-servants as elected representatives of the people of Zambia.”- The Mast

BE PROFESSIONAL IG MUSAMBA
…but you should not be afraid of anyone, advises Hichilema

By Fanny Kalonda

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says the law does not recognise who is a politician or leader of a political party but recognises that people operate within the rule of law.

He says people should not hide behind politics to get away with things.

Handing over 156 CDF police vehicles to all the constituencies in the country on Friday at Lusaka Showgrounds, President Hichilema asked Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba to investigate issues before arresting people but he should not be afraid of anyone.

“…we can’t hide behind politics and expect to get away with it. Me when I was in opposition I used to receive call-outs to call me out in Kasama I used to go there. No problem. Call-out in Livingstone, I used to go there. Call-out in Isoka, I used to go there because I’m a law abiding citizen as I am now. That’s what I was then but today we are breaking the law and saying no, no, no, no don’t call me. Inspector General Musamba don’t call me because I’m a leader of a political party. Aikona man (no ways). I have also said to the Inspector General of Police, now I can say one or two things I wanted to keep confidential, I said to him ‘first investigate. Leave people alone, investigate the crime. Here are the vehicles to help you investigate the crime. Don’t arrest anyone before you investigate. Once you have investigated, you are ready to arrest, arrest. Once you have arrested take people to court quickly. If the matter is bailable let the court give them bail. Let them go home and prosecute from there. That is professionalism’. We don’t want to digress our time to side issues, sideshows where people want to make a name by breaking the law. No, no, no, no, no. Let us be professional Inspector General of Police but you should not be afraid of anyone,” he said. “So I think we are getting there. We are working in an organised way. We are getting there. The law does not recognise who is a politician. The law does not recognise who is the leader of a political party. The law does not recognise who is what. The law simply recognises a human being who should operate within the rule of law. You transgress the law, do not cross lines, don’t say you cannot – the police should not get to you because you are a leader of a political party. Aikona man.”

He said he has told his children and wife Mutinta to behave the same way as everyone in society.

“My wife and myself and my children cannot go to a public place and start attacking people because I’m the President of Zambia. The law does not allow that. The law does not allow me to steal. The law does not recognise who is a child of a head of state. It does not. Who is the child of a minister, who is the child of a president of a political party. Who is a leader of a political party. The law does not distinguish. If there’s a quarrel in the home, the law does not recognise who your mother is, who your father is; where you were born; what language you speak. If you contravene the law, the law and the police will come in. It does not matter. And we are making a big difference. But because my wife is wife of the President she can go and insult fellow women no, the law will visitor her,” he said. “I tell my wife you must behave well, behave correctly, don’t break the law because the law will visit you. The police will come and send you a call out. I tell my children that behave properly in the community there because when you break the law you can’t run to me as my son or my daughter. The law will come and visit you. So behave yourself, that’s what I tell my children. Inspector General of Police there is no label on anyone’s forehead to say this one can break the law with impunity. If you are a leader of a political party behave yourself. Behave within the law, that’s all. As I am the leader of UPND I must behave myself as the leader of UPND. [I] Must behave myself as the President of this country. I must lead by example. Please citizens don’t fall in the trap of being misled. We want a discourse in the country that is decent. We want conduct in the country that is respectful.”

President Hichilema said the government took a decision that decentralisation is central to delivery of services to citizens.

“Let’s make decentralisation work. If it’s limping somewhere, let’s fix that limp. Decentralisation is a very important aspect that has been missing yet talked about over the years. Previous governments have talked about decentralisation but did not walk the talk. This government took a decision that decentralisation is central to delivery of services to citizens. Services closer to where the people live and that is an important aspect of serving the people and this government acknowledges that aspect of service delivery to the people of Zambia,” he said. “If there’s a shortage of skill there, let’s take those colleagues to those schools, to those institutes that is the connection between the policies and what we’re doing on the ground. And so yesterday (Thursday) I came back from Sesheke feeling a very happy citizen and I’m saying if the country was doing these things in the last 10 years, today the country would have been a different place. A better place no question about it. We want to see this decentralisation not just deliver skills but deliver business opportunities and create businessmen and women, young women, men in our localities. That is what my message will be today. But all of this going on, improvements continuing, is not possible if we have no security in our areas. If there’s criminality, if criminals are taking over our local communities. They will steal motors from trades training institutes…”

President Hichilema said the vehicles should respond to the needs of the communities around the country in maintaining law and order.

“My message to the Inspector General of Police, the command structure, is that now with these vehicles we should be able to respond to the call from the communities to maintain law and order. Again part of the decentralisation, local communities I didn’t say calls from Lusaka, calls from State House, calls from minister’s office, I am saying calls from ordinary members of the community,” he said.

He added that next year government will be distributing ambulances in the same way.

“Not long ago we were delivering CDF vehicles so development efforts on one hand and on the other law and order. Next year we are going to come here to hand over ambulances for each constituency. So within a short time we will have CDF monitoring vehicle for development, we will have the police vehicle for law and order, security and safety, then we will have ambulance so that our people who are ill can be taken to a higher level hospital quickly, safely and will save their lives. That is it,” said President Hichilema. “Minister of Home Affairs [Jack Mwiimbu], Minister of Local Government [Gary Nkombo] I have come to understand that Zambians got used to disorder. So as we bring order people begin to think that is not normal because what was normal was disorder. So as we normalise society people are complaining that ‘no this, that’. We will continue on this trajectory as we move towards a law abiding country. A law abiding country where people can do business even at 01:00 [hours]. We are moving to open borders 24/7 so that borders can wake in the night, trade and investment can happen in the night. But that is only possible where criminality is brought under control. And that’s why we have these vehicles. I have the pleasure to now officially hand over these vehicles not 10 of them to 10 constituencies, not hundred of them but 156 to all the constituencies of Zambia. That is the way we understand serving the country fairly, equitably, no segregation because we are all citizens. 156 vehicles, I now officially say we hand over to you the police and look after them so that they can last longer and they can deliver the services.”- The Mast

Miles Bwalya Sampa has vehemently dismissed recent claims suggesting a potential alliance between PF and the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND). Addressing concerns raised by some propagandists through social media and private messages, Sampa clarified that such assertions were baseless and part of a deliberate misinformation campaign orchestrated by individuals with expired political relevance.

Sampa, in a detailed statement, expressed concern over the persistence of false narratives propagated by former PF leaders whose influence waned after the 2021 elections. He accused them of attempting to sustain a presence in the Zambian political landscape by disseminating lies, alleging that their real motive is to divert attention from their dubious activities, including alleged embezzlement of public funds.

“It’s all lies as it’s them that were about to sell PF to a smaller party for their personal gain. Evidence is in the public domain,” stated Sampa.

The PF President emphasized that his allegiance lies with the principles established by PF founder President Michael Sata. He refuted any claims of discussions aimed at diluting PF, asserting that the party’s ultimate goal is to regain governmental power for the benefit of the Zambian people.

Sampa underscored the importance of PF’s role in opposition, emphasizing its role in providing checks and balances on the ruling UPND. He stated unequivocally that an alliance with UPND, especially during his tenure as PF President, is impossible.

“We have an emotional and inescapable duty to one day get the PF back into government where Michael Sata left the boat and hijackers carelessly got it removed from power. This happened purely due to their greed, corruption, and sponsorship of violent cadres into public domains like markets and bus stations,” Sampa affirmed.

The PF President urged genuine party members to disregard the propaganda and remain focused on the party’s objectives. He assured them that PF in opposition serves a crucial role in safeguarding the interests of Zambians.

The statement concluded by acknowledging the possibility that if it is not in the current leadership’s destiny to return PF to power, a future PF leader will eventually achieve that goal. The commitment to the party’s principles and its founder’s vision remains unwavering.

Who are they shielding in gold scandal, asks Kateka

By Ernest Chanda

NEW Heritage Party president Chishala Kateka has questioned the state’s motive of seeking to have the gold case heard in camera when it is a matter of national interest.

Recently, chief State advocate Nkumbiza Mumba applied that the proceedings in which business man Shareck Kasanda is one of the suspects be held in camera, claiming that there is sensitive information associated with the case that cannot warrant an open court hearing.

But Kateka wondered why what the State was hiding from the public.

‘’The question is why? What do they not want revealed to the public? Who are they shielding,’’ she said in a statement? ‘’Dear ‘the State’ – expect these and many more of such questions from Zambians as this is a very high profile case and is of great national interest. Zambians want to know that their wealth is safe and also want to know who is involved amongst the bigwigs in ‘the State’. This request by ‘the State’ will raise a lot of questions and this will not bode well for them. There is a lot of distrust in the country (what with all the various lies that the nation has been told) from the State right now. So this move by ‘the State’ is just going to further fuel the already existing mistrust.’’

She said when the case started the government treated it as a matter of public interest.

Kateka recalled how some names from State House came up as the case was being concretised.

‘’When the Goldgate scam broke and Kasanda with the Egyptians were caught and put in cells. It became a case of national interest. As more people relating to the same were rounded up and it transpired that some names from State House were mentioned, people’s curiosity was stirred up.

When it was revealed that the impounded plane/s were parked at the Presidential pavilion, this set tongues really wagging,’’ said Kateka. ‘’Fast forward, the case is going to court and the unthinkable is happening. It has transpired that the State has urged the Lusaka High Court to conduct an in-camera trial in this regard. Chief State Advocate NKUMBIZA MUMBA has applied that the proceedings must be held in camera, claiming that there is sensitive information associated with the case that cannot warrant an open court hearing.

Ms. MUMBA has told the court that such information would not only be prejudicial to the interest of the state but also sensitive to some members of public.’’

EDGAR SEEKS MEETING WITH PRESIDENT HICHILEMA

Former President Edgar Lungu’s emissaries on Friday night met Republican President Hakainde Hichilema requesting for a meeting between the two leaders and bury their differences.

The emissaries sent by Edgar Lungu to Community House comprised some clergymen mainly under Christians for Lungu and have been persuading the former President to rescind his decision to rejoin politics and assume his role as a statesman deserving local and international assignments in peacekeeping and other missions.

“There is a strong feeling by traditional leaders and some church leaders who feel Edgar Lungu made an emotional decision when he was made to read some speech at late President Michael Sata’s graveyard to return to active politics. They feel Edgar will just polarise the political environment and further weaken the PF. There’s also a feeling Edgar has no more appeal to the Zambian public hence he should just be a statesman”, sources close to the talks have revealed.

It is believed that President Hakainde Hichilema told them he had no grudges against anyone and was ready to meet his brother Edgar Lungu and indeed other opposition political parties in a genuine atmosphere for the good of the country.

President Hichilema even told them he was very much aware of the challenges citizens were going through hence his tireless efforts to resolve the hardships.

He reminded them of need to work together especially that the economic difficulties were mainly brought about the past mistakes and the current global economy crisis such as increase in global prices.

The President told them he would have loved to fully take care of his brother and engage him in some key missions to resolving regional and international issues while him as president concentrates on local issues.

The emissaries were very happy with the spirit of the meeting and promised to revert back to the President once they have delivered the message to back to Edgar Lungu. President Hichilema said he was available anytime once he returns from his trip in Europe.

-Zambia Eagle

PF PRESIDENT MILES SAMPA TO SUE TWO MAMBWE VILLAGERS HIRED BY FORMER MAMBWE MP & DESPERATE MONEY MONGER LAWYER MAKEBI ZULU TO DEFAME THE NEW PF PRESIDENT WITH FAKE DEMANDS OF K250,000 EACH WHEN HE OWES THEM NOTHING

Monday 20th November, 2023

Makebi Zulu was Miles Sampa’s lawyer in 2014 and represented him in the case vs Edgar Lungu after 2 PF conventions were held in Kabwe on the same weekend. This was after the demise of the PF founder Michael Sata (MHSRIEP).

All the legal argument were in favour of Miles Sampa more so that bonafide PF officials from all 10 Provinces attended the convention that he was voted in. ECL’s convention was attended by thugs from Intercity and simply raised hands and no other candidate was allowed to attend. Miles Sampa’s event followed the PF constitution while the ECL one did not, where even the then acting President Guy Scott was not allowed to attend.

With all this legal ammunition, Makebi Zulu made Miles Sampa lose in court to ECL because he opted to sell his ethics to the opponent camp and sided with them in illegal consent judgements that knocked out Sampa. He was to be rewarded by ECL with the PF adoption certificate for the Mambwe constituency in Eastern province ahead of bonafide members. He was rewarded further with a Ministerial position Incharge of Eastern province.

Come 2021, Makebi did not only lose his Mambwe seat but lost the ECL presidential vote in Eastern province gifting it to President HH.

Come 2023 Miles Sampa wins as President of the PF at an extraordinary general conference in Lusaka, Makebi Zulu resurfaces in court representing ECL surrogate Raphael Nakachinda against Miles Sampa’s victory. They lose in two court rulings thus far and still continue to make fresh applications of the same arguments hoping for different results.

Next kicks while gasping for last political breath Makebi hires to slander Miles Sampa two villagers he has neglected from time he lost as MP in 2021.

Makebi pays Millenium TV and Diamond TV to parade the two naive villagers to claim K250,000 each that apparently Miles Sampa promised them not sure for what product or service. Now such kind of amount can only be real in the mind of a corrupt and crooked lawyer like Makebi because money laundering of stolen loot is his bread and butter. A case in point is the K65M cash found in a Faith Musonda bedroom. He may have been paid K250,000 for saving her jail somehow in some unexplained bargain circumstances.

So he thinks K250,000 is petty cash even for non thieving and non corrupt politicians like Miles Sampa that they can afford to give it to anyone for free.

What he does not know but knows now is that Miles Sampa has instructed his lawyers to sue the two villagers for malice and defamation. Guess Makebi Zulu will be the villagers lawyers so they can pay him K250,000 for legal representation. To be sued alongside the two villagers are all TV stations that agreed or may have been paid to parade innocent villagers to concoct lies. Journalism ethics do not allow media houses to broadcast lies when aware that being part of published lies is malicious unless they are accomplice to the defamation which they need to prove in court if they are not.

As for Makebi Zulu a discredited lawyer without shame that has traded his professional ethics in exchange of treasury stolen money, one wonders how much longer he will go on duping the Courts, the legal fratenity and other government institutions.

source: Miles Sampa

Turning Opposition Leaders into Circumstantial Heroes

By Daimone Siulapwa

Recently, we have witnessed a concerning trend under the UPND government – the repeated arrests of opposition leaders.

While the implications of these actions extend beyond the immediate political landscape, the party must recognize that this approach not only jeopardizes the nation’s democracy but also risks transforming opposition figures into unintentional symbols of sympathy.

The arrest of opposition leaders, irrespective of the charges levied against them, carries consequences that extend beyond the political realm.

It has the potential to elevate these figures to the status of circumstantial heroes, individuals perceived as victims of an oppressive system rather than politicians facing legal scrutiny.

This unintended consequence may inadvertently contribute to a narrative that paints the government as heavy-handed and intolerant, undermining its democratic credentials.

The UPND’s strategy if indeed is intentional appears, at best, immature and, at worst, amateurish. Engaging in a cycle of arrests not only diverts attention from more pressing issues but also plays into the hands of political opponents who capitalize on the resulting sympathy wave.

The optics of opposition leaders being repeatedly detained may be weaponized to cast a shadow over the government’s commitment to democratic principles.

Moreover, the political landscape is evolving, and the public is becoming more discerning. The citizens are increasingly looking beyond sensationalized narratives and demanding substantive action on critical issues.

In this context, the UPND must recalibrate its approach and focus on constructive governance.

Fred M’membe, a master strategist, employs cunning tactics that demand a vigilant UPND.

His calculated maneuvers, including the potential orchestration of his own arrest, pose a challenge that requires the opposition to tread cautiously.

The possibility of M’membe using such incidents to garner public sympathy is a strategic consideration that should not be underestimated.

Similarly, Sean Tembo, often dismissed as a mere clown, proves to be a shrewd player in the political arena.

His ability to irk the entire system while maintaining a seemingly carefree demeanor places the UPND in a dilemma.

The recurrent question arises: how many times can the system arrest him without falling into the trap of elevating his public profile?

On the flip side, the PF, with its seasoned expertise in political manipulation and propaganda, presents a formidable adversary.

The UPND must be wary of falling into the traps laid by a desperate PF, eager to reclaim its lost power and glory.

The stakes are high, and succumbing to the PF’s bait could lead to disappointing outcomes for the UPND.

The desperation of the PF to regain its former dominance introduces a volatile element into the political landscape.

The UPND must navigate this terrain with wisdom, recognizing that the PF is willing to employ any means to secure its return to power, regardless of the consequences.

The challenge for the UPND lies in avoiding being ensnared in the web of PF’s desperate maneuvers.

The true battleground for UPND should be against the rising cost of living, an issue that directly impacts the lives of ordinary citizens.

Shifting the narrative from a reactive stance against the opposition to a proactive stance against economic challenges would better serve both the party and the nation.

UPND, which has the politcal power and Financial resources, has the ability to set the agenda and address the concerns of the people without falling into the traps laid by a cunning opposition.

Leadership, especially in a political landscape as dynamic as Zambia’s, requires a strategic and forward-thinking mindset.

The UPND’s leadership must recognize that governing is not just about reacting to the moves of political adversaries like Mmembe, Kalaba, Saboi, Nawakwi, Sean, Lubinda or every Jim and Jack.

It is about setting a vision, crafting policies that resonate with the populace, and delivering on promises.

The current trajectory risks alienating a significant portion of the electorate, as the focus shifts from addressing tangible issues to a seemingly relentless pursuit of opposition figures.

To secure a lasting legacy, UPND must redirect its energy towards transformative governance, fostering economic stability, and championing the cause of the ordinary citizen.

UPND should heed the warning signs that are doted everywhere and pivot towards a more strategic and issues-oriented approach.

Lastly UPND must understand that the true strength of a government lies not in its ability to suppress dissent but in its capacity to address the concerns of the people it serves.

19.11.23

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

Analysis of the Law Association of Zambia president’s press statement

THE press statement led by the Law Association of Zambia president Lungisani Zulu brought forth compelling issues, yet certain aspects appear to lack coherence, prompting consideration for another session to enhance clarity.

Key concerns include:

1. Mr. Zulu expressed dismay at the increased arrests of leaders from Opposition Parties, deeming it counterproductive for the nation. However, he failed to specify that these arrests occurred without the commission of an offense.

Instead, he focused on the sluggish pace of justice, advocating for a remedy through the avoidance of arrests. This raises questions about the approach to achieving the desired outcome without addressing potential legal transgressions.

It is perplexing that a legal professional criticizes the extended duration of certain cases in the Zambian court system. The acknowledgement of prolonged litigation processes and delayed judgments is a reality known to all, irrespective of their legal background.

If Mr. Zulu is relatively new to Zambia, a warm welcome is extended, along with the hope that he contributes to rectifying the prevalent issue of justice delayed.

2. Learned Counsel Zulu dedicated a significant portion of his discourse to matters concerning the Patriotic Front, evoking expectations of a well-considered opinion on the events. Unfortunately, these expectations were not met.

Mr. Zulu claims a Commonwealth Parliamentary tradition dictates that Parliament refrains from acting on sub judice matters. While the public generally refrains from commenting on such issues, Mr. Zulu’s divergence from this norm invites attention.

His interpretation of Article 74 of the Zambian Constitution, asserting that the election of the Leader of the Opposition transcends internal party matters to become a constitutional concern, is met with skepticism.

Article 74(2) explicitly states that the opposition political party with the largest number of seats in the National Assembly elects the Leader of the Opposition. Mr. Zulu’s insistence on constitutionalizing this process is challenged, asserting that it remains an internal party matter by constitutional design.

Ridiculously, Mr. Zulu expects the Speaker to conduct an exhaustive legal inquiry into the election process, disregarding the absence of procedural guidance in the Constitution. This unrealistic expectation could lead to potential embarrassment, contrary to Mr. Zulu’s objectives.

Upon reaching the discussion about the Chief Registrar of Societies, amusement ensued.

Mr. Zulu intriguingly discusses the subpoena ad testificandum but overlooks its subpoena duces tecum aspect, indicating that the Registrar was summoned to testify and produce documents. Mr. Zulu’s statement on the Registrar’s compliance with the subpoena, coupled with discrepancies regarding the date of her appearance in court, raises eyebrows.

It is astounding that Legal Counsel could say this because he is fully aware that the subpoena is for the Registrar to appear in Court on the 16th of November 2023. He has now publicly proclaimed on a LAZ letterhead that she had complained with the order by the 15th of November 2023. Does he mean that she had appeared before the court and produced her document to the in advance or what?

The observed lapses suggest a conflict of interest, emphasizing the need for legal practitioners to maintain objectivity by abstaining from matters in which they have personal connections.

In conclusion, the analysis will be continued, balancing scrutiny with levity.

By Chikobo Muleya Mudenda-
The Zambian Citizen

Why Sunday Chanda is a Beacon of Exemplary Leadership Among our MPs”

By Daimone Siulapwa

In Zambia, the role of Members of Parliament (MPs) is very important in shaping the destiny of their constituency and that of our country.

The foundational principle that guides their responsibilities is a solemn oath to serve both their constituents and the greater national interest.

The struggles faced by many citizens are closely tied to the disappointing performance of Members of Parliament (MPs) and regrettably, a significant portion of MPs seems to lose sight of their primary duty—to serve as the voice and advocate for the people who entrusted them with their votes.

Once within the corridors of Parliament, the collective memory of their constituents often fades, overshadowed by personal ambitions and political maneuvering.

They spend valuable time engaging in irrelevant political maneuvers. Additionally, the lack of commitment to extensive reading and research leaves them ill-prepared with the knowledge needed for effective governance.

Moreover, there is a noticeable absence of the passion or determination needed to champion for services and resources for their constituencies.

This is where the commendable efforts of Sunday Chanda shine through. Unlike many others, Chanda actively works to secure the services and resources that would benefit the people he represents in Kanchibiya constituency.

However, some individuals may unjustly label him as a “bootlicker,” revealing a misunderstanding of the responsibilities of an MP. Chanda’s dedication to the well-being of his constituents is a testament to his commitment to effective representation.

Being an MP from the opposition does not imply working against the government or boycotting to deliver services critically needed to your constituency. Such thinking is what has delayed development and essential services for our people. Service delivery to our people must transcend our political affiliations or personal ambitions.

The primary duty of an MP is to deliver tangible benefits to their constituents. In the Zambian context, where diverse needs and aspirations clash, an effective MP must navigate the difficult web of challenges to bring about positive change.

Sunday Chanda, through his unwavering commitment and tireless efforts, has demonstrated that the people come first. A distinguishing trait of an exceptional MP is the ability to transcend political affiliations and work for the collective good of all Zambians.

When a president assumes office, the mandate is clear – to serve the entire nation irrespective of party lines. MPs, as representatives of the people, ought to emulate this inclusive democratic requirement.

Sunday Chanda’s approach mirrors this principle, as he prioritizes the welfare of his constituency and the people of Zambia, irrespective of their political beliefs, if anything he stands out a model MPS even surpassing those that come from the ruling party, the UPND.

Upon taking the oath of office, MPs pledge allegiance to the constitution, the president, and the Bible. This solemn commitment signifies a sacred obligation to uphold the values of justice, equality, integrity and democracy.

Sunday Chanda, in his capacity as an MP, has translated this oath into action. His dedication to constitutional principles and ethical governance sets a commendable standard for others to follow.

Having been voted in office on the ticket of the opposition has not stopped him from delivering for his constituency.

Sunday Chanda’s exemplary leadership extends beyond rhetoric; it is underscored by tangible accomplishments that have positively impacted the lives of people in Kanchibiya constituency.

The delivery of essential services, infrastructure development, and advocacy for social welfare programs mark his tenure as a model of effective representation.

One cannot overlook the importance of hard work in the realm of politics, where the complexities of governance demand diligence and commitment. Sunday Chanda’s work ethic is a testament to the transformative power of earnest effort.

In the broader context of Zambian politics, Sunday Chanda serves as a beacon of hope for those who aspire to elevate public service above partisan interests.

His ability to navigate the complicated political landscape while keeping the people of Kanchibiya at the forefront is a lesson for emerging leaders.

The positive impact of a hardworking MPs goes beyond their immediate constituency; it resonates at the national level.

By prioritizing the welfare of the people, Sunday Chanda contributes to the larger goal of nation-building. His dedication to democratic ideals and governance transcends the narrow confines of political expediency.

Sunday Chanda’s role as a model MP underscores the positive influence that hardworking representatives can have on the political landscape.

As we continue to navigates the difficulties of our democratic journey as a country, leaders like Sunday Chanda serve as beacons of hope, exemplifying the transformative power of dedicated public service.

It is imperative that the nation recognizes and emulates such figures, for they represent the essence of true leadership – a commitment to the people and the ideals that bind the nation together.

We encourage the good people of Kanchibiya constituency to retain Sunday Chanda for the next term as he has already earned his stripes and votes.

20.11.23

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

CAN EDGAR LUNGU MANAGE TO WRESTLE POWER AS AN OPPOSITION LEADER WHILE HE FAILED TO MAINTAIN IT AS A SITTING PRESIDENT?

By Independent Observer

If there is someone who has finally managed to put the last nail in the PF coffin, it’s Former President Edgar Lungu himself once again.

I am very sure Edgar Lungu is really wasting time for the possible vibrant PF new leadership (if they have any at all).

PF members will soon realise how lazy and actually coward Edgar Lungu is in fighting for anything, especially power. My prediction is that not long from now, Edgar Lungu will simply retire from active politics and possibly seek reconciliation with President Hakainde Hichilema from a very weak position.

The PF leadership soon be in more vulnerable and weaker position as Edgar Lungu will abandon them leaving them in more quarrels.

Truth be told, Edgar Lungu lacks charismatic leadership, stamina and political appeal to wrestle power from anyone.

Edgar is a person who really happens to have found himself in a advantageous position at the death of late President Michael Sata. It is a well known fact in the PF circles that at the time President Sata got sick, he made strategic changes in the party and put someone like Edgar Lungu at the helm because he was less of a threat and had no ambition at all.

The true PF leaders know that Edgar Lungu was merely handed over the 2015 Presidency while he grabbed the 2016 elections by force using incumbency and state machinery. Remember how likes of Kaizar Zulu were running around stealing ballot papers and then Gen 12 results certificates. Remember how some boy was caught manipulating figures in the computer servers at Mulungushi Conference Centre plus all manner of thuggery and violence that led to the death of UPND members like Mapenzi Chibulo during campaigns?

Edgar was just a lucky guy who got his presidency on a silver plata. It’s laughable how anyone in PF today think that the Edgar Lungu who lost elections with a huge margin while in power can hope to win it while in opposition.

And by coincidence, the same former MMD leaders like Raphael Nakachinda, Bowman Lusambo and a few others who killed the MMD are once again the same stooges hanging around Edgar Lungu purely for survival.

The earlier the PF leadership realise that Edgar is wasting their time the better. What message will Edgar really sell to the Zambian people using which platforms while he failed using the entire state machinery as a sitting President?

Actually Edgar is basically destabilising the entire opposition political parties because they think they can rally around a man who has no clout to achieve anything anymore. Instead of trying to mobilise their small tutemba parties, they are trying to fight for Edgar who will just abandon them soon

MEDIA DEMANDS OPEN COURT PROCEEDINGS IN KKIA GOLD-CASH GATE SCANDAL INVOLVING STATE HOUSE

By Fox Reporter
THE Media Liaison Committee (MLC) has expressed concern in the manner the UPND government want to secretly prosecute the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) Gold-Cashgate scandal involving State House official, senior police officer and a Lusaka business executive.

MLC chairperson Ernest Chanda says the organisation is deeply concerned with the application by the state to have the courts adjudicate and determine the gold scandal case in camera; meaning whatever will be discussed will be a secret and no journalist will be allowed to cover this case.

Chanda notes that the intention by Government will not only disadvantage the media from maximising on their much needed revenue, but also the citizens who rely on the media for detailed, ethical and factual information from the courts.

“The MLC is of the view that the case remains public as transparency is crucial in matters involving government actions, keeping it in camera could lead to suspicions of a cover-up, thereby eroding public trust. The public has a right to know how their resources are managed, and a transparent legal process ensures accountability and upholds democratic values.

Additionally, a public trial serves as a deterrent against corruption, sending a message that wrongdoing will be exposed and dealt with openly. This case involves a valuable national resource, and the public has a vested interest in understanding the details surrounding its management. Transparency not only holds officials accountable but also allows the public to comprehend the intricacies of the legal process and the evidence presented. This knowledge empowers citizens to actively engage in civic discourse and make informed judgments about the conduct of their government,” he said.

Chanda explained that keeping this matter in camera will also in a way infringe on media freedom which is provided for in the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia. Article 20 (2) enacts:

‘’Subject to the provisions of this Constitution no law shall make any provision that derogates from freedom of the press.’’

“We therefore opine that if the court entertains the state’s application in the gold scandal case, it will be infringing on media freedom. And in a positive sense, by keeping the gold scandal case public, the government demonstrates a commitment to democratic principles and reinforces the idea that justice is administered fairly and impartially. This approach fosters a sense of trust in the legal system and promotes a healthy democratic society.”

He urges government that the gold scandal case has far reaching consequences beyond just legal proceedings.

“The MLC further believes that the gold scandal has far-reaching implications beyond just legal proceedings. It directly impacts the economic stability and reputation of the nation. Citizens have a right to be informed about any mismanagement or corruption that could jeopardise their country’s financial well-being.

We urge the Government through its state advocates to withdraw this application as it will disadvantage independent scrutiny by the media, members of the public, and civil society; with the media being a mechanism of checks and balances. This scrutiny helps ensure that all relevant facts are brought to light and prevents any undue influence that might be exerted in a closed-door setting,” chanda said.

And lastly, open courts help protect adjudicators from unnecessary accusations of bias as the media and members of the public follow matters closely while making informed opinions on matters being adjudicated upon. We therefore emphasise that this gold scandal case be left in open court as a matter of public interest and for transparency,” he said.

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON, HON. CORNELIUS MWEETWA, MP ON THE DECISIONS MADE BY CABINET AT THE 19TH CABINET MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, 13TH NOVEMBER, 2023.

The President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, called for the 19th Cabinet Meeting in the Year 2023, on Monday, 13th November, 2023, at State House, to deliberate on policy and legislative matters.

Cabinet made the following decisions:

1.Legislative Matters: Bills Approved for Publication and introduction in Parliament:

Cabinet deliberated on a number of legislative matters which are mostly Budget Bills to facilitate the implementation of the 2024 National Budget:

(a)Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023

Cabinet approved for publication and introduction in Parliament during the current sitting, “The Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023.”

The objectives of the Bill are to amend the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Act, so as to revise the provisions relating to taxation of cross-border electronic services and also provide for the implementation of electronic invoicing system.

Currently, the Value Added Tax Act does not provide for a proper implementation of the electronic invoicing system for the imposition of tax on cross-border electronic services to taxable suppliers at an affordable cost. Therefore, it has become necessary to amend the Value Added Tax Act, to revise the provisions relating to taxation of cross-border electronic services and to provide for the implementation of the electronic invoicing system.

(b)The Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

Cabinet also approved for publication and introduction in Parliament during the current sitting, a Bill entitled “The Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023.” The objectives, among others, is to amend the Income Tax Act so as to increase the Pay-As-You-Earn tax free threshold for individuals to sixty-one thousand two hundred Kwacha per annum from fifty-seven thousand six hundred Kwacha per annum, reduce the top-marginal tax rate to thirty-seven percent, and adjust the income bands accordingly.

It is envisaged that, the proposed Bill, once enacted, will ensure an effective and efficient income tax base for the year 2024, enhance tax compliance and tax monitoring by the Zambia Revenue Authority.

(c)The Customs and Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

Another Budget-related matter approved for publication and introduction in Parliament during the current sitting is a Bill entitled “The Customs and Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2023.”

The objectives of this Bill, among others, are to amend the Customs and Excise Act so as to revise the rates of customs and excise duty payable on certain goods, revise the list of goods to be subject to surtax at importation.

It has become necessary to amend the Customs and Excise Act, Chapter 322 of the Laws of Zambia, so as to stimulate economic activities in the country by reducing the customs and excise duty payable on certain goods, among others, and also to boost local production of goods in the country.

(d)The Zambia Revenue Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

Cabinet approved for publication and introduction in Parliament during the current sitting, a Bill entitled “The Zambia Revenue Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023.”

The object of this Bill is to amend the Zambia Revenue Authority Act so as to enhance tax recovery by the Authority. Currently, the law does not provide for sufficient measures to curb tax evasion and seal revenue leakages. It is envisaged, therefore, that the proposed Bill, once enacted, will assist in curbing tax evasion and sealing revenue leakages by enabling whistle blowers to lead to the recovery of a tax and consequently lead to increased revenue for the provision of public goods and services, among others.

(e) The Local Government (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

Cabinet approved a Bill entitled “The Local Government (Amendment) Bill, 2023,” for publication and introduction in Parliament during the current sitting.

The object of the Bill is to remove the restriction on the use of the Equalisation Fund for capital expenditure. Currently, the law restricts local authorities to use a minimum of twenty (20) percent of the Fund to finance capital expenditure which has resulted in the duplicity and non-coordinated way of undertaking capital projects in light of the capital component under the Constituency Development Fund and the Zambia Devolution Support Programme which has a capital component. Therefore, there is need to introduce a Bill in Parliament so as to remove the restriction on the use of the Equalisation Fund for capital expenditure.

(f)The Subordinate Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

Another Bill approved by Cabinet for publication and introduction in Parliament during the current sitting is a Bill entitled “The Subordinate Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2023.”

The objectives of this Bill among others, is to amend the Subordinate Courts Act so as to provide for the constitution of divisions of a Subordinate Court; revise the provisions relating to the civil jurisdiction of the Subordinate Courts; and empower the Chief Justice to set the limits of the civil jurisdiction of magistrates by Statutory Instrument.

Currently, the Subordinate Courts Act does not provide for the establishment of specialised divisions of the Subordinate Courts and the regulation of the times at which the sessions of the Subordinate Court shall be held. This has created challenges in the expeditious resolution of matters.

2. Legislative Matters: Approved in Principle:

(a) Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, 2023.

Cabinet approved in principle, to the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to repeal the Fisheries Act No. 22 of 2011.

It is necessary to introduce a Bill in Parliament to provide for emerging issues in the fisheries and aquaculture subsector such as the control, prevention and management of the aquatic animal diseases, some gaps in the development of the aquaculture industry and climate change, among others.

Further, the Bill will address and make provisions for some aspects of the growing aquaculture industry that has remained unregulated over the last decade. This includes translocation and introduction of invasive species, breeding of invasive species, financing and environmental including ecological degradation.

(b) The Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

Cabinet also approved in principle, to the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to amend the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Act No. 9 of 2019.

The objectives of the Bill are to provide for the amendment of the definition of medical supplies in order to remove the ambiguity that currently exists and provide clarity on what should be procured by Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency as medical supplies.

The amendment aims to streamline the procurement function of ZAMMSA so as to enhance efficiency in the implementation of its mandate of procuring, storage and distribution of medicines and consumable medical supplies in the country.

3. Foreign Relations:

(a)Application for Diplomatic Status for the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre.
During the Meeting Cabinet also approved granting of diplomatic status at the level of an international organization to the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre, in order to enhance the institution’s ability to fully carry out its official mandate in Zambia.

This decision was arrived at in order to facilitate and enhance its functions of crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate wealth from agriculture, with the ultimate goals of reducing hunger, malnutrition, and poverty and collaboration with the policy makers.

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center is an international non-profit, research and training institution which is part of the Consortium of International Agriculture Research Centers, established in 1966.

The institution applies science to increase food security and improve the productivity and profitability of maize and wheat farming systems in developing countries.

(b)Ratification of the African Telecommunications Union Convention.

Cabinet approved that Zambia ratifies the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Convention in order for the country to be part of the rapid development of info-communications in Africa.

Ratifying the ATU Convention will also facilitate Zambia’s participation in a number of ATU programmes. The African Telecommunications Union was founded in 1977 as a specialized agency of the then Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union, in the field of telecommunications. It assumed its present name in 1999 which led to the transformation of the agency into a partnership between public and private stakeholders in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector.

ATU provides a forum for stakeholders involved in ICT to formulate effective policies and strategies aimed at improving access to information infrastructure and services.

4.Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for the Electricity Sub-sector.

In the area of energy, Cabinet approved the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for the Electricity Sub-sector as a blueprint to guide future development of using both on-grid and off-grid technologies.

Cabinet has observed that over the past years, electricity resource planning focused on supply side projects only, such as construction of generation and transmission facilities without linking them to the demand side. In addition, the assessment of supply side options was limited to a few major technologies without considering renewable and alternative technologies such as Nuclear, Solar, Wind, Geothermal, etc.

Fundamentally, the IRP will attract investments to diversify the current energy mix and enhance energy security; support Government’s industrialisation and economic diversification agenda driven by mining, agriculture, manufacturing, transport and tourism sectors; enable Government to achieve its vision of attaining universal access to electricity by 2030; actualise Zambia’s ambition of becoming a regional electricity trading hub; and enhance coordination and efficiency in the procurement and development of power projects.

5. Statutory Instruments:

(a)The Tolls (Konkola Toll Plaza) Regulations, 2023.

Another matter approved by Cabinet during the Meeting is the approval to the publication of the Tolls (Konkola Toll Plaza) Regulations, 2023, to allow Turbo-Kachin Consortium Limited, the Concessionaire for the 35km Chingola-Kasumbalesa Public Private Partnership Toll Road Project, to operate and collect toll fees at the Konkola Toll Plaza which was constructed as part of the Public-Private Partnership Project (PPP).

Section 14 of the Tolls Act No. 14 of 2011, allows for a Private Party to be given the authority to operate and maintain any toll road under a concession agreement. Consequent to Article 7.2(g) of the Concession Agreement for the Chingola-Kasumbalesa T3 Mining Transportation Channel, the Concessionaire was given ‘the right, power and authority to manage and operate the Project Infrastructure up to the Appointed Date.’

It is in the interest of Government to encourage the private sector to participate in the provision of infrastructure, which traditionally, should have been provided through public financing.

(b)The Investment Trade and Business Development (Priority Sectors) (Declaration) Order, 2023.

One of the issues also approved by Cabinet is a Statutory Instrument, The Investment, Trade and Business Development (Priority Sectors) (Declaration) Order, 2023, which aims to address historical economic challenges, attract investments, diversify the economy and promote sustainable development.

Cabinet approved the declaration of the sectors of Manufacturing; Construction; Energy; Water Supply; and Information Technology, as priority sectors in order to enable targeted resource distribution, investment incentives, and regulatory assistance to advance specific sectors as part of the efforts to support and encourage focused economic development.

The Investment, Trade and Business Development Act No.18 of 2022, provides for the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry to declare a sector as a priority sector by Statutory Instrument with approval from Cabinet. Therefore, in order to promote economic growth, exports and resource utilization, there is need to declare the aforementioned sectors as priority sectors.

6. Appointment of Boards:

(a)The Public Service Microfinance Company Board of Directors.

Cabinet approved the appointment of a seven (7) Member Public Service Microfinance Company in order to comply with the provisions of the Companies Act No. 10 of 2017.

The Public Service Microfinance Company was incorporated in March, 2013 under the Companies Act of 1994 for the purpose of providing affordable loans and other innovative financial solutions to the public service workers across the country. The first and only Board of Directors for the Company was constituted in March, 2013 and was dissolved in January, 2018.

The establishment of the company was premised on the fact that most public service workers faced challenges in accessing finances from the conventional banking sector and Micro Finance institutions that normally charge high lending rates.

(b) The National Savings and Credit Bank (NATSAVE) Board of Directors.

Another Board approved by Cabinet during the Meeting is the National Savings and Credit Bank Board so that the members accordingly, provide effective strategic direction and accountability for NATSAVE as a requirement of the National Savings and Credit Act.

Part II, Section (4) of the National Savings and Credit Bank Act, requires the Minister of Finance and National Planning to appoint the Board of Directors of NATSAVE. Currently, NATSAVE does not have full membership of the Board of Directors, and as such, are unable to carryout their duties as indicated in the law. As a result of this, the bank has been constrained in terms of undertaking certain operational functions that require Board approval. It is against this background that Cabinet has decided to approve filling of the vacant positions of the Board.

7. Hosting of the 11th African Federation of Teaching Regulatory Authorities (AFTRA) Conference and the 13th Roundtable.

Cabinet also approved Zambia’s hosting of the Africa Federation of Teaching Regulatory Authorities 11th Conference and the 13th Roundtable meeting on the theme: “Teaching and Learning: Agenda Setting For The African Union Education Year (2024)” to be held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka from the 21st to 24th May, 2024.

It is necessary to host the Conference in order to expose the Zambian educational practitioners to best practices in navigating through challenges faced in the area of pedagogy innovative programmes, Technology Enabled Teaching and Learning, Education Leadership, policy change and implementation, advocacy, networking, building partnerships and establishing pathways for collaborations and also create networks for possible business deals and investment by business people and entrepreneurs.

(Original Copy signed)

Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, MP

MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND MEDIA AND CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON

18TH NOVEMBER, 2023

Understanding Zambia’s Economic Journey under the UPND Part 1

By Daimone Siulapwa

As we continue to struggle for a better life and economic freedom, Zambians now find themselves at a critical standpoint and are aggressively pushing the UPND to deliver on its promises, more especially in relation to the cost of living.

However, it is also important to recognize the uphill battle they have had to face, steering an economy that appeared intact on the surface, but was brutally broken from the inside when they took over government.

UPND took the wheel with an overwhelming task of putting the brakes on a rapidly declining economy. The pace of deterioration has slowed dawn, but they can’t claim too much victory yet apart from the increased CDF, free education and the improved financial ratings as the actual gains need to translate more into tangible meaning for the people. It is difficult to fathom what would have been our economic standing had PF remained in power.

The truth is, fixing an economy is like fixing a car while driving it, and UPND has been dealing with a million issues simultaneously, but acknowledging the impatience of citizens and constantly communicating with them should have been their strong point which they missed.

As much as we understand that the last two years have been the UPND’s toughest, we expected more from them, but again that’s what they fought for, to get into government and fix the mess. Bally will fix it was the campaign slogan, now it should have been bally is fixing it.

Expecting instant benefits was of course perhaps a bit optimistic, given the tangled mess they inherited. We must sympathize with their predicament, but again people can’t wait two years to have a cheap decent meal, something has got to give.

Credit is also due to UPND for the positive financial gains, even if they’re not yet visible to everyone. We hope these gains will soon make a difference in people’s lives. However, UPND also bears the blame of poor communication.

In a world where perception is reality, silence breeds misunderstanding. The lack of a clear plan after taking office left people guessing, and in tough economic times, guesses often lean towards failure.

Surely, we all knew they couldn’t fulfil all promises on schedule – that’s politics. But we expected President HH and his team to level with us. A simple, honest acknowledgment of the challenges and a revised timeline would have been better than silence.

Instead, the void allowed social media and the opposition to weave a narrative of failure, turning it into propaganda against UPND. So now they need to deal with consequences of a wrong perception and change the narrative at the same time.

Going forward, regular updates are very important; UPND should now control the narrative and not be reactive. Tell us about the financial gains, and more importantly, break it down into everyday language – what does it mean for the common person? But let us leave the graphs out, the common man won’t understand.

Spending more time on the ground is a must. The UPND leadership must feel the pulse of the people, understanding the problems caused by their financial policies. Face-to-face interactions build trust and show a commitment to addressing issues head-on.

We know fixing a damaged economy is no walk in the park. It’s a complex journey that requires patience and understanding from both sides.

While citizens rightly demand results, they must also recognize the enormity of the task at hand. UPND, on the other hand, needs to step up its communication game, keeping the public informed and involved.

A united effort, grounded in reality and drove by transparent communication, is the way forward for Zambia’s economic revival. Time for regular financial updates is now, we cannot allow social media to run the narrative on the performance of our economy and accept that as factual.

As we hold the government accountable, let us also recognize the difficulties faced and afford the necessary time for their strategies to materialize. The road ahead is long, but with transparent communication, genuine understanding, and a shared commitment to prosperity, Zambia can emerge from the depths of its economic challenges stronger and more resilient than ever before.

… to be continued, part 2 will provide empirical data

Kalemba