Malawians across the country are angry with President Lazarus Chakwera’s Tonse Alliance government due to the reckless and senseless 44% Kwacha devaluation.
The devaluation comes amid an already volatile economic situation with high inflation, forex, fuel, medical suppliers shortages, and among others.
After a day, devaluation was made, Chakwera Tonse government hiked fuel prices and electricity tariffs by 44% instead of putting measures to cushion locals.
Following the devaluation, Malawians have been panicking to access goods and services as some shops including GameStore remain closed especially in Blantyre and Lilongwe.
At the entrance of Game Stores both in Blantyre and Lilongwe, consumers were greeted with a notice that the shop would be closed till Monday, November 13, 2023.
A Lilongwe-based businessperson, Faith Banda told Nation Newspaper that she rushed to one of the wholesale shops in the capital city to buy supplies in anticipation of price adjustments.
“We got information about the local currency devaluation by the Reserve Bank, prompting us to act swiftly and secure goods before the inevitable price adjustments,” she said.
Banda expressed concern that the devaluation will likely slow down her business as she expects consumers’ buying power to be affected.
To confirm Banda’s fears, as of Saturday, November 11, basic needs items including soap, sugar, and groceries have gone up and many are unable to access commodities.
In a random interview across the country, locals are not happy with Chakwera’s leadership over the devaluation amid an already sickening economy.
Many are questioning the legality of Chakwera leadership in devaluing the Kwacha without putting measures to cushion the locals against its impact.
“Now, everything has gone up while in the middle of the month and also towards the growing season. Where will get extra money to meet our needs? Chakwera could have done better than this,” worried Rumphi resident Dalitso Mkandawire.
Mangochi business lady Marium Katunga chipped in, “With this devaluation, we need extra money for the business. An item that I was ordering at MK40,000 now is MK60,000. Where will I go to get an extra MK20,00?”.
A farmer, Tinkhani Mkandawire, who resides in Luwinga Township in Mzuzu and wanted to buy maize seed, said he was shocked by the new prices.
Similarly, fertilizer prices were also raised in many leading shops, especially for Urea and NPK.
“I came here with MK160 000 hoping to buy two bags of Urea, but I ended up paying MK172 000. At home, I was told it’s K80 000 per bag, but that has changed to MK86 000,” said 56-year-old Rhoda Mkonongo of Luzi in Mzimba.
She said she borrowed an additional MK12,000 to buy the fertilizer.
“We need the government of the people that put our interest first. You can devalue Kwacha by about 81% in a year without putting measures cushioning the poor. We gave Chakwera a vote to make Malawi better than this,” worried Faith Chikunda from Machinjiri, Blantyre.
This is coming barely two years before Malawians are going to elections in 2025.
Since assuming power in 2020, Chakwera has been struggling to fix an ailing economy characterized by high inflation and cost of living, food, forex, fuel, and medical drug shortages.
Despite Malawi’s economic crisis, Chakwera continues enjoying global trotting while draining hard-earned taxes without shame.
Sultan Al-Marshal, the Chief Executive Officer, of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has signed 14 new development loan agreements with 12 African Ministers, worth over USD 580 million.
The contracts would fund projects in the healthcare, water, education, and transportation sectors in Angola, Burkina Faso, Benin, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Guinea, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania.
The signing ceremony took place at the Saudi-Arab-African Economic Conference held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
In conjunction with the loan agreements signing, the SFD CEO also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Finance Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Samaila Zubairu
This MoU will enable the SFD to collaborate with AFC to identify, develop, and co-finance infrastructure and industrial projects across the continent.
The 14 development loan agreements signed include the Construction and Equipping of a Mother and Child Referral Hospital in Guinea for $75 million, a Riyadh Referral hospital in Sierra Leone for $50 million, Boarding Secondary Schools for Girls in Several Regions of Niger for $28 million, and the Construction of Higher College For Teacher Preparation and The Scientific Secondary School Project in Benin for $40 million.
The agreements also include the Rehabilitation of the King Khalid University Hospital in Bujumbura, Burundi for USD 50 million, the Manga Regional Hospital (Phase 2) in Burkina Faso for $17 million, and Watersheds in the Islands of Santiago, Saint Antao, and Boavista, Cabo Verde for $17 million.
The SFD will also fund the Catumbela Industrial Development Project (Phase 1) in Angola for $100 million, the Expansion of The Transmission and Distribution Water System in the East of Kigali, Rwanda for $20 million, and the Construction and Rehabilitation of the Mangochi-Makanjira Road in Malawi for $20 million.
Other agreements include the construction and Equipping of five Hospitals in different regions of Mozambique for $50 million, the Construction of the Muera Dam in Mozambique for $50 million, the Rehabilitation and Upgrade of Two parts of National Road No. 1 in Mozambique for $50 million and the Benaco to Kyaka Transmission Line Project in Tanzania for $13 million.
These agreements and the MoU will have a positive impact on the lives of millions of people in different regions across Africa by improving access to healthcare, education, water, transportation, and economic opportunities, stimulating economic growth, and creating jobs.
Importantly, the projects will address a wide range of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), priorities, including poverty, health, education, gender equality, water and sanitation, decent work, economic growth, industry, innovation, infrastructure, inequality reduction, sustainable cities and communities, and climate change.
The Saudi Fund for Development CEO said: “The SFD is proud to continue in partnering with African countries through contributing and supporting development projects that will have a tangible impact on the lives of millions of people.”
He noted that with these new agreements and MoU, the SFD has taken a step further towards a brighter and more equitable Africa by contributing to healthcare, education, water, and transportation projects.
“We are supporting the empowerment of millions of people to reach their full potential and build a more sustainable and economically prosperous continent for future generations,” he added.
He said: “In line with SFD’s mission to promote global sustainable development since 1975, SFD has funded more than 800 development projects worth US$20 billion in over 100 countries around the world. In Africa alone, SFD has financed over 400 projects worth US$10.7 billion in 46 countries. This accounts for 57 per cent of SFD’s funding in developing countries worldwide”.
The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) is a government entity that provides soft development loans and grants to finance development projects and programmes in developing countries.
Since 1975, SFD has financed over 800 development projects worth US$20 billion in over 100 countries around the world across various sectors such as transportation and communications, social infrastructure, agriculture, energy, industry and mining, and others.
The projects support generating socio-economic development and help to improve the living standards of disadvantaged communities in countries most in need.
SFD’s activities are aligned with international development principles and contribute towards realizing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal
Moreover, it unifies its efforts in development support through partnerships and cooperation with regional and international organizations.
A student who mistakenly received £850,000 ($1m) instead of a £85 ($100) monthly food grant and spent £50,000 in 73 days, has been pardoned from spending time in jail.
Scholar Sibongile Mani, who was relying on benefits for education, was stunned when government aid sent her 10,000 times the intended amount, making her an overnight millionaire with 14 million rands in her South African bank account.
When she discovered a windfall of 14 million rands had hit her account, the accountancy student decided to embark on lavish spending, according to the Daily Mail.
She first began with her wardrobe. She traded her old clothes for designer fashion and bought the latest iPhones for herself and her friends. Aside from that, she upgraded from a cheap cornrow hairstyle to luxurious £200-a-time Peruvian weaves.
Her lifestyle soon caught the attention of locals when she started spending as much as £666 a day, which is considered a fortune for an average South African. Her cover was blown when she left a receipt behind at the supermarket which revealed she had a whopping £800,000 in her bank account. The issue was brought to the attention of the police.
She was apprehended in 2017 and charged with theft and fraud. The court sentenced her to five years in prison after spending 818,000 rand – equivalent to nearly £50,000 ($61,000) in 2017. She explained after her sentencing that she assumed the money was a gift from God and didn’t carefully think through the situation before spending the funds.
But Mani’s counsel Asanda Pakade appealed her sentence and asserted she was no flight risk and she had not fraudulently acquired the money. It would be improper to place her in an overcrowded correctional center on such grounds, the counsel argued.
He explained that if anyone was at fault it was the national student financial aid scheme that had wrongly disbursed 14 million rand into her account and were unaware of the mistake until their attention was drawn to it by students.
Judges at East London High Court in Makhanda suspended her 5-year prison sentence, contingent on the premise that Mani will avoid theft or fraud during the specified period.
The newlywed mother-of-two was ordered to complete 14 weeks of community service and undergo counseling, but, interestingly was spared from repaying the money she had already spent as part of her sentencing.
Commenting on the sentencing, her lawyer said he was happy with the court decision and hopes Mani will put the past behind her and start life from a new beginning.
On April 1, John Steenhuisen was re-elected leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), South Africa’s largest opposition party, in a triennial congress in Midrand, just outside Johannesburg.
In his speech to 2,000 party members, he made clear the DA’s intent to wrestle power away from the governing African National Congress (ANC) in the 2024 national election and to prevent any possible alliance with another rival, the left-wing Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
“During the remaining months before next year’s election, the DA will make it our number one priority … to prevent an ANC-EFF coalition,” Steenhuisen said in his speech.
Next year’s election is seen as the most important one since the dawn of democracy and the end of apartheid in 1994. Already, there are fears among the ANC faithful that after three decades in power, the party may not garner the necessary 50 percent of votes needed to stay in power.
Africa’s most industrialised nation is struggling to recover from the effects of the pandemic and the ripple effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A third of the country is unemployed and crime rates have soared, boosting the rise of xenophobic militias which blame immigrants. Rolling power cuts, or load shedding, are now routine for up to six hours daily.
Corruption scandals involving government officials have become a regular affair. Earlier this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa pardoned his predecessor Jacob Zuma who was jailed after refusing to testify about corruption and crony capitalism – which became known as state capture – during his tenure.
The ANC is also facing a pushback as its support base gradually erodes due to a changing demographic. According to data from the Electoral Commission (IEC), there are about 27 million registered voters: approximately 10 million of those are in the age groups of 18-29 and 30-39.
For voters in these age groups, the heroic status of Nelson Mandela, the iconic statesman and first president of post-apartheid era South Africa has taken a knock for his insistence on unity, not justice.
All of this has bolstered the DA to take a shot at unseating the governing party. Steenhuisen says the DA is the government-in-waiting and has a plan to clean up the country.
Still, the ANC’s deep grassroots support could make it hard to defeat. Even without any merger, Ramaphosa and the EFF’s charismatic leader Julius Malema separately pose a monumental challenge to the DA’s inroads into the rural and urban areas.
Race still matters
Born in 2000 after a merger of the parties that were part of white minority rule, the DA describes itself as “broadly centrist”. It governs the Western Cape – the third-largest province in the country which in the first quarter of 2022, contributed 14 percent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) – and the City of Cape Town, the legislative capital, which is seen as the best-run municipality.
The party is hoping to build on that base to snatch power at the national level in 2024. In parliament, the ANC remains the majority party with 230 of the 400 available seats. The DA has 84 seats, EFF has 44 and 11 other parties share the rest.
Steenhuisen who joined the DA from inception, has been a member of parliament since 2011. He was the party’s interim leader from November 2019, having served as the chief whip of the DA in parliament for five years.
His supporters say the 47-year-old is the man to lead the party to victory in the 2024 election. The party’s Gauteng province leader, Solly Msimanga, told Al Jazeera that Steenhuisen will “stabilise the party dynamics as we gear ourselves for the 2024 election”.
Analysts are divided over whether the DA under Steenhuisen can make a serious mark in next year’s election.
“I think the DA is projecting as a bigger player [than] it really is, but at the same time it remains the largest opposition party and has a footprint around the country,” said political analyst Daniel Silke.
Levy Ndou, political analyst and politics lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology, said it was too early to tell whether the party can indeed “defeat the ANC”.
Historically, the DA’s strongholds have been among the white demographic. An exodus of high-profile Black leaders from the party in the last decade has also hurt its positioning as an inclusive institution in a multicultural nation like South Africa.
Former party leader Mmusi Maimane left in 2019 saying there was a “disagreement about the vision and direction” of the party. Current Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, previously elected as Cape Town mayor under its platform, resigned in 2018, saying “When people abuse you, you must walk away”.
However, DA leader in Gauteng Solly Msimanga dismissed what he called an “obsession”.
“Why is it that when people leave the DA, then it’s a Black issue? Our plan is very clear we want to build our own narrative and story, and we want to ensure we are able to carve out our value proposition to the people in SA and this is what matters,” he said.
Nevertheless, race still matters heavily in South Africa, where more than a third of the population lives in poverty while most of the wealth is controlled by the white minority.
A game of numbers
In South African politics, like many other places, winning an election is also about the numbers.
According to the IEC figures, in 2019, the DA received 20.77 percent of the 2019 vote, a downswing from 2014 when it garnered 22.23 percent of the vote but an increase from 2009 when it received more than 16 percent of the vote.
But the governing party’s support also declined from 62.15 percent in 2014 to 57,50 in 2019. In February, the ANC’s internal electoral report predicted that the party’s support will drop to 37 percent, keeping the DA at 27 percent and the EFF at 10 percent.
Multiple private polls have also weighed in. One by the market research organisation Ipsos shows that 43 percent of registered voters are likely to vote for the ANC, with the DA polling at only 20 percent.
Another poll released in early October by the think tank Social Research Foundation predicted that the ANC would garner 45 percent of the vote, while the DA would get 31 percent.
“It’s a leap of faith for Steenhuisen to project himself as the next president as the DA has been a 20-25 percent party, and I think we [are] looking at an uncertain 2024 election,” Silke said.
Meanwhile, analysts say the DA’s talk of a mooted alliance between the ANC and the EFF is a narrative driven by the latter’s controversial pro-immigration stance and reallocation of land rights to instill fear among the electorate.
The DA is itself seeking a coalition with many smaller parties, but its history of failed partnerships could hinder its progress in that regard.
In 2016, it ran coalition governments in the major cities of Johannesburg, Tshwane in Gauteng, and the Nelson Mandela Metro in the Eastern Cape. Within three years, these coalitions collapsed and all the DA mayors were kicked out of office. Following the 2021 local government election, the DA again went into coalition with smaller parties to run Johannesburg but failed again.
Given that past, analysts say the DA’s path to power remains complicated. The big question now, they add, is how many voters frustrated by the other heavyweights and looking for a new political home, can it attract into the fold?
Even the born-free generation (those born after 1994) will prove tough to convince, despite being disenchanted with the ANC. First-time voter 20-year-old Colby Adonis, a human resources student in Cape Town, is one of those who remain unimpressed by the DA, especially its pro-Zionist stance.
“I think they have a direction for the country, but at the same time they are contradictory; they speak on one thing, then they do another,” he told Al Jazeera. “In terms of service delivery, they do a lot for the city of Cape Town and are very efficient but I cannot vote for a party that is supporting what is happening in Israel; innocent children are dying.”
Former finance minister and Harare East MP Tendai Biti has issued the following statement responding to claims that he is colluding with self-styled CCC interim secretary general Sengezo Tshabangu to recall elected CCC councillors, MPs and Senators:
Zimbabwe is at a crossroads. The weight of a stolen election, unprecedented corruption and the looting of public assets sits heavy on the shoulders of Zimbabweans who want and deserve better.
The environment in the world right now is toxic. The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East have pushed Zimbabwe to the bottom of the world’s attention calendar. This has allowed the vampire state here to carry out brazen election fraud. Not satisfied, the regime is now engaged in a malicious push to weaken our struggle, the progressive movement, through the illegal recall of elected public representatives.
It is therefore shocking to hear, and read, a daily stream of abusive, malicious and defamatory claims that Professor Welshman Ncube and I are colluding with the regime and its proxies to append a struggle that has occupied and consumed all our adult lives.
I do not speak for Prof Ncube, an honest and decent comrade who buried his dear mother on Friday, but as someone who has been in this struggle for as long as I have, one who has endured Zanu-PF’s jails and physical attacks by the same, it is heartbreaking, if not tragic, that many Cdes that have been with us on this journey are now given false labels and badges that Zanu-PF wish they had coined first.
I don’t believe in recalls. I have never been part of recalls. I will never be part of recalls.
In my life, I have been recalled twice in 2015 and in 2020 through the pernicious use of section 129(1)(k) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. I know the pain of a recall. My family knows the pain of a recall. The people of Harare East know the pain a recall. With other MPs, such as Temba Mliswa, we unsuccessfully fought for the removal and repeal of section 129(1)(k).
Like most Zimbabweans, I only get to read about the patently illegal recalls by Mr. Sengezo Tshabangu in the newspapers.
Given what I and my family have given to this struggle, it saddens me that I have to state publicly that I will never be part of a project to weaken the democratic struggle in Zimbabwe. I have been imprisoned and tortured for the change we all seek, and I have stood firm. I have never worked for Zanu-PF, and I will die before I lend my hand to the illegitimate Zanu-PF regime.
I had hoped to be a Member of Parliament. I have my reservations about the process that prevented this happening. I have my challenges and reservations about our identity, structural, strategic and procedural polity.
I am a democrat who believes in constitutionalism, the rule of law, transparency, openness and collective leadership. I can never compromise on these core values. No dispute nor differences is ever sufficient to place one at the service of Zanu-PF.
I have a daily job at my law practice and that’s where I have retreated to fight for Zimbabweans in that sphere of my influence. Additionally, I have progressive international engagements that require my full attention.
Fellow Zimbabweans, all this chatter and actions by the illegitimate regime and its proxies are an engineered distraction from the main prize: to free ourselves from this rapacious dictatorship.
It has been a long and tortuous road; and victory is closer than the distance back to where we started.
A Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislator has demanded that the Southern Africa Development Committee (SADC) Election Observation Mission (SEOM) report on Zimbabwe’s recent elections be tabled in Parliament.
Speaking on a point of national interest on Thursday, Harare East legislator Rusty Markham requested that the report be brought to the National Assembly for debate by members.
Markham had initially requested an explanation regarding the unavailability of ballot papers on polling day which resulted in urban registered voters in Harare and Bulawayo casting votes as late as 2100hours.
“My point of national interest refers to the meeting that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission had with the international observers on 17th August 2023, before the elections.
“They read out and advertised that sufficient ballot papers had been printed to the extend, on the Presidential ballot papers totaling 7.6% more ballot papers that were required were printed and ready for distribution.
“The same for the National Assembly ballot papers and Madam Speaker, for the local ballot papers, 3.5% ballot papers more than required were submitted in paragraphs (c), (d) and (e) they were ready for the elections come what may,” Markham said.
CCC Harare North legislator Rusty Markham
Markham added, “My request is why the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) was ready 10 days before the election but had an issue with ballot papers on election day?
“For the first time in the history of this country, we ran out of ballot papers during the election, despite Zec telling us they had printed enough.
“How can the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission tell international observers we have 7.6 more and then fail by 1400hrs in the afternoon, rural and urban polling stations had run out of ballot papers?
“I request your ruling on an Independent Commission or a statement from the relevant Hon. Minister to explain what happened.
“Further to this, this issue amongst others were brought up in the SADC which has just recently been adopted. Can that SADC Report be laid on the table of this House so that we can debate it?” Markham queried.
The deputy speaker Tsitsi Gezi had no clear answer to the raised issues.
“I advise you to put that in writing and ask the responsible Hon. Minister so that he will bring a comprehensive copy to this House. At the moment, I cannot answer to your concerns. Put that in writing and ask the Hon. Minister to respond,” Gezi responded.
However, Markham begged Gezi to make a ruling on the SADC Report being laid on the table.
“I cannot rule on the SADC Report. You know very well that I cannot do that,” Gezi responded.
The SADC Heads of State and Government approved the SADC Election Observation Mission (SEOM) report on Zimbabwe’s recent elections last week in Angola during an Extraordinary Summit which was attended by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa has urged Zimbabweans to move past the August election and focus on the development of the nation.
CCC has, however, accused Zanu-PF of blocking the recently held Extraordinary Summit of the SADC Heads of State and Government from discussing the country’s contested elections adding that decisive regional action is urgently needed.
The opposition has also maintained that the August elections were marred by irregularities and did not produce a legitimate outcome.
The two eldest sons of these two soccer superstars are fans of their father’s opponents.
The exciting matches of the ongoing Euro 2021 Finals are also an opportunity for the names of football superstars to be mentioned a lot, accompanied by many interesting side stories.
Recently, football fans had a laugh when extremely funny information related to two famous strikers, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, was widely shared on social networks.
Specifically, CR7’s eldest son – Cristiano Jr (11 years old) is a big fan of Messi. Remember that during the 2014 Golden Ball Awards, Cristiano Jr. was allowed to go with his father. The boy did not hide his feelings for his idol.
Cristiano Jr. was brought by his father to greet his idol Messi.The boy was very happy to meet his idol.
While sitting with his father and grandmother, seeing Messi pass by, Cristiano Jr. immediately stood up and went to shake hands with the player wearing shirt number 10. The boy’s actions were very natural, making Messi laugh out loud and rub his head. Cristiano Jr.
Responding to his son’s reaction, Ronaldo further revealed to Messi: ” He often watches videos of us playing and he always mentions you. He said it would be great to talk to you .” Two years later, at the 2017 FIFA The Best Gala, Cristiano Jr. was brought by his father to greet Messi. The boy was very happy to shake his idol’s hand. Not only that, during the ceremony, the camera lens repeatedly captured the moment Cristiano Jr. turned to look at Messi very affectionately.
Messi’s eldest son is a big fan of Ronaldo and often asks his father about CR7.
Meanwhile, Messi’s eldest son, Thiago Messi (8 years old), idolizes Ronaldo. This was shared by the Argentine player himself in an interview with Mundo Deportivo newspaper early last year.
Messi said that his eldest son knows quite a few players and often talks a lot about them. The 3 strikers that Thiago admires are Kylian Mbappe, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. The boy knows a lot about his idols and loves to ask his dad about these superstars.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo has 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls.
Upon learning this information, many people expressed interest and found the story really funny and adorable. At the same time, people left many witty comments like: ” Buddhist temples are not sacred “, ” Other people’s dads are always cooler than their own dads ” or ” Love for football and idols has no place for them.” favoritism, including father and son “… In addition, fans also praised the two fathers for being very civilized for not being afraid to reveal this to everyone.
Just joking, but in our hearts, everyone has their own idol, so do children. Having an idol will enrich a child’s spiritual world, help them relax, reduce mental pressure, and motivate them to pursue perfection…
Messi is the father of 3 sons.
Idols do not necessarily have to be relatives, and certainly do not affect relationships with family members. Furthermore, both Cristiano Ronaldo and Leonel Messi are world-famous football superstars, they have millions of fans, Cristiano Jr and Thiago Messi are also among them. If you ask the two kids about their father, they will definitely give their father good words because behind the field, CR7 and M10 are two very sweet dads.
Zimbabwe’s former Deputy Prime Minister in the 2009-13 coalition government, Professor Arthur Mutambara, has said that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is not coming to save Zimbabweans and that “we must be are own liberators.”
“This SADC intervention matter is a closed chapter. NOTHING is coming from SADC. If folks are looking for good news, they must go and create the good news,” Mutambara began.
“The relevance of SADC on the Zimbabwe elections ended when President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated Emmerson Mnangagwa and attended that inauguration.
“That was the END of the discussion of SADC doing anything on the subject. Was that not obvious? Zimbabweans must STOP raising the SADC name with respect to the 23 August 2023 elections.
“It is pathetic. We must be our own liberators. Forget SADC,” Mutambara added.
Mutambara is drawing from his experience as Deputy Prime Minister in the GNU, spending over five years taking part in SADC meetings as one of the three Principals including the late Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and the late President Robert Mugabe.
At the conclusion of elections in Zimbabwe in August this year the SADC Observer Mission led by former Zambian Vice President Nevers Mumba issued a damning report that the polls fell short of meeting the requirements of the constitution.
Despite this report there has been no appetite by SADC leaders to condemn Mnangagwa’s regime, drawing furious reactions from many including South African opposition leader Julius Malema.
“We have a problem here in Zimbabwe. These members of SADC don’t call the government of Zimbabwe to order, because it’s a group of brothers. That government is violating people there,” Malema who heads the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) said.
“We cannot have these regional and continental bodies including Pan African Parliament which are not biting on countries that are engaged in wrong activities.
“What is wrong with President Cyril Ramaphosa calling President Mnangagwa to order? It will be coming from a good place. They are all brothers, they are all Africans and they all speak for the interests of Africans.
“So, we can’t have a situation where we have regional and continental bodies that become a meeting of elites without concrete solutions to the problems confronting the people of Africa,” Malema added.
Ramaphosa and Mnangagwa are close allies. When the latter controversially won the August 23 disputed elections, Ramaphosa was among the first presidents to congratulate him.
OPPOSITION Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has watered down rumours of fissures in the party following the recalls of Members of Parliament and councillors.
Tshabangu, the party’s self-appointed interim secretary general withdrew 15 MPs, councillors and senators, threatening to undo the gains of CCC in the August polls.
Speaking at a press conference CCC deputy spokesperson Ostallos Siziba, flanked by the party’s remaining MPs, downplayed any polarization in the opposition.
“There is no organisation without contradictions in this world. We have had debates in the party on which colour we should use. If you report that a certain leader had a different view on the colour which to use then you want to say there are fissures.
“There are no fissures, there are no contradictions, we are a democratic party, we have discourse and we defeat each other at the level of superior logic. Our difference with our opponents is that we do not criminalise holding a different view,” said Siziba.
CCC appears to be bursting in the aftermath of the disputed August elections with reports of disgruntled senior members rife.
Recently, Tshabangu called for the party to revert to 2019 leadership structures when it was MDC Alliance, giving life to purged senior members.
“This thing you are seeing is a Zanu-PF issue, Zanu-PF attacking the authentic opposition. All signs are clear CCC defeated Zanu-PF in this election. We reject the election results because we are very clear that it’s not only a CCC issue.
“They are going after CCC, we are being punished for defeating Zanu-PF. It is an engineered programme by Zanu-PF to try and destroy the authentic opposition in this country. We are very clear that we are not going to accept that. We remain focused. Our objective is to attain political power and govern differently. They do not want people who govern with a difference,” added Siziba.
CCC also professed ignorance over a letter that emerged Wednesday of Maxwell Omen Murindagomo claiming to be interim chairman and firing Tshabangu.
“I do not know that person. I am sure you have followed CCC. I am sure you have not heard that name. CCC does not know the said person,” said Siziba.
50 Cent and his eldest son Marquise Jackson have been estranged for years, engaging in public spats and making scathing remarks about each other online and in interviews.
Their relationship issues trace back to the vastly different upbringings 50 and Marquise had. Now Marquise resents his father’s absence, while 50 feels unappreciated for his financial support. Can this famous father and son find a way to reconcile?
50’s Difficult Upbringing Shaped His Work Ethic
50 Cent, born Curtis Jackson III, had an incredibly traumatic childhood that made him determined to achieve success at all costs.
He grew up in South Jamaica, Queens in the 1980s during the peak of the crack cocaine epidemic. His mother Sabrina was just 15 when she gave birth to him, and she turned to dealing drugs soon after.
With his mother working, 50 was raised primarily by his grandparents. But the environment of poverty and violence surrounding him was inescapable.
When 50 was just 8 years old, his mother was murdered in a drug-related killing. The loss shaped 50’s outlook and inspired him to pursue rapping as an escape from crime and poverty.
As a teen, 50 Cent got involved selling drugs himself for a time before refocusing on music. But the tumultuous world he grew up in instilled relentless drive and a survival mentality.
This mentality fueled 50 as he strived to make it big in hip hop. After years of perseverance, his debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’ became a blockbuster hit.
But 50 never forgot his difficult youth and vows to never struggle again now that he’s found success. This background provides insight into why he prioritizes business and wealth so highly.
Marquise Grew Up in Luxury Thanks to 50’s Wealth
50 Cent’s eldest son Marquise was born in 1997, back when the rapper was just 21 himself. 50 had already split from Marquise’s mother Shaniqua Tompkins well before his career took off.
Marquise spent his early childhood living modestly like 50 had. But by the 2000s, 50’s status as a rap superstar completely transformed his son’s world.
With 50’s net worth skyrocketing into the hundreds of millions, Marquise suddenly found himself living a life of luxury. His father’s wealth provided lavish homes, flashy cars, and endless cash flow.
Marquise became spoiled by the extravagant lifestyle 50’s success afforded him. He developed expensive taste and an entitled mindset early on.
50 made sure to provide Marquise with everything he never had himself. But he now feels this cushy upbringing contributed greatly to their strained relationship once Marquise became a teen.
Painful Reminders of His Own Absent Father
50’s childhood pain related to his own father’s absence may also explain why he takes Marquise’s resentment so personally.
50 never knew his father, who remained anonymous. But it’s believed he was killed in an accident when 50 was just a toddler.
Losing his father so young hurt 50 deeply, and his mother’s murder a few years later made him retreat further into himself. He channeled all his pain into hustling and music.
So for 50 to now have his own son disowning him dredges up deep wounds over his never-present dad. It likely pains 50 to see himself perpetuating this cycle of broken relationships between fathers and sons.
Marquise undoubtedly represents 50’s greatest chance to break that cycle. But their clashing backgrounds and worldviews havebred misunderstanding instead of closeness.
Why Marquise Resents His Father
Now in his mid-20s, Marquise harbors great resentment toward his famous father. He feels 50 was largely an absent figure in his life.
“He was never really there for me,” Marquise said in an interview. “I didn’t have guidance; I didn’t have advice.”
Marquise also feels 50 gave financially but never made the effort to truly know and understand him. Their relationship issues exploded once Marquise became a rebellious teenager.
In interviews, 50 has accused Marquise’s mother Shaniqua of poisoning their son against him. But clearly the lack of fatherly connection weighed heavily on Marquise, driving a deep wedge between them.
Rather than viewing 50’s monetary gifts as love, Marquise craved real quality time and emotional support. Without that bond nurtured early on, their relationship strained as the years passed.
Now Marquise seems embittered by the lavish lifestyle 50’s success afforded him but also denied him of a present father figure. Their vicious cycle of public feuding stems from this unresolved disconnect.
Why 50 Feels Hurt by His Son’s Actions
In recent years, 50 has made his grievances with Marquise painfully apparent as well. He feels deeply hurt by his son’s entitled attitude and scathing remarks.
Marquise has taunted his father in interviews and repeatedly criticized him online for not providing larger financial support since coming of age.
But 50 feels these demands come across as Marquise viewing him chiefly as an ATM machine, not a father. 50 gave Marquise access to cars, jewelry and cash since he was a child. In his eyes, Marquise should be grateful for all he provided given his own impoverished upbringing.
Their toxic back-and-forth on social media indicates 50 may have tried buying Marquise’s affection when what his son craved was simply his time and affection. Now in 50’s eyes, Marquise has crossed the line from typical teenage rebellion into ungrateful disrespect.
Unable to see eye-to-eye, resentments have festered for years, causing major estrangement. But hope remains that 50 and Marquise can find enough common ground to move forward if both make an effort.
Is There Hope for Reconciliation?
The key to reconciling will require 50 and Marquise reevaluating their positions. 50 needs to understand that no amount of luxury can replace involved parenting and being present, not just financially but emotionally.
Likewise, Marquise may benefit from perspective on what a monumental struggle his father overcame to become so successful and provide him with such abundance.
Marquise was dealt a much better hand in life thanks to 50’s sacrifices. But their strained bond leaves him viewing his father’s gifts as transactional rewards devoid of real love.
Both parties likely bear some fault in letting tensions escalate over the years. But being the elder, 50 faces greater responsibility to take the high road and lead by example, putting ego aside.
If 50 can have an honest dialogue about what he could have done better as a father, it may encourage Marquise to reflect on his own anger issues and sense of entitlement.
50 seems open to reconciliation, but believes Marquise must mature and show accountability first. As Marquise navigates adulthood on his own, life experience may grant him greater compassion.
But Marquise has hinted he may still hold out hope of having an authentic relationship with his dad someday. With his father nearing 50 years old, Marquise may realize that window won’t be open forever.
The Complexities of Father-Son Relationships
50 Cent and Marquise Jackson’s complex dynamic reveals common themes that strain many father-son bonds:
Absent fathers unable to balance careers and family
Sons feeling neglected and wanting attention
Fathers thinking money equals love
Sons feeling entitled to privileges and status
Losing connection through lack of quality time
Letting resentment fester into feuding
The road back from estrangement requires mutual empathy, patience and effort. But many relationships marred by prolonged absence can heal with time.
50 appears open to reconciliation, and Marquise may reach an age when he prioritizes mending their bond over fueling the feud.
With wisdom and humility on both sides, 50 Cent and Marquise Jackson could still transform their role as father and son into the most valued title of all.
Singer Beyonce and superstar Messi were once called “idiots” during their visit to Egypt.
What is the reason why Egyptian archaeologists call singers Beyonce and Messi idiots? Source: Oh My Goal
In March 2017, Messi went to Egypt to participate in the anti-hepatitis C campaign. During the trip, Messi visited the Pyramids. Mr. Zahi Hawass, former Minister of Antiquities and leading Egyptian archaeologist, was Messi’s tour guide. An incident has occurred.
“After the visit, I told the Spanish media that while I introduced the monument to Messi, his face did not show any interest at all, even when I introduced the wings. Secret door in the Pyramid. Messi is like an idiot. His face looks like a stone. Perhaps all Messi cares about is football, Mr. Hawass shared.
Zahi Hawass and Messi in Egypt.
Shortly after, the archaeologist had to apologize to Messi. He believes there is a misunderstanding because Messi only speaks Spanish:
“I believe Messi is the most famous figure on the planet. There isn’t even another king or queen as famous as him. His visits to Egyptian archaeological sites are more important than the visits of the President and other national officials, because he is extremely popular in Egypt. Messi brings many benefits to Egyptian tourism.
I said it wrong, my tongue was stuck at that time. Of course I would never insult Messi, he is a great person. The translator couldn’t convey my enthusiasm to Messi. During the phone interview with the Spanish newspaper, I scolded the translator for being an idiot, not Messi.
Hawass said he has watched all of Messi’s matches. “There will never be anyone like Messi. I include him in all my lectures. I told the students that Messi visited Egypt. He helps promote Egyptian tourism.”
This is not the first time Mr. Hawass has been involved in a similar problem. In 2009, singer Beyonce visited the Pyramid. Hawass revealed that Beyonce arrived late, her bodyguards did not let anyone take photos.
The archaeologist shouted: “You almost hit my photographer, you are so rude. Get out”.
“I said Beyonce was stupid and left,” Mr. Hawass said.
Egypt’s leading archaeologist is a controversial figure. He loves to take the spotlight. This person was once investigated for bribery and many other accusations.
Israel must stop killing babies and women in Gaza, French President Emmanuel Macron has told the BBC.
In an exclusive interview at the Élysée Palace, he said there was “no justification” for the bombing, saying a ceasefire would benefit Israel.
While recognising Israel’s right to protect itself, “we do urge them to stop this bombing” in Gaza, he said.
But he also stressed that France “clearly condemns” the “terrorist” actions of Hamas.
France – like Israel, the US, the UK, and other Western nations – considers Hamas a terrorist organisation.
When asked if he wanted other leaders – including in the US and the UK – to join his calls for a ceasefire, he replied: “I hope they will.”
After a month of Israeli bombardment and nearly two weeks after Israel launched a major ground offensive into the territory, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry said on Friday that 11,078 people had been killed, while 1.5 million had fled their homes.
Israel says it attacks military targets in line with international law and takes steps to reduce civilian casualties, like issuing warnings ahead of strikes and calling on people to evacuate.
Speaking the day after a humanitarian aid conference in Paris about the war in Gaza, Mr Macron said the “clear conclusion” of all governments and agencies present at that summit was “that there is no other solution than first a humanitarian pause, going to a ceasefire, which will allow [us] to protect… all civilians having nothing to do with terrorists”.
“De facto – today, civilians are bombed – de facto. These babies, these ladies, these old people are bombed and killed. So there is no reason for that and no legitimacy. So we do urge Israel to stop.”
He said it was not his role to judge whether international law had been broken.
‘We share Israel’s pain’
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded quickly to Mr Macron’s comments, saying nations should condemn Hamas, not Israel.
“The crimes that Hamas [is] committing today in Gaza will be committed tomorrow in Paris, New York and anywhere in the world,” a statement from Mr Netanyahu’s office read.
In a wide-ranging interview at the end of the first day of an annual Paris Peace Forum, President Macron also discussed:
Fears of violence spilling over from the Middle East into France, urging citizens of all faiths to be “united against antisemitism”
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, saying it was France’s “duty” to help Ukraine – but suggesting there may come a time for “fair and good negotiations” with Moscow
Extremism online, saying Facebook’s parent company Meta and Google “just don’t deliver” on moderation
And the dangers of climate change, saying it was pushing people around the world toward “terrorism”.
Starting by discussing Gaza, Mr Macron said France “clearly condemns” Hamas’s attacks on Israel on 7 October which sparked the war. Hamas gunmen killed about 1,200 people and took 240 others hostage in its unprecedented cross-border assault it launched that day.
“We do share [Israel’s] pain. And we do share their willingness to get rid of terrorism. We know what terrorism means in France.” But he said there was “no justification” for the ongoing bombing of civilians in Gaza.
“It’s extremely important for all of us because of our principles, because we are democracies. It’s important for the mid-to-long run as well for the security of Israel itself, to recognise that all lives matter.”
The French president gave the interview after the first day of the Paris Peace Forum, an annual summit in the French capital. When asked, he refused to say that Israel had broken international law in Gaza.
“I’m not a judge. I’m a head of state,” he said, adding it would not be right to criticise Israel in this way – “a partner and a friend” – just a month after it was attacked.
But Mr Macron said he disagreed that the best way for Israel to “protect [itself] is having a large bombing of Gaza”, saying it was creating “resentment and bad feelings” in the region that would prolong the conflict.
Israel has said it will start daily four-hour military pauses in parts of northern Gaza as it continues its offensive. Its defence minister however stressed the pauses would be “localised” and would “not detract from the war fighting”.
Condemn antisemitism ‘without ambiguity’
Ahead of a march against antisemitism on Sunday which a large section of France’s political class will attend, President Macron called on all French citizens to condemn antisemitic acts “without ambiguity”.
He said France had probably Europe’s biggest Muslim community and a big Jewish community too, and with France and the rest of Europe seeing a big rise in antisemitism, all French citizens had to be united against antisemitism, and had to “share the pain or the compassion of Palestinians”.
Mr Macron then moved on to other global issues, including Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
He said if Russia were allowed to win its war, “you will have a new imperial power” in Europe, that could threaten other former Soviet states like Georgia and Kazakhstan, as well as the whole continent.
“Because, definitely, it’s imperialism and colonialism that Russia is doing [in Ukraine],” he said.
The French president said it was the “duty” of his country and all countries to support Ukraine in its defence. But he also said the next month would be critical, as it struggles to retake lost land in counteroffensive operations.
He said it was “not yet” time for Ukraine to come to the table, and stressed the decision to negotiate was Kyiv’s alone. But he added there may come a time to “have fair and good negotiations, and to come back to the table and find a solution with Russia”.
Mr Macron also discussed online extremism – a key topic at the Paris Peace Forum. He singled out Facebook’s parent company Meta and Google, saying the companies “simply don’t deliver” on promises they made to moderate hate speech on their platforms.
He said many online platforms lacked sufficient moderators for French language content, calling it a “shame”, and promising to “push them” on the issue – although he said TikTok had improved the number of moderators for its French language content.
And he said that climate change was causing terrorism in parts of the world, specifically mentioning the effects of global warming in lower water levels at Lake Chad in West Africa.
“As a consequence of climate change, a lot of families living as fishermen [suffered]… A lot of species just disappeared. And it created politics [that] pushed a lot of people to terrorism.”
But when asked if he ever felt depressed by the sheer number of issues facing the world, Mr Macron said he saw it as “a chance and an honour to have responsibilities [as head of state]”.
“We need international cooperation [to tackle global issues]… This is a unique chance.”- BBC
Yesterday, the Zambia Conference for Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) issued a pastoral letter addressing various issues in the country, providing guidelines, and occasionally making demands.
Following their long-standing tradition, this pastoral letter, similar to a state-of-the-nation address, will be read across the Republic in all Catholic churches on Sunday, November 12, 2023.
I observed that the letter was couched in advisory language, where, even as the Conference praised the leadership, they simultaneously demanded better performance, bordering on perfection—a scenario reminiscent of “giving with one hand and taking with the other.”
Despite the sensitivities among fellow Catholics, I find these letters generally laden with generalities. The notable exception in this one is the singling out of the UPND Secretary General, Mr. Batuke Imenda, and the attempt to portray it as a view held by the party and government.
For the first time, the Conference has shown an attempt to close ranks and protect one of its own. However, the remarks from Archbishop Alick Banda, to which Mr. Imenda referred, were not made in the Council or in the capacity of the Council.
In my view, this is the most significant exposé of the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the Council.
It’s crucial to understand that the Council operates on a “collective responsibility” model where the majority holds sway.
Upon examining the Council’s composition, one can glean insights into the guidelines stemming from its meetings. Historians may find it intriguing to study the pattern of Council letters when the leader of the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) is not from what is now referred to as the North East region.
The Council’s emphasis on concerns about equality and diversity, among other matters, is commendable. However, it is shocking that they appear tone-deaf to the imbalance in the composition of their own body, the ZCCB, which primarily represents two regions.
The current makeup contradicts the spirit of equity and equality conveyed in the pastoral letter. Does this composition imply that only individuals from the North and East of Zambia predominantly pursue the Catholic priesthood to reach the level of Bishophood?
Most importantly, what measures is the Council implementing to reflect equity and equality? This question gains significance amidst the ongoing local conversation about historical ethnic segregation.
I believe that the Church, being present in all corners of our country, should take a lead in addressing this issue. The conversation on ethnic segregation parallels that of sexual misconduct, a topic the Church tried to deny until progressive leaders confronted it directly.
This is the leadership I yearn for from my Church at this particular moment in history.
Imagine the implications of an issue requiring a vote in the Council with its current composition.
I am aware that my opinion may attract criticism from members of the church and relatives of the Council members, but, above all, I am exercising my “right to hold an opinion and express it.”
Looking ahead, I anticipate a pastoral letter condemning public leader Sean Tembo for using offensive language against the Republican President, mocking and humiliating women’s biological makeup.
I look forward to the Council addressing public leader Mr. Kambwili for his tribal monologue.
I am eager for the ZCCB to denounce the PF for brutally attacking mourners at Leopards Hills Memorial Park, leaving some without limbs.
There are numerous issues I could list, and what is clear is that as Zambians, we should never shy away from holding those in various forms of the public sphere (politicians, NGOs, religious bodies) to the same standards of accountability.
Chaloka Beyani fails to go ICJ because of Zambians foreign policy
Zambia’s new foreign policy claims its first victim
On 9 November 2023, the UN General Assembly and Security Council elected five judges to serve on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a nine-year term, starting February 2024. The ICJ is the UN’s top court and settles disputes between member States.
In this election, #Zambia fielded Chaloka Beyani, one of the country’s finest minds and a Professor of International Law at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Chaloka lost an election he should have easily won. Those elected are from Australia, Romania, United States, Mexico, and South Africa. The losing candidates are from Zambia, Russia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Egypt.
It has now emerged that Chaloka lost because of Zambia’s ill-conceived foreign policy choices. These include abstaining on the recent Palestinian/Gaza UN General Assembly resolution, withdrawing from a pending African sponsored ICJ advisory opinion matter, the country’s reported plans to sponsor a resolution to grant Israel an African Union observer status, and support for the removal of Palestine as a beneficiary of UNESCO programmes. To be elected, a member (country) needs to secure an absolute majority in both the General Assembly (97 votes) and Security Council (8 votes).
Chaloka – an exceptionally qualified and outstanding candidate on all accounts – failed to obtain enough support for one reason: the deeply embarrassing, anti-human rights, anti-peace, pro-colonialism, and pro-war positions that Zambia, the country of Kenneth Kaunda, now takes on serious international issues. All these new policies run counter to Zambia’s traditional and forward-looking foreign policy positions whose foundations were laid by Kaunda. By departing from or abandoning its previously inviolable traditional foreign policy position, Zambia is today earning itself isolation in southern Africa, across the continent and the Global South.
Chaloka should have easily won the ICJ election. Unfortunately, in such settings, UN member States vote for the country rather than the individual candidate. The outcome of the ICJ election is not a rejection of Chaloka; it is a rejection of what Zambia’s new and strange foreign policy. (In August this year, the Zambian government was warned that its foreign policy dramatic shift risked ruining Chaloka’s election prospects but they did not change course!). Ironically, even the Western countries, whose foreign policy Zambia is now adopting and aligning itself with, did not vote for Chaloka.
For everything Chaloka has worked for and accomplished in his professional life, it took his own government to undo!
THE UNCONSTITUTIONAL CONFUSION IN PF: DEEPENING CRISIS OR OPPORTUNISTIC MANEUVER?
By Dr Mwelwa
The Patriotic Front (PF) party of Zambia finds itself embroiled in a web of constitutional confusion, raising questions about the integrity and adherence to democratic principles within the party’s leadership. These troubling developments center around the resignation of the PF’s President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu (ECL), and the subsequent actions taken by party officials.
According to Article 53 of the PF Constitution, in the event of the President resigning from office, the Secretary General (SG) should assume the role of acting President until a new President is elected. However, instead of following this provision, the party has chosen to appoint a different individual, Honorable Given Lubinda, to take on the role of acting President.
This departure from the constitutional mandate raises serious concerns about the party’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and respecting the rule of law. It creates a situation where the party’s leadership appears to be picking and choosing which constitutional provisions to adhere to, undermining the integrity of the party and sowing confusion among its members and supporters.
Moreover, Article 54 of the PF Constitution outlines the functions and duties of the Vice President, stating that they are to exercise the functions of the President only in the case of death or removal from office. In the case of ECL’s resignation, where he voluntarily stepped down from his position, the Vice President’s assumption of the acting President role may not be in accordance with the party’s own constitution.
This unconstitutional confusion not only raises questions about the party’s internal governance but also highlights broader concerns about the state of democracy in Zambia. A party that does not uphold its own constitution and fails to follow established rules and procedures risks eroding public trust and undermining the principles of democracy.
The implications of these actions go beyond the internal workings of the PF. They create an environment of uncertainty and unpredictability, which could impact the stability of the party and the country as a whole. Zambia, a nation that has championed democratic ideals, expects its political parties to uphold the highest standards of constitutional adherence and democratic principles.
It is imperative that the PF leadership address these concerns and provide clarity on the constitutional legitimacy of the actions taken thus far. Failure to do so may further deepen the crisis within the party and erode public confidence in its leadership.
In a time when political stability, constitutional adherence, and democratic values are crucial for the progress and prosperity of Zambia, it is essential that all political parties, including the PF, demonstrate a commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting the foundational principles upon which democracy is built.
The unconstitutional confusion within the PF must be remedied through a transparent and constitutional process that respects the rights and obligations of party members. Only by adhering to established rules and principles can the party regain the confidence of its members and the wider public, ensuring a path towards a stronger and more inclusive democratic future for Zambia.
GAZA CRISIS: THE CONSEQUENCES OF HICHILEMA’S NAÏVE “CUT AND PASTE PUPPETRY FOREIGN POLICY”
The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution endorsing the international community’s solidarity and support for operations of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine refugees.
The passes resolution, also called on Israel to stop obstructing the UNRWA’s operations and allow safety of UNRWA personnel and installations.
As expected, Zambia didn’t participate in the vote. They stayed away. They did not even have the confidence and courage to vote. What happened yesterday when this vote was being taken was as good as Zambia not being present in the UN General Assembly Hall.
In other words, Mr Hakainde Hichilema and his corrupt puppet regime do not see the need and urgency for the UNRWA work force to have safe access into Gaza and be able to assist the dying civilians? They are happy with the status quo- the bloodshed, pain and misery.
Mind you, before Mr Hichilema and the UPND came into office, Zambia has always voted for the right and interests of the Palestinian people at the UN General Assembly. But presently, there is a foreign policy shift, which has not been officially announced by the current government. This is extremely reckless and dangerous!
We have said it before and we are saying it again, can Mr Hichilema immediately stop this “cut and paste puppetry diplomacy or foreign policy” and return the country to its traditional “principle- based diplomacy or foreign policy”. There is no doubt that Zambia’s security, integrity and dignity rests in us sensibly returning to the above foreign policy charter – principle- based diplomacy.
Our continued abstention on the Gaza humanitarian crisis at the UN General Assembly is a dangerous policy and direction with far- reaching consequences especially with our allies in the Sub – Saharan region, in the global South and generally, all global progressive, peaceful and neutral forces that have trusted, respected and supported us.
Without a doubt, our diplomatic naivety on the Gaza conflict will not only cost us a greatly but will escalate the silent but systematic isolation we are currently facing in the region, on the continent and globally.
Even more worrying is the intelligence information we have gathered that Zambia has endorsed the decision to scrap off Palestine from the list of beneficiaries of UNESCO programs; and that the US government has instructed Zambia to sponsor a decision for the African Union to admit and grant Israel an observer status at the AU, at next year’s AU summit in Addis Ababa.
It’s worth noting that South Africa has already threatened to pull out of the AU if Israel is admitted into the AU. So where does Mr Hichilema’s diplomatic naivety and puppetry leave us in the region and on the continent? It is clear that our continuation of this “cut and paste puppetry foreign policy framework” is making the region and the continent to gang up against us. And the question is, will Zambia survive this rejection and isolation?
Already, there are regional and continental antics being played on Zambia. Some countries in the region are conveniently shifting on agreed undertakings, including those adopted by regional and continental blocs like SADC and AU to disadvantage Zambia, which is currently seen as untrustworthy and treacherous in diplomatic circles.
And as long as we continue with this “cut and paste puppetry foreign policy” our highly skilled and experienced professionals’ candidature will never receive the support of our erstwhile allies or get elected to serve in regional, continental and transcontinental bodies. We shall remain rejected and isolated for obvious reasons.
In fact, this is already in motion and Zambian candidates vying for positions in regional, continental and global bodies are failing to get the endorsements of our traditional allies, and consequently tumbling in elections. It always starts small before it becomes a bigger problem.
Let Mr Hichilema correct this foreign policy error before he drags our country into the abyss of rejection and isolation.
Zambia has always been a pioneer of international solidarity and support for worthy causes such as the Gaza conflict so what inhumane logic is Mr Hichilema applying and for what benefit is it to the country?
This country needs to get back to its natural league of empathetic and progressive nations.
PATRIOTIC FRONT LEADERSHIP CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT WITH DEMOCRACY DEFENDERS, MEETS EFZ
On Friday, 10th November 2023, the leadership of the Patriotic Front spent time with the leadership of the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia( EFZ) to share views and concerns about the country.
The PF Leadership has been meeting defenders of democracy to help protect Zambia’s constitutionalism and the character multi-partism.
There is a quickly shrinking democratic space, abuse of state institutions, and heightened threats against democracy.
The Patriotic Front Party has been victim to attempts by the UPND Government to de-register, anhilate, or steal the Party.
Recently, the government has perpetrated a Coup d’état against the party leadership where they have attempted to impose and recognise their stooge.
The leadership led by Patriotic Front Vice President Hon. Given Lubinda also used the opportunity to pass their condolences to Bishop Paul Mususu, who lost a niece, Rachel Pinalo-Samapimbi.
So far the PF leadership has met the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Council of Churches in Zambia.
The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has issued a comprehensive Pastoral Statement on the State of the Nation, emphasizing the critical importance of preserving Zambia’s multi-party and democratic identity. The statement, signed by all 12 Bishops of Zambia, addresses crucial political, economic, moral, and social concerns affecting the country.
In their detailed declaration, the Bishops dissect the current state of affairs, underlining both positive and negative aspects of Zambia’s governance systems.
The Pastoral Statement, a comprehensive critique of the nation’s status, focuses on various domains:
Political Environment: The Bishops acknowledge government efforts to restore order in the political landscape, yet raise concerns about shrinking democratic space, selective law enforcement, and the need for transparent and impartial judiciary and parliamentary conduct.
Economic Situation: Addressing the increased cost of living, the statement emphasizes the need for transparency in debt restructuring, effective management of mealie meal prices, and a review of mining tax concessions to ensure fair contributions to the national treasury.
Moral and Social Issues: Concerns are voiced regarding service delivery, the use of social media, protection of the family, and the controversial LGBTQ+ agenda. The statement also condemns demeaning language directed at religious figures and calls for constant communication between the government and its citizens.
Government Response: The Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, confirmed the government’s receipt of the Pastoral letter. He acknowledged the letter’s intent and assured that a comprehensive response would be provided after a thorough review. Additionally, he advised against any immediate responses from the UPND party in an effort to address the matter appropriately.Catholic Bishops Urge Zambians to Safeguard Nation’s Democratic Ideals
The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has issued a comprehensive Pastoral Statement on the State of the Nation, emphasizing the critical importance of preserving Zambia’s multi-party and democratic identity. The statement, signed by all 12 Bishops of Zambia, addresses crucial political, economic, moral, and social concerns affecting the country.
In their detailed declaration, the Bishops dissect the current state of affairs, underlining both positive and negative aspects of Zambia’s governance systems.
The Pastoral Statement, a comprehensive critique of the nation’s status, focuses on various domains:
Political Environment: The Bishops acknowledge government efforts to restore order in the political landscape, yet raise concerns about shrinking democratic space, selective law enforcement, and the need for transparent and impartial judiciary and parliamentary conduct.
Economic Situation: Addressing the increased cost of living, the statement emphasizes the need for transparency in debt restructuring, effective management of mealie meal prices, and a review of mining tax concessions to ensure fair contributions to the national treasury.
Moral and Social Issues: Concerns are voiced regarding service delivery, the use of social media, protection of the family, and the controversial LGBTQ+ agenda. The statement also condemns demeaning language directed at religious figures and calls for constant communication between the government and its citizens.
Government Response: The Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, confirmed the government’s receipt of the Pastoral letter. He acknowledged the letter’s intent and assured that a comprehensive response would be provided after a thorough review. Additionally, he advised against any immediate responses from the UPND party in an effort to address the matter appropriately.
Below is the Full Press Statement
ZAMBIA CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS (ZCCB) PASTORAL STATEMENT The Pastoral Statement on the State of the Nation “Hear O my people and I will admonish you…” Psalm 81:8 To our dear brothers and sisters in Christ and people of goodwill. Peace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all! Preamble We, the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), having listened to the cries of our people for guidance on political, economic, moral and social issues affecting the nation, do hereby share with you the following:
Political environment A serene and conducive political environment is the hallmark of human society. We acknowledge the good intentions by Government to bring sanity to the political landscape in the Nation by reducing cadreism in public places and political violence. However, we note the following. 1.1. Shrinking of democratic space
Human rights such as freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are arbitrarily being trampled on especially against those considered to hold dissenting political views or persons belonging to opposition political parties. Intimidation of media houses by state institutions, based on the guests they invite, and the content discussed on their platforms, curtails both media freedom and free speech. This practice also sends an indirect message to media houses to stay away from discussing uncomfortable but very important topics of public interest and to shun or marginalise certain voices whose views may be deemed as unfavourable to those in authority.
The right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental liberty that sustains the activities of political parties and civil society groups in constitutional democracies. On several occasions, however, the police have denied opposition parties the opportunity to exercise this crucial right on the grounds of lack of adequate manpower and unspecified security concerns.
There is also a growing selective application of the rule of law. For instance, it has become a tradition for the police to arrest members of the opposition in a violent manner, keep them in detention longer than necessary, and never take their cases to court, long after being finally released on bond. All these serve as examples of undemocratic practices that fall far short of the respect for civil and political rights that the Constitution obliges the State to uphold.
1.2. Political Parties
Political parties have a huge responsibility in the promotion of peace and democracy. However, we have noted that the political situation is being characterised by the continued politicking and trivialising of important national matters. There is need for a gernuine and right way of doing politics. Politicians ought to realise and appreciate that their priority should be service to the Zambian people and the ruling party should lead and be seen to lead the way in practising good politics. It seems that political parties are more concerned with eliminating or weakening
party politics should be handled in a mature and well measured manner amongst the political players within their party.
1.3. Judiciary
It is the mandate of the judiciary to adjudicate in matters where a stalemate has been reached in a political party. This must be done in an impartial, objective, and timely manner.
We call upon the Chief Justice of Zambia to provide effective leadership to the bench so that matters that require urgent resolution are heard and determnined in an efficient manner. Any undue delays by the Judiciary in adjudicating political disputes has the potential to heighten tension in the country and stoke further divisions.
1.4. Parliament
Parliament is a place of honour and dignity endowed with the privilege to legislate on behalf of the Zambian people. However, some of the recent happenings in the House fall below the expectation of the citizenry. We, therefore, urge the House and especially the presiding officers and lawmakers to conduct themselves above board and instil confidence in the people with regard to this important arm of government.
We further urge the Speaker to embrace criticism, build multi-partisan consensus, and accept that she or he is the Speaker of the National Assembly, not of a given political party or another arm of Government. It is also important for presiding officers in the National Assembly to follow the Constitution of Zambia, not precedence or tradition, when dealing with issues that touch on the supreme law of the land and whose resolution has a significant bearing on the character of our Republic as a multiparty democracy.
The election of different leaders in the National Assembly, for instance, should be guided by the Constitution, not precedence, especially in instances where that precedence may be unconstitutional. Precedence is to be observed only in relation to following the constitution of the Republic, not its violation.
1.5. Response to criticism by those in public office.
We are abhorred by the way politicians in general and those in government in particular respond to public criticism. Some resort to the use of uncouth and abusive language. Others employ intimidation, name calling, and rogue websites to maliciously scandalise critics and political opponents. We don’t expect this uncalled for behaviour from leaders in a democratic society where divergent views must be accommodated.
It is a mark of leadership to embrace criticism, especially of a crucial and constructive kind. The public has the right to provide feedback on government performance and activities. The responsibility of public oficials to harness this feedback, regardless of the medium through which it is conveyed. We urge politicians to use respectful language in public discourse and be tolerant to divergent views.
Economic situation
We have noted with appreciation the good will by the government to restructure the economy to create an enabling environment for the development of our country. We are aware of the government’s efforts to restructure the national debt. These efforts are commendable.
However, we urge government to be transparent in the whole process and subsequent debt contraction. We demand full disclosure of all bilateral and multilateral agreements as well as transparency in publication of the mining agreements with investors so that the Zambian people know what their public leaders are signing on their behalf.
2.1. High cost of living
Both the exchange rate and inflation have risen considerably in recent months and these trends are adversely affecting the economy. Consequently, the cost of living and doing business has escalated.
While we commend the Government for the Zambia National Service mealie meal initiative that has seen the price of the commodity slightly reduced in some areas, however, we consider the price is still too high for the ordinary Zambian.
We ask the Government to identify the root causes of the high mealie meal prices and put in place effective measures that would reduce the prices to ones that even the poor can afford. Like water, food is life. We call on the Government to provide affordable and accessible food to the citizenry as a matter of urgent priority since the cost of living has become unbearable for most households.
2.2. Review the mining tax regime
To generate increased public revenue for alleviating poverty and investing in social programmes, we urge the government to review mining concessions and tax holidays given to multinational corporations.
Mining is the mainstay of Zambia’s economy, and it is unacceptable that the industry continues to contribute far less to the national treasury than it should. Due to increasing use of technology, mining employs significantly lower numbers of people today than it did in earlier decades.
As a result, the most assured way of deriving maximum benefits from this vital industry is through effective tax and shareholding policies such as those implemented in Botswana, Chile, and other countries rich in mineral resources. We urge the Government to increase its stake in mining companies in relation to shareholding and actively promote local ownership.
2.3. Agriculture
In the spirit of economic diversification, agriculture can play a big role in job creation both at small and large-scale farming and can guarantee food security. Food security produces a wide range of positive impacts including economic growth and poverty reduction (cf. ZCCB, Statement on the State of the Nation, 2022).
Farming Input Support Programme (FISP) can help many of our small-scale farmers. However, this programme has not been free from abuse. In pursuit of improving the same, there seems to be little engagement nor prior preparation with beneficiaries being removed from the programme. It is the duty of Government to be more engaging whenever a new course of action is being undertaken. We urge the Government to increase funding to the FISP and improve its handling of the distribution of farming inputs to avoid food shortages in the future. 1 2.4. Manufacturing industry
Successive governments have promised to develop Zambia’s manufacturing base but have done very little to realise this pledge when in office. We urge the Government to identify priority areas and take concrete steps that would actively support the development of manufacturing. The establishment of manufacturing industries can create employment in value chain addition. Products and services from these industries can bring the much-needed foreign exchange, and consequently strengthen our local currency to other convertible currencies. The Government promised to assist private business, especially small businesses, and entrepreneurs, but the continuing high bank len ding rates is killing growth and entrepreneurship. We urge the officials to rectify this challenge.
Moral and social issues
Any given society has a set of ruies and regulations that enables its people to live together in harmony and serve each other with respect.
3.1. Service delivery
There seems to be a disconnect between policies intended to remove rigidity and bottlenecks in service delivery and their implementations. The work culture being exhibited by some public officials in their service delivery leaves much to be desired. There are some public officers who when engaged have no courtesy to either acknowledge or respond. They respond only with recourse made to the highest office. However, this trend defeats the purpose of holding such positions. We demand that this comes to an end.
3.2. Constituency Development Fund (CDF)
We acknowledge the good intention in increasing the threshold of CDF and the economic impact these funds may have at the local level. However, there are challenges that need to be investigated and acted upon to build an environment good enough to support the aspiration of the decentralisation policy. This includes the partial disbursement of the amounts. It is pointless to increase the annual CDF amount if only a fraction of it is released annually. We, therefore, call upon the government to release the allocations in their entirety and strengthen monitoring mechanisms on how the CDF is being implermented, and the quality of projects that are being undertaken.
3.3. Use of social media
We are cognizant of the fact that social mnedia is here to stay and the benefits it has come with are numerous. However, we bemoan the abuse of this tool of communication. We are particularly concerned with the use of vulgar language which goes undeterred. We appeal to the conscience of everyone on the responsible use of social media and urge the statutory bodies responsible to be vigilant and enforce laws related to the same. We call upon the same statutory bodies to apply cyber laws stringently against websites set up for malicious purposes and whose handlers cannot easily be traced for the aggrieved to seek recourse to justice in the courts of law.
3.4. Protection of the family
We have noticed with concern that LGBTQ+ agenda is gaining ground with clandestine support from some organisations that are swiftly championing this cause. This does not sit well with our culture and Christian values. We wish to state unequivocally that “…homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered. They are contrary to the natural law.. Under no circumstances can they be approved” (cf. Position of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops on Homosexuality in Zambia, 2022). We, therefore, urge the Government to come out clearly in defence of the Christian Identity as enshrined in the Constitution and defend the marriage between man and woman, in accordance with the natural order.
3.5. “Lucifer of Zambia”
The denunciation of Archbishop Alick Banda as the “Lucifer of Zambia by the UPND Secretary General Mr Batuke Imenda was not only an affront on the person of the Archbishop Banda but the entire Catholic Church and its leadership in Zambia. Until now, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ruling Partv has not retracted his words.
Until now, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ruling Party has not retracted his words nor apologised apart from the party and its government calling fora ceasefire. The demeaning of the Archbishop by UPND is simply a demonstration of the spirit of intolerance towards criticism as alluded to above.
3.6. The need for constant communication It is important for those in public office to tell the people what is being done in their name. The culture of only emerging to defend rather than explain government actions should stop. What is needed is not the ability to mislead the people; it is the need to communicate what the government is doing. To this end, we call upon the Government to promote constant interaction between the governed and the governors. The President of the Republic had previously pledged to hold quarterly press conferences. We urge State House to honour this pledge.
3.7. Improving transparency and democratic reform
The current Party in power promised to improve democratic freedom in two important areas: (i) reform of the Public Order Act so as to establish the people’s right to hold public meetings and make public processions and protests; (ii) enact an Access to Information Act to establish the public’s access to government information.
We call on the Government to expedite the review of the Public Gathering Bill so that the right to public assembly can be enjoyed without undue restraint. In the meantime, we urge the police to allow opposition parties to hold public rallies without interference. The right to peaceful assembly is a constitutional liberty that should be enjoyed all the time, not just during elections.
We welcome the decision by the Government to table before Parliament the long awaited Access to Information Bill. We recall that an Access to Information Bill was originally promised by the MMD in 1991 and a Draft Bill was even brought before parliament only for it to be withdrawn after protracted debate for consultation with other countries which had similar legislation’.
The PF government of 2011 also promised an ATI Act, and even produced a Draft Bill in 2012, but no Bill was ever put before parliament. We invite all Zambians to carefully read the latest Draft to ensure that it complies with international standards. We also remain hopeful that the UPND government will enact this long-awaited law that would increase government transparency.
Conclusion
We invite all Zambians to preserve the multi-party and democratic character of our State, to work hard for a better Zambia, and to safeguard our national identity of One Zambia One Nation by avoiding any form of tribal, political, or religious discrimination. And we urge all Zambians to work for peace for our nation.
Police in Montreal are investigating possible hate crimes after two Jewish schools in the city were hit with gunshots overnight.
Bullet holes were found on the doors of both schools on Thursday morning, police said, along with bullet casings.
No one was in the buildings at the time of the shooting and no one was injured.
The incidents have shaken Montreal’s Jewish community, who say they are concerned about a rise in hate crimes amid the Israel-Gaza war.
“The Jewish community, with close to 300 years of history in Quebec, is under attack,” Yair Szlak, head of Montreal-based Jewish organisation Federation CJA, said at a news conference on Thursday.
The Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) said they have not found graffiti or messages left behind by the perpetrators, but they are “not closing the doors at this point on a hate crime situation.”
One mother told the Globe and Mail that she pulled her daughter out of class early at one of the schools because she was worried her child would be scared.
“This is a kids’ school, it’s too much,” Megan Saleh said.
The shootings come after a synagogue and a Jewish centre run by Federation CJA in Montreal’s West Island were hit with firebombs. No one was injured in those incidents, which also happened at night.
Eta Yudin, the vice-president of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs in Quebec, said the firebombings are a result of “an importation” of the conflict unfolding in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas.
“We see actions and words in the streets of Montreal targeting the Jewish community. These are not our Quebec values,” Mr Yudin said.
The incidents prompted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to issue a statement on Tuesday that “antisemitism is completely unacceptable and must always be condemned.”
Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante, responding to the shootings, warned perpetrators that they will be prosecuted and that “every violent and hateful event will be investigated” by police.
“You will answer for your actions,” Ms Plante said.
Montreal police reported 74 hate crimes and incidents targeting the Jewish community between 7 October, when the war between Israel and Hamas began, and 7 November.
Police said they are also investigating 25 hate crimes and incidents against the Muslim community reported in that same period.
Some arrests have been made in those cases, they said.
The police, who are increasing their presence at places of worship, are “appealing for calm”, said Vincent Richer, Deputy Director of the Montreal police force.
Police in other cities across Canada, including Toronto and Vancouver, have also reported a rise in hate crimes.
A 35-year-old Zimbabwean woman, Perseverance Ncube, known as ‘Percy’ to friends, died after being stabbed in front of her two young children in Manchester in the early hours of Friday (November 10).
A 45 year old suspect (name withheld) has been arrested by police after a manhunt triggered by the tragedy on Dukesgate Grove, Little Hulton, Salford in Manchester.
The attack is said to have happened around 2:40am and witnesses report seeing police arriving at 3am.
According to police Ms Ncube was ‘found by her two young children with a single stab injury to the chest’, before she was taken to hospital. She then sadly died.
The woman was attacked by her former partner, who was released from prison three years ago after another attack on her which saw him sentenced to 10 years in prison and serving only half the term.
“We are in the early stages of our investigation, and an experienced team of detectives continue to work extremely hard to understand a comprehensive timeline of events that will help us piece together what has happened earlier this morning.
“This was a truly horrific attack on a mother, witnessed by her two young children and we really need the public to come forward and give information to us that may be able to assist our enquiries to find answers for them.
“A man, aged 45, fled the scene but has since been arrested by officers on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioning. Our inquiries at present suggest that the victim was known to the suspect and we believe that it was targeted attack.
“We recognise that incidents of this nature will understandably cause worry in our communities in Greater Manchester and to reassure members of the public, additional neighbourhood officers will be in and around the surrounding area over the coming days and anyone with any concerns is encouraged to come and speak to us.
“We urge people who were in the area at the time of the incident to contact us as a matter of urgency as they may have information which is vital to our investigation.
“We are also appealing to any motorists and residents in the area, who may have captured anything that may be of relevance to our investigation on Dashcam, CCTV or doorbell cameras to please contact us.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 quoting log number 236 10/11/2023; or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Australian television personality and singer Johnny Ruffo has passed away at the age of 35, following a courageous battle with brain cancer.
Ruffo initially gained fame on the reality show X Factor Australia before venturing into acting on the popular soap Home and Away.
In 2017, after receiving his cancer diagnosis, he actively contributed to raising funds and awareness for brain cancer in Australia.
On Friday, he peacefully departed, surrounded by his loved ones, as conveyed in a statement posted on his Instagram page by his family.
“He battled all the way to the end and fought as hard as he could,” it read.
“Such a beautiful soul with so much more to give.”
The statement noted his unwavering determination and valiant fight against the disease, describing him as a beautiful soul with so much potential yet to be realized.
He will be remembered as a talented, charming, and occasionally mischievous individual.
Numerous well-wishers, including former X Factor host and Spice Girl Mel B, extended their condolences to his family. Dannii Minogue, in an Instagram post, reminisced about Johnny’s charismatic personality and his contributions as a singer and dancer.
Johnny Ruffo, originally from Perth, Western Australia, had previously worked as a concreter before achieving his breakthrough on the third season of X Factor in 2011. Subsequently, he released multiple singles, triumphed in a season of Dancing with the Stars, and portrayed the character Chris Harrington on Home and Away for three years.
After receiving his cancer diagnosis in 2017, Ruffo put his career on hold. He briefly entered remission after two years of treatment, but unfortunately, his cancer recurred in 2020.
In a 2022 interview, he candidly revealed that his prognosis had become terminal, stating his goal was to help as many people as possible.
“Looking up my diagnosis and my tumour and… the average life expectancy was three years. For me its now been five years, so I’m already winning,” he told Channel 10.”At some point it is going to get me… My goal now is to try and help as many people as I can.”
Johnny Ruffo is survived by his partner, Tahnee Sims.
US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to convene next week in the San Francisco Bay area, as disclosed by two senior administration officials.
This upcoming meeting on November 15th will mark only the second in-person encounter between the two leaders during President Biden’s tenure.
The discussions are expected to cover a wide range of topics, with a particular focus on issues such as the Israel-Hamas conflict, the situation in Taiwan, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and concerns related to election interference.
The relationship between the United States and China had experienced a deterioration earlier this year, characterized by events such as the US accusation of China deploying a spy balloon in American airspace, subsequently shot down off the coast of South Carolina.
“This is not the relationship of five or 10 years ago, we’re not talking about a long list of outcomes or deliverables,” one of the officials said.
“The goals here really are about managing the competition, preventing the downside of risk – of conflict, and ensuring channels of communication are open.”
Furthermore, China’s reaction to a visit to Taiwan by then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi last year led to a breakdown in communication between the two nations’ militaries. The Biden administration is committed to restoring these crucial communication channels, although China appears to display reluctance in this regard.
An official emphasized that the current state of US-China relations is significantly different from that of five or ten years ago, and the primary objectives of the meeting revolve around managing competition, mitigating the risk of conflict, and ensuring open lines of communication.
This bilateral meeting is scheduled to coincide with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, hosted by the US in San Francisco from November 11 to 17.
US officials have consistently stressed the importance of re-establishing military dialogue in numerous discussions with their Chinese counterparts over the past year, albeit without notable progress.
The Chinese spy balloon incident remains a significant point of contention when discussing the resumption of military-to-military communication.
The Chinese spy balloon incident remains a significant point of contention when discussing the resumption of military-to-military communication.
The official noted, “I think the balloon episode underscored the difficulty we had at the time to be able to establish high-level, consequential communications with Beijing. And we’ve made that case persistently and consistently,” the official added.
In response to the February incident, Secretary of State Antony Blinken initially canceled a planned trip to Beijing, describing China’s actions as “unacceptable and irresponsible.”
However, the visit ultimately took place in June, during which Mr. Blinken engaged in a substantive conversation with President Xi.
Frank Borman, a former NASA astronaut renowned for his leadership during the groundbreaking Apollo 8 mission, which marked humanity’s first voyage around the moon, has passed away at the age of 95 in Billings, Montana, as confirmed by the space agency.
In 1968, Mr. Borman, alongside two fellow astronauts, achieved the historic feat of becoming the first humans to witness the far side of the Moon during the Apollo 8 expedition.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson paid tribute to Mr. Borman, describing him as “one of NASA’s finest” and a “true American hero” deeply devoted to his work.
Nelson also highlighted Borman’s unwavering passion for aviation and exploration, noting that his love for his wife, Susan, was equally profound.
Mr. Borman once articulated the significance of exploration in uniting humanity, stating, “Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit.”
Apollo 8 marked a pivotal moment in space history as it signified the first occasion when humans ventured beyond Earth’s orbit, temporarily losing sight of their home planet.
During this mission, Frank Borman’s colleague, William Anders, captured the iconic Earthrise photograph, depicting the Earth suspended above the lunar surface of the Moon.
This image, renowned as the first color photo of Earth from space, is often credited with catalyzing the environmental movement.
Frank Borman’s career commenced in the Air Force in 1950, where he served as a fighter pilot, operational pilot, and instructor. His exceptional abilities led to his selection by NASA to instruct at the Aerospace Research Pilot School at Edwards AFB, California.
Before the Apollo mission, Mr. Borman participated in the Gemini 7 spacecraft mission in 1965, spending 14 days in low-Earth orbit and accomplishing the first orbital rendezvous in space with Gemini 6.
Following his retirement as an astronaut, Frank Borman assumed leadership at Eastern Airlines in 1975. His remarkable contributions to space exploration were recognized with his induction into the U.S.
Astronaut Hall of Fame in 1993, and a section of expressway between Indiana and Illinois was named in his honor.
Why is it that in Zambia we seem to have a great affinity for doing strange things? As already noted by other commentators, the government of Zambia holds two contradictory positions by recognising Mr Miles Sampa as PF president whilst simultaneously withdrawing Mr Edgar Lungu’s benefits because he (Lungu) has publicly declared that he has returned to active politics and resumed occupying the PF Presidency. This raises some interesting matters in an ongoing conundrum.
Does Mr Lungu declaring his return to “active politics” necessarily imply that his benefits should be withdrawn? Cabinet Office required a written letter from Mr Lungu stating that he had resigned as PF President (with the same letter attached) and was thus no longer in active politics for them to approve his benefits. So how come they apparently took a mere verbal announcement from Mr Lungu as a basis to withdraw his benefits?
The Benefits of Former Presidents Act defines what it means to be in “active politics” as holding elective or appointive office in a political party or an intention to do so. Does Mr Lungu announcing a return to “active politics” mean he is now suddenly magically holding office as PF President again? We all know that the PF Presidency is an elective office which he resigned from in 2021. Is Cabinet Office not supposed to ask him for proof that he is now PF President for them to withdraw his benefits? Since Mr Lungu has not been elected again as PF president after his resignation in 2021, what is the basis of withdrawing his benefits? Did he write to explicitly forfeit his benefits? Are we continuing the tradition of lawlessness in the civil service that PF perfected during their tenure?
The aforementioned Act has a very serious loophole on the definition of “active politics” by tying it to holding office or the intention to do so. What if Mr Lungu convinces his party that they should adopt him as PF candidate for 2026 but without him holding any official position in the party? According to the Act, he would be fully compliant, since he holds no position and does not intend to. But meanwhile he continues getting his benefits as former president at taxpayer expense as an opposition candidate while campaigning to be president again.
In 2015, late President Rupiah Banda attempted a political come-back by getting a rogue faction of the MMD National Executive Committee (NEC) to give him an adoption certificate as the MMD candidate for the 2015 presidential by-election, despite Mr Nevers Mumba being the sitting president of MMD after being elected in 2012 and thus the rightful candidate. Mr Banda was technically not in “active politics” by not holding any position in MMD, but was to all intents and purposes clearly in “active politics”. Is there anything more “active” in politics than running for Republican president? There was no announcement from Cabinet Office that his benefits were withdrawn and this demonstrates the absurdity of the Act. Taxpayers are effectively sponsoring an opposition person running for president.
The official position of the current government on the question of whether Mr Lungu possibly defrauded government by apparently pretending to have resigned as PF President seems to be that they will let sleeping dogs lie. They have left it to any concerned citizen to take the matter to court, despite the admission that there is credence to the potential allegations. This is quite shocking and disturbing from a government that prides itself on following rule of law. Imagine someone else writes to government and ends up being paid taxpayer money under false pretences. Would BOMA similarly wink at that or would they investigate and possibly prosecute to the fullest extent of the law?
From the foregoing inconsistencies and absurdities, it is very clear that The Benefits of Former Presidents Act needs to be repealed. The current president seems to support that and the former president made similar sounding statements when he was in Plot One. Why should a poor country be building a ridiculous 4 bed-roomed presidential house costing millions for an old man with grown children who has already earned plenty of money as President?
A sitting president earns around K700,000 per year with all his expenses paid for as president, not counting other allowances. He thus probably gets not less than K4 million after one 5 year term (never mind two) but we are busy wasting tax payer money to make an already rich man live like a medieval king. That is a pure travesty of morality when the majority of Zambians are wallowing in abject poverty.
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Michael Chishala is a Zambian analyst, blogger, and ICT Specialist. He has interests in Philosophy, Economics, Politics and Art. Email: michael [at] zambia [dot] co [dot] zm.
HH ADDRESSES FIRST SAUDI-AFRICAN SUMMIT, CALLS FOR ENHANCED ECONOMIC TIES
President Hakainde Hichilema writes below…
Fellow citizens.
During our address at the First Saudi-African summit here in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, we highlighted Zambia’s rich endowment with both natural and human resources that need global partnerships.
We indicated that Zambia has the much desired arable land for Agriculture, good climate for renewable energy investment, warm and welcoming citizens to foster people to people joint ventures in various economic activities, and tourism to mention but a few.
As we joined fellow leaders, we called on Saudi Arabia and other global partners to look at Zambia as a key investment destination considering our enabling business environment. We also stated that our citizens, you, our fellow Zambians, look forward to joint ventures with investors.
During the conference, we also called for peace in the world, stating that conflicts have continued to hinder development, as is the case between Russia and Ukraine and now Isreal and Gaza. Lasting peace must be reached so that the Globe can focus on economic activities.
We emphasised that instability anywhere is instability everywhere, and this has been seen by how economies are being affected worldwide.
Zambia remains committed to upholding these friendships and, in particular, that of Saudi Arabia and Zambia that have existed, and therefore, it is our desired goal that these will begin bearing even more fruits for our people.
In order to realise these economic efforts, Africa, or indeed Zambia, looks forward to capital injection through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Land-linked Zambia is strategically located for easier trade and investment opportunities, which in turn should lead to jobs for our youth and women.
Thank you, fellow Zambians, for giving us this opportunity to work for you and ensure that our economy is set on the right path. It is darker before dawn, and we have no doubt in our mind that we shall overcome these economic challenges we are currently grappling with.
May God bless you all.
May God bless our country, Zambia.
Hakainde Hichilema President of the Republic of Zambia.
José Mourinho “my success is always based on having an African Striker. Without an African Striker i feel like i won’t succeed. My belief about African Strikers started with Benni Mccarthy at FC Porto whereby He scored more than 20 league goals to help me & FC Porto to win the Portuguese League Title . In that same season He scored very important goals for me in the Uefa Champions League that helped our careers to be well known in Europe by winning my first Champions League as a Coach “
” From Portugal to Chelsea in England, i find Didier Drogba. He was a great African weapon to win with me an English Premiership. I wanted Benni Mccarthy to join me to partner Didier Drogba up front but at that time He was at Blackburn Rovers and He was the only hit man there. So they refused to give us Benni Mccarthy no matter the Offer i put on the Table “
” From Chelsea to inter Milan, there i wanted to win the Uefa Champions League so badly. But I only had two Ghanaian midfielders and that was not enough for me to win Champions League as i was dominating the league only. So I sat down and thought hard about having an African Striker again. I approached FC Barcelona and they willingly sold to me the best signing of my Career Samuel E’too and the same season with Eto’o I won Champions League”
“from Inter Milan to Real Madrid. There at Real Madrid I had all talents but the reason I didn’t win the Champions League is because I had no African Striker. I tried Emmanuel Adebayour but it was a loan move so Madrid does not like to use loaned Players.”
” Brazil have Great Strikers, but if you look at them they are of African origin. I always teach new coaches on my coaching facilities that you must always have an African Striker in your team . “
“perfect example at Manchester United they don’t believe much in African Strikers, no wonder i didn’t enjoy much success there. Some strikes gives you league titles but African Strikers gives you Champions LEAGUE TITLES ”
ZAMBIA LEFT IN LIMBO AS AIME MABIKA SNUBBED FOR THIRD TIME IN WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS
Toronto FC’s Mabika left out of Avram Grant’s squad despite passport saga
In a surprising turn of events, Zambian international Aime Mabika, who plays his trade with Toronto FC in the MLS, has been overlooked for the third consecutive time by coach Avram Grant in the run-up to the back-to-back World Cup qualifiers against Congo Brazzaville and Niger this November.
Despite Mabika’s ample game time with his club towards the end of the season, his name was conspicuously absent from the list of the 25-member squad summoned to report for camp on the 13th of November.
This decision comes in the wake of the unfortunate injury to towering defender Frankie Chisenga Musonda of Ayr United in Scotland. Many had anticipated that Grant would recall Mabika to bolster the defense, but to the dismay of many, he remains excluded.
The situation has been highly anticipated, as Mabika’s eligibility to represent Zambia had been a subject of extensive efforts by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and the government, who worked diligently to secure him a Zambian passport. Hopes were high to see Mabika in the national colors once more.
Mabika was finally issued a Zambian passport just 48 hours before Zambia played Lesotho in South Africa in March of this year. Unfortunately, he couldn’t report for duty due to family issues, as explained by FAZ.
Since then, Zambia has participated in three FIFA windows, playing Ivory Coast at home and Comoros away, with Mabika being snubbed on all occasions. Even during the October FIFA international break when Zambia traveled to Dubai for two international friendlies, Mabika’s name was conspicuously absent.
What makes this situation even more baffling is that Avram Grant was instrumental in calling up Mabika when he lacked a Zambian passport to play in official matches. With a shortage of experience in defense, especially in the absence of Musonda and Thandie Mwape, who was excluded due to his clubless status, Mabika seemed like a fitting addition to the team.
As Zambia’s World Cup qualifiers loom and with Grant’s continued disregard for Mabika, the nation is left wondering if the defender will ever get the call-up he deserves.
This ongoing snubbing could prove costly for Zambia in their pursuit of foreign-born players with Zambian roots to switch allegiances, especially after Mabika’s journey to acquire the Zambian passport seemed promising but has taken an unexpected turn.
The amount of systemic corruption and plunder of state funds that is being facilitated by State House is terrifying and confirms the sad reality that this presidency is a terrible burden to our society.
And we want to caution the citizens not cheat themselves into believing that they have a decent and corrupt free leadership, because the truth and the reality currently, is that most of the bribery, embezzlement, illicit enrichment, trading influence and all manner of abuses and white- collar financial and economic crimes that we are witnessing are engineered by State House.
All the powerful dirty deals we are seeing, hearing and reading about in the media are the brainchild of State House. These deals are marinated, cooked and served within the presidency. In short, the presidency is the command post of grand corruption and looting of public resources.
The careless manner in which this presidency is using identifiable senior State House aides to circumvent lawful procedures and auction off both the economic and political power to the highest bidder, their friends and business associates is not difficult to grasp, digest and understand.
Under this presidency, procurement procedures and regulations have been totally paralyzed and they are going about their daily business with impunity, and without any oversight or regard for the moral, political and economic effects of their actions.
They’re a deprived bunch who are distorting and eroding public trust and confidence in state institutions as well as damaging policy integrity.
With the presidency organizing and perpetuating this cancerous culture of corruption, it is wishful thinking to expect this regime to wage a relentless campaign against corruption and succeed or turn around the economy and improve the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
These are incorrigible liars, manipulators and fraudsters who have no interest whatsoever in the welfare of ordinary citizens.
Therefore, expecting this presidency to deliver on its mission is the same as cooking and eating from a pot, which is boiling on fire; one can only end up getting burnt or with a very hot but empty pot with nothing to dish out. They are jokers. They think they can stabilize, maintain and grow the economy whilst mercilessly looting the treasury. What logic is this?
This presidency is extremely dirty and is at the center of almost all grand corruption and financial and economic crimes currently happening in the country.
But things can’t continue in this way. This regime and Mr Hakainde Hichilema in particular must come clean on these matters and stop blaming those before him for the same corrupt practices he is tolerating in his own office and government.
It’s just a matter of time before everything comes to the fore.
THE SPEAKER’S DECISION ON LETTER FROM PF SG NGONA AND MY VIEW ON SANGWA JOHN SC .
By Mark Simuuwe
What some people have missed is that , when an exparte court order which restrained someone from claiming a position has been set aside , it means it is no longer in effect, and that person will continue to claim the position and will do so many official programmes under that name unless there is a restraining order again .
Besides, Miles was granted leave to proceed with interparte hearing and the order PF initially was granted to stop Miles from posing as President was set aside by the court, pending hearing from both sides and determination of the matter.
Therefore , when Miles or his SG write a letter to the clerk of the National Assembly, it is not the job of the Speaker to legitimize the real owners of the party when they have been informed of a party decision , on a party headed letter; the decision under the circumstances lies in the court . The speaker acts on what is before her and within her jurisdiction .
So the question as to whether Miles and others held a legitimate convention should not be blamed on the Speaker .
Right now , neither the Lubinda group have been pronounced legitimate by the court yet .
However , the available record at the Registrar of Societies show Miles and his team as new officers .
Similarly, It is not the job of the registrar to start arguing with new owners on behalf of the aggrieved party , when he has been informed of the new officers .
Where the legitimacy has been challenged before him or her , he or she guides within his powers , but where there is a contestation, to the effect that the new owners have been challenged , they are told to go to court .
Thus , the Speaker does not get into the party arguments but to act on the documents presented to her from the Registrar of Societies and the Party on a header paper.
The principle the speaker follows is instructive that “the Party with the highest number of MPs shall inform the Speaker of the appointment of the leader of the opposition “. Period !
That is all the speaker is informed of. Who made the decision at party level is outside her jurisdiction. And this is where my argument is .
The Registrar of Societies is the only one who certifies and receives records from the party owners and when the Registrar of Societies receives and responds in affirmative , the Speaker will not argue because She is not the certifying officer. The rule is that once informed she must act .
Therefore , the Speaker has two options ; to admit the new instruction from the party until the Court has determined otherwise, since Miles Obtained an order to stop the Lubinda team to stop acting as PF leaders , or to Withhold the judgment, pending determination by the court , though this creates a crisis in parliament as to her role in party matters. Therefore on either positions , the Speaker would be right. This is my other argument.
What the Mundubile team needed to do was to also write to the speaker challenging the initial letter with relevant documents from the Registrar of Societies , which I believe they do not have because they have old ones whose legitimacy is in question.
It would seem to me that the Mundubile group were emotional; instead of challenging the letter by way of writing with supporting documents from the Registrar of Societies , they started fighting the speaker who was not part of the Convention or PF Central Committee.
They wanted the Speaker to adopt PF party minutes on the floor of the house ; which is a Misdirection. Because the argument of PF MPs are contained in the Party Minutes – and Hon KAMBWILI referred to them in one argument.
In the absence of legal arguments , the speaker had to make a decision based on the record presented before her and advised the aggrieved to go to court as per procedure, as she could not join party arguments .
Therefore , where the Lubinda and Mundubile group believe the Speaker misdirected herself , the position of the law is that they are supposed to go to court .
This is as a result of the doctrine of separation of powers and checks and balances. The idea to seek redress in court is a legal process available for the Mundubile group , which they opted not to follow by reasons known to themselves.
Members of Parliament are not allowed to fight or challenge the speaker in the house when she has guided as it is punishable at law , as indicated in my previous article . Such a challenge can only be in done in court .
As for State Counsel , Sangwa , who was my Constitutional law Lecturer at the University of Zambia , my view is that , he is not a court and that is why he also goes to court for interpretation.
He taught us in the university that when there is an alleged misdirection by the Speaker , the other organ of the state which is the judiciary must check the legislature , if the decision was made outravires the law , and that the court may quash the decision if it was outside the law or withhold it if it is within the law . Why is he telling the public something else ?
Mr Sangwa also taught us that , to every legal argument , there are two sides , that this is why we have counsel for the defendants and counsel for the plaintiffs.
Getting what he taught me in class , my conclusion is that Mr Sangwa was only giving his view and not what the court has pronounced ; and his view may be wrong or right based on the court interpretation.
Lawyers give their view on how they understand the law and not a judgment. The judgement is a preserve of the Courts of Law .
●The Saudi Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday the postponement of the 5th Arab-African Summit due to the current situation in Gaza.
● instead Saudi Arabia is hosting Emergency Arab and Islamic summits that are being held during the same period in Riyadh on Saturday and Sunday respectively to tackle the Gaza conflict.
● It explained that the postponement of the Africa-Arab Summit was to “ensure that political events in the region did not affect the Arab-African partnership,” and a new date will be scheduled later
● The ministry said the decision was taken in coordination with the Secretariat of the Arab League and the African Union Commission.
PARTNERSHIP SUMMITS
There are external partnerships between the African Union and organisations, regions or single countries.
The Africa Union Commission coordinates what are called partnership meetings.
We have one of the oldest partnership meetings, the Africa Union and Japan &World Bank, the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).
We also have the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) which is an official forum between the People’s Republic of China and Africa.
We also have the European Union–African Union Summit.
We also have a partnership with the Africa South America Cooperation (ASACOF).
We have Africa Union Summits( Africa and a single country partnership) with Russia, USA, India, Turkey, Korea and Saudi Arabia.
The Meeting that has been rescheduled was between Africa and the League of Arab States(LAS) and is the fifth session and was to be hosted by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh.
The 5th session of the Arab-African summit has been rescheduled to allow Saudi Arabia host emergency summits of Arab and Islamic nations to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.
● It appears that despite the cancellation at short notice, a few African Heads of States have arrived in Riyadhi and Saudi Arabia may use the opportunity( save diplomatic embarrasment) to host the long awaited African Union -Saudi Arabia inaugural Meeting that has been rescheduled since 2019.
Africa Union meetings and single country partnerships have recently come under fire.
You may remember a recent viral video where Kenyan President, William Ruto was speaking against Africa and single-country partnerships where 54 Heads of States parade themselves before a single host President. He called for Africa Union to be sending representatives.
The President proceeded to travel to a cancelled meeting I guess with a few other arrivals will be turned to the Africa Union-Saudi Arabia inaugural meeting.
PAUL KABUSWE’S BROTHER, DAVIES CRIES WITCHHUNT AFTER PEOPLE QUESTIONS SOURCE OF WEALTH TO BUILD MANSION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, November 9, 2023
DAVIES KABUSWE Contact: 260966884365
PRESS STATEMENT
Clarification on Social Media Reports Regarding Construction and Ownership of My House
Lusaka, Lusaka Province
I would like to address the recent social media reports attributing the construction and ownership of my house to my brother, Paul Kabuswe, who is the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development. I want to categorically state that these allegations are false and misleading.
The pictures circulating on social media actually depict my house, which has been under construction for over three years, long before my brother assumed his ministerial position. I have nothing to hide and I am proud to explain the legitimate sources of income that have enabled me to build my retirement home.
As an individual, I have worked diligently and utilized various sources of income to fund this project. These sources include my personal businesses, investments in term deposits, village banking, kaloba, as well as contributions from my wife and family. Every brick in my house has been earned through hard work and dedication. My brother, the Minister of Mines, has no involvement in my house or my businesses and has never even visited the site, which is still under construction.
I believe these false allegations are a result of political enemies trying to tarnish my brother’s reputation and mine. It is important for people to understand that not everyone who builds a house is involved in illicit activities or stealing from the government. I have built my dream home with my own sweat and legitimate sources of income.
I would also like to clarify that the pictures being circulated on social media show my image “Davies Kabuswe,” which is my name, inspecting the works at my project and not “Paul Kabuswe,” my brother’s name. It is disheartening to see how false information can spread without proper validation or fact-checking.
Unfortunately, I would like to emphasize that the pictures being circulated on social media were taken without my knowledge or consent, with the sole purpose of tarnishing my public image. It is regrettable to see the lengths to which individuals would go to spread false information and manipulate the truth.
The act of capturing and sharing these pictures without my permission demonstrates a clear intent to harm my reputation and create undue public scrutiny. It is disheartening that some individuals would stoop so low, resorting to such deceitful tactics in an attempt to destroy someone’s character.
I would like to reiterate that these pictures were taken during the construction phase of my house, a process that has spanned over three years. It is unfortunate that my personal endeavors have been subjected to such baseless attacks.
I would like to appeal to the public to be vigilant in discerning the truth and to question the motives behind such malicious actions. As members of a responsible and just society, it is crucial to engage in honest and unbiased discussions without subscribing to rumors or engaging in character assassination.
I have complete faith in the public’s ability to differentiate fact from fiction and urge individuals to refrain from perpetuating false narratives or jumping to conclusions based on misleading information. It is only through fair and accurate reporting that we can foster an environment of trust and respect.
I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have shown support and understanding during this challenging time. Your unwavering belief in truth and justice serves as a reminder that together, we can overcome any attempts to tarnish our reputations and create a better society based on facts and integrity.
In conclusion, I urge the public to learn to work hard and not jump to conclusions about individuals who are building their dream homes. Building a retirement home is a common aspiration for many, and it does not imply any wrongdoing. As an investment and development consultant, pension fund administrator, media owner and practitioner, media buyer, music promoter, and construction expert, I have the means and knowledge to accomplish such a project.
I appreciate the opportunity to clear the air on this matter and request that all media outlets and social media platforms adhere to responsible reporting by verifying information before publishing or sharing it. Your cooperation in sharing this statement would be greatly appreciated.
South African opposition leader Julius Malema has hit out at Kenya’s President William Ruto for failing to deliver on the promises he made to Kenyans when he ran for office.
The fiery politician said the Kenyan president was no longer the same person who campaigned and urged Kenyans to trust him with their votes.
“I don’t know if President William Ruto means it because he said so many things and I cannot locate him these days because the things he said during elections and the things he is doing now are two different things,” said Malema.
Addressing hundreds of people at Lukenya University in Makueni County, Kenya during the launch of the Pan-African Institute, Malema castigated the president for failing to put his money where his mouth is and for trying to get rid of the US dollar as a means of trade in Africa.
“I don’t know, because I heard him saying we need to do away with the dollar and build our own but his actions are not speaking to anything of doing away with the dollar,” he said.
Malema, who is the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Party, has castigated the president for failing to follow the “true cause of the African freedom fighters who were killed and tortured by the colonialists”.
He said it was wrong for the Kenyan Head of State to smile and shake hands with the United Kingdom’s King Charles and Queen Camilla during their visit to the country last week.
“The Kenyan army is a product of Mau Mau rebellion, and those who killed our people in the Mau Mau rebellion cannot be saluted by the same army of the children of those who were killed during Mau Mau rebellion. We have a duty to stay true to the cause.”
Malema said Africans have a duty to remind the King and Britain of what they did to Africans during the colonial era.
“Indeed, he showed no remorse. He said this was bad; it shouldn’t have happened, but he fell short of, I apologise. He will never say he is sorry because he thinks that his race makes him superior, and he is not qualified to apologise to those who are junior to him.”
Further, Malema asked Kenyan government to be firm, and decide what they want to do, either be Pan-Africanists or proponents of neo-colonialism.
Recently, the South African opposition leader asked his Kenyan counterpart Raila Odinga to retire from politics and allow fresh blood to dominate local politics.
This came after the Azimio La Umoja leader disputed the outcome of the last election, which saw President Ruto being announced the winner.
His sentiments come amidst outrage among Kenyans following the high cost of living as well as increase in fuel prices and other commodities, which President Ruto promised to lower drastically during the campaigns the moment he takes oath but remains mere promises.
IGNORE THE PEOPLE’S CRY FOR A BETTER LIFE AT YOUR OWN PERIL By Faston Mwale, MCC – The Socialist Party
If the UPND government continues to snub pleas to address the deepening cost of living crisis, the people may resort to more open and more rigorous forms of expressing their resentment.
The molecular buildup of anger and frustration in the masses will ultimately reach a saturation point and transform into open protest demonstrations against the crippling cost of living. The destruction of the poor people’s livelihood earning strategies and the systematic exclusion of the youth from labor processes validates the fact that the “Bally Will Fix It” campaign slogan was nothing more than a romantic idea crafted to delude the suffering masses.
It is ironical that a country touted as the 8th largest producer and exporter of copper in the world could be enduring weird rates of poverty. 60 percent of Zambia’s population lives under the poverty datum line while 48 percent has been consigned to the unimaginable worst forms of existence. Headcount rural poverty averages 78.8 percent.
By any standards, these are very high rates of poverty. On the contrary, a small greedy ruling class elite is becoming richer every day at the expense of the sweat and tears of the toiling masses. The inequality gap between the rich and the poor is unjustifiably too wide.
One day, our people will muster courage and openly denounce this contradictory social order. Given an inequality index of 0.69 as of 2015, Zambia ranks as the one of the most unequal countries of the world. Such a status is a disincentive to the creation of a truly democratic society.
The deceptive politics, the negation of democracy and the progressive erosion of the rule of law compounded by economic mismanagement is in a large part the cause of frustration and disillusionment of the masses. This is what is stoking resentment in the masses.
The molecular buildup of anger in the struggling masses will at last reach a saturation point and tip into open protests if the government continues to close its eyes to the growing predicament of those whose lives and livelihoods have been ravaged by the crippling neoliberal capitalist policies of the UPND government.
While the leaders are everyday alluding to the debt burden as a reason for our dilemma, the ongoing corruption and the brazen abuse of state resources is tacitly being ignored by the same leadership. The UPND government claims to be a listening government but why are the leaders not listening?
My beloved comrades, brothers and sisters in the struggle, a time to crystalize new forms of struggle has arrived. If there was ever a moment in our history when we needed a new vision to bring our people together in the fight for justice, equity and peaceful co-existence, this is that time.
Change is inevitable but change that does not open a new chapter is superficial. What we need is a decisive shift from a socio-economic system that ‘soaks’ the poor to enrich the rich to a system that is less ugly but more beautiful, less discriminatory but more inclusive and less dehumanizing but more humane.
REMMY FAILED TO PAY K30 PIN BLACKMAIL BEFORE HIS NTENUKANI WAS LEAKED
By !CountryTimes
Remmy Kangwa was manufactured by divene authority, like any other man -with an ever ravenous but everlasting -affixed on his body- boneless one eyed anaconda which often times than not pines to cross the threshold of a woman’s middle fruit.
This snake on a man doesn’t bite. It is harmless but can cause a woman develop a stranger in her womb whom after 9 months, becomes a dependent.
However, since Remmy is known as a role model in society due to his many charity works, he often hides the desires of his harmless snake in order to live upto what society expects of him. He can’t book a room to allow his snake undertake activities it was manufactured for.
So, his one-eyed boneless anaconda is a lonely creature which is very hungry at the moment. But since this snake is troublesome such that when it wants to cross the threshold of a woman’s fruit, you almost as a man can’t just easily ignore it. It can make you jump on a bus and travel long miles just for it to feel the threshold. It has made many men abandon their families, throw away morals and most importantly, earn a ticket straight to hell.
Uncle Remmy, as he is commonly known found a digital lover to help him please his harmless one-eyed boneless anaconda. And he initially thought it was going to be free.
According to a source in Remmy’s circle, the chick in question who he was talking to on a WhatsApp video is not even Zambian based but it is understood she is a local champion.
Uncle Remmy found her on the Blue App. The very home of fake life and fornicators. He saw her bums, liked all her pictures and then he DM her.
Without wasting time, she lured him into WhatsApp conversations after exchanging cellphone digits.
Apparently, Uncle Remmy has even sent her some money before, which he makes from him being a social media influencer.
She has sent him videos of her middle fruit and the duo have been romantically involved through digital platforms.
So, one day when rains dropped this very month, Uncle Remmy thought of getting in touch with the chick instead of planning how to plant and grow maize so that next year, he doesn’t buy mealie meal.
He immediately asked to start a video call, asking her to go unadorned so that his eyes can catch a glimpse of her middle fruit as he plays with his hands, with his lonely creature the very one-eyed boneless but harmless anaconda.
She did just that. Unknown to Uncle Remmy, the chick was recording him. As he was showing her his gigantic dark-black instrument of power imagining that it was mining inside her middle fruit, the chick was busy counting kwacha in her head which she was sure he would produce at a later stage when she finally hits.
Many have fallen victim to this. Pornorable David Mabumba , the Mwese Patriotic Front MP was once a victim. Even that Vubwi rat eating MP, now known as Vubwison, was also tricked.
When Uncle Remmy was done pleasing himself, he received a demand text: “You have to pay me K50,000 if you don’t want me to circulate this video”
When he downloaded the video, he saw himself doing the unimaginable- abomination for a role model. He tried to bring back all the sweet texts she sent him, all the love language but she was adamant. She gave him 5 days to produce the money and then she blocked him on WhatsApp.
After 5 days, Uncle Remmy could not make the money she was asking for. He was not even at half. This is as if he doesn’t flaunts on social media that he is the most happening.
Uncle Remmy apparently even went to the Meatopia proprietor Mwizukanji to borrow part of the funds but she didn’t have. And she didn’t know the purpose of the funds.
On the 4th day, Uncle Remmy produced a K40,000. She accepted it and said she would not circulate the video when he sends it. She asked him to put it in his FNB Account then send an ewallet to himself then generate a pin, and send it to her. Painful. Oh she is a mafia. She is a cook and smart one. No trace.
After doing exactly what she said and after she withdrew the money, she went mute for almost two weeks. But when Uncle Remmy boasted 5 days ago of recieving a K200,000 payment from Skyline Car Dealers, a company he works for, this ATM chick resurfaced with new demands and with a text : “Actually that K40,000 was too little, you need to add K30,000 so that we close this issue once and for all”
This Uncle Remmy fumed at her, clearly refusing to release any more money.
She didn’t waste time. She just released the video and it went viral.
Uncle Remmy and his friends can downplay this version of the truth if they want. But if they will refute it, let them tell the public their own manufactured truth.
Remmy Kangwa was manufactured by divene authority, like any other man -with an ever ravenous but everlasting -affixed on his body- boneless one eyed anaconda which often times than not pines to cross the threshold of a woman’s middle fruit.
This snake on a man doesn’t bite. It is harmless but can cause a woman develop a stranger in her womb whom after 9 months, becomes a dependent.
However, since Remmy is known as a role model in society due to his many charity works, he often hides the desires of his harmless snake in order to live upto what society expects of him. He can’t book a room to allow his snake undertake activities it was manufactured for.
So, his one-eyed boneless anaconda is a lonely creature which is very hungry at the moment. But since this snake is troublesome such that when it wants to cross the threshold of a woman’s fruit, you almost as a man can’t just easily ignore it. It can make you jump on a bus and travel long miles just for it to feel the threshold. It has made many men abandon their families, throw away morals and most importantly, earn a ticket straight to hell.
Uncle Remmy, as he is commonly known found a digital lover to help him please his harmless one-eyed boneless anaconda. And he initially thought it was going to be free.
According to a source in Remmy’s circle, the chick in question who he was talking to on a WhatsApp video is not even Zambian based but it is understood she is a local champion.
Uncle Remmy found her on the Blue App. The very home of fake life and fornicators. He saw her bums, liked all her pictures and then he DM her.
Without wasting time, she lured him into WhatsApp conversations after exchanging cellphone digits.
Apparently, Uncle Remmy has even sent her some money before, which he makes from him being a social media influencer.
She has sent him videos of her middle fruit and the duo have been romantically involved through digital platforms.
So, one day when rains dropped this very month, Uncle Remmy thought of getting in touch with the chick instead of planning how to plant and grow maize so that next year, he doesn’t buy mealie meal.
He immediately asked to start a video call, asking her to go unadorned so that his eyes can catch a glimpse of her middle fruit as he plays with his hands, with his lonely creature the very one-eyed boneless but harmless anaconda.
She did just that. Unknown to Uncle Remmy, the chick was recording him. As he was showing her his gigantic dark-black instrument of power imagining that it was mining inside her middle fruit, the chick was busy counting kwacha in her head which she was sure he would produce at a later stage when she finally hits.
Many have fallen victim to this. Pornorable David Mabumba , the Mwese Patriotic Front MP was once a victim. Even that Vubwi rat eating MP, now known as Vubwison, was also tricked.
When Uncle Remmy was done pleasing himself, he received a demand text: “You have to pay me K50,000 if you don’t want me to circulate this video”
When he downloaded the video, he saw himself doing the unimaginable- abomination for a role model. He tried to bring back all the sweet texts she sent him, all the love language but she was adamant. She gave him 5 days to produce the money and then she blocked him on WhatsApp.
After 5 days, Uncle Remmy could not make the money she was asking for. He was not even at half. This is as if he doesn’t flaunts on social media that he is the most happening.
Uncle Remmy apparently even went to the Meatopia proprietor Mwizukanji to borrow part of the funds but she didn’t have. And she didn’t know the purpose of the funds.
On the 4th day, Uncle Remmy produced a K40,000. She accepted it and said she would not circulate the video when he sends it. She asked him to put it in his FNB Account then send an ewallet to himself then generate a pin, and send it to her. Painful. Oh she is a mafia. She is a cook and smart one. No trace.
After doing exactly what she said and after she withdrew the money, she went mute for almost two weeks. But when Uncle Remmy boasted 5 days ago of recieving a K200,000 payment from Skyline Car Dealers, a company he works for, this ATM chick resurfaced with new demands and with a text : “Actually that K40,000 was too little, you need to add K30,000 so that we close this issue once and for all”
This Uncle Remmy fumed at her, clearly refusing to release any more money.
She didn’t waste time. She just released the video and it went viral.
Uncle Remmy and his friends can downplay this version of the truth if they want. But if they will refute it, let them tell the public their own manufactured truth.
ACC FREEZES NEMCHEMs BANK ACCOUNTS ON ALLEGATIONS OF FRAUD
THE Anti-Corruption Commission has frozen bank accounts belonging to NEMCHEM International Limited and its managing director Toni Burato pending investigations for fraud.
This follows a complaint of money laundering, corruption and fraud lodged by Cleaning Association of Zambia president Lawrence Makumbi against NEMCHEM and National Union of Professional Cleaners and Allied Workers (NUPCAW) which was found by Burato.
In his complaint dated April 26, 2023 Makumbi indicated that between 2015 and 2016 NUPCAW was formed with the purpose of representing the workers in the cleaning fraternity vis-A-viz their contractual obligations, conditions of service and general welfare.
He said the company had no Bank account at any Zambian Bank since inception until May 27, 2022.
“Money collected from workers has never been audited and to avoid any financial trail in case of investigations, the money was handled in form of cash from 2015 to 2022,” Makumbi said.
“Money collected from unionized cleaners or workers subscribing to the union was used at the discretion of Nemchem management and various personal properties, gifts and bribes were bought or given from the money collected under the guise of union deductions.”
He said NEMCHEM has employed 7000 unionized workers who are charged between K21 and K50 every month which is cumulative to approximately K150,000.
“The money is supposed to be remitted to the union account and accounted for just like any other public funds,” Makumbi said.
He alleged that Toni Burato and NEMCHEM squandered union fees and purchased Shamba lodge in Kitwe, Maramba river lodge in Livingstone, two luxury boats a small plane, Nsofu safaris in lower Zambezi and a housing complex.
Makumbi further claimed that the duo also purchased luxurious and simple vehicles and pieces of land in Northwestern province.
He also disclosed that Some of the money was used to invest in new NEMCHEM projects in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Angola Mauritius, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria as the funds are used as free money or interest free cash.
“As a concerned citizen and member of the cleaners union, I am deeply concerned that union accounts have never been audited and further that the union operations are under the control of the company NEMCHEM International,” he contended.
“There has never been a circulation of a financial report and the fact that money deducted from 2015 when the union was formed to the year 2021 was handled as cash raises a lot of concerns.”
He requested the Anti-graft body to undertake a forensic audit of the money which the union (NUPCAW) has been collecting from workers since 2015
The position of Harare Mayor Ian Makone, his deputy and seven councillors could be under threat The mayor of Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, is facing the sack in the latest wrangle that is threatening to tear apart the main opposition party.
A man saying he was a Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) official has already got 15 MPs removed after alleging they were not party members.
Sengezo Tshabangu has now written to the government to say Mayor Ian Makone was not part of the CCC.
CCC leader Nelson Chamisa has said Mr Tshabangu was an “impostor”
In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, the party has said it is taking legal action against the man “restraining him from falsely representing the CCC”.
It also urged “steadfast supporters to remain calm”.
A letter by Mr Tshabangu, who described himself as the CCC’s “interim secretary general”, to the speaker of parliament last month led to the speaker removing 15 MPs. This has triggered by-elections to be held in December.
An attempt by the ousted MPs to get the High Court to overturn the decision failed. But they have taken an appeal to the Supreme Court.
This time, Mr. Tshabangu wrote to Local Government Minister Winston Chitando to say that Mr. Makone, as well as his deputy Kudzai Kadzombe and seven other city councillors, had “ceased to be members” of the CCC.
He has also written another letter asking the minister to declare 60 local council seats across the country vacant for the same reason.
The minister has not yet responded but could remove the mayor and the other elected officials.
This row could worsen political tensions, which have been running high in the southern African country since August’s disputed presidential elections.
Mr Chamisa, 45, lost to incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa, 81, in a race that observers said fell short of democratic standards.
The regional grouping, the Southern African Development Community, endorsed the result, despite flagging irregularities in the electoral process.
The 9 December by-elections are unlikely to resolve tensions as Mr. Tshabangu has put forward candidates in some of the constituencies under the CCC banner.
Meanwhile, the sacked MPs have filed nomination papers for re-election despite Mr. Chamisa saying that the opposition would not participate in what he earlier described as “criminal” by-elections.
Chelsea legend, Mikel Obi has disclosed that former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was supportive of rescuing attempts for his father who was kidnapped in 2018.
According to Mikel, he found out his father, Michel Obi was kidnapped a few hours before Nigeria’s game against Argentina at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
He noted that it was the second time and it left him devasted because he had a big game at hand.
“My dad got kidnapped while I was playing for Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup in Russia,” he told talkSports.
“We were about to play against Argentina. Two hours before the game I got a phone call from my brother saying my dad got kidnapped.”
“The first time he was kidnapped was shocking, but the second time was even more shocking because I was about to go into one of the biggest games of my life.”
He said he could not inform anyone and was left alone in his room for about 30 minutes.
“I couldn’t leave the room. I couldn’t tell anybody. I was alone in the room for about 30 minutes, thinking what am I going to do?”
“But we’re about to go into the biggest game of our lives. We’re about to play against Lionel Messi and Argentina.”
Speaking on Chelsea’s support at the time, he revealed that Abramovich offered to send people to Nigeria to rescue his father.
“Chelsea were very supportive. I remember Roman Abramovich saying ‘do you want me to send people over? Because I know if I send people over, I can get your dad out’ — I was like, how are you going to do this?”
“He said don’t worry about that. Just let me know if you want that option, I can do it.”
Eventually, Mikel’s father was released four days later.
Mikel Obi’s revelation comes in reaction to Luis Diaz’s parents’ kidnapping. The Liverpool forward’s father is still held hostage with the mother released.
An application by Uganda to use Kenya’s pipeline to transport its fuel was in September turned down by Kenya on concerns that the move would displace local oil marketing companies (OMCs) from using the pipeline.
Uganda will from January 1, 2024, stop buying fuel from Kenyan firms after it entered into a five-year contract with Vitol Bahrain E.C, which will supply it with its entire fuel needs.
Kenya supplies about 90 per cent of Uganda’s fuel, while 10 per cent is sourced through Tanzania.
The State-owned Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) subsequently applied to Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) in September to be registered as an OMC in Kenya, which would allow it to import and export fuel like other OMCs and utilise Kenya Pipeline Company’s (KPC) pipeline.
Epra, however, declined UNOC’s application because the Ugandan agency could not substantiate the requisite annual sales volumes of 6.6 million litres of either super petrol, automotive gasoil (diesel), and/or jet A1/kerosene in Kenya.
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Another reason was that UNOC could not provide evidence of operating five licensed retail stations in Kenya, operating a licensed depot in Kenya, or achieving a minimum annual turnover of $10 million (Sh1.51 billion) for the last three years, which is a requirement for applicants with operations outside Kenya.
“UNOC could not meet Epra’s standards to be awarded the necessary licence to function as an oil importer necessitating the Government of Uganda to send a special envoy to the President (Dr William Ruto) seeking various waivers on the required approvals,” said a source privy to the matter.
But more importantly, an approval by Epra would have seen Kenyan companies displaced from their allocations by KPC to accommodate UNOC, which would have further paralysed OMCs.
The source said demand for the line fill in the KPC system is currently owned by oil marketers, and the government cannot simply redistribute it to UNOC, especially considering the system’s constraints and finite capacity.
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“Such an action can be seen as nationalisation and a violation of the property rights of oil marketers who have painstakingly developed their capacity over time,” said the source.
The impasse comes less than two months before Vitol is expected to start delivering thousands of tonnes of fuel to Uganda.
So far, and even as talks continue between the two countries in a bid to reach an amicable solution, it remains to be seen if Kenya will give UNOC concessions to use KPC’s facilities to evacuate its fuel.
The Ethiopian army on Thursday regained control of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site, following a pullout by a regional armed group whose fighters had overrun much of the historic town a day earlier.
Fierce fighting broke out on Wednesday morning with Fano fighters taking control of much of Lalibela and pushing the army back to a base on the town’s outskirts.
But the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) regained control on Thursday, residents said.
“Until early morning, Fano controlled most of the town. When we woke up, Fano were finishing leaving the town,” a resident told AFP news agency by phone on condition of anonymity, “I can see ENDF deployed in the streets.”
Other details about the attack remain unclear as media access to the region is severely restricted and government officials are yet to comment on the matter.
Government spokesperson Legesse Tulu had disputed the reports of violence on Wednesday, telling Reuters news agency that the city and its surroundings were peaceful.
Churches in harm’s way The Amhara region in northern Ethiopia has witnessed regular fighting throughout the year, raising concerns among residents and Amharas in the diaspora about the safety of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. The town is a pilgrimage destination for Orthodox Christians.
Lidetu Ayalew, an Amhara politician based in the United States who grew up near Lalibela, said he feared the churches could be harmed. “The churches risk being struck and destroyed due to careless firing of heavy weapons,” he said in a statement on Monday.
Designated a World Heritage site by the United Nations in 1978, Lalibela’s 11 medieval cave churches were carved out of monolithic blocks to form a “New Jerusalem”, after Muslim conquests halted Christian pilgrimages to the Holy Land.
On Sunday, Ethiopian soldiers fired heavy weapons 11 times from locations near the churches, a deacon said, sending damaging shockwaves through one of the subterranean places of worship.
“The vibrations are affecting the churches,” the deacon said, requesting anonymity for fears of reprisals.
Although Fano fought alongside federal troops in the two-year conflict in neighbouring Tigray, tensions have been rising since April, when the federal government announced it was dismantling regional forces across Ethiopia. The move triggered protests by Amhara nationalists who said the move would weaken their region.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government imposed a six-month state of emergency in early August after fighting erupted in Amhara, raising concerns about Ethiopia’s stability just months after a peace deal ended the brutal Tigray war.
