Home Blog Page 785

NEVERS ATTACKS FRED M’MEMBE

zamobserver
-
0
NEVERS ATTACKS FRED M’MEMBE

NEVERS ATTACKS FRED M’MEMBE

TRUTH VS LIES

I have taken note of a number of statements, articles and interviews made by my dear brother, Dr. Fred M’membe of the Socialist Party. The statements are all based on our recent tour of duty to Zimbabwe under THE SADC ELECTORAL OBSERVATION MISSION.

I note that Mr. MMEMBE, rather than comment on the actual emperical and scientific findings of our report, has gone to great lengths to issue unsupported, unsubstantiated, untrue, cunningly devised stories and conspiracy theories attacking the Integrity of myself, His Excellency the President of Zambia Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, and many other persons including SADC and the EU.

I wish to state that I will be responding to the many points he raises in the interest of defending the truth from the war of lies that he has chosen to wage.

I will specifically deal with the following issues:

1. LIE NUMBER 1.
Mr. M’membe believes that anyone who does not agree with him on an exclusively socialist agenda should be labeled as “puppets and agents of westen imperialism”

2. LIE NUMBER 2
Mr. M’membe wishes to create an impression that certain Observer Mission Reports looked similar and so they must have been plagiarized or doctored by the same person. He forgets to mention that these things have standards. Just like in Accounting, different Audit firms will independently produce Audit Reports but they all look similar because accountants use similar templates to ensure that Financial Statements and the accompanying Audit reports are consistent and comparable between periods and countries and firms. Infact, this also holds true for laboratory reports, SPECIALIZED engineering reports, and legal reports have standards in how they are to be presented. This is perfectly normal. I am sure Mr. M’membe knows this well. But, he also has a dark, manipulative side to him that compels him to deliberately choose to misinform those who may not be too familiar with such reporting standards. He convincingly claims that the similarity in presentation between the EU report and the SADC report is “suspicious.” Why has he removed the other two reports, which also followed the same or similar presentation style? Does Mr M’membe really find it strange that the SADC and EU reports BOTH give an Exception Report?. Anyone with experience in these things will tell you that the mere fact that there is a strong degree of agreement and correlation in the two reports and in all four shows that the findings must be objective. Again, he doesn’t say this but he cleverly says the similarity in reports means they were doctored.

3. LIE NUMBER 3
Mr. M’membe is becoming desperate in selling a dangerous lie that the current President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema was in fact installed by agents of western Interests. But he forgets to deal with glaring facts such as, Did HH vote for himself? We all saw people turn out in huge numbers to cast their votes, and even then, the victory came through a very, very difficult process and series of challenges. Fred M’membe must not be allowed to steal the people’s victory and effort and, in a perfect act of manipulation, turn the peoples victory into what he shamelessly refers to as an ‘act of puppet installation by some invisible hand from the west”

4. LIE NUMBER 4
Fred M’membe has no data about this election. This is why he has failed to address any of the technical issues raised in the reports. Instead, he has taken advantage of the reading culture of our people, and started calling everyone who stands for freedoms and who stands for a fair electoral process as “puppets of the west.” This is despite the fact that since 1991, Zambia maintains a clearly articulated position of enganging with all countries regardless of whether they are from the west, or the east in pursuit of our own Zambian Interest. We are not anyones puppets, but we are servants of the people.

But because Fred M’membe is himself a stooge and a puppet of Communist ideas and ideologies, he knows that the only way he can create political space for himself, and try to ressurect a dead political ideology like SOCIALISM is by painting everyone else as puppets of the west. Let him do Zambians a favor and also name and shame himself as a wannabe puppet of the Communists. We say wannabe because everybody knows Fred. Fred doesn’t even believe in socialism himself. Fred is a product of free enterprise. Just check his own history in business. Fred wouldn’t even remit taxes in the interest of the state, the poor and those in need of social support, but we all know how his greed and insatiable desire to hoard wealth brought him into trouble with the “Taxman.”

5. LIE NUMBER 5
Mr. M’membe clearly has every right to congratulate the new government of Zimbabwe after their declared electoral win. That is everyone’s prerogative. However in his broadcast interview, he peddles another very dangerous LIE. He claims that it is very difficult for ZANU PF to hand over power to the very people who colonized us for many years and since a number of leaders in government are still from that era, then they should never handover power. Surely, OUR PARTY, the MMD did not exist in vain. It is this type of thinking which we already destroyed in 1991 when Zambians retired UNIP through the ballot. Even the MMD was removed through the very democratic process they heralded, NO QUESTION. Even the PF was removed from power through the will of the people. Africa must never start to think that being a liberation movement or a Pan African movement means subverting the will of the people through Election manipulation, this is backward thinking and it tells you the kind of Leader Mr. Mmembe is.

These are just 5 Lies I have picked up by combing through his recent outbursts, but I can assure you that there are many more lies and half truths, creatively mixed by this editorial master and Father of Lies. In all honesty, when it comes to twisting and distorting facts to create a false story line, Mr. Fred M’membe is a master of his craft. Nonetheless, it is his narcissistic personality that worries me more. Mr. M’membe is a man with no conscience, no fear of God, no respector of historical facts, or figures, He is a man on a dangerous warpath to get to the top at all costs, and his weapons are numbers, figures, letters words, pictures and historical facts, which he twists cleverly to hoodwink the unsuspecting readers.

Zambia can never be socialist or communist and it shall never be. Zambia can never go back to dictatorship and stronghandedness. Zambia remains a champion of liberty, of freedoms, and a beacon of hope to those who wish to freely pursue their life, enterprise, happiness and Conscience.

Trying to to advance a socialist agenda in a flourishing democracy which considers itself a Christian Nation is tantamout to trying to resurrect the dead using Hot Water. IT IS A LIE.

Socialism is Dead. Chimo Nowafwa!
The Future is Neither East nor West.
AFRICA AND AFRICANS MUST COME FIRST!!!

WE WILL BETTER YOUR LIVES, HH ASSURES KANYAMA RESIDENTS

zamobserver
-
0
WE WILL BETTER YOUR LIVES, HH ASSURES KANYAMA RESIDENTS

WE WILL BETTER YOUR LIVES, HH ASSURES KANYAMA RESIDENTS

September 4, 2023

LUSAKA – President Hakainde Hichilema says the New Dawn administration is working tirelessly to deliver a better life for the people of Zambia.

President Hichilema said his commitment to bettering the lives of the Zambian people remains his top priority.

He said this when he addressed scores of Kanyama residents at the Chinika Secondary School football ground following the commissioning of a borehole in the area.

The Head of State said his visit to Kanyama constituency is part of the initiative aimed at giving back and thanking the people of Zambia for their support before, during and after the 2021 general elections.

President Hichilema has also assured the people of Kanyama that his administration is aware of the high cost of mealie-meal and that his administration is working round the clock to stabilize the prices of the commodity.

He said it was disturbing that certain sections of the society expected him to address the numerous challenges that the people of Zambia were subjected to during a period that spanned ten years of continuous destruction by the past regime.

And President Hichilema also pledged to drill 4 more boreholes in the remaining wards of Kanyama constituency.

President Hichilema stressed the need for coexistence among the Zambian citizenry adding that “it is my desire to see a united Zambia whose citizens live in harmony regardless of tribe, region or political affiliation”.

He also warned that those who wanted to perpetrate violence and abrogate the law should not cry foul when the heavy arm of the law visits them.

During the launch of the 10-day UPND in activism exercise on August, 26 President Hichilema said party members were expected to provide assistance to vulnerable citizens.

President Hichilema also said the initiative was aimed at giving back to the people of Zambia for their support before, during and after the 2021 elections.

Since the launch of the initiative, both the first family and party members across the country have engaged in cleaning and caring for the vulnerable in society.

(C) UPND MEDIA TEAM

Government Responds To Fuel Price Increase

zamobserver
-
0
Government Responds To Fuel Price Increase

GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO FUEL PRICE INCREASESeptember 4, 2023

Government has moved in swiftly to address the fuel price increase mainly influenced by the
volatility in the exchange rate and the price at which oil is selling on the international market.

Director Spokesperson in the Ministry of Information and Media Thabo Kawana says Government has resolved to bring in diesel using the pipeline which will make the commodity more affordable.

Providing an insight of the measures government has put in place to deal with the price increase during a press briefing today, Mr Kawana revealed that government through the Ministry of Energy is looking at three different companies that are using a Drug Reducing Agency (DRA), a drug put in the pipeline inorder to avoid the volumes in the pipeline from becoming volatile.

Mr. Kawana said that this will help increase the volume thereby stabilizing the pipeline and increasing the volume by 20 per cent.

He said the country is currently pumping in diesel at 80 per cent and the intervention will bring it to 100 per cent.

“Once the country is able to pump in diesel at 100 percent, it will stabilize the price of the commodity,” he said.

Mr. Kawana further said that government is in receipt of unsolicited bids to put up another new 24 inch pipeline from Dar es Salaam to Ndola.

He revealed that the new pipeline will have the capacity to carry 4 million metric tons of diesel per annum.

The Director Spokesperson said the new pipeline will be restricted to carrying diesel only while the current one will carry petrol and
kerosene.

He assured citizens that the new pipeline will come online early next year.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kawana said that with improved and increased volumes of finished products, government is working towards increasing storage capacity from the current 3 to 6 months.

“With improved and increased volumes, the review mechanism will then be able to change from the current monthly to about 3 months,” Mr. Kawana said.

He said the country’s storage capacity stands at 3 months but the volume is not enough hence government working towards bringing in the correct volume.

He expressed confidence that government will in the long run put in place measures to ensure that the storage capacity is increased to 6 months.

He said the Mpika depot has been put in place to store fuel for the northern region and beyond thereby improving storage.

And Mr Kawana revealed that the Minister of Energy has prepared a cabinet memo seeking approval to commence ethenol blending.

Once approved, the blended fuel will run as a pilot for 6 months in Lusaka and eventually be rolled out countrywide hence giving motorists cheaper fuel as blended fuel sells cheaper than the unblended one.

Schwarzenegger details his challenging recovery from open heart surgery

zamobserver
-
0
Schwarzenegger details his challenging recovery from open heart surgery

Arnold Schwarzenegger is reflecting on a particularly challenging time in his life when he had unplanned open heart surgery and had only a matter of months to recover and be back to top form.

In a video posted recently to his YouTube channel as part of his health and fitness group, Arnold’s Pump Club, the 76-year-old actor and bodybuilder recalled a frightening incident in early 2018 when he was supposed to undergo non-invasive heart surgery.

“I remember when I had my open heart surgery, my third one… I was really freaking out, and I woke up all of the sudden and the doctor was standing in front of me, and saying ‘I’m so sorry, but unlike what we planned, a non-invasive surgery… we made a mistake and poked through the heart wall, and there was internal bleeding, and we had to open you up to save your life.’” Schwarzenegger recalled.

“The bottom line is, you cannot roll the clock back,” he continued. “I was in the middle of a disaster… so now it’s about, ‘how do I get out of it?’ You have to shift gears.”

Schwarzenegger said he realized that the first step to recovery was getting healthy enough to get discharged from the hospital.

“[That meant] getting out of bed and start walking. First 10 steps, then longer and longer,” he explained, adding that when he needed extra motivation, “I called my buddies in and said, ‘You guys have to fire me up. You have to count the number of steps that I’m doing.’”

“And this is what we did, everyday. Everybody came into the hospital, They said, ‘OK, Arnold, it’s time to get up!’” Schwarzenegger recalled. “I wanted to get really going with the exercise, get out of the hospital as quick as possible, and then get going with the training again.”

“Because three months later, I started with Terminator 6,” he said, referring to Terminator: Dark Fate, which was set to start shooting after multiple delays. “So I had to be in shape, I had to be able to move around, run around, lift things up, do the fight scene, all these things.”

As Schwarzenegger reflected on his recovery journey, he also shared behind-the-scenes footage, both of him in the hospital and then training on workout machines after getting out.

“And I did it! Because I had a positive attitude and knew exactly how I was going to get there,” he explained. “[And] I had the support system, because none of this we can do by ourselves… When I started shooting Terminator 6, I was all back together again.”

Mnangagwa inauguration a non-event, says Chamisa’s CCC

zamobserver
-
0
Mnangagwa inauguration a non-event, says Chamisa’s CCC

THE opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has described the swearing in of President Emmerson Mnangagwa to serve a second term yesterday as a non-event, maintaining that he was declared the winner in a sham election.

Mnangagwa was declared winner by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) with a 52,6% vote but the CCC led by Nelson Chamisa rejected the August 23 and 24 poll results.

Chamisa, who according to Zec polled 44% of the presidential vote, is pushing for a fresh election monitored by the Southern Africa Development Community (Sadc) and the African Union (AU).

Party spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi told NewsDay yesterday that Mnangagwa’s inauguration was insignificant.

“The push for fresh elections is in full swing. The region knows the truth about what happened. There was no election, and Mnangagwa’s inauguration is a total nullity. We will continue to exert political and diplomatic pressure to bring forth a fresh election,” he said.

“Citizens must remain calm, peaceful and vigilant. They should not lose hope. We will do everything we can to make sure that their vote counts and is respected.”

Political analyst Kudakwashe Munemo said Zimbabwe was thrown into an election crisis on August 23.

Self-exiled former Cabinet minister Saviour Kasukuwere, who was barred by the courts from contesting as an independent presidential candidate, is also of the view that another election to be monitored by Sadc and AU should be held.

“In short, we didn’t have an election, honestly speaking. Clearly, we didn’t have an election,” Kasukuwere said during an election post-mortem discussion hosted by the Southern Africa Political Economy Series Trust last week.

“It is unfortunate because the whole world was looking forward to a free, fair and credible election for us to continue with re-engagement processes. This was so central. What we are having today is a slap in our face. It’s an embarrassment; it’s an indictment. Are we unable to run elections on our own?

“No. We failed; hence, there is a clarion call that we need an election that is supported and monitored by Sadc and AU. Once we get that certified, it allows Zimbabwe to get out of this deep situation. We can’t continue in this situation.”

However, Democratic Union of Zimbabwe president Robert Chapman said the CCC was crying over spilt milk.

“There was some inevitability that was going to be there. The question is: do we have enough documentation to present from different delegations to sway Zimbabwe to go back and redo its election? Do we have this to support that claim?” Chapman asked

“If the answer is no, we are going to see the same thing that we saw in 2018, which was a much closer and tighter election. We were not really ready to go into this election.”

He also accused opposition parties of being unprepared for the elections.

“The problem of misinformation came from the opposition saying we were prepared. I remember one saying we were ready for elections. That created this problem, which is where we are right now. I sensed that we would be right here with a contested election, which is unfortunate,” he said.

University of London professor of politics Stephen Chan said: “The opposition should present itself as a government in waiting and do a fundamental rethinking of its strategy. Zanu-PF should not be too proud of its strategy because it has lost respect for the country, and a very great question arises: the legitimacy of the government of Zimbabwe.”

Source – Newsday

Zimbabwe-Zambia relations deteriorate

zamobserver
-
0
Zimbabwe-Zambia relations deteriorate

ZIMBABWE’S relations with Zambia have become frosty since the Sadc observer mission led by the neighbouring country’s former vice-president Nevers Mumba revealed gross irregularities in the country’s disputed general election, won by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The polls, crucial for Zimbabwe’s re-engagement with the international community, have been flagged by observer missions over gross irregularities, amid indications of intimidation and logistical challenges that saw voting starting late at night at some polling stations, angering the opposition.

Zambia has been a strategic partner for the country since the liberation struggle, allowing Zimbabwean freedom fighters from Zipra and Zanla to use its territory for the training of guerillas.

The country also provided refuge to Zimbabwean nationalists, and a considerable number of high-profile Zanu and Zapu nationalists, including President Mnangagwa.

However, the Sadc observers’ report by Mumba has placed in the spotlight Zimbabwe’s frosty relations with Zambia. Signs of tension began showing after Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema in 2021successfully led the then opposition outfit United Party for National Development (UPND) to dislodge Zanu-PF ally Edgar Lungu.

Mnangagwa’s government has become increasingly worried about the growing anti-ruling party wave sweeping across the region, which has threatened the government with diplomatic isolation, which has been worsened by the country’s tainted human rights record.

As previously reported, following shocks from the Zambian election, intelligence sources told The NewsHawks that Mnangagwa’s administration has been closely monitoring the relations between Chamisa and Hichilema’s and their manoeuvres, especially after the Zimbabwean opposition leader’s meetings with the Zambian President, first in Lusaka during his inauguration on 24 August 2021 and in South Africa on 26 January 2022 during a book launch.

They met again on 28 October last year, in Lesotho. The book launch was held at the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre, at 1 Duncombe Road, Forest Town.

Hichilema was guest speaker at the launch of a book titled Expensive Poverty: Why Aid Fails and How it Can Work, written by his friend Greg Mills, director of the Brenthurst Foundation, a Johannesburg-based organisation established by the Oppenheimer family in 2005 to promote new ideas and innovation to strengthen economic performance in Africa.

With Brenthurst, Mills has directed numerous reform projects in Africa, including Rwanda (2007-8), Mozambique (2005-11), Swaziland (2010-11), Malawi (2012-14, and again 2020/1), Kenya (2012 and 2020), Lesotho (2008; 2019- 20), Liberia (2006/7), Zambia (2010; 2016), Zimbabwe (2009-13), Ghana (2017), Ethiopia (2019-20), Nigeria (2017-18), and almost continuously at various levels of government in South Africa.

The foundation reportedly bankrolled Hichilema’s UPND during and before its general election.

“Since HH [Hichilema] came to power, the Zimbabwean intelligence has been working hard to figure out the nature of his relations with Chamisa and whether it involves financial support,” an intelligence source said. “Their worry is on various fronts: diplomatic, political and geopolitical.”

The waves of change in the region, inspired by Hichilema’s unusual feat have also kept Mnangagwa on the tenterhooks.

For instance, in October last year, Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane pulled a surprise victory, despite being a political novice, after its two coalition partners won 56 out of 120 parliamentary seats, a slim majority in Parliament, making him Lesotho’s 10th prime minister, and setting a new political record in the region.

Matekane made the list of several opposition leaders in the region to defeat incumbents following Hichilema. In 2020, Lazarus Chakwera defeated Peter Mutharika in the Malawian general election, while Felix Tshisekedi also won the Democratic Republic of Congo plebiscite in 2019. Like Zambia’s Hichilema, Matekane is an ally of Zimbabwe’s main opposition Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa.

Chamisa attended the inauguration in Maseru and met with Matekane at the event which was also attended by regional leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Hichilema of Zambia.

Mnangagwa did not attend as he was presiding over Zanu-PF’s nomination congress by then, and was represented by Foreign minister Frederick Shava instead.

In Kenya’s general election held last year, veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, who is close to Chamisa, fell short, losing to former deputy president William Ruto.

Ruto has signaled that he will not attend Mnangagwa’s inauguration, but will be represented by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

Source – newshawks

THERE’S AGENT NEED TO REFORM THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM- HH

zamobserver
-
0
THERE’S AGENT NEED TO REFORM THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM- HH

THERE’S AGENT NEED TO REFORM THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM- HH

September 4th, 2023.

LUSAKA- PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says there is need for the Minister of Justice to quickly reform the criminal justice system.

President Hichilema says the New Dawn administration will do it’s best to improve the services of inmates and people looking after them in various orisons.

The President said he has not forgotten inmates and that a lot of inmates in Correctional facilities are not prisoners but detainees and that the act of detaining inmates without conviction is wrong and should not continue under the UPND led administration.

The President said this when he addressed inmates at Lusaka Central Correctional facility commonly known as Chimbokaila.

And President Hichilema said that so far the UPND government has pardoned about 5000 detainees since it came into power.

President Hichilema has also warned that he will come for PF cadres who are regrouping in a big way and has encouraged inmates to desist from crimes and not lose hope.

The Head of State referring to himself said he was once in prison like them and that today he is Head of State saying similar thing can happen to anyone of those in prison.

“Government will facilitate scholarships for inmates, improve ventilation and sanitation and build more correctional facilities to decongest the facilities,” he said.

The President also said that there is need to set up homes for would be inmate mother’s and already mother’s so that they can be looked after in a conducive environment.

He says government will quickly get a checklist of actions that will assist in addressing concerns raised by inmates.

And the Lusaka Central Correctional Center Commissioner General, Fredrick Chilukutu thanked the President for the support being given to the facility and urged security wings to participate in agriculture to increase mealie-meal production.

Meanwhile, Minister of Home affairs, Jack Mwimbu said inmates willing to venture in other activities after incarceration will be taken care of and that the visit to Chimbokaila has rekindled memories of the President’s incarceration.

(C) THE FALCON

Military junta leader is sworn in as Gabon’s interim president

zamobserver
-
0
Military junta leader is sworn in as Gabon’s interim president

The leader of Gabon’s military junta, Gen. Brice Nguema, was sworn in as interim president by the country’s constitutional court during a televised ceremony Monday.

Last week, Nguema led a coup that ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba, a military takeover that appears to have truncated the Bongo family’s decades-long dominance over Gabonese politics.

Bongo, 64, succeeded his father Omar Bongo, who ruled the Central African nation with an iron fist for more than four decades before his death in 2009.

Ahead of last Wednesday’s coup, Bongo, who has been in power for nearly 14 years, was declared winner of a disputed presidential election that was marred by voting delays and internet cuts. The Bongo administration had also obstructed coverage of the vote by foreign press.

The ousted leader was placed on house arrest by the junta, which also voided the election results and shut the country’s borders, triggering global condemnation of the coup.

Celebrations also broke out across the tiny nation with thousands of supporters expressing solidarity with the military.

Nguema, a former bodyguard for Omar Bongo, was swiftly installed as a transitional leader.

He was inaugurated as interim president on Monday amid a military parade and cheers from his civilian supporters.

Ahead of his swearing in, Nguema approved the reopening of Gabon’s borders and met with political leaders to discuss issues around reform and a possible transitional period, local media reported.

It’s not immediately known how long Nguema will hold on to power. He earlier said the country will not rush into a new election to avoid a “repeat of past mistakes,” Reuters reported.

A platform of opposition parties in the country has urged the junta to resume the electoral process and conclude the vote count to pave the way to victory for opposition leader Albert Ondo Ossa, who was a runner up in the annulled election.

There have been nine coups in the past three years in former French colonies – Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger, Tunisia and now Gabon – that have undermined democratic progress in recent years.

Many Gabonese view Bongo’s ouster as a major victory for citizens in the oil-rich but impoverished state.

Ramaphosa and ANC must prepare to accommodate more Zimbabweans

zamobserver
-
0
Ramaphosa and ANC must prepare to accommodate more Zimbabweans

By Manyane Manyane | Sunday Independent |

Zimbabwean opposition parties have warned President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC that they might have to accommodate their compatriots who will flock into the country following the re-election of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

They said Ramaphosa and the ANC might have to prepare to squeeze in more of their compatriots in the South African economy if they supported the “stolen and shambolic” elections because Zimbabweans will continue to suffer from abject poverty under Mnangagwa.

They said this is because the country has not resolved its tension with investors to grow the economy.

The number will add to an estimated 1.5 million Zimbabweans living in South Africa, many of whom migrated as a result of social and economic unrest in the country in recent years.

This comes after Ramaphosa this week congratulated Mnangagwa for his second term after he was re-elected.

Ramaphosa said in a statement on Monday that the recent polls were conducted in a smooth manner in spite of the sanctions that have crippled the country’s economy.

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula this week also praised Zanu-PF and celebrated Mnangagwa’s victory.

This after Mbalula shared pictures of the Zimbabwean ruling party’s victory rally, calling the gathering a “sea of people” and celebrating Mnangagwa’s re-election – writing “viva President Emmerson Mnangagwa”.

However, Mnangagwa’s victory has been rejected by the opposition and questioned by observers.

He won 52.6% of the vote compared with 44% for challenger Nelson Chamisa.

However, Chamisa said the results are fraught with fraud, voter intimidation, and corruption, while observers from the Southern Development Community (SADC) region also released a preliminary report stating the elections fell short of the required standards to be deemed free and fair.

Citizens Coalition for Change chairperson in South Africa, Trust Ndlovu, said Ramaphosa and the ANC must prepare to welcome and take care of another quarter of the Zimbabwean population into the fiscus of the South African economy.

“Unfortunately, if Ramaphosa and the ANC bless these stolen, shambolic elections, they must be prepared to welcome and take care of another 1/4 population of Zimbabweans into the fiscus of the SA economy.

“They must be prepared to prevent more acts of Xenophobia violence in SA, because SA will feel have a more strained economy,” Ndlovu said.

Ndlovu said the future of the country was doom and gloom. He said he believed the majority of the voters snubbed Mnangagwa and he faked the election results through “his proxy”, Justice Priscilla Makanyara Chigumba, the chairperson of the Zimbabwean Electoral Commission (ZEC).

He said ZEC was also staffed with conflicted people who support Mnangagwa and Zanu PF.

“It cannot be independent because Kembo Mohadi, one of the deputy president’s, has a daughter working for ZEC as a commissioner and a presiding officer. Paul Mnangwa has a child in the same ZEC.

“The commission is constituted of secretariats from the military army, intelligence and other secret state security.

“Ms Chigumba is a very close associate of Mnangagwa, and therefore, there is no way we can expect free and fair elections in Zimbabwe and as long as they are run by Zanu PF die-hard supporters,” Ndlovu said.

Asked to comment on this, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri did not comment.

Department of Home Affairs spokesperson Siya Qoza said: “The department is ready to welcome Zimbabweans or any foreign nationals wanting to visit the country legally.

“The department is equally ready to deal with those who seek to enter the country without valid papers or meeting the immigration requirements in full.”

The Patriotic Front’s Mxolisi Ncube said there won’t be any change as long as Zanu-PF is in charge.

‘’It will always be the same – minimal developments, unaccounted for expenditure, lack of national planning, a liquidity crunch, high inflation, looting with impunity, infringements of human rights and personal freedoms, continued sanctions from the West, and continued blame-games while the economy continues to falter for the next five years,’’ he said.

Ngqabutho Mabhena, secretary-general of the Zimbabwean Communist Party, said the country’s future is bleak under Mnangagwa.

He said this is because Zanu-PF has failed to build the economy. Mabhena said the situation has worsened under Mnangagwa.

Another Zimbabwean Communist Party member, Bongani Mkhwanazi, said Mnangagwa’s re-election has raised a lot of questions. He said it was surprising that Mnangagwa was re-elected despite the economic challenges facing the country.

He said he does not see the prospects of an economic turn-around under Mnangagwa.

“The problem with Mnangagwa and his team is that they even believe that their own propaganda is enough that they would claim they have done this and that. But in reality, the situation on the ground does not reflect what they always claim.”

However, he said the allegations of rigging are difficult to prove.

“For example, intimidation where there is no violence is big tricky to prove because if someone winks at you that you are going to vote, it is hard to prove as an intimidation,” he said.

The Southern Development Community, which sent 68 observers on election day, said the elections were riddled with intimidation from a “quasi-security intelligence organisation” called Forever Associations Zimbabwe (FAZ).

A report by the Commonwealth Election Observer mission found that the de-limitation process was conducted without a final census report, media accreditation was a challenge, the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act was used to ban opposition rallies, and state media was biased against the opposition.

Zimbabwe Anti-Sanctions Movement chairperson Rutendo Matinyarare said Zanu-PF had limited opportunity to rig elections in Zimbabwe.

He said this is because V11s are generated at polling stations with oversight from the party agents, international observers, and the media.

“This illustrates that only the opposition in Zimbabwe manipulates elections through illegal sanctions that punish and persecute Zimbabweans to force the electorate to vote for the opposition.”

Mnangagwa inauguration, ‘beginning of another 5 years of stagnation’

zamobserver
-
0

The inauguration of President-elect Emmerson Mnangagwa as the country’s leader following his victory in the recently held 2023 presidential election has been branded the “beginning of another 5 years of stagnation and contested legitimacy”.

The Zanu-PF leader was installed as the country’s leader on Monday as he assumed his second term. He won an election that was discredited by international observers due to massive irregularities amid allegations of rigging.

Mnangagwa controversially won with 52,6% against main opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa (44%).

Commenting on the inauguration of Mnangagwa which took place at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, CCC deputy leader Tendai Biti said the country was going to remain poor under the leadership of Zanu-PF.

He added that the next five years will be disastrous for many Zimbabweans economically and many will leave the country for greener pastures.

“Tomorrow (Monday) marks the beginning of another 5 years of stagnation and contested legitimacy. A period that will see cataleptic political instability, economic stagnation, contraction and massive immigration of Zimbabwean nationals. Another false decade beckons. Cry the beloved country. Cry,” Biti posted on his X (formerly Twitter).

Mnangagwa’s inauguration was snubbed by Angolan President João Lourenço and Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema.

With Angola currently being the chair of the 16-nation regional grouping Southern African Development Community (SADC), while Zambia chairs the SADC Troika, the absence of the two countries’ leaders will be viewed as a serious protest to Mnangagwa’s controversial win.

Hichilema is a close friend of the Zimbabwean opposition leader Chamisa who believes that his rival rigged the elections.

Only South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, Democratic Republic of Congo leader Felix Tshisekedi and Mozambique’s Felix Nyusi, who are also close allies of Mnangagwa and the Zanu-PF party, are attending from the region.

SADC election observers led by Zambia’s Nevers Mumba pointed out that the plebiscite fell short of the requirements of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and regional standards.

He was, however, attacked by Zanu-PF activists who branded him and Hichilema as western puppets.

In an interview with Zambian media on Sunday, Mumba said he came to Zimbabwe to observe elections on behalf of SADC not Zambia.

Mumba has since handed over the SADC Election Observer Mission’s final report to Hichilema, in his capacity as chairman of the SADC Troika

“Let’s not act like we don’t know what’s happening on the continent of Africa, the coups that are happening in the western part of our continent. How did they start?

“President Hichilema just said to me go and give Zimbabweans a free and fair election. We care only about what the people on the streets of Zimbabwe think, not on the attacks from politicians.

“I didn’t go to Zimbabwe as a Zambian, I took the SADC instrument. If Zimbabwe has a problem with the report, they must go to SADC,” he said.

Investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono said the failure of many regional leaders to attend Mnangagwa’s inauguration “points towards a tragic reality of failed political and international legitimacy.”

“The failure to turn up by SADC serving presidents points towards a tragic reality of failed political and international legitimacy that will dog President Mnangagwa’s last term in office that can only be cured by resolving the issue.

“The final SADC Election report was handed over to President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia on Saturday evening and SADC ambassadors said that it is damning.

“President Hichilema is the chairman of the SADC Troika that put together the election observer team.

“The other two members of the Troika are Tanzania and Namibia whose presidents stayed away from the inauguration,” he said.

Chamisa hails world leaders for snubbing Mnangagwa inauguration

zamobserver
-
0
Chamisa hails world leaders for snubbing Mnangagwa inauguration

Opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has thanked world leaders for snubbing the inauguration of President-elect Emmerson Mnangagwa who is accused of benefiting from a fraudulent election.

Mnangagwa won the 2023 presidential election with 52,6% against Chamisa’s 44%.

The election was, however, discredited by international observers due to massive irregularities which surrounded the whole electoral process.

Voters in rural areas were allegedly coerced to vote for Mnangagwa by a Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) aligned organisation Forever Associates of Zimbabwe (FAZ).

In opposition strongholds like Harare and Bulawayo, ballot papers were delivered late, a move which observers said disenfranchised prospective voters.

Mnangagwa’s inauguration was snubbed by Angolan President João Lourenço whose country is currently the chair of the 16-nation regional grouping, the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Zambian leader Hakainde Hichilema who is also a close ally of Chamisa also did not attend Mnangagwa’s inauguration. Zambia chairs the SADC Troika. The absence of the two countries’ leaders will be viewed as a serious protest to the Zanu-PF leader’s controversial win.

Only South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, Democratic Republic of Congo leader Felix Tshisekedi and Mozambique’s Felix Nyusi, who are also close allies of Mnangagwa and the Zanu-PF party, are attending from the region.

Chamisa on Monday thanked the world for dismissing the election.

“THANK YOU AFRICA AND THE WORLD for standing with us Zimbabweans in dismissing fraud and stolen elections. Together, we will reverse this sham and have a legitimate government freely elected and enjoying the full will of all the people of Zimbabwe! It’s not over,” he said.

SADC observer mission led by Nevers Mumba from Zambia said the plebiscite fell short of the requirements of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

“The mission observed that the fell short of the requirements of the Constitution of Zimbabwe pre-election and voting phases of the 23-24 Aug harmonised election were peaceful and calm.

“However, the mission noted that some aspects of the harmonised elections fell short of the requirements of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Electoral Act and SADC principles governing democratic elections,” Mumba said.

 Mnangagwa’s inauguration marred by arrests, abductions and torture of political activists

zamobserver
-
0
 Mnangagwa’s inauguration marred by arrests, abductions and torture of political activists

Zimbabwe: Mnangagwa’s inauguration marred by arrests, abductions and torture of political activists.

Responding to the inauguration of Emmerson Mnangagwa for his second term as President amid a political climate of fear and reports of multiple human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, abductions and torture of opposition party activists, Khanyo Farisè, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Southern Africa, said:

“President Mnangagwa’s inauguration for his second term as President has been severely blighted by reports of attacks against opposition party activists and threats against those trying to organize peaceful protests amid a growing crackdown on human rights, especially the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.

“Nobody should be persecuted simply for exercising their human rights. Everyone, regardless of their political affiliation, should be able to freely participate in peaceful activism without fear of abduction or harm. The Zimbabwean authorities must immediately stop issuing inflammatory statements that could incite attacks against political activists, human rights defenders and other people.”

“The authorities also must ensure a peaceful post-election environment by fully respecting, protecting and ensuring the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, association and expression. They must also conduct prompt, thorough, impartial, independent, effective and transparent investigations into pending cases of enforced disappearances, abductions, and torture. Those suspected of responsibility for these crimes must face justice in fair trials. Victims and their families must be provided with access to justice and effective remedies.”

Background

On 26 August 2023, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission announced that President Emmerson Mnangagwa of the ruling ZANU PF party had secured re-election after gaining a majority of votes.

Cases of arrests, abduction, assault and torture have been reported both during and after the election. On 2 September 2023, Womberaiishe Nhende, the elected Councilor for Glen Norah Ward 27 in Harare, was abducted and tortured before being dumped on the outskirts of Harare.

Nhende was also among a group of individuals who were seriously injured during skirmishes with Zanu PF activists that led to the death of Tinashe Chitsunge, a political activist for the opposition party Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), on 3 August 2023.

Gabon coup leader Brice Nguema vows free elections – but no date

zamobserver
-
0
Gabon coup leader Brice Nguema vows free elections – but no date

The leader of Gabon’s military junta has vowed to return power to civilians after “free, transparent” elections.

However, in a speech after being sworn in as interim president, he did not give a date for military rule to end.

Gen Brice Nguema led last Wednesday’s coup against Ali Bongo, toppling the president shortly after he was named winner of a disputed election.

Crowds of cheering civilians turned up at the inauguration – the coup was welcomed by many eager for change.

However, some say Gen Nguema’s rule will be a continuation of the 55-year Bongo dynasty.

Ali Bongo’s father, Omar, was in power for 41 years before he died in 2009 and was succeeded by his son.

The general, aged 48, spent most his career in the Bongo’s inner circle and is even thought to be Ali Bongo’s cousin.

At Monday’s inauguration, Gen Nguema gave a defiant speech, referencing the likes of South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, French statesman Charles Fe Gaulle and former Ghanaian leader Jerry Rawlings.

“This patriotic action will be a lesson learnt that will be taught in the books of our schools,” said the new president, dressed in the red ceremonial costume of the Republican Guard.

He added that a fresh government would be formed “in a few days” and recommended new electoral legislation, a new penal code and a referendum on a new constitution.

Gen Nguema also said he had instructed the new government “to think without delay” about freeing all political prisoners.

The ceremony was broadcast live on Gabonese TV and across online platforms

Former ministers from the ousted government showed up, but were booed by a crowd of junta sympathisers.

The opposition has said it welcomes the removal of Mr Bongo from power but has called for a speedy return to civilian rule.

The defeated presidential candidate Albert Ondo Ossa told the Associated Press that the coup was a “palace revolution”, engineered by the Bongo family to retain their power.

Gen Nguema’s is the latest in a series of military takeovers across West and Central Africa.

Gabon is the sixth Francophone country to fall under military rule in the last three years as former colonial power France struggles to maintain its influence on the continent.

Gabon was suspended from the African Union following the coup, which has been condemned by the UN and France.

In his inauguration address on Monday, Gen Nguema said he was “surprised” at foreign criticism of the takeover.

Kanye West banned again – this time, by a luxurious Italian boat company

zamobserver
-
0
Kanye West banned again – this time, by a luxurious Italian boat company

Prominent artist Kanye West and his Australian companion Bianca Censori face a lifetime ban from a Venetian boat rental company due to their recent indecent exposure incident in Italy. West and Bianca Censori stirred controversy by engaging in a public amorous act on a Venice water taxi, with West exposing himself. Photos depict the 46-year-old American rapper seated at the rear of the taxi while his 28-year-old Australian companion placed her head in his lap.

Venezia Turismo Motoscafi, the boat rental company that provided its services to West and Censori, has exclusively informed Daily Mail Australia that the couple is now banned from its boats. The company issued a statement condemning their inappropriate behavior and expressed its complete unawareness of the incident until the photos went public.

The boat company stated that the driver was focused on navigating and didn’t witness the indecent acts. They added that if they had seen it, they would have taken immediate action. Furthermore, a third person accompanied West and Censori in the taxi, obstructing the captain’s view of the incident. This third person has been photographed accompanying the couple during their Italian vacation, according to the Daily Mail.

The boat rental company, Venezia Turismo Motoscafi, strongly condemned the explicit behavior of the couple, stating their complete disapproval of such acts. They affirmed that West and his companion would not be permitted on their boats in the future. Notably, this company has a prestigious clientele, including celebrities like Lady Gaga, Harry Styles, Florence Pugh, Jennifer Lopez, and Ben Affleck.

Critics online have accused West of committing “public indecency,” a charge that could result in a fine of up to AU$ 520 ($335) in accordance with the law. Comments on the matter expressed concern, with some suggesting that such behavior should be kept private, and others even calling for Italian authorities to take action against the couple for their inappropriate public display.

Before boarding the boat, West was dressed in an all-black outfit, and Censori wore a knee-length trench coat and nude heels. However, once on board, they both discarded their outerwear. Censori switched to a strapless nude-colored dress, while West exposed his bare buttocks by pulling down his pants. Their intimate interactions included Censori resting her elbows on West’s knees, and West cradling her head as they sailed along the river.

West and Censori have faced criticism from locals in Italy over the past month due to their unconventional wardrobe choices. Critics, in particular, have taken issue with Censori’s provocative outfits in the traditionally conservative Catholic country, where she has been seen in see-through mesh attire, including a daring nude catsuit. It remains uncertain whether West or Censori will face official consequences for their recent display. Their romantic involvement began in January 2023, shortly after West’s divorce was finalized, and Censori’s fashion choices are widely believed to be influenced by the fashion designer.

JEALOUS NCHELENGE MAN KILLS DAUGHTER FOR FALLING PREGNANT FOR ANOTHER MAN

zamobserver
-
0
JEALOUS NCHELENGE MAN KILLS DAUGHTER FOR FALLING PREGNANT FOR ANOTHER MAN

JEALOUS NCHELENGE MAN KILLS DAUGHTER FOR FALLING PREGNANT FOR ANOTHER MAN

IN a brutal incident of jealous killing, a man of Nchelenge murdered his 19-year-old biological daughter who he allegedly had been sexually abusing after he discovered she was pregnant for another man.

The villain identified as Wezi Mwenya, 48 cut Jane Mwenya’s body into pieces and put it into a box before he buried it in a bush.

This sordid incident came to light after a month since the disappearance of the girl on July 25, 2023 according to police.

For fear of facing the consequences of his actions, Mwenya committed suicide on August 26, 2023 when an angry mob went after him at his sister’s house where he had run to.

Luapula province Commanding officer, Fwambo Siame said on August 26, around 07:00 hours, Nchelenge police station received a phone call from Gladys Kasanda who reported that Mwenya committed suicide by hanging himself to the roof of the house.

He said later, the mob wanted to damage her house demanding for Mwenya’s body so that they could burn it because he allegedly murdered his daughter.

“The police rushed to the scene and found an angry mob stoning the reporter’s house with intentions of breaking it down demanding for the body of Mwenya so that they burn it. The police managed to disperse the crowd. In the process, a mote vehicle registration GRZ 800CK Ford Ranger belonging to Drug Enforcement Commission had its rea windscreen damaged,” he said.

Siame said on July 25, 2023, around 07:00 hours, Mwenya ran away after members of the community started suspecting that he killed his daughter and buried her.

He said the mob burnt his property, which included a house, a motor vehicle and a motor bike, all valued at K500, 000.

Siame said the suspect was later spotted in the village by members of the public who chased him and he ran to his sisters house.

“Immediately Mwenya entered the house, he went straight to a spare bedroom, where he found a chitenge material and hanged himself to the roof of the house. His sister was awakened by an angry mob that was chasing him and straight- away, they entered the house and only to find Mwenya hanging to the roof whilst struggling to take his last breath,” he said.

Siame said Mwenya’s wife and children were briefly kept at Nchelenge police station for safe custody but have since being reunited with his family.

The background to the story as narrated by relative of the victim, who sought anonymity, is that Mwenya discovered that his daughter, whom he had been having an affair with for many years was carrying anothee man’s child. When his draughts went home, he beat her untill she died.

“One of his children Informed us that of the fateful night, her father was beating her elder sister, who was pregnant while playing loud music and he locked the bedroom where he was beating her from until she stopped screaming,” she said.

The source said their relative went missing and after three days, a man who identified himself as a motorbike rider went to her home and informed her that he had been having nightmares of the missing girl, who was asking him to Inform her family about her death.

“This man informed me and other members of the fanily that at first, he ignored the dream, but when our relative appeared to him for the third time, he decided to inform us. He said in the dream, our daughter was asking him to inform her relatives and show them where her body was buried and that it was not a dog but a human being who was buried,” the source said.

The source said she informed other members of the family, who booked a vehicle and went with the biker sp that he could lead them to the place where he took Mwenya to burry the box which he claimed had parts of the dog which died.

“We were all panicking, no-one thought of making the rider to name the place or give directions. He only said the body was buried in a bush within a village in Chief Kambwali, and less than 10 minutes in the journey, he started behaving strangely. We took him to St. Paul’s Mission Home. He is our only hope and he is the only one that will lead us to where our beloved daughter was buried,” he said.

The source said after the death of the girl’s mother, Mwenya took custody of his daughter and later married another woman.

Mwenya’s daughter had her first child when she was 16-years-old but she did not disclose who the father of the child was.

And Nchelenge ward councilor, Peter Chishimba said he received information that Mwenya had killed his daughter and burried her body.

He said he has been joining the family of the victim to search for the body of their daughter but to no avail.

“The only key here is the rider but he does not seem to be okay, or maybe he was threatened with death if he discloses, and he might just be pretending to be mentally ill for fear of dying, otherwise this is a very sad issue,” he said.

Credit: Zambia Daily Mail

A Political Spectacle, Not a Solution- Edwin Lifwekelo

zamobserver
-
0
A Political Spectacle, Not a Solution- Edwin Lifwekelo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A Political Spectacle, Not a Solution

Lusaka….4th September 2023

It has become a common practice for African leaders to personally commission infrastructure projects, no matter how small. The President’s recent act of commissioning a borehole is a clear example of his trend, and it raises important questions about the appropriate use of political power and resources. His involvement in such a practice is more about political grandstanding than genuine development.

Misallocation of Presidential Resources when the country is going through alot should not be thought of at any time..Remember that President is the highest-ranking official in the country and is responsible for managing complex national affairs. Commissioning a borehole is a task that could easily be carried out by a local councilor or municipal official. It is a waste of the President’s valuable time and resources to engage in such activities when there are pressing national issues to address.

Diversion of Focus and Commissioning a borehole may garner media attention, but it diverts the focus away from critical matters such as economic development, healthcare, education, and national security. Leaders should prioritize their responsibilities rather than seeking photo opportunities for minor projects.

Commissioning a borehole is a symbolic act meant to portray the President as a “man of the people.” However, it does not address the underlying problems of inadequate infrastructure planning and maintenance. The borehole itself may not solve the long-term water supply issues faced by the community.

By personally handling a local project, the President inadvertently undermines the authority and responsibilities of local elected officials. Councilors and municipal leaders are elected to address the needs of their constituents, and the President’s intervention diminishes their role.

Presidential visits and ceremonies are costly affairs, involving security, transportation, and logistical expenses. These resources could be better spent on projects that require national-level attention and funding.

It is a manipulation of public sentiment rather than genuine concern for the people.

It is essential for leaders to connect with their constituents and address their needs, the commissioning of a borehole is a clear case of political theater that detracts from more critical national priorities. It is imperative that leaders prioritize their responsibilities and allow local officials to handle routine, community-level projects. This would promote efficient resource allocation, empower local governance, and allow the President to focus on matters of national significance.

Edwin Lifwekelo

Acting PF Media Director

“Ba Lungu Bweleni Pamupando”

zamobserver
-
0
“Ba Lungu Bweleni Pamupando”

By Kapya Kaoma

Can President HH Listen to a Toddler’s Call to Lungu on the Cost of Ubunga?

If KK came from the grave and had some words for President HH, it would be, “Ubunga! Ubunga! Ubunga! Waikatako, wafwa!”

In the late 1980s, President Kaunda survived a coup because of the price of ubunga–the culprits were the same players embraced by President Hichilema, the World Bank and IMF. They forced him to remove subsidies and increase the price of ubunga. The results were catastrophic–riots and an attempted military coup that almost cost him his Presidency. He reduced the price, and saved his neck, but not his Presidency!

A beautiful toddler’s classical call to former President Edgar Lungu on social media highlights this point. “Ba Lungu bweleni pamupando,” the adorable girl says with angelic eyes rolling, “ubunga nabudula. Tubwesesheniko ubunga. Tatulilepo ifilifyonse. BaDad tabalafola.”
( Mr. Lungu, please come back to the Chair.
The cost of mealie meal is too unbearable,
Come and reduce it for us.
We haven’t eaten anything.
My dad has not been paid).

When I reposted the video on my Facebook, two UPND members saw it differently. One argued that Lungu is responsible for the high cost of ubunga while the other contended that such an argument is parroted by HH’s cadres.

Regardless, the girl’s call is a classical political messaging that would pose a big challenge to President HH. The girl’s natural setting is a common neighborhood and she is definitely not from a well to do family. She represents the common starving child on the streets stating the undeniable fact–“we haven’t eaten anything.” Her voice is authentic, and she is not scripted in her plea to President Lungu to consider returning to active politics so that he can reduce the cost of ubunga!

Unlike other African nations, ubunga is central to Zambian politics–no wonder President HH campaigned on reducing the price of ubunga to K50. The centrality of ubunga in Zambian politics is something we don’t see in other African nations–ubunga is Zambia and Zambia is ubunga. In fact, ubunga played a role in our return to multi-party politics. P.K. Chishala’s “Common Man” spoke to this aspect–you can increase the price of anything, Zambians will forgive. But not ubunga! The prosperity of Zambia is linked to the price of ubunga–something one expects President HH to know. Unfortunately, the man is robbed of memory.

President HH made countless lies, but the lie about reducing the price of ubunga is unforgivable and is likely to sink his Presidency. His minions insult those pointing to this issue as lazy people used to PF handouts. This is bizarre. The majority of Zambians work long hours–they wake up early in the morning to go to the markets and return home very late. They don’t have the luxury to spend a day without work–every single Kwacha counts. Many of them can’t afford bread but only nshima once, or twice a day if really blessed. Some of them need at least two 25kg bags of ubunga a month. Hence spending over K600 on ubunga alone on top of other basic needs is torturous.

But there’s something more.The little girl is speaking for the nation–the majority is eating less while HH lives in two State houses and globe trots at will. Moreover, ubunga has made Lungu a darling to many Zambians. People don’t eat “Lungu this and that no matter how many time Mr. Hichilema says it,” they want food on the table. This is the fact that the girl brings out–Mr. Lungu provided ubunga to Zambians. Under HH, our children are starving. The song of “Free Education” does not feed children–our children need to eat too. By making ubunga too expensive, the HH administration is abusing them. Worse still, parents are spending more on a bag of ubunga than they spent on School fees during the Lungu administration. What a shame!

As for UPND cronies, ubunga is the spark that may end HH’s Presidency. Arrogance blinds one into thinking that he is a god–both Kaunda and Chiluba were humbled when some military officers attempted to overthrow them. One day, such attempts may be successful–for when people are hungry, they are willing to risk it all. Mark my words: it won’t be long before HH arrests opposition leaders and military officers for treason. Ambitious military officers read the mood of the nation. What is happening in other African nations can happen in Zambia also.

Mr. President time is of essence–save yourself. REDUCE the price of ubunga. The IMF and World Bank won’t save you from the wrath that awaits you!

By Kapya Kaoma

Chamisa’s CCC abandons legal challenge of Zimbabwe poll results

zamobserver
-
0
Chamisa’s CCC abandons legal challenge of Zimbabwe poll results

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to be inaugurated on Monday, 4 September at the National Sports Stadium in Harare for his second term in office after Nelson Chamisa of the main opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party failed to file papers in the country’s apex court to challenge the Zanu-PF leader’s re-election in polls that were condemned by the opposition and international observers.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) declared that Mnangagwa won the presidential vote on 23 August with 52.6%, while Chamisa got 44% of the total votes cast. The remainder was split between other smaller parties.

CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi said the party would not go to court in its quest to set aside Mnangagwa’s controversial win, arguing that Zimbabwe’s courts were captured by Mnangagwa and Zanu-PF. Mkwananzi said the party had dispatched envoys on a diplomatic offensive to push for fresh polls.

“We are following the political and diplomatic route to bring pressure to bear on Mr Mnangagwa and his FAZ [Forever Associates of Zimbabwe] to concede that there was no election and cooperate in line with SADC guidelines to bring forth a fresh, free and fair election,” Mkwananzi said.

He was quoted by an online publication as saying the CCC would also pursue mass protests. However, Mnangagwa said his country’s security forces were prepared to crush any uprisings and jail those holding protests.

Among the dignitaries expected to attend Mnangagwa’s inauguration are South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Mozambican counterpart, Filipe Nyusi.

A source in the Botswana presidency said President Mokgweetsi Masisi was not expected to travel to Harare for the inauguration, where authorities have also lined up a soccer match between Zimbabwe and Namibia, ostensibly to attract crowds.

“Although our president is among those who congratulated President Mnangagwa on his re-election, he is likely not to travel to Zimbabwe. He is travelling to Perth [in Australia] where he is expected to deliver a keynote address at the Africa Down Under conference,” said the source.

Mkwananzi said it was too soon for African leaders to congratulate Zimbabwe’s president-elect.

Opposition hopes pinned on international support

“We count on the help of and support of SADC, AU [African Union] and the international community to help facilitate the process of bringing forth a fresh, free and fair election.

“Our political and diplomatic processes are now in full swing; the region is being engaged, the citizens are being consulted, change is coming. Those congratulatory messages [from countries including South Africa and Botswana] are both premature and undermine the SEOM [SADC Electoral Observer Mission] process, which is still under way.

“SADC cannot abandon the truth, which is that there was no election in Zimbabwe and there is a need for fresh, free and fair elections,” Mkwananzi said.

The South African Presidency said Ramaphosa would travel to Zimbabwe on Monday to attend Mnangagwa’s inauguration. He will be accompanied by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor.

Read more in Daily Maverick: Zimbabwe opposition leader Nelson Chamisa calls for fresh poll to ‘exit crisis’ after ‘flawed’ results

Zanu-PF acting information director Farai Marapira told Daily Maverick that by abandoning the legal route, Chamisa and his party had accepted that they lost.

“The diplomatic route cannot be self-sufficient in itself without being guided by legal standpoints. They cannot expect to pursue a reversal of a legal election outcome based upon opinions that are not legally binding or whose impartiality is subject to scrutiny. They have, in essence, accepted that they have no sound basis on which to challenge their loss,” Marapira said.

Chamisa: ‘Help is on its way’
However, Chamisa — who described the outcome of the polls as a “gigantic fraud” — assured his supporters via X (formerly known as Twitter) that “help is on its way” to ensure that the democratic will of the people was respected by Zimbabwean authorities.

Political analyst Rashweat Mukundu, who works with International Media Support, said Chamisa’s diplomatic efforts might not result in fresh elections, although they could lead to key democratic reforms being implemented before the next elections, due in 2028.

“I do not necessarily think that they will achieve a new election, but what they may achieve is focus on reforms that need to be done to the manner in which elections are done in Zimbabwe, which is more of a push for governance reforms touching on electoral policy and practice.

“What they may also achieve is further isolation of President Mnangagwa; this noting that there are many election observer missions such as SADC, AU and EU that have noted a number of malpractices in the manner in which this election was conducted.

“The CCC will certainly have some sympathisers, but this may not necessarily result in a new election because once Mnangagwa is inaugurated, he, according to Zimbabwe’s laws, is the president of this country for the next five years and it will be difficult for any process, legal or otherwise, to remove him from power,” Mukundu said.

The CCC claimed that hundreds of thousands of its supporters, especially in its urban strongholds, failed to vote on election day because of the ZEC’s bungling.

Read more in Daily Maverick: Zimbabwe elections off to rocky start as opposition CCC accuse Zanu-PF of sowing ‘chaos’ and ‘sabotage’

Chamisa and his party also argue that their parallel tabulation showed that Chamisa won the presidency, although their data experts are yet to reveal their final tally.

The ZEC claimed that its poor management of the polls was caused by the litigious nature of the run-up to the polls. The prelude to the election was also characterised by violence and the intimidation of opposition supporters.

Guinea, Niger, Gabon: 3 presidential guards who ousted presidents and took over

zamobserver
-
0
Guinea, Niger, Gabon: 3 presidential guards who ousted presidents and took over

In most French African countries, there are elite forces known as the presidential or republican guard who are assigned the role of protecting the president and his family.

Governments especially in West and Central Africa often ensure that the most trusted generals head this unit given as it borders on the safety and security of the first gentleman of the land.

With the coup wave across West Africa, which has since touched Central Africa, it has incresingly been observed how heads of these elite units have ‘turned the guns,’ literally on the very men they were supposed to protect.

Three such instances have played out in the last few years, the most recent being in Gabon.

General Brice Oligui Nguema

Brice Clothaire Oligui Nguema, commander-in-chief of the Gabonese Republican Guard, the country’s most powerful security unit, has emerged as leader of the military junta that ousted president Ali Bongo Ondimba on August 30, 2023.

The swift shift from electoral results to military intervention saw Nguema, a cousin of Bongo, leading the charge in an overturn of the election outcome, according to a report filed by aljazeera.com

The report details that Nguema’s influence and role in Gabon’s affairs have been marked by an intriguing blend of military prowess, diplomatic endeavors, and entrepreneurial undertakings.

Raised in a military household, Nguema’s journey led him to the Royal Military Academy of Meknes in Morocco, where he honed his skills and eventually served as an “aide-de-camp” to a commander within the Republican Guard during the tenure of former President Omar Bongo.

Abdourahmane Tchiani of Niger – Courtesy the BBC

a. Gen Tchiani, 62, has been at the helm of the presidential guard since 2011

b. The 700-strong force was established by the ousted president’s predecessor Mahamadou Issoufou to guard against military takeovers

c. He was linked a 2015 coup attempt against Mr Issoufou. A subsequent court case in 2018 cleared him of involvement

d. He was promoted to the rank of general in 2018 by Mr Issoufou

e. Before the military takeover, President Bazoum had planned on removing the general as part of changes he had been making to the security forces, Niger’s private L’Enqueteur newspaper reports.

Mamady Doumbouya of Guinea

Tall and stout Doumbouya, a French-trained soldier had been handed leadership of the Special Presidential Guard of ousted President Alpha Conde.

But on September 25, 2021, when it emerged that a coup was underway in Conakry, the junta that emerged had the strong Conde-ally as its leader.

He has since been sworn into office as head of the transitional authority as consultations continue on how to return the country to constitutional rule amid suspension from ECOWAS and the African Union and sanctions from the former.

Two Ugandan men may face death penalty after ‘aggravated homosexuality’ charge

zamobserver
-
0

Two men in Uganda are facing separate charges of “aggravated homosexuality,” an offense punishable by death under the country’s controversial new anti-gay laws.

A 20-year-old man in the district of Soroti in eastern Uganda was charged on August 18 after he allegedly, “performed unlawful sexual intercourse with one [man] aged 41 with a disability,” Jacqueline Okui, spokesperson for the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions told CNN.
“Aggravated homosexuality,” according to the much-criticized act, involves incest, sex with children, as well as people with disabilities or the elderly.

The act, signed into law in May, also outlaws gay marriage in Uganda and it punishes same-sex acts with life imprisonment.

It has been decades since Uganda last carried out an execution, but its longtime President Yoweri Museveni had threatened in 2018 to resume state assent for capital punishment.

Attorney Justine Balya, who is representing the 20-year-old man, told CNN that the penalties associated with the law were entirely out of proportion.

“Of course the fact that the law is being enforced in this way is entirely unconstitutional because it seeks to criminalize what is often consensual conduct between adults,” she said.

She said that cases of this kind could go to trial after a long delay and she expects her client to be in pre-trial remand for an extended period.

Balya said they are representing several people arrested for lesser offenses under the Anti-Homosexuality Act.

The man arrested in Soroti is the second person to be charged with the capital offense in Uganda since the law passed in May.

Another man was charged with “aggravated homosexuality” last month in Jinja district in eastern Uganda for allegedly performing “a sexual act with a child aged 12 of the same sex,” according to Okui.

Both men are under remand and will appear in court in September.

After a period of uncertainty where the bill was briefly returned to parliament for review, Museveni ultimately approved it in May. The bill enjoys substantial support from lawmakers, Christian and Muslim leaders in Uganda and some social media commentators.

However, this decision has ignited global condemnation, sparked fears within the LGBTQ+ community, and triggered legal battles.

US President Joe Biden described the law as “a tragic violation of universal human rights,” and also directed an evaluation of his country’s aid contributions and investments in Uganda.

The US also announced visa restrictions for Ugandan officials but did not name those affected.

Earlier this month, the World Bank said it would not consider fresh loan requests from Uganda following the anti-gay legislation.

The World Bank’s resolution came days after the United Nations announced the closure of its human rights office in Uganda after nearly two decades in operation, citing a decision by local authorities to “terminate the mandate” of the UN rights body.

Museveni pushed back against criticism of the anti-gay law, while accusing the World Bank of daring to coerce his country “into abandoning our faith, culture, principles and sovereignty, using money.”

“Uganda will develop with or without loans,” Museveni said following the decision.

Ghana’s leading digital news platform, GhanaWeb, in conjunction with the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, is embarking on an aggressive campaign which is geared towards ensuring that parliament passes comprehensive legislation to guide organ harvesting, organ donation, and organ transplantation in the country.

NW/DAG

Mnangagwa, Hichilema simmer

zamobserver
-
0
Mnangagwa, Hichilema simmer

PRESIDENT-ELECT, Emmerson Mnangagwa has extended an invitation to former Zambian leader Edgar Lungu to attend his Inauguration slated for Monday amid tensions between Harare and Lusaka.

Mnangagwa who won last month’s plebiscite will be sworn in Monday for second and final term at the helm of Zimbabwean government.

The 80 year old has extended an invitation to his ally Lungu as tensions between him and Zambia’s president Hakainde Hichilema are reportedly escalating.

Hichilema, who is also Southern African Development Community (SADC) chairperson of organ on politics, defence security and security cooperation, was a subject of target from the ruling party Zanu-PF after last month’s general elections.

Hichilema as part of his duty as the SADC chairman on politics, defence security and security cooperation deployed an observer mission to Zimbabwe led by Zambia’s former vice president Nevers Mumba.

The mission delivered an adverse preliminary report which discredited Zimbabwe’s general elections as flawed and failing to meet regional standards.

This, rattled Zanu-PF and government ministers who jostled to castigate Mumba, labelling him a puppet of opposition.

The SADC preliminary report was cemented by the opposition which is disputing last month’s elections results.

As other leaders are congratulating Mnangagwa for his 52.6 percent victory, Hichilema has reserved his message.

Hichilema, a once opposition leader in Zambia, is a close ally of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa.

Zimbabwean embassy at the behest of government in a letter invited Lungu – Hichilema’s predecessor – for the Inauguration ceremony.

“The Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe presents its compliments to Former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the Sixth President of the Republic of Zambia and has the honour to extend an invitation from H.E. the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H.E. President E.D. Mnangagwa to attend his inauguration on 4 September, 2023 at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, Zimbabwe.

“The late notification is sincerely regretted.

“The Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe avails itself of this opportunity to renew to Former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu the assurances of its highest consideration,” read the letter.

Source – NewZimbabwe

Chamisa hopes on SADC, AU… says Zimbabwe crisis beyond the courts

zamobserver
-
0
Chamisa hopes on SADC, AU… says Zimbabwe crisis beyond the courts

The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) says it is now pinning its hopes on the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) and the African Union (AU)’s intervention following its decision not to challenge President-elect Emmerson Mnangagwa’s victory at the courts.

The CCC rejected the election results after Mnangagwa was declared winner of the presidential election held on August 23 and 24.

Party deputy spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba told the NewsDay yesterday that the party had exhausted all domestic remedies to resolve the electoral dispute, hence the resolution to turn to Sadc.

“The crisis which Zimbabwe is facing is not a legal one,” Siziba said.

“We have a political crisis and we are very optimistic that Sadc and AU will help Zimbabwe resolve it. We have exhausted all the domestic remedies that could address the challenges,” said Siziba.

He said the CCC had engaged Zec on several occasions about various irregularities, but did not get any favourable response.

“We even wrote to Mnangagwa as the head of State, we wanted to engage him over various electoral irregularities, but we did not get any response.

“At the court we filed several cases, we have lost most of them, we petitioned the courts over various issues around the voters roll, distribution and printing of ballot papers, their printing and storage; we petitioned the courts against FAZ (Zanu PF affiliate Forever Associates of Zimbabwe), but we did not get any favourable response,” he said.

The CCC officials are currently on a diplomatic offensive seeking support of African leaders and Sadc to push for a fresh poll.

“Zimbabwe is currently battling a vicious cycle of electoral theft and disputes. What we want now is a permanent solution to resolve the crisis. We do not want a temporary solution because we are going to have a repeat of what we had previously. So the issues here are beyond the courts.

“As it is, we have no other solution except the intervention of Sadc and the AU. All the Chapter 12 institutions, the Human Right Commission, the National Peace and Reconciliation are aware of our issues.

“We even took our alternative Electoral Amendment Bill to Parliament and we also raised these issues in our pre-electoral pact document,” Siziba added.

Political analysts said the CCC was unlikely to get a favourable ruling at the courts if it had filed a case against Mnangagwa’s victory.

“It is now common cause that the role of the Judiciary in the electoral contestations has not been fair to Zanu PF opponents,” Zimbabwe Democracy Institute director Pedzisai Ruhanya said.

“In the pre-electoral period, apart from the case of the Bulawayo 12 MPs, all other cases have not been favourable to opponents. Going to the courts was going to give the opposition supporters who know that the elections were not run properly, false hope and it dampens their spirits.”

He added: “The struggle for Zimbabwe to be liberated was not addressed in the courts, neither was apartheid. Political problems require political solutions.”

Political analyst Eldred Masunungure said the lack of confidence in the Judiciary could have forced CCC not to petition against Mnangagwa’s victory.

“The Judiciary and most relevant institutions are part of Zanu PF, so it is a waste of resources and time to file a case against them. Any attempt to expose Zanu PF illegitimacy was actually granting them legitimacy,” opined Masunungure.

“So what CCC did here was to dismiss the whole government system including the Judiciary, by not filing a case. CCC has deepened the sense of illegitimacy and projected it to the local public and the international community.”

“If Chakwera fails to manage debt, fiscal, monetary policies, Malawi will go bankrupt by 2025”-warns former RBM Governor Kabambe

zamobserver
-
0
“If Chakwera fails to manage debt, fiscal, monetary policies, Malawi will go bankrupt by 2025”-warns former RBM Governor Kabambe

Former Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) Governor Dr. Dalitso Kabambe has warned that if President Lazarus Chakwera Tonse Alliance administration fails to manage debts, fiscal and monetary policies, Malawi will go bankrupt by 2025.

Dr. Kabambe told Times TV Exclusive Interview on Saturday, September 2, 2023, that Chakwera’s Tonse leadership must make hard economic decisions, including reducing the labor force in public service, and local and international travels, among others.

The former RBM Governor hinted that “Malawi economy is suffering from three major serious fatal cancers that need correcting urgently, and if nothing is done quickly, this patient, the Malawi economy, will completely collapse.

“The three cancers are the fiscal cancer, the monetary cancer, and the exchange rate cancer. Everything we are experiencing today in our economy is a result of these three cancers”.

Kabambe observes, “the soaring inflation from a single digit of 7 percent in 2019 to 29 percent to date; the depreciation of the Malawi kwacha from MK732 per US dollar to MK1,090 on the official market and MK1,900 at the parallel market; the jump in Interest rates from 13 percent in 2019 to 24 percent to-date; the rundown in official foreign exchange reserves from 6 months of import cover in 2019 to 1-month import cover today; the rise in public debts from MK4.3 trillion in 2020 to MK8.4 trillion now”.

He added, “The rise in basic commodities such as fertilizer from MK18,000 per 50 kg bag in 2019 to MK75,000 now, maize price from MK6,500 per 50 kg bag in 2019 to MK50,000 in some markets today, running down of grain reserves, shortages of foreign exchange reserves, running down on fuel reserves plus the return of fuel queues today; collapse of the job market and all the job losses underway now.

“Simply put, the economy is seriously sick and everybody is caught up in this fever, rich or poor, rural or urban, employed or unemployed, Christian or Muslim, young or old, no one is spared. Malawians are suffering, and the amount of pain is simply excruciating”.

On suicidal or self-inflicted poisonous fiscal policy and how that is related to this fiscal cancer, Dr. Kabambe said, “Since 2020, the Tonse Alliance has been implementing an expansionary fiscal policy, characterized by heavy domestic borrowing from the banking sector. This has led to budget deficits exceeding 7-8 percent of GDP, with K813 billion borrowed in 2020/21, K825 billion in 2021/22, K1.2 trillion in 2022/23, and K1.3 trillion in 2023/24, resulting in a total public debt of K4.1 trillion.

“By the next General elections in 2025, public debt will be in excess of K10 trillion, with over K6 trillion accumulated in five years of the Tonse Alliance Administration. This excessive public debt not only entails huge servicing costs but also crowds out the private sector from the credit market, impairing their ability to produce more output and create jobs. Additionally, this has led to currency depreciation and shortages of foreign exchange, as 60% of government expenditure is spent on imported items. Injection of borrowed money into the economy has impaired monetary policy and led to soaring inflation”.


He observes further, “The fiscal cancer in Malawi needs immediate correction to improve monetary and exchange rate policies. The Tonse Alliance Government has 25 months until the next General elections and the next budget is an elections budget. Cutting the budget would require reducing cabinet ministers, advisors, travel, salaries, diplomats, public service, procurements, and the Affordable Input Subsidy Program.

“These measures are difficult to implement during a general election. The Tonse Alliance must decide whether to continue deep austerity measures to save the economy or focus on winning the 2025 elections. The correction will take 18-24 months, and delay would continue to worsen the situation for Malawians”.

On the allegation that he doctored Net International Reserves (NIR) figures for the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kabambe hinted that the MK300 million Ernest and Young (EY) Forensic Audit Report has cleared him.

“This has been the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) narrative that I cooked up figures. I was even arrested on mere speculations. Now that EY has not mentioned me or any of the accused persons in the allegations, what will the Tonse government say? So, now that the matter is in court, we will see how they will deal with it there.

“Chakwera’s Tonse government might try to arrest us, but the God in heaven vindicate us to become victors on what this leadership has messed up,” dares Kabambe.

Dr. Kabambe is one of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Presidential aspirants for the 2025 polls.

-maravipost

South Africa says inquiry finds no evidence of arms shipment to Russia

zamobserver
-
0
South Africa says inquiry finds no evidence of arms shipment to Russia

An independent inquiry has found no evidence that South Africa supplied weapons to Russia, President Cyril Ramaphosa has said.

The panel rejected claims made by the US ambassador to South Africa that a Russian ship was loaded with ammunition and arms in Cape Town last December.

The allegations had raised questions over the country’s professed neutrality in the war with Ukraine.

Mr Ramaphosa said it had damaged the nation’s currency and reputation.

“The panel found that there was no evidence to support the claim that the ship transported weapons from South Africa destined for Russia,” the president said in a televised address to the nation on Sunday.

“No permit was issued for the export of arms and no arms were exported.”

The inquiry found instead that the Russian cargo ship had delivered a consignment of weapons from Russia to South Africa, ordered in 2018.

Ambassador Reuben Brigety’s claims referred to the docking of Lady R in the Simon’s Town naval base between 6 and 8 December 2022.

He told a media briefing in Pretoria in May he was “confident” weapons and ammunition were loaded to the vessel “as it made its way back to Russia”.

A day later, South Africa’s foreign ministry said Mr Brigety had “apologised unreservedly” for the claims.

Writing on social media after the meeting, Mr Brigety said he was “grateful for the opportunity to… correct any misimpressions left by my public remarks”.

Mr Ramaphosa ordered an independent judge-led inquiry in the wake of Mr Brigety’s comments.

“None of the persons who made these allegations could provide any evidence to support the claims that had been levelled against our country,” Mr Ramaphosa said following the inquiry’s conclusion.

The president will only be releasing an executive summary of the report, for security reasons.

The inquiry had visited the naval base, heard from almost 50 people and reviewed more than 100 documents, Mr Ramaphosa added.

South Africa has sought to maintain friendly relations with Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, drawing criticism from the US and other Western nations.

It is one of only a handful of nations that has abstained from a number of UN votes on the conflict, refusing to publicly condemn Russia on the matter.

The US has previously raised concerns about joint naval exercises between Russia and South Africa. BBC News

700 buses dispatched for Mnangagwa inauguration

zamobserver
-
0

GOVERNMENT has dispatched about 700 buses countrywide to ferry people to the National Sports Stadium in Harare for President-elect Emmerson Mnangagwa’s inauguration ceremony today.

On August 26, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) declared Zanu-PF leader Mnangagwa winner of the August 23 and 24 presidential election race.

Zec said Mnangagwa garnered 2 350 711 million votes (52,6%) of the 4 468 730 votes cast, while the runner-up Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)’s Nelson Chamisa secured 1 967 343 million votes representing 44% of the votes.

However, Chamisa is arguing that the election should be nullified owing to various incidents of alleged vote theft and fraud.

Chamisa has not challenged Mnangagwa’s victory in court.

“The nation is hereby informed that the inauguration ceremony for His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa will be held on Monday 4 September 2023,” Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa said in a statement.

“This follows his resounding re-election in the 2023 harmonised elections. The main celebrations will be held at the National Sports Stadium in Harare followed by a luncheon at State House for invited dignitaries. Members of the public who wish to attend are advised that gates open at 6am and buses are available to transport those in need.”

With Mutsvangwa and Information permanent secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana not answering their phones yesterday, a government official, who said he was not authorised to release information to the media, told NewsDay that each constituency had been allocated at least three buses.

“There will be at least three buses per each constituency to transport people to the National Sports Stadium,” the official said.

“[Local Government minister] July Moyo is responsible for transport logistics. He can shed more light.”

Moyo referred questions to the Office of the President and Cabinet.

Zanu-PF political commissar Mike Bimha said the buses would be available to everyone regardless of political affiliation.

“Zanu-PF provincial chairpersons will have their own logistical arrangement in terms of transport to ferry people to the inauguration,” Bimha said.

Several heads of State will send representatives to Mnangagwa’s inauguration.

Only South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi and Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi are the heads of State who indicated that they would attend Mnangagwa’s inauguration.

Rwanda President Paul Kagame will be represented by Senate President François Xavier Kalinda, while Belarus will be represented by its deputy Prime minister.

The Tanzanian prime minister will be representing the country, while Nigeria will be represented by its vice-president Kashim Shettima.

China will be represented by its vice-president and Kenya will be represented by its prime Cabinet secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

Lawyer Jeremiah Bamu said it was a cause of concern that the invitations for the inauguration were sent out well before the seven days provided for in the Constitution to challenge the election of the President had not lapsed.

“Section 93 of the Constitution states that aggrieved candidates may challenge the validity of an election of a president within seven days, in this case it was Saturday” Bamu said. “However, there are concerns that preparation for tomorrow (today) inauguration started within the seven days of the electoral challenge given by the Constitution, meaning to say they had eliminated any possibility of electoral challenges.”

Source – newsday

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Freezes During Press Conference For Second Time In Weeks

zamobserver
-
0
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Freezes During Press Conference For Second Time In Weeks

The 81-year-old appeared to freeze before being asked if he had heard the question. Aides said the senator had felt light-headed before the event.

SENIOR REPUBLICAN FREEZES AGAIN DURING QUESTIONS
SENIOR REPUBLICAN STRUGGLES WITH QUESTIONS

The US Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell appeared to freeze for more than 30 seconds during a public appearance, weeks after a similar incident sparked concern for his health.

When asked if he would run for re-election on Wednesday, the 81-year-old Kentucky Republican stopped and stared, before being asked: “Did you hear the question, senator?”

Mr McConnell continued to be unresponsive before coming round and briefly responding to another question.

It comes after the senator froze mid-sentence and stared vacantly for about 20 seconds during a press conference in July.

After refocusing, Mr McConnell brushed off a question he was asked about former President Donald Trump – another that had to be repeated to him – and left the conference.

A spokesperson for the senator said that he had “felt momentarily light-headed” before the conference in Kentucky, and he will be consulting a doctor prior to the next public event.

Pressure Builds On Mcconnell To Resign
Repeated demonstrations of Mitch McConnell’s apparent ill-health have increased calls for him to resign – even from members of his own party.

Normally, if a senator steps down or dies, a state’s governor chooses a successor until their term ends or a special election can take place.

That would open the door to Kentucky’s governor, Andy Beshear, appointing a democrat like himself.

But the Republican legislature there have made it illegal for McConnell to be replaced by a non-Republican.

Senate Bill 228 states that the governor of Kentucky must choose someone of the same political party as the outgoing senator when temporarily filling their vacant seat.

Mr Beshear tried to veto the bill back in 2021 but his veto was overruled.

This means that if Mr McConnell were to resign, the number of Republican senators would not change – they would just have to elect a new minority leader.

Last month, Mr McConnell froze after approaching the podium for his weekly press conference and speaking about the annual defence funding bill, he appeared to lose his train of thought and trailing off with a drawn-out “uh”.

Questions were being asked about the state of Mr McConnell’s health after his speech has become more halting and his walk slower than usual.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, seemed to freeze at the microphones as he arrived for a news conference at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, July 26, 2023. McConnell went to his office for a few minutes and returned to speak with reporters. A similar incident occurred in July. He has been seen using a wheelchair on his commutes to and from Kentucky

In March, Mr McConnell did not return to the Senate for six weeks after suffering from concussion and a broken rib after falling and hitting his head at an event.

He also needed surgery after a separate incident when he fell in his home and fractured his shoulder.

As a child, Mr McConnell had polio, and he has long acknowledged some difficulty as an adult in climbing stairs.

First elected to the Senate in 1984, and as Republican leader since 2007, Mr McConnell’s current term runs until 2026.

Sky News

Are US Politicians Too Old? Voters Weigh In

zamobserver
-
0
Are US Politicians Too Old? Voters Weigh In

A recent health scare for Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has reignited a debate about the age of America’s leading political figures. The 81-year-old appeared to freeze for the second time in just over a month this week while speaking to reporters. In the US, the average age in the Senate is 64 years old, while two of the leading 2024 presidential candidates – Joe Biden and Donald Trump – are over 75 years old. A range of voters who spoke to the BBC say they have concerns about what some have called America’s gerontocracy.

Karen Kemp-Prosterman, 47, Connecticut, Democrat
Karen Kemp-Prosterman has a mixed race family in the north-east US. She says that protecting democracy and ensuring voting rights are her most important voting issues.

I do think the Senate is old and at some point we need to make sure we recruit younger people for duty. You have to admire the way [Mr McConnell] has used his power – he’s used it to the maximum that he could. But I also think it’s sad to watch. You can tell looking at him on the camera maybe that his mind knows that he’s trapped. As a human being it’s tough to watch, especially knowing the political athlete he once was.

I actually feel good about Biden. I feel Biden has accomplished so much compared to his predecessors who were far younger than him. As long as he surrounds himself with competent people, I don’t have issues with his age. Do I wish [Michigan Governor] Gretchen Whitmer or [Pennsylvania Governor] Josh Shapiro was running? Yes, but I will vote for Biden regardless.

Voters know how old these people are when they’re voting for them. I don’t think someone should have a competency test. Just because you’re old does not mean you can’t perform your job. The voters should be trusted to make their own decisions every time they go to the voting booth.

Noel Brown, 60, Durham North Carolina, Independent
Noel Brown is from Manchester, United Kingdom, now living in North Carolina. He’s a registered independent who describes himself as slightly right-leaning.

I think if [Mr McConnell] feels capable of working, and if his physicians have cleared him to work, then I think that’s ok.

Just like in the United Kingdom, where you have to pass a physical test and a driving test to remain driving past the age of 70, one thing I’d like to see is a certificate of competence which includes physical as well as mental health. It could be for Congress, for the president.

I have concerns about Mr Biden. With Biden, I’m not actually sure he is there mentally. I also think Donald Trump is too old to hold office. Trump has a lot of other issues for me. He disrespects the office of the president.

But people are living a lot longer, they’re more healthy to an advanced age. Somebody could be a young 80 and they could be an old 80.

A certificate of competence for someone who is holding such an important job is a good idea.

Gabriel Montalvo, 24, Pennsylvania, Republican
Gabriel Montalvo is part of the military and is active in local political groups. He voted for Trump in 2020.

I think Mitch McConnell still has a lot of experience working in our government but there comes a point in time in everyone’s lives where age catches up.

People should think about imposing term limits in the House and in the Senate. We do it with the president of the United States, and different governors throughout the country where they have amassed so much time that it no longer becomes about the people who voted for them but the political machine in Washington.

To keep a healthy government it’s important we have that sort of clean sweep. Every 10 years you should be able to filter out people because that’s closer to a newer generation of ideas emerging.

When it comes to both the president and the former president, while they’re both up there in age, there’s also a strong contrast in their mental capacity. This is the most powerful man in the world falling over and needing to be redirected by staff. Trump does not need to be overseen as closely.

John Schreiner, 42, Arizona, Independent
John Schreiner is an independent who has voted for Republicans in roughly 60% of elections. He voted for Democrat Joe Biden in 2020.

It seems like our government is something like a gerontocracy. I’m concerned [Mr McConnell] is having these absent, seizure-like episodes. It’s not just Mitch McConnell. We’ve got [Senator] Diane Feinstein who is not necessarily coherent half the time.

We like to say age is just a number. I don’t think age is really just a number. Do either Biden or Trump have the stamina to do a job like this? I question it. I know the president likes to give the appearance of having the stamina, but he’s 80, so how long can he really go?

Term limits would be a hard sell for me. A politician is a career like any other and there’s something about having 10 to 20 years of experience. 20 years experience is better suited for the job than a person with two years of experience. I can easily see something like that coming back to bite us.

Source: -BBC News New York

President Hichilema Calls On Church To Engage Him

zamobserver
-
0
President Hichilema Calls On Church To Engage Him

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA CALLS ON CHURCH TO ENGAGE HIM

President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has called on the church to be free to engage him and his government whenever they feel there is need to discuss issues of national interest.

President Hichilema says the church has an important role to play in providing guidance to government leaders including himself.

President Hichilema made the call in Lusaka today during the enthronement of the Bishop of Lusaka Dr. Albert Chama and the Cathedral Diamond Jubilee Celebration Service at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

The Head of State said the New Dawn Government acknowledges the role of the Anglican Church through its contributions to the well-being of the country such as the hosting of several reconciliation meetings.

And President Hichilema said that he is aware of the challenges the people of Zambia are going through such as the high mealie meal prices.

President Hichilema assured citizens that government is already working on the matter.

Upon assuming office, President Hichilema pledged to work closely with the Church in fostering development in the country stating that the church and government cannot afford to work in isolation.

Young Student Nurse Takes Ex-boyfriend To Court, Demands A ‘moving-on’ Restraining Order

zamobserver
-
0
Young Student Nurse Takes Ex-boyfriend To Court, Demands A ‘moving-on’ Restraining Order

YOUNG STUDENT NURSE TAKES EX-BOYFRIEND TO COURT, DEMANDS A ‘MOVING-ON’ RESTRAINING ORDER

IN A HILARIOUSLY heart-tugging twist of events, a 22-year-old student nurse has decided to employ the law to teach her ex-boyfriend, Taonga Chibambe, a lesson in the art of moving on.

Sharon Ng’uni, the fearless nurse-in-training, has dragged Taonga, 22, to the Kitwe Local Court, demanding a restraining order to protect herself from his relentless post-breakup antics.

Sharon, the brave protagonist of this melodrama, informed the court that despite their love story hitting the final chapter in 2021, Taonga just can’t seem to grasp the concept of “The End.”

Like a recurring character in a bad soap opera, Taonga keeps showing up at her doorstep and launching a never-ending barrage of phone calls.

It seems that Taonga might be a contender for the “Clueless Ex of the Year” award, as he apparently missed the memo about closure and moving forward.

But fear not, Sharon has decided to bring this rom-com gone wrong to the courts for some much-needed resolution.

Sharon told the court that this was the second restraining order that she was seeking.

She told court that she decided to end the relationship with Taonga owing to his abusive behavior.

The young nurse asked the court to order her ex-boyfriend to stop visiting and calling as she was now dating someone else.

Sharon also said that it was disheartening that Taonga’s mother has accused her of putting her son under a spell, claiming that this the reason he could not forget about her.

In his defence, Taonga told the court that he only visits her when she tells him to do so.
He said he has never visited her without her permission.

The court ordered Sharon and Taonga to stop calling or visiting each other
The court said it was disappointing to see youths portraying a behavior which he likened to that of animals.

“You are too young to behave like this and I do not know why parents are involved in such a matter. Block each other and stop visiting her. This is animal behavior and you cannot continue like this,” said the court.

Thirty-two people have died in a road traffic accident in Mboroma Area of Luano District,

zamobserver
-
0
Thirty-two people have died in a road traffic accident in Mboroma Area of Luano District,

32 DIE ON THE SPOT IN MKUSHI ROAD ACCIDENT

Thirty-two people have died in a road accident in Mkushi District, Central Province.
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer Danny Mwale tells Byta FM Zambia that 26 others sustained injuries after their Scania truck Reg. NO. BAL 4689 overturned at Zambia Corner in Mboloma, Luano District.

Mwale said the incident occurred today 3rd September, 2023 around 07:00hrs at Zambia Corner, in Mboroma area along Masansa – Mboroma Gravel Road in Luano District.

He said involved was Emmanuel Chunga, 32, of Itala Compound in Mkushi District, who was driving a Scania truck, 15 tonnes Registration no. BAL 4689 from North into Southern direction with undisclosed number of Passengers on board as they were going for business in Mboroma area (make shift markets).

Mwale said the accident happened when the driver, due to excessive speed, lost control of his Motor Vehicle and in the process careered off the road and overturned.

He said due to the impact, 32 Passengers, 22 females and 10 males, died on the spot after sustaining fatal body injuries while 26 other Passengers sustained various Serious injuries.

Mwale said ten are currently admitted to Luano (Masansa) Mini Hospital while 16 are admitted to Mkushi District hospital.

He said the bodies of the deceased have since been deposited into Mkushi Hospital Mortuary awaiting Postmortem and Identification.

Mwale said the driver is among the 10 Casualties admitted to Masansa Mini Hospital having suffered internal injuries.

He said the motor vehicle is extensively damaged.

For more details, tune in to Byta FM 90.3/100.3/101.9

GOLD SCANDLE: I am Not A Scammer; God Will Reveal The Truth – Kasanda

zamobserver
-
0
GOLD SCANDLE: I am Not A Scammer; God Will Reveal The Truth – Kasanda

I AM NOT A SCAMMER; GOD WILL REVEAL THE TRUTH – KASANDA
…as the State abandons gold and dollar case found on the plane

By Fox Reporter
ESPIONOGE charged Lusaka businessman Shadreck Kasanda has prayed that God reveals the truth about the charge the State has slapped him and others.

Kasanda explains that he is not a gold scammer as portrayed by the State, but a businessman who deals in legal trade.

Speaking after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) committed him and four others to the High Court for trail, Kasanda said all he was waiting for is justice and not social media and public prosecution.

He insisted that he was not a fraud neither was he a scammer but a respectable and international businessman who is involved in legal trade.

“All I can say for now is let justice be seen. I am not a scammer, not even a fraud. All I pray for is that God in heaven reveals the truth at an opportune time and not what I have been painted. The truth will come and it shall set me free. I am not scared at all,” said Kasanda.

And the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Gilbert Phiri has formally committed Kasanda, Francis Maluba Makai Mateo, a State House aide, Patrick Kawanu, a private pilot working for Mahagony Airlines, Jim Belemu, Chief Executive Officer of Mahagony and Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) Police Commanding Officer Robson Moonga to the High Court for the offence of Espionage.
This is after Phiri the DPP entered a Nolle Prosequi for the five foreign national, namely, Walid Refaat Fahamio Betros, Mounir Shaker Gerges Award, Mohamed Abdelhak Mohamed Gooda, Yesser Mokhtar Abdelghator, Micheal Adel Micheal Betros and a Zambian Osward Mulungu Dianamo who is a chairperson for the Bene Mukuni Traditional Ceremony organizing committee.

However, in the twist of events, the State has decided to charge Kasanda, Mateo, Kawanu, Moonga and Belemu with the offence of espionage without any mention of Gold and the dollars found on a plane.

According to the certificate of committal to the High Court issued by the DPP, Kasanda, Kawanu, Mateo, Belemu and Moonga are now charged with the office of espionage contrary to section 3(a) of the State Security Act chapter 111 of the laws of Zambia.

According to the particulars of the offence, “being that Shadreck Kapasa Kasanda, Patrick Kawanu, Francis Maluba Makai Mateo, Jim Belemu and Robson Moonga, on the 13th Day of August, 2023 at Chongwe in the Chongwe District of the Lusaka Province of the Republic of Zambia, jointly and whilst acting together with others unknown did enter a protected place, namely the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport area for purposes that were prejudicial to the safety and interest of the Republic of Zambia.”

In his consent for the prosecution of the matter at High Court, Phiri stated in the certificate that, “ Now, therefore, I Gibert A Phiri, SC – Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of the Republic of Zambia, pursuant to the powers vested in me by section 123 (4) of the Criminal Procedure Code, Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia certify that it is likely that the interest of the Republic of Zambia will be prejudiced if that accused persons herein are admitted bail,” he stated in part.

100 Outstanding Projects Being Implemented By President Hichilema Two Years In Office- Alexander Nkosi

zamobserver
-
0
100 Outstanding Projects Being Implemented By President Hichilema Two Years In Office- Alexander Nkosi

100 OUTSTANDING PROJECTS BEING IMPLEMENTED BY PRESIDENT HICHILEMA TWO YEARS IN OFFICE

By Alexander Nkosi

1. Introduction of Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Programme to look at all aspects and not just focusing on inputs. This includes: planning, inputs support, extension, access to credit, production, post harvest management, processing and marketing.

2. Allocation to FISP increased to from K5.7 billion in 2021 to K9.2 billion in 2023.

3. Agriculture extension which was neglected for a long time received K790 million in 2023.

4. USD300 million World Bank support to farm blocks and irrigation to promote production and processing.

5. United Capital Fertilizer invested USD600 million into local production of fertiliser.

6. Zambeef invested USD100 million into expansion of its Mpongwe project.

7. Government is negotiating with the African Development Bank to expand staple crop processing zones countrywide.

8. Government is working with stakeholders to unlock the agriculture marketing chain and exploit high demand and prices for food in the region and beyond.

9. Government is supporting Zambia National Service and Zambia Correctional Services to expand agriculture production projects and add to the nation’s GDP.

10. Developed and launched Tourism marketing strategy.

11. Developed and launched strategy to promote local tourism.

12. Secured USD100 million World Bank funding for development of Northern and Western Tourism Circuits. Part of this funding will go to tourism marketing.

13. Deployed Tourism Secretaries in key embassies across the world to lead tourism marketing.

14. Working with key players in the aviation industry on projects aimed at increasing tourists volumes to Zambia.

15. Secured USD1.25 billion expansion of Kansanshi mine under FQM.

16. Secured USD100 million investment into Entreprise Nickel project by FQM, the biggest in Africa.

17. In conjuction with Congo DR, working on an electric battery manufacturing project.

18. Developed a model for gold mining where ZCCM-IH will either partner with local communities or act as an offtaker for gold mining projects across the country.

19. Secured USD100 million Moxico partnership with Mimbula Mineral Resources in copper exploration.

20. Accelerated resolution of impasse facing KCM and Mopani which will be re-opened soon.

21. Working on introducing satellite exploration to map mineral resources in Zambia.

22. AfDB Technical Advisory Support in – Public Financial Management, Public Debt Management and Public Investment Management.

23. AfDB African Legal Facility to help restructuring the remainder of the debt and significantly reduce the burden.

24. AfDB Budget support of between USD100 million to USD150 million

25. AfDB Commercial borrowing window of USD336 million

26. AfDB concessional borrowing window that can be leveraged to work on key regional projects that benefit Zambia. The initial projects are:

27. AfDB commitment to support Zambia Angola and Congo DR railway line under the Lobito corridor project.

28. AfDB commitment to support Mozambique Zambia Power Transmission project.

Beyond these two, other projects include: railway lines and pipelines in the Nacala and Beira trade corridor, Power Interconnections with Congo DR, Tanzania and the Great Lakes region. These would enable Zambia export power in view of the on-going USD2 billion British Consortium power projects and more in the pipeline.

29. AfDB commitment to send a team of technical experts to support in preparation of bankable projects that would help Zambia access funding under the African Investment Forum which has attracted over USD100 billion in investment interests since its inception in 2018.

30. AfDB commitment to support Zambia in asset recycling which would help free up resources for other impactful investments.

31. AfDB commitment to support making the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Programme more impactful as Zambia transitions from FISP and broadens support to farmers beyond inputs to focus on agriculture extension, finance, mechanisation, marketing, processing and overall production and business management.

32. AfDB supporting Zambia in derisking lending to the agriculture sector by commercial banks through a special derisk facility offered by the African Development Bank. This is working well in a number of countries.

33. The AfDB commitment to support Zambia to set up a Presidential Delivery Council to accelerate the Dakar 2 Country Food and Agriculture Delivery Compact. The African Development Bank has mobilised USD72 billion for African countries to implement this. This can possibly sit under the already existing Presidential Delivery Unity- Agriculture portfolio.

34. AfDB commitment to support various Power generation projects such as solar projects.

35. AfDB commitment to support ZESCO to clear its arrears and debt so as to run smoothly and attract more investments in the energy sector. With high power deficit in the region, this is of great interest to the African Development Bank as it would benefit a lot of countries in the region.

36. Upgraded Tazama pipeline into a transporter of finished products, representing a 60% reduction in transportation costs.

37. Signed an MOU with Namibia to develop pipeline from Walvis bay to Zambia.

38. Engaging with Mozambique to develop a pipeline from Beira.

39. Stepping up construction of depots for strategic reserves across the country.

40. Engaging the private sector for bulk procurement of fuel.

41. Commissioned an extra turbine at Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station

42. Hive Green, Western Power, Buffalo Energy, Africa GreenCo, First Quantum Minerals Solar Energy, Vitalite Solar, and SolarAid are investing USD2 billion in the energy sector in Zambia. They are already in the country.

44. Zesco signed USD3.5 billion deal with China’s CiEG for renewable energy production in Zambia.

45. Zesco signed an MOU and Joint Venture Development Agreement with Masdar of UAE to invest USD2 billion in solar projects.

46. Government working on Power Interconnection projects to enable Zambia export power to neighbouring countries.

47. Acceleration of various ongoing electricity generation projects across the country.

48. Maamba Collieries is investing in expanding its power production.

49. Government expanded allocation to the rural electrification programme from K307 million in 2021 to K743 million in 2023.

50. As reported under the agriculture section, Zambia commissioned construction of USD600 million fertiliser plant under United Capital Fertilizer.

51. Zambia through United Capital Fertilizer signed an MOU with Crosscorn Botswana to export 50,000 tonnes of fertiliser.

52. The USD300 million World Bank funding for farm blocks is not only meant for production of raw agricultural products but also processing them into finished products.

53. The joint electric battery manufacturing project with Congo DR will promote manufacturing by adding value to minerals.

54. Seven companies have been set up under Zambia National Service to venture into various commercial projects including manufacturing.

55. Government through IDC is completing construction of Eastern Tropical Fruit Company in Katete and operationalising Kalene Fruit Factory in Mwinilunga.

56. Operationalise Chongwe, Monze and Mpika Industrial Milling Plants under Zambia National Service.

57. Step up construction of youth industrial yards across the country.

58. Implement USAID, World Bank and Finish government funded trade and export facilitation projects to enable Zambian products access foreign markets.

59. Transformed the Lusaka – Ndola dual carriageway into a PPP project thereby enabling government to implement it amidst debt restructuring negotiations. It would have been hard to borrow a huge amount to implement the project under the current circumstances.

60. Constituted a strong PPP Council whose core mandate is to facilitate speedy implementation of projects across all sectors, most of which are under transport.

61. Operationalised Zambia Airways.

62. Attracted more airlines back to Zambia.

63. In 2023 allocated K355 million towards upgrading of Provincial Aerodrome infrastructure.

64. Working on developing neglected border posts that have huge potential for stimulating trade.

65. Discussing Beira and Nacala railway projects with Mozambique to open the country to the Nacala and Beira trade corridors.

66. Working on developing roads leading to border posts in Copperbelt, Western and North Western provinces to open the country to the Lobitto trade corridor.

67. Working on a project to promote Mpulungu Harbour and trade with the Great Lakes region.

68. Accelerating Implementation of the Kasomeno-Mwenda road, bridge and border linking Zambia and Congo DR to the port of Dar es Salaam.

69. Construction of new Luangwa bridge project to be launched soon.

70. New Kafue river bridge on Mongu – Lusaka road to be completed soon.

71. Working on a project to accelerate the use of technology to eliminate delays in borders.

72. Working on various road projects across the country.

73. In 2023 allocated K250 million to Zambia National Service to work on feeder roads.

74. Increased Constituency Development Fund from K1.6 million in 2021 to K28.3 million in 2023. This supports economic activities and industrialisation at local level.

75. Introduced 20% partial access to contributions under NAPSA with potential to benefit 600,000 members with a total of K11 billion. This will enable them invest for the future. It will also help stimulate economic activities.

76. Government allocated K397 million to support SMEs in 2023 and another K50 million to support small scale mining groups.

77. Government increased allocation to dismantling of domestic arrears to K6.8 billion in 2023 from K2.8 billion in 2021. This will help stimulate economic activities.

78. Formed Ministry of Small and Medium Entreprise to accelerate implementation of policies supporting SMEs.

79. Clinched USD1.35 billion IMF extended credit facility.

80. Perhaps the most important of all is debt restructuring agreement with official creditors committe.

81. Accessing more concessional loans as opposed to commercial loans. Concessional loans have low interest rates, long grace periods period and long repayment period.

82. Increased funding to ZRA to accelerate implementation of measures to strengthen revenue collection.

83. Decelerating accumulation of domestic arrears while increasing allocation to dismantling.

84. Restricting external borrowing mostly to disbursing of existing project and programme loans.

85. Implementing a cautious monetary policy to counter projected vulnerabilities.

86. Formed the Presidential Delivery Unit to accelerate implementation of key projects and unlock domestic rigidities.

87. Formed the Private Sector Dialogue Forum to accelerate implementation of measures to address challenges facing the private sector and stimulate growth.

88. Extended free education to day secondary schools and introduced bursaries in boarding secondary schools.

89. Recruited 30,000 teachers.

90. Reintroduced student meal allowance.

91. Continued constructing schools with World Bank concessional funding.

92. Increased grant allocations to schools and ensured timely disbursement.

93. Increased number of desks in schools through Constituency Development Fund.

94. Recruited 11,200 health workers.

95. Increased allocation to drugs and medical supplies from K1.4 billion in 2021 to K4.6 billion in 2023 to address drug shortages and equip hospitals better.

96. Launched construction of a medical oxygen production plant in Kitwe.

97. Increased allocation to social cash transfer from K2.3 billion in 2021 to K3.7 billion in 2023.

98. Increased allocation to food security pack from K1.1 billion in 2021 to K1.2 billion in 2023.

99. Increased allocation to Public Service Pensions Fund from K1.1 billion in 2021 to K2.4 billion in 2023.

100. Introduced booster loans that have benefited over 40,000 marketeers and traders.

Thank you.

Controversy Surrounding The Upnd Government’s Compensation To Its Members Who Spent 127 Days In Detention- Edwin Lifwekelo

zamobserver
-
0
Controversy Surrounding The Upnd Government’s Compensation To Its Members Who Spent 127 Days In Detention- Edwin Lifwekelo

CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING THE UPND GOVERNMENT’S COMPENSATION TO ITS MEMBERS WHO SPENT 127 DAYS IN DETENTION

Lusaka…….4th September 2023

The UPND government decided to compensate its members who were detained for 127-days in a case related to the treason case in which President Hakainde Hichilema, then UPND opposition leader, was involved has raised eyebrows.The detainees were awarded a hefty sum of K6.4 million each and for obvious reasons the ” from a jack to a king” award has sparked controversy across the nation. While the government argues that it is a matter of justice, many critics however,argue that this allocation of funds is misguided, hypocritical as there are many others who deserved to be compensated but have not been compensated. Selective justice is not justice at all but means to scale up patronage and award those who are special simply because the President was part of that case.

There are many other UPND I cadres who were detained by the previous Government for various reasons but their cases have not received the attention of the President through the Attorney General’s office.In fact, there are many cases where the Attorney General has strongly opposed compensation simply beacuse the applicants may not be on the same page with the President.

What is interesting is that the State entered a Nolle Prosequi in this case of treason.

What goes around comes around.A very bad precedent has been set and the case will now open a pandora box of many victims of wrongful detention seeking redress in the Courts of Law. Compensation will be sought for hefty sums of money going by what has been awarded to those who only spent 127 days in detention and the Nolle Prosequi was entered by the State.

The most interesting case that comes to mind is that of Mumbi Phiri.She spent more time in detention, than those who received K6.4 million, and the State entered a Nolle prosequi in her case as well. Will she be one of the beneficiaries of this fantastic “windfall Lottery winning ticket”?

The decision to compensate jailed UPND members stems from the belief that they were unjustly detained because of their political affiliation during the previous government’s rule. The UPND government views this as an act of reparation and an effort to right perceived wrongs.

With this decision Zambians await what will happen to the Mumbi Phiri case should she decide to sue the State.This applies to many other cases where people where detained and in some cases on flimsy grounds and the courts decided against the state.
Justice for one must follow through to all those who may have suffered injustice in the nation.

The attorney general has a responsibility as a government lawyer not to surrender right of attorney to individuals that have Chosen to seek justice in the courts of law by defrauding the State of millions of kwachas with impunity through concert judgements and without going through court processes to determine the costs and damages that the court may decide to award the agreived parties.

While those who receive compensation may celebrate, the greatest majority of Zambians are still languishing in abject poverty with no sign of poverty abating.Standard of living is rising every day while their incomes are no where near breakeven levels.

With this scenario, one wonders whether there is any sense of responsibilty on the part of those holding the instruments of power in Government to allow wreckless and perhaps even unbudgetted for expenditures at a time such as this when the Zambian people continue grappling with the worst of times in their standard of living, in a time when medicines are not in hospitals but in Pharmacy stores where they are forced to spend the little they are left with on medicines and in a time when the number of the jobless is getting higher day by day and there is no sign of a better tomorrow.

The UPND government’s decision to compensate their previously detained UPND members with 6.4 million kwacha each is a contentious issue that highlights the complexity of balancing the call to justice and the application of justice to all on one hand and the prioritizing of the nation’s pressing needs on the other hand.

With the Pandora box opened, we wait to see if government has the financial muscle to compensate all those who suffered injustice in the previous Government and the present government. In the meantime all those who suffered injustice yesterday and today must receive equal justice for Justice is blind.

Edwin Lifwekelo

Acting PF Media Director

Njala, people tell President Hichilema

zamobserver
-
0
Njala, people tell President Hichilema

Njala, people tell President Hichilema
…model being advocated by President Hichilema is stocking social unrest…


By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba
I have heard the last few days this lie repeated by President Hichilema that farmers abandoned growing of maize due to low prevailing prices.


He states that his Government has therefore chosen to increase the floor price of maize to make farmers benefit and return more to growing of maize!


A patent lie.


UPND found maize grain reserves of 1.5million metric tonnes with a bumper harvest of 3.2million metric tonnes on the way and therefore a cheap price of K120 for a 50kg bag of mealie-meal.
It’s now at K305.


FISP BACKGROUND


The Fertiliser Support Programme (FSP) was introduced in 2002 as a subsidy to supply agricultural inputs to support 120,000 vulnerable, but viable small-scale farmers.


The subsidy focused on the distribution of maize seed and fertiliser to farmers as a way of contributing to increased household food security and income for the farmers.


The number of beneficiaries steadily grew over the years and by 2009/2010 farming season, the programme had 500,000 beneficiaries.
Remember, Government increased the subsidy and jumped the number of beneficiaries from 500,000 to 1.1million small-holder farmers.
The immediate impact was an increase in the level of production of maize from 1.8 million metric tonnes to 2.7 million metric tonnes.
Maize production continued to shoot up and for the first time, Zambia recorded a bumper harvest beyond 3million metric tonnes in (2019, 2020 and 2021) despite challenges of droughts and floods in certain parts of the country.


The current crisis and maize shortage is steeped in UPND Government’s own reckless decisions of exporting almost the entire national maize grain reserve, chaotic, late and corrupt procurement and distribution of fertilizer( in medas) that forced farmers to switch to Soya Beans to avoid losses.


Further the sudden increase of growing of Soya was not a substitute to maize.
Increasing Soya Beans production was a deliberate government programme to meet local Soya Beans demand for the edible oil sub-sector and stock feed industry as part of national industrialisation.


Further soya production was promoted as intercrop with maize. The Maize/soybean is part of the promotion of sustainable farming and the strip intercropping enriches soils, produces higher crop yields and saves water under semi-arid conditions.


It is clear that Zambians must get used to the high cost of mealie-meal prices for the next few years as there is no hope or programme in sight to lower price of inputs and consequent lower maize prices.


NEW MODEL


The model being envisaged and promoted by President Hichilema of maize production for higher prices is the IMF model that benefit commercial farmers, removes government subsidies for small-holder farmers and has previously failed.


This model fails because the majority of citizens do not have jobs or sustainable incomes to afford high mealie-meal prices and to foolishly assume everyone will go back to the land and grow their own maize is to deliberately stock social unrest.


This new model is predictable, Government will likely shrink beneficiaries of subsidy inputs drastically to be like it was before, hence the talk of w
Time to interrogate the so called switch from FISP to Comprehensive Agriculture Support Programme (CASP).

SIKONGO DITCHES PF

zamobserver
-
0
SIKONGO DITCHES PF

SIKONGO DITCHES PF

September 02, 2023

SIKONGO – The opposition Patriotic Front Party has continued to break apart in the western province with the latest being its Sikongo District Chairperson and 393 others joining the UPND.

Even having the district of Sikongo named afer his father by late President Michael Chilufya Sata in 2012, this did not stop the son from ditching the former ruling party for the UPND.

PF district Chairperson Mwangala Sikongo, his deputy Chairlady Kabombe Kubonisa and former Mala ward councillor Katiye Chipango left the sinking boat citing the positive economic and agriculture outlook in the district as reasons for their decision.

Mr. Sikongo who led 393 other defectors told UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda and Sikongo lawmaker Mayungo Simushi that he was impressed that farming inputs have already arrived in the district unlike the trend during other regimes.

He said the country will soon become food secure while the increased CDF has seen an increase in the number of community projects in the district and saw no reason why he should continue being in the opposition.

He added that the introduction of free education has further seen a number of vulnerable children in the area take up school while the grading of roads using CDF procured equipment will open up the district to development.

And UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda says President Hakainde Hichilema’s desire to see an educated generation was the motivation factor in the introduction of the free education policy.

Mr. Imenda said people across the country have come to appreciate the new dawn government’s ambitious socio-economic agend hence wanting to be a part of the movement.

He was speaking when he received hundreds of defectors in Sikongo yesterday.

Credit: UPND MEDIA TEAM

Kitwe Man Files For Divorce After Discovering Wifes Hidden Past

zamobserver
-
0
Kitwe Man Files For Divorce After Discovering Wifes Hidden Past

KITWE MAN FILES FOR DIVORCE AFTER DISCOVERING WIFES HIDDEN PAST

A 30-YEAR-OLD MAN from Kitwe has taken legal action against his wife, seeking a divorce, after discovering a deceit that had been concealed for several years.

The husband, James Banda, and his 29-year-old wife, Barbara, who are both Jehovah’s Witnesses, tied the knot in 2013, embarking on what seemed like a harmonious marital journey.

However, the facade of their blissful union began to crumble after two years of matrimony when Barbara finally mustered the courage to reveal a well-guarded secret that she has three children, not just the one she had previously claimed.

“When we were about to get married she told me she had one child and I accepted because I also had one. Two years later she said she had three children and this came as a surprise to me,” said James.

In his testimony James told the court that he wanted to divorce his wife because he has no capacity to provide for the three children.

He said he was also disappointed that his wife and her family did not tell him the truth from the onset of their relationship.

However, Barbara told the court that she does not want a divorce despite her husband already marrying a second wife.

Barbara said the two have been on separation for four years with her husband having already married another woman.

She said she was ready to be in a polygamous marriage because she still loved her husband.

Barbara said she regretted her actions and asked James for forgiveness.

“I asked for forgiveness from my husband after telling him and he forgave me but his family started forcing him to divorce me because of the past mistake,” she said.

After Barbara’s testimony, the court said it could not divorce the couple because doing so would be against Barbara’s will.

The court ordered Barbara and James to return to court after agreeing on one thing.

Mwebantu

Botswana President Masisi congratulates President Mnangagwa

zamobserver
-
0
Botswana President Masisi congratulates President Mnangagwa

BOTSWANA President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has joined other Heads of State and Government in congratulating President Mnangagwa on his re-election and leading Zanu-PF to a resounding victory in last week’s harmonised elections.

In a statement, President Masisi said President Mnangagwa’s victory is a clear demonstration of the trust and confidence that the people of Zimbabwe have in him.

“It gives me great pleasure to extend to you, on behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Botswana, our sincere congratulations on your electoral victory,” said President Masisi.

“Your resounding victory is a clear demonstration of the trust and confidence that the people of Zimbabwe have in your visionary leadership.

“I wish to commend you, the Government and the people of Zimbabwe for adhering to the message of peace during the elections, a clear reflection of your country’s commitment to the democratic ideals that are a distinguishing factor of the Sadc Region.

“Your Excellency, as you once again take the responsibilities of your high Office, I wish to assure you and the people of Zimbabwe of our commitment to work closely with you and your Government in further deepening the bonds of friendship that exist between our two countries and peoples.

“I wish you a successful second term of Office, personal good health, as well as peace and prosperity for the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe”.

Meanwhile, the Dean of Zimbabwe’s Ambassadors, Kufa Chinoza, has also congratulated the President on his victory.

“On behalf of all Zimbabwe Ambassadors, and indeed on my own behalf, I would like to congratulate you, Your Excellency, Dr ED Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and First Secretary of Zanu-PF Party, for winning the Presidential Elections on 26 August 2023,” said Ambassador Chinoza.

“As your Ambassadors, we have trust and confidence that you, Your Excellency, will once again ably serve as the President of our great country, Zimbabwe, as we further consolidate the growth trajectory witnessed over the last five years, through implementation of the National Development Strategy (NDS1). Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo. Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabaninilo.

“We remain committed to further implement the country’s Foreign Policy on re-affirmation, engagement and re-engagement in order to grow our economy and attain the vision of an upper-middle income economy by 2030.

“Your election is an endorsement by the Zimbabwean people of your good leadership and vision of the country”.

The National Judicial Council of Vapostori (NJCV) also congratulated President Mnangagwa on his victory.
In their message, they said there was peace before, during and after the elections, and that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) made sure that every voter did get a chance to exercise his or her constitutional right to vote.

“The National Judicial Council of Vapostori believes that the mandate of Election Observer Missions is not to question and interrogate the institution and Legislative Laws of a sovereign country”.

Govt is aware of the high cost of Mealie Meal – HH

zamobserver
-
0
Govt is aware of the high cost of Mealie Meal – HH

Government is aware of the high cost of Mealie Meal – HH

September 01, 2023

LUSAKA – President Hakainde Hichilema says the New Dawn administration is aware of the high cost of ‘Unga’ mealie meal and that government is working towards rectifying it.

“I am aware of the high cost of mealie meal and my Government is working on reducing the price,”President Hichilema said.

The President also said that the New Dawn administration is just two years in government and had since been working on a number of issues left by the previous regime.

Speaking when he addressed Zambians at the Matero After-Care Centre this afternoon, the Head of State said he was working round the clock to find workable solutions that would lead to the stability of the prices of mealie-meal.

He said the previous PF regime left a collapsed economy with Gross Domestic Product at minus 2 percent which needs a little bit more patience to rectify the damage.

President Hichilema has however said the New Dawn is working in stages resolving issues and that government has since reintroduced free education, achieved debt-restructure and increased CDF among others.

He said the price of mealie meal is because of the expensive fertilizer which the UPND found.

And President Hichilema has donated to the Matero after Care Centre in Matero Constituency as he pledges to support the institution in Celebrating UPND two years in office.

President Hichilema donated assorted food hampers and groceries which comprised of 25kg bags of breakfast mealie-meal, 5 litres of cooking oil, 5kg packets of white spoon sugar, bars of soap and blankets to the after centre.

The President yesterday donated K100 thousand each to the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) and Evelyn Hone College of Applied Arts and Commerce respectively.

He further said those hiding behind a political veil to perpetrate crimes should be wary of the dire consequences that comes with abrogating the law of the land, stating that the law knows no political face.

President Hichilema also reminded Zambians to gauge the UPND’s achievements in its 2nd year in office, stressing that a number of notable achievements ranging from reintroduction of free education, payment of retirees benefits, and the increase of CDF allocation as notable achievements.

UPND MEDIA TEAM

The Chaos of Fertiliser Procurement Continues- Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

zamobserver
-
0
The Chaos of Fertiliser Procurement Continues- Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

The Chaos of Fertiliser Procurement Continues

By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

The procurement of fertiliser in the last two farming seasons has been met with chaos and corruption due to heavy State House interference.

This year, the chaos started with the procurement process of the 120,380 metric tonnes of D Compound fertiliser.

This tender was not subjected to competition and President Hakainde Hichilema justified the single-sourcing method undetaken as ‘Positive Discrimination’ for the local industry.

Therefore the contract to supply, warehouse and distribute Compound D (basal Fertiliser) concluded in May, 2023 by way of direct bidding.

Two suppliers were shortlisted and awarded contracts to deliver the D Compound fertiliser. These were United Capital Fertilizer Zambia Company Limited and Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia.

But another local manufacturer was excluded.

For Urea or top dressing, public tenders has been cancelled.

Recently Government announced that it had cancelled the tender published by Zambia Public Procurement Authority e-government procurement process and had proceeded to shortlist 13 companies under direct bidding method.

These 13 shortlisted companies were; Bestmed, Kovenant, Greenfield,Growmax Federal, Agrizam, Alpha Commodities, ETG, Agrotrade, Portland, Midwest,Taimwima and
Doron.

As usual and due to State House interference, this contract has also been reportedly cancelled as companies that they favour were not succesful!

For the 2023/2024 FISP, Government is expected to spend K7,152,481,292.47 ( about $350 million).

Of this amount, K1,549,273,497.68 will go towards the implementation of the e-Voucher system while, of course, K5,603,207,794.80 will be for the direct input supply modality.

CONCLUSION

Clearly, with the bungling of the procurement process, the fertiliser will not be purchased and disyributed on time and food insecurity will continue to persist way into 2024-2025.

Clearly the 2023/2024 farming season will be affected and the harvest will be low because of this chaos and corruption in the procurement process.

Further it has been announced that Zambia will be affected by the El Niño weather phenomenon with record heat temperatures and droughts in the rainfall regions.

Note; Image, those that supplied the fertiliser last year.

THE POLICE ARE BEING USED TO PUNISH OPPOSITION- Fred M’membe

zamobserver
-
0
THE POLICE ARE BEING USED TO PUNISH OPPOSITION- Fred M’membe

THE POLICE ARE BEING USED TO PUNISH OPPOSITION

We paid a visit to Patriots for Economic Progress President Sean E. Tembo at Balmoral Police Station in Chilanga wondering what the intention was of taking him there without notifying anyone.

To take Mr Tembo all the way from Force Headquarters to Balmoral Police Station and a cell where he was alone is a mystery. What was the purpose? One day, these actions will backfire. One day, someone will die while in their hands and they will have difficulties explaining what happened.

Our simple advice is: desist from this conduct. The police can arrest people in a better way. There are right ways to do things.

It is difficult to understand this behaviour, this police conduct.

Why should the police lie to a suspect’s lawyers, telling them they are taking their client from Force Headquarters to Kabwata and then taking him to Chilanga, far away, without notifying anyone. Nobody knew where he was until this morning. The police are increasingly being used to punish people. It is not the job of the police to punish. Punishment should only be carried out by courts of law after someone has been convicted.

Where is the presumption of innocence until proven guilty? We have warned that the attempt to use the police to fix political opponents will not work. It will not solve any problem; it will actually create more problems. Whatever little problems we have, it will make them bigger and bigger. There is a need for citizens to be arrested in a more humane way if they commit a crime.

Prosecute him and, if he is acquitted, that is it. If he is convicted, let the law take its course. Mr Tembo was arrested last year and detained for many days. To date, none of those issues have been taken to court. Ambassador Mwamba was arrested, abducted, treated in the most barbaric way, assaulted actually, and to date he has not been taken to court.

I am in a similar situation. I was arrested amidst drama. To date, there is no record that I have been taken to court to be prosecuted. We were supposed to be in Serenje on Monday. The police phoned my lawyers today to say they are not ready. What is the problem?

Why arrest people if you have not investigated them? The police are supposed to investigate and then take action. When they arrest you they must tell you, “We have investigated and have found that you have committed a crime,” or, “You are suspected to have committed a crime and we are charging you.”

Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party

1...784785786...1,128Page 785 of 1,128