PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA CONFERS WITH ISRAELI PRESIDENT

Israeli President, Isaac Herzog, has called for enhanced bilateral relations between Zambia and Israel.

Speaking in Jerusalem today when President Hakainde Hichilema paid a courtesy on him at his residence, President Herzog said Israel and Zambia have had an outstanding relationship for many years now.

President Herzog said there is a need to enhance the bilateral relationship that exists between Israel and Zambia saying his country believes in cooperation and advancement of relations.

He said there is so much that can be done and achieved if the two countries worked together especially in areas of technology, agriculture, science and health, among others.

“Mr President, Zambia and Israel have enjoyed a good relationship for many years and it is just good and important that the existing relationship is enhanced,” said President Herzog.

Mr. Herzog said Zambia is an important and strategic partner in Africa saying global leaders have much respect for Zambia and its leader President Hichilema.

He also said Zambia has made great positive advancements in her political system.

President Herzog has also asked Zambia to take advantage of the existing food shortages in some parts of Africa to produce more crops for export.

“Your country has a good climate and soils to produce more crops. Take advantage of the shortage of food in the horn of Africa and grow more crops for export,” said President Herzog.

And President Herzog says he is happy that Zambia has a President who is a Seventh – day Adventist (SDA) and believes in the Sabbath.

He said President Hichilema is the first SDA member in the entire World to have been elected President of a country saying this brings not only joy but blessings for the African country.

President Herzog said he believes that the Sabbath is the greatest gift of the people of the book to humanity.

“The Sabbath is one of the greatest gifts of the people of the book to humanity. You lit a candle and we lit a candle as well,” said the President.

And President Hichilema says Zambia appreciates the good relationship with Israel that dates back many years.

President Hichilema says the good relationship of the people of Israel and their Government has been outstanding.

He said Zambia wants to build on the existing relationship with Israel saying back home Zambia works very well with the Jewish people some of whom are in the business sector.

He further said that Israel has been doing a lot of good things for the people of Zambia saying he is a beneficiary of the Israel assistance through education sponsorship.

“Your Excellency, as Zambia, we are grateful for many things that your country has done and continues doing for us. Am a beneficiary of the Israeli education sponsorship at undergraduate level,” said President Hichilema.

President Hichilema said his political party, the United Party for National Development (UPND) was elected on the ticket of change to deliver economic success to the Zambian people.

He said the economic change that Zambia wants to see back home is anchored on trade and investment adding that Zambia wants to enhance the existing relationship with Israel because of its experience in technology in agriculture, health and digital platform.

President Hichilema says Zambia admires the precision advancements made by Israel in irrigation technologies.

He said Zambia has good soils and weather conditions to support the growth of various crops despite not being spared by the effects of climate change.

President Hichilema is in Israel on a 3- day State Visit at the invitation of Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

COUPS HAVE NO SPACE IN AFRICA – HH

President Hakainde Hichilema says with the successful clinching of the debt restructuring, Government’s focus now is on economic cooperation, trade and Investment.

Speaking in an interview with the Israel 24 television channel in Jerusalem yesterday, President Hichilema said Zambia is indebted to the G20 framework co-chaired by France and China for the role they played in ensuring that Zambia’s huge debt was restructured.

He reiterated that that the huge debt that Zambia had incurred over the years, was choking and stiffening the country’s economy saying efforts by France and China to ensure Zambia’s debt was restructured is highly commendable.

ZANIS reports that President Hichilema says Zambia appreciates all the countries that contributed in seeing the country clinching a deal on debt restructuring.

Asked how Zambia’s relationship is with the West and China, President Hichilema said there are no complications with regards to Zambia’s relationship with the West and China.

He says Zambia is committed to work with any country in order to advance its economic developmental agenda aimed at bettering the lives of the Zambian citizens.

Mr. Hichilema said his party, the United Party for National Development (UPND) will not depart from its 2021 campaign promise of bettering the lives of the Zambian citizens.

He says Zambia believes and will promote economic diplomacy with other countries as it believes that economic diplomacy is the anchor that is needed in order to grow the country’s economy and improve the lives of Zambian citizens.

“There are absolutely no complications with regards to Zambia’s relationship with the West and China. Economic diplomacy is our anchor that we want to achieve in order to grow our economy and provide our children’s needs in terms of education and also job creation for our youths in the country,” said President Hichilema.
He emphasised that Zambia is ready and committed to work with various countries saying good relationships with other countries is good not only for Zambia but the world as a whole.

And President Hichilema says there is no room for military coups in Africa saying military coups take away the space for democracy through the suspension of the Constitution.

President Hichilema said military coups have no space in Africa and should not be allowed to take root.

“Military coups are bad and should not be allowed anywhere in Africa,” said President Hichilema.

He said that democracy advances development saying military coups affect the ordinary citizens and should be condemned in strongest terms.

President Hichilema says there is a need for a stable world where every country is at peace with other countries and citizens working together within the spaces provided for through democracy.

Meanwhile, President Hichilema says Zambia has a lot to learn from Israel in terms of technological innovation and advances.

He said using technology, Israel has recorded success stories in agricultural production saying Zambia would like to leverage on the technological innovation made by Israel to improve and grow its economy.

President Hichilema says water harvesting is another thing that Zambia wants to learn from Israel in order to improve agricultural production.

Mr. Hichilema said Zambia wants to reduce the cost of doing business by incorporating technology and innovations.

He said Zambia has drawn a lot of lessons from Israel through a presentation by Start – up Nation Policy Institute on the need to incorporate technology and allow the private sector to participate in the economic development of the country.

Earlier, Start-up National Policy Institute Senior Policy Fellow Danny Biran said Israel is where it is today through technological innovation and advances as well as the participation of the private sector in the economic development of the country.

Mr. Biran said Israel 30 years ago was very poor but invested in technological innovation and advances and allowing the private sector to fully participate in the economic development of the country.

He said technology is key in economic development.
“Israel is where it is today compared to 30 years ago because of investment in technological innovation and advances and also because of team work of allowing the private sector to participate in the economic development of the country,” said Mr. Biran.

President Hichilema accompanied by the First Lady Mrs Mutinta Hichilema arrived in Israel yesterday on a debut visit at the invitation of Israeli President His Excellency Mr. Isaac Herzog.

ZANIS

President Hakainde Hichilema says with the successful clinching of the debt restructuring, Government’s focus now is on economic cooperation, trade and Investment.

Speaking in an interview with the Israel 24 television channel in Jerusalem yesterday, President Hichilema said Zambia is indebted to the G20 framework co-chaired by France and China for the role they played in ensuring that Zambia’s huge debt was restructured.

He reiterated that that the huge debt that Zambia had incurred over the years, was choking and stiffening the country’s economy saying efforts by France and China to ensure Zambia’s debt was restructured is highly commendable.

ZANIS reports that President Hichilema says Zambia appreciates all the countries that contributed in seeing the country clinching a deal on debt restructuring.

Asked how Zambia’s relationship is with the West and China, President Hichilema said there are no complications with regards to Zambia’s relationship with the West and China.

He says Zambia is committed to work with any country in order to advance its economic developmental agenda aimed at bettering the lives of the Zambian citizens.

Mr. Hichilema said his party, the United Party for National Development (UPND) will not depart from its 2021 campaign promise of bettering the lives of the Zambian citizens.

He says Zambia believes and will promote economic diplomacy with other countries as it believes that economic diplomacy is the anchor that is needed in order to grow the country’s economy and improve the lives of Zambian citizens.

“There are absolutely no complications with regards to Zambia’s relationship with the West and China. Economic diplomacy is our anchor that we want to achieve in order to grow our economy and provide our children’s needs in terms of education and also job creation for our youths in the country,” said President Hichilema.

He emphasised that Zambia is ready and committed to work with various countries saying good relationships with other countries is good not only for Zambia but the world as a whole.

And President Hichilema says there is no room for military coups in Africa saying military coups take away the space for democracy through the suspension of the Constitution.

President Hichilema said military coups have no space in Africa and should not be allowed to take root.

“Military coups are bad and should not be allowed anywhere in Africa,” said President Hichilema.

He said that democracy advances development while military coups affect the ordinary citizens and should be condemned in strongest terms.

President Hichilema says there is a need for a stable world where every country is at peace with other countries and citizens working together within the spaces provided for through democracy.

Meanwhile, President Hichilema says Zambia has a lot to learn from Israel in terms of technological innovation and advances.

He said using technology, Israel has recorded success stories in agricultural production saying Zambia would like to leverage on the technological innovation made by Israel to improve and grow its economy.

President Hichilema says water harvesting is another thing that Zambia wants to learn from Israel to improve agricultural production.

Mr. Hichilema said Zambia wants to reduce the cost of doing business by incorporating technology and innovations.

He said Zambia has drawn a lot of lessons from Israel through a presentation by Start – up Nation Policy Institute on the need to incorporate technology and allow the private sector to participate in the economic development of the country.

Earlier, Start-up National Policy Institute Senior Policy Fellow Danny Biran said Israel is where it is today through technological innovation and advances as well as the participation of the private sector in the economic development of the country.

Mr. Biran said Israel 30 years ago was very poor but invested in technological innovation and advances and allowing the private sector to fully participate in the economic development of the country.

He said technology is key in economic development.

“Israel is where it is today compared to 30 years ago because of investment in technological innovation and advances and also because of team work of allowing the private sector to participate in the economic development of the country,” said Mr. Biran.

President Hichilema accompanied by the First Lady Mrs Mutinta Hichilema arrived in Israel yesterday on a debut visit at the invitation of Israeli President His Excellency Mr. Isaac Herzog.

UPND SWOT Analysis 2026

By Nkonkomalimba Kapumpe

Political Threats

In 2022 people were crying that there is no opposition. 2023 the cry has changed to “there is no organized Opposition Party”. By the end of 2024 the cry will be a United Opposition. This is a natural course of five year political cycle if people are not happy. The issue is people not being happy.

1. The greatest threat to UPND is its members who are disappointed and abandoned. Those that campaigned tirelessly and were willing to die. They suffered and continue to suffer to date; yet everyday they are seeing those that did not suffer enjoy their fruits. Those will do you bad, just wait. The only way to bring such people back now is money, offering them employment will not work. Where are you going to get the money? This is how corruption starts to thrives.

2. The people that revolted against PF but don’t see any major difference from UPND, and these are many. By 2022 it was impossible to criticize the President and UPND to the masses. People and not politicians would ridicule us. 2023 people are crying for an organized opposition and those who criticize the government are now heros. Today if you support UPND you risk being accused of eating or not mentally okay.

3. The Socialist party are organized and seem to be well financed. The reason why they are a threat is people will come and look for anything they can use to throw at UPND. In a fight you look for any big stone you can find. The more people get disgruntled the more socialist because strong. Their weaknesses is that their voice is not yet that exciting.

4. ECL, any candidate he will endorse will have a major impact, especially if they are already carrying a popularity of their own. Former Presidents in Zambia are extremely important and influential during an election from time in memorial. I have avoided to mention PF.. whether the come back to power or not will not depend on them, it’s our people will react to UPND.

5. Civil servants, they get very little salaries and the cost of living is hurting them like no man’s business. You take home 3 500 and 2 bags of mealie meal for the family is costing you over 10% of your take home!

6. EFF is small and growing with a lot of potential. They are setting the political agenda for the nation because the audience are mostly young people. Young people control the national agenda .If EFF talks about Mining or corruption the entire nation gets on the topic without even acknowledging them. With resources EFF could become the biggest threat to turn young voters against the UPND. This is key.

7. The poor, the Marketeers, Street Vendors, Drivers, Gardeners, Maids and waitresses etc their cost of living is unbearable. Transport, food and electricity are too expensive in the minimum wage of 1500.00. They are already de-campaigning you, because they can access different people and communities. This is where farmers come in as well, the removal FISP will be a big problem.

8. Youth employment, these are tired of seeing their friends dancing and driving around when they can’t afford a proper shoe. The anger and disappointment will descend on the UPND by 2026. To them if they are not benefiting they won’t support. They just want a normal life.

9. Foreign relations, there will be a lot of money coming from China and Russia. I also see a lot of countries like Zimbabwe, Kenyan, and South Africa being extremely interested. This will be high dependent on how the opposition will be organised.

10. The last and least regionalism. They think they have sorted this but can’t graps what’s going on. With no plans or actions they “sorted” it out by just declaring.

In conclusion the UPND seem not to care what people think, they are neither offering explanations for what they are doing nor showing concern to the plight of the people. Basically the seem to have forgotten who holds them in office.They are so confident in with the stomachs that everything is okay to them and anyone crying is just an enemy. Let’s see how many enemies they will have

EEP President Chilufya Tayali

KELVIN SAMPA IS NOTHING BUT A PROBLEM AND UPND WILL ONE DAY REMEMBER ME

Only a person with a shallow mind would think Kelvin Sampa is in UPND because he believes in the party or President Hichilema, the guy believes in eating. It’s all about survival.

To start with, Kelvin has had issues with a number of people who have been dragging him to police and courts, such that, if he was speaking against the UPND as he is doing against PF and ECL, they would have nabbed him, nga Lunshi wa Green (like a green housefly). So to avoid jail, he recruited himself as “Fake Praise singer”.

Further, Kelvin has to survive, but what legitimate business is this guy doing to even boast that he is financing UPND. Where is he getting the money to finance UPND?

You may not know, but I want to tell you that, he is doing his illicit activities using the party (UPND) like he has done in the past. He has done it with all previous Govts, this is who he is.

While the UPND has brought this policy of citizens forming cooperatives and taking advantage of our natural resources to empower themselves, Kelvin is manipulating and depriving them of the opportunities for his benefits.

I challenge Kelvin Sampa to explain what he is doing in Chief Bunda-Bunda of the Soli Shamwifi Royal Establishment. This is just an example, but he is everywhere, to mint.

People have formed cooperatives and applied for mining license, with the consent of the Chiefs, yet Kelvin wants to sideline the locals to bring in a company (VEROS). If I am lying let him deny this.

I hate it when Zambians are taken advantage of, or sidelined by these unscrupulous briefcase businessmen claiming to be the financiers of the UPND.

I warn UPND, to be careful with Kelvin, he is just using you and when you are out of power, he will jump to the next ruling party like a prostitute.

Next I will talk about this Trust Hantuba and this Mr. Mango from Cadastre, people are complaining about you.

I will be live at 20:00hrs

TAYALI THE PUBLIC LAWYER OF THE PUBLIC COURT OF OPINIONS!!!

CONSORTIUM OF CSOs TO ENGAGE HH

….. over delayed handover of KCM to Vedanta as well as finding partner to run Mopani Copper Mine

Lusaka…Tuesday August 1, 2023 (SMART EAGLES)

A consortium of Civil Society Organizations championing the revamping of the mining industry says it will engage President Hakainde Hichilema over the future of Konkola Copper Mine (KCM) and Mopani Copper Mines.

The consortium says it is disappointed that the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Hon Paul Kabuswe has lamentably failed to deal with issues at KCM and Mopani mine.

Advocates for National Development and Democracy Executive Director Samuel Banda has told journalists in Lusaka that President Hakainde Hichilema has the strong capacity in proficient negotiation skills to expedite the process and ensure that these issues and challenges in the mining sector are resolved.

“Therefore, due to the minister’s failure to unlock KCM and Mopani mines, we have remained with no choice but to engage our Republican President Hakainde Hichilema on the 12th August, 2023. We are hopeful and we have the confidence that President Hichilema will resolve these issue once and for all. We shall protest on the 12th of August, we shall match to State House and we assure the nation that it will be a peaceful protest and will be done within the confines of the law,” said Mr Banda.

“Honourable Paul Kabuswe should avoid embarrassing our president by failing to conclude negotiations with prospective investors on time in the interest of revamping the mining sector and making it viable. We know that government has the capacity to expedite the process and we don’t expect further delay to handle these issues. We want to inform our stakeholders, our members on the Copperbelt and members of the consortium to start preparing themselves on the 12th August, 2023 we shall match to State House.”

He said the consortium was shocked that government has continued to delay to resolve issues surrounding Mopani and KCM despite the extremely harsh economic challenges as a result of the non functionality of the two strategic assets.

“You may recall that on 14 July 2023, the Minister of Mines indicated to the public that only one issue was remaining to conclude negotiations with Vedanta Resources and that by month end of July, that main issue will be resolved and government will make an official announcement over the Vedanta taking over the operations of Konkola Copper Mine (KCM) and equally the investor expected to take over the operations of Mopani Copper Mines,” he recalled.

“However, getting a different statement from the Minister of Mines yesterday, indicating that government has not yet concluded negotiations is very disappointing to the people of Zambia and to President Hakainde Hichilema who has entrusted his Minister of Mines and Minerals Development to manage a very important government ministry competently, effectively and efficiently.”

Speaking at the same media briefing, Zambians for Unity Peace and Development President Ronnie Jere disagreed with Hon Kabuswe’s assertions that the people of Zambia are being considered in making decisions for both KCM and Mopani mines.

“The reason being, how can it be in the interest of the Zambian people when a lot of Zambians are wallowing in abject poverty, a lot of former miners who were working for Mopani Copper Mine and KCM have not been paid their dues? How can it be in the interest of Zambians when suppliers have not been given their monies? The mining industry is still locked up in those two strategic Mines and you are still saying it’s in the interest of Zambian people? Which Zambian people are you talking about?” he questioned.

“We want to categorically state that we do feel that this delay is as a result of incompetence, secondly is as a result of wanting to continue benefiting because a few people could be benefiting in the current state of Mopani and KCM mines. Whose interest is it when KCM at the moment, we just heard on news that one of the smelters has been shut down because of lack of service. We have people that are ready to put in money and run the mines optimally and yet we are still delaying. You can say that all this time you are still negotiating.”

Mr. Jere wondered why one issue that Hon Kabuswe mentioned that was remaining has taken almost a month to resolve.

“We do feel that they are dragging their time to make sure that these mines don’t function because they feel that if investors come in to take up these mines those people that are benefiting will not benefit,” he concluded.

He said these Mines should start functioning as soon as possible.

Kitwe Catholic Priest Fr. Patrick Mupula believes Zambia has failed to utilise its mineral resources for its own good.

In his Sunday sermon, Fr. Mupula of Chamboli Catholic Church, said minerals that include emerald, gold, mercury, Sugilite and copper among others are not being utilised to benefit the people of Zambia.

He charged that instead of uncovering these treasures through mineral exploration, Zambians have opted to call foreigners to come and see the value of their minerals.

Fr. Mupula said foreigners benefit more from local minerals at the expense of the locals.

“Which buried treasure are you searching for? In Zambia God has given us a lot of treasures such as Emerald in Lufwanyama, the Kasenseli Gold in Mwinilunga, Sugilite in Mpika, Gold in Luano Valley, Mercury in the North Western Province, Copper, vegetation, water bodies among others. Unfortunately, we have failed to utilise them for our own good. Instead of uncovering these treasures through mineral exploration, we have opted to call foreigners to come and see the value of what we have and we give them permission to get what belongs to us,” he preached.

“It is outsiders who keep enjoying what belongs to the common man in Kandabwe, Buchi – Kamitondo, Chamboli! Why should we borrow money as a country when we can only sell what we have and generate income? It is very difficult to understand why most Zambians are poor when God has given us everything we need to be better. Where did we go wrong as a country? Efyo twalufyanya kuli Lesa Finshi? Look at how dilapidated the road from Kalumbila to Ikelenge is – this is the place which is very rich in minerals. Look at how dilapidated the Mufulira – Mokambo – Pedicle road is. Look at the Ndola – Mufulira road,” Fr. Mupula said.

He urged Zambians to appreciate and utilise the treasures God has given them.

“Look at how dilapidated some fridges at Kitwe Teaching Hospital Mortuary are. Besides, when was the last Kitwe Teaching Hospital painted? Enter the hospital and get the bad smell. You will die not of malaria but the bad stench.Where did we go wrong as a country? Efyo twalufyanya kuli Lesa Finshi? Look at the price of Mealie Meal now; what is it able to afford? In all this it is the common man in Buchi-Kamitonda to face consequences. And when our political leaders go to China, the US and other countries, they never learn anything. They go there to take pictures to post on WhatsApp and Facebook,” he added.

Fr. Mupula concluded:”The Gospel today is inviting us to appreciate the treasures God has given us and make use of them. And we are told that the treasure is hidden, it is never common. And we are told that the treasure is hidden, it is never common. In life refuse to be too common. Umukashana talingile ukuba common. People have to fight to see you, find you, and get you. But it is in Kitwe where we see some ladies who are way too common. Sure, umwanakashi ukulanwa Kombucha, Black Label? You find umuntu, ku bar eko ali, ku Nkana uko baletukana, eko ali, ifililo fyonse kulyapo ubwali, avoid being too common. A treasure is always hidden.”

Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane has clarified on the recent events surrounding the alleged errors in the 11.3 billion kwacha supplementary budget, which was unanimously passed by Parliament last week Friday.

Dr. Musokotwane has explained that the case of the K298 million supplementary budget was a provision for only one component of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) which is under Community Projects and not the entire CDF projects.

Dr. Musokotwane stated that a total sum of about K4.4 billion was allocated to CDF, for all its three components, which are Community Projects, Youth, Women and Community Empowerment, and Secondary Boarding School and Skills Development Bursaries.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka, regarding the issue that arose from parliament and now to the general public, Dr. Musokotwane revealed that the Community Projects components had a provision of about 2.7 billion kwacha, of which the 298 million kwacha was added.

He said this was out of the remaining funds from the provision for community projects for last year which was not utilized, attributing it to slowness in the absorption of CDF.

He noted that instead of recalling the money to the treasury, a decision was arrived at to push it back to community projects in each constituency under community projects for this year.

The Minister hoped to restore public confidence in government planning, referring to the issue as a case of mere misinterpretation and not an indication of inaccuracies in the budget.

“We are supplementing more money to the 2023 budget to the extent of K298 249 818 million only under community projects, the money being a carryover from last year’s CDF budget under the community projects component of the CDF,” Dr. Musokotwane clarified.

And the Minister noted that the government is in a hurry to push development to all parts of the country through the successful implementation of the CDF.

He noted that following measures to identify the challenges associated with implementation of CDF, the government is putting in place various initiatives to streamline the implementation of CDF projects so that the development gap between rural and urban areas is bridged.

Dr. Musokotwane was displeased with the low utilization of funds, due to issues of legal provisions, delays in approvals and also the negative attitude by some council employees.

Not a crime for Lungu to continue as party president – Lusambo

FORMER president’s staunch supporter, Bowman Lusambo, says it is not a crime for PF members to push for Edgar Lungu’s continuation as the party’s president.

Amid reports of brewing chaos within the former ruling party, it was revealed that Edgar Lungu has agreed in secret to be the party’s presidential candidate for the 2026 elections.

According to PF insiders, Lungu secretly agreed to be the party’s presidential candidates in the next generation elections after he was convinced by his associates of still being a popular figure who could easily win an election.

Lungu and his clique are now being accused of using every trick in the book to prevent an elective General Conference to replace him as party president.

Lusambo, Lungu’s self acclaimed number one bootlicker, fervently defended the former president’s position, stating that many PF members desire “the humble leader” to steer the party’s course and salvage the sunken ‘titanic’ during the challenging times they are facing.

The former Kabushi member of parliament said Lungu was not negotiating his chairmanship over PF as he is still captain of the boat.

“We are drawing near 2026 and we will hear alot of accusations, a lot of statements coming from different quarters of society. Politics is about the people it’s not about individuals. Let the people talk! the issue to do with Edgar Chagwa Lungu it’s a non-negotiable issue,” Lusambo said.

“Lungu is a president of PF he was elected as the president of PF in 2021 prior to the 2021 tripartite elections. So, the issue of saying president Edgar Chagwa Lungu is coming back, he’s coming back from where? He’s coming back from where? Because he has been the president of PF.”

He said Lungu will only pass on the leadership mantle to his successor if he so wishes at the much-anticipated extraordinary general conference which is being planned by the party.

The ‘bulldozer’ brushed off assertions that there’s a pitched battle in PF over the presidency.

He said the 1.8 million camp is still banded together.

“PF is a very strong party. PF has structures in all the 156 constituencies. There’s no confusion in PF we have a leader we have a president, the deputy president, secretary general and all the members of the central committee are there. There’s no confusion go and tell the people there’s no confusion. Iyi ni bola (this is just like a game of football),” Lusambo said.

He said it is not wrong for Lungu to be enthusiastic about politics.

“What about if we want him? us as the members of the PF we want him to continue it’s not a crime! He’s a human being like any other person, he’s enjoying the human rights it’s not a crime for him to continue it’s not a crime,” Lusambo said.

“He was a president for this republic and for us we are happy that he’s still the president of the party, so it’s not a crime he’s not coming back from anywhere. He has been the president and he’s still the president.”

He maintained that Lungu did not relinquish his position as president of the PF.

The former Lusaka province minister indicated he and other apple polishers of Lungu will not accept it if their boss steps aside from the PF presidency.

Lusambo wondered why Lungu is being rebuked over his political enthusiasm when it’s the people on the streets crying that they want him back.

“Why do you want to accuse him of something he has not said? People are the ones saying ‘alebwelelapo’ (he will retain power) did he say he wants to come back?” he questioned.

“He’s a president yes of the party but did he tell you he wants to come back? But if we tell him to come back, he is the one we want, he can do so.”

Lungu’s number one idoliser disclosed that the PF clings to their boss Edgar because he cares and provides for his partisans.

“Leave him alone what I can assure you is president Lungu is the president of PF. Who wouldn’t want Lungu? Everyone wants Lungu even those who have applied to replace him would want him, he’s a father he’s a parent. Wouldn’t you want to be closer to your father? So even us, we want to be close to our father,” he said.

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba

YOU PRESIDE OVER THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY NOT THE UPND NATIONAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, BE PROFESSIONAL- LIFWEKELO TO NELLY MUTI.

31st, July 2023. Lusaka

The Acquittal of our Patriotic Front party Vice President Hon. Given Lubinda by the Lusaka Magistrate court judge Trevor Kasanda is an indictment on the credibility of Nelly Muti and all those presiding over the current session of parliament .

Parliament like other institutions such as the judiciary,anti corruption commission,the zambia police service now known for its brutality and methods of torture, ECZ and Auditor General’s office are being weaponised by the UPND government to frustrate and weaken opposition political parties by sustaining such draconian presiding officers.

It is our strongly considered view that Hon Lubinda should not have been arrested in the first place,it was a lack of judgement on the part of Ms Nelly Muti to summon Hon Lubinda to appear before parliament to answer to frivolous innuendos.

There must be something extremely wrong with the manner in which business of the house is being conducted as it is in most cases characterised largely by protests , suspensions and walk outs by opposition MPs a clear sign of the mutilation of democratic space by the UPND regime through its speaker Nelly Muti.

Zambians were promised adherence to the rule of law, justice and protection of their rights instead the opposite is the reality on the ground with rampant detentions of political opponents being the order of the day.

There is urgent need for Nelly Muti and her cohorts presiding over parliament to remain neutral,non partisan and exhibit high levels of professionalism and Maturity in their discharge of official duty.

The integrity and Credibility of Parliament lies squarely on the impartiality of the presiding officers and any lack of it erodes the much needed credibility of Parliament as an oversight institution.

We therefore warn parliamentary presiding overs against any departure from acceptable procedure as it will have far reaching consequences too ghastly for them to contemplate.

We also send a timely reminder to Nelly Muti and her friends at the parliamentary high table that they are presiding over the National Assembly of Zambia and not some cheap UPND National Management Committee of Hooligans and non law abiding individuals who should be tamed.

We therefore re-echo the views of prominent lawyer and former Eastern Province Minister Hon Makebi Zulu who warned UPND against ruling the country and Zambians like some cult.

We therefore thank the Judiciary for the way they expeditiously dealt with the matter involving Hon Given Lubinda leading to his rightful acquittal sending a clear signal to Nelly Muti and her lot that they are not above the law just because they preside over parliament.

Issued by….
Edwin Lifwekelo
Acting Media Director Patriotic Front HQ
Lusaka.

THERE WERE HARDSHIPS EVEN DURING PF BUT CITIZENS COULD AFFORD 2 MEALS A DAY – FORMER PF SG MWILA

FORMER PF secretary general Davies Mwila says although people were facing hardships even during PF’s time, they were at least able to afford mealie meal and have two meals a day.

In an interview, Mwila said mealie meal was fetching between K110 and K115 when PF was in government, but the price has now doubled.

“People must compare with PF and UPND. When we were in government, mealie was at K110 to K115. They said as PF we failed to govern and lead the Zambians and that they would reduce the price of mealie meal to K50 and fertiliser from K900 to K250. On fuel, they used to tell us that we’re stealing K3 from the people. They are now in government and the price of mealie meal has doubled. Everything has gone up. So the question is who is better?

The one who was selling mealie meal at K115 or K250? Those are comparisons people are making. Even in PF, there were hardships but now, it is worse. People were able to buy mealie meal and have maybe lunch and supper. But this time, they can’t have two meals in a day. It’s not possible,” he said.

“It’s now two years but they’ve never done any road in Zambia. Look at the roads, hospitals we built. They have not built not even one hospital or roads. Those are the things that people must compare. We are far much better than the UPND government. There’s no other alternative (opposition). That’s why people are crying for PF. People are crying for PF wherever you go. They want PF because they thought by going to vote at 05:00 hours and voting us out, [it] will help them. It hasn’t helped them. They are regretting.

All university graduates are regretting and they are saying they’ll never wake up to vote at 05:00 hours again. So 2026 will be a different ball game altogether”.

Meanwhile, commenting on President Hakainde Hichilema’s call for Zambians to continue working hard, Mwila said citizens will only appreciate the President’s hard work if results start showing.

“Work hard? But is he working hard himself? He has the right to tell the people of Zambia to have to work hard but he has to lead by example. What results are there to see? You can work but if there are no results, it is as well that [he] stays home.

Things are bad in terms of the living standards of our people. The President and government must intervene quickly. Otherwise, where we are heading to, it will not be good for the Zambian people. The prices of all the commodities are going up, especially mealie meal. A bag of mealie meal is running to K300. So the people of Zambia are complaining because of the high price of essential commodities. So the President must work hard,” said Mwila.

“You work hard and there are no results. So what does that mean? You have to work hard and people must see results. If you work hard without results, people won’t appreciate you. So whatever the President says, if things can’t change, they won’t appreciate him. He can go on holiday to work and people will see it as normal”.

(Credit: News Diggers)

CK HAS STOPPED HUNTING TO BECOME PRESIDENT OF THE PF ORGANISATION WHAT HAS HUMBLED HIM ? …***

By Stembridge Sikalundu

A mafia orgsnisation has rules to follow when you return to the gang after revealing the issues at the core of danger and management. Oh when did CK have any better ideas of governing this country ? ,let the party he is seeking to become president identify him to be one of such caliber , instead of ranting at his houses , today he is in luanshya the other day in Lusaka each time his discontented , we all thought he will scoop the PF presidency but as things stand his just a mare Political spectator who has been privilaged to be in politics by serving in the PFgovts at once upon a time .

The political journey for CK has had self destruction and when he holds these press briefings which are self promoted to meet his objectives and find space for business benefits ,this means that CK is out of the leadership equation in perpetuity because his role is just presence in holding . We want to see CK contesting the PF party presidency and see him win and bring his National presidential ambition to the test comprising with ideas of how best to govern this country orderly. , with discipline that is associated with charismatic approach and generous character of common interest to unite the nation . Now that he is not talking about ECL to be a thief , he told zambians that his return to PF was meant to reconnect his businesses in the PF govt , the vomit he said he would never take again like a dog . We later saw him sent on helicopters campaigning with a tribal agenda . How can CK be the solution of leadership for the country from what he does and says when it suits his ego , if the same party that he favours now can not trust him or respect what he says in the press briefings , who else should ? , CK becomes the most inconsistent politician of all times in this generation and era .

Whenever there is a situation in PF CK is used as a mouth piece , he has forgotten that the same people he represents ate his moral fiber leaving him politically dismayeful and impotent . When CK speaks people lough because he fails to turn his neck to see how the people he is with in PF are looking at him , zambians generally regard CK a fortune hunter because he has made himself incredible to semantics that are moduled timely for the cake which is on the shelves for reach .

It is very interesting that CK is not insisting on the much awaited general conference that should put to test any speculations of who becomes the next PF president that contests the 2026 general elections. That has tamed CK to have fears not to be flushed out of the PF party again which he is now clinging on , otherwise if the thread is cut off CK will be a dehorned bull that will never emerge to represent anything but his family and relatives .many young politicians can learn how CK became twisted to become a worm instead of being a young cobra people thought he was , that happens regularly in political organizations that are not managed but controlled by cartels and mafias . God bless mother Zambia.

I CRY ZAMBIA IS MY BELOVED COUNTRY

THE OPPOSITION IN ZAMBIA NEED FREE TABLE TUITIONS TO UNDERSTAND THE DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENTS PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA IS ATTENDING TO…***

By Stembridge Sikalundu

Any president of the republic of zambia whether it is Mr HAKAINDE HICHILEMA or any other person that is past or indeed those who will be elected in the future will have the same equal privilages and constituitional mandate to travel and engage on behalf of the country and the people of zambia internationally . I find it very absurd to see the opposition frontier in zambia criticising the president for visiting ISRAEL without considering the meticulous posture and representation which president HAKAINDE HICHILEMA seemingly is cultured with that is now worldly adorable . It is not long ago when the past leadership got millions of dollars , a loan which was used to buy the GULF STREAM at a theft cost , and everyone that is vocal now was very quiet when in fact the results of the trip to ISRAEL was meant to plunder resources from the loan which was obtained .

The nation should have the confidence to see president HAKAINDE HICHILEMA visit ISRAEL on a different mission which is opposed to what transpired with the past regime , the difference which president HAKAINDE HICHILEMA is doing is in the responsibility which is in the interest of the country and the people of zambia , in my personal capacity I would have loved that president HAKAINDE HICHILEMA meets the instituition leaders who gave the PF govt a loan which they used to buy the GULF STREAM , it is necessary that the country knows the actual loan obtained and how much was stolen in the cost of the purchase of the jet , it may not be the job of president HAKAINDE HICHILEMA to investigate but surely it is information worth getting using this visit and bring with home .

We know that this visit by president HAKAINDE HICHILEMA to ISRAEL can not settle well because of issues which may be of great importance to the country surrounding the corruption allegations , insecurity may cause the shift of goal posts to blame the president’s visit to that nation by politicizing matters for domestic Political mileage . Suppose president HAKAINDE HICHILEMA went to CHINA what would they have said because they are the same people who have been advocating for such a move , similarly that is travelling to another country , let them watch the space and stop being rhetoric and deficient of substance in the new era of this polical landscape . God bless mother Zambia .

I CRY ZAMBIA IS MY BELOVED COUNTRY

PRESSURE MOUNTS ON GOVT TO HAND OVER KCM TO VEDANTA

By Correspondent
PRESSURE is mounting on the UPND government to handover the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) to Vedanta Resources.

Today, government is expected to announce the hand over and a consortium of Civil Society Organizations pushing for the comeback of Vedanta are optimistic that the announcement will be done today.

The Advocates for National Development and Democracy (ANDD) and Zambia for Unity Peace and Development (ZUPED) have said the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe on 14th July, 2023, revealed that the new investors of Mopani Copper Mine and KCM will be announced by 31st July, 2023.

ANDD Executive Director Samuel Banda believes that President Hakainde Hichilema and Kabuswe are aware of the economic challenges the country is grappling with as a result of the non functionality of the two mining giants.

“We believe that His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema and Mines and Minerals Development Minister Hon Paul Kabuswe are aware of the economic challenges of this country more especially on the Copperbelt. The economy of Copperbelt is down, the business for suppliers and contractors is down because the tw strategic mines have not been operating. Hence we believe that the President (Mr. Hichilema) and Mines Minister are committed to ensure that they revamp the mining sector,” said Banda.

“And we want to commend government for the mining reforms that they are implementing for example the introduction of the mineral regulation commission which will ensure that the investors adhere to our mining policies.”

And ZUPED President Ronnie Jere said the contractors and suppliers from the Copperbelt should start preparing for business because the government is today expected to make the major pronouncements.

“It is clear that KCM and Mopani mines are giant strategic investments we have in the country and we should keep them running. These two assets are the major employers that are on the Copperbelt, once KCM and Mopani mines begin to operate, people of the Copperbelt must expect the economy to start booming, trade will improve and liquidity will improve,” said Jere.

“We want to urge the people of the Copperbelt to welcome back Vedanta Resources. We also want to encourage those who will be employed once the mine start running optimally, to work hard and help boost the country’s economy.

He said foreign investors can not develop the country hence the need for locals to work extra hard and help improve the country.
©️ The FOX Newspaper

VERY TOUCHING AND YET PAINFUL: EDGAR MUST NOT THINK THAT ZAMBIANS ARE FOOLISH

Mcpherson Mutale pens down emotional moments and how PF treated Zambians, including himself, as he vows to never ever support the corrupt brutal thieves.

He writes below…

PF WILL NEVER BE AN OPTION FOR ME.

“Individuals like Muntu Mususu can not understand why PF will never be an option in my life. Even if it bounced back to power (God forbid), I would still never support or be a sympathizer of PF.

Let me enlighten you. PF took it personal to make my life a living hell. Your then Minister of Information Kambwili came not only on one occasion but twice to hunt for me like a prey promising to have me fired for simply calling out his lies.

He instructed his PS to summon me and my HoD to his office and talked to us like school boys. They intimidated us to serve their incompetence.

They further instructed IBA to reduce the station radius 3 times in one day. This is information in public domain. They threatened the leaders of the university several times.

I have over 6 warning letters in my office because your leaders thought they had monopoly of use of public media to further their lies.

I had my personal private contracts with government agencies cancelled because they claimed I was anti- government. I have those contracts in my possession. Contracts that were signed by the AG.

Just so you know, when I called out one of the presidential aides that he behaved like a Mafia, he summoned me to his office. When I got there he had a gun on his table and asked me to explain why I called him a mafia.

I pointed at the gun and said why would we have a cordial conversation when you are talking to me with a gun?

Do you know how many threats I got on a daily basis from your fellow cadres? Do you how we lived in constant fear? I could not drive the same car for 6 months because on two occasions someone slashed my car tires.

Your government took away student meal allowances while they increased their salaries and even gave themselves houses at Northgate to buy on loan from their gratuities.

Meanwhile university lecturers and researchers gratuities were never paid going back 10 years.

Contracts were handed down to cadres without proper tender procedures. Markets and bus stations were run by cadres.

Civil servants were living in constant fear of being hounded out by cadres. CDF was only given to pro FF MPs and areas while neglecting other parts of the country.

You government ran down the economy of this country to its lowest. The real GDP of Zambia by the time you took office was around $29 billion and by the time you were kicked out, it was $18.9 billion.

An economy whose GDP you found growing at average 6.5% , you left it at -2.8% at the time of your unceremonious departure.

When you came into office, the country had less than $3 billion external debt and by the time you were leaving, we were indebted to the tune of over $13 billion.

You divided this country on tribal lines and made other citizens to feel like they are third class. You created an economic divide that saw the PF enjoy everything while the rest of the citizens wallop in abject poverty.

You compromised institutions, churches, civil society and even our traditional leaders. You killed the spirit of one Zambia One Nation.

You frowned upon the rule of law and found pleasure in chaos and terror ways of controlling people.

You wanted to change the constitution to prevent change so that you could continue looting without anyone hindering your gluttonous appetite for stolen wealth.

So just because you enjoyed the spoils that were falling from the tables of your masters, and now you can not eat, that should not make you feel like the country is worse off.

It is those who enjoyed the loot who are crying the loudest. The common people have always suffered regardless of who is in power.

Yes the cost of living is very high. Even those of us who work can hardly afford. Life in general is tough for everyone.

The damage that was done to this economy won’t go away in the blink of an eye. To get an economy out of a recession and put it back on the growth trajectory takes between 5-10 years.

We may not appreciate the economic programs of the current administration just now because they will only bear fruits 5-10 years.

So if you ever think that we will stop talking about PF, you are terribly mistaken. If you think, we are looking for jobs, you’re wrong. We have known to stand on our feet when it was extremely difficult, we can’t fail now.

We warned PF but they never listened. We have continued to raise our concerns to the current administration and if they don’t listen, they will have the same fate as PF.

To be clear and not to mince my words, I WILL NEVER SUPPORT PF even if they bounced back to power. That’s my personal decision and don’t misconstrue my sentiments to include other people or institutions am affiliated with.”