Masebo should take responsibility and stop scandalising innocent hardworking professionals

Monday 8 May 2023

Health Minister Sylvia Masebo says there are no drugs in our hospitals because health workers are stealing the medicines.

The statement by the minister is not only false and misleading but shows just how incompetent, irresponsible, uncaring and shameless the Minister is. The persistent shortages of medicines and medical supplies in our hospitals is as a result of the failure by the Government to purchase and distribute the drugs to our healthcare facilities.

Here are the facts:

1. Parliament through the Committee on Health, Community Development And Social Services and the Office of the Auditor General have produced two audit reports concerning the shortages of medicines and medical supplies and the reasons for the shortages have nothing to do with what Masebo is saying.

According to the Government’s own Performance Audit Report the causes of the shortages of medicines and medical supplies are as follows:

1. Government’s failure to purchase and distribute medicines and medical supplies. Government cancelled contacts to buy and supply medicines and medical supplies without putting in place measures to sign new contracts;

2. Limited capacity by the Zambia Medicines & Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) to supply essential medicines and medical supplies. ZAMMSA doesn’t even know the country’s maximum needs/demand ratios and required medical stocks;

3. Discrepancies between dispatch notes and medicines delivered to district pharmacies; and health facilities;

4. Poor maintenance of medicine inventories; and inadequate qualified staff;

5. Government’s failure to increase budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Health to fifteen percent in line with the Abuja Declaration;

6. Government’s failure to give health institutions more autonomy in the purchase and procurement of drugs through decentralising the procurement of essential medicines to health facilities;

7. ZAMMSA’s failure to ensure compliance with the distribution schedules as well as its failure to improve forecasting and quantification of medicines and medical supplies by installing facility editions of the Logistics Information Management System at all health facilities;

8. The failure by ZAMMSA to supply Health Kits. This is because of the failure by Government to adequately fund the Ministry of Health and;

9. ZAMMSA’s failure to deliver medicines and medical supplies according to the distribution schedule. The major challenge highlighted was transport availability to enable the ZAMMSA meet the delivery schedule.

The Audit Reports have provided clear guidance and recommendations on the issue of the shortages of medicines and medical supplies in our clinics and hospitals. Guidelines and recommendations which Masebo and her Government have up to date failed to implement.

The recommendations that Masebo was given as follows:

1. The Ministry of Health should ensure that essential medicines were readily available at the health facilities by monitoring the demand and supply of essential medicines to determine timely identification of reducing stock.

2. ZAMMSA should improve the delivery and supply of medicines and medical supplies to health institutions by ensuring that all orders were delivered on time according to the distribution schedule.

3. The Ministry of Health must develop a database which would enable health facilities have access to information on the availability of medicines and medical supplies which were overstocked and under stocked in some health facilities and recommend for their redistribution to health facilities which may have low stock.

4. The Ministry of Health should improve the needs assessment at health facilities so that the risk of medicines expiring on the shelf was reduced by avoiding overstocking. Medicines with short shelf life should only be delivered to health facilities after consent had been received from the facilities or the Ministry of Health and it had been established that they would be used within a specified period.

5. The ZAMMSA and health facilities should continue adhering to the First Expiry First Out policy of managing essential medicines and medical supplies.

6. The ZAMMSA should ensure that the constructed hubs were stocked with all the essential medicines so as to efficiently and effectively distribute medicines and medical supplies in order to meet the delivery schedules.

7. The Ministry of Health should ensure the efficient deployment of available pharmacy personnel across the country so as to ensure that all pharmacies were manned by qualified pharmacy personnel.

8. Government must increase budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Health.

So Masebo should accept failure, take responsibility and stop maligning our innocent and hardworking health workers.

Issued by;
Antonio Mourinho Mwanza
Media Director
Patriotic Front

Controversial Lusaka Catholic Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda has said it is scary when scores of defence force officers pursue an old woman with armoury vehicles.

Archbishop Banda said the scenario of scores of defence force officers pursuing an old woman with armoury vehicles raises questions on where society or a country is heading to.

He wondered how it would be and what the law enforcement officials would carry or go with when pursuing a male suspect.

In his sermon at Lusaka’s Holy Family Catholic Church in Linda Township, Archbishop Banda preached on overcoming fear by believing in God.

He said fear was irrational and it can result in the destruction of other people’s lives, their dignity, their integrity and their property.

Archbishop Banda based his sermon on John 14: 1-12 in which Jesus said to his disciples, “Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.”

“My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus says do not let your heart be troubled, believe in God and believe in me. This command is to cultivate a personal relationship with God and Jesus himself. This command does not come from a lack of challenges but it is derived from an immense thoughtfulness in the power of God, in the power of Jesus Christ himself. The gospel passage comes from the farewell speech of our Lord Jesus Christ before his passion. Jesus reveals that he was going away where he was going his disciples could not come and that one of his own disciples had become a mole, a spy and indeed the steward leader amongst them on the verge of collapse, on the verge of failure of loyalty. These information troubled the disciples and especially that Christ was about to pass on. However, Jesus calls them to believe in him and to believe in God. He said he is the way to the father. He is the truth that has been revealed in the scriptures and in his person as the Word made fresh, Emmanuel, God that was among us and indeed that Jesus himself is life because all that came to be, came to be in him hence their hearts should not be troubled,” he preached.

Archbishop Banda said it was normal to be fearful when people start experiencing promotion of death at the expense of life, promotion of cultures contrary to their own cultural values because of money.

“Don’t let your heart be troubled. It is easy to be fearful when challenges become definite. It is easy to be fearful when we experience organised crime in our communities and it is normal to be fearful when we start experiencing promotion of death at the expense of life, promotion of cultures contrary to our own cultural values because of money.Bacibusa muli Kristu kuti catuletela umwenso konse uko tuli ngatwamona abashilikale imitapashi ukukonkelafye nakulubantu na bamotoka ababa armoury ukukonkelafye nakulubantu catuletela umwenso. Calola kwi? Cilelola kwi? Ngakansha ekobakemina baye bamone umwaume munabo bakema nafinshi? (My brothers and sisters, it is normal to be fearful when we see scores of defence force pursuing one old woman with armoury vehicles pursuing an old lady.This brings us fear. Where is this leading to? Whatmore when they rise to go and pursue their male colleague, what will they go with or carry?)
This can bring fear, where are we heading to? Christ is cautioning each one of us not to be overwhelmed nor apprehensive for fear is irrational,” Archbishop Banda continued.

“Fear is irrational enough to be petty, fear is irrational to become so suspicious with everything and everyone. Fear is irrational to insinuate falsehood and inuendo. Fear is irrational, it destroy other people’s lives, their dignity, their integrity and their property. That is why Christ is saying don’t fear. Don’t let your hearts be troubled, you become irrational you won’t think things through. Take heart. Ati bola panshi,” said the former Bishop of Ndola and Solwezi Dioceses.

“Solving the Miles Sampa vs PF Puzzle: A Test of Leadership and Integrity”

By Fabian C Mutale

Every riddle has an answer, even if it may not be obvious or easy to find.

Every mathematical equation has a solution, even if it involves imaginary or complex numbers. However, sometimes an equation may be impossible to solve with the currently known methods or the answer may be undefined (such as dividing by zero). In such cases, the equation is considered unsolvable rather than having no answer.

In recent weeks, the political puzzle surrounding Miles Sampa vs Patriotic Front (PF) has only become more complex and confusing. It seems as though there is no clear answer or solution in sight. The question on everyone’s mind is: what is at stake?

It is clear that this puzzle is creating an impression of distraction and uncertainty for the PF party. The longer the puzzle remains unsolved, the more potential there is for damage to occur.

It’s time for our leaders to give us an answer. We are tired of being left in the dark and being forced to speculate about what might be happening behind closed doors. Using the concept of pain for gain is not an acceptable route to take. We deserve clarity, honesty, and transparency.

If Miles Sampa truly means well, he must propose a road map with a clear plan on how the PF will organize a convention without a committee in place. The multiple court cases and legal challenges only serve to complicate the situation further. Rather than relying on an unpredictable court process, let’s look to arbitration or dialogue to find a resolution.

The bigger question is: how will this puzzle be solved when everything and everyone seems to be illegal? It’s a daunting challenge, but it’s not impossible. We need our leaders to step up, put their differences aside, and work together to find a solution that benefits everyone.

In light of recent events, it is essential to consider the legality of Mr. Sampa’s presence in Parliament and his candidature for the Presidency of PF. With the current legal framework in place, it is apparent that Mr. Sampa may not qualify to contest for the Presidency as per the existing PF constitution.

Moreover, it is noteworthy that the Central Committee, which is currently believed to be illegal, is attempting to amend the constitution to accommodate Mr. Sampa’s ambitions.

In conclusion, the Miles Sampa vs PF puzzle is not simply a matter of politics, but a test of leadership and integrity. We urge our leaders to take action and find an answer that puts the best interests of the nation first. We cannot afford to remain distracted and divided any longer.

// // //Ends// // //

The author is a Democracy Advocate.
For comments and feedback:

Email:mutalefabianchileshe@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +260955354717

Zambia’s debt crisis, whats the way out?

By Golden Mapulanga

Zambia is currently facing a significant debt crisis, with external debt estimated to be around $12 billion, which is equivalent to more than 100% of the country’s GDP, hence it is important to note that there is no single solution to Zambia’s debt crisis, and a combination of measures will likely be needed, and the government will therefore need to work with its creditors, civil society, and other stakeholders to implement a sustainable and comprehensive plan to address the crisis, and to overcome this crisis, the country will need to implement a combination of short-term and long-term solutions. Here are a few possible solutions:

1. Restructuring the debt: the Zambian government should negotiate with its creditors to restructure the debt, which could involve extending the repayment period, reducing the interest rate, or forgiving some of the debt. This would provide the country with some breathing space to implement other measures to improve its economic situation, and even though President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration has initiated already though the financial politics between the US and China are proving to be a huge setback so far.

2. Fiscal consolidation: Zambia could implement fiscal consolidation measures to reduce its budget deficit, which would help to reduce borrowing and slow the growth of debt. This could include reducing government spending, increasing tax revenues, and improving the efficiency of public services.

3. Economic diversification: Zambia’s economy is heavily dependent on copper exports, which makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in commodity prices. To reduce this vulnerability, the country could diversify its economy by investing in other sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.

4. Strengthening institutions: Zambia could improve its institutions and governance systems to reduce corruption and promote transparency. This would help to improve the business environment and attract more foreign investment, which could help to boost economic growth.

5. International support: Zambia could seek support from international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or the World Bank to help address its debt crisis. This could involve accessing emergency financing or technical assistance to help implement reforms.

6. Promoting private sector growth: Zambia could focus on promoting private sector growth by improving the business environment, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and providing incentives for investment. This could help to create jobs, boost economic growth, and generate tax revenues to help pay down debt.

7. Strengthening the financial sector: Zambia could strengthen its financial sector by improving regulation, increasing access to credit, and promoting financial inclusion. This could help to increase investment and enable businesses to access the financing they need to grow.

8. Investing in infrastructure: Zambia could invest in infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and power generation facilities. This could help to improve economic productivity, attract foreign investment, and create jobs.

9. Debt-for-nature swaps: Zambia could explore debt-for-nature swap agreements, where a portion of the country’s debt is forgiven in exchange for environmental conservation efforts. This could help to reduce debt levels and promote sustainable development.

10. Regional integration: Zambia could work on regional integration efforts with neighboring countries, which could help to promote trade and investment, reduce transaction costs, and create economies of scale.

In summary, the key to addressing Zambia’s debt crisis will be to implement a comprehensive and sustainable strategy that involves a combination of measures, including debt restructuring, fiscal consolidation, economic diversification, and institutional strengthening. It will also require strong political will, good governance, and effective implementation to achieve sustainable results.

Kalemba

NONDO MWANANSHIKU WEIGHS IN ON MOTORCADES INCONVENIENCING THE PUBLIC

Ruto is setting a very distinct and progressive standard in Kenya, away from the mediocrity that we seem to be entrenching here. He sounds like a president who is taking charge of affairs and stumping his authority on governance. You can easily notice that this is a guy who has decided to dispense with “business as usual” party-driven politics and is trying to drive the country on a new trajectory where the Kenyan citizen, regardless of political belief, affiliation or status , comes first, and is being placed at the centre of planning. At least, on paper, that is how he is sounding. The reality may well be different.

It is interesting that President Ruto was addressing his stern message to the Service Chiefs, while here in Zambia these service chiefs seem to have just gone amock, “drunk” with power and official-dom.

They seem to have been completely inebriated by trappings of the office. Have you seen how on a daily basis, motoring citizens are being subjected to inconvenience and abuse by intermittent motor-cades, criss-crossing, and ferrying senior uniformed officers of one type or other? Motorists rushing to work are rudely pushed off the road to make way, or are made to wait, at times for 10 minutes or more, in order to fast-track these “important” uniformed officials. If it is not vehicle registration number AB 1, 2 or 3, it is ZAF 1, 2 or 3, or ZNS 1, 2, or 3 or ZP 1, 2 or 3. As if not to be out-done, I have noticed that the last few days even the prison’s fellow, with his CSC 1 has joined the fray.

Just this evening, at 18h15 on Addis Ababa drive, while driving home, I and other motorists eager to go home after a tiring work day, were forcefully pushed off the road by the CS 1 motor-cade, which had crossed the island to our side of the road and was driving in the opposite direction instead, in the process almost causing us an accident.

Now these might sound like insignificant observations to make, but, as a motorist, I always ask myself the following questions every time that I endure this kind of abuse on the road.

(1) Why for instance, should a managing director of a manufacturing company that provides employment and contributes to the GDP of this country, be delayed for 10 minutes on the road at 07h30, in order to allow a Correctional Services Commissioner, who is just going to work to count inmates, to pass?

(2) And why should motorists still be inconvenienced by being stopped, for these motor-cades to be fast-tracked, even at 18h15, when all these uniformed top-brass are just on their way home to rest, after knocking-off?

(3) What exactly is the risk that these officials are being protected from, which would occur, if their vehicles are driven normally without inconveiniencing the citizenry without blurting sirens and or periodically forcefully shunting us off the roads.

(4) Is there any assessment that is done to quantify, in economic terms the loss incurred by the Zambian economy, when you aggregate the total time lost in those 10 minute stoppages by individual citizens rushing to work?

(5) Why has the country become so pre-occupied with obsessing about importance or trappings of these public offices, such that we even lose sight of the fact that these are positions of servitude meant to serve and answerable to the people, and not the other way round, where people begin to pander to them or pay homage to their occupants.

(6) Are these motor-cades, and their existence provided for constitutionally and are they operating within presidential over-sight and approval?
The decadence of unlawliness ( Yes! because that is what it translates to, if happening outside legal bounds) that mushroomed during the dreaded PF rule among their cadres, where they could run motorists off the road with impunity, it would appear still exists, except that it now seems to have graduated and now resides in official spaces.

As the president tackles the issue of expensive Toyota Land-Cruiser VX, he would also do well to also address this issue of these criss-crossing motor-cades that, like street-vending is “polluting” our roads and motor-ways.

It Is Now Clear Hakainde Hichilema Is Equal To The Task

By John Nyambe Kalunga

Evidently, support for the UPND is generally skewed towards Hakainde Hichilema as an individual because of his astuteness, gregariousness, affluence, humility, and of course charisma. President Hichilema’s natural popularity among Zambians, youths in particular, is unwavering and it is mainly anchored on the accolades alluded to.

This is evidenced by how thrilled the University of Zambia (UNZA) students were when President Hichilema made his maiden visit to the institution since assuming authority of the highest office of the land. It is not surprising that the students were so enthusiastic with HH’s visit because they have mainly been voting for the UPND President in past elections.

From the foregoing, it was easy to conclude that students are unforgiving to the former ruling party – PF – a party, which stripped them of their meal allowances, a party that limited the awarding of bursaries to a few students with connections.

President Hichilema has repeatedly stated that his victory in the previous election was largely due to the youths who sought a better alternative. For this, he has rewarded them by fulfilling his promise to provide free education, to reintroduce student meal allowances and to increase the number of bursary beneficiaries among others.

It is thus easy to fathom why President Hichilema will easily retain his position in 2026 especially with a weak and disorganized opposition. Statistics indicate that Zambia has a youthful population and it is these youths whom HH is taking great care of who have put him on the path to victory.

Even though he insists that his preoccupation is to work and not necessarily to win the 2026 polls, winning the election will be straightforward for President Hichilema. However, it might prove otherwise for some of his ministers and Members of Parliament.

President Hichilema realizes that Zambians crave to find their feet in life. He knows that there is a strong desire to access the necessities of life that have rarely been made available by successive administrations especially during the PF reign when corruption and outright theft of public resources was the toll order.

HH is alive to the fact that his methodical approach of doing things is being perceived as being slow but it is one of the instruments that he is using to awaken the interest of the electorate in what to expect from their elected officials since their assumption of office. President Hichilema notes that it is work and not rhetoric that will endear government to its people.

During the PF reign, corruption, theft, the high cost of living and other harrowing economic issues combined and gave birth to the current situation that has led to an increase in the country’s poverty index.

This notwithstanding, HH is slowly and methodically reversing the status quo by paying off pensioners (including partial preretirement pensions), empowering citizens through the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), paying money owed to contractors and restructuring the country’s huge debt among other initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation.

While HH’s deeds are there for all and sundry to see, most UPND MPs are not doing enough to showcase their constituency projects for the benefit of endearing themselves to their constituents and for matching up with the executive arm that is usually receiving a trail of praises from structures on the ground.

Undoubtedly, HH is up to the mark but the works of some of his ministers and MPs are obscure and unremarkable and these have to up their game going forward. Citizens from all parts of the country are stuffed ideally as to what is happening to some of their MPs. They are poised on who to vote for and who should be collectively sacked through the ballot.

The UPND politicians, ministers and MPs in particular, must learn from the mistakes of their colleagues who have fallen from grace. They must think beyond their personal gains and center
their goals to what might change and uplift the already broken trust from the people.

Notably, some of the ministers and MPs have never stepped in certain areas of their constituencies since they were voted into office. The show of empathy and passion for the people that they waged as they sought their vote was feigned as they are not showing care for the electorate.

Of course, most politicians promise the electorate heaven on earth because elections aren’t easy to win by presenting facts as they are, seekers of elective offices will always devise avenues to awaken voters’ sensitivity by making mind-blogging pledges that could hardly be achieved in the world of reality. But then there should be some semblance of compassion among them.

As loyal Zambians, nothing should matter more than the absolute enthusiasm to salvage the country, to bring sanity into the system, to ignore every distraction marauding in the political space. There is also a need for us, led by our elected officials, to be intentional in our quest for a country that works.

PARTIAL ACCESS TO NAPSA FUNDS, _COULD THIS BE THE MONEY PF CADRES WERE PUBLICLY SHARING, BURNING AND DISPLAYING?

Authored By Mupishi Jones

President Hakainde Hichilema hasn’t printed any extra money in circulation from the time he assumed office and yet he’s managed to pay off all those retirees who were camping
at the ministry of justice when Given Lucinda, the current masquerader as Acting PF President was the Minister.

Who can forget all that drama, prayer and fasting meetings which retirees where holding at Given Lucinda’s former office,do you still hear them today? President Hakainde Hichilema hasn’t printed any extra money for him to increase CDF from K1.6m to K28.3m.President Hakainde Hichilema hasn’t borrowed carelessly for him to finance free education to our children, neither has he done abracadabra to raise cash for him to restore meal allowances to university .

President Hakainde Hichilema and his team are prudently using the same facilities and instruments left by the former regime to manage public affairs.

The question is where was all this money previously going to? What was it being spent on? You can’t tell me that it was building roads and other infrastructures because that was borrowed money, loans,eurobonds!

Is it not the same retirees money that the PF cadres were publicly and shamelessly displaying and burning in front of the suffering masses including before retirees themselves?

Is it not the same money which the PF was paying musicians to compose alebwelelapo political campaign songs which songs they were forcing the same retirees, university students, civil servants to be singing and dancing? Is it not the same money the PF were using to buy off opposition political party members to insult President Hakainde Hichilema before defecting to the PF? This is the same money President Hakainde Hichilema today is giving to civil servants as partial access to NAPSA contributions.This is the same money that is making PF to desperately start using unorthodox episodes in trying to bounce back so that they can come and continue were they ended? Zambians, let’s open our eyes, this money being given towards partial access to NAPSA funds, the K28.3m CDF increment, the money being used today to pay salaries for thousands of newly recruited civil servants, the money President Hakainde Hichilema is using to finance free education, the money President Hakainde Hichilema is using to pay meal allowances to university students has always been there during the PF regime except it was being shared amongst themselves!

This could even be the source of these questionable deals involving $400,000 dollars and other money’s being forfeited to the state.This was the same money which the PF regime was using to finance extravagantly their political party campaign camps especially during bye-elections.

What President Hakainde Hichilema and his team are doing is just to methodically realign priorities but using the same facilities and instruments left by Edgar Lungu’s regime.The other notable point of departure from Edgar and the PF’s administrative culture is that President Hakainde Hichilema is focused at providing at individual level, to each and every concerned citizen of Zambia and not only at members of his UPND only!
Everyone today knows that if it was during the PF regime of one Edgar and his team, even this partial access to NAPSA funds,there were going to be several lists of selected priority beneficiaries being submitted from PF secretariat to NAPSA CEO and his inner management team! A similar list would have been submitted to the PSC,LGSC and other boards responsible for recruitment of public service workers.However, the atmosphere under Bally is totally different.Today, even the partisan narrative has totally changed because it doesn’t matter whether one is a member of UPND,PF,MMD,SP, they’re all queing back-to-back to access part of their pension benefit contributions from NAPSA.They are all applying and given equal opportunities to be recruited and employed as civil servants.They are all being given equal opportunities to apply for contracts under CDF and other government contracts.The political party stronghold narrative has equally disappeared because President Hakainde Hichilema and his team are distributing this same CDF at the same time to all the 156 constituencies without bringing partisan stronghold narrative into the picture!

However,one is still compelled to pause the same question, where is this money coming from which President Hakainde Hichilema and his team are disbursing towards CDF programs (K28.3m), K11b partial access to NAPSA,free education, salaries for over 60,000 newly recruited public service workers and other activities?

Before you answer that question,in the first place were was it, and what was it used for?
The answer is,that’s the same money PF was sharing and shamelessly displaying by its cadres!

Remember how retirees where camping at Given Lucinda’s office crying for their hard earned pension money? That was the same money the PF were bragging about……,retirees money! That’s the same $400,000 money you are hearing today that was being hidden to so called safe custody!

No wonder balepafwaisha ukubwelelapo to come and continue with their thurgery and barberic behavior.

The PF think we have forgotten how many of our citizens were killed in cold blood by the their regime led by one Edgar?
The people that want Edgar back are those who cannot survive in a civilized society like today! These are the type who thrive in a chaotic environment.

I submit

Mupishi Jones

REMOVING SECTION 89 OF PUBLIC PROCUREMENT ACT SHOWS UPND’S DISREGARD FOR CITIZENS – DR. ZIMBA

Lusaka, Sunday (May 7, 2023)

Former President Edgar Lungu’s Political Advisor Chris Zumani Zimba has urged the UPND Administration to halt plans to amend Section 89 of the Public Procurement Act No.8 of 2020 which requires any company participating in public procurement, to partner with Citizens.

Dr. Zimba says Section 79 has already solved the problem that government is advancing to be the reason why Section 89 should be amended.

He said the motive behind the proposed amendment will only advantage foreign companies because Zambians will no longer benefit from public procurements.

“Section 89 establishes the eligibility criteria for anyone wishing to participate in our Public Procurement. As you can see in 89(1) h, foreign companies (whether local or international) must partner with Citizen Companies for them to be eligible. This requirement applies to all procurement methods in our land including the now abused direct bidding (Single sourcing),” he said.

Dr. Zimba said the intention of the Law was to ensure citizens got their Constitutional first Right of Refusal in Public Procurement, build capacity where they lack, and ensure transfer of skills and technology to citizens.

“This is where this govermment has a problem. This requirement simply means Zambians must be involved in every procurement, and every coin spent by their government. So while they have found it easy to single source every government tender, this section 89 awaits to take some of them to prisons because it will be essentially impossible to justify why citizen companies are not partnering with these foreign companies being single sourced,” he said.

Dr. Zimba urged the UPND Administration to reduce on the huge appetite to give foreigners business, leaving Zambian citizens in poverty.

“They single sourced fertiliser and Ocean Basket to do Lusaka-dual carriage way, have you heard about any of Zambians involved? NO. Everything

has been single sourced under this administration, but they cannot cheat their way passed this partnering requirement. They know that they are committing crimes everyday under this Law. Once they get rid of this requirement, they now will be at liberty to choose who supplies what,” he said.

Dr. Zimba said Zambia enact the Law because it was a Constitutional duty for the Government to create an enabling business environment for

the citizens of the Republic as guided by Article 10(1) and 10(2) of the Constitution Amendment Act of 2016.

“It is not a favor, but a constitutional demand that governments must take seriously. This single sourcing and these innuendos to change this requirement for foreigners to partner

with Citizens is Unconstitutional, and we must interrogate if these people are acting

Constitutionally. Zambia is for Zambians, resources in Zambia belong to Zambians,” he said.

STATEMENT FROM HON MILES BWALYA SAMPA MP ON THE ILLEGAL PF CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEETING TAKING PLACE TODAY

Saturday 6th May, 2023

The so called PF central committee meeting going on this morning is illegal because the PF President (Dr Edgar Edgar Lungu), Secretary General-SG (Davies Mwila) and Chairman (Samuel Ngonga Mukupa) all resigned about 2 years ago.

According to the PF constitution only the SG can call a central committee meeting. Even from precedent maybe the party President or Chairman can call and chair a central committee meeting. Vices or deputies to these 3 top office bearers only come in operation once given instructions by the substantive office bearers. So if they resigned 2 years go when have they given their vices or deputies to call and chair this meeting today?

In this social and not official meeting today they can appoint or re-appoint themselves onto as many positions as they wish but they are of no material relevance and illegal according to the PF constitution. This meeting conveners and attendees also border on active contempt of court case and will consult my lawyers on possibility of adding other names to the list awaiting adjudicating by the Judge.

The over K200,000 that will be spent on the sumptuous lunch today and other logistics for the few gathered is a waste of party resources. The funds could have best been until used sent to the grassroot structures in the 10 provinces that have long been ignored since we lost the general elections in 2021.

In the circumstances we find ourselves in, the only next legal gathering for the PF is the extra ordinary general conference that will elect a substantive party President and 25 central committee members.

Our immediate focus should be to seek leniency with the Minister of Home Affairs so he does not de-register PF from our own negligence of delaying for 2 years the holding of elections to choose new office bearers. This is why I wrote the letter to the Minister last week seeking his leniency while you continue with scheming illegal meetings meant to further delay the elective general conference.

All appointments and minutes produced from the illegal meeting today are an afterthought and continued acts of arrogance from the illegally appointed and appointing specialists.

The General Conference is hereby demanded to take place Now and no further illegal meetings or social gatherings. Enough of delaying tactics or excuses from 9 months when we paid and receipted K200,000 nomination fees.

Miles B. Sampa, MP
PF Presidential Candidate

[PHOTO FOCUS] TASILA, SABOI, MPs, COUNCILORS and SOME CHAWAMA RESIDENTS JOIN ECL IN JOGGING

Former president Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu this morning conducted his routine road run in the company of his daughter Tasila, some members of parliament (mainly female) NDC leader Saboi Imboela, former mines minister Richard Musukwa, some councilors, among several others.

The members of parliament included Hon Melesiana Phiri-Chibwe (Milanzi) Hon. Maureen Mabonga (Mfuwe), Hon. Tasila Lungu Mwansa (Chawama) and a team of Chawama residents.

That famous duo, the PF socialites; The Green Ghost aka ichibanda cha green, were also among the jogging entourage.

There was also a musician of repute, Kings Mwape who sang about ECL’s legacy to Zambia, especially in the area of infrastructure.

📸 GrindStone Television Zambia

Zambia falls back into the hands of Chinese money for top infra projects

By Donald Mumba

After much talk about pivoting to the west, the reality on the ground, the substance over form is that Zambia is still tapping China for major infrastructure projects. Whenever there is a major infrastructure financing need, it seems no western companies are capable of competing with their Chinese or Eastern bloc counterparts.

While the West seem to have won the minds of many in the ideological support for a semblance of democratic governance system that is practiced in Zambia, when it comes to economic realities on hard core infrastructure investments and financing, the Chinese have so far won the bids to do the three largest projects even under the new dawn administration.

It was initially thought that the western firms would come into Zambia in droves after the change of government in 2021, from the Patriotic Front – PF which was seen to be more leaning to the East and China to the United Party for National Development – UPND which was seen as leaning more to the West, alas, the situation on the ground seems like a continuation of the status quo as far as infrastructure financing and construction is concerned.

Take for instance the top three infrastructure projects so far confirmed in Zambia from the time the new dawn administration took over, we have seen a Chinese consortia winning the bid to do the Chingola – Kasumbalesa dual road project worth about USD32 million, we also saw the Chinese consortia again being awarded the tender to do the much awaited USD650 million Lusaka – Ndola dual carriage way road.

Another major economic project that has seen even President Hakainde Hichilema launch, was the USD600 million United Capital Fertilizer project to make Zambia self-sufficient in UREA fertilizers production and cut imports that should see the Kwacha end its November to March annual depreciation streak experienced when importing large quantities of fertilizers.

These are real tangible projects which even the most Sino skeptical locals can see, with their impact on the national economy clear for everyone who cares to see. Of course, what seems to have changed is the reduced skepticism of corruption in contract awards, overpricing accusations and China bashing by foreign diplomats in Zambia and western financed non-governmental organizations plying their trade in the country.

The bottom line is that the Chinese and the Eastern bloc have retained their reputation for execution, financial ability and technical know-how on executing projects at acceptable terms to ordinary folks in developing country like Zambia. Now, contrast this with the western support and economic support pledges.

The largest project that was expected after the takeover by the new dawn administration was on electric batteries manufacturing industry, it was taunted to worth in excess of USD15 billion for just the initial phase, but it is still on paper, not even land has been secured, no construction has started and no top ranking official seems to be able to give a proper update on when exactly this project will commence.

Most skeptics are now saying that this project was only made to hoodwink members of the public to look away from a leaning to the East based economic partnerships. Projections to increase copper production to over 3 million tons from the current about 800,000 tons by 2031 have still not been broken down to actual milestones or mines projected production figures that can be independently tracked, making the whole episode feel like an excuse for justifying the award of unjustified tax incentives.

The only tangible project from the western based companies we have seen is the launch of the USD30 million Mimbula mine. The other was the USD100 million enterprise Nickle mine which was projected to start earning about USD800 million per annum, but it’s difficult to confirm if these revenues ever touch the Zambian banking industry or forex market.

Yes, we do get announcements from Western countries of hundreds of millions of US dollars investments in the health sector but are these investments tangible, how much of that support actually comes into the Zambian economy? How much of it has ever been invested in local medicine and medical equipment manufacturing so that future self-sufficiency can be attained?

For Zambia, we need to be allowed to engage both the East and the West, tap the countries with the most efficient system in specific areas of economic and socio-cultural endeavor. Today, Zambia needs infrastructure to open up the country for full exploitation of its massive natural resources.

One important and urgent need for the new dawn government to not only outside for foreign direct investments, but how to avail local investment by having a local financial system that can provide affordable and competitive financing. Even most of these mines and projects that politicians think can only be done by foreign investors, can be done by local investors if a proper and working financial system is put in place.

The stock exchange – LuSE needs to start working for local investors and SMEs, banks and micro financiers need regulatory guidance and support to back local businesses. Only then will the demographic dividend and youth unemployment be tackled. There is no country that has ever successfully outsourced its development agenda. Only Zambians and local businesses can meaningfully and sustainably develop… Follow link to read the full article http://zambianbusinesstimes.com/zambia-falls-back-into…/

About the Author; Donald Mumba is the Managing Editor and Director of the Zambian Business Times – ZBT. For comments and contributions email: donald.mumba@zambianbusinesstimes.com

In the picture below is Zambia’s President HH and Zhang Jinyue, Vice President for Wuhuan Engineering Company during the launch of the construction of United Capital Fertiliser plant.

Kanchibiya Member of Parliament Sunday Chanda says there is a need for the Government to seriously consider using the equitable model of allocating Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

Mr Chanda says rural constituencies need more CDF allocation because they have unique challenges than constituencies in urban towns like Lusaka.

He also notes that rural constituencies like Kanchibiya are lagging behind in terms of development activities compared to well-established and developed constituencies like Kabwata in Lusaka.

The Kanchibiya lawmaker was speaking in an interview with the Zambia News and Information Service ZANIS in Kanchibiya today.

He said to increase the rate of development activities in rural underdeveloped constituencies there is a need for the equitable distribution of CDF.

Mr Chanda said equitable CDF will spur the rate of development in rural constituencies and attract more people to come and work in these areas, unlike now when some civil servants shun working in rural places.

“Yes, it’s an argument I have raised on the floor of Parliament before and rural-based MPs agree in principle,” he said.

And the Kanchibiya lawmaker has commended President Hakainde Hichilema for increasing the CDF allocation from K1.6 million to K25.7 million and now K28.3 million.

He said the increase in CDF allocation to constituencies is a milestone step that the Government has provided for its citizens.

“The bottom line is that we appreciate the expanded CDF scope and the difference it is making on the ground. And our appeal is that the Government considers our unique challenges and that rural constituencies will develop at a faster rate,” Mr Chanda said.

He also disclosed that his office would continue engaging the central Government to assist in implementing certain capital projects that cannot be done using CDF.

The lawmaker pointed out that his office has already engaged the Ministry of Home Affairs to assist in the construction of the ongoing the Kanchibiya modern police station

Meanwhile speaking in a separate interview, Chief Mpepo of the Bisa people has commended the area Member of Parliament and Kanchibiya Town Council for prudent utilisation and management of CDF.

Chief Mpepo said CDF has brought tangible positive significant change to the district such as sponsorship of boarding secondary school bursaries and skills and trade development courses among other things.

“We are so grateful to the Government for increasing the CDF fund,” Chief Mpepo said.

And Kanchibiya District Town Council Secretary David Mwansa has urged all contractors implementing CDF projects in the district to continue adhering to recommended set standards and guidelines for implementing CDF projects.

Mr Mwansa further said that Kanchibiya will endeavour to implement all CDF projects with the spirit of excellence.

“Generally we are impressed with those engaged to implement the CDF project in Kanchibiya.

POLICE COULD HAVE DONE BETTER-NOBERT MUMBA

Hon Jack Mwimbu’s statement yesterday was perhaps the most terse statement to be issued by a government official in a long time. Understandably he was very disappointed, he was angry. Indeed the public and some senior opposition party officials abused the Republican President unjustifiably as it was police action not the President’s action that triggered the debacle.

I however think the Inspector General of Police and Hon Mwimbu as Home Affairs Minister must take responsibility for what happened. Given the culture that has developed in the country where every government wrong is attributed to the President and UPND government is largely responsible for this culture, IG ought to have known what would follow.
Firstly, as a seasoned investigator myself the drama was unnecessary. There are drones which obviously can easily confirm presence of the vehicle in the yard.

2. There are summons which could have been used to call the suspect and suspect asked to surrender the vehicle to police as the drone would have already verified its presence.

3. There is also what is called dusk to dawn surveillance, by this you make sure the identified property if movable stays in its place as you invoke recovery procedures.

4. You must always give the suspect an opportunity to be heard for a balanced story to avoid embarrassment. From Hon Mwimbu’s statement judgment had already been passed that complainant had told a true story but now the other side of the story brings a different perspective.

5. The actions to retrieve the vehicle if necessary didn’t require the drama of a recovery vehicle attempting to breakdown a gate and the platoons of troops as all police officers are trained in obstacle crossing. Only a few officers armed with an electric grinder needed to access to cut the locking mechanism from inside. But more importantly from the live coverage no one was even resisting only correct documentation was being requested.

6. To the opposition political party leaders particularly the PF it was shameful to demean the institution of President in that manner. UPND can be excused for its behaviour of heaping everything on the President while in opposition because it has never been in government but you know how government works, your know the importance of preserving the integrity of the office of President so you ought and must act responsibly.

At the very least one of you should have been calling the President to request a better way of handling this.

Finally, my appeal to all law enforcement officers is to stay conscious that all your actions are carried out in the name of the President and this therefore demands professional conduct this includes being truthful when we request the judiciary for search warrants. Question is was the motor vehicle really stolen?

THE ZAMBIAN PEOPLE EXPECTS HICHILEMA NOT TO FORGET WHERE HE IS COMING FROM BUT THEY EXPECT HIM TO FORGIVE – NAWAKWI

FDD President, Edith Nawakwi who is seeking medical attention out of the country has expressed concern at the behaviour of Presudent Hichilema towards the immediate past former first family.

Nawakwi expressed extreme disappointment at the events at former President Edgar Lungu’s residence where police wanted to force themselves into the house to search the former first lady Mama Esther Lungu.

“I am very dissapointed by the action of the State police on their disrespect towards the former first family but I am not surprised knowing the nature of Hakainde Hichilema, I do not expect Hichilema to subject anyone to anything he himself went through as an opposition leader. Hichilema has allowed many opposition leaders to be harrased, a situation that goes against his own testimony that he will rule the country through the rule of law.”

Nawakwi expressed concern that the people who voted for Hakainde Hichilema simply gave him a sympathy vote owing to what he had gone through and despite them voting him in to take over from ECL, they did not expect him to forget what he went through but expected him to forgive and concentrate on improving the economy.

“I am deeply concened at this behaviour by Hakainde Hichilema, this is a man who got a sympathy vote, the people of Zambia went with him to mulobeko in their spirit and they made sure they voted him as President. Hichilema’s corrosive heart of hatred is bigger than the love for the nation and therefore we have yet again found our country at crossroads where the President is putting a wedge between husband and wife.”

Nawakwi further expressed disappointment that Hichilema seems to forget that world over nations have established office of first ladies after realising that we cannot separate first ladies from the Presidency.

“Hichilema wants to tell the nation that women are just house wives who must be in the kitchen and in the bedroom regardless of them being Lawyers , Judges, Bankers, Doctors etc they nothing but merely women. Hichilema doesn’t trust women and this is evidenced by his continued utterances that the former first lady is separate from the Presidency. We have not only in zambia but the entire world established office of first lady, even in zambia today, Mutinta Hichilema cannot be isolated from the Presidency but unfortunately, Hichilema is telling the whole world that the current first lady is just a wife who deserves no respect but just a sign of family around the President. Further, what is Hakainde telling the institutions of Presidency? Is he telling us that we must not accord the protocol to Mutinta Hichilema as our first lady because she is just a woman and his wife? “

Nawakwi expressed her concerns through a phone call she made from her hospital bed to Prince Chanda otherwise known politically as Hardliner….

STATE ENTERS NOLLE IN NAKACINDA DEFAMATION OF THE PRESIDENT CASE.

Lusaka – Friday, 5 May 2023 (Smart Eagles)

LUSAKA Magistrate , Idah Phiri has discharged Patrotic Front ( PF)
Chairperson for Information and Publicity , Rapheal Nakacinda of a charge of defamation of the President after the State entered a nolle prosequi.

Nakacinda has , however, taken fresh plea in a matter he is charged with expressing words of contempt or Ridicule to persons
because of race, location and color and denied the charge .

Nakacinda, 44, of Kafue in Lusaka district told Lusaka magistrate, Idah Phiri that he understood the charge but he was not guilty.

This is a matter in which Nakacinda was initially charged with two counts of defamation of the President and expressing words of contempt or ridicule to persons because of race, location and color.

He was alleged to have uttered tribal and derogatory remarks against President Hakainde Hichilema and the Tonga people during a live programme on Hot FM in Lusaka.

When the matter came up , State prosecutor, Micheal Nyundwe told the court that the case was coming up for plea but before Nakacinda could take plea, the State had an application to make.

Mr Nyundwe said that the application was in relation to withdrawing of the first count against Nakacinda so that he could remain with the second charge bordering on the charge of expressing hatred .

He said that the application was based on Section 88 (a) of the Criminal Procedure Code ( CPC) and urged the court to discharge Nakacinda of the first charge.

Ms Phiri informed Nakacinda that he was discharged of the charge of defamation of the President following the decision of the prosecution to enter nolle prosequi in his favour .

The court then proceeded to read out the remaining count of expressing hatred to which Nakacinda pleaded not guilty.

Nakacinda is alleged to have uttered words in local language translated as “You know what you did you Zambians is very bad, you went to pick the worst and complete ignorant of a Tonga from Bweengwa and then went to dump him in state House, expressing or showing hatred, ridicule or contempt against a group of persons namely the Tonga Speaking People of Bweengwa area of the Southern Province of the Republic of Zambia, because of their place of origin and tribe.

Mr Phiri adjourned the case to June 22, 2023 for possible commencement of trial.

He was represented by Francis Daka from Makebi, Zulu Associates .

CDF A POLITICAL WHIP

I write to bemoan the happenings on the very much preached about Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

This is a Fund that is meant to improve the well-being of zambians. It is taxpayers’ money which does not belong to any Political party.

I note with dismay the kind of political interference that is being applied on this well-intended Fund.

For the record, Chitambo Constituency received about K25,350.00 in 2022. The balance was withheld by the Ministry of Local Government for the purposes of purchasing the CDF ‘monitoring vehicle’ which up to date has not been delivered.

The CDF Committee to which I am a Member, sat and concluded its business of evaluating and approving all CDF projects, disbursements of bursaries, financing of skills training programs and awarding of grants in September of 2022.

But to date, Council workers have failed to implement Projects under the guise of Procurement processes. However, Council workers who have sought anonymity for fear of being victimised have testified that there are instructions from ‘above’, directing them not to implement the approved programs. As I write, Chitambo CDF account is still holding on to about K19,000,000 unused funds despite the fact that beneficiaries for developmental projects, skills training and grants were already identified and approved by the CDF Committee in September 2022.

Chitambo Constituency has 6 projects which are complete which were ready for handover in January 2023. Equally, beneficiaries for Skills and Grants programs were also ready to receive their allocations by January 2023.

The Provincial Minister working in collusion with the Provincial Permanent Secretary and the District Commissioner (DC) for Chitambo District has made sure that no official handover of CDF projects and programs takes place.

The first handover ceremony was scheduled for the 7th of march 2023 but it was cancelled on the actual day when everything was prepared and ready to go.

The second handover was organised to take place today. Again it has been councelled on the material day on very lame excuses.

All these matters have been brought to the attention of the Minister for Local Government to no avail.

The Regulations guiding the handover of CDF projects, skills training programs, bursaries and Grants are very clear. It is the Council Chairperson, the DC and the Member of Parliament who are required to handover the programs and projects. And in all the two instances, the aforementioned office bearers have always been present and ready for handover but nothing has happened.

It is very clear that the UPND Government has chosen to use the CDF as a political Tool to whip the opposition at the expense of developing Zambia. They want to deny Opposition MPs the chance to deliver so that they use that to de-campaign the MPs in 2026.

I want to appeal to the conscience of the UPND; it is not me they are punishing but it is the beneficiaries who in this aspect are the people of Chitambo constituency who are bonafide Zambians.

As Chitambo Member of Parliament, I shall note take it lightly to be caught up in this political cynical games of hoodwinking the masses that Government has given out CDF while frustrating the good intentions of development.

I appeal to the President to ensure that his Government practices what it is preaching.

I thank you.

Issued by;
Hon Remember Mutale CHANDA
Member of Parliament
Chitambo Constituency
Central Province

POLICE USE OF ABUSIVE LANGUAGE INSPIRED BY HH

….says Mourinho as he urges the Church to intervene

Lusaka, Thursday, May 4, 2023 ( Smart Eagles)

President Hakainde Hichilema’s derogatory remarks has now started influencing Police Officers, Patriotic Media Director Antonio Mourinho Mwanza has said.

This follows yesterday’s use of unpalatable language by Deputy Commissioner of Police Mwala Yuyi during an altercation with former Home Affairs Minister Hon Stephen Kampyongo when armed police officers raided former President Edgar Lungu’s residence.

Speaking when he featured on 5fm’s Burning Issue today, the PF Media Director said the bitterness being exhibited by President Hichilema is bad for National unity.

Mr Mwanza said the tone and language used by the President is not fit for the office he holds.

Mourinho said Power without control is a recipe for disaster.

“President has been speaking with a lot of anger and Venom. It does not fit the office that he holds. The language that he uses does not fit the church he comes from where he is allegedly the elder. The behaviour is now seen in the behaviour of the police officer who were violent and confrontational. I want to appeal to the conscious of President Sammy Hichilema, you have an obligation to provide leadership for all and unite the country. You are not the only one who has been to jail. We have a gone through these trials and tribulations,” he said

Meanwhile, Mr Mwanza said President Hichilema is scared of the Patriotic Front

He said this can be seen from the consistency in lying and talking ill about the former ruling party at almost every interval.

He said the President has also been displaying some dictatorial Tendencies by saying he is on the seat and that a certain party will not assume it.

Mr Mwanza said the current Head of State must not be cheated that he will be in power forever.

He said President Hichilema must be reminded that the office of the President is temporal and he will soon become a former Head of State.

“Do not think that you are an absolute monarch that you choose whom to stand or not. That seat is for the people of Zambia and in 2026, they will checkmate you. When you have power. Do not use it as though you have it forever,” he said.

Mr Mwanza has urged the Church leaders to sit down the President that he keeps in check the bitterness.

Copperbelt-based Good Governance activist Peter Mulenga has challenged former President Edgar Lungu to clearly tell the nation whether or not he has retired from politics.

And Mr. Mulenga has condemned the storming of Mr. Lungu’s Lusaka residence by scores of uniformed police on Wednesday morning.

He said Mr. Lungu was a good man who is being misled over the issue of returning to politics by some few people surrounding him.

Mr. Mulenga said the sixth republican president has never publicly spoken about returning to politics contrary to what is being portrayed by some of his supporters.

“It’s written all over that former President Edgar Changwa Lungu is being misled by some ‘power hungry’ party officials. I know Edgar Changwa Lungu as a good man, but he is being misled by some few people who have surrounded him. The endorsement being made all over by boot lickers do not mean well for the Zambian public at large. The endorsements were unconstitutional. The current endorsements of Edgar Changwa Lungu are questionable. Dr Edgar Changwa Lungu has never spoken about it, and it’s like they are forcing him. He has told us on a number of occasions that he had retired, so am calling upon Edgar Changwa Lungu to come out clear on his position,” Mr. Mulenga said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mulenga said the former president needs to enjoy his retirement in peace.

He said the storming of Mr. Lungu’s residence by police was embarrassing to President Hakainde Hichilema and the country at large.

“But again the events of today where the police storm his residence should be condemned; it has no place in this country. And in my opinion, this is why he has been forced to return in 2026 for revenge only. Mr President sir, as commander in chief please you need to look at this very seriously otherwise the witch hunt issues in Zambia of former presidents will also catch up with you sir. Former presidents need to enjoy their retirement in peace. Also let’s be reminded that Zambia is a democracy and people are free to express themselves, however they should be limited to their freedoms. One cannot be insulting the president in the name of democracy. What happened today is embarrassing to the President and the country at large. Most of the police officers have studied law, and I should believe that they know that Mr Lungu enjoys immunity.

The question is, was today’s event a quest to embarrass the former President or a political game instigated by the UPND? The Bible says; never take your own revenge. In Deuteronomy 32:35.Vengeance is Mine, and retribution, in due time their foot will slip; for the day of their calamity is near, and the impending things are hastening upon them. I leave the country to Judge. I submit,” Mr. Mulenga stated.

Meanwhile, social commentator Isaac Mwendela Nsoneka says the trend of harassing former Presidents in Zambia won’t end.

“Constitutionally each individual has got the right and Privilege to occupy and hold the office of President of the republic of Zambia for a period of 10 years which they can decide to cut short and serve for one term of 5 years but never to prolong the 10 years period to 15 or any other number of years that is not 10 years which is split into 2 terms, so the time to stop working from state house and lining up police officers on Mosi O’Tunya road is coming for President Hakainde Hichilema. Whenever that time comes, it will be very interesting to see who in UPND will stand with Mr Hichilema as has been the case with Dr Lungu whose house seems to now be more of a community one than any other. In all this remember that the days of subserviced loyalty are long gone, the people will only come to your aid if you once or twice aided them or even still do. How will the Membership remember Mr Hakainde? So it doesn’t seem like many would have fond memories if the end were today or tomorrow going by the recent outbursts from UPND members for lack of a proper reward system,” Mr. Nsoneka said.

ZAMBIANS SHOULD REMEMBER THAT PF ALMOST BURIED WEAPONS AT PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA’S FARM TO IMPLICATE HIM NOT TO BE ON THE 2021 BALLOT PAPERS …***

By Stembridge Sikalundu

Whose mind can that be to have thought of doing such a thing ? , it was not the only attempt one may recall the HATEMBO issue where an opposition leader was used and paid , the gassing accusations where about 57 people lost their lives , millions left traumatised and the pravatisation which was done by the MMD govt using an act of Parliament , but just because Mr HAKAINDE HICHILEMA was a major upfront contender for the presidency of this country , mafias were looking for options to take away the right from president HAKAINDE HICHILEMA .

The many police apprehensions on president HAKAINDE HICHILEMA at his residence in a brutal attacks that represented authoritarian schemes to threaten the life of an innocent citizen , it was impossible for president HAKAINDE HICHILEMA to move in this country , the head of state risked his life to be in many parts if the country for his campaigns , guns were fired many ambushes done , I recall when zambians asked to prepare a passport for president HAKAINDE HICHILEMA to use if it was a requirement for him to visit other provinces in the country , let’s imagine how carders told president HAKAINDE never to visit the copperbelt , indeed criminals were in power .

What I don’t understand is the fact that president HAKAINDE HICHILEMA is a human being whether in opposition at the time or as the republican president , so did the police have the right to attack or handle Mr HAKAINDE HICHILEMA in the manner they used to when he was an opposition leader ?, today when the police search ECL’s residence PF members are saying stop embarrassing the former president , no one in PF could pitty president HAKAINDE HICHILEMA when those guns were being fired at him , the tear gassing of president HAKAINDE HICHILEMA’s residence ,” the community house ” , the gun shots fired at president HAKAINDE HICHILEMA during radio station interviews , I recall when the president was aided to escape through a high roof top to save his life .

The church ,and all the civic leaders from different none governmental organizations were present in the country for seven years witnessing these activities happening on a citizen whose crime was out of the desire to become president of this country , the opposition leaders in this country witnessed all these unthinkable happenings by the PF regime . The story about the journey of Mr HAKAINDE HICHILEMA to the presidency is a painful and a traumatic experience , 127 days in prison on trumped up charges . How many senior citizens were used and paid to demonise president HAKAINDE HICHILEMA , character assassins on the personality is unforgettable experience to any man .

We are told not to speak about the past , this history was made by people who are saying they want to rule this country again , why should we be stopped from reminding ourselves what we experienced as a nation .President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has not taken this trauma with him in the office of the presidency , but Mr HAKAINDE HICHILEMA recalls very well that only the people of zambia were on his side and besides him there is a living God , when I see the clergy open their voice codes now , I ask myself where these people were when president HAKAINDE HICHILEMA was being totured because of wanting to be president of zambia . God bless mother Zambia .

I CRY ZAMBIA IS MY BELOVED COUNTRY

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA WRITES:-

This morning we conducted swearing-in of Mr. Nason Banda as the new Director General of the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC).

Others are Ambassadors and High Commissioner Designates who will represent our nation and people in various countries.

They are Mr. Morecome Mumba, Ms. Mary Chirwa, Ms. Pamela Mwelela Chisanga, and Ms. Mazuba Bernadine Moonze, who will represent Zambia in Malaysia, Mozambique, Botswana, and South Africa, respectively.

In addition, Mr. Ivan Zyuulu and Mr. Andrew Bwezani Banda have been sworn as Ambassador Designates to the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Korea, respectively.

We have full confidence in the new DEC Director General, who brings a wealth of experience to the position. We are certain that he will continue the excellent work of his predecessor in ensuring that drug trafficking, money laundering, and financial crimes are brought under control.

Furthermore, we believe that the Ambassadors and High Commissioner Designates will play a crucial role in advancing the New Dawn’s policy of economic diplomacy. They will focus on areas such as alternative sources of renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, and building value chains using our mineral resources.

We congratulated them on their new appointments and wished them the very best in their respective roles.

Hakainde Hichilema,
President of the Republic of Zambia.

THE RUNX, ALION & CANTER WORTH $400,000 CASH ?

By Miles B. Sampa, MP

I have always advocated for the former President ECL and the First Lady Ester Lungu to have a quiet and peaceful retirement with the status of Father and Mother of the Nation.

Other than ‘die hard’ cadres showering me insults for not showing up in Ibex apparently for soliderity, yesterday events made me sad in more ways than one. The $400,000 cash story and docket opening by the former first family niece accusing mama Esther of theft. She claims stolen were her cars namely a Runx, an Alion and a Canter that are potentially worth about $20,000 in total is most disheartening.

In reality I think Mama Esther did not steal the vehicles from her niece but was attempting to recover some value from the $400,000 cash that was entrusted with the niece but guess which she ‘misplaced’. It could have actually been safer for Mama Esther to have cut her losses and not pursued the recovery route with her niece.

Here it is now the niece has flipped to the police and we now all got to hear and know what we probably should have not heard on the family feud and money involved therein.

There is now more questions than answers around the $400,000 cash and more so on the source of the money. If case had to find it’s way in the courts of law, cross examinations I suspect would be centered around that. From where, when, and how questions. ‘Did you have a money lenders license from the Bank of Zambia to lend $400,000 cash to your niece?, ‘Why was the money not banked and what was the source?’ Etc etc

Takes me back to my earlier point or views on status of the former President and former First Lady. Undisputed that they both still loved by many of our citizens be it within and outside PF.

Equally as many citizens however do not wish them back into active things of politics or other activities as was yesterday that do preserve their status as father and mother of the nation.Their sustained good name is worth more than any amount of cash be it $400,000 that is now throwing shade on them.

Some betrayal from the niece but the bigger issue now the police likely docket opened that if goes to court maybe vs the people. Stealing of a motor vehicle real or perceived has a huge mark in Zambia’s political history in the Archie Matribouy and Michael Sata cases vs the people. It never ends well.

Family dispute should be resolved within family as once the police are called in to cite the penal code, it potential becomes way costly beyond the $400,000 cash may have been lost or ‘stolen’ by the niece.

I can only wish mama Esther well in this ordeal that could have been avoided in the first place had matter been kept and resolved within the family.

MBS04.05.2023

HOW EMMANUEL MWAMBA EXPOSED AND EMBARRASSED EDGAR AND ESTHER LUNGU YESTERDAY

By Shalala Oliver Sepiso

When the police showed up at ECL’s house in Ibex Hill in the morning yesterday, PF propagandists like Emmanuel Mwamba and Chilufya Tayali didn’t waste time in blaming HH and the UPND for what they called a siege and “prosecution”.

They first tried to confuse and misinform the people that it was Edgar being targeted. Then lawyer Makebi Zulu explained that it was a search for cars belonging to Esther Lungu underway. Debunked!

They then changed to suggesting that investigations involving the house where Edgar Lungu lives amount to prosecution, which the former president is immune to. But the public was quick to dispel this showing that investigations differ from prosecution. “If being searched is part of prosecution, does that mean we get prosecuted at road blocks?,” someone queried.

When Mwamba saw that this was failing, he decided to make Esther and Lungu look like victims. He told the whole world that the complainant in the case was Edgar Lungu’s niece. For the first time, people realised it wasn’t HH directing police. This was a family matter after all. It was also not a civil matter but a criminal matter because there was a case of theft of motor vehicles involved.

Later, with clear permission from his bosses, Emmanuel Mwamba revealed that the first lady had lent out USD 400,000 “for safe keeping”. Eish “elo lwanya!,” observers cried. How did someone with no traceable work history or business history have USD 400,000 to give a niece of the husband to keep? How many nieces were given money to keep? How much is out there? How much was or is being kept at her home which they didn’t want searched?

Mwamba’s loose statements yesterday, in trying to be the one breaking news, undid all the propaganda PF had made up to afternoon. They had brought cadres in hordes (who were sit cooking chimpapila), insulted the police (through Kampyongo and his “I was your minister” rants) so the police can come out brutal in outlook and accused President Hakainde Hichilema as being behind the operation. The police were clearly one of the winners of the day as they handled the matter professionally. For the first time we saw that Zambian police can be tolerant under extreme provocation and can get the job done. They got what they came for.

Eventually, even BBC realised that the propaganda was amiss. It mentioned that the police visit to ECL’s residence was about cars dubiously acquired and not political persecution. “Edgar Lungu’s lawyer told local media that the search follows a complaint against the former first lady, Esther Lungu, over her suspicious ownership of three motor vehicles,” BBC reported.

Though the Daily Nation of this morning tried to make it sound like there was siege on the Esther Lungu’s house by police, when movements in and out were actually freely done, the Times of Zambia has reported the matter better. Mwamba spilled the beans. And he has embarrassed Esther Lungu. And Edgar Lungu.

What happened today in Zambia where former President Edgar Lungu’s home was besieged by police with guns, cameras in tow and the use of a grinder to open his residence gate is something out of a movie.

By: Hopewell Chin’ono

I was taught about how irresponsible this kind of action can be when I was studying at City University in London on a course on inhibitions to clean political transitions after elections, as part of my Masters degree in International Journalism.

President Hakainde Hichilema’s actions against his predecessor were reckless and destabilizing, because they happen at a time when down to his south in Zimbabwe, there will be a general election in 2 months time.

This comes a week after Hichilema’s government gave warning that it was de-registering the former President’s party in 7 days, a political party that is now the country’s main opposition party in parliament.

On assuming power, President Hichilema fired Zambian army generals.

He was oblivious to the effect this would have on his neighbor, Zimbabwe, it created anxiety within the State security sector in Zimbabwe.

Populist decisions are short lived, leaders must be sensitive to the ramifications of their actions on others around them.

Today’s drama would have instilled the fear of God in many African dictators who might otherwise have agreed to go after losing elections.

African presidents must not be made to fear leaving office, especially over trivial issues.

President Hichilema’s transition to power was a negotiated deal as Lungu tried to reject the election results after losing to Hichilema..

The deal had guarantees and conditions, and it gave assurances against retribution on former President Edgar Lungu, perceived or real.

Such deals are important to Africans as Africa evolves into a democratic space, and must be upheld, otherwise they will lose meaning when there is a need to implement them in a country like Zimbabwe and beyond.

Why did today’s drama happen, it was over a private dispute of 3 cars, like seriously?

When Zimbabwe wanted to embark on a land reform program in the late 1980s into the early 1990s, President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia warned Robert Mugabe against doing such a thing, because the timing was bad.

Kaunda reminded Mugabe that South Africa was still to get its independence from the apartheid regime, and that actions that might instill fear in the racist South African regime were politically counterproductive and irresponsibly naive!

What happened today falls into such a category of political naivety driven by short term populist reasons and gains of wanting to be seen to be tough, yet the consequences from the fallout that the ordinary eye can’t immediately see can be huge and far reaching.

Whatever the motivation for today’s actions, mature political leadership should not have send a battalion of armed police with cameras in tow to a former head of state’s residence and embarrassing him by trying to cut open his iron gate with a grinder.

It was totally unnecessary, and politically naive as this could have been dealt with through phone calls or just summoning the former First Lady to the police station because the cars were assumed to be in her custody.

President Hichilema is seen as a progressive President who many look up to, he should not create sympathy for former President Lungu through such irresponsible actions that lack political tact.

Lungu doesn’t deserve it, but he is now getting it.

Today’s actions seemingly point towards retribution to some, something that Zambia and the region doesn’t need.
Such actions create rigged elections.

Hichilema should remember how Fredrick Chiluba badly treated Kenneth Kaunda, sending him to jail, it instilled the fear of God in many African Presidents resulting in refusal to go.

The late Tanzanian President Mwalimu Julius Nyerere said at the time of Kaunda’s incarceration, Africa needed leaders with wisdom and not driven by acts of vengeance because the damage can take generations to undo.