The Scandal at Ministry of Finance, A Scandal or Hoax?

PART 1

By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

It all started in September 2021 with the allegations that the Ministry of Finance was running a secret and parallel account.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) also confirmed that it was investigating a matter involving an alleged secret and illegal account at the Ministry of Finance purportedly used to siphon millions of Kwacha.

The Ministry of Finance immediately denied knowledge of the existence of any secret and illegal account that was reportedly being maintained parallel to the legal payment system in the country.

The Ministry of Finance stated that it only had one paying bank account, the Single Treasury Account(STA) through the Integrated Financial Management System only after which any person, persons or recipient entity can receive the payment through the Real Time Gross (RTG) settlement system housed at the Bank of Zambia.

The established and authorized payment processes for the government are planned, approved, authorized and pre-audited by internal auditors before a post-audit by the auditor general while payments for allowances are made to individual bank accounts to maintain payment trails for the government account.

SO WHERE IS THE FRAUD?

● Authorities for the payments was drawn from the Public Finance Management Act No.1 of 2018, Section 7 (1) (g), and (z), and Section 86 and 87, the Secretary to Cabinet, Secretary to Treasury and Permanent Secretary.

● the allowances were paid as a condition of service.

● The allowances at the centre of the so called scandal represent allowances paid to Permanent Witnesses ( The Auditor General, Secretary to Treasury, Controller of Internal Audit and Accountant General ) and support staff helping on the various work of the Parliamentary Accounts Committee(PAC), Committee on Local Authorities and Committee on Parastatal Bodies covering the from 2019-2021, although these allowances have been paid since 2013 and from 2021 to date.

● Payments were made to persons at both National Assembly, Ministry of Finance and National Audit Office.

● Documents show that all the payments have authorities as prescribed by law and from written authorities from the Clerk of the National Assembly, Secretary to Cabinet, Secretary to Treasury, Permanent Secretary and others.

● All transactions were duly authorized by multiple authorities.

● All allowances were signed for.

● the IFMIS system at the centre of all payments cannot be manipulated and the system DOESN’T delete any activities as designed.

● Other payees have conveniently been excluded from both investigations and arrests and will show later.

TO UNDERSTAND THE ALLEGED FRAUD REQUIRE THAT WE UNDERTAND AND LOOK AT THE IFMIS PROGRAMME

The IFMIS -Integrated Financial Management Information Systems is an electronic payment platfotm and was adopted by Government as an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tool in order to help the Government plan, allocate and report on the Revenues/Expenditures.

The procurement of the design, supply, installation, configuration and training of the IFMIS was supported by the World Bank under the Public Sector Management Support Project for Zambia.

The purpose was to make public service delivery, institutions, and processes more effective and efficient and accountable in the use of public funds and public Expenditures to support poverty reduction, job creation and economic growth.

The IFMIS system has modules that are used to execute the different government programmes and the officers also play different roles.

To make the system foolproof, no one Officer can perform all roles or functions.

THE IFMIS STEPS

□ For a payment to go through, there should be a budget and there should be funding on a particular budget line.

□ After all is done (Authorities) outside the system a payment will be introduced into the system, called parking (same as writing a payment voucher).

□ Completing (checking the correctness of what has been parked including the budget lines used).

□ Internal Audit will go through as a control measure to the budget line and the activities are seating well.

□ Releasing is then done.(authorization of Voucher).

□ After the above stages, an officer with the role of producing the open item report (list of payments in old language it would be called a Backing Sheet).

□ Again Internal Audit will have to authenticate the list, then the signatories will sign, one from Panel A (Finance Person)another from Panel B (administration), then the Controlling Officer ( Permanent Secretary) will be the last to sign as he/she the one answerable for all expenditures under his/her charge.

□ The open item report is taken to Treasury Management, where transmission is done to individual accounts.

The IFMIS here is interfaced with the Bank of Zambia System so that the transmission to individual accounts is straight through, unlike in the olden days where money was first transferred to a Commercial Bank then to various beneficiaries.

□ The current system uses the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS).

All these developments were done with a view to improve efficiency and transparency.

The advantage of the IFMIS programme is that by a click of a few buttons Government is able to know the Revenues and Expenditures on programs, and proves very easy for national budget tracking.

Through the IFMIS, government has managed to produce the Financial Report on time in accordance with Article 211 of the Republican Constitution.

CONCLUSION

The IFMIS payment processes require multiple authorities and the system is designed to hold records without deletion even by a super user.

Clearly any fraud using this system would be foolhardy as it documents, archives and keeps all financial records.

The troubling matter is the selective approach in which this entire matter has been handled which leaves others in their jobs while suspciously suspending others.

The best is to produce both the entire list of all those that authorized these allowances and the list of all the beneficiaries.

Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts Elvis Chishala Nkandu has charged that the people of Zambia won’t allow the Patriotic Front (PF) to return to power because of the rampant illegalities and corruption the previous regime committed.

Mr. Nkandu said during the PF reign many illegalities such as informal and illicit allocation of land were committed by cadres and people in authority.

The Kaputa Member of Parliament said PF left the country in a mess which the New Dawn government is correcting methodically.

Mr. Nkandu was speaking after touring Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola where some people and companies were allocated land in the area belonging to the stadium between 2012 and 2021.

He called for the proper utilization of land belonging to Levy Mwanawasa Stadium which is under his ministry.

“If we were like our colleagues (PF) even this land would have been occupied (sold) because it was just free for all. Someone can just give himself or herself land. Us we have cadres that consult when they want to do things. But I think the previous regime did not do justice to this country in terms of land allocation. So if some people are saying no ukubwelelapo pa mupando (retaining the seat) with this confusion they left sure who can let them come back with that confusion we had seen? So I think the Zambian people should be aware that this is a government (UPND administration) that has come to make sure that things are done properly. This is where we are saying we cannot allow anyone to encroach on this land,” Mr. Nkandu said.

He added that people that committed illegalities in the previous regime or the current administration must face the law.

“I think it is high time that as Zambians we refrain from corruption and also give land on a silver platter because at the end of the day the land belongs to the Zambian people. I am so disappointed with what I have found here, especially land encroachment. In fact, let me not use the word encroachment because encroachment is like someone has not been given authority but here people were just given land by people in authority or cadres. I don’t even know how to put it. My understanding is that any illegality, whether someone is involved in corrupt practices or in illegal allocation of land, is criminality and I know that whatever criminality is done it should be taken to court.”

“If there is that notion of illegal land allocation cases not being taken to court then I don’t know some people who say that think or reason. For me, those that had participated in illegal land allocation should also be probed so that each one can account for their deeds. Maybe it is the way we are trying to treaty these other people, others may think the illegalities they committed were ok. They are now able to go on an anthill and say we are challenging you to do this and that,” Mr. Nkandu said.

He asked Zambians to be patient as the prosecution of people involved in illegal activities in the past continues.

“There were a lot of illegal things that were done but you know as the President (Hakainde Hichilema) says we are doing things methodically and I think some other people are mistaking us to be very weak. We are not weak and we will make sure that those that participated in illegal activities are brought to book. It could be now or it may take some time but also people need to understand that the wheels of justice are very slow so let them be patient. So those who did something wrong should be prosecuted. Equally, if I also involve myself in illegal activities I will be prosecuted. The President has been very categorical on these issues saying corrupt practices of the previous regime, current or future regime will be prosecuted. We will not look at someone’s face as long as one is involved in illegal practices will be prosecuted. So think let us have some patience, by the end of the day we will be able to know who did what and who did not do anything wrong,’ he concluded.

The Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) has called on President Hakainde Hichilema to immediately release the 2019 Boundary Delimitation Report.

Delimitation is the process of mapping and re-aligning of electoral boundaries, these are
constituencies, wards, polling districts and provinces in order for effective and efficient conduct of
elections.

The delimitation of electoral boundaries is a key electoral process and should be guided by the fundamental principles of impartiality, equality, representativeness, non-discrimination and
transparency.

CCMG Steering Committee Chairperson Bishop Andrew Mwenda has issued a press statement calling on President Hichilema to immediately release the 2019 Boundary Delimitation Report.

Bishop Mwenda said CCMG is concerned
with the secrecy surrounding the 2019 Boundary Delimitation Report.

The senior clergy said the report is critical to planning for both state and non-state actors and must be in the interest of the President to release such reports to the public for their effective participation.

Bishop Mwenda charged that it is disheartening that huge sums of tax-payers money
were spent on this exercise and four years later the 2019 Boundary Delimitation
Report is still being held by the executive

“Article 229 (2) of the Constitution of Zambia provides for functions and mandate of the Electoral Commission of Zambia, which among other things includes delimiting boundaries for purposes of conducting elections. CCMG is concerned
with the secrecy surrounding the 2019 Boundary Delimitation Report which up to now has not been released to the public, despite the ECZ submitting the same to the Executive,” Bishop Mwenda said.

In Zambia, boundary delimitation is a legal provision in Article 229 of the Constitution No. 2 of 2016 as well as the Electoral Process Act No. 53 of 2016.

These pieces of legislation provide the mandate for the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to conduct delimitation of constituencies, wards and polling districts.

“We, therefore, call on the President to immediately release the 2019 Boundary Delimitation Report, which contains details of number of Polling
Stations, Polling Districts and Wards created prior to the 2021 general elections and the proposed increase to the current number of constituencies.
This report is critical to planning for both state and non-state actors and must be in the interest of the President to release such reports to the public for their effective participation,” he said.

Bishop Mwenda said CCMG believes that government’s continued holding on to the report undermines the principle of transparency on the part of government, which consequently has
a bearing on the independence of the ECZ and its ability to fulfil its mandate without influence from the Executive.

“It is disheartening that huge sums of tax-payers money were spent on this exercise and four years later the 2019 Boundary Delimitation
Report is still being held by the executive. CCMG believes that government’s continued holding on to the report undermines the principle of transparency on the part of government, which consequently has
a bearing on the independence of the ECZ and its ability to fulfil its mandate without influence from the Executive. CCMG reiterates its call for expeditious constitutional and electoral reform to give the Electoral Commission of Zambia
full independence so that it fulfils its mandate independent of any political influence,” Bishop Mwenda said.

The Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) is an alliance of four faith-based organisations formed to help promote credible elections.

CCMG’s mission is to strengthen democratic electoral processes and encourage citizen participation in democratic governance in Zambia through civic and voter education, non-partisan election monitoring, research and documentation, electoral reform advocacy and capacity building of civil society organizations in democracy, elections and governance.

CCMG was launched in November
2014 with the goal of monitoring the January 2015 presidential by-elections.

Since then, the network committed itself to monitoring the whole electoral process that lead to the 2016 general elections and is committed to monitoring the electoral process leading to 2021 general elections.

Are you saying all the budgets you presented as Finance Minister under the MMD Government were not credible?” – Kampyongo Questions the Former MMD Finance Minister

…as Minister Musokotwane rubbishes all National budgets including the ones he presented when he was Minister during the MMD regime….

Today in Parliament, 23rd March, 2023 (SMART EAGLES)

Minister of Finqnce and National Development Hon. Situmbeko Musokotwane this afternoon rubbished all National budgets that have been presented before parliament since independence as non credible with the exception of the 2022 national budget.

Debating the Motion: adopt the report of the planing and budget committee Hon. Musokotwane said “I must say that for the first time since independence the credibility of the 2022 budget tops it all”

And rising on a point of order Opposition Whip Hon. Stephen Kampyongo questioned why the Hon. Musokotwane would come to the floor of the house to rubbish all budgets including the ones he presented when he was Minister of Finance under the MMD Government.

Hon. Musokotwane served as Minister of Finance from 2008 to 2011 under the late President His Excellence Rupiah Banda. During his tenure Hon. Musokotwane.

“Madam speaker, the Minister on the floor was a Minister for three fiscal years under the movement for multiparty Democracy, when he comes on the floor of this house and says since independence the only time there has been credibility in the budget is unde the 2022 budget! So what is the Minister who is a very senior member of this house saying the 3 fiscal years he served as Minister of Finance that all the budgets he brought here were not credible?”

The Shiwang’andu parliamentarian further punctured holes in the type of debate the Minister brought to the House which was merely politiking instead of speaking the contentious issues that the committee on planning and budget raised in the report.

“Madam speaker, lastly is your Minister in order to first come to house with copiers notes which he can’t lay on the table as a response to this report and is now politicking instead of speaking to the issues raised in the report on the floor of this house?”

IF DICK IS OUT, FORGET ABOUT CLEAN AUDIT- KAFWAYA.
….says powers that be are trying to get rid of the Auditor General because they do not want to be audited for 2022.
Lusaka………23rd March, 2023 [Smart Eagles]

It is rubbish calling for the resignation of the Auditor General, Lunte Member of Parliament Mutotwe Kafwaya has said.
His remarks come in the wake of recent calls by some sectors of society among them Transparency International Zambia that Dr Sichembe must vacate his position following his arrest by the Anti-Corruption Commission.
The PF presidential hopeful said the grounds to call for his resignation are not justifiable because the Auditor General has not committed a crime.

He said the arrest of the Auditor General was very unfortunate because it borders on allowances.
He said there is documented evidence that the legislative arm approved the allowances.
“Then they go and blow the figure in public, K1 billion . The amount is standing at K70 million, how can that be K1 billion. Allowances paid by the competent offices. If suddenly, you have decided these were illegal allowances, arrest the Auditor General and all those who got the allowances,” he said

And Hon Kafwaya has confidently stated that Zambians must forget about a credible AUDIT report if the Auditor General Dr. Dick Sichembe is forced out of his office.

He said some people want to justify the statements by some Senior UPND Members that this year’s Audit will be clean.
Hon Kafwaya said powers that be are trying to get rid of the Auditor General because they do not want to be audited for 2022.
He said this is why PS Agriculture has refused to release documents to the Auditor General.

“Once DICK is out of that office Forget about a credible Audit report. At the moment it is compromised because the current Auditor General will not get documents, Ps has refused to release the audits. They want to remove him and bring in people who will be serving UPND interest, it is about producing a report perceived to be clean. Because of this pressure, they want to get rid of the AG so that they can be perceived to be clean,” he said.

Even when I heard TIZ say he should resign, they are just part of that cartel working behind the President …. those who do not want to be audited like the PS who is refusing to release documents , unethical people who want to get those positions and those who colluded with the PS in alleged corruption of procuring fertilizer,” he said

He said Dr Sichembe’s desire to Audit High risk areas in his service to the nation like the procurement of Fertilizer has landed him in trouble.
He said under normal circumstances, the action by the Permanent Secretary calls for instant dismissal.

Hon Kafwaya has since called upon President Hakainde Hichilema to stop the rot and save the country’s integrity.
“Zambians must be worried of how these monies are being used. Because you will never get a clear view of what transpired during the period under review as long as you remove an Auditor who is objective and passionate about what he does and then you replace that Auditor with the person who is part of the confusion,” he said.

Lungu played his part, he’s our former head of state – PF youth

By Edwin Mbulo in Livingstone

EDGAR Lungu played his part, he is a former head of state, says Livingstone PF youth leader Ikuka Muleta.
“We were once in government and we have learnt our lessons,” he says.
Asked if the youths in Livingstone would support Lungu when and if he decides to stage a political come back for the 2026 presidential and general elections, the Livingstone constituency youth chairperson said youths are looking forward to supporting whoever will win at the PF convention.

“As far as I know Edgar Lungu played his part and contributed to the development of our country and he is our former head of state, the father of the nation that we have as at now. The most important thing that we need as a country to develop is unity, peace and love. As youth wings we will support whoever wins at our [forth]coming convention,” Muleta said.
He said the PF youth wing was only interested in having a peaceful and developing Zambia.

“The most important thing is to see our country develop and lots of youths being employed as well as running companies,” Muleta said.
On the PF’s mobilisation, Muleta said there are a lot of strategies in place.

“As you may be aware, we were once in government and we know what governance is. We learnt our lessons. As for the UPND, people will judge the UPND how they will run their term up to 2026 since they have the mandate of five years. People will compare what PF did achieve during our term of office and what they, UPND, will achieve,” he said.

On complaints from Livingstone residents on the non-availability of member of parliament Rodney Sikumba, Muleta said, “I will leave it for the people of Livingstone to judge. As youths all we want to look at is what is affecting the well-being of the majority.”
On CDF disbursement, Muleta called for money to be disbursed on time.

“When we talk about CDF, this is March and I haven’t seen anything with regards to CDF. If money for CDF is released on time there can be changes in terms of development. So as at now some youths haven’t benefitted, if any it must be a little number of them,” said Muleta. “But my major point is that we need to get united. We have one country which is mother Zambia. Unity, peace and love.”

HH SHOULD APOLOGIZE FOR NOT REDUCING MEALIE MEAL TO K50 – MUNDUBILE

Lusaka, Thursday (March 23, 2023)

Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Brian Mundubile says Ministry of Information and Media, Director – Spokesperson Thabo Kawana, is mocking Zambians over his statement that President Hakainde Hichilema never promised to reduce the price of mealie – meal to K50.

Mr. Mundubile who is also PF Presidential Candidate, said the promises President Hichilema made were well documented, especially reducing the price of mealie- meal to K50, fertiliser to K250, fuel to K12, among others.

“All these are well documented and with modern technology, it is easy for people to keep this information. President Hichilema’s voice regarding his promises is actually on people’s phones. For Kawana to say the President never promised is sad and I would advise him to keep away from that issue,” he said.

Mr. Mundubile said President Hichilema should simply face Zambians to explain the challenges he could be facing with regard to the fulfillment of his promises.

“He should be free to face Zambians to tell them how he can meet the promises in future rather than sending Kawana to go and mock citizens,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mundubile said Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma’s advice to people to produce National Registration Cards (NRCs) when buying mealie-meal in Chililabombwe District on the Copperbelt, was saddening.

Mr. Mundubile said the last time such a thing happened was in the 1980s, adding that it was the saddest moment to take Zambians 40 years back.

“The New Dawn Administration should be sincere to address Zambians on what has gone wrong,” he said.

Mr. Mundubile said Members of Parliament raised concern regarding the export of maize but Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo Phiri assured the nation, through Parliament, that Zambia had enough maize stocks and Government continued exporting the grain.

He said the UPND Administration should admit that they made a mistake to allow maize exports now that stocks were low, which might result in the shortage of the staple food going forward.

“There is a better way of doing this than to subject Zambians to produce identity cards before accessing the staple food,” he said.

The Analysis KBNTV: HH-ECL LOVE Peace Handshake

…could mend Zambia 2023 positively says Amb. Anthony Mukwita

From KBNTV 23.03.23

Zambia has lots of socio-economic problems, like many other African countries but one thing that will ´ease´ the burden for the southern African country in my view, will be a truce between the current President Hakainde Hichilema and predecessor H.E Edgar Lungu (No.6 and 7) says Amb. Anthony Mukwita.

Kenya and South Africa have shown us in contemporary history of African politics that we can ´live and let die.´

What can Zambia learn from the above in terms of love and politics?

Analysts are concerned that there is ´no love lost´ between the two political adversaries (in Zambia) almost two years after a ´peaceful power transfer´ was inked after a tightly 2021 poll that saw President H.E Lungu hand over power to President Hichilema, peacefully.

Some Zambians are scared to air their personal views because their business could apparently get affected and ´fixed´.

As peace lover, I beseech our two parents to make compromises on both sides. Deals were signed from what I overstand.

KBNTV: The Crucial Peace Deal

“The unification of our two Presidents Hakainde Hichilema and President Edgar Chagwa Lungu will be great,” said Ambassador Mukwita, “On the cusp of 2023 President Hichilema said let’s bury the hatchet and move in a positive new year trend.” (KBNTVLIVE).

Ambassador Mukwita said, “It is common sense that when parents fight in a home, children suffer more…when parents are happy children are happy so President Lungu and President Hichilema, let’s get on a table and make peace instead of our parents fight so we can be happy as a country.”

On the side-lines nevertheless, Ambassador Mukwita, an astitute diplomat, editor said a truce will be hard to arrive at between number six and seven if compromises are not made. A ´zero sum´ is worse.

How does President HH deal with big brother and friend ECL family issues? Not all issues are legal. – Nelson Mandela.

For instance, a Nelson Mandela silver bullet.
If a truce comes, President Hakainde Hichilema (as current President) wins in my view but then, who am I? Look out for my next book if you can read beyond 50k words. The Rise of China in Africa, Zambia’s story.

NOTE: Make Love Not War

MEDIA STATEMENT PRESENTED BY PATRIOTIC FRONT VICE PRESIDENT
HON GIVEN LUBINDA ON 22ND MARCH 2023

– DIRECTOR OF CEREMONIES
– DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL, HON. NIXON CHILANGWA
– MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE
– LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION, HON BRIAN MUNDUBILE
– OPPOSITION CHIEF AND DEPUTY WHIPS; HON STEPHEN KAMPYONGO AND ANTHONY KASANDWE, RESPECTIVELY
– HON MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT,
– INVITED DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, AND
– MOST IMPORTANTLY MEMBERS OF THE PRESS

GOODMORNING.

AS YOU MAY ALL BE AWARE, ZAMBIA WILL HOLD TWO MAJOR ACTIVITIES IN THE NEXT TEN DAYS.

FIRST, ZAMBIA WILL CO-HOST THE SUMMIT FOR DEMOCRACY AND SECONDLY ZAMBIA WILL ALSO HOST A HIGH-LEVEL VISIT BY THE USA VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS.

THESE TWO EVENTS CAN NOT GO WITHOUT THE PATRIOTIC FRONT RAISING OUR DEEP SEATED CONCERNS ABOUT THEM.

HOWEVER, BEFORE WE STATE OUR PARTY POSITION AND THE DEEP CONCERNS THESE TWO ACTIVITIES HAVE RAISED IN THE NATION, WE WISH TO LAY THE FOUNDATION FIRST.

FOUNDATION
● PRESIDENT BIDEN APPROVED THE USA STRATEGY TOWARDS SUB-SAHARA AFRICA ISSUED IN AUGUST 2022. THIS IS A STRATEGY THAT FRAMES U.S. ENGAGEMENT WITH AFRICAN COUNTRIES AND SETS OUT FOUR CARDINAL OBJECTIVES THAT THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION REGARDS AS CRUCIAL IN ITS EFFORT TO DEEPEN RELATIONS WITH THE CONTINENT.

TWO OBJECTIVES ARE IMPORTANT TO HIGHLIGHT.

OBJECTIVE NO. 1 IS “FOSTER OPPENNESS AND OPEN SOCIETIES”

UNDER THIS OBJECTIVE THE US STATES AS FOLLOWS:

“THE UNITED STATES HAS AN ABIDING INTEREST IN ENSURING THE REGION REMAINS OPEN AND ACCESSIBLE TO ALL, AND THAT GOVERNMENTS AND PUBLICS ARE ABLE TO MAKE THEIR OWN POLITICAL CHOICES, CONSISTENT WITH INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS. OPEN SOCIETIES ARE GENERALLY MORE INCLINED TO WORK IN COMMON CAUSE WITH THE UNITED STATES, ATTRACT GREATER U.S. TRADE AND INVESTMENT, PURSUE POLICIES TO IMPROVE CONDITIONS FOR THEIR CITIZENS, AND COUNTER HARMFUL ACTIVITIES BY THE PRC, RUSSIA, AND OTHER FOREIGN ACTORS”.

OBJECTIVE NO. 2 IS “DELIVER DEMOCRATIC AND SECURITY DIVIDENDS”

UNDER THIS OBJECTIVE THE US SATES AS FOLLOWS:

“THE UNITED STATES WILL SUPPORT AFRICAN DEMOCRACIES BY BACKING CIVIL SOCIETY, INCLUDING ACTIVISTS, WORKERS, AND REFORM-MINDED LEADERS; EMPOWERING MARGINALIZED GROUPS, SUCH AS LGBTQI+ INDIVIDUALS; CENTERING THE VOICES OF WOMEN AND YOUTH IN REFORM EFFORTS; AND DEFENDING FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS AS NECESSARY BUT INSUFFICIENT COMPONENTS OF VIBRANT DEMOCRACIES. THE UNITED STATES WILL SUPPORT DEMOCRATIC OPENINGS AND OPPORTUNITIES BY BUILDING ON THE PRESIDENTIAL INITIATIVE FOR DEMOCRATIC RENEWAL, THE SUMMIT FOR DEMOCRACY, AND THE YEAR OF ACTION”.

● PRESIDENT BIDEN SIGNED AN EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 13988 OF JANUARY 20, 2021 ON ADVANCING EQUALITY FOR LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, QUEER, AND INTERSEX INDIVIDUALS.

● FURTHER ON FEBRUARY 4, 2021, PRESIDENT BIDEN ISSUED THE PRESIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM ON ADVANCING THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, QUEER, AND INTERSEX (LGBTQI+) PERSONS AROUND THE WORLD.

THE MEMORANDUM DIRECTS ALL U.S. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS, EMBASSIES AND AGENCIES ENGAGED ABROAD TO ENSURE THAT U.S. DIPLOMACY AND FOREIGN ASSISTANCE PROMOTE AND PROTECT THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF LGBTQI+ PERSONS AROUND THE WORLD.

THE STATE DEPARTMENT FURTHER ANNOUNCED THAT IT WILL ALLOW U.S. EMBASSIES AND DIPLOMATIC OUTPOSTS TO FLY THE PRIDE FLAG ON THE SAME FLAGPOLE AS THE U.S. FLAG AT THEIR EMBASSIES OR CONSULATES.

AS ALL OF YOU MAY BE AWARE THE PRIDE FLAG ALSO KNOWN AS THE RAINBOW FLAG WHICH IS A SYMBOL OF LESBIAN, GAY BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER (LGBT) PRIDE AND LGBT SOCIAL MOVEMENTS.

● ON 27TH APRIL 2022, THE USA CONGRESS PASSED H.R.7311 – A CONGRESS ACT COUNTERING MALIGN RUSSIAN ACTIVITIES IN AFRICA.

THE ACT DIRECTS THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO DEVELOP AND SUBMIT TO CONGRESS A STRATEGY AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN OUTLINING UNITED STATES EFFORTS TO COUNTER THE SO-CALLED MALIGN INFLUENCE AND ACTIVITIES OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION AND ITS PROXIES IN AFRICA, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

THE ACT FURTHER STATES THAT THE US
(1) SHOULD REGULARLY ASSESS THE SCALE AND SCOPE OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION’S INFLUENCE AND ACTIVITIES IN AFRICA THAT UNDERMINE UNITED STATES OBJECTIVES AND INTERESTS; AND
(2) DETERMINE HOW—
(A) TO ADDRESS AND COUNTER SUCH INFLUENCE AND ACTIVITIES EFFECTIVELY, INCLUDING THROUGH APPROPRIATE UNITED STATES FOREIGN ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS; AND
(B) TO HOLD ACCOUNTABLE THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION AND AFRICAN GOVERNMENTS AND THEIR OFFICIALS WHO ARE COMPLICIT IN AIDING SUCH MALIGN INFLUENCE AND ACTIVITIES.
IN ADDITION IT STATES THAT “THE REPORT REQUIRED … SHALL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
(A) AN ASSESSMENT OF THE SCOPE AND NATURE OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION’S MALIGN INFLUENCE AND ACTIVITIES AND RELATED DIPLOMATIC, ECONOMIC, AND SECURITY PRIORITIES AND STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES OF SUCH ENGAGEMENT IN AFRICA, INCLUDING INFLUENCE AND ACTIVITIES THAT INVOLVE RUSSIAN PROXIES, SUCH AS RUSSIAN OLIGARCHS, RUSSIAN-FUNDED PRIVATE MILITARY CONTRACTORS, AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS AND ENTITIES DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY EMPLOYED BY OR FINANCIALLY OR POLITICALLY ASSOCIATED WITH RUSSIA AND ITS OFFICIALS, WHO ARE INVOLVED IN OR AID ACTIVITIES TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS—
(I) MANIPULATE AFRICAN GOVERNMENTS AND THEIR POLICIES, AS WELL AS THE PUBLIC OPINIONS AND VOTING PREFERENCES OF AFRICAN POPULATIONS AND DIASPORA GROUPS, INCLUDING THOSE IN THE UNITED STATES”;

WITH THIS BACKGROUND, I NOW WISH TO INFORM YOU AND THE NATION AT LARGE THAT:

● PRESIDENT BIDEN WILL CO-HOST THE SECOND SUMMIT FOR DEMOCRACY WITH THE GOVERNMENTS OF COSTA RICA, THE NETHERLANDS, REPUBLIC OF KOREA, AND REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA, WHICH WILL BE HELD ON 29-30TH MARCH 2023.

● THIS SUMMIT WILL ASSEMBLE WORLD LEADERS IN A VIRTUAL, PLENARY FORMAT, FOLLOWED BY GATHERINGS IN EACH OF THE COUNTRIES WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM GOVERNMENTS, CIVIL SOCIETY, AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

● THE UNITED STATES VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS WILL VISIT TANZANIA, ZAMBIA AND GHANA LATER THIS MONTH ON HER FIRST TRIP TO THE CONTINENT.

● HARRIS WILL BE THE LATEST AMONG 18 TOP AMERICAN OFFICIALS WHO HAVE VISITED THE CONTINENT SINCE JANUARY THIS YEAR.

PATRIOTIC FRONT POSITIONS ON THESE MATTERS

1. THE SUMMIT FOR DEMOCRACY VIS-À-VIS DEMOCRARCY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE IN ZAMBIA

WE HAVE EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT ZAMBIA HAS FAILED ON DELIVERING ON DEMOCRACY. EXAMPLES ARE ABOUND:
– OUR CANDIDATES ARE PREVENTED FROM TAKING PART IN ELECTIONS EITHER THROUGH LEGAL GYMNASTICS OR SIMPLY THROUGH WANTON VIOLENCE AS IN THE KABUSHI AND KWACHA CASES AND IN GWEMBE.
– OUR VOTERS ARE PREVENTED FROM PARTICIPATING IN VOTING THROUGH VIOLENCE AS WAS WITNESSED IN MWENSE AND SERENJE AND MANY OTHER PLACES
– OUR YOUTHS ARE PREVENTED FROM PARTICIPATING IN THE OBSERVANCE OF YOUTH DAY THROUGH VIOLENCE
– OUR MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT ARE FORCED OUT OF PARLIAMENT FOR RAISING IMPORTANT NATIONAL MATTERS AS WAS THE CASE OVER THE CONSTITUTIONAL BREACH DURING THE PRESENTATION OF THE NATIONAL BUDGET.
– OUR PEOPLE ARE DRIVEN TO FAR FLUNG AREAS TO ANSWERS CHARGES FOR OFFENCES ALLEDGED TO HAVE BEEN COMMITTED WITHIN THEIR DISTRICTS OF RESIDENCE. LOOK AT HOW HOLDING ELECTIONS IS NOT FULL DEMOCRACY IN ITSELF.

– THIS GOVERNMENT IS UNDERMINING DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS AS DEMONSTRATED BY ITS ACTIONS TO TRANSFER OF OVERSIGHT INSTITUTIONS SUCH AS THE ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION AS GAZETTED NOTICE 1123.

– PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA IS INTERFERING WITH PROCUREMENT PROCESSES IN FERTILISER PURCHASES AND OTHERS AS CONFIRMED BY HIS OWN MEDIA STATEMENT…

– SIMILARLY THE RULE OF LAW IS UNDER ASSAULT AS SEEN WHERE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES HAVE BEEN TURNED INTO WEAPONS AGAINST CITIZENS AND INSTITUTIONS SUCH THE AUDITOR GENERAL’S OFFICE.

2. AFRICA’S POSITION ON USA FOREIGN POLICY IN AFRICA.

THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY (SADC), DURING ITS 42ND ORDINARY SUMMIT OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT HELD ON 17 AND 18 AUGUST AT THE PARLIAMENT BUILDING IN KINSHASA, VEHEMENTLY EXPRESSED THEIR COLLECTIVE OPPOSITION TO A PROPOSED UNITED STATES LAW ON COUNTERING RUSSIAN INFLUENCE AND ACTIVITIES IN AFRICA-THE “COUNTERING MALIGN RUSSIAN ACTIVITIES IN AFRICA ACT”.

FURTHER THE SADC EXTRAORDINARY TROIKA SUMMIT HELD IN NAMIBIA ON 31ST JANUARY 2023 ADOPTED THE DRAFT AFRICAN UNION DECLARATION AGAINST THE USA ‘COUNTERING MALIGN RUSSIAN ACTIVITIES IN AFRICA ACT’ AND URGED MEMBER STATES TO COMMUNICATE SADC’S POSITION, AND REAFFIRMED THE SADC POLICY STANCE OF NON-ALIGNMENT ON CONFLICTS OUTSIDE THE CONTINENT AND THE REGION AT MULTILATERAL FORA.

WE AS THE PATRIOTIC FRONT HAVE ADOPTED THE POSITION OF SADC AND REJECT THIS LAW THAT IS PRESCRIBING THE BILATERAL RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA.

FURTHER THE STANCE TAKEN BY THE USA FOREIGN POLICY ON AFRICA TO WRESTLE WITH CHINA OVER AFRICA IS HOSTILE POLICY.

AS DEMONSTRATED ABOVE, BOTH ZAMBIA AND SADC HAVE ALWAYS PRACTICED A NON-ALIGNED POLICY THAT WORKED WITH BOTH THE WEST AND THE EAST.

AND THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT ALLOW ITSELF TO ABANDON THIS POLICY THAT HAS SERVED THE COUNTRY WELL IN THE PAST.

WE WROTE TO PRESIDENT HAKAINDE OVER THIS MATTER AND REMIDED HIM THAT ALL HIS SIX PREDECESSORS MAINTAINED THE POLICY OF NON-ALIGNMENT FOR THE GOOD OF ZAMBIA. INSTEAD HE WENT AHEAD AND TOOK SIDES IN A WAR IN WHICH ZAMBIA HAS AND SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY ROLE. HE UP TO NOW HAS PERSISTED AT LOOKING IN ONLY ONE DIRECTION – THE WEST AGAINST THE EAST.

SHOULD AMERICA BE DICTATING TO US THE RULES UNDER WHICH WE SHALL ENGAGE WITH OTHER COUNTRIES? SHOULD AMERICA CHOOSE OUR ALLIES FOR US? ARE WE NOT SOVERIEGN ENOUGH TO DETERMINE WITH WHO AND HOW WE SHOULD ENGAGE? IF AMERICA AN GIVE ITSELF THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DEMOCRACTIC ACTIVITIES OF AFRICA, WHAT GIVES IT THE RIGHT TO CURTAIL OTHER COUNTRIES FROM DOING THE SAME?

TO THIS END I WISH TO QUOTE WHAT JOE BIDEN SAID ABOUT AFRICA ON 5TH FEBRUARY 2021 AT THE AFICAN UNION SUMMIT:

“WE BELIEVE IN THE NATIONS OF AFRICA, IN THE CONTINET-WIDE SPIRIT OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION, AND THROUGH THE CHALLENGES AHEAD, ALTHOUGH THEY ARE GREAT, THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT OUR NATIONS, OUR PEOPLE, THE AFIRCAN UNION – WE’RE UP TO THE TASK”

INDEED AFRICANS ARE UP TO THE TASK – WE CAN DETERMINE OUR OWN DESTINY AND WE ARE MORE THAN CAPABLE OF CHOOSING FRIENDS WITHOUT BEING LECTURED TO BY AMERICA. WE DO NOT NEED AN AMERICAN LAW TO GOVERN OUR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS.

MY FELLOW COUNTRY MEN AND WOMEN, WE WENT FUTHER TO ADVISE PRESIDENT HICHILEMA AGAINST ALLOWING THE SEETING UP OF THE AMERICAN AFRICAN COMMAND CENTRE (AFRICOM). THIS TOO FELL ON DEAF EARS AND HE WENT AHEAD AND SIGNED THE MOU WHICH HE HAS KEPT SECRET TO DATE.

WE ASKED HIM TO MAKE PUBLIC THE MOU HE ENTERED INTO WITH AMERICA ALONGSIDE THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO ON THE EXPLOITATION OF THE CAR BATTERY VALUE CHAIN. ON THAT TOO HE HAS REMAINED TOTALLY SECRETIVE.

IS IT A WONDER THEREFORE THAT ZAMBIA, OF ALL COUNTRIES IN AFRICA HAS BEEN CHOSEN TO CO-HOST THE SECOND DEMOCRACY SUMMIT?

3. LGBTQI POSITION
WE WILL NOT ALLOW AS A PEOPLE, FOR THE USA TO IMPOSE ITS VALUES IN ZAMBIA. SINCE BOTH BILATERAL RELATIONS AND FOREIGN ASSISTANCE IS BEING TIED TO LGBTQI+RIGHTS, ZAMBIA MAY HAVE TO REVIEW ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE USA AS THE COUNTRY SHOULD NOT ABANDON ITS NORMS, NATIONAL VALUES, RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL STANDING TO PLEASE THE AMERICANS.

IT IS THE DUTY OF EVERY ZAMBIAN TO DEFEND OUR CULTURAL AND CHRISTIAN VALUES WHICH ARE ENSHRINED IN OUR REPUBLICAN CONSTITUTION.

WE NOTE THAT SOME PEOPLE WHO WERE ALLEGED TO HAVE LEAD A DEMONSTRATION ON LGBTQI RIGHTS IN LUSAKA RECENTLY WERE ARRESTED AND ARE APPEARING IN COURT. IN SIMILAR VEIN WE CALL UPON PRESIDENT HAKAINDE TO INFORM THE ORGANISERS OF THE SUMMIT AS WELL AS HIS CO-HOSTS THAT LGBTQI PRACTICES IN ZAMBIA ARE AGAINST THE LAW AND SHOULD THEREFOR NOT BE PART OF THE AGENDA OF ANY PART OF THE SUMMIT.

CONCLUSION

WE WILL BE HOLDING A SERIES OF EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES TO RAISE AWARENESS OVER THIS ISSUES AND TO ENSURE THAT THE USA VICE PRESIDENT MS. KAMALA HARRIS GETS THE POSITION.
WE HAVE BEGAN TO ENGAGE OTHER STAKEHOLDERS AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS OF LIKE MIND TO FOSTER THIS POSITION.

WE CALL UPON ALL WELL MEANING ZAMBIANS TO STAND UP IN THE DEFENCE OF ZAMBIA’S SOVERIEGNITY AND TO DEFEND IT CULTURAL NORMS AND VALUES. ENDS

PRESS STATEMENT BY HON. CHUSHI KASANDA, MP, MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND MEDIA AND CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON ON THE DECISIONS MADE BY CABINET AT THE 5TH CABINET MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, 20TH MARCH, 2023.

The President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, called for the 5th Cabinet Meeting in the Year 2023, on Monday, 20th March, 2023, at State House, to deliberate on policy and legislative matters.

During the meeting, Cabinet made the following decisions:

1. Approved the Establishment and Formalisation of the Presidential Delivery Unit

Cabinet deliberated on the creation of a Presidential Delivery Unit within the Government system. Cabinet observed that there was need to create the Unit, as a matter of urgency, in order to help accelerate the implementation of high–priority programmes and projects that deliver lasting benefits to Zambians.
These programmes will focus on the key objectives of delivering economic and social improvements to the people of Zambia; creating a united and prosperous country with equal opportunities for all citizens; and ushering in an era of good governance and prudent economic management that will foster accelerated development across the country. Cabinet further indicated that the Presidential Delivery Unit will not take away the normal gazette functions of Government institutions but will work closely with all respective ministries, provinces, and implementation agencies to provide technical support, and on the overall, to fast-track the implementation of government programmes and projects for the good of the citizens and the nation at large.

2. Approved Bills for Publication and Introduction in Parliament

The three (3) Bills approved are as follows:

(a) The Zambia Institute of Valuation Surveyors Bill, 2023.

Cabinet approved, for publication and introduction in Parliament during the current sitting, “The Zambia Institute of Valuation Surveyors Bill, 2023.” The objectives of this Bill are to provide for the registration of valuation surveyors and regulate their practice and professional conduct; continue the existence of the Valuation Surveyors Registration Board and re-name it as the Zambia Institute of Valuation Surveyors and re-define its functions.

Further, Cabinet resolved that there is need to repeal and replace the Valuation Surveyors Act, Chapter 207 of the Laws of Zambia, so as to align the Act to the changing dynamics in the practice of valuation surveying; the changes in the property market environment valuation surveyors operate in; and to align the Act to the current trends and practices in valuation surveying activities.

(b) The Human Rights Commission Bill, 2023.

Another Bill approved, for publication and introduction in Parliament during the current sitting, is “The Human Rights Commission Bill, 2023.” The objectives of this Bill are to provide for the membership; functions; operations and financial management of the Human Rights Commission; and repeal and replace the Human Rights Commission Act of 1996.

Cabinet agreed that the current Act is inadequate in dealing with many issues, therefore, there is need to repeal and replace the Act in order to align it with the Constitution and the Emoluments Commission Act, No. 1 of 2022, and to also comply with the United Nations Paris Principles relating to the status of National Human Rights Institutions, thereby, strengthening the operations of the Human Rights Commission.

(c) The National Prosecution Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

Cabinet also approved, for publication and introduction in Parliament, “The National Prosecution Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023.” The objectives of this Bill are to amend the National Prosecution Authority Act No. 34 of 2010, so as to revise the composition of the Board and provide for its functions. The amendment of the Act will ensure diversity in the composition of the Board in line with the principles of good corporate governance.

3. Approved Policies.

During the Meeting Cabinet approved three (3) Policies as follows:

(a) Revised National Decentralisation Policy.

Cabinet approved the Revised National Decentralisation Policy and its Implementation Plan for the period 2023-2027. Cabinet is aware that Zambia developed the first National Decentralisation Policy in 2002, which was later revised in 2013, with the view to promote a decentralised and democratically elected system of governance.
However, this time around, the revision of the National Decentralisation Policy has been necessitated by the need to actualise socio-economic transformation and empowerment of communities to effectively participate in sustainable local development, especially with increased financing by Government at lower levels through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

Through this Policy, the Government seeks to seriously and fully devolve exclusive functions of the Local Authorities currently performed by the Central Government to the Local Authorities with matching resources. Selected concurrent national and provincial functions shall also be transferred to the district level, accompanied by appropriate resources.

(b) National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy.

Another policy approved by Cabinet is the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy and its Implementation Plan. Cabinet considers the fisheries and aquaculture sector strategic to the agricultural transformation; food and nutrition security; employment creation; and a source of livelihood in various communities. As such, it is important to address the growth in the aquaculture subsector and emerging issues such as aquatic animal health, climate change and introduction and translocation of invasive species.
It is on this premise, therefore, that the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has been developed so as to provide a framework to govern the fisheries and aquaculture sector in the country for economic development.

(c) The National Infrastructure Policy and its Implementation Plan.

The third policy approved by Cabinet, during the Meeting, is the National Infrastructure Policy and its Implementation Plan.

This Policy, going forward, will provide strategic direction and guidance on the development and maintenance of economic and social infrastructure in a coordinated and sustainable manner. The Policy will also contribute towards attaining a well-developed and maintained infrastructure through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) model of financing in line with the Vision 2030, and further, facilitate the alignment of the country’s infrastructure development agenda with the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) whose Vision recognises infrastructure as a facilitator of intra-regional trade and economic growth.

4. Approved Legislation in Principle.

Cabinet approved, in principle, two (2) legislative matters as follows:

(a) The Public Procurement (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

Cabinet approved, in principle, the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to amend the Public Procurement Act No. 8 of 2020.

It has been noticed that the current law has some weaknesses such as low participation of both local and citizen bidder due to various restrictions, multiple and unnecessary approval levels. In view of the foregoing, Cabinet has decided that the new law should address the red-tape, and limitations in oversight in order to enhance the efficiency and benefits accruing to citizens from public procurement.
It is envisaged that the proposed amendments to the legislation will bring about a more effective, efficient, citizen-friendly and transparent public procurement system. The amendments to this law will also facilitate the smooth implementation of projects under the Constituency Development Fund.

(b) National Planning and Budgeting (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

Cabinet also approved, in principle, the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to amend the National Planning and Budgeting Act No. 1 of 2020, in order to include provisions that will strengthen integration of the development planning and budgeting processes.

In 2014, Government formulated the National Planning and Budgeting Policy to promote coordination of national planning and budgeting functions and provide for the processes, procedures and institutional framework for the development, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of development plans and budgets. Subsequently, in 2020 Parliament enacted the National Planning and Budgeting Act No. 1 of 2020, which provided for an integrated national planning and budgeting process whose objective was to strengthen accountability, oversight and participation mechanisms in the national planning and budgeting processes.

However, several concerns have been noted by stakeholders which, if left unaddressed, will limit the extent to which the intentions of the law can be achieved. Cabinet, further, is of the view that, like the Public Procurement (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the National Planning and Budgeting (Amendment) Bill, 2023, is also important when it comes to service delivery by Government using the Constituency Development Fund at Constituency and District levels.

5. Approved Hosting of the 2023 Digital Government Africa Summit

Cabinet approved the hosting of the 2023 Digital Government Africa Summit to be held from 5th to 7th September, 2023. The Summit will mainly be financially supported by the African Brains.

The Summit is designed to bring together leading international Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solution providers, investors, and ICT Ministers to meet and discuss the implementation of digital government from across Africa.

This followed a Cabinet resolution that Zambia should, as a way of promoting tourism, host as many regional and international conferences and meetings as possible.

6. Approved Appointment of Board Members for the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPC).

During the same Meeting Cabinet approved the appointment of a five (5) members of the Board of the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal in accordance with Section 67 of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act No. 24 of 2010.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is a Statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, established with a unique dual mandate to protect the competition process in the Zambian economy and also to protect consumers. Under the CCPC, there is the Competition Tribunal which is an independent adjudicative body established in terms of Section 67 of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act No. 24 of 2010. The function of the Board of the Tribunal is to hear any appeals made to it under the CCP Act or any other law. The Board members are vested with the responsibility, inter alia, of adjudicating on regulatory applications, making determinations, and issuing orders.

7. Noted Zambia’s improvement on the World Ranking in the 2022 Electronic Government Development Index (EGDI).
Cabinet noted Zambia’s upgraded ranking on the World Ranking in the 2022 Electronic Government Development Index (EGDI). According to the 2022 Electronic Government Survey Report, Zambia has made tremendous improvements in the EGDI from 0.4242 in 2020 to 0.5022 in 2022. Its ranking has been elevated from 148 to 131 out of the total of 193 countries. With this progress, Zambia joins the high Electronic Government Development Index (EGDI) group.

Cabinet observed that the improvement in the ranking demonstrates how the interventions by the Government of the Republic of Zambia in advancing Electronic Government are improving service provision for citizens.

8. Confirmed Zambia’s Co-hosting of the 2nd Summit for Democracy for the African Region from 29th to 30th March, 2023.

During the Meeting Cabinet also deliberated on the upcoming Second Summit for Democracy that Zambia will be co-hosting with the Government of the United States of America for the African region, to be held from 29th to 30th March, 2023 under the theme: “Free, Fair and Transparent Elections as the foundation of Democratic Governance.”

Cabinet agreed to co-host the 2nd Summit for Democracy for the African region in order to demonstrate Zambia’s unwavering commitment to strengthening democracy, promoting respect for human rights, and the rule of law as shared responsibilities, within the country and the region.

Cabinet further agreed that African countries have a lot to learn from the Summit for Democracy as it focuses on addressing the challenges that especially young democracies face, as well as utilising opportunities that exist to strengthen and build democracies around the world.
9. Approved the 2023 Voluntary National Review for The High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

Cabinet also appreciated that, as a country, Zambia will present its second Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the July, 2023, High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). The 2023 Voluntary National Review presents an opportunity for Zambia to reaffirm its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals on the international stage and to once again demonstrate leadership on this important agenda.

The Voluntary National Reviews have the potential of strengthening the institutional mechanism for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) monitoring and assessing alignment with national policy processes.

Hon. Chushi Kasanda, MP
MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND MEDIA AND CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON

22nd March, 2023

TWO opposition political leaders have observed that the UPND administration’s economic model being implemented is negatively affecting the under-privileged and have advised President Hakainde Hichilema to address the high cost of living because there is a risk that Zambians could resort to what is currently happening in South Africa and Kenya.

The Economic Front party and the New Heritage Party (NHP) have advised President Hichilema to stop thinking that those with divergent views on how best Zambia should be governed were his enemies.

Mr Wynter Kabimba, the leader of the Economic Front says one of the characteristics of a revolution in the world was spontaneity and that it would be prudent for the UPND administration to listen to the cries of citizens over the high cost of living after being promised that things would be better, cheaper and easier under President Hichilema.

Mr Kabimba said those who were raising concerns about the high cost of living, the Ndola-Lusaka dual carriageway, the breakdown in the rule of law and the political violence being perpetrated by the UPND cadres were not enemies of the State but were merely helping President Hichilema to govern the country the best way he could.

He said while the events in Kenya and South Africa could be isolated and not related, it would be folly for President Hichilema to think that what was happening in the two countries could not happen in Zambia.

And Ms Chishala Kateka, the president of the New Heritage Party says Zambians have been complaining about high cost of living from the days of MMD and the PF and that complained have continued into the UPND without getting any relief from the successive governments.

Ms Kateka said the frustrations among Zambians about the high cost of living were cumulative and that there could be a time when citizens would no longer hold on to their patience of things ever improving to their favour.

Lack of medicines in health facilities, the ever rising cost of living, decisions that seem not to be of benefit to Zambian, such as the 20,000 hectares for Kenyans, high cost of fuel, the foreign exchange rate that now seems to be in free fall and the very little money in circulation all are vexatious issue to Zambians. Not attending to these could see Zambians deciding to follow in the wake of those from other countries that took to the streets,” Ms Kateka said.

Establishment of PDU has come without any meaningful explanation -Dipak Patel

Ulande Nkomesha

FORMER commerce, trade and industry minister Dipak Patel says more clarity is needed on how the Presidential Delivery Unit will function if government wants people to buy-in.

On Saturday President Hakainde Hichilema announced the establishment of Presidential Delivery Unit, saying it was aimed at accelerating the implementation of high priority government programmes and projects.

But in a write up, Patel said the announcement by State House on the establishment of PDU without any meaningful explanation did not help anyone.

Patel said the general public, the civil servants and the private sector were not the opposition and deserved comprehensive explanations on how the PDU, which he personally believes
is an excellent initiative, will function.

“I have learnt from my former Ministerial portfolio’s and political campaign management days that keeping the public well informed on matters of public policy is very important if one is to expect their buy-in. I have taken the time and made the effort to review the plethora of information that is available in the public domain on Presidential Delivery Units that have been established in many African, European and Asian countries. I have reviewed their successes and their failures. How and what one communicates is important.

The announcement by State House that the President has created a Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), without any meaningful explanation does not help anyone. And to suggest, as my friend Mr Clayson Hamasaka, the Chief State House Communication Specialist did ‘that opposition will always criticise government’ misses the point; the art of communications is to the have clarity, cohesiveness and completeness,” Patel said.

“The general public, the civil servants and the private sector are not the opposition, and they deserve comprehensive explanations. This is especially true for the civil servants, who
can either make or break any reform program. Hear me now and believe me later, I have been through two economic reform programs under President Chiluba and President Mwanawasa. Dogged focus from the President, Cabinet
Ministers, Civil Servants and private sector support, and speed, are the key to success.
And for any success, all the key players must know the ‘why’, the ‘what’ and the ‘when’”.

He wondered whether the PDU would deal with rigidities which inhibit investment or policy reform which prevented the acceleration of investment.

“The statement from State House in part reads ‘President Hakainde Hichilema has
established the Presidential Delivery Unit to accelerate the implementation of high priority government programs and projects’. There is a need for further clarity. Will the PDU also deal with rigidities that inhibit investment? Will PDU deal with policy reform.