2026 WILL BE DIFFICULT FOR HICHILEMA TO WIN, SAYS MAIKO ZULU

By Correspondent

SOCIAL Justice and Human Rights Defender Maiko Zulu says he does not foresee a situation where President Hakainde Hichilema will win with a landslide in the 2026 General Elections.

Zulu says the economic hardships prevailing in the country have angered Zambians to the extent of regretting voting for the UPND and President Hichilema.

He says small scale farmers across the country largely voted for President Hichilema because they thought he could improve agriculture in the country.

However, with the current happenings in the agriculture sector, political pundits and Governance Activists say unless the status quo change, they do not see farmers casting votes in favour of the UPND Administration and President Hichilema in the 2026 General Elections.

Speaking in an interview, Zulu said slowly, people are beginning to see through President Hichilema’s talks without action nature.

“Our politics are very simplistic. Our political cautiousness as a country is very low. That is why politicians are able to lie to you during campaigns and for four years they will do nothing… In the last year before elections, they will start doing things that will make you think that they have been working. So, that is what I see things happening (in 2026). But obviously, if people begin to think based on issues at hand. I don’t think the votes of Hakainde Hichilema will be as many in the 2026 elections as they were in the last elections,” he said, adding: “Obviously people are beginning to see through his (President Hichilema’s) political rhetorics, through his unfulfilled campaign promises and the talk without action nature.”

When reminded that President Hichilema has been voted the best African Politician by United Kingdom based African Media Agency (AMA), Zulu said there is nothing to dance about that because ordinary Zambian are grappling with hunger and are the ones that voted and not AMA.

“It depends also by who (has voted for him). You can say he is a best African President but ask an ordinary person in Zambia if they have food under the best African President. Ask the majority of the youth on the streets if they have jobs under the best African President,” he charged.

Zulu added: We saw the Kwacha being the best currency but what did it translate to? More poverty for the people, cost of meali-meal are already going up…our meali-meal in 10 Miles (Mungule area in Chibombo District) has gone up by K5 in the last week. So, it is easy to say that someone is the best here and there but results must be seen on the ordinary person’s table. You and me, if we are employed, we must see an improvement in our salaries. So, for me I don’t see that as something we must be dancing about,” he said.

Credit: New Dawn Newspaper

Kasebamashila Kaseba
OF HH AND TAYALI SIMILARITIES, SHOCKS AND DENIALS

Firstly, HH and Chilufya Tayali are actually more similar than dissimilar.

And where they maybe similar CT maybe better than HH.

For example, while they both claim to be religious, they both seem moved by money than the God, the people and service.

Their records of earnings and profits are public whereas their returns to God as tithes and offerings or returns to government as taxes are private when it should have been better vice versa.

In other words, how much tithes and tax do HH and CT return to God and Country?

Secondly, HH sings and dances for debt or “bwali” or nshima before IMF and any creditor as similarly as Tayali dances for any “bwali” cook or vehicle or house rentals.

Thirdly, HH worked for a multinational before opposition UPND politics just as CT worked for an NGO before EEP opposition politics.

Fourth, HH’s lies, bluffs.and false promises are taken seriously and defended whereas CT lies, bluffs and false promises are not taken seriously but dismissed as jokes except until he defames HH.

For lack of character, HH is really more excited with the Presidency or riches than he shows or admits yet starstruck by other Presidents just as CT is also really excited with his EEP Party Presidency also star struck by other President including HH.

HH is a lonely dictator in an overcrowded UPND party run a one big man syndrome one-man show as he doesn’t like peers or challengers within his party as he partners other Presidents of small parties existing mainly by name and titles like EEP except partner EEP CT.

CT was arrested by EL for HH trumped up treason just as HH has since arrested and rearrested CT for himself.

While, it is most unlikely for CT to become president, it is also most unlikely for CT to arrest HH on frivolous or trumped up treason or sedition or defamation of the President or defamation of the Police IG or defamation of presidential assistant.

That CT has more humanity including for family but less money than HH just as HH has more money bit less humanity than CT.

Fiurther, CT seems more decisive than HH just as CT has more conviction than HH.

In the end, there should be shock, except for the denials and lack of independent appraisal, that CT could be a far better person HH in their similarities.

STANDING AS MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT WAS POOR JUDGEMENT BY CHIEF PETER FISHER

By John Phiri

One of the established and accepted practices of Zambian politics is that traditional rulers or chiefs should not stand in elections for partisan political offices such as member of parliament.

The general understanding is that chiefs are custodians of, not only traditional values of their people, but also protection of their development interests as they interface with sitting successive governments.

To be able to effectively fulfill these roles in their chiefdoms, traditional rulers have been proscribed by convention from competing with their subjects by standing for political office, even though as citizens they have the right to do so.

Hence, it seems to have been a case of extreme poor judgment for Chief Peter Fisher, the White Zambian installed as Mwata Kamwana of the Lunda in Ikeleng’i district of North Western Province, to stand on the Patriotic Front ticket as member of parliament.

Chief Fisher challenged incumbent Elijah Muchima of the United Patry for National Development (UPND) for the Ikeleng’i Constituency.

He was beaten so thoroughly in this contest, that one is bound to ask just what had given Chief Fisher the idea that he could win this seat in the first place. Muchima polled 11, 614 votes, to Chief Fisher’s 2,467.

It is this question that has led some to speculate that Chief Fisher stood on the PF ticket out of desperation over the flagging business fortunes of his Nchila Wildlife Game Ranching operation.

Because the PF had so convinced themselves, and many others, that they would retain power after the August 12, 2021 elections, Chief Fisher could also have seen his future position as MP for Ikeleng’i as a way of shoring up his Nchila game ranching business.

Since reports surfaced that Nchila Wildlife Game Ranching had been placed under receivership, Chief Fisher’s decision to stand for partisan political office, and his personal conduct have come into focus.

The key question that may be raised is therefore that, if indeed Chief Fisher displayed poor judgment in allowing himself to be a candidate for Ikeleng’i Constituency, can this be extrapolated to be the reason for the failure of Nchila Wildlife Game Ranching business now being under receivership?

And it would seem that comments and speculation regarding Chief Fisher’s conduct have not been confined to his failed attempt to be MP and the collapse of Nchila Wildlife Game Ranching.

After some recent publications discussing the potential jeopardy of the Fisher family legacy, some readers sent in comments on the matter, stating that the article did not go far enough in considering Chief Fisher’s activities in the area.

One reader suggested that Chief Fisher’s personal and missionary life has had a negative impact on the current state of Kalene Mission Hospital.
“It appears that in the past few years Chief Fisher has had differences with some of hospital’s highly qualified and experienced medical staff. Perhaps it is because the Chief believes it is his hospital because it was started by his father,” one reader commented.

Another reader called in and alleged that the acrimonious relations had been extended to some missionaries, who had been the main support for Kalene Mission Hospital.

“There seems to be fewer missionaries coming to the mission now, and even fewer visiting doctors. It may be that being Chief could have gone too much to his head. He seems to be thoroughly ‘Zambianised’ in his attitude. It is not surprising that standards appear to have fallen at the hospital,” the reader said.

Much of this negative comment could have been avoided had Chief Fisher simply subjected himself to the convention of not engaging in partisan politics by challenging standing on the PF ticket for MP.

It has simply opened him up to attacks, and those in the political camp he opposed cannot be faulted for viewing his activities with on-going suspicion.
ends

HH CAN TRANSFORM ZAMBIA INTO A THIRD-WORLD ECONOMIC GIANT, SAYS IMENDA

Lusaka, 9th December 2022:

President Hakainde Hichilema has the capacity to transform Zambia into the league of third-world economic giants such as the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Malaysia and Singapore.

His democratic and human rights record resonates well with the late Nelson Mandela’s traits. His democratic vision is not inward looking but has a Pan-African characteristic, equally perceiving the world as a global village.

The UPND, just as the majority Zambians, are excited that with slightly more than a year in office, Africans have recognized that President Hichilema is one of the African leaders reflecting a new leadership paradigm.

We further take note that President Hichilema’s election by Africa as African Political Leader of the Year, explicitly recognizes his immense contribution to deepening democracy and democratic values on the continent. Democracy is the UPND DNA.

Having inherited a huge public debt of US$26.2 billion and an economy growing at -2.8 percent, President Hichilema spent the first days in office personally engaging this global village to help Zambia attain a sustainable debt restructuring framework. What followed, and is still in process, is that the outcome of this presidential lobbying has unlocked the critical resources to actualize the UPND’s socio-economic program anchored on Economic growth and job creation and Human and social development, among other policy pillars. The milestones are there for all to see.

It is this value-laden political approach which has seen the restoration of the rule of law, rebuilding and reuniting of Zambia barely a year in office. President Hichilema, like Mandela, was arrested and detained 15 times by his predecessor with the major one being 127 days spent in a maximum security prison on trampled up treason charges. He instead chose the path of political pacification as opposed to political vindictiveness.

Indeed, as has been correctly observed by the scores of our African brothers and sisters, President Hichilema is one of the new African leaders who are Changemakers. He sees progress where others saw only retrogression. To President Hichilema problems are opportunities and not drawbacks.

Other than the political milestones scored so far, President Hichilema has been able to demonstrate a strong resolve to safeguard public funds so that these resources go to the needy areas of our country. This has been illustrated by the manner in which the UPND administration has carried out the decentralisation agenda and the devolution of development powers to the grassroots. Suddenly, resources are trickling to people whose access to such empowerment in the past has been near negligible.

This has been coupled with consistent, timely and appropriate disbursement of the respective budgetary allocations like those towards CDF, support to free public education, and payments to the small-scale farmers.

President Hichilema has not only restored the pride of Zambians but he has demonstrably brought about a new sustainable political genre to the African continent. Africa, not only Zambia, has a lot to benefit from this selfless, and focused leadership exhibited by President Hichilema.

ISSUED BY:

BATUKE IMENDA
UPND SECRETARY GENERAL

PF IS BIGGER THAN ANY INDIVIDUAL – GREYFORD MONDE

Lusaka, Thursday, December 8, 2022 (Smart Eagles)

AS THE Patriotic Front (PF) party prepares to go to the convention next year, one of the Presidential Aspirant is REPORTED to have allayed fears that the party will disintegrate after choosing a new Leader.

The critics are of the view that the PF is divided into 8 camps representing 8 different Presidential candidates.

BUT Greyford Monde who is in the running for the Party Presidency said the issue of coming back divided after the convention can NOT happen.

Speaking on Hot FM’s HOT SEAT Programme, Hon Monde said having eight (😎 candidates is not a sign of division but a representation of a strong and attractive party.

He said it is therefore worth putting on record that the party is stronger than any of the 8 candidates.

Hon Monde said the voice of the people at the grassroots level is to see the party united even after the convention hence he will support any candidate if he will not be elected.

“….. The issue of coming back divided can NOT happen. We now have 8 candidates because the party is attractive. Even in opposition, it was rare for a political party in opposition to attract such numbers. Others were just proposed or imposed. UPND in 2006 there was only Sakwiba Sikota and HH. After that it was HH all the way. Eight tells you that the party is stronger and that non of us are stronger than the party,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hon Monde said the PF rebranding process is on and that the Party is repentant to the issues the Zambian people detested.

He said the arrogance is no longer there and that some of the members who were not behaving accordingly are being moulded into better political players.

“We have been engaging our members to ask them why they were behaving like that. They are giving us responses. The arrogance people were talking about is now gone. We are interacting with a lot of people. We are taking seriously their submissions and we are hopping Zambians are going to give us another opportunity. We were trying to work on the economy and we neglected certain sectors,” he stated.

And Hon Monde has come to the defence of the Party nomination fees which were pegged at K200,000 for men and K100,000 for Women.

He said the fees were not meant to discourage the youth and women from participating but that the leader needed was one who is going to have the capacity raise a certain threshold of resources.

“It was part of the criteria, it must not be looked at as an individual contribution. The contribution could be sourced from different sources,” he said.

Hon Monde further stated that if there was a party that entrusted women with leadership positions is the Patriotic Front.

He said aside from being the first political party to appoint a woman as a vice President, the PF also appointed a female Chief Justice among other high ranking positions which were held by women.

FRENCH BASED TROPICAL WOODS ASSOCIATION TO INVEST IN ZAMBIA

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
Paris-Thursday December 8,2022

A French based International Association specialized in legal and certified timber trade has pledged to explore investment opportunities in the forestry sector in Zambia.

The investment pledge was made after Green Economy and Environment Minister Collins Nzovu asked for support from the International Technical Association for Tropical Woods (ATIBT) to help Zambia derive maximum benefits from the Timber trade which has a huge potential to contribute to the county’s economic growth.

During a meeting held at the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs in Paris with ATIBT director general Benoit Duval,Zambia’s Ambassador to France Dr Christine Kaseba Sata ,Zambia Environmental Management Agency Director Maxwell Nkoya and the embassy staff,Mr Nzovu said Zambia was looking for technical and financial support to achieve value addition for the timber resource.

Mr Nzovu said there is a need to add value to the timber to realise a lot of benefits from the sector.

He expressed concern that despite Zambia being endowed with a huge land mass with indigeneous and valuable timber,the country does not get the much needed benefits from the timber trade as most of it is exported as a raw material.

Mr Nzovu added that the country is very keen to see French firms invest in the forestry industry in Zambia.

He said Zambia needs technology to also quantify the timber resource and measure the afforestation efforts.

Mr Nzovu assured ATIBT of good investment policies favourable to their business as governmnet has set up meaures aimed protecting private investors.

ATIBT director general Benoit Duval promised to create market linkages for the Zambian timber actors to the European market .

Mr Duval said his association will further provide the Zambian timber actors with the necessary information and facilities to get to the European market.

Mr Duval added that the association with some European investors will therefore undertake a mission to Zambia to see how best they can invest in sustainable forest management.

Mr Duval said ATIBT is interested in developing collaborations with the timber players in Zambia while giving back value to the forest through sustainable management of forest.

He said the association is also interested in developing biodiversity certification for the timber industry in Zambia so as to minimize the impacts on biodiversity when undertaking activities in the forest.

Issued by:
Naomi Ng’andu Mweemba
First Secretary Press
Zambia Embassy
Paris

BLAMING ZIMBABWE FOR THE LOW WATER LEVELS IN KARIBA DAM BEATS LOGIC

…. the current Government is treading on a very dangerous path says Greyford Monde

Lusaka, Thursday, December 8, 2022 (Smart Eagles)

Yes! the UPND is in the right direction in terms of ensuring that the cost of living continues to go up and Prices of Commodities reach beyond majority Zambians, Patriotic Front Presidential Aspirant Greyford Monde has said.

Hon Monde said this when he featured on HOT FM’s HOT SEAT programme today.

He said the UPND is also on the right path to ensure that the Fuel keeps on skyrocketing to the disadvantage of the Zambian people.

He said such is contrary to the pre-campaign promises which gave hope to the people for cheaper commodities.

And Hon Monde said what has been transpiring under the current Administration makes the UPND worse than the PF were while in Government.

“Which formula should the Zambian people be using, is it the PF formula which was working towards regulating price of fuel or the UPND formula which is doubling the prices. When you talk about it, they say you are better off with 50 kwacha fuel as long as you have peace. But the Zambians need cheaper commodities,” he wondered.

Hon Monde who is also former Itezhi-tezhi Lawmaker has since counselled the current Government against boasting of achievements because there hasn’t been any.

“From the way things are going, everything is not holding up, the energy sector, tourism, agricultural almost everything, this is different from what people expected. We will rate them according to their promises, and in terms of promises they haven’t done much,” he said.

With the UPND having tendency to blame others when things are not going well, Hon Monde is bemused that the blame game has now shifted towards Neighbouring Zimbabwe for the low water levels in Kariba dam.

He said the current Government is treading on a very dangerous path diplomatically.

He is of the view that Zimbabwe should have been courted for talks as opposed to publicly make announcements.

“They had boasted of having ended loadshedding, now that it is coming back, blame games are coming from all directions.. the Minister had blamed PF, now they are blaming Zimbabwe. That’s dangerous diplomatically. There was need for dialogue meeting. This issue of pointing at the next person every time they fail to do something is not going to take them anywhere,” he said.

By Abraham Kalito,
11th November 2020

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu says Zambians will only see and appreciate what he has done for the country after he has left office.

Speaking when he addressed chiefs in Chitambo District, Tuesday, President Lungu said that Zambians would only appreciate him after he left office as that had been the trend since the first Republican president Dr Kenneth Kaunda left office in 1991.

“Natutemwa sana ukutila muli abalefwaya ukubomba naifwe. Twalakwata ukukosa na amaka pantu natwishiba ukutila ati natukwata support. Umulimo ubukalamba sana lelo muchalo cha Zambia, kuyalembesha ubukasala. Pantu fyonse nangu tulande nga tatukwete ama cards yakuyasala, ninshi fyonse fyafye. So, namilomba ukutila uyu umulimo wena mwiuwangusha. Kabiyeni mulembeshe, ine nalilembesha mailo. Ndemikoselesha ukutila ati mufwile mwalanda pali efyo alebomba umwana wenu, pantu apali mwana wenu, mufwile mwalanda efyo alebomba mwamukoselesha… pantu ilingi abantu efyo tuchita tabafimona. Eulelanda ninebo President Lungu; ifyo tabafimona ilingi nga tuli munchito lulya tulebomba. Ngawafumapo, elo bakesalanda ati kanshi alebomba, kanshi nga tabamufumishepo (We are happy that you want to work with us. We are strengthened with your support. The biggest job that we have here in Zambia today is the registration of voters. Please, do not trivialise this because everything will be futile if we don’t register as voters. Don’t take this for granted, go and register, I have already registered. I am encouraging you to speak freely about how your child [Chitambo MP] is working here, encourage him, because a lot of times, people do not see what we do. I am saying this myself as Edgar Lungu…When I leave office, that is when they will appreciate what I have done for you and say ‘so he was working, we shouldn’t have removed him’),” President Lungu said.

“Echo ndelandila ifi, nali belenga nalimona nokumona pantu eko nali elyo ba Kaunda baleteka. Fyakutasha, fimbi bilesoswa nokusoswa, umusebo uyu tulepitamo nanomba, fingi kwena bachitile. Tefyonse, balitushilako, that’s why ba Chiluba nabena balichitako bashako. Elyo ba Kaunda balefuma baleti naleya, naleya. Kanshita kanono bapilibuka ati walibomba (I am saying this because I have read and seen, I was there when Dr Kaunda was in office. There is a lot we can thank Kaunda for today, including this road we are using in Chitambo today. But at the time Kaunda was voted out of office, they said let him go. After a short while, they starting saying he delivered. Even Chiluba, when he was working, others said he was not working; it was the same even for Levy Mwanawasa).”

He predicted that citizens would only realise that he governed well after leaving office, similar to how Zambians only appreciated some of his predecessors.

“Ba Chiluba nabene elyo balebomba, bambi ati awe talebomba, bambi ati balebomba Elyo baile… Elyo Chiluba aile, elyo batile Chiluba alibombele. Ba Mwanawasa nabo cimo cine. Elya ba Mwanawasa batusha, abantu batile Mwanawasa alibomba. So, ifwe nomba natukwata ishuko yakutila ati elyo tulebomba, mufwile mwatweba ati apa tamulebomba. Apa naubomba bwino, apa naulufyanya pantu ifwe tuli bana benu and in a democracy, twasumina mukulanda icishinka. Tekweba ati ngamwalanda ati apa tamubombele ninshi namumpata iyo. Pantu ngamwatulekelesha twafumapo, elo bakesalanda Lungu ali bwino (President Chiluba did the same. The same thing happened to Mwanawasa. When he died, that is when they said he did a good job. So we are lucky today because we can ask you and you can tell us whether we are doing a good job or not. It doesn’t mean you hate us when you tell us the truth. You have to tell us here whether we are doing well or not because in a democracy, we believe in saying the truth. If you don’t tell us, the day we will move out of office, that is when they will say Lungu was just okay),” said President Lungu.

“Ayo mashiwi mwasosa ayakweba ati bamupubelwa…twalabasulakofye pantu bena kulandafye, malandakanwa. Pantu abo tababapo bu Mayor, nangu councillor, nangu MP, balefwayafye pamulu palyapene. Limbi nomunandi kuti aisaba president pantu ni MP. Nomba mwaisafumafye uko ati ndefwaya ukuba president, awe tefyochaba iyo… (I have heard the message from you concerning a talkative individual. What I can say is, forget about him because that one has never been a mayor, or an MP or even a councillor. He just wants the top-most job, but that’s not how things work).” – Diggers

“AM JUST A FOOL WHO WAS USED TO ACCUSE YOU TO DAMAGE YOUR REPUTATION.” PF official Fredrick Siame

ZAMBIAN OPPOSITION PATRIOTIC FRONT (PF) official Fredrick Siame today swallowed his pride and apologized to UPND Sesheke Member of Parliament Hon. Romeo Kangombe over his allegations that he was the funder of the exercise that led to the abduction of the 13 girls.

During the press address Mr Siame said he made a comment on a certain radio station where he accused Mr Kangombe as the man behind the funding of the exercise that led to the abduction of the 13 girls.

He disclosed that the issue was first posted on social media and later discussed at a named radio station .

“There was a discussion on a certain radio station where the issue of the 13 abducted girls was being discussed. That is how I commented on the issue using what I read on a certain Facebook page which I did not know was propaganda.” said Mr Siame.

The PF member said this angered Hon. Kangombe and many UPND members as it was injurious prompting him to report to the Police leading to his arrest.

Mr Siame said he was taken to Sesheke where he was finally given bond but continued travelling to Sesheke from Nakonde for court appearances.

He revealed that his children and wife had gone through alot of pain hence found it wise to tender an apology to Hon. Kangombe and the entire UPND party over his careless remarks.

Mr Siame thanked Hon. Kangombe for accepting his apology because it had haunted his family.

And Mr Siame urged the youths to use the freedom of speech, expression and association that President Hichilema had restored to unite and contribute towards developmental issues.

He warned the youths to resist the temptation of commenting on social media issues because some posts are fake and mearnt to hurt other people deliberately.

He called on all well meaning Zambians to engage in constructive discussions without injuring other people.

Recapitalize Mopani Copper Mines PLC – Hon. Eng. Christopher Kang’ombe
…..let’s find solutions to sustain the mines….
Parliament News, 8th December, 2022
Yesterday Patriotic Front KAMFINSA Member of Parliament Hon. Eng. Christopher Kang’ombe debated the Motion on the floor of the House urging the New Dawn Government to recapitalize Mopani Mines PLC on the Copperbelt.

To begin his debate the Parliamentarian took the house down to memory on what Mopani Copper Mines was before privatization. He stated that during this period the Human Resource was par excellent both in academia and technical.

“Madam speaker most of us on the Copperbelt were very desirous to work for ZCCM after graduation for one good reason that’s to be enrolled in their training program which was used as a skills transfer program to train locals on mining from extraction of copper to exporting it. This program prepares many miners who today are experts of mining our copper in this mine and today Madam those engineers are well and able both in academia and technically to run the mines and here as I ably support the motion to finance the mine”
The Kamfinsa Strongman also urged the Government through the Minister of Mines to not look at this motion politically as peoples livelihood are on the line and it’s time to discuss solutions and asked Government to state its road map on the future of the mines as people are asking what Government is doing about Mopani Copper Mines.

In 2021, the Zambian Government, through its mining investment arm Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH), completed the 100% acquisition of Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) following its negotiations with Glencore Corporation.
Hon. Kang’ombe further stated that Glencore Corporation had announced its intention to place the mine under care and maintenance sighting the impact of the pandemic and low copper prices. However, this was rebutted by Government because it would have resulted in the loss of employment for 15,000 employees.

The 100% acquisition came with many socio-economic benefits such as employment security for the 15,000 mine workers which has a trickle-down effect on their communities and the nation as large. The acquisition also provided an opportunity for local mine suppliers and contractors to conduct business with the mines.

The KAMFINSA lawmaker also reminded the New Dawn Government to also look at where we are coming from with investors who used the mines to arm-twist Governments with threats of job cuts in election years at the expense of thousands of Zambians.

To the people of the Copperbelt ZCCM was not only a mining company. The company provided a cradle-to-grave welfare system and provided subsidised housing with water and electricity, ran hospitals, schools, sports facilities and social clubs for mineworkers and their families. Many people on the Copperbelt remember this and have nostalgic memories of the ZCCM period as a kind of ‘golden age’

The Who, How and Why Merits of Each PF Aspiring Presidential Candidate: Don’t blame the Devil

By Dr. Chris Zumani Zimba

The list of names is simply in alphabetical order and has nothing to do with the most or least popular names.

1. BRIAN MUNDUBILE: He is the man with most understanding and experience of initiating, defending, losing and winning bills and legislative debates in parliament among them all. He has distinguished himself as a credible and formidable lawyer, businessman, parliamentarian and statesman from MMD to PF without ‘legal stones and thunders’. He speaks with clarity and rare political calmness.

2. CHITALU CHILUFYA: He is the only candidate with vast and longest Cabinet tenure and experience. Having been at MOH longer, he is another Sata who can claim and attach massive infrastructure historical development in the health sector to his name. As such, he is a known figure or name in most parts of Zambia. He is a public speaker with unique cunning skills.

3. CHISHIMBA KAMBWILI: He is the most true Kopala candidate among them all who understands and commands political popularity in the most dynamic and complex region of Copperbelt. He has this rare courage to openly say: “ECL getting 5% & HH winning by 95% in North Western province is both bad politics and tribalism”. As a gifted politician, CK knows how to throw political Fire and Water to the rain.

4. EMMANUAL MWAMBA: He is the most outstanding diplomat and media guru among them all. He distinguished himself above the sky in South Africa, Ethiopia and at AU level. Having worked closely with FTJ, Sata and ECL, he smiles and chews the public service and diplomatic world with accurate knowledge, understanding and expertise. He is super sober, structured and highly believable.

5. GEOFREY BWALYA MWAMBA: He is the only one who knows HH from A to Z having been his political ally and running mate in 2016. He is respected in Bembaland especially after resigning his cabinet job in defense of his paramount chief. He is a renowned businessman and courageous politician known both in rural and urban circles. He is big, strong and reliable like ZANACO.

5. GREYFORD MONDE: He is the most youthful candidate among them; one that brings true ethnic diversity to the race. He is passionate and practical, one who grabs and divides part of the ‘Zambezi Voters’ from HH. He understands his political aspirations and knows how to utilize all useful tools, associates and allies.

6. MILES SAMPA: He is the most cosmopolitan candidate among them all commanding the political fortunes and popularity of the vast capital city of Zambia. He brings huge numbers of urban and social media voters to the PF table. As former Mayor of the capital city, he can freely go and reach any party of Lusaka with eyes closed and chart with ‘everyone’ along the way. He is forceful and tactical in all his engagements.

7. MUTOTWE KAFWAYA: He is equally youthful, sober, intelligent and professional in his political approach. Apart from boosting of both good parliamentary and cabinet experience, KAFWAYA is highly articulate and can claim massive success in the IT and Communications sector to himself when he was cabinet minister. He brings some good political food to the PF table too. He is universally good & unique in terms of stakeholder engagements.

Clearly, l was just passing by simply to celebrate each of these names in terms of their political uniqueness and perceived strength. The questions of their weaknesses or shortcomings is not my area of interest; it’s for PF members and leaders going to their convention. I think all of them are good people in their peculiarity.

The Civil Society Constitution Agenda – CiSCA has appealed to the representatives of the Barotse Royal Establishment to disclose what was discussed between them and the State House concerning the Barotseland agreement.

CiSCA Chairperson Judith Mulenga noted a statement issued to Lusaka Times that the representative who attended the National Convention on the Constitution of 2013 at Mulungushi Conference Center, hosted by the Technical Committee on Drafting the Zambian Constitution should come out in the open and clearly state what was discussed and agreed upon between them and State House.

Ms Mulenga mentioned that as CiSCA they recall that the Barotseland Agreement together with the abolition of the death penalty and the upper age limit for a Republican President were among the contentious agenda items that were deferred from the breakaway committees to be discussed and resolved in the main plenary session.

Adding that however, the day the Barotseland Agreement agenda item was due to be discussed, the rest of the delegates were informed that the concerned stakeholders would discuss the matter privately with the State House.

“We recall Honorable Amusaa Mwanamwambwa, former Speaker of the National Assembly, asserting that the Barotseland Agreement issue was emotive and therefore should not be subjected to a vote by delegates and that it was better the Executive discussed it with the concerned stakeholders and the nation would be informed of the outcome. To date, no feedback to the nation we are aware of has come,” she mentioned

Ms Mulenga stated that for posterity and in view of the recent Linyungandambo’s proposal which will inevitably affect all the Zambians, the nation needs to be informed what was discussed and agreed upon during that meeting as it would have a bearing on the new calls for cessation. Unless the Linyungandambo are proposing a splitting of Zambia reminiscent of the Berlin Conference of 1884 and 1885 which did not take into consideration our African traditional ethnic and social structures, CiSCA is of the view that this proposed secession and sharing of assets in tandem with liabilities will not succeed due to the social integration that has taken place in our nation since before our independence in 1964.

She stated that for the record, Article 4(3) of our Constitution that describes the Republic of Zambia, it states, ‘The Republic is a unitary, individual, multi-ethnic, multi-racial, multi- religious, multi-cultural and multi-party democratic State.’ Further and more importantly to the topic at hand Article 4(4) clearly states that, ‘The Republic shall not be ceded in whole or in part.’ Nothing can be as imperative as this description.

“Therefore, the only aspect the public does not know regarding the Barotseland Agreement during the most recent Constitution of Zambia review was what was discussed between the BRE representatives and State House in 2013 during the final stage of the Technical Committee on Drafting the Zambian Constitution constituted in the 2011 process. What is in the public domain as per the Technical Committee on Drafting the Zambian Constitution’s Report as it pertains to Article 4, out of the then 76 districts only one district proposed to add a ‘provision to explain and integrate the Barotseland Agreement, to enable future generations to understand the background of Zambia especially the unitary concept,” she stated

Ms Mulenga cited that out of the 10 provinces only one province proposed to add the following, ‘Zambia is a sovereign State created at independence from the union of two territories Northern Rhodesia and Barotseland as contained in the Barotseland Agreement of 1964.’ None of these proposals speak to cession but affirm the sovereignty of a unitary state and hence the final draft of Article 4 of our Constitution reading as it does.- Lusaka Times

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has clarified that the assented National Pensions Scheme Amendment Bill No. 21 of 2022 by President Hakainde Hichilema on early access to benefits only applies to the members of the defunct Zambia National Provident Fund(ZNPF).

Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Tambatamba disclosed in a statement that the amendment allows ZNPF members to claim for age benefits by now, instead of waiting for the eligibility age of 50 years, as this amendment was done because the ZNPF assets have since been depleted resulting in payments of benefits made from the National Pensions Scheme Fund, adding that the amendment will allow for an early pay-off all defunct ZNPF members and closure of their accounts.

“One of the objectives of the assented Bill is to amend the National Pensions Scheme Act to provide for an option to claim for age benefits by a member under the pensionable age under the existing fund of the Zambia National Provident Fund,” she said

Ms Tambatamba explained that the Amendment Bill to do with early access of pension contributions for members of the National Pensions Scheme Authority – NAPSA is still being developed and will be introduced in Parliament once the drafting process has been finalised.

“Beyond the defunct Zambia National Provident Fund – ZNPF early access, Cabinet recently approved in principle, the proposal to amend the National Pension Scheme Act No. 40 of 1996 to allow for partial withdrawal of pension contributions for members under the National Pension Scheme Authority,” Ms Tambatamba mentioned

Meanwhile, the National Pension Scheme Authority – NAPSA has clarified that the assented National Pension Scheme Bill by President Hakainde Hichilema has revised the minimum age limit for one off early access to Zambia National Provident Fund – ZNPF benefit from 50 to 36 years.

Addressing the media in Lusaka this afternoon, NAPSA Director General Muyangwa Muyangwa explained that the revision of the minimum age limit required to access ZNPF benefits entails that all members who contributed to ZNPF between 1966 an 2000 and have not made a claim can now claim their benefits without waiting to reach the age of 50 years which initially required for one to access the benefits.

“The new law will facilitate for payment of all ZNPF members and allow for the closure of their accounts, and at first contact, members claiming ZNPF benefits will be required to present their original National Registration Card (NRC) for all self-claims, while for survivors’ benefits, the administrators of the estate of the deceased are to present the deceased’s original NRC, death record and order of appointment as administrator among other required documents, we have also developed ICT systems to allow ZNPF members to claim benefits online, this is aimed at giving our members an efficient service and help to decongest the customer service centers.” he explained

Mr Muyanga added that the Bill has also revised the penalty rate from 20 percent to 10 percent for delayed payment of contributions and this will apply to new penalties incurred after coming into effect of the new law.

He further explained that the new law further provides for a waiver of penalties on conditions that the Ministry may by statutory instrument prescribe.

“The conditions and eligibility for the waiver will be availed as soons as the regulations are passed, as works on the regulations have since advanced,” he said

Mr Muyangwa stated that the revision of the minimum age limit required to access ZNPF benefits entails that all members who contributed to the fund between 1966 and 2000 and have not made a claim can now do so without waiting to reach 50 years.

TUTWA NGULUBE WAS A GREAT, FEARLESS – GARRY NKOMBO

By New Dawn Reporter
LATE former PF Kabwe Central Member of Parliament, Tutwa Ngulube was a great and fearless leader who believed in what he stood for, Local Government and Rural Development Minister, Garry Nkombo has said.

And acting PF president Given Lubinda says Tutwa was a fearless representative of the people and he fought for the rights of poor people without demanding for any payment.

Speaking during the funeral service at St. Marks UCZ Church in Kabwe, Lubinda said Tutwa was a prolific advocate and people’s lawyer.

He said Tutwa’s legacy to fight for justice shall forever live on.

“Tutwa Ngulube was a prolific advocate and people lawyer, lawyer for all who was ready to offer legal service to all. When we had any report of our cadres arrested for whatever reason we went to Tutwa. Many of our cases still active in courts were handled by Tutwa, he was ready to handle even unpopular political cases.

When we heard about his demise, it struck us so deeply that all members whose cases were being handled by Tutwa were asking that which way now? That is the gap this man we are here for has left,” Lubinda said.

Lubinda described Tutwa as a passionate, loving and hardworking individual whose love for his work made him a happy person.

” As a politician, Tutwa was passionate and selfless. Tutwa felt comfortable when working for others and representing those that couldn’t represent themselves he was a firm believer in constitutinal reforms and was passionate about removing the death penalty from the constitution of Zambia, so because he believed it was an opportunity to save the rights of citizens,” he said.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha described Tutwa and a focused, fearless lawyer and a loving man.

He said Tutwa was a great man who had passion for what he was doing and believed in.

Meanwhile, Nkombo who described Tutwa as his friend, said the former lawmaker was an interesting individual whose love for equity shall forever be his part.

He said Tutwa never kept ill of anybody, but love.

Nkombo said the death of Tutwa should draw everyone for the need of serious and genuine introspection on how the country should be.

Load shedding can’t go away simply because HH is President – Nevers

MMD leader Nevers Mumba says the load shedding problem cannot go away simply because Hakainde Hichilema is President.

Last Friday energy minister Peter Kapala announced that the country will be having a six-hour load shedding effective December 15.

“Zesco will implement a load management regime aimed at rationing power generation at the Kariba Complex to avoid a complete shutdown. This will be done with the view to minimise the impact on key economic sectors as well as preservation of the integrity of generation units at the Kariba Complex. We anticipate that based on the water levels, this will translate into a load management regime starting on 15th December 2022 of up to a maximum of six hours daily until the water levels improve,” said Kapala.

“Further, the situation has been worsened due to the over utilisation of water for sustained power generation which has resulted in low water levels at the lake. As of 28th November 2022, the Kariba lake water levels stood at 476.09m above sea level, representing only 4.12 per cent of usable water storage for power generation. It is projected that if the current power generation and subsequent water utilisation continues, the remaining water for power generation at the Kariba Complex, also referred to as live storage, will not be sufficient for power generation beyond mid-December 2022. Against this background, there is need to implement measures aimed at rationing the water in the lake in order to avoid a complete shutdown of electricity generation activities at the Kariba Complex.”

Reacting the announcement, Mumba said he was certain that there are those “among us who are getting ready to bash and hit at those in authority over this development”.

“Yes, the coming holiday season would be much better with electricity available throughout. However, I’d like to put on record that as the MMD, we hold this view: as a nation, we have in the past failed to properly plan for the population increase, and the housing explosion that has now necessitated load shedding and power cuts. This is a problem that cannot go away simply because HH is President or because we have a new party in power,” Mumba wrote on his Facebook wall.

“We need to, as a country, think through this long and hard, and implement the costly but yet necessary movement to renewable energy as a more sustainable and alternative sources of power. In the long run, this will be cheaper for our economy and will also present an opportunity for bigger industrial investments, once we have a sustainable and sufficient supply of power. I expect that this is the conversation we should preoccupy our best brains with.”

He cited solar, wind, thermal and nuclear energy.
“Zambia happens to have all these alternatives abanduntly available and we must give a challenge to our young minds to fix this problem, of course with the will and support of the government,” said Mumba.

“What are the JETS clubs in the country currently busy with? Well here is a challenge…”

Patriot Front national chairman Davies Chama has said that PF members of parliament will move a motion to impeach President Hakainde Hichilema if the current Head of State and the UPND government proceed to sell the Gulfstream jet that was procured during the Edgar Lungu led PF regime.

Speaking during an interview, Chama explained that it will be unconstitutional for President Hichilema and his Cabinet to sell the Gulfstream jet, saying that the UPND administration would be breaching the law by selling the said aircraft without adherence to Constitutional issues that the Head of State had sworn to preserve and protect.

“It’s not about me being a former Defence Minister but it is the issue of Constitutionality. The Republican Constitution under Article 210(10) clearly prescribes how state assets or public assets are supposed to be disposed off. And during his inauguration in Heroes Stadium, the current President did swear that he is going to preserve and protect the Republican Constitution. He also pledged to promote the rule of law,” Chama said. “So by virtue of not adhering to the provisions of the law and the supreme law of the land, which is the Constitution, President Hakainde Hichilema will be committing an illegality. And definitely the Patriot Front members of parliament will soon be moving a motion to impeach the Head of State for abrogating the Constitution. So whatever they are trying to do is illegal because that jet does not belong to President Hakainde Hichilema, but it is a state asset. Already here in the Southern African region we have an impeachmentt process that has been commenced against South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for alleged breach of the Constitution in that country. So there’s nothing that would stop PF members of parliament from taking a similar route.”

But reminded that the UPND administration is contemplating to sell the Gulfstream jet because it is alleged that it was fraudulently procured by the Edgar Lungu PF-administration in which Chama served as Defence minister, Chama, said that the Patriot Front government followed all the laid down procedures, and that is why the UPND administration is “failing to move on supersonic speed to pursue people that might have been involved in the procurement of the said Gulfstream jet.

“Do you know these UPND fellas very well? If there were any irregularities in the procurement of that state asset, the UPND government would have moved at a supersonic speed to pursue this matter. But they have realised that the PF followed all legal proceedures where adherence to the procurement process of the Gulfstream jet,” said Chama.

He said that if President Hichilema is not comfortable with the usage of the Gulfstream jet, he should not sell it but leave it for usage by his successive Heads of State.- Daily Revelation

THE FINANCE MINISTER DRIBBLES INTO ZAMBIA’S 🇿🇲 18 AREA & SCORES OWN GOAL

By Miles B. Sampa, MP
December 6th, 2022

Listening to the Finance Minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane this morning explain why Government has forgone the dividends (shares) rights at Kansanshi Mine in preference for loyalty rights (MRT) is saddening. Callous and inconsiderate to our future generation.

As l have pointed out before, it’s almost about a crime in the imperialist mine owners religion for them to pay reasonable tax to Zambia and Africa. They have to get our minerals as free as possible.

In the Minister’s first new dawn Budget in 2022, he gave away atleast $260 in potential tax revenue. In the next 2023 budget , he has again given the mine owners another $130M out of the existing government revenues from the mines by thinking with the MRT.

Now the Kansanshi owners have duped our government to give up shares for royalties and our minister of finance has agreed. Kansanshi does not want to have any interest in the profits they are making because we will be forced to question their revenues and cost structures. So our government has now ‘legalized’ transfer pricing.

It’s a myth that under mineral royalty arrangement ZCCM-IH will be guaranteed a quarterly fixed income from Kansanshi mine based on our copper dug out and sold.
In the times Kansanshi Mine will choose not to put anything in the MOF ‘begging’ bow, they will either decide to not dig anything out of the ground or not sell anything for a month or two. Ever heard of stock piling ba Musokotwane 🤔

Once they do that, MOF will have no money to pay salaries for civil servants or buy medicines for our hospitals. Dr Musokotwane will then run 🏃🏾‍♂️ back to Kansanshi Mine for some ‘ advance’ money. Kasanshi will then say can only do so from the same mineral royalty tax if percentage is reduced in the 2024 budget. At the rate he has been moving, he will agree.

It’s the classic story of the camel 🐪. When we gave them back some of the MRT in the 2022 budget, now they want us to give up everything and until they pay zero to the Zambian people. Zambia has been dribbled yet again.

I personally coined the SI 35 in 2012 and it was meant to track mines costs and revenues from digging the copper to selling it in Switzerland 🇨🇭 or Asia so that Zambia does not lose out on profits made and dividends therein. Dr Musokotwane while in opposition Opposed the SI35 until it was shelved by the listening then government.

Today now as current Finance Minister, he is crying about dividends not being paid by same mines from their realized (& hidden) profits. In the process he has scored an own goal 🥅 by giving up our Kansanshi Mines shares meant for our (his inclusive) great grand children. He has been duped with some MRT promissory note but Zambia has lost all legal rights to the mine.

Qatar 🇶🇦 World Cup results:
Kansanshi Mine ..10 goals: Zambia 🇿🇲…0 goals.

MBS06.12.2022

GOVT CALLED UPON TO ACT FAST ON KCM

…. failure to do so may lead to the eventual death and closure of the mine, laments a Chililabombwe resident.

Chililabombwe… Tuesday December 6, 2022

A Chililabombwe resident has appealed to government to quickly resolve issues at the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM).

Speaking when he featured on Rise FM radio programme, Chishala Mwamba notes that failure to act soon, this may lead to the eventual death and closure of KCM.

Mr. Mwamba laments that unemployment levels are at there highest in KCM host communities, everyone including marketeers have felt the pinch.

Mr. Mwamba has also lamented that KCM liabilities have tripled to over US$2.4 billion from the US$786 million that Vedanta left in 2019.

He notes that supplier debt has risen from $220 million in 2019 to over $770 million dollars.

Mr. Mwamba further notes that KCM is the biggest strategic national asset that Zambia has and that keeping it dormant is tantamount to killing the economy.

Mr. Mwamba says KCM is failing to pay contractors with some sending hundreds of their workers on forced leave.

“It seems simple to the people outside Chingola, Chililabombwe and Nampundwe as to how far KCM has gone down. Since Vedanta was illegally ousted in 2019, over 7000 jobs have been lost. KCM Capacity to finance production has dwindled with government assisting them in collecting $15 million dollars from Eco Bank to finance their production recently,” he said.

“KCM Production has dropped by 65%, i.e. from 7.2 killotonnes per month under Vedanta to just about 2.7 killotonnes. Zambia’s copper supply at the Global stage can do better with a fully operational KCM.”

He stated that no alternative investor is willing to invest in KCM owing to the legal squabbles surrounding it.

“Therefore government risks compensating Vedanta over $3billion dollars if things are not resolved soonest and amicably. Vedanta invested over US$3billion in KCM and are willing to invest an additional US$1billion+ dollars in order to recapitalize the asset. Ours should be to negotiate for better conditions of operations,” he added.

Mr. Mwamba indicated that if the issue is treated with political gloves, it’s not the President, the PF or the Mines Minister who will suffer but the common people of Chililabombwe, Chingola, Nampundwe and Zambia at Large.

“As a community, we strongly call for quick action to be taken on this matter in order to curb the rapidly increasing poverty levels in our communities,” he concluded.

CENSUS ENUMERATORS ARRESTED APPEAL TO PRESIDENT HICHILEMA TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE PAID

Following the current happening at ZAMSTATS, we as a committee want to find out on behalf or all youths being tormented by the Heartless leadership set to manage ZAMSTATS.

There are a few key people we have hoped to hear from but they have not issued any statement over the un called for conduct of ZAMSTATS management.

1. Hon Brenda Tambatamba
Your office is responsible for taking care of all labour issues across the country and we as a committee are too sure that you are aware that Zambian youths who have formed the government through Ballot power which has recognised you for that position are crying day in day out because they have not been paid. Even after undertaking a government duty not only That, but some staff are being denied the privileges which come with hard work; they are not paid according to contractual stipulations and to our surprise your honor, you have been quiet as if you are pleased with everything going on.
*Is your office in favour Of how ZamStats treating your youths?
*Are these people too special that your office can’t see how faulty they are?
Tell us madam, at what stage are you going to be moved by the unfair, injustice, Unfair behaviour being exhibited by Ba Aram CHitalu and his team?

Are you aware that some youths were caged yesterday when they were trying to air their grievances? We demand your voice Madam as soon as possible.

2. Hon Musokwatwani
as Finance minister are you telling us that your office has not given enough funds to ZAMSTATS to meet the budget planned earlier for the 2022 Census exercise?
Sir! you have been contacted by so many youths from the time youths got concerned but you have not said anything up to now. Tell us, are you working with the PF system such that you can’t voice out when there is need? Earlier before today, you used to update the nation over the progress on each step of Census. Remember you even announced the extension but youths have not been given any increment on the days they worked outside the contract days, what is your say? Come on sir! address the nation and set yourself free.

Are you aware that Government funds have been misappropriated by the ZamStats National coordinator, Provincial Census Coordinators and some District Census Coordinators?

We have evidence enough that these people used money for monitoring, mop-up an decamping for their own benefits. Through the office of the Auditor General engage ZCC if you want to know how fake the retirements are. This has been the worst Census ever.

3. Mr. Liswaniso Gilbert youth Chairperson UPND
we are not going to say much….Speak for your fellow youth

to all youths who have not been paid yet, we encourage you not to fear anything, you worked and you deserve your hard earned money. Do not be moved by these people who are trying to intimidate you.

We still give a friendly warning to the National Coordinator ba Aram Chitalu that your age is failing you, your reasoning is getting shallow and you will do well to resign before hot water pours on your face. The path you have taken will put you and your team in trouble.

Mr President HE Hakainde Hichilema, we appeal to you that you intervene.

Together we can.

Hakainde Hichilema has lost credibility and Zambians must fire him before 2026, says FDD leader Edith Nawakwi.

Speaking through an interview on the UPND administration to Zambians that load shedding will be commencing in the next few days for an average six hours daily, on account of the low water levels, Nawakwi, who served as Energy minister among several ministerial positions she held, said Zambians were now tired of what she described as President Hichilema’s lies, saying they should fire him before 2026.

She claimed that the President had not moved into State House for fear that he would not perform and therefore did not want to face the embarrassment of packing his belongings from State House

Nawakwi described the remarks by Energy minister Peter Kapala as lies, arguing that last year there were floods in the country with the Zambezi river basin bursting with flood waters, and that those waters arrive somewhere between August to October in the collection basins.

“These people are talking as if they are the first ones in government. That’s why some of us get very disappointed with their behavior. I was minister of Energy, I am an energy economist. I was working at the Ministry of Energy and water Development. I understand the rivers of Zambia and how the water flows. My job was to understand the Zambezi River, its tributaries and how water collects into the Kafue and Zambezi basin,” Nawakwi said. “So this nonsense of thinking that Zambians are foolish should stop. The truth is that they have got contracts to export power, that’s the truth. And you see if you say you have collected money from people and you have to pay, you have to export that is honourable.”

Nawakwi said people understand when they are told the truth that the country is bankrupt and need to collect a bit of money, rather than being told lies.

But she said if she were to give the administration the benefit of doubt over their claims, then it means that “they have a useless manager” at Zambezi River Authority as the flood gates were being opened carelessly, saying that was the alternative to her other argument that the power is being exported and therefore leading to more load shedding locally.

She said Zambians are not supposed to be told “malikopo (lies) stories” this time of the year that the water levels are low, saying President Hichilema has told so many lies, including telling Zambians that he had opened “turbine number 1, turbine number 2, turbine number 3”, when he does not even know how they are being repaired and that that was in fact not his project, but the project initiated by the PF administration.

“Even if they say when you inherit something you have inherited everything that is not the way to behave. Hakainde Hichilema has lost credibility. The bottom line is that the people of Zambia must fire him immediately,” Nawakwi said, saying there were many ways of firing a President besides waiting for the 2026 general elections, including demanding for early elections and through parliament, where of course those in the opposition do not have the numbers.”

She challenged President Hichilema to call for fresh elections to read the general mood in the country.

“You see this is why he didn’t want to move from his house. He knew that he would not perform and he didn’t want to have the embarrassment of parking from State House. So he made a strategic choice that for the next five years he is going to be moving from his house. That is why you can see that he wants to move public money to Aflife as if they didn’t move enough when he was not even President,” Nawakwi said. “They were getting contracts from KCM to manage KCM pensions which they have not given them back. There are so many people dying. The latest one is Expendito Chipalo, he has died without getting his pension from Hakainde’s pensions companies.”

Nawakwi said while poor people had to resort to the courts to be paid their money, President Hichilema was sitting on the top of the pile as being among the richest people in the country.

“He is the richest man in Zambia but poor people lie Expendito Chipalo dying with tubes in their necks to clean blood, cannot get their pension. He is very deliberate in what he is doing. Unfortunately the Zambian people were hoodwinked,” said Nawakwi

By Kasebamashila Kaseba
HOW LAURA MITI IN 74 DAYS MIGRATED FROM MEDIA SLAVERY ABOLITIONIST TO SLAVER PRIME TV NEWS ANALYST

Not that I know her. However, I have followed and admired Laura Miti, in the public space, both as a writer and person, for many years since the Times of Zambia in the late 1990s and later The Post in 2010s on the subjection of coach player and FAZ president Kalusha Bwalya to “The Peter Principle”.

(I have collected some newspaper cuttings.)

I have met her in person, at a few functions including one at the U.S Embassy about 2017 during her presentation on the national budget tracking etc and joined or press covered her protest and arrest at Parliament grounds alongside Pilato and Sean Tembo etc over the 42 firetenders for $42 million in 2018.

We met again at the “red card” campaign at the same venue in 2019.

I later followed the Magistrate Court case that silenced the protest or debate.

I earlier once produced and hosted her on Prime TV “Update” programme in 2016.

I have also followed her on her Facebook posts including her recent one time frustration with HH’s ignorant argument or justification of 4 of 25 (16%) ministers being gender (im)balance of other HH’s tokenisms.

She also recently posted in very bad taste post on the death of Tutwa Ngulube, 43, (1979 – 2022) she claimed was distorted.

That was after another controversial post dismissing a group of party presidents’ press conference announcement that upset one Saboi Imboela who has since gotten insulting of “unbathed” her.

Of particular interest is the post on 20th September, 2022, “Working Conditions in Private Media Houses Are Just Shocking!” albeit without naming media owners and houses with Boer, Apartheid slavery conditions and pay.

Some 73 days later, on 1st December, 2022, she debuted on Prime TV News Analysis, a show I created to the opposition and reluctance of slaver Gerald Shawa who has since sued or lawfared me into silence or constructive dismissed as alleged of PF and EL national interest retirements.

Shawa not just rejected the Prime TV News Analysis segment concept in replacement of Edwin Zulu’s “Proverb of The Day” segment but also later tried to cut it from initial five or 10 to two minutes.

He later overcompensated Simuuwe with the segment ownetship and to news analyse for about 30 minutes.

Shawa with the basest instincts has since 2014 not just daylight robbed, gaslighted and dehumunised me (among others) about my others of dues in using others either government and unprofessional NGOs opportunists bought with appearances.

Today, Prine TV News Analyst Mark Simuuwe can still double as UPND consultant driving Prime TV branded vehicle and Prime TV analyst, which is dismissable, without the shock or shane of UPND, HH and Laura Miti.

She was very much aware of that examplar slaver private media owner Prime TV Shawa she didn’t name or has had an idea of my court case among others.

Apart from not naming Prime TV private media slaver or ones organising awards for already better paid musicians and sportsmen, she instead has blasted “rich” James Ndambo or “predatory” Trade Kings.

Well, perhaps she was doing it for attention or money.

Otherwise, I think public life and the media are not just about knowledge, analysis of things or money but also about moral conscience integrity and credibility.

How did the Prime TV “senior” lawyers in 2020 withdraw from the closure of Prime TV High Court case?

For me, she fails the morality and integrity questions, especially for not critical of the very slaveholding private media like Prime TV or not condemning the UPND as PF even when the Human Rights Commission (she is a commissioner) statement or the MISA/USAID Freedom of Expression Report 2022 are incriminating UPND or the church pastoral letter as bad as the PF or worse than PF.

To regard PF and EL wrongs as wrongs or crimes but UPND and HH wrongs and crimes as right is immoral and Stockholm Syndrome.

Otherwise, one month earlier, 2nd November is the “International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists” that she and UPND ignore.

And 2022 is the deadliest year with Zambia Police arresting a Muvi TV crew for “disorderly conduct” contrary to Section 60 of Chapter 107 of the Laws of Zambia for the covering the home arrest of Chilufya Tayali and UPND cadres raiding a radio station to beat a presenter on air without shock of her or UPND.

In the end, it is a case of when Prime TV’s money speaks Laura Miti’s moral conscience listens.

ABOUT ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT: THE DOs AND DON’Ts

By Sean Tembo – PeP President

1. Let no one cheat you, properly managing an economy is a very complex task. That is because economic variables tend to be interrelated, and the nature and strength of those relationships tend to vary. Some variables are directly related, others are inversely related with different correlations. For instance, in order to fight inflation, a textbook will tell you that you need to reduce the money supply in the economy, but that may bring about other unintended consequences such as economic stagnation as we are seeing today under the New Dawn.

2. My considered view is that the New Dawn administration has so far repeated all the economic errors of the PF administration and have even added additional errors on top; all within a period of less than 15 months. Having admitted that running an economy is a complex undertaking, as Liz Truss and Kwesi Kwarteng would testify, l believe there are certain basic economic variables that must always be pursued no matter the circumstances, and certain basic economic parameters that must always be in place no matter the circumstances. For instance, l believe that no other economy variable is as important as growth. Therefore, l strongly disagreed with the New Dawn when they decided to restrict the money supply thereby undermining economic growth, all because they wanted to fight inflation. The bottom line is that people cannot eat low inflation. Similarly, l have always believed that some of the basic economic parameters that should be in place in order for economic growth to take place include a stable exchange rate, stable fuel prices, and a stable electricity supply.

3. When l look at the economic performance of the PF regime, l always believe that they lost their handle on managing the economy in 2015 when we experienced unprecedented loadshedding and an unprecedented fluctuation in the exchange rate. I remember one day in mid September 2015 when the forex market momentarily melted and the Kwacha exchange rate fluctuated from as low as K11 to as high as K15, all in a single day. However, despite not having a handle on loadsheding and the exchange rate, the PF regime was able to maintain some stability on fuel prices in most of their tenure.

4. Fast forward to this day under the New Dawn administration, we have seen that there is no stability in fuel prices, and of late no stability in the exchange rate and as announced by the Minister of Energy in Parliament yesterday, there will soon be no stability in electricity supply as loadsheding is coming. In other words, the New Dawn have repeated two of the economic sins that the PF committed in 2015, but have also added two other economic sins which are unstable fuel prices and reduced money supply in the economy in the quest to fight inflation at the expense of economic growth.

5. You see, an economy cannot grow if there is no stability in key economic parameters. Here, the emphasis is stability as opposed to either an upward trend or downward trend. For purposes of economic growth, you are better off having the fuel price fixed at K25 for two to three years than having it fluctuate from K20 to K28 within 3 months. Similarly, you are better of with having the exchange rate stable at K18 for two to three years than having it fluctuate from K15 to K18 within a period of two months. The reason stability of economic parameters is a key ingredient for economic growth is because it allows economic entities to plan and make decisions. When economic entities are not able to plan and make economic decisions, they will adopt a wait and see approach and that brings about economic stagnation. Therefore, any economic manager who believes that it is okay to have key parameters of the economy such as fuel prices, fluctuating on a monthly basis, lacks a basic understanding of how an economy functions and deserves to belong to the economic dustbin of Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng.

6. My advice to the New Dawn administration is fourfold. Firstly, abandon these monthly fuel price reviews as they introduce a major uncertainty in the economy, given the fact that fuel is a major economic input. Make use of the Fuel Stabilization Fund which was created by the MMD regime way back in 2007, to smoothen fluctuations in world oil prices and endeavor to only revise fuel prices once a year. If you can make it once in two years, even better. In order for the Fuel Stabilization Fund to work, you need to be disciplined. When the Fund records a surplus, do not divert those funds to somewhere else, and when the Fund records a deficit, do not be shy to subsidize it. But whatever the case, please create stability in the pricing of fuel.

7. My second piece of advice to the New Dawn is that they should take a que from Tanzania in terms of foreign exchange rate management. The Tanzanian Government has maintained the exchange rate of the Tanzanian Shilling at about 200 shillings to the US Dollar for almost 7 years now, and they are reaping the benefits of stability as they are a preferred investment destination for the region, and their economy is poised to overtake Kenya in the next few years. I have always believed that a currency should not depreciate or appreciate by more than 3 percent per annum, for economic entities to be able to plan and make proper economic decisions. For Zambia, our exchange rate has moved from about K15.50 to about K17.50 representing a depreciation of about 13 percent, all within a month!!! You cannot record sound economic growth with such fluctuations in key economic parameters. And you need economic growth for the private sector to create employment and for SMEs to thrive. Right now the economy is stagnant and everyone is complaining.

8. My third piece of advice to the New Dawn administration is that they should abandon the approach of restricting liquidity in the economy as a way of fighting inflation. In as much as inflation needs to be fought, it should not be fought at the expense of economic growth. What good is a low inflation if people are suffering due to lack of employment and lack of business prospects? Therefore, Government should increase liquidity in the economy by doing two things; firstly by beginning to liquidate the huge stock of domestic arrears which currently stands at about K45 billion. You cannot have a small economy like ours and the Government is owing the private sector in excess of K45 billion. It means there will be no money in circulation and that is exactly what people are complaining about today. So Government should begin to pay out the various suppliers that it owes money, so that such money can trickle down to the ground. Secondly, Government should reduce it’s stock of domestic debt through the Treasury Bills and Government bonds, currently standing at about K210 billion. Again for a small economy like ours, when Government borrows K210 billion from the financial markets, it means there is going to be very little money left for the financial markets to lend to the private sector. In other words, the private sector is being crowded out thereby causing economic stagnation.

9. My fourth and final piece of advice to the New Dawn is that they should not allow the planned 6-hour loadsheding to commence, as it will put a final nail in the coffin for our economy, as it did in 2015. If indeed there is a deficit, then it is better to import electricity from other countries rather than introduce loadsheding. Importing electricity might appear to be a cost, but it is actually an investment, because the cost of loadsheding to the economy will be far much higher. Also remember that a shrunk economy due to loadsheding means reduced revenue collection by ZRA. So it is better to spend a few million dollars to import power, than for ZRA to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue due to a shrunk economy.

10. But no matter the quantity and quality of advice we give to the New Dawn Government, the million dollar question is whether they are the ones making economic decisions for Zambia, or it is the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The UPND Spokesperson Honorable Cornelius Mweetwa is on record saying that the requirement to revise fuel prices on a monthly basis was one of the IMF conditions for the $1.4 billion loan that the UPND administration recently obtained from the IMF, and to which we were vehemently opposed. As things stand, we cannot tell which of the decisions are birthed by President Hakainde Hichilema and his Cabinet, and which ones are imposed by the IMF. But whatever the case, the Zambian people deserve better given our huge economic potential as a nation. For how long are the people going to suffer?

SET 03.12.2022