GOD IS NOT A SOCIALIST
[On Labour, its Day, and Other Imperatives]

Neither is He a Capitalist.

On days like Labour Day, we must deeply reflect on the origins, wellbeing and future of work.

Through such careful reflection, we must then fashion a future that is harmonious for all concerned with reference to work/labour and workers.

A curious and noteworthy phenomenon is that nearly all political parties in Zambia acknowledge God as the supreme authority of all guidance.

This is encouraging, God being the embodiment of THE SOURCE.

And yet, nearly all their manifestos do NOT accurately reflect this acknowledgement.

Note that anything that is NOT premised or founded on God will fail.

All conflict/war is a product of disobedience, a consequence of the violation of God’s own principles, a manifestation of existential disequilibrium.

Before God, all things have value, and all things are connected, one BENEFITTING the other.

Balance is the Universal principle that governs all existence.

ALL people must work.

It follows then that anyone who does not use his or her acquired knowledge, competences or skills to create income or wealth for his or her own survival violates this law of nature.

And anyone who DOES NOT WORK sins, and will die, for the wages of sin is death.

God is very clear on the unemployed. He says that they should NOT eat.

It is therfore an imperative that any leader of people, a president or otherwise, must create an enabling environment for all people to work.

As we seek a better world, we shall be required to abandon both capitalism and socialism in their present forms and absoluteness.

Both these forms of ideologies as premises for economic culture fail.

They both create and lead to social disequilibria.

Their failure is intrinsic to the variances that they reflect with the dictates of God.

Both are NOT fair.
God is FAIR.

All economies of the future in the world must be founded on equity or fairness.

All trade must be a function of love for thyself as one would another.

All TRADE must be fair.
To a significant degree, Zambia’s own economic ills are a product of unfair trade.

Take transfer-pricing in our mines, for instance.

And for as long as there is NO FAIR TRADE in the world, conflict/war will reign, and with it suffering and death.

Capitalism is founded on GREED.

Socialism is founded on SLOTH.

Both greed and sloth are deadly sins, the others, though not directly mentioned in the Holy Bible, being pride, envy, lust, wrath and gluttony.

Sins kill.

Capitalism seeks profit by all means.

It is because of this pursuit of Capitalism that it leads to the exploitation of workers.

Capitalism is not FAIR to workers. Despite working excellently and hard, a worker under Capitalism is not paid his just/due wages.

Get the most out of a worker for the least pay, that is its driving spirit.

Therefore, various mechanisms are devised and used in Capitalist societies to exploit/defraud the worker as much ascis possible all in pursuit of profit.

As a way to fight back for his own welfare, it is this exploitation that gave birth to labour unions by the labourer.

Socialism seeks the blanket wellbeing of all people. On this score alone, it is without equal.

However, it also is NOT fair because it exploits one for the benefit of the other.

It does not encourage individuals to be responsible for themselves.

Under Socialism regardless of whether you work hard or NOT, your salary will come, you will eat.

And this salary is blind to individual workers’ attributes such as excellence, punctuality, commitment to duty or diligence.

Whether one labourer is superior to the other, or inferior to the other, they all are treated the same.

Through such an approach in Socialist societies, the strong, the brilliant, the smartest are NOT duly rewarded for their attributes.

Instead, they are made to subsidise the weak, idiotic and lazy.

By taking away from the diligent and giving to the poor/lazy, Socialism destroys the natural order of responsibility or incentives and flouts the sacred commandment of God that he who does NOT work must not eat.

Under Socialism, it does not matter whether you work or not, you will still eat.

An example of a socialist structure in Zambia is the Civil Service.

The Civil Service in Zambia is not appropriately sensitive to targets and performance. It is only a grand social welfare scheme not in keeping with business principles.

The Civil Service is the biggest loss-making labour organisation in Zambia.

It blatantly and perennially rewards mediocrity.

Whether you turn up or not, and when you turn up, whether you perform or not, you will still be paid.

Socialism, by subsidising sloth, promotes it. In the end, the whole organisation of labour, fails. It is NOT sustainable.

God insists on DUE pay.
Each one must be paid in accordance with their input.

No one should be made to pay for the sins of another.

Each one must take responsibility for themselves.

Do NOT eat that which you have not toiled for and harvested, He says.

FAIRNESS.

It follows then that all labour and its organisation must, to the nth degree, reflect fairness.

The lazy must not get paid.
And the diligent must get their deserved reward.

Employers and employees must enjoy a win-win relationship, cognisant that one’s prosperity is reliant on the other’s.

Both the employer and employee must cherish the factory, seeing it as a co-owned arena for their own survival and prosperity.

The quality of products must be a function of love/truth and NOT deception.

To offer the VERY BEST should be the driving spirit of industry for the quality of all services and goods.

What then is the future of labour?

The future of labour is neither in capitalism nor socialism.

We need a new WORLD ORDER to govern work and workers.

The future of labour is FAIRNESS.

All labour policies should reflect fairness.

The call for fair trade is a Godly one.

And for as long as there is no fair trade in the world, unjust income inequalities and poverty will continue, and as merely a push towards the required default setting of all life, pilferage, conflict and war will never end.

Note that when the employer and employee are in conflict, the factory suffers, and eventually, both are destroyed.

Therefore, the new or future economic order of the world must be founded on OBEDIENCE.

Each one his just share.

Obedience leads to harmony.

And all human success is only a product of obedience.

We are pilgrims.
We glow.
Follow us.

All people must work. Or die.
Ever wondered why the mortality rates are frighteningly high in Zambia?

Yes, all culture that is not in conformity with and departs from Universal DICTATES will fail.

Take heed.

Dr Canisius BANDA
Development Activist

Lunte PF Member of Parliament Hon Mutotwe Kafwaya writes….

AFRICOM – MY REFLECTION!

We are living in very interesting times.

Modernity advanced by widespread technological development has made it easier for many to perceive what is happening in and around us.

Right now, our country is waiting for outcomes on a number of national issues of tremendous interest such as:

() the content of a private conversation between a Diamond tv journalist (Jonah) and the President. If at all it has already taken place or it is yet to. This conversation begun in public and it is of public interest – so we keep waiting.

() the DPP’s Oath of secrecy removal – we are granted to understand that the DPP has requested His Excellency the President to lift her oath of secrecy so that she can defend herself. So far, on this issue, we haven’t heard from Anthony or Hon Haimbe. These two colleagues are the only ones I have heard speaking on behalf of the President or Presidency – whether Hon Haimbe did so legitimately or illegitimately is a different matter.

AFRICOM is certainly the ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM. This undertaking has huge potential ramifications both for the country and the region at large.

I have observed that it has stimulated debate not only nationally but regionally as well. In this debate, I have not seen anyone submitting in favor of it. All national and regional submissions are against the establishment of this command.

This is the position of COLLECTIVE wisdom.

I am on the side of collective wisdom. To put it a little politically, what choice do I have when the people have said NO. And knowing very well that I am JUST a representative of the people.

When that foreign general announced this project, I was given to understand that the Zambian Government had agreed for AFRICOM to be established here in the country. If this is true, my advice to the Government will come in a mixed form of expressions and questions as below:

() please do not forget about ACCOUNTABILITY just because this is AFRICOM. The same Zambians who want Government to fight corruption, do not want AFRICOM established in their country. It may beneficial to listen and accept the will of the people.

Remember that as Government, you are accountable to the people who placed their sovereignty under your leadership.

If the Government decides to allow this project in spite of its utter rejection by the people, one or two questions or more may then beg answers:

() the people don’t want it, in whose INTEREST would it be established?

() could there be benefits to accrue to the Zambian people if the command is established? Why don’t we get a presentation from Government in this regard?

PATRIOTS – love their country. They always act in the best interest their country. My mother, who was a freedom fighter, taught me this early in life.

Hon Mutotwe KAFWAYA, MP

Restoring EVERYTHING PATRIOTIC.

THINGS THAT WENT WRONG FOR PF LEADING TO DOWNFALL

By Isaac Mwanza

1. Davies Mwila

As an individual, Former PF Secretary General Davies Mwila is a good person but as a leader, he lagged way behind to keeping the PF intact during most crucial moment. No wonder his reappointment by the then PF President Lungu at the close of the PF General Conference felt like heavy blocks of ice had been poured on its members.

A party SG should be the most approachable and not behave like the most important person next to the President.

Ba UPND what do you learn from this?

2. Nkandu Luo

Very intelligent woman, first female professor but she was one of the despised leaders among the young literate population which had strong influence on young people generally. It didn’t need one to have gone to a university to not like ba Nkandu Luo, one only needed to hear opinions – right or wrong – from members of their community who made it to college or university that Luo was not a leader you would want next to the President. Her fights against Student Unions led by ZANASU – even on parliamentary floor – just sealed the perception. If Luo was a right leader, how come she didn’t not become Acting President after ECL resigned? Let’s leave it here for now.

Ba UPND do you genuinely think Nalumango would be an acceptable President to take over from HH in case of any eventuality, God forbid!

3. Presidential Handlers

The departure of most politically-minded handlers to the then President Lungu was left the Presidency heavily uninsulated from the shocks. Its not easy thing to change PS’s, Aides, and General staff at Plot 1, especially if you keep a set of these for too long. One only has to look at the kinds of staff that sorround the new USA President to understand why you need people political minds that are hands-on for staff that sorround you, especially in Africa politics.

Today, President Hichilema can decide to appoint any UPND IPS as his press aide but to what ends? Aides like Anthony Bwalya who understand the minds of their boss re more ideal in those political offices but you don’t need characters whose only goodness is the biggest smile in the Presidency.

3. Ministers

The last regime saw a set of Ministers who had, or at least, took Ministries as personal-to-holder basis. ECL type of leadership was to keep same people in same position for as long as he could but that was anticipated and actually turned out to be disastrous. Public offices must not feel or be seen like they are personal to holder. In the next few months, a lot of these former ministers will defect to UPND, for a reason everyone will understand but that is politics.

Ministers are supposed to be advisors to the President and not the ones to take instructions from handlers to the President. They must be the ones to tell him that “boss you naked”. But do you think Ministers in this government can be honest and frank with the President to tell him that don’t embarass yourself to say immunity agreements are wrong because from Shamwana times, the DPP office has executed immunity agreements?

4. Free-flow government

When government is run on a free-flow basis, things can get so our of hand. PS’s, directors, almost everyone was believed by the public as doing what pleases him or her, so long u dont cross path with the big guys who called shots.

22 YEARS AGO I WAS A SECURITY GUARD FOR TD JAKES (Bishop Tomas Dexter Jakes, Dallas Texas USA) – MUBITA NAWA

Allow me to share part of my story. One of the reasons I enjoy sharing my stories is so that other people can feel normal and human too.

I arrived in Dallas Texas USA 🇺🇸 on December 25th 1999. It was Christmas day and all shops were closed. My Friend Josephine Malama Wilder had arranged that a friend of hers Hazel Muntemba would pick me up. Hazel also sent another friend to pick me up by the name of Patrick. Both Hazel and Patrick would be amazing lifetime friends. Josephine remains a great friend to date.

One of the reasons I enjoy pulling others up is that I am a product of other peoples effort. Someone else opened a door for me and I must also open doors for others.

Before going to America, I was a successful young banker who lived along a beautiful street and I already had properties of my own. But something was not right. I needed a new beginning. I needed a new start. America was calling.

So I enrolled at Dallas Baptist University where I went to study Business Administration. My boss at the international office at Dallas Baptist University was Mrs. Rebecca Brown. An amazing kind, cultured and good natured leader. She helped me settle down amidst cultural shock 😲. I sponsored myself to America 100%.

A day after arriving in Dallas I visited The Potters House Church in Dallas. This was the main reason I was in America. To meet a man called TD Jakes. This led to my seven and half year experience of serving a great man. TD Jakes did not turn me into a man. He simply turned me into a believer of the man God designed me to be. TD Jakes, his wife and family and the entire Potters House were my midwifery team.

TD Jakes helped me see myself for who I was, who I could be and who I was destined be. You need a mentor. Let me be your accountability partner.

For seven years I studied the world’s richest preacher. For seven years I was under the wings of a millionaire……. to be continued.

Tomorrow I start a class with those who want to learn great lessons harvested from great leaders.

Join our class MILLIONAIRE MINDSET AFRICA EDITION tomorrow at 9am via what’s app. Its a 60 day journey together.

Sign up. 0978117920

MCNLIVE

INVEST IN LIFE OUTSIDE THE CIVIL SERVICE – HH

…… tells civil servants

President Hakainde Hichilema says his government is aware that civil servants have life outside the service and that needs to be taken care off when one is energetic with a lot of opportunities.

He said that his government is working towards civil servants’ access to their pension fund whilst they are still energetic and productive.

“ Your government is working towards reforming the pension system to benefit retirees and the would be retirees.” said President Hichilema.

He said some of the reforms include paying of workers part of their retirement package while they are working and ensuring that money is not abused but used to sustain one’s livelihood.

The President has also assured workers that the UPND Administration is still standing by its promise for workers to access their pension funds before they retire.

And President Hichilema has that said the trend by some Pension Houses to buy land from friends or politicians at high value using pensioners’ money should come to an end and must be stopped .

He said if these reforms are not implemented by the Minister of labour, government may go to parliament to legislate.

He has also encouraged Zambians, especially workers to start investing in agriculture and other areas of their interest even before they retire.

He said Zambians should not demonise investment because it instills a spirit of self reliance and not tulyemo.

The head of State said the country’s economy can only grow when citizens start to invest into the economy like he did year’s back.

“There is no need to demonise entrepreneurship especially in agriculture because countries like Botswana have prospered because of cattle.” said President Hichilema.

Mr Hichilema has encouraged workers to find time and invest in areas outside their professional interests like agriculture and ranching.

Mr Hichilema said workers should invest in ranching and start with two or three cows so that during their retirement, the cows would have multiplied.

He, however said that in the process of investment, they will have to exercise patience and see their investments come to fruition as they retire.

WHY KAMBWILI DOES NOT QUALIFY TO BE PF PRESIDENT

The Scoop Editorial: May 1, 2022

CHISHIMBA Kambwili’s handlers should have advised him accordingly before he even attempted to ditch the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to rejoin the Patriotic Front (PF). What has devoured Mr. Kambwili is making decisions out of emotions and an alleged appetite for leadership.

Take it from us, Kambwili is a political bulldozer. When he speaks, people listen. When he has facts on his fingertips, he is uncontrollably irritating and difficult to handle. He makes you hobble like a berserk, demon possessed individual.

He exposes you without care and these are the people we need in the opposition to offer credible checks and balances and not this madongodongo we are seeing today but how one manages his abilities is what matters as this can be the biggest weakness. This is where Kambwili has lamentably failed either because he does not want to be controlled, or his handlers fail to tell him the truth.

Mr. Kambwili founded the NDC so that he could topple the PF and grab the leadership of this country from them and he was on firm course had he continued but he wobbled. He went into an alliance with the UPND but when his desires were not met, again he jumped ship without realising the dark side of such a poorly-thought-out decision.

Of course the PF welcomed him back with open arms because they knew he was an important nuisance to them winning the 2021 election as they could use him to damage the UPND’s reputation, a few months before the 2021 elections. His agenda and the PF’s agenda fitted perfectly well into each other.

The message was clear; preach about hate speech, tribalism, regionalism, and President Hakainde Hichilema’s alleged filthy hands over privatisation. Choppers were arranged for him and all logistics put in place to make sure he canvassed the length and breadth of the country, spewing tribalism and hate speech.

Whatever was agreed behind the closed doors about his personal benefit if the PF had won, we are not privy to it but definitely, something big was up for him, not to talk about taking over the leadership of the PF from Edgar Lungu. What Kambwili failed to see was the fact that the same UPND he was insulting could win an election and that if that happened, all his ambitions would ground to a halt.

He overrated his capability and threw reason to the pigs. He took the bull by its horns and trumpeted his importance and the sins of the UPND were laid bare to electorates. By August 10, he was convinced that he had met his objective and sure that his ambitions had been realised.

When election results started streaming in, that is when it dawned on him that Nebuchadnezzar was out grazing with the cows next door and the chickens had come home to roost. But him, being Kambwili the so-called young-cobra as he likes to equate himself to late Michael Sata, started pushing his agenda to lead the PF.

We don’t wish to remind you what happened on October 28, 2021 at the memorial service of late Sata at Embassy Park. He may have pretended he did not know what was happening but we have walked this political path before. He wanted to turn the whole event into a political rally but when he realised that his perceived enemies were in no mood for political mayhem, he retreated his cadres and played ignorance.

He has done a lot of ground work in preparing for the General Conference and we can attest to the fact that among all PF presidential hopefuls, he commands a large following and given a chance to take a shot, he can win the party presidency, no doubt.

However, what he forgot was the party constitution which he was at the centre of crafting since he claims he is a founder member of the party. Here is why Kambwili does not qualify to stand as presidential candidate for the PF when and if the general conference will be held:

Article 52 (10) of the PF constitution says a member of the party shall not be qualified as a candidate for the office of the president of the party unless he has been a member of the party for five (5) years immediately preceding the nomination and he is qualified under the Constitution of Zambia for election to the office of the President of Zambia.

Kambwili may be a founding member of the PF but was he still a member of the PF after being expelled? Was he still a member when he formed an opposition party called NDC? Was he still a PF member when joined hands with the UPND against the PF? The answer is no. He only became a member again on May 1, 2021 when he rejoined the party. You can argue but truth will remain and no sane court would rule that he was a member during the time he went away.

We all know that Kambwili only played the Prodigal Son exactly a year ago today and is four years shy of meeting the five-year requirement as stipulated by the party constitution. So, regardless of the outcome of yesterday’s Central Committee meeting, Kambwili does not qualify to stand as PF presidential hopeful. He lacks this basic requirement.

We have always told Kambwili to not only slow down but also tone down. When you talk too much and refuse to listen to anyone, this is what you end up being. It was perceived greed that made Kambwili get kicked out of the PF in the first place. It was perceived greed that drove him to UPND after forming the NDC and the same perceived greed kicked him out.

It was perceived greed that drove him back to PF and now he finds himself licking his self-inflicted wounds of failure to achieve what he wanted to achieve. In his career, Kambwili has injured a lot of people through his regional and tribal politics.

As a matter of fact, most PF members now feel he contributed so much to the PF losing elections last year because Zambians were tired of divisive politics but he maintained that what he was talking about was the truth.

He insisted he would continue talking about the truth until Zambians realise how the Tongas in UPND could not work with the Bembas and other tribes and projecting himself as one of the victims. Where has it taken him now?

The same PF he fervently spoke for to spread tribal divisions today can’t offer him a platform all because he ignored smaller details in his decision making process. So, where to now bamunyinane? Back to the NDC which is also embroiled in confusion? Stick with the PF as an ordinary nobody, or form another political party? We are waiting banene!

PF CONSTITUTION DOES NOT ALLOW KAMBWILI AND MWAMBA TO ATTEND AND CONTEST THE PF PRESIDENCY
Here is why

PF GENERAL CONFERENCE FUNCTIONS AND ATTENDES

PF GENERAL Conference’s major function is to elect the party president as well as members of the Central Committee (MCCs), formulate and revise party policies and programmes, amend or adopt party constitution among others.

All MCCs, MPs (Members of the National Council), provincial and district secretaries, district chaipersons, committee members of the women and youth leagues and senior officers from secretariat possible attendees to the Conference.

Qualification to be PF president is under Article 52 (10) and one has to have been a member of the party for five (5) years immediately preceding the nomination and is qualified under the Constitution of Zambia for election as Republican president.

Now does Chishimha Kambwili and Emmnuel Mwamba qualify to contest the PF presidency?

it seems not.

Critical analysis reveals that the two may not be qualified or even attend the General Conference unless under special arrangement.

CK joined PF on may 2 May 2021 from NDC which will make him 1 year old in PF tomorrow, 2nd May 2022.

He is barely a year in PF at the time of the Conference in June 2022, he may be only 1year and one month old.

He has not yet clocked 5 years preceding the nomination as per demands of Article 62 of the PF Constitution.

For Ba Emma, has been a civil servant until 2021 also when he was recalled from diplomatic tour of duty.

He also has not clocked 5 years as a member of the party to contest the presidency.

Unfortunately, both are not MCCs or MPs or Provincial and District Chairperson or secretaries or women or youth league members or members of the secretariat even to attend the General Conference.

Unless the PF Constitution is changed at the General Conference, the presidential race has been left to Brian Mundubile, Kafwaya, Given Lubinda among others yet to be known since lodgement of intention can be done even a day before the General Conference.

CK and Ba EMMA are individuals who don’t meet the current provisions of the PF Constitution for party presidential contests.

I submit

McDonald Chipenzi

I WOULD HAVE LOVED TO STAY OUT OF ZAMBIA UNTIL THE END OF HH’s TENURE – SAKALA

Edwin Sakala who heads a political party he calls ZDDM has written a very long statement to us.

In the statement Sakala who is Richard Sakala of Daily Nation brother among other things says if he had dual citizenship he would have left Zambia during the tenure of President Hakainde Hichilema.

Sakala also says many Zambians including UPND Cadres are disappointed with the leadership of Hichilema or HH as he is commonly called.

Below is part of Sakala’s statement who actually accuse Zambian Eye of supporting UPND:

If some of us had dual citizenship we were going to consider the option of leaving Zambia for the duration that my friend and Brother President Hakainde Hichilema remain in power because it is clear that the mindset of my Brother is dangerously fixed far beyond national development and addressing the plight of the majority population of Zambians whose lives are negatively affected by the social and economic hardships.

ENOUGH is ENOUGH
In National interest we are not afraid that they can kill us or lock us up for opening our mouth . As a party we understands the UPND thinking very well and fully aware what this party is capable of doing to hold on to power but whatever it does will not bend the will of the people of Zambia .

As clearly demonstrated at the last press conference in State house the President was more concern about fixing leaders of the previous government under the so called fight against corruption than addressing the plight of citizens who are now living in fear as the crime rate is dangerously high and the economic hardships are getting deeper by the day in spite of the miraculously high risen price of copper.

He almost ignored a question on what immidiate measures the government was taking to address the worsening economic hardships the ordinary citizens are facing.

Our party believes that the priority for the UPND seem to be settling scores for the perceived injustices their president suffered under the previous government and the historic injustice they have as a people suffered from as far back as 1962 when some believe that they were robbed of national leadership after funding and facilitating the Freedom fighters trips to London for the Lanchester independence negotiations.

There seem to be an underlying anger that power was handed to Dr Kaunda instead of Harry Mwaanga Nkhumbula who played a key role in Zambia gaining independence is still fresh. Over the years the feeling of having been robbed has continued.

What should worry God fearing and peace loving Zambians the most is that not even the Church in Zambia is telling President Hakainde Hichilema the simple truth that Zambians are more interested in seeing an end to their suffering and lack of security in society and not his agenda of witch hunting PF leaders .Whenever they see or hear the president speak all that they pick is his ” hate” for the previous government.

Of course there are a few evil minded people in Zambia living under the ” Demonic sin , bondage of hate and tribalism” who seem to share his visible hate for the previous government but most of the people who wore the Red UPND Tshirts as a sign of support are too ashamed to wear them and even regretting the outcome of the August 12 election results .

For us as a party we are happy that the events of the past eight months have helped Zambians to think above tribe and party. The false hope that the UPND gave them has made Zambian’s realise that their problems are the same. The effects of the economic hardships , shortage of drugs in medical facilities , alarming rise in crime in society , high unemployment, disappointment with political lies , shortage of burial land etc don’t choose tribe hence the risen realisation of the need for God fearing Zambians to anchor their trust in God and not man.

Zambian Eye, 1 st May 2022.

PREPARE TO PACK AND GO IN 2026 IF YOU DON’T REDUCE COST OF LIVING, BALLY WARNED

May 1, 2022

By Daily Star Reporter

In case the President hasn’t realized, since he came into office, almost nine months ago, the lives of Zambians have become more and more unbearable, Wright Musoma has claimed.

The Zambia Republican Party president warned that giving out of his salary and other things will not help President Hakainde Hichilema to stay in office.

Musoma said in an interview with Daily Star that Zambians expect President Hichilema to fix the economy as he promised prior to elections last year.

He further claimed that the lives of Zambians are worse off than they were eight months ago.

“The Zambian people are expecting President Hichilema to fix the economy as per his promise so that the price of meali meal comes down to K50, the price of fertilizer to K200, the price of fuel to come down to K12 and other essential commodities. Minus that, the President should begin to prepare to pack and go in 2026,” he said.

“Giving out of his salary and other things will not help him. In any case, President Hakainde Hichilema and the Zambian people know very well that his children do not need jobs from government. What can his salary do to 20,000 Zambians who are wallowing in poverty? In case the President hasn’t realized, since he came into office, almost nine months ago, the lives of Zambians have become more and more unbearable.”

The opposition leader said politicians should stop insulting the intelligence of the Zambians.

He however called on the Head of State to end nepotism, “a situation where people from a certain region are getting key governance positions.”

“The people of Zambia don’t want this government to be prosecuting and persecuting selectively their perceived enemies. They don’t want political witch-hunt of any form. They don’t want a situation where huge government contracts are being awarded to foreigners as was the case at ZESCO where ZESCO awarded contracts worth millions of dollars to foreigners at the expense of the black indigenous Zambians.”
Credit: Daily Star

By Patricia Male/Balewa Zyuulu

Energy expert Johnstone Chikwanda says the announced reduced fuel pump price by the Energy Regulation Board –ERB-will save consumers about K150 million combined with the month of May 2022.

And Mr. Chikwanda has encouraged government to continue pursuing measures which will enhance fuel security and better prices, which will in turn reflect in the price of other commodities and transport charges.

In welcoming the reduced fuel pump prices by K2.35 ngwee by the ERB in the latest fuel price review, Mr. Chikwanda has attributed the reduction in prices to the appreciation of the kwacha against the us dollar and reduced crude oil prices on the international market following the intervention by the United States of America which is discharging fuel from its strategic petroleum reserves.

Mr. Chikwanda however says this is a temporal measure as the U.S cannot afford to deplete its strategic reserves for security reasons and will start restocking its strategic reserves thereby increasing demand for crude oil.

He adds that the situation on the global market still remains volatile due to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and sanctions on Russian crude oil and refined fuel and calls for diplomatic efforts to continue to ensure a de-escalation of conflict is achieved and sanctions removed.

Meanwhile, Social Economist Kelvin Chisanga says the fluctuations being seen in oil prices on the international market will keep on oscillating between the gains and losses due to the sustained uncertainty, which has remained a key downside risk based on the assessment of global economic growth and its related projections.

He explains that oil prices have drastically reduced in the global pricing structure by a margin of about 6% mainly due to low demands emanating from china, and this led to some slow patterns observed in the movements of trade and commerce.

Mr Chisanga says the kwacha’s current moderate movements have strongly signified a very good positive outturn on many key economic fundamental factors as can be seen and yet to witness good transmission channel in prices of goods and services.
PHOENIX NEWS

HH WILL FIX WITHIN HIS FIRST TERM WHAT PF DESTROYED IN 10 YEARS – IMENDA

LUNDAZI- 01/05/2022

VETERAN female politician from UNIP, through MMD days, Winnie Lukute of Chasefu district says there will be insignificant opposition from the former ruling party by the time President Hakainde Hichilema begins his second term of office.

Ms Lukute said she will ensure that all women in Chasefu join the UPND because there is no vengeance, but pure peace in President Hichilema.

And UPND secretary general, Batuke Imenda charged that President Hichilema will fix the ten year PF damage within the five year mandate of the New Dawn Government.

The ruling party CEO was speaking at two separate public meetings in Chasefu and Lundazi districts where scores of former ruling party members and other political parties joined the UPND.

And during a public meeting in Lundazi, former PF district youth chairperson, Bernard Ngulube, otherwise known as Commander Ben Kaloba went topless after surrendering party T-shirt and cap to Mr Imenda for he had no use for them anymore.

He said due to the PF voilent agenda, he and many others went into hiding for fear of the unknown when UPND won the August 12, 2021 elections.

However, Ben Kaloba was happy that the restoration of peace in Zambia by President Hichilema enabled him to come out from hiding in a ‘dark-hole.’

Another veteran politician, Chiukepo Ngwenya could not hide his joy and interspaced his brief address with dance.

Mr Ngwenya who joined UPND from MMD charged that the economy of ZAMBIA was in safe hands because Mr Hichilema is a visionary and sober leader.

And Mr Imenda’s working visit to Eastern Province has entered its fourth day.

(C) FALCON NEWS

By Bowman Lusambo

As we rebrand, it’s time to consult the Elders

It’s almost 10 months since the Patriot Front lost power to the UPND. As expected, a lot has come with that loss of power. The party has now embarked on a rebranding exercise which has been welcomed across the length and breadth of the party.

As someone who has experienced loss of political power before, I wish to render my opinion on how the party could approach the next few years in opposition.

With everything going on within and outside the party, it is paramount that those in leadership, at the highest level of the party (the Central Committee) consult the elders of the party on its future in the short, medium to long term.

The PF spent many years in the opposition and in that period, it endeared itself to a lot of noble men and women who wanted to see it succeed. These people worked closely with founding President Michael Sata and some of them never even got rewarded for their gallantry. Some of those people are still around and can still be consulted on the next course of action for the PF.

These men and women have proven over the years that their interest is purely the wellbeing of the party. I wish to warn that going by the way appointments to the Central Commitee are being dished out even to underserving people, the PF will face a tumultuous time which will be difficult to recover from.

The list of Central Committee appointments are even more concerning that they have conveniently omitted key members who have publicly declared their intentions to run for the presidency of the party. I ask, why is Hon. Mutotwe Kafwaya not on the list? Why is Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba not including on the list? Why is Hon. Chishimba Kambwili, one of the founder members of the PF not included on the list?

For the purposes of strengthening the party ahead of a very bumpy road, I wish to advise the party leadership to consider inviting Hon. Kafwaya, Ambassador Mwamba and Hon, Kambwili into the Central Committee. The trio is more deserving than those appointments that have been handed out as if they are decorations

THE PFs PARTY’S POSITION ON AFRICOM

The speed with which President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND Government are turning Zambia into a colony or appendage of the West is a great source of concern to all well-meaning Zambians. Without seeking any form of consensus or consultations, the UPND Government has unilaterally decided to station the US army on Zambian soil. What constitutional authority does Mr. Hichilema have to permit a foreign army to establish a military base or a military command centre on Zambian soil? Why were the Zambian people not consulted before such a monumental decision with far reaching consequences was made? America is at war with several nations and allowing them to set up a military base here in Zambia directly puts Zambia in harm’s way with all those fighting with America.

The sole interest of AFRICOM is to advance and protect the interests of America and not Zambia hence allowing the US to set up a military base or office in Zambia is unpatriotic and a breach of trust by those who have been entrusted with the authority to superintendent the affairs of the nation on behalf of the over 18 million Zambians. Can Zambia be allowed to set a military base or a military command centre in America? So why is Hichilema playing a puppet to the Western powers? Is it because of his desperation to clinch the ill-fated IMF deal or its his deep rooted naivety and lack of patriotism to the motherland? All Presidents before Hichilema had refused to allow America to set up a military command centre on our soil not only because they were firm believers of non-aligned diplomatic philosophy but because they were patriots who put the sovereignty and safety our nation above all other financial or material hand-outs from the West.

We are alive to the fact that Zambia is a part of the global village and cannot survive in isolation but this does not mean that we have to sell our own national sovereignty and independence to a foreign power. Yes, we should maintain mutual cooperations with the West or indeed any other country based on mutual respect and shared benefits and not one-sided deals or agreements.

Allowing a foreign power to establish a military base on our soil does not only put us in grave danger of deadly repercussions from those opposing America but deeply compromise our own national security and leaves us bare to attacks and manipulations others.

First, we demand that President Hichilema and his Government make a full disclosure of the content and nature of the agreement he has made with the Americans; Secondly, and most importantly, we demand that the President rescinds his decision to allow America to set up a military base or a military command centre on our soil.

I thank you.

Issued by
Hon. Nickson Chilangwa MP, MCC, AIH
Acting Secretary General
Patriotic Front

Dr Nevers Sekwila Mumba wites

REMEMBERING FJT CHILUBA
FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE MOVEMENT FOR MULTIPARTY DEMOCRACY, MMD:
By Nevers Sekwila Mumba
President, MMD
(Personal Reflections)
30th April 2022

I was a young pastor of 31 years in Kitwe when Fredrick Chiluba was elected the second
President of Zambia.

Hardly a week in his Presidency, I received a phone call from one of his handlers asking me to travel to Lusaka to meet the new President.

The New President was ready for me when the ADC knocked at the door to his temporal office at government house. The door opened and with outstretched hands towards me, he exclaimed, Brother Nevers! We hugged.

After a few pleasantries we found ourselves in spontaneous praise and worship. With our hands up in the air we thanked God for the smooth transition of power. We thanked God for the opportunity to begin afresh on a path of Multi Party Democracy.

This prayer meeting would mark the first of many prayer meetings we had together in the first five years of his Presidency.

He surprised me with his deep understanding of what needed to be done both to the economy and to politics. He struck me as a people person. He wanted those who seemed less privileged to have a fair shot at life, maybe this is because of his own humble upbringing.

I deeply appreciated his humility whenever God was brought into a discussion. Whenever I asked that we pray, without exception, he would get on his knees.

Today, we remember this simple son of the soil who helped to transform our nation into a huge democratic system. His greatness lay in his belief that one man could not bring the necessary change Zambia needed. He depended on those differently gifted from him.

He brought in many giants, better educated than him. He surrounded himself with self made men and women. With this team, a new economic and political order was ushered in.

Although for some, the end seemed to contradict the beginning, it is also true that many believe he gave the best that he had. Today, we remember him as the leader who declared Zambia as a Christian Nation. A legacy that will never be taken away from him.

Today, President Chiluba would have turned 79 years old.

May your spirit live on.

We comment :
The church lost Dr. Mumba the moment he turned his Zambia shall be saved into a political party. Mumba would have played a much bigger role to the politics of zambia if he had continued fasting and listening to God. We do not think that God anointed Mumba to become a politician. But it is never too late to completely give up politics and return to the church. The country still needs him to finish the work he began. We hope our dearest Pastor will read and meditate on this.

WHO IS MR JAMES NDAMBO???

James Ndambo was born in Zambia on 18th April 1954 who is a Zambian businessman, based in South Africa, he owns Africa Union Financial Services, (AUFS) a longtime business partner of the Republic of Belarus which is active in in the promotion of goods and services from Belarus in South Africa and SADC region. On May 26, 2018 Africa Union Financial Services Ltd. (AUFS) signed a cooperation agreement with The National Satellite Telecommunication Network (Renatelsat) of the Democratic Republic of Congo with a goal to improve the technical capabilities and the financial health of the public enterprise of a technical and commercial nature, created in 1991. AUFS takes care of the rehabilitation of the Renatelsat satellite network as part of a BOT contract (build, operate and transfer)….

Mr. James Ndambo also owns a spot commodity exchange company Africa Union Commodity House (AUC) that deals in commodities on the domestic (South Africa) and international arena. Africa Union Commodity House trading as African Union Commodity Exchange is a subsidiary company of Africa Union Holdings. AUC actively provides services the sectors of SCANNERS, MONITORING, TELECOMMUNICATIONS, CIVIL ENGINEERING, MANAGEMENT & FINANCE.

Mr. James Ndambo is also the founder of a Choma based non governmental organisation known as ‘My Home Town’(MHT). MHT is a NGO concerned with uplifting the welfare of its members which brings together people with common ideals and values. Mr Ndambo, a business tycoon based in South Africa, said he decided to form MHT because of his concern for his birth place, Choma town. MHT also aims at unlocking the potential of its members to develop themselves rather than looking to government and donors for assistance.

Mr. James Ndambo under the Kaunda era worked as a manager in some of the companies owned by Lonrho like Consolidated Motors. In the Chiluba era Mr James Ndambo with the likes of Dean Mungomba opened the dry port port which was located at former Kalipinde Inn or Lido Drive Inn Cinema. He also owned one of the highly classic night clubs in the mid 1990s called Cosmopolitan in Makeni. Cosmopolitan was a first class entertainment club which had the facility of transporting passengers without cars to the club doors. It offered other new facilities like the ‘chi light’ whereby psychedelic lighting was positioned at the sky clouds.

When the Mwanawasa government came into power he took a low low profile on the local scene and has now grown into a recognizable Zambian mogul, though he likes it low.

PF RAISING FUNDS FOR GENERAL CONFERENCE
AS CENTRAL COMMITTEE MAKES MORE APPOINTMENTS

30th April, 2022

I wish to inform members of the Patriotic Front and members of the general public that the Central Committee of the Patriotic Front today met to deliberate on a number of matters concerning the Party and the nation. The meeting was chaired by the Party’s Acting President, Hon. Given Lubinda.

The Central Committee has made a number of resolutions which among others include the following:

GENERAL CONFERENCE

The Committee tasked to plan and prepare for the forthcoming Extraordinary General Conference slated for June presented a progress report to the Central Committee on the progress it has made this far. The Central Committee was informed that the budget to host the Conference is estimated to be around K5 million and that a total of 1250 delegates plus a host of both local and foreign dignitaries are expected to attend the Conference were the Party will elect a new Party President following the retirement of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu from active politics.

The Central Committee is hereby encouraging all members and sympathisers of the Party to make contributions towards the hosting of this very important Conference. The Party shall soon avail to the public, details of an account were contributions for the Conference shall be deposited.

Meanwhile, the Committee will continue engaging the Party structures in all the provinces to build consensus on all matters incidental to the forthcoming Conference.

Central Committee has since directed the Committee to give it further updates with regards to the progress made in the next two weeks.

APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS OF CENTRAL COMMITTEE

In accordance with the powers given to the Acting President as outlined in Article 61 of the Party Constitution and following the resolution of the Central Committee of 4th March, 2022, the following people have been appointed as Members of the Central Committee of the Patriotic Front:

1. Hon. George Chisanga, MP
2. Hon. Robert Kalimi, MP
3. Hon. Elias Daka (Eliboma), MP
4. Hon. Miles Sampa, MP
5. Hon. Melisiana Chibwe Phiri, MP
6. Hon. Makebi Zulu
7. Hon. Davies Chisopa, MP
8. Hon. Alexander Chiteme
9. Mr. Gabriel Kibombwe
10. Mr. Bright Tombi-Tombi
11. Mrs. Purity Muhone
12. Mrs. Brenda Silumesi
13. Mrs. Anne Nelson
14. Mrs. Thabiso S. Mizinga
15. Mr. Evans Lawrence
16. Mrs. Michelle Phiri Kazala

The total number of Members of the Central Committee has now risen to 72, with 8 more slots remaining to be filled.

APPOINTMENTS TO THE COMMITTEES OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE

In accordance with Article 59, read together with the provisions of Article 61 of the Party Constitution, the Acting President has appointed the following to various Committees of the Central Committee:

1. Hon. Davies Chama, National Chairperson
2. Deputy National Chairperson in-charge of Strategy and Politics, Hon. Musonda Mpankata, MP
3. Deputy National Chairperson in-charge of Administration, Hon. Jean Kapata
4. Deputy National Women’s Chairperson, Ms. Kavumbu Hakachima
5. Deputy National Chairperson, Finance, Mrs. Michelle Phiri Kazala
6. National Chairperson – Legal, Hon. George Chisanga,MP
7. Deputy National Chairperson – Legal, Hon. Tutwa Ngulube
8. National Chairperson – Agriculture, Hon. Michael Katambo, MP
9. National Chairperson – Livestock and Fisheries, Hon. Evans Lawrence
10. National Chairperson – Commerce, Hon. Sylvia Chalikosa
11. National Chairperson – Industry, Hon. Frank Ng’ambi
12. National Chairperson – Local Government, Hon. Miles Sampa
13. Deputy National Chairperson – Local Government and Housing, Mrs. Monica Mwale Mwansa
14. Deputy National Chairperson – Mrs. Annie Tischer
15. National Chairperson in Charge of Transport and Communication is Hon. Davies Chisopa, MP
16. National Chairperson – Mining, Hon. Richard Musukwa
17. National Chairperson – Sports and Recreation, Mr. Kebby Mbewe
18. Deputy National Chairperson – Elections, Ms. Mundia Mundale
19. Deputy National Chairperson – Mobilisation, Hon. Robert Kalimi, MP
20. National Chairperson- Energy, Hon. Mwimba Malama

Further, the following have been appointed accordingly; Mr. Billy Sichamba has been appointed as Central Province Provincial Chairman and he will be deputised by Hon. Sydney Mushanga, MP.

Additionally, the Acting President has with immediate effect appointed Mr. Daniel Kalembe as Lusaka Province Provincial Youth Chairman, Mr Webster Lungu as the Provincial Treasurer, Ms. Phoebe Moyo as Vice Women’s Treasurer and Ms. Esnara Nkhoma as Provincial Women’s Information and Publicity Secretary.

LIFTING OF SUSPENSIONS

The Acting President has with immediate effect lifted all suspensions of members of the Party that were suspended for various disciplinary offences in North-Western Province. This follows the show of remorse and reform that the affected individuals have shown. Further, this has been done in the interest of Party unity and peace.

I wish to reiterate that discipline and respect for authority should continue to be the bedrock of the Party. We, therefore, call upon all members of the Patriotic Front to remain loyal and disciplined in order to ensure that the Party remain strong and united.

THE PARTY’S POSITION ON AFRICOM

The speed with which President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND Government are turning Zambia into a colony or appendage of the West is a great source of concern to all well-meaning Zambians. Without seeking any form of consensus or consultations, the UPND Government has unilaterally decided to station the US army on Zambian soil. What constitutional authority does Mr. Hichilema have to permit a foreign army to establish a military base or a military command centre on Zambian soil? Why were the Zambian people not consulted before such a monumental decision with far reaching consequences was made? America is at war with several nations and allowing them to set up a military base here in Zambia directly puts Zambia in harm’s way with all those fighting with America.

The sole interest of AFRICOM is to advance and protect the interests of America and not Zambia hence allowing the US to set up a military base or office in Zambia is unpatriotic and a breach of trust by those who have been entrusted with the authority to superintendent the affairs of the nation on behalf of the over 18 million Zambians. Can Zambia be allowed to set a military base or a military command centre in America? So why is Hichilema playing a puppet to the Western powers? Is it because of his desperation to clinch the ill-fated IMF deal or its his deep rooted naivety and lack of patriotism to the motherland? All Presidents before Hichilema had refused to allow America to set up a military command centre on our soil not only because they were firm believers of non-aligned diplomatic philosophy but because they were patriots who put the sovereignty and safety our nation above all other financial or material hand-outs from the West.

We are alive to the fact that Zambia is a part of the global village and cannot survive in isolation but this does not mean that we have to sell our own national sovereignty and independence to a foreign power. Yes, we should maintain mutual cooperations with the West or indeed any other country based on mutual respect and shared benefits and not one-sided deals or agreements.

Allowing a foreign power to establish a military base on our soil does not only put us in grave danger of deadly repercussions from those opposing America but deeply compromise our own national security and leaves us bare to attacks and manipulations others.

First, we demand that President Hichilema and his Government make a full disclosure of the content and nature of the agreement he has made with the Americans; Secondly, and most importantly, we demand that the President rescinds his decision to allow America to set up a military base or a military command centre on our soil.

I thank you.

Issued by
Hon. Nickson Chilangwa MP, MCC, AIH
Acting Secretary General
Patriotic Front

NAKACHINDA’S GENOCIDAL MIND

SIKWINDI SITULA wrote

A foolish man knows not that he is foolish because lunacy knows no lunacy. But a hired fool will profess wisdom even where there is only foolishness left.

Rapheal Nakachinda’s rantings are more than a moronic blunder. They are genocidal. They are also about a deep-seated inferiority complex and failure to acknowledge that there are always people better than one in society. I point him to a small frog that often busts up at the nerves to equate itself to bigger things. The Lozis call it kambombo. Actually, you can not insult Tongas without having to insult yourself, if you are also Tonga. That is where Rapheal Nakachinda’s foolishness is exposed. No matter how far you go to dress a foolish man, he will be quick to undress. These Tongas you are insulting today have not done you anything wrong. They haven’t even gained anything of personal value from Hakainde Hichilema’s Presidency in a manner that others do when they takeover a government. We need to respect them for all that.

Obviously, Rapheal Nakachinda suffers from his own identity crisis. There are people who only feel intelligent by speaking in a given language and while they disparage their supposed own. Again, that is foolishnesses. Only a foolish man can stand on an anti hill to insult members of his family. One wonders if this is the way PF has rebranded itself.

But for the insults, on the Southerners, he must not be surprised to receive a hostile treatment from some section of society especially from the Ila people of Namwala and Bwengwa. Nakachinda’s nagging tribal remarks are not only inflammatory, they are very injurious to many people and genocidal. He must take responsibility and do the least, and that is to reflect, apologise and desist from any such future misconduct forthwith.

We all know that each time Nakachinda opens his mouth, a member of the criminal clique pays for the tune, That is an act that will lead him into trouble one day, yet without any pious praise from his cohorts.

Clearly, Nakachinda does not know the Constitution of Zambia even when he once swore upon it. He does not understand the Presidency at all. Anyway how would he know it when all his time in office, the only thing they were all invested in was how to plunder, harass and beat innocent citizens, their supposed masters, into submission. For Nakachinda’s free lesson, the President is the Head of State. He is the place where all systems of the nation revolve around. Unfortunately, you cannot remove the Head of State from any institution of government because they operate in his stead. You can’t therefore claim that the President has taken over the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) because these are part of him and him a part of them all. Although, the ACC and DEC, like many others operate independently, they operate under his leadership and under set laws.

Yes, the President may remove some of Nakachinda’s bedfellows in crime from criminal investigative wings, but believe you me, that makes him a good man worthy of praise because his options are many. We know that Nakachinda and his cohorts can cry foul because they will not have the pleasure to keep their stolen property. You see, anyone that has stolen must pay back and pay the price of thieving from the Zambian people. Some of these thieves must actually thank Hakainde Hichilema for his grace for he does things with a human face and a human rights code at the back of mind. I would have done it differently by first making the law really effective and perhaps do it the efficient way, the Jerry Rawlings way, and most of the thieves would have been history by now. I would have waged a real war on knavery like I was fighting drug cartels. I would have done it in such a way that not even one person would ever steal in this country. Not even stealing a phone and laptop would ever be tolerated. Once you are found wanting in the morning, you would be sentenced in the afternoon. You can’t have criminal cartels speaking on top of their voices like this.

Hakainde Hichilema is a towering figure and an example of a hard working and disciplined young man from a truly humble background, who has pulled himself to the top. He excelled in education, excelled at doing business, excelled as a family and he excelled as a philanthropist or charity giver and has excelled as a politician who kept his feet to the fire in opposition for many years, to become President of our troubled Republic by hard knocks to the ground. He did all this not by smite pleasure of opportunistic manoeuvres such as that of Rapheal Nakachinda. How can a man without a traceable tract record question the integrity of a man with such an illustrious record of success? You know, as well as I do, that President Hakainde Hichilema’s record is beyond reproach. All those of Nakachinda’s PF today wanted Hakainde Hichilema dead but God kept him alive and even made him President wherein even you must now witness!

What you have in Nakachinda is a failed clergy who became an opportunistic politician. There is not a single political party that Nakachinda has successfully managed for him to claim experience. Even in government he was one of the puffed-up for nothing Ministers who came with no experience, clearly and regrettably, left government without any smite of lesson. He is also the kind that creates a lie and believes it himself. Such people are a danger to society.

We know that his short lived ministerial privileges and the pomp high stations afforded them are missed but its time to recover from their loss and accept the state of affairs.

The Africa Confidential reports that President Hakainde Hichilema gave a long and emotional press conference on 25 April further cataloguing his persecution by the previous government – which many critics believe irrelevant to the current political situation – while making vague promises about his government’s programme.

Almost everyone agrees that Hichilema inherited a disastrous economy nearly bankrupted by corruption and political patronage. But even friends of the government complain he is spending too much time on distracting battles over the previous government’s treatment of him. For them it diverts attention from his programme, especially attempts to counter the conduct of appointees of his predecessor President Edgar Lungu, such as Director of Public Prosecutions Lilian Siyuni Shawa, and the liquidatorof Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), lawyer Milingo Lungu (see Box).

Hichilema’s team sees this campaign as crucial to honouring its election pledge to root out corruption. But his concentration on President Lungu’s past sins has been so great it risks, as the local newspaper News Diggers put it, ‘making criminals looks like they are victims of persecution’.

Hichilema and his team are too immersed in micro-management of the state apparatus and are failing to lead on the big picture of government as the end nears of the honeymoon he has enjoyed with the electorate after winning a landslide in August’s election, insiders say (AC Vol 63 No 1).

Instead of eliciting sympathy for his personal battle with endemic corruption and sabotage, not forgetting the 127 days he spent in detention on Lungu’s whim, Hichilema should be facing the rising cost of living and concerns over restructuring the debt and corruption. Commentariat and public alike are impatient at his failure to provide a clearer direction after promising massive job creation, lower cost of living and free education in the election campaign (AC Vol 62 No 20).

Hichilema spoke, seemingly off-the-cuff, for two hours at the press conference – which started one hour late – confirming a long-noted tendency not to prioritise key issues, ranging instead across many topics, and promising great things under each heading.

The speeches, like this one, often end with listeners still wondering what issues top his agenda (AC Vol 62 No 23).

This, the first press conference since last September, bore an only limited resemblance to the pre-briefing summary issued to media, which listed key topics such as the economy, mining, health, education, agriculture, and corruption.

Even supporters showed their disappointment at the performance. Activist Laura Miti, a Hichilema appointee to Zambia’s Human Rights Commission, tweeted ‘Could you apologise for keeping the nation waiting?’, and academic and activist Sishuwa Sishuwa, a vehement opponent of Lungu, also tweeted on the extreme length of the event: ‘The only positive thing about it is that it has ended!’ Many are now tired of the President’s assertions that the kind of freedom media and citizens have now would not have been possible under his predecessor.

Some commentators even detect a note of resentment of the public and press for not thanking him enough for not resorting to repression, and for honouring the rule of law. Thendertones of aggression in the speech were very unsettling,’ said one local analyst. ‘Trying to say that they could have used power to be thugs and we should be grateful they didn’t is an extraordinary narrative,’ he added.

Supporters of the government say Hichilema is only suffering from presentation problems. The climate has changed, they insist. Civil servants are more professional, party activists are less prominent, and even the traffic police have stopped extorting drivers at roadblocks. People, they say, are happier, and relieved to be free of the oppressive atmosphere under Lungu.

ZAMBIA – CONGO VALUE CHAIN IN ELECTRIC BATTERY PROJECT KEY TO JOB CREATION

…….Job well done Chief Marketing officer and President Hakainde Hichilema

#Zambia-DRC Cooperation
#Bravo President Hakainde Hichilema and President Felix Tshisekedi

The establishment of Zambia – DRC Cooperation Agreement on the Establishment of the Value Chain in the Electric Battery and Clean Energy under a common governance framework called DRC – Zambia battery Council is a great milestone for the two sister countries. Zambia and Congo DR hold slightly above 70% of the Worlds cobalt reserves.

The electric car battery industry will contribute in creating massive green jobs for the youths and transitioning to a clean energy pathway as a major initiative to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change effects. If well harnessed the electric car battery industry will contribute to financing the implementation of Zambia’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and achieving Zambia’s green growth agenda by the year 2030.

The Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) are the heart of the Paris Agreement on climate change as a longer term initiative to respond to the overall objective of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate change (UNFCCC) of 1992. The NDCs are an effort by each country in the world to reduce their national carbon emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Zambia alone require about US$ 50 billion to implement its NDCs and joins the rest of the World in the Race to Zero carbon emissions which is a global campaign to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, investors for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth.

The USA government alone has proposed an increased federal procurement of electric batteries by $400 billion in the first term of President Joe Biden Administration. The goal is to purchase and implement key clean energy inputs like batteries, with the goal of positioning the US as the world’s clean energy leader. Zambia and Congo DR should take advantage of the US EV market which is projected to grow to US$400 billion and the European Market which is expected to reach $855.17 billion by 2028.

I call upon the government of Congo DR and Zambia to begin identifying car manufacturing companies from big markets such as the USA, China, India and EU and begin to engage them in the manufacturing of electric car batteries.

At the United Nations Climate Change Summit (COP26) in Glasgow last year about 24 developed countries and a group of major car manufacturers such as Ford, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover and Mercedes Benz committed to work towards zero emission cars by 2040 to meet the Paris Agreement goals including limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. More than 100 countries agreed to greening the transport sector by signed the Glasgow Declaration on Zero Emission Cars and Vans and the sale of internal combustion engines by 2035 in leading markets and by 2040 globally.

Chief Marketing Officer for Zambia Hakainde Hichilema Job well done in actualizing the Agreement with DRC.

Abel Musumali
Climate Change Policy Analyst and Sustainability Specialist
Email: musumaliabel@gmail.com
Phone: +260776825414

AN EVENTFUL MONTH

By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

1. CRISIS AT MINISTRY OF HEALTH-The medicine and medical supply shortages continued unabated in health centres, clinics and hospitals despite government assurances. It emerged that Government abolished the Procurement Unit at the Ministry of Health and halted all medicines and medical supplies in the last seven months.

2.KUOMBOKA CEREMONY-After many years of not hosting the ceremony due to many factors including the pandemic, the Litunga; His Majesty Lubosi Imwiko II, hosted a successful ceremony with President Hakainde Hichilema as Guest of Honour.

3. ZESCO and CEC announced that they have settled for an Agreement ending years of legal wrangling. Members of the public have demanded for details of the Bulk Suplier Agreement(BSA) because of well-known shareholder interests including that of those close to President Hichilema.

4. ZRA EXCEEDS TARGET-In Quarter 1 of 2022, ZRA exceeded the revenue collection target by K1.3bn after recording net out-turn of K22.4bn against a target of K21.1bn. On a Year-on-Year (YoY) comparison, ZRA collected gross revenue of K26.5bn in Q1 of 2022 as compared to K19.5bn in same period of 2021 representing a growth of 36%. In the period under review, the Refunds increased by 56% from K2.6bn in 2021 to K4.1bn in 2022.

5. NKWAZI HOUSE-Arising from public demands that President Hichilema moves to State House, his Spokesperson, whilst appearing on radio, justified the President’s non movement to State House claiming that Nkwazi was so dilapidated that he, as Aide, can’t live in there. Nkwazi House hosted all past Presidents including President Edgar Lungu. People reminded Mr. Bwalya that he was, until a few months ago, living in a humble home in Chelstone township.

6. COMMEMORATION OF HICHILEMA’S TREASON DETENTION- A divisive, inciting and poorly done video documentary was aired, sadly on ZNBC too, to commemorate President Hichilema’s arrest over treason charges. Instead of focusing on the subject, the production concentrated on making unsubstantiated, unverified and inflamatory remarks and allegations against individuals, who were not even given an opportunity to defend themselves.

7. SUZYO NYIKA-a Lusaka businessman and close associate of former President Edgar Lungu. After the loss of 2021 general elections, Suzyo relocated to his farm in Lundazi district where he later died and was buried. Months later the Anti-Corruption Commission claimed he didn’t die and claimed he was alive living in Malawi and that another body was buried there together with stashes of money hidden alongside it. To this effect, ACC ordered an exhumation, pulled out the body and broke his skull to obtain samples, a traumatic experience for the family. No money was found either.

8. SEARCHES AND ARRESTS-Arrests, searches and seizures continued against former leaders. Patriotic Front Member of the Central Committee, Raphael Nakacinda was detained and transported to Solwezi (illegally) to where the complaint was laid. Police refused to give him Police bond. He was later given bail after many days of detention.Homes of Kabushi MP and former Lusaka MP, Bowman Lusambo and former Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Ronald Chitotela were seized by the ACC.

9.THE MUTINY -Opposition leader, Chilufya Tayali was also detained, refused Police bond on charges of commenting and intercepting military communications on matters related to the army. This followed reports that 900 soldiers were detained on allegations of mutiny for demanding that their United Nations Peace-keeping mission allowances be paid in full.

10. UPND scooped all 3 by-elections- UPND won the Lukutu Ward of Luwingu Town Council, Katimba Ward of Monze Town Council and Mongu Mayoral Elections.

11.PRESS CONFERENCE- President Hakainde Hichilema’s Press Conference to respond to the Milingo Saga and arising matters, was a disaster. It descended into name-calling and use of derogatory language by the President against his opponents.

Further the President was emotional and visibly expressed contempt, anger and bitterness.

This overshadowed his later remarks on the economy and measures to inspire hope and curb the high-cost of living.

12. The Milingo Saga- former KCM Liquidator, Milingo Lungu was re-arrested by the DEC on the same cases that the DPP had just entered a Nolle Prosequi. He took a legal suit in the Constitutional Court explaining that the Nolle was as a result of a negotiated settlement. He said to this effect he met State House officials; Bradford Machila and Christopher Mundia and both Attorney General; Mr Mulilo Kabesha and Solicitor General, Mr Marshal Muchende. He said these meetings took place in the presence of his lawyer. He also said he had earlier met the President, Vice President and Minister of Finance.

13.PAMELA CHISUPA- A brutal and violent video emerged of a mobile-money agent that was abducted and tortured. The kidnappers demanded for ransom from the family of Pamela Chisupa. To-date she has not been found.

14. Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) is investigating ZESCO for importing wooden poles, which are available locally, from foreign companies. ZESCO is expected to spend $107million on the project. ACC is also investigating the matter.

15. AFRICOM-A Sovereignty issue- Both the USA Embassy and the Zambian Government announced the official opening US.AFRICOM Security Office. Previously, past President’s have rejected the opening of the Combatant office in Zambia, whether it was in form of a proposed mitary base, military barrack or security office.
The United States Africa Command, is one of the eleven unified combatant commands of the United States Department of Defense, headquartered at Kelley Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany. It is based in Stuttgart as Africa rejected it to be based in Africa.

16. All nineteen (19) Concession hunting licenses were canceled by the Ministry of Tourism, Permanent Secretary, Evans Muhanga despite firm legal advice from the Attorney General against the move.

17.KACHASU SAGA- in a township raid against illicit beers in Garden township, Minister of Local Government Minister, Hon. Gary Nkombo forced a mother brewing the “illicit” Kachasu to drink her own brewed poison.. He also ordered the mother to give the concotion to family members. After a public uproar, he apologized. He has not been arrested by the Police, reprimanded or fired by the President.

ADD YOURS

Please add interesting event you observed in the month.

FIGHTING A WOMAN WITH HER HANDS TIED BEHIND HER BACK by Learned Consul Sakwiba Sikota

They say that boxing is a savage sport but I know things which are not sporty as they are more savage than boxing.

Boxing begun in the Bronze Age in Sumerian Iraq, Babylonia and Assyria. Later in Ancient Greece, competitions in boxing were held for the enjoyment of the people and in 688 B.C it was introduced as an official Olympic sport. There were no knockout rounds and two men would box and fight until the other could no longer go on.

DAVID VERSUS GOLIATH

The early boxing contests didn’t have weight limits or much in the way of gentlemanly rules for the safety of the combatants. There being no weight limits meant that larger fighters could compete against smaller combatants. David versus Goliath type of contests were common and no one showed any mercy.

Quite often, matches only ended with the death of the boxer that lost. With the fall of the Roman Empire Christianity became prevalent and this pressed pause on boxing for some time.

BIRTH OF BARE-KNUCKLE BOXING

In the 18th century boxing returned in London as bare-knuckle boxing was born in 1681. The first case of bare-knuckle boxing is when the 2nd Duke of Albemarle Christopher Monck put together a fight between his butler and his butcher for the entertainment of his guests.

MODERN DAY BOXING

Boxing has seen some rather savage bouts. The match that comes to mind is the Holyfield-Tyson fight when “Iron Mike” took a bite of Holyfield’s ear.

There was also the infamous low blow by Andrew Golata against Riddick Bowe. This is the Night Riddick Bowe and Andrew Golota Caused a Riot in New York arising from the controversy of Golata’s repeated and continuous low blows.

Imagine if George Foreman had behaved unsportingly like Tyson and Golata in the “Rumble in the Jungle” fight with Mohammed Ali. If Foreman had first tied Ali’s hands behind his back and then proceeded to go back in time when boxers fought bare knuckled throwing wild haymakers including even even blows below the belt. The result of that fight would have been very different. Foreman would have won a very unfair fight.

THE ZAMBIAN FIGHT SCENARIO

The past few weeks we have seen a fight that makes the savage sport of boxing seem like a “Kumbaya” campsite fireside singalong. The Director of Public Prosecutions has been hammered by law enforcement agencies, the Minister of Justice and even the President.

The three have challenged the DPP to a contest and have already declared themselves winners of the contest. The match officials were all recently appointed by the people challenging the DPP.

DAVID VERSUS GOLIATH (REVISITED)

We may have to revise the verses in the Bible that relate to the battle between David and Goliath.

There has been a savage bare knuckled, no holds barred onslaught on the Director of Public Prosecutions. It is like a David versus Goliath battle. Imagine if Goliath had brought “tag team” partners to fight little David. Imagine if the giant had brought Mary (not the Blessed Mother of Jesus but one who clearly had it in for David) together with a minister to fight David. We probably would not have the verses relating to the David v Goliath battle in the Bible.

The whole controversy was sparked by a leaked confidential letter written by the DPP. After that there was a steady stream of leaking of complaints which were supposed to be confidential to the JCC. Even the DEC complaint was leaked to the press.

The leaking of the letter and the complaints was like Golata’s steady stream of low blows.

After publicly berating the DPP on all public media, she has not been able to answer back as there is the Oath of Secrecy gagging her. This Oath of Secrecy can only be waived by her challengers.

The refusal to waive the Oath of Secrecy makes Mike Tyson’s bite to Holyfield’s ear look like a cuddly smooch to the ear. The refusal to waive the oath of secrecy the DPP has to operate under ties her hands up and make it near impossible for her to defend herself. Those attacking the DPP are therefore FIGHTING A WOMAN WITH HER HANDS TIED BEHIND HER BACK. S