17 February, 2020

I know the gassing masterminders, claims GBM

PF national mobilisation deputy chairperson, Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba claims he knows the gassing masterminders and will report them to the police.

For over a month now, criminals having been gassing people in their homes or schools in different parts of the country but police have not managed to find and arrest them.

Last week, President Edgar Lungu offered a K250,000 reward for any person with information that would lead to the arrest of gassing masterminds.

Mwamba widely known as GBM claimed in an interview with the Daily Nation Newspaper Nation that the plan started five years ago.

“I have the names of the suspects which i will give to the police and the President. The plans of what is happening now started five years ago,” he said.

And during the PF media interactive forum, Mwamba who is populary known as GBM said the gassing issue was a source of concern because the character behind it wanted to dent the country’s good reputation.

“There are certain characters who want to paint a bad picture of this country. I have information on certain characters which l will share in confidence with security wings,” he said.

He said the characters would soon be nabbed and needed to be given stiffer punishment.

Asked what had changed and why he called PF a party of thieves, Mwamba said he didn’t mean it as he was just politicking to gain political mileage while he was in the UPND.

“When you are in the opposition, you don’t say anything good about the ruling party. So, l didn’t mean it. I was politicking for popularity. Deep down my heart, l knew that PF had done a lot in terms of infrastructure development,” Mwamba said.

Mwamba said he was used by the UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema whom he accused of being stingy man.

He said the only thing he learnt in UPND was to hate people, while in PF under President Lungu, he is taught to love people.

Mwamba further said he was ready to accept any position if he was to be appointed by President Lungu to serve the country.

CORRUPTION FIGHT….it’s now or never.
Nevers Sekwila Mumba
President, MMD
April 29th 2022

Allegations of political persecution have been raised against the new government mostly by those who served in the last administration. They argue that the fight against corruption is targeted at them and that the process is unjust.

MMD begs to differ with this view. The current process of bringing corruption suspects to justice cannot be compared to the brutality experienced by MMD leaders at the hands of the PF in 2011. We believe our colleagues are being treated with kids gloves, but these “gloves” are the law.

It is for this reason that many Zambians feel like the fight against corruption maybe failing because suspects are being handled within the framework of the law which respects the rights of the accused and proposes that they have their day in court. This understandably takes time.

We however are confident that, in the next few weeks and months, we are about to witness the crumbling of all that has been built on lies, deceit and corruption. The rule of law is the only weapon we have to restore the broken down order in the nation. We need to collectively resolve to end corruption in Zambia.

We urge the investigative wings not to be deterred by any threat in insuring that they bring every suspect to account. We have an opportunity as a nation to instill the spirit of order and justice in the nation. This is a window we cannot miss.

This must never turn into political witch hunt but an honest pursuit for criminals that have stolen from the Zambian people. If we succeed in this operation, a strong message will be sent to those who are currently serving in the New Dawn government and those who will serve in future administrations.

The lesson must be clear. You steal, you go to jail, regardless of your status. We must insist on zero tolerance to corruption. We must defeat this cancer. The corrupt, those who protect the corrupt and those who enable the corrupt must all be brought to justice.

We however urge all institutions of government charged with the responsibility to fight corruption to do so with unprecedented speed. Justice must not the delayed.

Zambians are thirsty for justice. They have seen arrests but they want to see convictions and imprisonments for those who have abused the limited resources of the country. For those who are innocent, they must be publicly acquitted.

The confidence of Zambians in the New Dawn administration depends on how effectively the fight against corruption shall be executed. The hearts of Zambians are thumping with anxiety to see the outcome of this noble crusade against corruption.

By Dickson Jere

I got an invite for late lunch with former President Rupiah Banda. He wanted to introduce me to “a very interesting” man whom he had met while in Atlanta Georgia in 2012 after he left office.
“You should listen to him attentively. He has great ideas,” President Banda said ahead of the lunch at his Lilayi house last year.

The three of us sat for a sumptuous lunch on the patio.
The “very interesting” man looked ordinary even though he suited for the event and came with a laptop – ready for the presentation to me and the former President. The topic of discussion was power generation and biofuels in Zambia to help end load shedding.

Chiluwata Lungu is a Zambian professor based in Atlanta. He is a lead Combustion Aerothermal Engineer working for General Electric (GE) Power in the US. He is a genius who is also the man behind the Zambia Robotics – the team of young engineers that has taken the world by storm. Check them on CNN Inside Africa programs and have has won awards internationally. Lungu is an expert in the manufacturing of aeroplanes and jet engines. He knows his stuff!

So, his take was that the brewing of Kachasu in Zambia should be encouraged. He believes the “Kachasu Project” can be a game changer for the country and create employment for the youths and women especially in shanty compounds.
“Kachasu is composed of ethanol which is a biofuel used for petrol,” he said, adding that it can also be used as fuel for cars.
“We need to change our mindset and perspective. Instead of looking at Kachasu as alcohol for drinking, we should look at it as a biofuel to power our economic growth,” he said.

The professor had figures. A drum of Kachasu is appropriately 200 liters and currently cost about K200, which translates to K1 per litre of Kachasu. But if sold as ethanol, it will cost K5 per litre, which is five times more than what the brewers get in compounds.
“We have a cheaper and greener locally sourced supply of fuel and Zambia can become a biofuel leader and exporter,” Lungu said while giving Brazil as good example of country making money in biofuels.

As an expert in combustion, he said he is able to adjust most of the gensets in Zambia to start using Kachasu as fuels. It is very simple to do, he believes, given his experience.
“Kachasu is 20% ethanol biofuel, a green fuel alternative for petrol/gasoline,” he said.
“Imagine if our mothers and grandmothers can make Kachasu and ethanol biofuel in their backyards, what more can we do to transform our great nation if we put our mind and collective efforts to it,” he said.

After three-hour lunch, I was wowed!
“Kana Nzelu Ku Munthu aka…” President Banda said to me after the presentation.

Last week, Prof Lungu got in touch with me even before the current Kachasu debacle broke out. He promised to take me to his farm in Mungule area once he returns to Zambia to showcase how his genset will be powered by Kachasu.
So, my thoughts are – Just legalize and regulate Kachasu as a biofuel in Zambia!

NB. Prof Lungu is man behind the Zambian Institute for Sustainable Development (ZISD), which also has a girls football team. S

TO LIFT AN OATH AND TO AUTHORIZE AN OATH BEARER TO SPEAK OUT? ARE THEY THE SAME?

Yesterday I posted my views on this platform asking colleagues on which law the President would used to “lift” the DPP’S Oath of Secrecy.

Clearly, there is no section of the law that awards the President that right but in the Oaths themselves which those appointed take before the President contain some wording/phrasing that suggest some kind of seeking permission or authority from the President to speak out and not lift the Oath of secrecy a concerned officer might have undertaken.

The phrasing reads: I will not directly or indirectly reveal or transmit any such information or matter as shall be brought under my consideration, or shall be made known to me by reason of my office except as may be required in the discharge of my duties as such or * WITH THE AUTHOITY OF THE PRRSIDENT*

This phrasing is found in various schedules which operationalises the sections that prescribes the taking or subscribing of an Oath of allegiance and other Oaths for the specified office by the appointed or elected office-BEARERS.

These are the Oaths contained in the Official Oaths Act: the Oath of OFFICE (Sec 11), JUDICIAL Oath (Sec.5), Oath of MINISTERS (Sec. 4) , Oath of SPEAKER (Sec. 4) , Oath of VICE-PRESIDENT (Sec. 4) and Oath of Allegiance (Secs. 4 &5).

However, the Oath of PRESIDENT (Section 3 of the Official Oaths Act) does not have such a phrasing.

Now, the question is whether to “lift” an oath of secrecy is the same as to “authorise” someone to “reveal or transmit information (SPEAK OUT)” brought to the Oath taker’s consideration in the discharge of his or her duties.

Black law’s Dictionary defines “LIFT” and “Authorise” in the following;

“To lift” is to formally remove or end a legal restriction, decision or ban while AUTHORITY is to give official permission for or approval to an undertaking or agent

In this regard, the DPP must have sought AUTHORITY to reveal or transmit information or matter (speaking out) as provided for in the Oaths she signed than seeking a LIFT of oath of Secrecy*

I find the two words’ meanings differently and their demands differently, in my view, and granting a Lift may have its grave implications than giving the permission to speak out.
Lifting of the Oath of secrecy may be like lifting an immunity of that officer thereby opening a can of worms and legal suits and exposing security details.

The question is once lift can the Oath of secrecy be restored, in this case, to a public officer?

I think permission/AUTHORITY from the President to reveal or transmit information does not require the lifting of the entire Oath of secrecy but perhaps for that particular issue/information for the sake of justice.

I submit

McDonald Chipenzi

PRESS STATEMENT:
UPDATE ON THE RECRUITMENT OF 11,276 HEALTH WORKERS

CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
29TH APRIL 2022

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
I AM PLEASED TO UPDATE YOU, THE MEDIA AND THE NATION, AT LARGE ON THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS OF THE 11,276 HEALTH WORKERS.

FIRSTLY, I WISH TO INFORM YOU THAT BOTH THE INITIAL ADVERT THAT WAS EXTENDED AND THE ADDITIONAL ADVERT FOR OPTOMETRY TECHNOLOGISTS CLOSED ON 7TH APRIL AND 12TH APRIL, 2022 RESPECTIVELY. I AM PLEASED TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT OUR DISTRICT AND PROVINCIAL HEALTH OFFICES ACROSS THE COUNTRY HAVE RECEIVED AN OVERWHELMING RESPONSE FROM THE POTENTIAL JOB SEEKERS.

SECONDLY, THE DISTRICT AND PROVINCIAL HEALTH OFFICES COMMENCED THE APPLICATIONS DATA CAPTURING ON 13TH APRIL, 2022 AND WERE SCHEDULED TO CONCLUDE THIS PROCESS ON 20TH APRIL, 2022. HOWEVER, THEY COULD NOT DO SO DUE TO THE HUGE NUMBERS OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED.

IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT ALL APPLICATIONS RECEIVED ARE CAPTURED, THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION EXTENDED THE PERIOD OF DATA CAPTURING BY FIVE (5) DAYS WITH EFFECT FROM 21ST TO 25TH APRIL, 2022. THIS MEANS THAT ALL OTHER ACTIVITIES THAT WERE SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE POST DATA CAPTURING HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED ACCORDINGLY.

STATISTICS OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED FROM OUR VARIOUS PROVINCIAL AND DISTRICT DATA CAPTURING SITES, INDICATE A TOTAL OF ONE HUNDRED THIRTY – SEVEN THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY – NINE (137, 129) APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED WITH FORTY – EIGHTY THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED AND TWENTY (48, 920) ACCOUNTING FOR PROFESSIONAL CADRE POSITIONS WHICH INCLUDES PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES. THE DISTRIBUTION OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED PER PROVINCE IS AS FOLLOWS:

PROVINCE
TOTAL NO. OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED
CENTRAL
15,445

COPPERBELT
24,497

EASTERN
10,721

LUAPULA
9,538

LUSAKA
31,106

MUCHINGA
6,777

NORTH WESTERN
9,423

NORTHERN
7,215

SOUTHERN
13,269

WESTERN
9,138

GRAND TOTAL
137,129

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
MAY I ALSO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO INFORM YOU, THE MEDIA AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT, IN THE SPIRIT OF ENHANCING FAIRNESS, TRANSPARENCY AND PREVENTING CONFLICT OF INTEREST, THE DISTRICT HEALTH DIRECTORS AND HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT OFFICERS IN THE VARIOUS HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SUB – COMMITTEES WILL BE RESHUFFLED DURING THE SCREENING AND SHORTLISTING OF APPLICANTS.

IN CONCLUSION, I WISH TO REITERATE THAT THE GOVERNMENT REMAINS COMMITTED TO CONDUCTING A RECRUITMENT PROCESS THAT IS PREMISED ON FAIRNESS, TRANSPARENCY AND VOID OF ALL FORMS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND CORRUPT PRACTICES. THIS IS IN ORDER TO RESTORE PUBLIC CONFIDENCE AND TRUST IN THE GOVERNMENT PROCESSES.

I WISH TO ASSURE THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE RECRUITMENT EXERCISE SHALL CONTINUE IN THE SUBSEQUENT YEARS UNTIL THE BACKLOG IS CLEARED.
I THANK YOU.

MR. PETER MUMBA
COMMISSION CHAIRPERSON

The opposition Patriotic Front (PF) has demanded that Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Gary Nkombo should step down as a Minister on his own accord.

In a statement made available to the media, PF acting Secretary-General Nickson Chilangwa said that if Mr Kombo does not step down on his own, the party will be left with no choice but to escalate the matter further, without spelling out the specifics.

Mr Chilangwa said that his party refused to accept what it described as a half-hearted apology that Gary Nkombo, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development has rendered, adding that Mr Kombo was forced to apologise out of public outrage and not because he is remorseful for what he described as his sadistic behaviour against the poor woman and her children.

Mr Chilangwa also said that the Minister did is criminal and is punishable by law, saying that according to Articles 15 and 18 of the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia, subjecting a person to inhumane or degrading treatment is a criminal offence.

Mr Chilangwa said that the Section 231 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia states that: “Any person who unlawfully, and with intent to injure or annoy another, causes any poison or noxious thing to be administered to, or taken by any person, and thereby endangers his life, or does him some grievous harm, is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for a period not exceeding fourteen years”

Mr Chilangwa said that, as a Minister, it is his duty and responsibility of Mr Nkombo to protect the poor and the weak, especially women and children against any form of abuse or ill-treatment.

Mr Chilangwa further said that, instead of destroying the source of livelihood for our poor mothers brewing Kachasu, the UPND Government should engage them and offer alternative sources of income-generating activities.

Mr Chalangwa also took a swipe at the Human Rights Commission for merely condemning the vile behaviour of Mr Nkombo, saying that falls short of the expectations of the Zambian people.

Mr Chilangwa urged the Commission to not just end at issuing statements of condemnation; they must take appropriate legal action against the minister to make him an example to others that such wanton abuse of human rights shall not be condoned.

Opposition PF Kabushi Constituency Vice Chairman Febian Mwanza has appealed to traditional leaders on the Copperbelt to come out and defend Bowman Lusambo from what he called persecution.

Mr. Mwanza said now that it’s clear that the ongoing corruption investigations against Mr. Lusambo have been instigated by President Hakainde Hichilema, it is important that the Chiefs from Lamba Lamb come out and defend their subject.

He said it is regrettable that Lamba Chiefs have chosen to ignore the harassment that the UPND administration is inflicting on Mr. Lusambo, their subject.

He said the silence by the Lamba Chiefs is sending wrong signals that they have neglected their Son who is facing numerous corruption cases.

Mr. Mwanza said the traditional leaders have an obligation to protect the interest of their subjects against pure harassment purely based on political rivalry.

“We saw Luapula Chiefs speaking out loudly when late Dr Chiluba was being persecuted, they spoke out against the harassment of Dr Katebe Kalumba, Ronald Chitotela and very recently, Dr Chitalu Chilufya,” Mr Mwanza stated.

“We also how Chiefs from Eastern Province rose when Rupiah Banda was facing corruption cases and even South Chiefs spoke out each time Hakainde Hichilema in opposition was harassed,” he said.

“Why have the Lamba Chiefs opted to remain silent when one of their most prominent subjects is being mistreated by the UPND regime? They have to start speaking out because as we speak, the Chiefs don’t even know where his son and their grand children are staying now after they were kicked out of their family home.”

Mr. Mwanza stated that Mr. Lusambo enjoyed warm relations with all the Lamba Chiefs especially when he served as Copperbelt Minister.

“When he worked here in Ndola, he was always on hand to assist them. He sacrificed even his own time and financial resources to meet sown of their personal needs and if is unfair that they can now play a blind eye what he is going through.”

He added, “all those Chiefs have benefited from Mr. Lusambo’s generosity and it it’s only fair that they speak out and condemned the harassment he is being subjected to because what is going on now is not a fight against corruption but harassment of political rivals.”

“President Hichilema told the whole world that he doesn’t believe that Hon. Lusambo can build a house valued at US$150,000, so as far as the Head of State is concerned, Hon. Lusambo is guilty even before he faces trial, now this is political harassment and the Chiefs have to speak out and call it for what it is,” he said.

An International Events and Planning Expert has advised the Zambian government to drop the naming of the new Mulungushi International Conference Centre building after Dr Kenneth Kaunda.

Mulemwa Moongwa who is Managing Director at MICE Academy said there is need to preserve the rich history of the Mulungushi International Conference Centre by keeping the name on the new building.

The New Mulungushi International Conference now renamed Kenneth Kaunda International Conference Centre is a 24 square meters masterpiece with a 2500-seat conference hall, one 600-seat medium meeting room, one 400-seat multi-function hall and 60-seat group meeting rooms.

The New International conference center also has five VIP rooms, office area, exhibition area, press center, emergency medical center, service area, auxiliary facilities such as parking space.

But Ms. Moongwa said the Kenneth Kaunda’s name is too big for the new building but that government should be looking at setting up a Kenneth Kaunda Museum to keep his legacy.

“A few years ago we named a pool 90 Days Legacy. Because of our procrastination and delays, we had 90 days to pull the mammoth task and pull we did. Last week, that very pool hosted a regional tournament. I can only imagine the conversations that brew when explaining the Genesis of the name. Personally, our inefficiencies led us to work under pressure, by using that name we are forever reminded our faults as a people……with time it’s become like ‘ Zambian Time’ I cringe when I hear adults use it as an excuse for not keeping time.”

“You wonder why people name the children Misozi, Manyando, Mapenzi, a name should not be a constant reminder of the bad, how do you let go of the past and move on?”

She added, “KK’s legacy is one that needs the country to invest in his own Museum.”

“I had heard the naming of the building two months ago, I didn’t lose sleep because I honestly didn’t take it seriously but my horror to see it mounted.”

Ms. Moongwa said the Mulungushi International Conference Centre is an institution of 52 years, the truckload of peace deals orchestrated on that piece of ground by Dr Kaunda for Africa and deserves a lifetime commitment of preservation.

“The name is so sentimental that we have lost sight of where we place it. These are the moments that lead to solo protests with placards.”

“The speed of naming, folks forgot that the other two structures are nameless….We have the Old Wing (1972) that should be the Kenneth Kaunda Wing because of how much he did in that building. I would lobby all walls in the passages be lined with KK Memorabilia (others will argue he wasn’t alone) so we compromise with images from the era.”

She suggested, “The New Wing (2001) should be the FTJ Wing, he was at the helm of the Summit that brought us that facility, Millennium Village and a few other spots for the AU Summit.”

Ms. Moongwa said the New Facility should carry the Mulungushi International Conference Centre banner and be called the New Wing until the appropriate name is found.

“You see, beyond this AU Summit coming in July, that facility is a key component of Destination Lusaka and overall Destination Zambia.”

SALARY IS NO PRIORITY TO ME, REITERATES PRESIDENT

President Hakainde Hichilema has reiterated that a salary is not a priority for him

In a Facebook post to his page, President Hichilema states that he went to do cleaning work in Lusaka’s Central Business district in remembrance of founding president Dr Kenneth Kaunda.

“Though gone, President Kenneth Kaunda’s desire for a united, prosperous, green and clean Zambia lives on and it is now our duty to carry on with these principles. While in office, we are working round the clock to ensure that our country does not only remain united but also developed and this is evident in the way we are sharing the National cake through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and other platforms,” President Hichilema stated. “As we walked and interacted with citizens in the CBD, we could clearly see their love and in reciprocity we maintained that we are only their servants and this is why a salary is not a priority for us, as our intents and focus are clear; It is working for these street vendors! It is giving them empowerment such as grants, soft loans and a clean trading space and all these are already being taken care of in the CDF, social cash transfer program, Green Economy Ministry, Ministry of Youth and Sport and among other avenues we are making readily available.”

The President stated that it was good news to hear first hand that there is no more violence in markets, bus stations and this is a campaign fulfilled because no one would do business in an environment that has unpredictable conditions especially related to violence.

“Street vendors and any other citizen out there trying hard to make it under the current economic challenges which we as government are trying to fix, have our full support as ours is not to destroy that small business but to build it as long it is done within set laws. If this means gathering together to set regulations that will enable small and large businesses grow, together, we will do so because jobs will definitely come from that woman who is selling tomatoes at Lima Tower Market and all the way through to that farmer involved in the chain of production. The above is the reason we created the Public Private Dialogue Forum which we launched yesterday. It is to provide for grievances to be quickly heard and addressed so that business can run smoothly. This forum is for any business irrespective of size. So street vendors and multinationals are welcome to the forum,” stated President Hichilema. “Fellow citizens. We have no doubt in our mind that no matter the challenges we face today, Zambia will emerge victorious because we are all getting involved and most importantly God is in it. Zambia is getting better and indeed will be better. And once more, May President KK continue to rest in peace.”

credit: Daily Revelation

WHICH LAW EMPOWERS THE PRESIDENT TO LIFT PUBLIC OR CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICER’S OATH OF SECRECY?

Recently, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) requested the republican President, in a letter, to lift her Oath of secrecy for her to speak out on the issues lodged against her before Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC).

The DPP in her letter to the JCC never cited any law under which the President could lift her Oath of secrecy.

The lodgements against her are from various citizens who are dissatisfied with her conduct in her discharge of her duties triggered by her handling of the MILINGO LUNGU issue.

Fearing the repercussions of the provision of section 5 (1) of the State Security Act WHICH cautions thus;

Any person who communicates any classified matter to any person other than a person to whom he is authorised to communicate it or to whom it is in the interests of the Republic his duty to communicate it shall be guilty of an offence and liable, on conviction, to imprisonment for a term of not less than fifteen years but not exceeding twenty-five years

The State Security Act (1985) which repealed the Official Secrets Act No 12 of 1967 only empowers, in Section 13, the Attorney General to;

Where the Attorney-General is satisfied that there is reasonable ground for suspecting that an offence under this Act has been or is about to be committed and for believing that some person is able to furnish information with regard thereto, he may by writing under his hand authorise a named police officer to require that person to give any information in his power relating to such suspected offence or anticipated offence and, if so required and on tender of his reasonable expenses, to attend at such reasonable time and place as may be specified by such police officer

Section 19 of the State Security Act states that Provided that any person may after the commencement of this Act be prosecuted under the said Official Secrets Act in respect of any act, omission or other conduct taking place prior to the commencement of this Act as if this Act had not come into operation

AND scanning through the Official Oaths Act No. 4 of 1990, there is no provision awarding the President the right to lift the Oath of Secrecy for public or constitutional officer who subscribed to the provisions of this Act.

Instead, the President, in section 11 of the Act, is only empowered to administer the Oath not to lift it.

However, late president Michael Sata, in 2012 while swearing some Permanent Secretaries and Commissoners, argued that he was the only one with power to give permission to a public and constitutional offoer who took oath to reveal any thing to the public

He guided that “So, if I don’t give you any permission to reveal anything, no body else will give you permission not even your spouses. What you know, keep it to yourself’

Those with better legal arguments and legal provisions can enhance this argument. I stand ready to be corrected on the law that empowers the President to lift the DPP’s Oath of secrecy.

I submit

McDonald Chipenzi

GARY, THE ECONOMY AND THE KACHASU FIASCO
[Rule of the jungle, prejudice and Torture]

BY DR. CANISIUS BANDA

Gary NKOMBO is my FRIEND. I like his dress sense and love for fashion.

As his Vice President in the UPND, there was a time I even passionately campaigned for him in his constituency in Mazabuka.

I saw a promising FUTURE in him, such an articulate and passionate young Zambian.

But the Gary we are seeing today has MORPHED.

I don’t know what he is high on or whether he is using drugs. He seems unhinged.

He has become a monster, a dangerous creature that threatens our peace, one we must quickly cage.

What Gary did in Garden Compound defies reason. It just isn’t done anywhere in the world. It is a no no.

It was excessive, illegal, UNCONSTITUTIONAL, prejudicial, evil and criminal.

It was unthinkable.

And Gary thinks he committed that travesty against that poor family alone.

No, his injustice was to all citizens, the State and all humanity.

It just isn’t done.

This is why his apology to that family falls flat.

No human being should be made to suffer such DEGRADING treatment and torture as Gary inflicted on those poor, hapless and vulnerable people.

Further, note that apologies are not the required, constitutional or legal provisions for settling crimes.

Apologies just aren’t enough.

Hakainde, our Republican President, Gary’s supervisor, only a few days ago went to town and spent hours on end stating that his ‘new dawn’ government respects the RULE OF LAW.

Gary, Hakainde, displayed the opposite. Gary broke the law.

What Gary exhibited in Garden Compound, is NOT the rule of law, Mr President. That was the RULE OF GARY, barbaric, diabolical and downright evil.

Forcing citizens including their children to drink Kachasu against their will is plain torture.

And Gary was on duty as Hakainde HICHILEMA’s minister, performing government business.

Torturing citizens.
Government business?

To promote entrepreneurship, recover the economy and prosper citizens, Hakainde HICHILEMA created a ministry for SMEs.

On the other hand, Gary goes to town, with glee, as if demented, kicking to ground, the very paraphernalia, apparatus for economic growth, destroying businesses and wrecking lives, and whilst at it, he persecutes the proprietors.

Gary is wrong.
Kachasu does NOT kill.

His behaviour shows a degree of backwardness that should worry every development-minded Zambian.

And it is this backwardness of thought that has kept Zambia underdeveloped for way too long.

What kills is not the Kachasu but the manner of taking it.

What Gary needs to know is that most breweries in the world, Europe, UK and Anerica, even close by in South Africa, all started as family businesses just like the ones in that hell-hole, that godforsaken, derelict compound called Garden.

It is NOT a Garden, my friends.More like a dump, urgently requiring, what Gary doesn’t know, a quick upgrade.

Here is what Hakainde HICHILEMA must now do.

1. Legalise Kachasu brewing
2. Register all Kachasu brewers in Zambia
3. License all Kachasu brewers in Zambia
4. Give all Kachasu brewers in Zambia TPINs
5. All Kachasu brewers in Zambia must undergo business capacity building by ZDA
6. Link all Kachasu brewers to bigger brewers for further processing of the alcohol, to whom they must sell their commodity [quitecthe way the agricultural out-growers scheme works]
7. The Councils must teach all Kachasu brewers hygiene and all requirements of public health
8. Encourage production of Masuku, Masau, Kwawasa, Banana, Lemon, Guava flavored brands of Kachasu, all local products.
9. Facilitate the export of Kachasu to Europe, Asia and America.
10. Form more cooperatives of brewers or to brew Kachasu
11. Encourage the formation of the Kachasu Brewers Association of ZAMBIA [K-BAZ] to share best practices

I hope Ella’s MUBANGA is listening. Wake up, man!

This is the Zambia Hakainde HICHILEMA wants, one which creates start-ups, regulates and thrives businesses.

Citizen entrepreneurship is the future of Zambia.

And Kachasu is a multi-million dollar industry.

We are aware that some foreign interests, competitors, might want Zambia’s Kachasu industry to die. We know.

Yes, what Gary did was not only cruel and backward but it was illogical as well.

It runs counter to the spirit of the UPND manifesto aimed at prospering small businesses.

Gary, do the same for street vendors, as I propose.

Don’t kick them orctheir goods. If you continue, I, Canisius BANDA, with thevpeople, will kick you away.

You see, by their very nature, illicit breweries are illegal.

But the penalty for the guilty is NOT what Gary meted out. It is NOT forcing the brewers and their children, once caught at it, to drink the very same illicit brew, to force them to swallow very thing said to kill, as if attempting to murder them.

Gary, my friend, why?

Hakainde is already having headaches and sleepless nights over the unbearable cost of living. And now you lump this social bomb on him!

Feel for your boss, Gary.
Already, he is a troubled man.

But then this is what leadership is about.

A leader needs to know how to mange rebels, dissidents, bandits, law-breakers, prostitutes, thieves, witches, the Garys, ad infinitum, for every society, community, nation, comprises these. Every village has them. These are the citizens

Finally, when all is said, the buck stops with Hakainde HICHILEMA.

It was YOU, sir, that forced Kachasu down the throats of those children in Garden Compound.

We, the citizens, are watching you, sir.

Clearly, the Ministerial Code of Conduct now lies breached. And your leadership is in the dock.

Fix the country, please.
Do NOT fix the people.

For now, allow me to wipe the tears I have in my eyes. On this KAUNDA Day, I cry for Zambia.

Dr Canisius BANDA
Development Activist

By Emmanuel Chilekwa

PRESIDENT CHISHALA KATEKA, AMB. EMMANUEL MWAMBA ARE RIGHT ON STANCE AGAINST USA SETTING UP “MILLITARY OFFICE” IN ZAMBIA

28 April, 2022.

To the naive, there’s nothing wrong. To those who understand global millitary manoeuvres, the move by the USA “setting up military training” or so called ” advisory office” at the US embassy in Zambia is simply an official smokescreen,, there’s more to this, hence, agree with you President Kateka and Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba’s viewpoints on thus matter.

And you think if it was just a mere office launch, one would drag the whole of our President to pose with him (as evidence of the done deal?)

The country is paying dearly for having a government of complete novices. They are simply failing in all areas of governance and protecting national sovereignty.

Even if one was not thinking, even the African Union has never tolerated such kind of self-invited trouble on any African state. So what has this new government seen to hurry in implementing what the previous government put on ice?

Why choose to side with one super power? Just because Boss is Anglo inclined? Folks, this is not just your country, it is all our common heritage, don’t mess it up as “ni dziko ya nyoko”.

Zambia has always been NON ALIGNED. Now these novices have no clue whatsoever. And they go on to argue ati “it’s not setting up military nase” but “mere military dialogue offices”… what kind of inept thinking is that?

If it was just mere offices, are you sure you can parade the whole of P1 to simply open an office? Are you sure one needs school to understand this? Do you know why Zambia is well placed for US “setting up military office here?”

Ask yourself, on which side is RSA? So what is USA thinking at back of their minds?

Do you know Belarus and why Russia is interested in Cremea, Ukraine and all?

So you cant see that the US believes Zambia is well placed to be a “Cremea” or “Belarus” siding with USA. And what do you think Putin is thinking about Zambia?

Aikona man… we have jokers around. But is this what we deserve?
.
Think. You must calculate

By Shalala Oliver Sepiso

There is a letter doing rounds on social media, which is purported to have been written by embattled Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Lillian Siyuni to the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC). In that letter, the DPP is alleged to have informed the JCC that she was unable to respond to the various complaints raised against her before JCC because she was constrained by her oath of Office. It is said that she had also written to President Hakainde Hichilema to lift her Oath of Office and to give her authority to clear the allegations that had been levelled against her.

If truly this letter was written by her, it seems to have been written to both divert from her duty to defend herself and to give an impression that she cant defend herself because of her sworn oath. At the very the least, the letter is surprising because there is no need for her oath of secrecy to be withdrawn for her to defend herself. Further, there is no provision in the law for any oath of office that has been taken to be withdrawn or waived.

Over the last week, some of her critics found her request to have her Oath of Secrecy lifted a form of blackmail and a veiled threat to the presidency as well as to the current government. This is because – assuming that was possible – she could then go ahead and leak sensitive information on all cases she has had interactions with, which would embarrass a lot of people and even jearpadise the whole prosecution process in Zambia. Others found it absurd that a senior legal practitioner, like her, should have known better that there is nothing in Chapter 5 of the Laws of Zambia i.e. the Official Oaths Act, the Judiciary Administration Act No. 23 of 2016, Section 20 of the Judicial (Code of Conduct) Act as amended by the Judicial (Code of Conduct) (Amendment) Act No. 13 of 2006, Article 260 of the Constitution of Zambia 2016 and other laws, which provides for the president or anyone lese to lift or waive the oath of office once one takes it or it has been administered.

Others wonder why she claimed that she needed protection considering that she has recourse to appearing before the JCC in camera and also knowing that her testimony before the JCC cannot be used against her for further litigation, punishment or otherwise as long as her verisimilitude is intact.

So it seems that she was simply playing to the gallery and she just wanted to create a perception – and some reasonable doubt in the minds of average Zambians – that she is unable to defend herself but she is blameless.

And we have been down this road before. This game was also played before our very own eyes when former ZAF Commander Sunday Kayumba tried it, and so did former Spy Chief Xavier Chungu. In the case of “Katele Kalumba and five others”, it was also a ploy that was tried. We also saw former ZAF Commander Muma try the same trick. In all cases, courts have repeatedly ruled that the oath of office cannot be lifted or waived and when presidents have been asked to waive them – like the case of former DPP – presidents have refused to be drawn in. Despite knowing that the request won’t be granted as it is not tenable before the law, the intention is not to have their requests granted but the real intent of such an act is to project oneself as a victim of circumstances while pointing an accusatory finger at the President. Or at least others. This is simply a smokescreen!

Imagine what would become of our country and society if the oath of office was only kept when it was convenient to do so. There would be no need to have the oath if it was only for convenience. Otherwise government is a system that functions because of the rules that glues it in place and one of the them is the confidentiality, due diligence and duty of care that comes with the oath of office. Such a request for the oath to be waived is nothing short of indiscipline, chaotic and nothing short of insolence and embarrassing to be coming from a constitutional office holder and indeed a senior and very educated lawyer!

Interestingly, by writing the letter she has written, and as far as JCC is concerned, DPP Siyuni has responded to the JCC by refusing to respond to the allegations. It now means that The JCC can proceed and now establish a prima facie case since she has not pleaded one way or the other and taking it that she is refusing to be held accountable for her actions. A prima facie doesn’t mean she is guilty but any impartial tribunal just peeps into the evidence and determines that the allegations require further investigations. But as things stand, she seems to have a case that she signed an immunity deal whose validity she knows doesn’t even exist. She made the bed, let her lie in it without trying to tie up others.

For her sake, let her write a full response and defend herself otherwise what she has written so far will be taken as a response. In fact, what I hear is that she is lining up a list of serious lawyers including some who we have seen in presidential petitions before.

And when she finally writes a defence, if she will, and if her argument will be that she was under the direction of anyone or had political pressure bearing down on her, then she is incompetent and is in breach of the constitution that provides for the DPP not to be under the direction of anyone. As alleged, if she opened up the door to some individuals to instruct her, she clearly breached the very constitution and ethics she swore to uphold. And for all intents and purposes, she would be demonstrating a clear case incompetence. And constitutional breach. And that can only mean her position is not tenable.

(It’s Kenneth Kaunda Day today and as I take a break from my work while working on a holiday, I thought I should comment on this topical issue.)

By Martin Mushumba

The United States (US) government announced it plans to set up an Africa Command office (AFRICOM) for security cooperation in Zambia.

Currently the AFRICOM is headquartered in Stuttgart Germany.

It’s role has been to provide -broad-reaching diplomacy, development and defense approach to negate the drivers of conflict and extremism on the African Continent.

We review the choice of Zambia by the US government and the benefits of this move.

For a start, Zambia welcomes any well meaning international cooperation in all strategic sectors such as the environment, agriculture, education, health and security among others.

This cooperation could be from any country that shares mutual interest with Zambia in these key areas of development.

Such cooperation could be from within Africa or outside Africa.

Just the other day, in enhancing national registration of citizens and supporting security and crime detection in Zambia, the Japanese government donated K16 million worth of biometric kits towards the Integrated National Registration System.

Similarly, the United States government’s move to establish an office to coordinate security partnership between Zambia and the U.S as well as the rest of the African continent is welcome for the many benefits that come with it.

For clarity, the US government is not positioning itself to erect a military base in Zambia but an office of International Security Cooperation based at the American Embassy in Lusaka to support Zambia and other countries.

Over and above, the choice of Zambia as the Command Office remains something to make us all proud of.

Firstly, we are land linked and offer a more strategic and central position to service the African continent.

Secondly, we are the pivot of peace on the Africa continent and this offers a better suited place for such an important undertaking.

Thirdly, Zambia is a leading contributor of military personnel for peace operations in Africa.

The Zambian defense and security personnel are highly ranked in their conduct of peace missions across the globe.

We currently have an active force in South Sudan, Central African Republic, Somalia and Mozambique.

Fourthly, history recognizes Zambia as a major player in regional and international peace.

Zambia’s role in the independence struggle on the African continent cannot be emphasized.

The pursuit of peace was extended beyond the continent as Zambia spoke strongly on the need for peace in the Middle East, Eastern Europe and the Caribbean region.

Lastly, but not the least, the setting up of an African Command office located in Lusaka is a strategic recognition of Zambia’s effort towards the pacification of Africa.

Therefore, the move is a privileged position that Zambia earns for it’s standout efforts towards peace building and creating a safe world for all.

In this vein, AFRICOM is coming at a better time than ever when African security is threatened by selfish interests groups as evidenced in DR Congo, Mozambique, Somalia, Central African Republic, Chad, Mali, Nigeria, Sudan, and South Sudan among others .

Investment in security equipment and training of security institutions in Zambia and Africa as a continent remains key for the sustainability of peace on the continent.

The move has lots of benefits for Zambia whose budget to support security and defense operations is so lean. The benefits are as follows;

• it allows the country to receive financial and material support towards defense and security support.

There is significant support towards capacity development, professionalization of our military through military education, and modernization of our security system.

• with such a strategic partner on board, resources from our budget that were supposed to go towards financing security and defense activities could be channeled towards other needy sectors such as health, education, agriculture and other poverty alleviation strategies.

• the modernization of our security systems including our security and defense wings helps in safeguarding the peace we are enjoying as a country. It shall also help in crime prevention and detection.

The disadvantages about this office could manly be in misinformation. Individuals that understand less about this subject matter will equate the AFRICOM office to a Military Base and raise issues about Zambia’s geo-political orientation.

Secondly, those that fear the American principles of transparency, accountability and rule of law always have fear and discomfort when there is a mention of U.S.

These opt to hide in an ideological battle between the West and the East. Extremist groups within the region too would become insecure and target Zambia in their terrorist activities.

Broadly speaking, this is a noble offer presented to the country in good faith. There is no politics attached to this offer other than the above stated considerations.

© Zambian Whiatleblower

PRESS STATEMENT ON THE VISIT TO THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA BY HIS EXCELLENCY MR. FÉLIX ANTOINE TSHISEKEDI TSHILOMBO, PRESIDENT OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation wishes to inform the Nation that His Excellency Mr. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo will undertake an Official Visit to the Republic of Zambia on Friday 29th April, 2022.

During the Visit, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia and President Tshisekedi are scheduled to preside over the official signing of a Bilateral Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This landmark Cooperation Agreement stems from the multi-stakeholder DRC-Africa Business Forum hosted by President Tshisekedi from 24th to 25th November, 2021, where President Hichilema delivered a keynote address.
The two leaders acknowledged the need to identify opportunities and facilitating investments to increase Africa’s share of the battery, electric vehicles and renewable energy value chain.

President Hichilema and President Tshisekedi therefore agreed to launch a joint Zambia-DRC Battery Precursor Initiative, whose vision is to create a competitive Electric Vehicle Battery Value Chain aimed towards sustainable development and inclusive growth, through the production of battery precursors.

The Zambia-DRC Initiative is in line with the country’s development aspirations to bring about a more diversified and industrialised economy which will contribute towards job creation and the improvement of the Zambian people’s livelihoods, among others.

The Republic of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo share strong historical bilateral ties and a common border and the two countries actively cooperate in social, political, and economic areas, within the framework of the Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation.

President Hichilema has underscored the need for Zambia to enhance cooperation with the Democratic Republic of Congo for mutual benefit and it is hoped that this visit by President Tshisekedi will further strengthen the existing bilateral ties between the two countries.

The UPND Government will therefore continue to work with the Democratic Republic of Congo at regional, continental and international levels through the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the African Union, Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). The strong multilateral cooperation will be based on shared values and principles.

His Excellency President Tshisekedi is expected to depart Luaska after his engagements.

Hon. Stanley K. Kakubo, M.P
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
LUSAKA🇿🇲

28th April, 2022

SATA COMMENDS LEVY FOR REJECTING US ARMY BASE

By Chibaula Silwamba

Sunday September 02, 2007

OPPOSITION Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata has commended President Levy Mwanawasa for rejecting America’s plans to set up the US Africa Command (Africom) base in Zambia. Commenting on President Mwanawasa’s declaration that his government would not give the United States of America (USA) sanctuary to establish its military base in Zambia, Sata yesterday said the PF had supported the President and the MMD government for the first time for making a correct decision to protect the sovereignty of Zambia.

“For the first time, we are openly supporting President Mwanawasa. This is the best decision since Mwanawasa came to power,” he said. “We know that the Americans’ intention to establish a military base in this country has one thing to assault Zimbabwe. It will be unthinkable and a sin for Americans to use Zambia as a spring board of removing President Mugabe.”

He said the US and Britain had not hidden their intention on the need for regime change in Zimbabwe.

Sata said if the US was allowed to set up a base in Zambia, they would use it to destabilize the region and other regions in Africa.

“The Americans would use their base here to remove any leader they don’t like in Africa,” Sata observed. “And knowing Americans, it will be easy to come here but it would be very difficult to remove them.”

He said allowing the US to set up a base would displace a lot of people.
“We would also like to appeal to the President to use the same powers, he has used to reject the Americans’ intention to establish a military base, to deal with Chinese. Chinese may not have guns but they are too many here,” he said. “We have provided employment to Chinese; we are not going to provide employment for Americans.”

Sata observed that Zambia had been used as a military base by freedom fighters in southern Africa.

“The Zambian soil was used during the struggle against colonialism. At that time the government allowed freedom fighters, which was a correct thing to use Zambia as a spring board to fight colonialism,” he said.

Sata said that action, though good, had cost Zambians their lives.
“There were costs in terms of property, economic stagnation and above all loss of lives,” Sata said.

President Mwanawasa, who is also SADC chairman, said none of the SADC countries were interested in Africom.

“Each country has sovereignty to decide on that, but we will not as Zambia. We will not give them sanctuary. I think I can speak on behalf of the SADC region and none of us is interested,” said President Mwanawasa on Friday before departure to Swaziland on a five-day state visit.