CHANGE THE CURRENCY

By Ernest Chanda

GOOD governance activist Brebner Changala has asked government to change the currency as a way of dealing with people who have kept huge amounts of cash in their homes.

He says the “methodical approach has failed or is failing”.

“Because of pressure, certain ministers who were silent like Mtolo have decided to speak out because they have seen that their political tenure in office is now threatened. And they are trying to go and dig for money in people’s farms, seven months down the line, and the culprits are mocking them – repeatedly so,” Changala noted.

On Monday, The Mast carried a story where agriculture minister Reuben Mtolo said there was no money in the economy because people who stole under the PF administration were hiding it.

“If you notice, we have challenges with money. Where is the money? Those who were stealing the money in the past are hiding money. They fear that they could be arrested and because of the high fuel prices, the money is scarce,” said Mtolo.

And in supporting Mtolo’s concern, Changala said people proposed a change of currency immediately the PF lost elections in August 2021 but the new dawn government did not want to listen.

“And it is also good that one of the men from Cabinet, Mr Mtolo, has come to admit that there is no money because thieves from the previous administration have kept their money in houses and they are not spending. It also goes to show that this government does not listen to the citizenry,” he said.

“From the onset, in September there was a serious demand from the Zambians that this government must change the currency. They must go flat out and recover this cash which has been stashed somewhere because the PF administration was not banking money; it was not banking cash. And this has led to the shrinking of our financial sector.”

Changala praised Mtolo for speaking out when others were quiet on a serious national problem.

“If you realised, all banks that had opened their outlets throughout Lusaka, Copperbelt and provincial centres, have closed their branches because there is no liquidity. And there is no major financial activity in the economy,” he explained.

“It is highly gratifying, though disappointing, that the Cabinet through Mr Mtolo has acknowledged that there is no money in circulation. And this is the song we have been singing. We have encouraged this administration, knowing very well that the government is the biggest supplier of money in the economy through contracts and other services that are rendered by suppliers.”

Changala also blamed the government for freezing payments to all contractors who provided goods and service during the PF reign, calling it a careless decision.
He wondered why the UPND was not explaining its economic strategy.
“And to put a moratorium that nobody must be paid for as long as the contract was done under the previous administration has now backfired, resulting in the shortage of medicines in hospitals. And one would wonder how many Zambians died out of this careless decision by this administration?” he said.

“There is another serious challenge. This government has come into place but it has not explained to the people of Zambia what its economic strategy is to revive the economy. They have not told the people of Zambia what their strategy is on job creation. They have been talking about micro-economic and prudence…and most importantly they have told us that they are being methodical.”

Changala said there was nothing inspiring about UPND’s “methodical” approach to running the country.

“There is nothing inspiring in their methodical system other than promoting poverty levels and economic collapse. Their methodical approach has failed or is failing, whichever way you look at it,” said Changala.

“Because of pressure, certain ministers who were silent like Mtolo have decided to speak out because they have seen that their political tenure in office is now threatened. And they are trying to go and dig for money in people’s farms, seven months down the line, and the culprits are mocking them – repeatedly so.”

MY DECISION TO DIVORCE REMAINS A PRIVATE MATTER

DECISION TO MARRY OR DIVORCE IS A VERY JOYFUL AND PAINFUL PERSONAL MATTER RESPECTIVELY.

I have seen the frenzy in the media over our decision to go our separate ways with my partner, its doing rounds on social media after a seemingly dedicated search conducted at the High Court registry yesterday.

My phone too won’t stop ringing as countless people keep calling and sending messages espousing different emotions. Different in that words of encouragement coming from those in the know and shock from the many who knew nothing at all.

Ordinarily, such matters are private and personal and one needs not comment publicly but unfortunately, among the ramifications that come with public life and/office is that one loses their private life completely.

My only request to us all is that in this public ridicule, insults, aspersions and formed opinions, let them all be directed at me, I am the public figure. Let’s leave my partner and children out of this because they are private individuals whom I have endeavored to protect and not involve in my public life.

Yes it’s true, my partner and I have mutually decided to go our separate ways after realizing that our union was not working. We have stayed apart for over three years and as you may be aware, divorce is a final stop after several other interventions to retrieve the union prove futile. That is why at this stage, our differences are dubbed “iretrieveble”.

Many are asking me why, what happened? My answer is that we have decided to keep the reasons private and hoping pipo can respect our decision.

Others are asking is it because of your new job? The decision to go our separate ways was arrived at three years ago, way before my appointment. It’s sad that pipo think it’s because of my three months old appointment. The two are completely unrelated.

We as a people have seen couples where because it didn’t work and they tried to force themselves on each other and in the end, death has been recorded in such unions with one partner ending in the grave whilst the other ends up locked up for life if not sentenced to death. Ramifications? Children remain orphaned and suffering.

Again here, the public says “why didn’t they just divorce instead of killing”?

For us we chose to mutually separate, remain friends and co-parent our children hoping to give them the best of both worlds as parents alive than dead and incarcerated.

What we have before Court is a consent judgement, where two consenting adults have mutually agreed to go their separate ways in a peaceful, respectful and civil manner void of conflict, drama and GBV.

My appeal to both young and old couples is that divorce is never a good thing and/experience, where you can resolve matters, please do. Where you can’t, try again .

My prayer is that no other family goes through divorce because in divorce, nobody wins.

Please don’t and never resort to violence or killing. Life does and will always go on.

Thabo Kawana.

ECL has definitely crossed the red line

By Alfred Chioza

The material for building a bomb, jet engine, motor vehicle, scotch cart, rocket, grader (CAT) etc, is naturally chosen to undertake the task it’s intended for.

Wrong material will never resist the pressure, it will buckle under. Thus, the material chosen for various jobs/tasks must be able to withstand the stress and strain, period! Metallurgists will attest to this. Similarly, humans fit in this analogy. Leaders are born with the potential to lead, there’s absolutely no shortcut to this assertion. Take a misfit to lead, he or she will definitely mess up big time. Worse still, if he/she is surrounded by characters that fit his mold. Even those that have the potential to lead require to be surrounded by experts – and I mean experts with the expertise of discipline they are called to render advice on, not jokers. That’s how good and competent leadership is built. Pretenders to the throne are easily exposed by their careless pronouncements.
Edgar Chagwa Lungu (ECL) owes Zambians the explanation as to what he meant by labeling the new dawn government of Hakainde Hichilema (HH) as hypocritical. He also has arrears to elaborate how his government failed the Zambians. Is this how to reciprocate HH’s call to ECL to mourn RB together in a dignified manner and thereby give RB a befitting send off? Can ECL define hypocrisy to the Zambians? I hope ECL doesn’t suggest that when investigative wings summon or search those believed to have been deep in criminal activities to be hypocrisy? Then this mirrors the kind of ignorant leadership which Zambians put up with for seven solid years. Anyone with conscience would have done better! ECL has definitely crossed the red line. He failed to honour RB’s funeral. RB is gone, so is ECL’s insurance for safeguarding his immunity. Zambians are agitating for stripping his immunity. Lest ECL is delusional, he has to be reminded that he presided over the most corrupt government. It’s regrettable that people of his caliber could rig themselves into the presidency of Zambia.

The guff he made denigrated RB’s funeral, which up to the end was going very well like clockwork. Even street boys are wondering about the competence of his handlers (the mickey mice).

Social media went viral with the unguarded comments ECL uttered. He has been exposed as the most incompetent president Zambia has ever had. He decampaigned his legacy, if any. What’s the dictionary meaning of hypocrisy? Can he elaborate instead of speaking in tongues? Zambians haven’t forgotten that he is on record as saying, “we were voted out because we failed the Zambians.’’ How did he fail the Zambians? Honest people avoid double speech, especially when they seek forgiveness from the people who had given them the rare honour and mandate to become their president. It’s cardinal to own up and acquit oneself if there is indisputable evidence of wrongdoings.

HH offered ECL an olive branch over the feud these two have had. RB’s funeral had provided a rare opportunity for ECL to make up with the Zambian people – to tender a well-crafted apology for all the corruption that took place under his watch and seek forgiveness from them. PF leaders stole from us and ECL could even take the matter further by promising the return of monies and assets PF leaders are accused of stealing. Instead, he opted for confrontation!

Mind you, in as much as HH may drag his feet to have ECL prosecuted for all the crimes investigated so far and point to ECL, one must realise that ultimate court is reposed in the Zambians whose assets were stollen by ECL’s PF leaders, family members and cronies. Is this how you reciprocate HH’s genuine gesture of camaraderie? More so, at RB’s funeral? The man who would have lobbied for his soft landing!

PF leadership is smeared in corruption filth. Immunity can be stripped off any time. Don’t dare the Zambians and push your luck. I hope the former president’s handlers tirelessly give ECL updates about his tattered reputation. Only Zambians will have the last say regarding his survival. You don’t even show contrition and remorse over your seven years in office. Need I remind you that the noose is slowly tightening around your neck with every investigation of those who are currently helping with criminal investigations?

Most unfortunate that your handlers may not have prepared you for what to anticipate at RB’s funeral and how to handle the anticipation. They could have even advised you to dodge answering difficult questions – not even blocking Franklin Tembo jnr from asking you questions. You are the only surviving former president and deeply troubled. It’s true silence is golden instead of being confrontational. Will people be wrong to assume that you’re unrepentant and uncouth? Did you pay attention and read in between the line remarks by the former president of Botswana? What did you make of it?

ECL owed Zambians a hell lot of explanations and answers on many wrongdoings. Needless to put it straight that ECL’s support base is dwindling as people are fast realising that he miserably failed Zambians during his tenure as president of Zambia. Even your fanatical supporters are sticking with you purely for money! HH has outshone you with mature leadership style. Zambia is now a peaceful and livable country; investors will soon be queuing up to do business with the country. We thank God for this second liberation.

Send comment to: alfredchioza@yahoo.com

STATE WITNESSES CONTINUE GIVING INCOHERENT STATEMENTS IN KAMPYONGO’S AVIATION CASE

BY IP muvi tv
Chinsali Monday, 4 April, 2022

The Chinsali Magistrate Court has adjourned the case in which Former Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo has been charged with an offence of endangering the safety of an aircraft to 26th April, 2022.

Particulars of the offense are that on January 2nd, 2015, Mr Kampyongo, whilst acting together with others, allegedly endangered the safety of an aircraft and its passengers at Kalalantekwe school grounds in Shiwang’andu district, in Muchinga province.

Mr. Kampyongo who is also Shiwanga’ndu Member of Parliament and six others are jointly charged with the offence of endangering the Safety of an Aircraft contrary to the Safety Aviation Act Chapter 445 of the laws of Zambia.
Others jointly charged with Mr. Kampyongo are Andrew Kampyongo, James Sunge Mulenga, Cephus Mwaba Matumbo, Phillip Sinkala, Ignius Musonda and Augustine Kapolyongo.

And one of Mr. Kampyongo’s lawyer George Chisanga says the state has indicated that they would be able to call their last two witnesses.

“We are yet to have the evidence of the Pilot as well as the officer who investigated this matter.
The difficult the State has been having is to secure the attendance before the court the Pilot who was flying the helicopter on that material date.
If possible they told us that if they cannot secure his physical attendance in court, they will use alternative platform to make him testify maybe via Zoom, Mr. Chisanga has said.

He says is hopeful that the State would be able to close the case on 26th April.

He adds that is concerned because the case is rather taking long stating everything was supposed to have finished in line with what the had earlier indicated but since the court has guided that it can not rush Justice it is just the matter waiting and hear what will come out of said witnesses it keeps on adding to the number of those who have their testimonies but is hoping the last witnesses will be on 26th April,”

However, during a cross examination the two state witnesses who includes John Mulenga a Teacher continued giving incoherent statement from the other seven witnesses who appeared before the court when the matter commenced.
The contradiction from the the statement witnesses after being quizzed by Mr. Kampyongo’s defence lawyers Leon Lemba and George Chisanga at the said cross examination triggered the laughter by the court attendees.

And at the close of the session the state pleaded with the Magistrate to have the matter adjourned to April 26th so that is could bring other witnesses, a move which was strongly opposed by the defence lawyers on ground that the state had previously made it clear that it was bringing it’s possible last set of witnesses for progress sake.
However, the Magistrate says he had understood the concerns from both parties and it was just wise to work in fair manner for the sake of justice.

But the Magistrate was quick to warn the state not to keep dragging the case through adjournments besides having the rights to do so.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kampyongo expressed confident that Justice will prevail by God’s grace.

He said it is the desire of the People of Shiwang’andu to have the process expedited in order for attention to shift to serving the people.

“Every time that is taken from the people, is injustice to the people We represent.

I am a citizen, but I also have an extra responsibility to serve the people who elected me on 12th August last year. We will however respect the court processes so that Justice can prevail, the law maker has said.
He says the Country is a very critical situation at the moment that needs to be resolved , such as fuel hike and reducing the cost of living the new dawn government talked about.
Ends

By Hon. Bowman Lusambo
CHILLING AT YOUR OWN HOTEL WHILE GOVERNMENT FOOTS THE BILL

Against convention, President Hakainde Hichilema has decided to host his guest President Paul Kagame of Rwanda at a private hotel in Livingstone for two days.

Tradition has always been that visiting Heads of State would meet the host (our President) at State House for formal bilateral engagements, dinner will be hosted at a 5 start hotel within Lusaka and if the programme permits, squeeze in an in-out trip to Livingstone for tourism promotional purposes. This arrangement has worked for decades and delivered results at a cheaper cost to the treasury until President Hichilema decided to host President Kagame for a whole two days away from Lusaka.

If this arrangement was held elsewhere even on the Moon, we wouldn’t have raised questions but hosting this very important meeting at a private hotel in which we believe Mr. Hichilema still has very strong business interests raises serous questions bordering on conflict of interest, morality and poor decision making on the part of Mr. Hichilema and all those helping him govern.

It is public knowledge that Mr. Hichilema and his business associate Chief Mukuni still have huge business interests in that facility.

As for Mr. Hichilema, we know he has never publicly relinquished his business interests in that hotel in which he irregularly became a Director after he worked as ZPA Negotiating Chairman for the sale of the hotel around July 1997.

Mr. Hichilema as Negotiating Chairman incorporated Sun International Zambia Limited on 18th November 1997 and in March 1998, he sold the hotel to a company that he had incorporated and in which he was a Director.

We know that the ownership structure of the hotel has changed over time but what has remained constant is Mr. Hichilema and Chief Mukuni’s stake in the hotel.

As recent as 2021, PACRA records showed that Avani Hotel is owned by Minor Hotels Zambia Limited, this company is in turn owned by a Mauritius company MHG International Holding while Hakainde S. Hichilema is just a Director.

Ever wondered why despite his anti corruption rhetoric, this is a man who has refused to declare his assets and liabilities? He goes on to tell you that he has not received a salary for 8 months as President, well, he knows that he is using the same office to cut deals and pay himself heftily.

There was absolutely no need to converge in Livingstone for a whole two days just to sign seven agreements at huge government expense.

We know that the pandemic has hit hotels badly as there is little or no international travel but using state coffers to give yourself some private business is beyond immoral.

For those that might not be aware, moving the presidency to another town for even a few hours is very expensive but when you do it for a whole three days, the cost to a bleeding treasury is colossal. We also know that some officers in advance parties have been stationed in Livingstone for over a week preparing for the trip and getting daily allowances which could never have been paid if the meeting was held in Lusaka at State House.

When you host a Head of State in the manner President Kagame is visiting, you take up the entire costs associated with the trip.

Lusaka, our capital city and especially State House has necessary security apparatus needed to secure the lives and property of visiting VVIPs.

By hosting President Kagame, a highly security conscious individual, the security upgrades that required modifications at Avani Hotels in order to host two Heads of State for over 48 Hours is unimaginable.

For a man who claims to have inherited empty coffers, President Hichilema has strange appetite to spend money he claims he nation doesn’t have.

Going forward, we wish to appeal to everyone working closely with President Hichilema to advise him against mixing state affairs with his private businesses. When something similar happened to President Trump in his first few months in office, the American Congress moved to stop him from hosting state functions at Trump Towers, his private hotel and he heeded, we pray our does.

NOTHING SINISTER ABOUT US SUMMONING EX BOZ CHIEF MVUNGA, SAYS POLICE

By NATION REPORTER

THERE is nothing sinister about the police summoning former Bank of Zambia Governor Christopher Mvunga for interviews, police spokesperson Rae Haamonga has said.

Mr Haamonga said the police had summoned the former central bank Governor to appear at Chongwe police post and that they just wanted to interview him about certain issues.

But his lawyer Dickson Jere said that the matter had been resolved and nothing to do with his previous office.

Mr Jere said it was a small misunderstanding with a neighbour which actually happened in 2019 and they engaged the police and agreed there was no need for appearance at the police today.

He said the matter was of civil nature as it had to do with pollution and that he was the complainant but was later accused of trespassing.

“This issue does not involve his previous line of work but just a civil matter that involves his neighbor,” he said.

He however said he could not give details on what issues Mr Mvunga was summoned for as it would jeopardise investigations.

“Yes, I can confirm that the police has summoned Mr Mvunga to appear at Chongwe Police post in the morning but unfortunately I can’t give you the details,” he said.

Meanwhile, Economic Front President Wynter Kabimba said that it was clear that Mr Mvunga’s summon was because he was a close associate of former republican president Edgar Lungu.

Mr Kabimba said it was evident that the fact that Mr Mvunga worked in the previous Patriotic Front regime and occupied a key position, it was only right to assume that it was a political move.

He said that time had gone for governments to be persecuting individuals based on political lines and that this trend needed to stop once and for all.

“I saw the summon but to be honest I don’t want to delve much in the matter but I strongly suspect the reason Mr Mvunga has been summoned is because he was a close associate of the former president Edgar Lungu,” he said.

Mr Kabimba said all the people who had been summoned or searched had direct links with the former head of State and that it was not shocking that the list of close associates to Mr Lungu had continued to increase

FACT FILE:

DID you know that Justin Mweene, an ordinary Zambian, registered UPND as a party with the Registrar of Societies in 1998 and was its leader for two weeks before handing power to Anderson Mazoka?

For details, follow the excerpt below from

(Conversations with Memorable Personalities)*

Amos Malupenga:

You can continue…

Anderson Mazoka:

… I came to Lusaka as managing director and after serving Anglo for all these years, I went to my boss in 1998 and I said ‘I want to work for my people’.

Anglo said ‘no, why do you want to leave? Are you under pressure from your contemporaries?’ I said it was my own choice. They said ‘if you are under pressure, we are going to transfer you to another country’. I said there will be a conflict because I can’t work for Anglo and at the same time be in politics.

We agreed with my boss and they gave me my terminal benefits.

And you know the formation of UPND. We started meeting here [at his residence in Lusaka East] with some people. I had spent a lot of time advising MMD. I said ‘this is not what we fought for to get rid of Kaunda’. I said ‘we need to look after our country’.

I came to a point where MMD was developing thick skin, they didn’t want to listen to people. So I said the only way is for me to join in their ranks. I wanted to join MMD as a party official. But they blocked me when I attempted to stand as treasurer in Bauleni compound at a ward level. I appealed to them to re-run the election but they refused.

Finally, I sent them a letter that I am resigning from the party and [Michael] Sata was the first one to take the letter to the newspapers that he had accepted my resignation. In fact, they would have cornered me if at that point they had reinstated the election and I was elected at the branch level. They would have closed me there and use party rules to control me. But when they decided to accept my resignation, I said hallelujah! Then I met some of my colleagues – John Mulwila, David Matongo, the late Munansangu and Kelvin Ndila was there.

I said ‘we have to form a party’, so we formed a committee and that committee was to look for the name of the party and the symbol. They also looked for the slogan and we kept consulting. Then rumours started moving so we had to give a dummy name which you guys picked and said ‘we were going to register such and such a party’.

In the meantime, we got ordinary people like Justin Mweene to register UPND. They agreed that after 14 days, they would hand-over the party to me, which they did. We then launched the party at Mulungushi Conference Centre and we announced the names of people in the management committee. …

An excerpt from

(Conversations with Memorable Personalities)

WHERE IS THE MONEY – MTOLO

By Christopher Miti

AGRICULTURE minister Reuben Mtolo says there is no money in circulation because people who stole are hiding the money.
“If you notice, we have challenges with money. Where is the money? Those who were stealing the money in the past are hiding money. They fear that they could be arrested and because of the high fuel prices, the money is scarce,” he said
Mtolo, who is also Chipata Central member of parliament, says he will not hesitate to report people who are handling Constituency Development Fund to police if they engage in corruption.

Featuring on Breeze FM on Saturday night, Mtolo said CDF is meant to help people and should not be tampered with.
“For me as MP, I have grown up here. My businesses are here. I want Chipata to be strong. I was very categorical today during the CDF meeting that if I am going to hear that there is corruption in the handling of the CDF, I will not hesitate to drag the people involved to police. This man, Mr Daka (CDF chairperson) is my friend but if he is going to engage in corruption, I will have him arrested. I will not hesitate and I have continuously said this,” he said.
Mtolo said in 2011 when he was MP, he made one person arrested.

“In 2011, I said the same and people thought I was joking. One man is still serving at Namuseche. He stole something at Saturday Market and that is how it will be. The other thing is that, I am washing my hands here, a person who would want to go that route in the government of President Hakainde Hichilema, I stay with him every day in Lusaka, he is on his own or her own,” he warned. “That man [Hichilema] hates corruption. that man is committed to developing the country and this money which has come does not belong to an individual but for development through central government. Anyone who will steal CDF money will be arrested and will have nowhere to appeal.”

Mtolo said the warning does not only go to the CDF committee but to council officers and suppliers.
“This is a very strong warning to my friends in the CDF [committee], the council officials and the suppliers, the owners of shops, hardware owners, that if you are going to get yourself involved in inflating prices you will be in trouble,” he said.
And in emphasizing the need for the CDF committee to purchase locally made desks, Mtolo said the CDF should circulate within the constituency.

“If the CDF chairperson wants to buy school desks, he is not allowed to buy desks that are made from Indonesia. The desks should be made by residents of Chipata who have made them in Chipata for use in Chipata. These desks should not be bought from anywhere other than Chipata. This money is meant for Chipata. We want it to circulate in Chipata Central,” he explained. “If you notice, we have challenges with money. Where is the money? Those who were stealing the money in the past are hiding money. They fear that they could be arrested and because of the high fuel prices, the money is scarce.”
Mtolo said the government is pumping money into the system through the Constituency Development Fund.
He urged Zambians to develop an attitude of voicing out whenever things are not alright.

Mtolo said when public money is being abused people should take it upon themselves to report.
“The new thinking is that when public money is abused, you cannot leave it to me to report or follow up but every citizen should make a follow up and report to the relevant authorities. If your money is being abused, don’t wait for Mtolo to report to Anti-Corruption [Commission] or to report to police,” he urged. “You all have a right. This is your money. This is the money which comes from taxes. President Hakainde Hichilema didn’t bring a bag of money. It is your money. President Hakainde is just saying instead of planning from Lusaka, let the money be planned in the constituencies. Let us develop an attitude in Zambia where if things are not going well, we should be talking.”

And Mtolo said he wants to be a minister of development in agriculture and not minister of fertiliser only.
“I don’t want that after five years, when I look back at what I did, I should just be talking about fertiliser. I want to be Minister of Agriculture in totality. I want to be minister who will develop farm blocks. I want to be a minister who would have promoted irrigation. I want to improve on extension and I also want to be Minister of Agriculture who will bring processing,” said Mtolo.

By Gregory Chisha

Fellow Citizens, I am indeed upbeat by the very encouraging growth in relations between Rwanda and Zambia, which is also positively impacting on trade value and social interactions between the two peoples.

It’s good to see the two Excellencies, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema and Mr. Paul Kagame, trying to strengthen the existing cordial relations and regional integration more further.
Diplomatically and economically, Zambia and Rwanda have a common ground.

For example, both countries are members of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), a free trade area with nineteen member states stretching from Libya to Swaziland.

“In COMESA, the two countries are connected by the desire to foster greater trade in the region, and ultimately across Africa”.

Both countries are also members of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, which, Kagame said, brings us together to foster peace and security, so that our people can achieve their ambitions.

Zambia and Rwanda are also united by their commitment to building a stronger and more efficient African Union, able to deliver quality services, to the citizens of this continent. This is a continuation of Africa’s liberation, and all of us are stakeholders, in working towards this goal”.

Fellow Zambians, we as a country and indeed the African continent must thrive to cultivate our own African solutions to address the common problems we face as Africans.
Sadly, Africa continues to receive the worst perception globally and that it is up to us as Africans to set the records straight.

It is entirely up to us as, Zambians/Africans to rise to the occasion and do all we can to address immediate challenges which confront our people and our continent Africa.”
“We can no longer solely look for solutions to our own problems elsewhere. No!!!!

Zambia and indeed the entire African continent is heavily endowed with diversity of resources, ranging from human, mineral and natural resources, which when properly harnessed, can undoubtedly provide the much needed solutions to the continents problems.”

For instance, Rwanda’s national carrier, RwandAir, has regular flights to Lusaka. We as Zambia can take advantage of this opportunity, to increase visits and do more business.”
Further, Zambia can learn from Rwanda’s success in the sector of Information and Communication Technology(ICT) among other sectors.

The only way we can develop as Zambia and Africa is by creating our own solutions to address the problems, nothing else.

May God bless the people of Zambia 🇿🇲🇿🇲, and Rwanda 🇷🇼🇷🇼

By Ernest Chanda

BREBNER Changala has urged President Hakainde Hichilema to engage the media constantly as he used to do in opposition.

In an interview, Changala, a good governance activist, observed that President Hichilema has since “abandoned the commitment to inform the nation whatever is going on around the country”.

“I want to register my serious concern on the UPND Alliance, but most importantly our President Mr Hakainde Hichilema. We do realise as some of his colleagues and allies that he has not initiated any meaningful change that can insulate him from not falling in the same trap like his predecessor,” he said. “We realise that when he came into office, the first month was brilliant and highly celebrated because he communicated very well with the nation through the media. At every turn of his activity, he informed the nation. Carrying forward, the man has disappeared below the media radar. He cannot interact with the media other than at swearing-in ceremonies and the airport, which is the very behaviour and conduct of the previous president [Edgar Lungu]. He has abandoned the commitment to inform the nation whatever is going on around the country.’’

Changala cited several activities President Hichilema has undertaken which he needed to explain to the nation through the media.

“Six months down the line, this President has gone out of the country more than 11 times. But he has not found time and space to tour the country which is going through a drought that might create food shortage. He has not gone round or indeed speak to the nation to give them hope on the current economic challenges,” he observed. “He has not taken time to explain to the people of Zambia the long-term benefits of the removal of subsidies. He has not taken time to reassure and give energised hope to the youth who gave him the mandate to govern this country as to what timeframe will it take to accommodate them and have either reemployment, tertiary, apprenticeship, or indeed the famous empowerment programme.”

Changala said President Hichilema has shunned people who voted for him.

Changala noted that even if President Hichilema knew what he was doing, he still needed to explain to the nation regularly.

“In short, he has not been very active to engage the very people that elected him. I know he must have been exhausted by the long period that he stayed in the opposition. But also, I know he might have decided to work quietly, thinking that he knows what he’s doing is good for the country. Politics and governance does not work like that,” he said. “Politics and governance is anchored on constant communication with the governed. Any shortcut to that effect will invite the people to start issuing statements on his behalf; even statements that are incorrect. And that’s where they come and start creating unnecessary by-laws in order to fix those who speak for the government when the government cannot speak for itself because human life is dynamic.”

Changala has since encouraged President Hichilema to constantly engage the nation.

“I also invite him to engage the nation from time to time through press briefings so as to move in tandem with the people of Zambia as they suffer consequences of many economic reforms that he has energized; some of them without their consent,” said Changala. “He must also engage his own party structures. Those who supported him, those who lived with him for the last 16 years in the opposition. Those he has promised a better future, and yet there’s no constant reminder that the future of milk and honey is indeed within reach. He must not feel comfortable by being quiet and doing things because he knows it and yet the people who are supposed to benefit know nothing.”

Rwanda and Zambia have signed seven Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs) to further enhance ties and integration between the two countries.

The MoUs were signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Stanley Kakuko on behalf of Zambia and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Vincent Bituta signed on behalf of Rwanda.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame and Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema in Livingstone this afternoon.

The first MoU is on Trade & Investment Cooperation, meant to promote cross-border trade, investment, industry & private sector development through joint partnerships.

The second is on Trade and Investment Cooperation, aimed at promoting cross border trade, investments and private sector development between the parties on equitable terms.

And on Agriculture, the two countries have agreed to establish and strengthen bilateral relations in the domain of agriculture, agriculture research development, extension & technology transfer.

The Fourth MoU is on Fisheries & Livestock Development, meant to strengthen and consolidate bilateral relations in the fields of Agriculture, fisheries and livestock

Development & manufacturing of animal feed,

The fifth agreement signed is in the field of health, the MoU is meant for the facilitation of the movement of persons between the two countries and establish mechanisms of mutual interest to prevent and combat transnational crime, Joint measures to combat illegal migration and deportation processes and procedure.

The sixth Agreement is the Mutual administrative assistance between the Rwanda Revenue Authority and Zambia Revenue Authority meant to cooperate in a joint effort to curb the contravention of tax laws,

Electronic data exchange system for purposes of trade facilitation.

President Kagame, President Hichilema and the First Lady Mutinta are this evening expected to have a State Banquet.

I’M MY OWN MAN’, SAYS DANTE SAUNDERS

… and I’ll not get orders from State House, says Saunders

By ADRIAN MWANZA

I’LL not get orders from State House when conducting my duties as a board member of ZNBC because my role is to ensure that I make the organisation viable, says Dante Saunders

Mr Saunders, whose appointment was questioned on grounds that he did not have the right qualifications and was old said the move was meant to discredit him by the opposition because they felt he belonged to the ruling party.

He said that most MPs felt he had a vendetta against them and that he did not expect them to support his appointment.

Mr Saunders however said the MPs were right to question his qualifications because there were a number of people who did not know about him hence the worry.

Mr Saunders said that he was aware that his age was catching up but that he was up to the task and would ensure that he made ZNBC viable.

He said he never begged or lobbied for the job but that it was actions and contributions that made the appointing authority notice his hard work.

Mr Saunders said he would not let the Zambians down by being partisan or unjust in the course of duty but that he’ll ensure that he remains steadfast.

“I’m not shocked that the MPs questioned my qualifications but I can assure you that I’m ready for this and my contributions will be very immense and will be appreciated afterwards,” he said.

Mr Saunders said there was need to judge him for his past works as he had done a lot for the country and that he was sure of adding more value.

He said that he was contemplating on retiring but that he would not do so because he was given a mandate to save the people.

Mr Saunders said he did not habour any grudges against those who were criticisng him for his age and that he would prove them wrong with his actions.

He said people should not write him off because of his qualifications and age but that he had vast business experience which could come in handy.

The civil rights activist and recently appointed human rights commissioner has said the UPND government should offer simplified explanations on what its doing to ease pressure on citizens arising from rising costs of basic goods.

Laura Miti wrote:

Had a conversation with a friend yesterday evaluating the UPND government’s first months in office.

We agreed that there can be no excuse for not delivering on governance issues within the 1st year. Governance is totally within the hands of government.

Because strengthing our systems and democracy is an internal housekeeping matter totally in the control of the President and his Cabinet laws to concretise our democracy must pass. These include concrete steps towards a credible and popular constitution, repeal of the horrible and unconstitutional Public Order and Cyber Crimes and Security Acts, and the passing of the Access to Information law. Defamation of the President has to be decriminalised. This, thankfully, is something which is on the way, if the progressive proposals in the review of the Penal and Criminal Procedure codes recently released by the Law Development Commission are passed into law.

On the positives we agreed that the return of the rule of law has made remarkably strong strides. This, especially as concerns the removal of cadres strangle hold on citizen lives. There is a sense of calm in the country that we had quite lost.

Back to what needs to be done, we thought that Ministers need to up their game. The nation must hear solid plans from them. They are generally quiet. A patent sense of absence surrounds them. Yes, we have heard about the welcome free education and hiring of teachers, for example. We, however, need to know what the Minister of Education’s plans for other crises in his sector are. Political class sizes, plummeted standards at UNZA and CBU, curricula.

Who is the Minister of Agriculture again? What are his plans to support crop diversification, export of fruit like avocados that we don’t even have to grow – they are in every yard.

All Ministers must be in full directional control of their portfolios and be heard from.

Finally, we thought that the huge question of the economy, unlike governance and systems, will need at least a couple of years to show signs of recovery. Our deep debt hole and broken economy cannot possibly turn around. immediately. However, it would be good to hear simplified explanations on what is being done to take us out of this painful space. Prices are killing citizens. They have to understand what government is doing, and why it will continue to be hard for a while.

Talking about explanations, I wonder why the President has not had a press conference in months. Isn’t that something he promised to do often?

That is totally in his hands!

A renowned multi-million dollar company from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has expressed interest in importing chickens from Zambia.

The importation of chickens from Zambia will enhance many small and medium entrepreneurs’ participation in growing economic activities in the country.

Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Elias Mubanga, says Durat Al-Etqan, Pioneers Chemical Factory and several other agro-chemicals companies, are interested in doing business in the poultry and agro-chemicals areas.

Mr. Mubanga says many other companies also expressed interest to set up agro-chemical production and distribution facilities in Zambia due to a guaranteed market.

He says government will also conduct a feasibility study throughout the ten provinces to find ways of engaging young people and women entrepreneurs.

He was speaking at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka yesterday when he arrived from Saudi Arabia where he attended the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEN) conference.

While in Saudi Arabia, Mr. Mubanga also held a bilateral meeting with the GEN Global President and Chairman, Jonathan Ortman and had sideline meetings with potential investors and SME venture partners.

“During the business engagements, we met some key business houses in the Kingdom who expressed eagerness to travel to Zambia to establish joint business ventures with local SMEs,” he stated.

Mr. Mubanga disclosed that government has also invited various potential partners to visit Zambia to actualise the envisaged economic cooperation.

The minister further stated that a team of experts in the agriculture sector and a pesticide company from Saudi Arabia will travel to Zambia to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with government.

He said government will facilitate policy requirements and engage banks that will encourage joint ventures to grow the agriculture sector.

And Acting Managing Director for Global Entrepreneurship Network-Zambia, Edwin Zulu, said the objective of the conference was to find opportunities and linkages between the investors and connect SMEs.

Mr Zulu added that Zambia was among 190 countries that participated at the global event.

“This is the first time that a Zambian delegation has participated in the global entrepreneurship congress at government level,” he noted.

MULENGA SATA GOES BROKE

..resorts to scamming local businessmen and orphans their hard earned money and properties.

As revealed by the “Source”

Late Republican President Michael Sata’s son Mulenga Sata has become a menace to society after going broke and has since resorted to scamming Lusaka businessmen and orphans their hard earned money and properties.

According to the Source close to the businessmen, Mulenga Sata is currently desperately trying to find buyers to buy three properties belonging to the businessmen that were used as collateral in a business transaction despite being paid back the principal amount and interests.

Mulenga Sata has stubbornly refused to hand back the title deeds for the properties because he wants to take advantage of poor businessmen’s softness by turning them into his cash cows who will be paying interests to the people he owes a lot of money.

The Source also disclosed that Mulenga Sata wants to sell a house belonging to two unnamed orphans whose both parents died. He has promised to give the poor orphans a difference of $20,000 after selling their property but the orphans have stopped him in his tracks by taking him to Court. .

“The Bible in the book of James 1:27 warns us against mistreating the orphans but why is Mulenga Sata doing this to the poor orphans?” Source wondered after quoting the word of scripture.

“I want to warn the public not to engage in any business transaction of buying properties with Mulenga Sata. This is a serious warning and anyone who will ignorantly do so risks losing their money,” warned the Source.

According to the Source, the principal amount plus interest was paid to Mulenga Sata in June last year and he even signed on a legal document his acknowledgement as proof of receipt of funds.

The Source also suspects that Mulenga Sata may not have disclosed to his business partner who happens to be his wife that he received the funds from the businessmen due to the way he is insisting on selling property which does not belong to him.

The Source further appealed to Republican President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema and the entire ruling party to properly scan Mulenga Sata before considering him for any position because he is not exhibiting leadership qualities with the way he conducts his businesses.

“Mulenga Sata failed to become rich when his father was in State House and now he wants to use his affiliations with the New Dawn Government to milk the poor and finance his extravagant lifestyle. He sends his kids to expensive schools in Europe when he has no proper financial cash flows. My advice to Mulenga Sata is that he should live within his means and if he wants to sell property let him sell what belongs to him,” said the Source.

Efforts to get a comment from the businessmen proved futile by press time as they were reportedly locked up in a meeting.

SOURCE: Zibani Zambia