CHUSHI KASANDA CLAIMS KBN TV WAS UNPROFESSIONAL

Government is concerned with the unprofessional conduct of some media houses in their reporting.

A case in point is KBN Television station which broadcast a private telephone conversation between two senior Government officials without verifying the authenticity of the recording with the people concerned.

This is contrary to media professional ethics and conduct, which demands that a journalist ought to verify any information before publishing it.

Government is, therefore, concerned that KBN found itself in conflict with the law on a matter that it could have avoided had it followed basic principles of journalism.

The media profession has adequate guidelines which if observed, can protect journalists from misinforming, misleading and infringing upon other people’s rights.

It ought to be stressed that, media freedom is not absolute as it comes with responsibility on the part of the media which include verifying information before publishing it, balance, objectivity and accuracy.

This is even more crucial now in the wake of social media where people who are not journalists share information, some of which is not true.

Journalists as professionals must guard against falling prey to publishing any information that they collect without verification.
The onset of social media has placed higher responsibility on the media never to compromise their ethical and professional conduct.

I wish to restate Government’s commitment to freedom of the media as this is key in the promotion and preservation of democracy.

This can be demonstrated by Government’s hands-off approach to the media in which it is promoting media self regulation, editorial independence and access to information.

With these and other reforms that Government is undertaking, the media is assured of freedom in its role of informing, educating and entertaining the public.

But in all this, the media is called upon to play its part by being responsible and professional in their work.

I also wish to take this opportunity to advise the media to always seek clarification from designated offices on various national matters.

For all Presidential matters, the designated office is that of the Presidential Spokesperson, for all Government issues, the designated office is that of the Chief Government Spokesperson who is also the Minister of Information and Media, and for all party matters the responsible office is that of the Party Spokesperson.

This is to ensure a smooth flow of information to the public.

LUSAKA, Thursday, January 20, 2022 (SMART EAGLES)

IMMEDIATE PAST Foreign Affairs Minister Hon Joseph Malanji has sued Kwacha Constituency United Party for National Development (UPND) losing candidate Charles Abel Mulenga demanding compensation for defamation of character.

According to a writ of summons dated 18 January, 2022, and filed in the High Court for Zambia, at the principal registry holden at Lusaka, the plaintiff Mr. Malanji is demanding exemplary damages and an order for an injunction restraining the defendant Mr. Mulenga or whosoever might be acting on his behalf from making statements that are defamatory about the plaintiff.

“On or about 2nd June, 2021, whilst addressing a rally at Chisokone Market in Kitwe district on the Copperbelt, the defendant falsely and maliciously issued the following defamatory statement in reference to the plaintiff…. ‘Mr. Joseph Malanji forged a grade 12 School Certificate and used the forged Certificate for the nomination exercise with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ)’, ” reads part of the statement of claim.

“The said statement was repeatedly made to people at different political gatherings, meetings and rallies where the defendant was always the host speaker. On 27th November, 2021, the defendant lodged a criminal complaint against the plaintiff at Kitwe Police Station wherein he alleged as follows: ‘…..Hon Joseph Malanji abused the electoral process by presenting a forged grade 12 Certificate and claimed that he very aware that he has no grade 12 Certificate’.”

Meanwhile, the Zambia Police Kitwe District Criminal Investigations Office in collaboration with the Examination Council of Zambia on 22nd December, 2021, cleared Hon Joseph Malanji on allegations of forgery and uttering of Grade 12 Certificate.

In his report, Zambia Police Kitwe District Criminal Investigations Officer Mr. Peter Bwalya disclosed that Hon Malanji voluntarily produced the grade 12 results to the Police who subjected the same for verification with Examination Council of Zambia.

“On 27th November, 2021, at 12:30hrs, Kitwe Central Police Station received a report from M/ Charles Abel Mulenga aged 57 of House Number 44kk3 Jambo Drive Kitwe. He reported that Hon Joseph Malanji abused the electoral process by presenting a forged grade 12 Certificate for adoption as he claimed that he was very aware that he has no grade 12 Certificate,” reads part of the Police report.

“Hon Joseph Malanji voluntarily produced the grade 12 results to the Police and the Police subjected the same for verification with Examination Council of Zambia. Examination Council of Zambia verified and confirmed that the examination results submitted were genuine and were duly issued by the Examination Council of Zambia. Hence, Hon Joseph Malanji has the genuine grade 12 Certificate based on the authentic of the Examination Council of Zambia.”

By Peter Sukwa

DEMOCRATIC Party president Harry Kalaba has told President Hakainde Hichilema that he cannot fight the will of the people.

A 3:22 minutes recording between home affairs permanent secretary – administration Josephs Akafumba and President Hichilema’s special advisor (political) Levy Ngoma discussing the DP’s internal wrangles has gone viral on social media.

In the recording, Ngoma is heard suggesting Kalaba should not be given free reign adding that the boss in apparent reference to the Head of State had inquired over the issue.

However, Akafumba responds that ECZ’s chief electoral officer Patrick Nshindano wants to give a party (DP) to another party and that the Registrar of Societies had indicated that the matter was before court and any other action would be undermining the court process.

Briefing the press at his party’s secretariat in Lusaka on Tuesday, Kalaba accused President Hichilema of meddling in DP’s internal affairs.

Kalaba said the DP was concerned that the President, through his special assistant for politics Levy Ngoma, was involved in DP activities with intention to destroy the opposition party.

He said the acts by the President and his hired agents were not just meant to destabilise the country’s hard-fought democracy but also to entrench himself as a hardcore dictator who was ready to destroy any perceived political threat.

Kalaba said when information of President Hichilema’s involvement in DP wrangles leaked late 2021, he reluctantly phoned the Head of State to ask him to keep away from internal affairs of other parties as that was tantamount to abuse of his office as Republican President.

He said President Hichilema denied any involvement in DP affairs.

Kalaba said abuse was abuse regardless of which party the perpetrator belonged to.He said if an act was wrong under the PF government, it still remained wrong under the UPND administration.

Kalaba, however, indicated that it was of great concern that while the President continued refusing his involvement and sponsoring anyone to destabilise the DP, his special assistant for politics was having meetings with the Registrar of Societies as well as the suspended members of the party.

“As a matter of fact, the same special assistant had a meeting with the DP renegades on Monday 17th January 2022 between 19:05 and 20:00 hours.

The said special assistant has even been having meetings with staff from the Registrar of Societies to try and influence their decision and get them to favour the renegade group that is purporting to be the owners of the DP in clear contravention of the law of the land,” Kalaba said.

He further claimed that the acts perpetrated by President Hichilema were not just taking away from the presidency but also the dignity of State House.

Kalaba advised President Hichilema to refrain from meddling in DP affairs and focus on fixing economic challenges Zambians were expecting him to sort out.

“Currently, the cost of mealie-meal has continued to go up and yet the UPND government in their logic have decided to increase the quota of maize export to neighbouring countries.

Farmers have been neglected and for the first time they received their inputs way into the rain season! Armyworms are ravaging crops and yet little action is being taken by the UPND government.

The cost of fuel has gone up by over 20 per cent from the time the UPND took over government and they plan to affect another increment within the month of January,” he said.

“The cost of transportation has gone up significantly over the last two months in response to the hike in fuel prices, making it almost practically impossible for people to move from one part of the country to the other. The price of essential commodities is now way beyond the reach of an average Zambian and this has resulted in an increase in crimes.”

Kalaba claimed that the acts by the President and his hired agents were not just meant to destabilise the country’s hard-fought democracy but also to entrench himself as a hardcore dictator who was ready to destroy any perceived political threat.

“I have a message for you Sir, you cannot fight the will of the people. A time is coming when the 2.8 million will reach out to the 1.8 million so as to put the interest of the nation at the forefront and protect the country’s democracy. And judging by your actions in Kabwata, that time is fast approaching,” he said.

Kalaba said the DP would not relent but continue to flag issues of abuse, corruption, tribalism and regionalism, bullying and many others which had continued in President Hichilema’s government.

He said if President Hichilema felt disenfranchising the DP would silence him, he was wrong because the party’s values were driven by a greater conviction for a fair and more humane Zambia.

And Kalaba said DP would write to the European Union, the United States of American Embassy and other diplomats to tell them how President Hichilema wanted to turn the country into a one party state.

Kalaba claimed that Zambia was at a crossroads because of the President who was speedily evolving into a puppet master wanting to control all government activities from his community house with little consideration of the oath he swore to protect and uphold the Constitution of the Republic.

He urged the media to cover, without fear or favour, ills being perpetrated in the name of the President.

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema must immediately fire his Ministers and Permanent Secretaries (PSs) that have been recruited by the so called “Clique” to steal public resources, PF Presidential hopeful Emmanuel Mwamba has said.

In an interview, Mr Mwamba said there was urgent need for President Hichilema to fire his thieving ministers and PSs if he was serious with fighting corruption.

“Ministers and Permanent Secretaries that have been recruited by “the Clique” to learn how to steal public funds as disclosed by the Head of State must be fired immediately. A wrong done under the PF, remains a wrong if repeated by the new government,” he said.

Mr Mwamba however said he was concerned about the continued name calling and labeling people that have not been investigated or subjected to the due process of the law.

He said labeling people as plunderers or cliques of thieves takes away their constitutional and fundamental Right to innocence until proven guilty by a competent court-of-law.

“This prejudices citizens before the Courts of law. Labeling people as plunderers or Cliques takes away their constitutional and fundamental Right to innocence until proven guilty by a competent court-of-law,” he said. On Monday, President Hichilema said the clique of criminals whom law enforcement agencies are currently pursuing have now started teaching his ministers and permanent secretaries how to syphon money meant for the poor. The Head of State said this when he swore in the Teaching Service Commission chairperson Daphne Chimuka and Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) Director General Mary Chirwa.

Meanwhile another PF big wig Chishimba Kambwili echoed Mr Mwamba’s sentiments and said the president needed to fire all those ministers that were siphoning money. Mr Kambwili in an interview said that if indeed the president knew the ministers that were siphoning siphon money, he needed to act because that was tantamount to corruption and that he needed to name and shame the culprits.

He said that the President needed to nip the bud before the cancer spread and that investigative wings needed to be tasked.

“If indeed there is corruption then the President should fire them there are no two ways about it and if an individual is named in corruption then investigative wings should be dispatched so that person is dealt with,” he said.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
20-01-2022

TI-Z IS DISTURBED BY MILES SAMPA STATEMENT ATTACKING ACC AND DEC

T ransparency International Zambia (TI-Z) is disturbed by the contents of the press statement that was issued by Hon. Miles Sampa, Member of Parliament for Matero in his capacity as Chairperson of the Zambia Chapter of the African Parliamentary Network Against Corruption (APNAC).

In his statement Hon. Sampa raised concern about the approach taken by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in fighting corruption in Zambia. More specifically, the APNAC Zambia Chairperson complained that suspects continue to be summoned and arrested, properties are being seized and thereby depriving the owners even before any investigations are concluded. He added that suspects have been denied access to follow the proceedings of the ‘ambush’ searches as well as denied the right to engage legal representation during the searches.

TI-Z feels compelled to respond to Hon. Sampa’s statement for the following two reasons:

1. Transparency International at global level is one of the strategic partners of APNAC and therefore has an interest in how the network operates;
2. TI-Z supported the setting up of APNAC in Zambia, and we have had good collaboration with the Chapter over the years.

While we agree with the general principles of what Hon. Sampa is saying in his statement, we are extremely concerned that the new APNAC executive appears to be using the network to needlessly attack Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), and appears to have aligned itself with those who have continued to seek public sympathy through their claims that the corruption fight is an exercise that amounts to political persecution of members of the former ruling Patriotic Front party.

We would like to remind Hon. Sampa and the entire leadership of the APNAC Zambia Chapter that APNAC is a credible organization which, since its formation in Uganda back in 1999, has promoted accountability, transparency, and public participation in the processes of government, as the best ways to fight corruption. We are therefore of the view that instead of this incessant attack on law enforcement agencies leading the fight against corruption in Zambia, the Chapter should be at the forefront in providing solidarity and support to these entities in order to strengthen the fight.

In that regard, TI-Z has serious reservations about the ability of the new APNAC Zambia executive to play the gallant role that the Chapter has always played in the fight against corruption. We recall that during the parliamentary debate on the establishment of a lifestyle audit mechanism for Zambia, two members of the APNAC Zambia executive – Hon. Imanga Wamunyima, MP for Nalolo, and Hon. Menyani Zulu, MP for Nyimba – both debated against what TI-Z and other stakeholders believe to be a very progressive initiative that would be a game changer for the fight against corruption in Zambia. We also note that another member of the executive, Hon. Munir Zulu of Lumezi constituency, is on record as calling for the abolition of the ACC.

TI-Z is of the considered view that the current leadership of APNAC Zambia, some of who belong to a party that whilst in government allowed corruption to flourish to the extent of nearly crippling the country’s economy, does not inspire confidence that they can be an effective catalyst for the fight against corruption in Zambia. We believe that rather than apparently taking the side of those being investigated for allegedly plundering the country’s resources, the APNAC Zambia leadership should desist from bringing the network’s well-earned reputation, built over several years, into ridicule and disrepute. APNAC remains a critical player in the fight against corruption across Africa, and the Zambia Chapter is part of the broader institutional framework that should support the fight against corruption.
We therefore call on the APNAC Zambia leadership to be professional and sober in their approach, and to resist the temptation to be used for political battles, whether real or perceived.

The APNAC Zambia Chapter has historically played a significant role in fighting corruption and it is the responsibility of the current leadership to uphold this legacy.

Maurice K. Nyambe
TI-Z Executive Director

Nine Parliamentary candidates have successfully filed in their nominations for the Kabwata parliamentary by-election slated for 3rd February 2022.

This is the second time nominations for the Kabwata by-election have been held after the Electoral Commission of Zambia canceled the earlier nominations following the withdrawal from the race by former UPP candidate Francis Libanda citing Article 52 of the constitution.

The ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) has maintained the same candidate, despite allegations that the party had engineered the cancelation of elections to enable them to field a different and stronger candidate in the Kabwata polls.

The successful candidates are PF’s Clement Tembo, EEP’s Chilufya Tayali, Democratic Party’s Fred Mubanga, New Heritage Party’s Kennedy Muyoya. Others are PeP’s Henry Muleya, UNIP’S Engiwe Mzyece, Socialist party’s Trevor Ngandu and People’s Alliance for Change’s Sydney Zyambo.

Speaking to journalists, UPND candidate Andrew Tayengwa says people will vote for him due to the number of achievements the UPND has scored thus far.

Meanwhile, Opposition Patriotic Front Member of the Central Committee in Charge of Information and Publicity Raphael Nakacinda has refuted allegations made by President Hakainde Hichilema suggesting that the PF was teaching UPND Government officials to steal.

President Hichilema on Monday said the clique of criminals whom law enforcement agencies are currently pursuing have now started teaching his ministers and permanent secretaries how to siphon money meant for the poor.

The Head of State said this when he swore in the Teaching Service Commission chairperson Daphne Chimuka and Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) Director General Mary Chirwa.

But speaking after escorting PF’s Clement Tembo to file his nomination for the delayed Kabwata Parliamentary by election, Mr. Nakacinda wondered how PF officials would teach corruption the UPND Ministers and Permanent Secretaries whom President Hichilema oriented when coming into Government.

Mr. Nakacinda further commented on the audio circulating on social media purporting that President Hichilema was destabilizing opposition political parties.

“Before I call the acting Secretary General (Nixon Chilangwa) to invite the Vice President (Given Lubinda) allow me to speak to you about what happened, let me tell you what happened before they cancelled these elections,” he told PF supporters who came to witness the filing in of nominations.

“Yesterday a video came out in which Levy Ngoma implicated the President in something suggesting that it is him who has embarked on a crusade to destabilize opposition political parties.”

“The other day the President was alleging that PF is corrupt but it is his Ministers who are corrupt. He was alleging that some people are teaching his Ministers to be corrupt but is it not Mr. Hakainde who had an orientation workshop with his Ministers? Is it not Hakainde who taught his Ministers? The S.G here is the microphone, I am a trouble maker. Speaking in Bemba can land me in problems,” Mr. Nakacinda said using Bemba and English.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nakacinda said the crowd that flanked Mr. Tembo during nominations shows unity in PF.

“Ba Honourable Chishimba Kambwili has come all the way from Luanshya to come and support escort Clement Tembo during the nominations. This unity is what we need in the party and we will demonstrate in Kabwata what unity is able to produce by making sure that Clement Tembo goes to Parliament,” he said.

In his brief remarks, Mr. Tembo reminded PF members that campaigns have again started in Kabwata Constituency following the filing of nominations.

“Let us all be peaceful and go back home safely. Do not forget the campaigns have started today. We are going to give you all the campaign materials in your respective wards. God bless you. Thank you,” Mr. Tembo said.

PF vice President Given Lubinda said:”Ladies and gentlemen, campaigns have started today. I am not going to say a lot because this is a nomination centre. I just want to raise the man the party has chosen to succeed me in Kabwata.”

PF acting Secretary General Nixon Chilangwa urged PF members to respect leaders.

“We have begun the journey to ensure that Clement Tembo wins the elections in Kabwata. Let us all support Clement Tembo. Respect all leaders in the party. Respect Given Lubinda, respect Chishimba Kambwili, and respect Nkandu Luo,” Mr. Chilangwa said

PLOT TO DRAG BRING DOWN NEW DAWN ADMINISTRATION EXPOSED AS MUTATI IS TARGETED.

A plot to try and drag Science and Technology Minister Felix Mutati into mad has been unearthed. This is been propelled by enemies of the New Dawn Administration who are plotting on bringing down the HH led Govt before the next elections.

Our source who attends their meetings at Pamodzi Hotel has disclosed to us that the group is aiming at first making the country ungovernable by sponsoring staunch PF Cadres and members across the country to be Channing out calls stating that the New Deal Administration has failed on all their promises and that President Hakainde Hichilema has failed the people of Zambia “the idea is to sponsor our cadres and members across the country to be complaining on various community radio stations that this Govt has failed and call for countrywide demonstrations, money has been released by a known music promotor to pay our people and buy airtime on various community radio stations and online publications across the country to be carrying the stories and voices in order to entice the masses into demonstrations” our source has revealed.

The group is also targeting Ministers and individuals around the President to try and paint them as corrupt. “The other idea is to paint Ministers, Presidential Aides, PSs and other strong individuals close to the President as corrupt, that’s why you have seen them go for Energy Minister Kapala, Infrastructure Minister Milupi, Mines Minster Kabuswe and Information Minister Kasanda via her husband. They have also gone for the President’s Political Advisor Levy Ngoma and Home Affairs PS Akafumba. They are also going to go for Hon Garry Nkhombo, Hon Jack Mwimbu, Hon Masebo, Hon Tayali and the PSs at Health, Infrastructure and Finance as soon as next week, they shall sponsor damaging propaganda against these pipo to paint them as corrupt individuals involved in shady deals”.

The group has also persistently sponsored articles on Felix Mutati but are concerned that the scandals trying to link Mutati to corruption are not sticking and told their writers that include 3 recalled Diplomats to write more damaging stories on Mutati that can stick. “Haven’t you noticed how they have persistently written about Mutati? But in our last meeting the group leaders expressed concern that stories on Mutati are not sticking and urged their writers who include 3 recalled Diplomats, one is a former Ambassador and the other two former first secretaries for political and press respectively, to write more damaging stories on Mutati hence what you saw today about the 52million”.

However, their writers again did a bad job on Mutati as the information they released clearly shows that Mutati was not Minister when the decision to build the warehouses given to Savenda where decided. Also, it’s clear that the payment to Savenda was made in 2020 and again Mutati was no longer Minister then.

In fact, the article if anything espouses Mutati’s professionalism as he advised then Agriculture Minister Dora Siliya to follow the law and re-advertise the tender and pick suitable contractor. Minister Mutati played no role in bid selection, tender procedure and had no hand in picking contractor save for only advising the Agricultural Minister then to follow the Law and that Govt was going to pay using domestic resources.

“So even on the article published today, our leaders where not happy with the writers telling them that the story does not implicate Mutati enough but rather vindicates him as a professional at his work, they have urged the writers to come up with something more damaging and something that can implicate Mutati directly but our writers are finding it difficult to establish any wrong doing on the part of Mutati currently or in the past when he served as Minister, the man is just clean, hardworking and professional. So the pressure is on for the 3 recalled Diplomats to find dirt on Mutati”.

The group is meeting 4 days in a week plotting on how they can make the country ungovernable by sponsoring propaganda articles on social media to paint the New Dawn Administration as corrupt and failures on all their campaign promises. We shall soon expose them by names as we have all the names attending the said meetings at Pamodzi Hotel.-Munati TV

By Mwaka Ndawa

FORMER Anti-Corruption Commission director general Rosemary Khuzwayo says there was a probable and reasonable cause or grounds upon which former minister of health Dr Chitalu Chilufya was arrested, charged and prosecuted for possessing property suspected to be procceds of crime.

She said whatever role she played in the investigations touching on Dr Chilufya was in good faith and in the exercise of her duty under the ACC Act.

This is in a matter where Dr Chilufya has sued the Anti-Corruption Commission and Khuzwayo demanding $50,100,000 as damages for libel over his “malicious” prosecution on corruption related charges in 2020.

Dr Chilufya is seeking damages for malicious prosecution, libel and defamation, intimidation as well as exemplary and aggravated damages to be assessed by the court.

In his statement of claim, Dr Chilufya said between September and August 2020 he was prosecuted for possessing property suspected to be proceeds of crime involving more than US$200,000 to purchase shares in Samfya marines and tourism services, spark guest house, now Henry Courtyard, and a boat, which proceedings he attended at great cost.

He said that the ACC did not have evidence or reasons to arrest and charge him and that despite the evidence by the commission’s witnesses exonerating him, he was still prosecuted but the prosecution ended in his favour and he was acquitted by the Lusaka Magistrates’ court.

He claimed that according to an audio recording availed to him by ACC employees and made public, Khuzwayo was heard saying she did not care whether he was innocent or not but that she just wanted him to be prosecuted.

“khuzwayo in ACC institution abused her authority of office by sanctioning a malicious prosecution despite all the advice given to her that the plaintiff was innocent,” said Dr Chilufya.

But in her defence, Khuzwayo said she was until the termination of her employment an employee of the ACC as acting director general and enjoyed all legal immunities as provided for by the ACC Act No.3 of 2012.

She explained that the powers to initiate, receive and investigate complaints of alleged or suspected corrupt practices, and prosecute offences under the ACC Act during the investigation of an offence under the said ACC Act lie within the scope of the Commission’s statutory functions.

Khuzwayo denied making, publishing or authorising the publication of any audio recordings about the deliberations of ACC officers.

“The second defendant at all times performed her functions diligently, professionally and legally and shall at trial plead the statutory defences, immunities and objections on the use of confidential information relating to the first defendant (ACC) and its functions,” Khuzwayo stated.

“The second defendant as acting director general of the ACC executed her duties professionally and according to the law.”

She said Dr Chilufya is not entitled to the US$50,100,000 or any other reliefs whatsoever .

New Heritage party President Chishala Kateka has weighed in on the debate raging on regarding Ministers’ wife being appointed to top corporate positions in Government entities.

In a post on her Facebook page, Ms. Kateka said that even if their wives of relatives of these Ministers are qualified, Ministers need to think about Zambians first.

This week the appointment of Minister of Green economy and Environment Collins Nzovu’s wife, Shezzipe Banda Nzovu as Head of Procurement at ZESCO has attracted criticism from some sections of the society, with some people calling on President Hakainde Hichilema, who is serious about fighting corruption, tribalism, nepotism, cronyism and favouritism, he should revoke the appointments of his ministers’ wives and relatives.

Ms Kateka wondered why should leaders only leave a trail of looting, which only comes to the attention of the public after they leaders leave office, rather than leaving a trail of achievements.

Below is a full post

EVEN IF YOUR WIFE OR RELATIVE IS QUALIFIED, THINK ABOUT ZAMBIANS FIRST-CHISHALA KATEKA

When will our Ministers be in the news for the right reasons?
In our nation, when a Minister is in the news, it is usually for the wrong reasons.
Just when will our Ministers, current and former, be in the news because they have done what they are supposed to do? Why must our Ministers nearly always be associated with corruption, nepotism or some other (social) scandal?
We are tired. Could our leaders please bear in mind the fact that they have a duty to the Zambian people to serve them to the best of their ability!
A Minister’s role includes but is not limited to the following:

• directing government policy and making decisions about national issues
• spending a lot of time discussing current national problems and how these can be solved
• presenting proposed laws—from their government departments.

The above should leave very little time for what our leaders are now becoming well known for. Why should leaders only leave a trail of looting…which only comes to the attention of the public after these leaders leave office – rather than leaving a trail of achievements?

In addition to the above Why on earth would the appointing authorities appoint members of the same family to top positions in a country where there are so many people that need jobs?

Even if those family members are qualified, wisdom dictates that you think about perception. What will the man on the street think about such appointments? And what is this appointing of your relatives to Procurement Departments?

All this is very upsetting. When given an opportunity to lead this nation, please think about the Zambian people first!!!

By Ulande Nkomesha,

MPOROKOSO PF member of parliament Brian Mundubile says there is need for law enforcement agencies to investigate all ministers alleged to be involved in corrupt activities.

Commenting on President Hakainde Hichilema’s remarks that a clique of criminals whom law enforcement agencies were currently pursuing had now started teaching his ministers and permanent secretaries how to siphon money meant for the poor,Tuesday, Mundubile said both the so called “clique” and Ministers were not immune to the law.

“The clique is not amenable to the law, it is not immune to the law. Why isn’t the tutor from the clique and the students from the new dawn government not facing the law? If he is convinced that is happening, what we expect to see now or in the near future is that the tutors and the students appear before the law.

It will be interesting this time that it will not only be members of the clique that will be arrested but members of the new dawn government will also be arrested because it will be in the same transaction. So if at all the acts are happening, what we will expect to see is the law enforcement officers to move in,” he said.

“If the so called members of the clique are now teaching new ministers to do the wrong things, let the law take its course. Let the law enforcement officers move in swiftly so that they arrest the situation so that we don’t begin to chase after…If honourable Nakacinda, for using an idiom can be arrested, what about those that want to plunder public resources?

Why should the law enforcement officers even wait? So I think that if there is anybody that is breaking the law, it does not matter whether they are from the clique or they are from the new dawn government, they have to face the law. All offenders, whether they are from the cliques or descendants of cliques or the new dawn government must face law going forward.”

And Mundubile argued that the use of the word “clique” to describe a certain group was dividing the country.

“For me, when you begin to categorise citizens when you are supposed to be uniting the nation is a source of worry. I think that there is no need to begin to categorize citizens.

This is the time that Zambia must be united and those that are in government now must take time to unite the nation. We know who are normally referred to as a clique and I think that it does not help matters, it only further divides the nation whenever you refer to the clique.

So let the Zambian citizens, whether they served in previous governments or whether they are serving in the current government, let them be treated equally. What we ask for [from] the President is that citizens must be treated equally.

The issue of cliques must be avoided so that we bring unity to our nation. When you categorize citizens into cliques, descendants of cliques and so on, you are not uniting the nation,” Mundubile said.

Mundubile said PF was not against the corruption fight but the manner in which its members were being arrested.

“Our position has remained the same. We are saying we detest corruption, also, we have never supported corruption. For the record as the PF it was not mere rhetoric, we went ahead to change pieces of legislation, there were amendments, the ZPPA act to remove motivation for corruption, by amending the law that among other things introduced some price index, it introduced some capping on the price of the range of goods and services.

This was a huge milestone. We further coined the Public Finance Management Act, to strengthen the law on erring public officers. These were all efforts to try and curb corruption in and before it happens,” Mundubile said.

“What we are against is the manner in which these arrests are being made to a point that we feel they are politically motivated. What has been happening is that people are picked and thrown in police cells without being arrested, without being charged and yet the criminal procedure code is very clear in section 33 that arrests should be for offences and not for inquiries. So what we have witnessed in the recent past leads us to the conclusion that these are politically motivated arrests.

You have a good example of honourable Bowman Lusambo summoned by the ACC, he takes himself there and he is later handcuffed and thrown in a vehicle like a criminal. This is a person who is not a flight risk, he came on his own. He is detained without being charged.

The same thing has happened to honourable Nakacinda on two occasions, honourable [Stephen] Kampyongo, honourable Davies Chama.”

He said there was selective application of law with regards to the arrest of opposition leaders.

“Let’s analyse events as they occur. What leads us to that conclusion is that similar offences are being treated differently. William Banda proposes violence in Kabwata, he is free, our colleagues on the Copperbelt go live on video proposing violence to harm Nakacinda, nobody has arrested them.

Nakacinda holds one meeting and makes a political statement, ‘we hear that there is an investor that is coming and houses will be broken’, what it required there is just another politician, preferably a Minister to go and have a meeting at that same spot and say ‘some people are coming here cheating you that we are going to get these houses.

I am here as a Minister to tell you that there is no such plan. If those people come, tell them that the Minister has assured us’,” he said.

“As the situation is now, there is no clarification, there is no rebuttal to that statement, instead Nakacinda has been arrested. The leaders in the UPND now said ZAFFICO had been sold, the airport had been sold, Zesco had been sold, was anybody picked by the police for propagating violence? We knew it was a political statement which could only be traversed by another political statement. That is what we did.”

Mundubile said the fight against corruption should be professionally handled.

“So it is one thing for the President to say they are not politically motivated but if you examine what is really happening, it leaves much to be desired. So we are not coming to those conclusions without reasons. We are saying if things are not politically motivated, firstly, the fight against corruption must be done professionally and without any interference. Secondly, they should not be targeted. So we are waiting to see them go into the due process properly,” said Mundubile.

THE Lusaka Magistrates’ Court has issued a warrant of arrest against businessman and social media blogger Mwewa Chitambala, popularly known as Simon Mwewa Lane, for failing to appear in court for no reason.

This is in a case Chitambala, 52, of house number 295 SMK Road in Avondale, is charged with one count of assaulting National Revolution Party (NRP) secretary general Clive Chikula on September 28, 2021, occasioning actual bodily harm.

Magistrate Jenifer Bwalya issued the warrant yesterday following an application by public prosecutor Michael Nundwe.

The case was scheduled for trial and when it was called Mr. Nundwe told the court that the State was ready as Mr. Chikula was present as a witness but Chitambalawas absent.

Mr. Nundwe said he did not know the reason Chitambala was absent because even in the other court before Magistrate Nthandose Chabala, in a matter Chawama MP Tasila Lungu Mwansa has complained against him for libel and cyber bullying, the accused person was equally absent.

He then applied to the court for Chitambala to be brought on the warrant of arrest and Ms. Bwalya granted the application, setting February 14, 2022 as date for return of the warrant and commencement of trial.

Mr. Chikula was accompanied to court by NRP president Dr. Cozmo Mumba and the party executive committee members.

In the other case before Magistrate Chabala, Chitambala faces libel and cyber bullying for alleging that “Tasila Lungu is being investigated for suspicious purchase of a named bank together with all the assets worth K300 million. Everyone from Eagle one to the average councillor was stealing in a BIG way during the Patriotic Front’s iron rule.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg. The Patriotic Front was a criminal organisation and they are in no moral position to provide checks and balances. I propose that the party be deregistered.”

In count two, Mwewa is charged with cyber bullying contrary to Section 71 of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act No. 2 of 2021 of the Laws of Zambia.

Allegations are that Mwewa on September 15, 2021 published the defamatory matter on his Facebook page. The case has been adjourned to February 18, 2022 for mention and March 14, 2022 for trial. Lusaka lawyer Makebi Zulu is prosecuting the matter.

-Daily Nation

Chishimba Kambwili may go back to NDC

Clearly the battle for the PF presidency is between Chishimba Kambwili and Brian Mundubile. The others like Emmanuel Mwamba may fill up books analysing and commenting on every single action of the New Dawn Administration but would be lucky to walk away with 3 votes from the June 2022 PF extra ordinary conference.

Kambwili is the apparent favourite of the ordinary PF members for many reasons one of them being his aggressive and confrontational personality which is thought a necessity for African opposition leaders. Mundubile is clearly former president Lungu’s anointed one.

The former president, with the political situation relating to his tenor still very much fluid, needs someone who can fight for him. EL must be convinced that Kambwili would not be the one to fight for him given his earlier unceremonial eviction from the PF and his tribulations as leader of the NDC. The former NDC leader has said on numerous occasions that the EL administration was behind his legal troubles. The former president is surely warily of Kambwili craving sweet revenge on him if only by watching.

Consequently the former president appears to have put in motion a train of events to circumvent a possible Kambwili victory at the June 2022 conference. Part of which is making his loyalists Given Lubinda, Nixon Chilangwa and Rachel Nakachinda be in charge of the party in the interim. Key in this set up is Nixon Chilangwa who, as acting SG, will determine who will vote at the conference through his mandate to select the electoral college. Short of the Kambwili team doing what EL & company did to Guy Scott, they are thoroughly beaten on this one. EL is master at political puppeteering. He works well through other people doing his laundry.

Recently Kambwili could have thought he was walking into friendly fire when he agreed to appear on the Costa show on Diamond TV. It was a rude awakening even for the King of rude himself. The host Costa was at his aggressive best and turned Kambwili which every way, calling him a political prostitute and repeatedly pointing him to article 52 in the PF constitution which appears to bar him from contesting the presidency. By the time Kambwili was realizing this was not a sparring moment but an actual bout, it was too late. He and his handlers should have done their home work to know the real Diamond TV.

Obviously Kambwili as an astute politician must surely know what’s really going down in PF and consequently must have a plan B. That plan B must be the NDC. He will of course go all the way to contest at the conference so as to create a strong enough grievance to attract sympathy. The PF secretariat equally is not that naive to stop him from contesting.

The recent court ruling which declared the Saboi Imboela faction as the real NDC creates a very soft landing for Kambwili. This time round, should Kambwili leave, which is most likely, he is likely to take a huge following with him unlike before when people were still ready to bet on the PF as a ruling party. In NDC he will be accorded a reception of a triumphant King from war by the likes of the ever adoring lieutenants in Saboi, Kabwita and others. Looking at Saboi’s comments and posturing it’s clear she is playing along to this Imbwili’s grand plan.

Kalapashi

By Larry L Mweetwa

UPND’s Depressing DELAY TO REWARD PEOPLE WHO SACRIFICED FOR THE PARTY IS DEMORALISING AND MAKES NO POLITICAL SENSE.

“Yes you have told us to be patient, we put our lives on the chopping board in order for you to enjoy and now you have even stopped picking our calls or replying to our WHATSAP messages” This is the cry of everyone. Reward the visible faces that fought with you in the trenches rest people think there is no point to risk your life and family over ICIPANI which will never appreciate. Public perception is everything.

When SATA won he rewarded Dandy crazy and he made sure he rooted the entire post newspaper workers and sent them in missions abroad. Ifwe we still pf cadres in embassies.

I totally agree with Kalani Muchima.

I know many contributed to the UPND’S victory but surely their are those whose presence can’t be missed or ignored.

One such person or musician is Cavman Zambia. This guy had to hold his career for the sake of UPND coz he couldn’t hold any show anywhere as he was regarded as a UPND cadre.

In 2015, this is the guy who did Alikwisa driver hit song. All UPND members danced to this song. This was president Hakainde Hichilema’s theme song.

HH or bally then could never step on any political stage without this song escorting him on that stage.

He later came on with Ushe Civil servant Walifola. That’s the song which finally ushered in the UPND into government.

This song electric. People danced to it without tiring.

What am I saying. It pains me to see a revolutionary like cavman still going office to office for help.

Yes many worked for that victory but there are certain individuals who the party should just look for on their own.

How in this world would you have to be reminded about that woman in woodlands selling vegetables who risked her whole life just for HH? She almost got killed for HH and UPND and after winning you let her continue suffering? Yes I remember they gave her a 10 pin after I spoke about but that’s not enough in my view.

I would want something more sustainable for her.

Back to cavman. The history of the UPND victory can never be complete without cavman coz every clip one plays for the UPND, cavmans music will forever play in the background.

Ba UPND hold your people. Don’t scatter them coz u ur now in government.

Don’t be greedy coz u ur in government. Liswaniso Gilbert my brother speak for the youths you represent. Chairman Obvioussmwaliteta Summerton represent your soldiers. Anderson Banda please help your youths. I have mentioned you people coz you all know what am talking about.

You see, SATA was not stupid to honor Daddy crazy immediately he formed government. He knew exactly the role daddy played in the victory of the PF in 2011.

The victory history of the PF can never be complete without the mention of daddy crazy with his DOCHI KUBEBA hit song.

If it was in my powers, I would have honored Cavman, that’s not to say there were no other musicians or people who played a big role.

It was collective effort but there are those whose efforts were a little bit beyond others.

You ministers who are buying houses and breaking in a short period of time, why can’t you think of buying a person like cavman even a corolla for him but you let him continue killing ants every day?

Some of you on your own wouldn’t have even won had it not been a push by people like cavman who influenced the masses with his music.

Opportunities are not only in government. This guy is an artist, you can empower him in which ever way

Look the PF empowered bena JK and team to do walk ways in Lusaka and they got motivated.

Am not saying you give cavman such jobs but sit down with him, ask him how best he thinks he can be helped.

If you ignore a human being like cavman 6 months after your forming government, whom are you going to remember. Am sure its PF cadres that’s why you have continued to embrace them since they are the ones who made you win.

Lesa Amipale ba UPND.

By Kalani Muchima

I know many contributed to the UPND’S victory but surely their are those whose presence can’t be missed or ignored.

One such person or musician is Cavman Zambia. This guy had to hold his career for the sake of UPND coz he couldn’t hold any show anywhere as he was regarded as a UPND cadre.

In 2015, this is the guy who did Alikwisa driver hit song. All UPND members danced to this song. This was president Hakainde Hichilema’s theme song.

HH or bally then could never step on any political stage without this song escorting him on that stage.

He later came on with Ushe Civil servant Walifola. That’s the song which finally ushered in the UPND into government.

This song electric. People danced to it without tiring.

What am I saying. It pains me to see a revolutionary like cavman still going office to office for help.

Yes many worked for that victory but there are certain individuals who the party should just look for on their own.

How in this world would you have to be reminded about that woman in woodlands selling vegetables who risked her whole life just for HH? She almost got killed for HH and UPND and after winning you let her continue suffering? Yes I remember they gave her a 10 pin after I spoke about but that’s not enough in my view.

I would want something more sustainable for her.

Back to cavman. The history of the UPND victory can never be complete without cavman coz every clip one plays for the UPND, cavmans music will forever play in the background.

Ba UPND hold your people. Don’t scatter them coz u ur now in government.

Don’t be greedy coz u ur in government. Liswaniso Gilbert my brother speak for the youths you represent. Chairman Obvioussmwaliteta Summerton represent your soldiers. Anderson Banda please help your youths. I have mentioned you people coz you all know what am talking about.

You see, SATA was not stupid to honor Daddy crazy immediately he formed government. He knew exactly the role daddy played in the victory of the PF in 2011.

The victory history of the PF can never be complete without the mention of daddy crazy with his DOCHI KUBEBA hit song.

If it was in my powers, I would have honored Cavman, that’s not to say there were no other musicians or people who played a big role.

It was collective effort but there are those whose efforts were a little bit beyond others.

You ministers who are buying houses and breaking in a short period of time, why can’t you think of buying a person like cavman even a

LISWANISO WARNS AGAINST IRRESPONSIBLE ATTACKS ON THE PARTY AND ITS LEADERSHIP

UPND National Youth Chairperson, Gilbert Liswaniso has called on youths in the party to desist from inciting fellow youths to rise against the party and its leadership.

And Liswaniso has warned that the youths would not sit back with hands folded and watch members of the opposition wage unjustifiable attacks on President Hichilema.

Addressing the Press at the UPND National Youth Command Center in Lusaka today, Mr Liswaniso stressed that he has noted with regret how named opposition political parties have taken to unfairly and unjustifiably defaming the name of the President for political expediency.

Mr Liswaniso, who emphasized that President Hichilema was aware of the numerous economic challenges that the youths in the party and the country were facing, stressed that the there was no need for Zambians to stress as the Head of State had only done about a quarter of available appointments in the civil service.

He also called on the youths to abide by the party guidelines on forming co-operatives, stating that those who wanted quick benefits would only jeopardize the operations of Government and its endeavours to deliver development for all Zambians.

“As much as we want quick benefits, we should be aware that this will in the long run affect our well being. We have the pressure from our youths and this calmness that we see from the youths is because we engage each other,” he said.

He also warned members of the party to desist from attacking the party and Government in public.

“As party members, we should guard against attacking the party in any way. If you’re a genuine member of the party, you should guard against attacking the party and its leadership. If you attack your own political party, tell us…we will give it to you. It is our responsibility to rectify things when they go wrong. We are aware of the high expectations from the youths who turned out in large numbers to vote for change. From the time we formed Government, as the National Youth Chairperson, we have been going round the country to assure the youths that the promises that President Hichilema made would come to pass,” he said.

Liswaniso has since warned of stern action against those who were in the habit of issuing unwarranted attacks against the party, Government and civil servants.

He says those who will be attacking President Hichilema as an individual would be dealt with in their individual capacity.

He also warned members of opposition political parties to desist from fanning confusion and violence in the 3rd February Kabwata Parliamentary by-elections to stay away.

UPND MEDIA TEAM

WHY IS DPP SHIELDING NAKACHINDA FROM CAR THEFT CASE SINCE 2019?

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Ms. F. L. Shawa-Siyunyi SC, has, since 2019, been shielding Mr. Raphael Nakachinda from being prosecuted for a very serious crime of Motor Vehicle theft involving a number of MMD vehicles which the latter illegally disposed off.

The former ruling party, in 2016, was riddled with a Power struggle after former Head of State, Rupiah B. Banda stepped aside. This power struggle saw the emerging of two rival factions with one being led by Dr. Nevers Mumba and the other being led by Mr. Felix Mutati with Nakachinda as his “National Secretary”.

The Mutati led faction organised a convention, backed by R.B. Banda, and gave themselves positions to lead the MMD. It was during this period of a short stint at leadership that Nakachinda took all the MMD vehicles that were packed at the MMD Offices and in various Police Stations and disposed them off to various private individuals.

On 5th November, 2019, Judge Sharon Newa ruled in favor of the Nevers Mumba faction and clearly stated that all activities undertaken during the time the MMD was under siege have no legal effect on the party. This simply means that all of Nakachinda’s activities during the leadership hijack must be accounted for as they remain illegal until properly cleared.

The MMD rightful leaders, upon discovering that all motor vehicles had disappeared, opened a docket at the Anti Theft Division in Lusaka against Nakachinda for being at the helm of the activities involving the vehicles. They wanted Nakachinda to either return the vehicles or be prosecuted for Motor Vehicle Theft.

This docket was sent to the DPP’s office on 7th September, 2021, and the DPP responded on 7th October, 2021 saying that her position had not changed on the matter, that the vehicles where given to the rightful owners and the case remained closed. It must be noted at this point that in November 2015, four (4) years after the PF assumed office, is when the DPP ordered for the release of the vehicles to the MMD. This was six (6) months before the Mutati/Nakachinda illegal convention took place.

What the DPP has largely ignored is the fact that there were activities undertaken by an illegal grouping which the MMD seeks to address. She has stuck by her initial act of releasing the vehicles to the correct people before the party was hijacked. She is totally avoiding to agree that the vehicles disappeared during a leadership “vacuum” of the MMD because she is trying her level best to protect Nakachinda, who remains her very close personal friend.

As late as 17th December, 2021, the DPP still vehemently refused to have the case opened to have Nakachinda prosecuted for Motor Vehicle Theft. This prompted the MMD to lodge in a formal complaint to the Chairman of the Judicial Complaints Commission against the DPP who has clearly abused her office to protect a vehicle thief.

It is hoped that the Chairman of the Judicial Complaints Commission will institute a Commission of inquiry to establish why the DPP stopped the Police from any further investigations of the matter.

It is further hoped that the Chief Justice will intervene in the matter for justice to prevail. A motor vehicle thief is clearly being protected for some reason only known to the protectors.

The fact remains, vehicles disappeared, sold to private individuals by an unauthorized individual, and that amounts to theft. Nakachinda stole a multitude of vehicles belonging to the MMD and must be made to account.

-Munati Television

The Appointment of Wives, Relatives to State-Owned Enterprises

By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

Since time immemorial, ZESCO and State-owned enterprises have been subjected to regular political abuse.

If it is not turning them into cash-cows by hijacking the procurement process, they are used as employers of; wives, siblings and relatives.

The overstaffing suffering these institutions is among others, a result of this regular political pressure, where parastatals are forced to “create” employment and employ as many of these relatives to politicians, as possible.

It is for this reason that the appointment of Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Hon. Chipoka Mulenga’s wife Likonge Makai Mulenga as Board Chairperson of the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) and the appointment of Shesippie Banda Nzovu, spouse to Minister of Green Economy Hon. Eng. Collins Nzovu, as Head of Procurement, raises a stormy debate.

While supporters of Government may justify that the persons involved are qualified, this doesn’t take away that fact that, the persons involved have benefitted from the historical and perpetuation of abuse of state-owned enterprises by politicians.

On his part, Hon. Nzovu has defended his wife’s appointment, claiming that besides being highly qualified, she was reinstated because she was allegedly hounded out of ZESCO because of belonging to the Opposition.

ABSURD DECISIONS

It is expected that the New Dawn Government must stop or stay away from decisions and actions that promoted the rot and corruption, cronyism, nepotism, and favouritism.

It appears that to this government, everyone that was fired for corruption or unprofessional misconduct can simply claim that there were victimized because of their tribes or politics and they get a reinstatement.

Hon. Nzovu says his beloved wife was among persons dismissed from ZESCO because they belonged to the Opposition.

So borrowing his reasoning, is the current purge of senior staff at ZESCO, where highly qualified persons, have been fired because they are suspected to be members of the PF, justified?

MUTALE NALUMANGO’S SON

Similar reports have emerged that the son to the Vice President, Hon. Mutale Nalumango has been promoted as Head of Procurement at the Zambia National Service.

In this case, it debunks the myth being promoted by the assertions of persons like Hon.Nzovu.

The officer in this case, has been at ZNS for many years and was never fired because his mother was a long-serving senior leader of the Opposition.

Infact, the concerned officer kept on rising under the previous government based on his own qualifications, merit and discipline.

His and many other cases I can show, demonstrate that the victimization of persons from certain tribes or political affiliation, which has assumed proportions of truth, is heightened propaganda than driven by solid facts.

Infact the process has been taken advantage of and all those persons being reinstated just need to cry victimization based on ethnic or political affiliation.

Infact the reverse is true. All recent dismissals and the on-going purge of officers in government and state-owned enterprises have targeted persons based on the same vices; Political and Ethnic affiliation.

How can you fight an illegality with illegality, fight tribalism with tribalism? And Fight persecution with persecution?

CONCLUSION

All Zambians eligible to jobs or business contracts or opportunities must have fair access to them.

They don’t need to know anyone to get a job or to do business.

If they are qualified to do such a job, or have capacity to undertake the works, they should be given an opportunity.

The continued abuse of state-owned institutions by the political stock, remains an abuse, whether done by the PF or UPND.

A wrong done by the PF, remains a wrong if it is perpetuated by the UPND Government.

ZESCO or the IDC needed to advertise all these senior positions including that of the Chief Executive Officer, to help attract the best qualified Zambians to one Africa’s largest utility.

This is to return the bleeding utility to its strategic role in the development of our country.

Such a decision on ZESCO and many others in the energy sector, can begin to place these institutions as drivers to the development of our country.

If President Hakainde Hichilema is serious about fighting corruption, tribalism, nepotism, cronyism and favouritism, he should revoke such appointments and urge all CEO’s to abide by an acceptable developed code of conduct.

MAKE CORRUPTION CASES NON-BAILABLE – ROMEO KANGOMBE

Sesheke Member of Parliament Romeo Kangombe says there is need to amend the penal code act and make corruption cases non-bailable if the Vice is to stop completely. The Sesheke lawmaker said the nation cannot continue to have a ‘Laissez-faire’ attitude today corruption.

“We need to make the law on corruption stiff if we are to fight is vice. Remember the days of President Chiluba when car theft was very rampant? The law was amended to make car theft non-bailable and police were ordered to kill on site.

This vice reduced drastically. This is what we need to do if we are to stop corruption, we need to make it non-bailable with a minimum sentence of 20years. We can’t have criminals mocking citizens! You arrested a criminal in the morning and in the afternoon he is free and taking food for another criminal. This is mockery of justice” Said Romeo Kangombe.

The Sesheke lawmaker who is also UPND deputy chairperson for strategy and mobilization has also appealed to law enforcement officers to expedite cases involving corruption.

“Justice delayed is Justice denied, we are noted with disappointment that most cases involving high profile criminals are strategically delayed and when being sentenced they count from the day of arrest.

So in most cases you find someone spending only weeks in prison for a sentence of 3yrs. Criminals are taking advantage of these weaknesses in the justice system this is why I appeal to all members of parliament to these proposed amendments when introduced in parliament.”

“The media also needs to stop aiding criminals in gaining public sympathy. We have noticed a number of media houses giving unnecessary publicity to criminals to discredit the fight against corruption . We are also aware they are so many people claiming to be task force members and busy getting money from would be suspected individuals.

Can the task force command and police do the needful by helping the president. Arrest these worst criminals and those that aid those to be investigated. I am aware that some people aiding criminals are UPND and am appealing to their conscience; Please dont betray the President in the fight against corruption, Added Kangombe.

A

By Ulande Nkomesha,

CONSTITUTIONAL lawyer John Sangwa says government’s inability to effectively communicate certain decisions is a discomfort.

And Sangwa says those that have been arrested by investigative wings on corruption allegations and other charges should concentrate on defending their cases in court rather than making noise on social media.

Meanwhile, Sangwa has advised affected candidates to sue United Progressive Party (UPP) Kabwata Parliamentary by-election candidate Francis Libanda so that he can refund their nomination fees and campaign costs.

Speaking on Muvi TV’s “The Assignment”, Sangwa noted that UPND was failing to communicate effectively on various issues like the fuel price increment and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“You can’t make an assessment [of UPND’s performance] based on this particular period and then write it out to say okay this is what the position is. Of course I have some misgivings, the biggest bone of contention that I have with this government which gives me some kind of discomfort is their inability to communicate with the people.

Government does not exist for itself, it exists for the people, it is a government for the people. Whatever you are doing in the name of the people, the people must know.

My biggest problem which I see is the government’s inability to communicate what they are doing for the benefit of the people. Here is the situation, let us take something which they bangled, which I think they did not do very well.

Take the IMF issue and the fuel issue. Those are some of the issues which have generated a lot of controversy, but the point is this, the President should have owned the process and ought to have made it very clear why certain decisions had to be made and in the interests of the people,” Sangwa said.

“Because now they are being accused to say you are reneging on your campaign promises. What needed to be done was a case to be made for example where you say ‘okay fine, we promised to say there will be this, now we have discovered that we can’t deliver on what we promised because of ABC’, very simple.

Now, that is why there is so much speculation in the media for example and a lot of nonsense that is going on, that is taking away from the real discourse of the real national issues that we should be discussing. The government needs to realise that if you don’t give the information, someone will supply the information.

That information invariably will be inaccurate. It is the government to be able to come forward and be able to tell the people what exactly is being done in their name.”

And Sangwa urged those who were being investigated by the ACC to approach the commission with some humility.

“For those that have been arrested and indicted, I think they ought to take these criminal charges seriously and be able to get proper counsel so that they defend themselves. All these things about making some statements in the media and so forth, it doesn’t help.

If you believe that you are innocent, people are now saying it is a witch hunt and everything else, focus on getting a proper team to defend you, defend your evidence. We always have a saying in law; never underestimate the other side. Now, you can be making those other things about witch hunt and everything because you don’t know what ACC has on you.

So in a situation like that, it is prudent and logical to be reserved so that you approach the issue with a bit of humility because you don’t know what they have against you,” Sangwa said.

“But in any case, why should you be worried if you know that you are innocent? Because you know at the end of the day you will be acquitted. We have to respect these institutions of governance that exist to carry out their jobs. At the end of the day, if you are innocent you will be acquitted.

I urge people to stay focused on getting proper counsel and lining up your evidence so that you can present your case effectively. Social media will not secure you an acquittal. It is what you [do] in a courtroom is what will secure your acquittal. It doesn’t matter how much noise you make in social media or in the press. What matters is what is going to happen in court.”

Sangwa advised the ACC to ensure they have undertaken thorough investigations before arresting someone in order to avoid embarrassment.

Meanwhile, Sangwa advised affected candidates to sue Libanda for causing them loss of resources when he withdrew from the Kabwata race thereby causing a cancellation.

“For me, it is not the problem with the Constitution, the intention [of Article 52] is good but I think there is more that we can do. If I was one of the candidates contesting this election after having spent money, I would be able to take that particular candidate and the political party to court and ask them to refund me the money.

We have to make certain decisions to be costly, you have the right to withdraw but you have to think about the implication. So one of the things that I would like to advocate for is for the aggrieved parties as opposed to the kind of statements that are being thrown about, take the matter to court and challenge that particular decision.

One of the remedies one can ask for is the refund of the money that they might have spent. These are things you plan ahead, you can’t just wake up one morning and say ‘I am going to be a Presidential candidate’, you think through the ramifications and once you start you have to see it through.

So what we need to do is to be able to challenge this so that the court is able to give some guidance as to what the interpretations can be given of article 52 (6). Does it mean that I can simply wake up one day and say ‘I resign’ and then everything is thrown in disarray or should there be some kind of qualification?” Sangwa asked.

Sangwa also urged those who were not happy with the Defamation of the President clause in the penal code to seek repeal, otherwise, respect the law.

“We still have to maintain the rule of law. We may not agree with a certain law but the answer is not to disregard that law. The answer is to petition the relevant members of parliament to call for the repeal of that provision of the law.

The answer is not to say ‘well I don’t agree with this law, therefore I will do what I please’, no! When you do that, law enforcement agencies will arrest you and you will be prosecuted.

Once prosecuted, you are likely to be convicted. That is the law of this country, section 69 of the penal code is still the law. We may not agree with it, in a democratic system, I don’t agree with that particular law, but it is in our statute books.

The more sensible thing to do, for example, the people you are mentioning belong to the PF all that is required is present the necessary bill before the National Assembly and call for the repeal of that section. But you don’t ignore it, you don’t challenge the police because they will arrest you,” said Sangwa.

Book Review by Dickson Jere

Author: Dr Mbita Chitala
Title: Corporate Capture – The Political Economy of Electricity Management in Zambia (2014-2021)
Price: K500
Publisher: Zambia Research Foundation
Pages: 202
Chapters: Twenty One

We can ignore – for now – the poor editing and packaging of the book even though it could have been done better. However, the stuff in the book is jaw dropping! The author, Dr Mbita Chitala, name names and does not shy away from controversy. He began by stating how he found himself on the ZESCO board. President Edgar Lungu handpicked him in 2015 to be chairman but only to rejected by Energy Minister Dora Siliya. How a minister can undo a presidential choice remains debatable!
“It was therefore not surprising when the minister of energy Dora Siliya was removed from the energy portfolio and replaced by another politician David Mabunda,” he writes, adding that the Siliya-appointed Board was dissolved and another one appointed which Chitala chaired from 2017 to 2020.

The author has no kind words for the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and in particular its CEO Mateyo Kaluba. He calls him names and described him as “rude” and never accepted Chitala’s presidential appointment.
“…the IDC members inundated me with requests and directives some of which were clearly unlawful and I declined to attend to them in detail either their impracticality or their unlawfulness,” Chitala shoots straight in his twenty-one Chapter thriller.

He accuses IDC board members Alexander Chikwanda, David Kombe and Simon Miti of orchestrating his dismissal from ZESCO because he, among other things, refused to use ZESCO for Patriotic Front (PF) fundraising ahead of the 2021 elections. He also accused IDC of trying to asset-strip ZESCO and get paid management fees from ZESCO coffers – a very serious accusation I must say!

On the status of State-run power utility, Chitala simply states that “ZESCO was insolvent and required urgent recapitalization from the shareholders”. He said the situation was worsened when government started to import power from Mozambique but passed on the bill to ZESCO.
“The said power was overpriced and ZESCO was not in a position to settle the debts of USD 240, 672, 550. I argued that it was not in ZESCO’s interest for government to lumber the whole debt obligations on ZESCO”.

Chitala also discloses in his 202 page book that ZESCO wanted to buy CEC which he said the private company had captured ZESCO and undermined the profitability of ZESCO. He write: “the second proposal was for the outright purchase or nationalization by government. However, nationalization was not favoured because it could have faced challenges especially that CEC is public listed company.

The former deputy minister of finance also mentions the controversy surrounding the possible sale of ZESCO land in Livingstone where the Chinese investors were planning to put up an amazing park. He accused Justice minister then Given Lubinda of having tried to persuade him to sell the eight hectares land.
“All these matters together with my strong attitude to protect the integrity of ZESCO were seen as conduct of insolence that required the parting ways,” Chitala said.

The author also talks about football which ZESCO financed as part of it social corporate responsibility. A subsidiary- ZESCO United Football Club Limited – was formed but doing very badly in terms of finances and was not well managed.
“The board desire was to change this and professionalize the club so that it could be managed independently and professionally,” he said.

Chitala resigned from the board just a day before he was fired! He had been tipped of his sacking and therefore preempted it on his Facebook page.
“I announced my retirement from ZESCO board on 2nd December 2020 and a day later I received the letter from IDC terminating my appointment,” he disclosed.
But curiously the author does not state how and why President Edgar Lungu handpicked him or preferred him twice as ZESCO chairman. Were they friends? Who recommended him to the President?

The book is an interesting read from whichever angle you look at it. It is good literature for those interested in studying electricity management in Zambia as the book gives historical developments since colonial days. The author must be commended for writing this book – notwithstanding its shortcomings. Zambians must write. However, the timing of the book looks like well-timed – just after the PF government lost elections. It adds to the narrative that PF was bad! I am sure those mentioned will give their side of their stories one day!

THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH OWNING 49 HOUSES

Binwell Mpundu, Nkana MP argues;

WHY DO WE CELEBRATE POVERTY MU ZAMBIA??

Am reading a post quoting Kalan Muchima who alleges that some unnamed sitting minister is corrupt because that minister has bought a house already for K550,000.

Now if that is true. How can a minister fail to buy a house for K550, 000.how much loan can a minister get let alone some of these ministers are businessmen so how can they fail to buy such a cheap property.

This is why I wonder why we should crucify Bowman for owning 4 properties like seriously a person who served as a minister can fail to own 4 properties.

This brings me to 49 houses. Why should it be a taboo to own 49 houses and the whole country is turned upside Down over 49 houses or maybe it’s because we thought it was a politician??

So if in the next 5 years I manage to build 4 houses will you call me corrupt?? so that I avoid going that route…

Come on guys I think this is too much. We can’t continue glorifying poverty let’s encourage people to work hard and to own property. How are we going to develope if we don’t encourage our people to work hard. People in Zambia by the way are alive now, they are investing big time including my young brothers the ones you call Jerabos they no longer waste money the way they used to do in the past, they now build houses but trust me of you ask them to account how the got the property they own my guess is you will come back with insults because most have not kept a record of their business activities.

This is why I objected the proposal to introduce a life styles audit because it will mean taking us back to the days of unip if you were born then you must have heard of the word SITET and you must have heard how people used to be harrased for owning a TV set ans I wonder if we are normal to want to go back to thsoe days.

Those who support lifestyle audits. Let me explain a bit what an audit looks like. The auditors will ask you starting with :how you acquired the things you own, meaning you have to show proof by way of receipts, then you have to show the movement of money from your earnings to your bank and your withdrawals to acquire what you own then it will bring on the question of how much tax you have paid over what you own.
Please tell me if the above simple scenerio sounds pleasing to you.How many of you can even produce receipts of the TVs you own.

Let me end by saying it’s OK for a minister to buy a house, it’s ok for a minister to own property for as long as they can account for it but remember that if you allege that they acquired what they have illegally, then you are the one who must prove that they acquired the said property illegally. Remember the law holds that the burden of proof lies in the one alleging and he who alleges must prove.

That’s why I think something is wrong with our approach. How can you who finds me with bags of money aks me to prove where I got the money and you allege that my money is proceeds of crime. Sir it’s you according to the law who must prove that it’s ill gotten or its proceeds of crime. You are the one alleging so you are the one to prove.

🤣🤣🤣 This conversation is only for sober minds I know it’s too much for small minds so I suggest you stay away.

BINWELL MPUNDU
NKANA MP
UMWINA NKANA

President Hakainde Hichilema has told new Director of the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) Mary Chirwa to deal with people siphoning public resources.

Ms. Chirwa was sworn in today at State House in Lusaka together with Teaching Service Commission Chairperson Daphne Liseli Nawa Chimuka.

President Hichilema branded the positions Ms Chirwa and Mrs Chimuka have taken up as critical.

“Two distinguished ladies that are being sworn in today; in your own individual rights you have followed your own career paths that you served the country in different roles and today you are given yet additional responsibilities to serve this country. And you sit there not only because of the names you carry but you sit there because of your capabilities and the good news is that you are both women and I think this is important. I am sending a message out there but the message more important than just being women is capable women. I want to emphasize that point to the media. Capable citizens who happen to be women and its pleasure to be swearing in these colleagues today,” President Hichilema said.

The Head of State added that Ms Chirwa understood well the operations of the Drug Enforcement Commission.

“Madam Chirwa, you were a product of the Drug Enforcement Commission. You spent many years there before you went to the FIC. You know the challenges of that institution; you know what went wrong in that institution. You know, you know what is right. With the added advantage of the Financial Intelligence Institution Centre, you are also grounded in terms of training, qualification,” Mr. Hichilema said.

He said there is a need for conceited efforts in the crusade against corruption.

“In your profession, in our profession, what is wrong is wrong. There is no middle ground. I am following what is going on in social media. People are debating; no this is ethnic, victimization and fighting against corruption. This is getting at PF, no. It is none of that. What is there is that what is wrong is wrong. Taking away money that belongs to the public is wrong. If the Chief Executive Officer of the Drug Enforcement Commission sees a gray area that this may be wrong this may be right, maybe sits in the middle.”

“There is no middle ground. Taking away resources from the child for us to buy a desk as you sit, you two are partners being sworn in today. You are serious partners. It is the duty of Madam Chirwa to make sure that money meant for desks through CDF is not taken by a clique. I retain that terminology clique. They have now started fighting back,” President Hichilema said.

On the education part, the President urged Mrs Chimuka to tackle issues of teacher promotion and upgrade among others in the sector.

“Madam Delphine Liseli Nawa Chimuka, you are going to the Teaching Service, very important, extremely important function. You are going there to chair Teaching Service Commission and you have a huge task. You have a huge task to ensure that we change together the Teaching Service to where teachers work, who are they, where are they, that pupils are getting what they go to school for. You have a major task to do,” he said.

“This Government has pronounced itself very clearly, what it wants to see in the education sector. Particularly that education is the best inheritance for any child. I would not wish any child to seek to get millions of kwacha from parents without education. Promotion among teachers has been an issue, they go for further studies and come back, some are not on the payroll,” President Hichilema added.

Zesco management approved the sale of its assets in Livingstone

By Mbita Chitala

ZESCO limited had received an expression of interest from Victoria Falls Eye Limited (the
“Company”) to purchase a portion of the ZESCO land being Lot 473/M Livingstone. For purposes of constructing a Ferris Wheel which would add to the tourism ventures in Livingstone..
The company was on 22 August 2017 pursuant to the Companies Act No. 10 of 2017 registered in
Zambia. The Company’s Shareholders were Qingdao Ruichang Tech Industry Co. Ltd of the people’s Republic of China, holding 13, 500.00 shares and the Ministry of Tourism and Arts holding 1, 500.00 shares for and on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Zambia. This was already an anomaly as by law only the Minister of Finance can hold shares in a company on behalf of the Zambian government.
The nature of business sector for the Company as stated in the incorporation documents at the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) was Creative, Arts and Entertainment activities. The Company aimed to erect and operate a Ferris Wheel at the Victoria Falls Livingstone Zambia as part of the ways to promote local and international tourism by providing economically acceptable method of aerial viewing of the Victoria Falls.

The land in question was in extent 7.9 hectares located behind the Substation and included 23 of the medium cost Power Station houses from MC11 to MC33. It extended all the way to the plot boundary along the rail line.

Apart from the ZESCO houses the only other structure that could be affected by the proposed development was a church. The houses were constructed under the Power Rehabilitation Project as temporal structure for contractors. At the end of the projects, all ZESCO employees residing in these houses were given plots along the Airport Road with Livingstone to which they were expected to relocate. The rationale for the relocation was that the ZESCO land (Lot 473/M Livingstone, where the houses were built was in the Mosi-oa – Tunya National Park and therefore not designated for human habitation.

Notwithstanding the houses which were occupied by ZESCO employees, it was proposed that they should vacate the houses to allow the development of the Ferris wheel.
Management informed me and the ZESCO Board that the subject property was uniquely located close to the Victoria Falls which the Corporation was not fully exploiting with its current use of the land. Rentals collected from the housing units were also below market rental.
A comparison between rentals collected and market rentals that could be collected showed a loss of income of ZMW 1,998, 000 per annum. Furthermore, the properties would require a large capital injection to upgrade them to modern standards as they were in poor state of repair.

Apart from the factor of age, condition and style of the houses, other factors that affected the Livingstone property market included the following: according to the management brief to the ZESCO Board:
• Livingstone was home to the Victoria Falls (Mosi Oa Tunya) which was a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The presence of the waterfalls and Mosi oa Tunya National Park contributed to the town’s status as the Tourism capital of Zambia. The local economy was predominantly driven by tourism and tertiary services;
• The recent upgrading of the Harry Mwanga Nkumbula airports as well as a reinvigorated campaign by the local tourism boards had contributed to an increase of tourism arrivals in the city;
• Livingstone benefited from the United Nations World Tourism Organization Conference held in August 2013 in terms of infrastructure development such as roads, drainage water reticulation and a general facelift of the town;
• The boom in tourism within Livingstone had led to a surge in local retail facilities with more markets, shops and malls springing up to help both satisfy visitor’s and local communities.
The ZESCO Management proposed that the 7.9 hectares’ part of Lot 473/M Livingstone be offered at a sum of US$ 253, 500.00. The offer price was the Value of land plus the value of the 22 houses and that the offer price was based on a market valuation done by Government Evaluation Department.
Furthermore, the ZESCO management recommended that the proposed sale be under the following terms and conditions:

1. That the buyer re-route the access road at their expense.
2. That ZESCO does not incur any charge presently or in the future for existing way leaves and that any future request for way leaves would not be unreasonably withheld.
   Management justified their recommendation and informed me that following the ZESCO Asset Disposal Guide the subject property meets the criteria for disposal as follows:
   • The asset that is the houses had been identified for disposal as they were uneconomical to maintain. (Clause 5.5.1.a)
   • The disposal Committee had verified that the advantages of sale outweighed those of ownership. It was established that whilst the property was not being exploited to its full potential with regards to maximizing the advantage of location, the property was still incurring costs such as property rates to Council and maintenance costs. The subject property had been appraised for its highest and best use which had determined that sale or change of use of the property would optimize the property. (Clause 5.5.2.a)
   • Disposal of real property had to be done when all the highest best use options had been exhausted. In light of the property location, the highest and best use option was in tourism.
   Being cognizant of the fact that energy was ZESCO’s core business, sale to a Ministry of tourism joint venture was a sound investment option.
   It was therefore recommended by the management to the ZESCO Board that the land be subdivided and sold to the Victoria Fall Eye Limited, a Company in which the Republic of Zambia had shares at an offer maximum price of US$ 253, 500.00. The ZESCO management drafted the appropriate resolution and passed to me as chairman to append my signature to dispose of the land. I was not only shocked of the attempt to strip ZESCO of its valued asset at a give away price but annoyed that an attempt was even ever made without the board discussing it and making the appropriate resolution. I humbly declined to append my signature to the sale and called for an emergency meeting of the board to discuss the matter.
   I had earlier been summoned by the Minister of Justice, one Hon. Given Lubinda then who I learnt was a long time friend of the Chinese investor whom he had met when he worked as Minister of Tourism. Lubinda asked me to sign the resolution and failing to do so would not be in the interest of Zambia as a competitor country might take the investment and Zambia would be the loser of such an investment.

I was very surprised as my sixth sense told me that I was again experiencing an attempt to abuse an office of trust and I flatly hold Given Lubinda that the government position which he briefed me on was not in the public interest.

At the meeting of the ZESCO Board, the members agreed with me that ZESCO would be in breach of its fiduciary duties if it started striping the company of its assets which could not be justified.

The Board then resolved that the following be considered.

1. The Board discusses with the investor and enters into a joint venture agreement on terms to be mutually agreed.
2. ZESCO surrenders the land to the Ministry of lands for re-allocation to an investor of their choice.
   The Chinese investor refused option one while the government was not ready to accept option two.

As it turned out, this was another of my transgressions and I was accused of not being user friendly to the authorities.

STEP MUM GETS 5-YEAR JAIL TERM FOR BEATING STEP SON ON PRIVATE PARTS

The Ndola Magistrate Court has sentenced a step mother to five years imprisonment for assaulting an eight year old boy on his private parts.

Florence Lumunga, 23, a housewife of Mushili Township, was in this matter charged with one count of assault on a child.

On August 27, 2021 around 17:00 hours, Lumunga assaulted an 8-year-old step son on his private parts and his buttocks using a needle stick.

Ndola Magistrate Bryan Simachela found Lumunga guilty and convicted her accordingly.

Magistrate Simachela said that on the material day, Lumunga became annoyed at the boy and beat him on the private parts and buttocks which made the boy to sustain cuts and injuries on his private parts.

According to the prosecution’s evidence, the juvenile told court that on the material day, he knocked off early from school and for that reason, Lumunga, assaulted him using a needle stick and that she also scratched his scrotum.

Gift Kasongo, the juvenile’s mother, in her evidence, told court that on the material day, she received a call from the juvenile’s teacher that he was not reporting at school for some days.

Kasongo said that when she inquired why the child was not reporting at school for some days, she discovered that he had cuts and bruises on the private part as well as his buttocks

In her defense, Lumunga accepted to have bathed the boy on the material day but that she did not know what happened to the cuts and bruises which were found on the juvenile’s private parts.

However, Lumunga said that the boy instead injured himself.

But Magistrate Simachela said although the offense was assault, what mattered most was the age of the juvenile.

In mitigation, Lumunga who asked for forgiveness from the court said that she has one child and she was also pregnant.

However, Magistrate Simachela said the offence which Lumunga committed was a serious one and warned step mothers to be respecting children for their husbands.

He said that there was need to sentence the accused person to deter would be offenders.

“I have exercised my maximum lenience by sentencing you to five years simple imprisonment from the date of arrest. You have the right to appeal to the High Court within 14 days if you are not happy with the decision,” Magistrate Simachela said.

“This action was actually inhuman, barbaric, satanic and at last heartless.”-ZR

IN LESS THAN 5 MONTHS IN OFFICE, THIS IS WHAT PRESIDENT HH HAS DONE!

His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema

1. Paying off all the 15,000 TAZARA workers which the PF government failed to do in 10 years time.

2. Paying off all the 128,000 pensioners which the PF government failed to do in 10 years time

3. Paying off all the 34,000 council workers who were not receiving salary every month which the PF government failed to do in 10 years time.

4. Paying off all the 258,000 farmers who supplied maize to F.R.A

5. Releasing the money for equalization fund for 2021 for all the 116 councils countrywide which the PF government failed to do.

6. Releasing of the 2021 CDF for all the 156 constituencies which the PF government failed to do in 7 years under President.

7. Freedom of expression is there for anyone to see

8. Freedom of movement is there for anyone to see

9. The freedom of assembly the PF is enjoying today

10. No public order act to victimize anyone

11. Media freedom is there for anyone to see

12. Separation of powers is given to the three organs of government

13. No cadrism in the markets and bus stations

14. No police brutality

15. Cabinet has been reduced

16. Presidential entourage has been reduced by more that 90%

17. Recovery of stolen national asserts and monies are underway

18. Unification of the country is 100% implemented

19. Negotiations over Zambia’s debt servicing default are things of the past

20. Political party members can now put on their party regalias without fall victims

21. Free Education from Grade 1 to 12.

22. Recruitment of 41,500 teachers, nurses, doctors, clinical officers and other medical staffs to be done before April this year (2022)

The list is endless.
All these have been implemented in 4 months time. What more in 5 years? Bane Bally means well for all Zambians!!
May God Bless President Hakainde Hichilema!!

CHILUFYA TAYALI NAMES MERCY’S CHILD AS SAMSON LUSAMBO.

HE WROTE;

HIS NAME IS SAMSON LUSAMBO, HOPE BOWMAN WILL NOT CHANGE THE NAME AFTER THE DNA

It may seem like some funfair but the situation is serious and it needs our help. We need to get Mercy’s and her children a house as soon as possible.

I spent some time with Mercy from late afternoon till about 30 minutes ago. I am not a psychologist but at least I have some understanding.

Mercy is vulnerable which explains why she has 4 children with Bowman as she claims. In spite of outburst or emotions you see in her, she has a lot of stories relating to Bowman.

She speaks of the meals that Bowman likes, his birthday, his relatives among other things.

To her Bowman is the husband and in a way she wants him and she is bitter, that he is with another woman.

After fighting to calm her down I managed to put her under control and we chatted normally.

I even managed to name a child, because she has been refusing to name the child, saying the father (Bowman) will do it.

So from today, the fourth born is called Samson, the strong man of the Bible. If whoever the father will wish to change in future, that’s up to him but for now, a child needs a name.

I am humbly asking that we now go ahead to raise K15,000 to rent her a house and go to Chipata to get the other children so that they come and start school.

I know some of you have offered a number of things including kitchen utensils, furniture, baby clothes, please call me up so that I can collect them.

Please contact me or deposit your Mobil on 0966888936 or 0777192375.

I will talk more tomorrow, for now, I am too tired, allow me to rest.

TAYALI THE PUBLIC LAWYER OF THE PUBLIC COURT OF OPINIONS!

I HAVE reconciled with my predecessor, Rupiah Banda after almost 10 years of misunderstanding and we are now on talking terms, MMD president Nevers Mumba has said. Dr Mumba said the two had put their political differences aside and reconciled to focus on building the nation instead of dwelling on past personal issues.

He disclosed that a few day ago, he spoke to the fourth republican President on phone during which they reconciled. Dr Mumba said he was happy with the healing words that Mr Banda uttered to him during their phone conversation

“I would like to make a great announcement today that I have never made. Obviously, people have noticed that President Rupiah Banda and I have not been singing from the same rhythm. We have not been sitting on one table and having coffee which has been my greatest desire like a child who would like to have a good time with his father. I never had that nice time with him. For the last 10 years, it has been a time of weeping.

“But a few days ago, I was on the phone with President Rupiah Banda, and he said some of the most healing Of course it looks late because much damage has been done unto us and the party. But he healed me by telling me that Nevers, you and I have a history together and it is strong,” Dr Mumba narrated.

Dr Mumba explained that Mr Banda also told him that, “I know you have been praying for me and I know that we have been praying for each other. We may have differed but I think let’s look to the future and not behind.” During the 2015 Presidential election after the death of President Michael Sata, Mr Banda, who was then MMD member and immediate past party president, endorsed Patriotic Front presidential candidate Edgar Lungu, a move that angered Dr Mumba.

Meanwhile, Dr Mumba said the Patriotic Front should take a leaf of what happened to MMD after losing power when he took over from Mr Banda to avoid repeating the same mistake. “This should help our colleagues in PF that at the end of the day, somebody might become president of PF even if he is not President Edgar Lungu’s choice. He must have an endorsement of the general membership and not president Lungu alone,” he said.

He advised President Lungu to keep away from the process of selecting a PF president if the party was to survive and avoid the pitfalls of MMD. “The membership may want somebody who had nothing to do with President Lungu. Therefore, the fall or rise of PF for now lies to the greater extent in the hands of Mr Lungu. We want a vibrant democracy. Of course I want MMD to be strong but we need more strong opposition for a healthy democracy,” Dr Mumba said.- Daily Nation