LET KABWATA DECIDE WHO THEY WISH TO REPRESENT THEM WITHOUT MCC INFLUENCE
By Bizwell Mutale
The Kabwata by-election is an important litmus test for the Patriotic Front leadership. It will tell the nation whether or not the PF MCC has reformed from imposing unpopular candidates on constituencies to allowing the party grassroots to choose their popular representatives.

During the last general elections, the PF MCC imposed Mr. Danny Yenga on the people of Kabwata as a candidate for the Kabwata constituency, and Kabwata gave us strong feedback by rejecting Mr. Danny Yenga.

On the other hand, Mr. Clement Tembo and other aspiring candidates supported Mr. Danny Yenga in the spirit of unity and comradeship. Even with this support, we lost Kabwata. It should be a lesson learned.

Now, this time around we must win the Kabwata seat without fail. To achieve this we need to allow the people of Kabwata to speak freely and choose who they want to be on the ballot for the Kabwata Member of Parliament by-election.

It is a political error to repeat the imposing of Mr. Yenga on the people of Kabwata because the result will be the same, we will lose again. He must pave the way for Mr. Clement Tembo or whoever else the people of Kabwata want.

The PF MCC has learned that imposing candidates on constituencies, results in losses, and the people of Kabwata may resort to voting for an independent candidate or even UPND candidate. As PF, it is a politically strategic advantage to win the Kabwata constituency seat. This calls for an inclusive approach, listening to the grassroots, learning from past mistakes, and making better political decisions. Most importantly it calls for unity and love.

It will be wise for the MCC to focus on what the people of Kabwata want. This is an important step in rebranding the party by making people-centered decisions, going back to the people, and allowing for the grassroots to be heard.

Let us not allow the arrogance and greed that cost us in the August elections to continue in any of the upcoming by-elections. Let us demonstrate that we are a grassroots party, a pro-poor party, an inclusive party, a united listening party, and a transformed party. Mr. Danny Yenga himself can show magnanimity by allowing someone else to represent the party in the Kabwata by-elections. We are one party after all.

HH OPPONENTS ASHAMED TO ENGAGE IN CONSTRUCTIVE DEBATE – ANTHONY

By Oliver Chisenga

PRESIDENTIAL spokesperson Anthony Bwalya says President Hakainde Hichilema’s focus is not on re-election but on delivering the goods for the people of Zambia.

He accused opponents of President Hichilema of naturally being ashamed to engage in a constructive debate about successes already recorded.

In a statement on his Facebook page, Bwalya said opponents of President Hichilema are intent on scaling up their “poorly crafted propaganda” to shift the public’s attention away from the incredible works the President and his team are doing to the fortunes of ordinary people.

“Let us be clear: the President has only done a little more than 100 days in office. His focus is not on re-election but on delivering the goods for the people of Zambia on the basis of which they will decide and exercise their democratic rights in five years’ time,” he said.

Bwalya added that while the opponents focus on unproductive propaganda, President Hichilema and his team are focused on delivering a new decentralisation agenda with K25.7 million per constituency in 2022 among other areas.

He said President Hichilema is focused on paying all arrears for all pensioners and putting over 40,000 public workers in the education and health sectors back on the job.

Bwalya said President Hichilema was also fixated on enhancing access to quality education for all children by building 130 new schools and making education free from grades 1-12 and paying all outstanding CDF arrears and settling all Local Government Equalisation Fund arrears.

“Aggressively moving to restructuring our public debt as a means to boost and stabilise the kwacha against major convertibles, with the kwacha already 55 per cent stronger against the US dollar since August 2021, as well as unlocking support to critical social sectors and the return to the rule of law and law and order with markets and bus stations back to the control of councils and a 12 per cent salary increment awarded to civil servants, in addition to scaling up the tax exempt threshold for lower income brackets to K4,500,” he said.

“Compare this to the eight per cent mockery rejected by unions which the old regime awarded civil servants. These and many other constructive milestones were achieved in the first + 100 days of the President’s stay in office.”

Bwalya noted that opponents of President Hichilema would “naturally be ashamed to engage in a constructive debate about these successes because they had a whole 10 years to deliver for the people of Zambia but spent
their time in office engaging in leveraged corruption”.

“We urge the people of Zambia to keep the focus with us as we push the boundaries of possibilities and take the country to the next level,” said Bwalya.

STREET VENDING IS NOT A CRIME SAYS PF

….adds that UPND is chasing traders from the streets without providing an alternative.

LUSAKA, Friday, December 24, 2021 (SMART EAGLES)

The opposition Patriotic Front (PF) has bemoaned the move by the New Dawn Administration to chase vendors out of the streets.

PF Member of the Central Committee in charge of Information and Publicity Raphael Nakacinda has argued in an interview that street vending is not a crime.

MCC Nakacinda says the New Dawn Administration is prematurely chasing vendors from the streets without providing an alternative.

“Street vending is not an offense that is why it exists and is called street vending. The only thing is that in Zambia, we have failed to put in place mechanisms to make sure that our people that are trading on the streets. …it is conducive in terms of having facilities like for hygiene and many others,” he said.

“But in this case, the UPND government is prematurely chasing them out of the streets without offering them alternatives. We demand that that decision be rescinded until there is an alternative provided for our people on the street.”

MCC Nakacinda charged that the economy is in amess under the New Dawn administration. He implored President Hakainde Hichilema to be considerate to the people on the street.

“Because the economy is really ina mess under the new dawn and life is very difficult. Now you even take away the little that people are making through their trade on the streets without an alternative. Even when you are cold hearted, that is not right. May President Hakainde Hichilema find in his heart some humanity and be considerate to the people on the street,” he said.

“That fellow he is sending out there to and harass people on the street, Garry Nkombo with his arrogance, they are going to face the consequences. The President keeps on saying that cadres who are trying to interfere with the work of the police they will be on their own. Nowadays we don’t even believe, we don’t believe what the President says because he says one thing then his people act differently.”

The MCC added that so far, what President Hakainde Hichilema has been saying is sheer rhetoric.

“So we don’t know whether that is him to feed the public with rhetoric and then act differently when it comes to the real issues. So far, the evidence suggests that whatever the President says is just rhetoric because his people are acting centrally to what to what he says,” he said.

By ADRIAN MWANZA

THERE is nothing wrong with the raids that the investigative wings are conducting on former PF leaders because they were the ones handling public resources, UPND spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa has said. Mr Mweetwa said that these people were untouchable when they were in power and people were scared to go after them.

He said it was pointless for the investigative wings to go after people who were in opposition like Gary Nkombo, Brian Kambita and Stafford Mulusa when they did not have links with public resources.

Mr Mweetwa said that the PF was in government and some of them might have done things that were at variance with the law.

“We were nowhere near the corridors of power and never had an opportunity to handle public resources that was at variance with the law,” he said.

He wondered how the investigative wings would follow innocent people just to show that they were not biased.

Mr Mweetwa said it was difficult to talk on behalf of the Anti-Corruption Commission and other investigative wings and there was need to ask them.

And Mr Mweetwa said that it was unfair that the government had been judged harshly over subsidies.

He said that the immediate and medium economy would hurt but it would have long term benefits for Zambians.

Mr Mweetwa said that the removal of subsidies in the long term would make the energy sector attractive to investments which have more players in the industry.

He said tough measures were not new as was the case in the new deal regime under Levy Mwanawasa.

“People should not just look at the current but the future benefits of what was to come.”

He said the country had regained international credibility from institutions like the International Monetary Fund which resulted in them giving Zambia a bailout.

Mr Mweetwa Said it was not there to appease people but to do the right thing which would benefit the general populace.

He said the fight against corruption would not have sacred cows and that all those that would be found wanting would be dealt with. Mr Mweetwa also called on critics like Mr John Sangwa to continue pounding on government’s doors on issues so that the country could forge ahead.

By Julia Malunga,

CHIEF Justice Dr Mumba Malila says he will ensure that judges and judicial officers perform their function with dignity and integrity, adding that those who are perpetually underperforming should expect to answer questions before the Judicial Complaints Commission.

And Justice Malila says his wish is to see a Judiciary where all staff is unquestionably properly qualified, competent, committed, ethical and honest.

Giving his inaugural address to adjudicators and support staff virtually, Wednesday, Justice Malila urged the adjudicators to bear with him if he appeared to slightly veer off from the footsteps of his predecessors, saying there was no room for misbehaviour under the guise of exercising judicial independence.

“There is a perception that judicial independence entails that the doings of individual adjudicators cannot be scrutinised without occasioning violence to the much acclaimed independence of those adjudicators. I agree that the judicial independence of individual adjudicators must be respected at all costs.

I urge you honourable adjudicators to boldly assert your own independence and this should be evident in the decisions that you pass. Lack of independent-mindedness and honesty compromises fairness, impartiality and integrity of the adjudicator. Develop a passion for what you do, for only then will you be devoted to it. Lack of dedication to duty goes hand in hand with absence of self- discipline.

Performing judicial functions competently, impartially and independently helps avert the creation of an impression that adjudicators collude with any party to litigation or other interested entities to deliver predetermined outcomes,” he said.

“Yet, there is also a view that impunity and unaccountability may have taken root among our adjudicators owing to what some people view as distant supervision. Please bear with me if I appear to veer off slightly from the footsteps of the eight previous occupants of this office.

I think that under both the Constitution and the Judicial Code of Conduct Act, there is no room for misbehaviour under the guise of exercising judicial independence and failure to perform properly the judicial function which the public has so heavily invested in and consistently voiced out on.

I thus intend to carry out actively and passionately, the responsibility entrusted in me as Chief Justice under Article 136 of the Constitution to ensure that judges and judicial officers perform the judicial function with dignity, propriety and integrity; that they perform their responsibility without fear, favour or bias. I urge all adjudicators to take heed.”

And Justice Malila said adjudicators with pending disciplinary proceedings would be expeditiously afforded an opportunity to clear their names.

“Those with pending disciplinary proceedings will be expeditiously afforded the opportunity to clear their names. In the same vein those who are perpetually underperforming or otherwise failing to deliver or to discharge their responsibility competently, diligently and with integrity can expect to answer questions before the Judicial Complaints Commission.

Curbing delays in the delivery of judgments may necessitate reforming our rules in order that the prescription of deadlines for hearing and delivering of quality judgments is also aligned to the Judicial Code of Conduct so that delinquent adjudicators are made to account.

Additionally a performance appraisal system based on the returns and the qualitative presentation of adjudicators’ work will be introduced so that adjudicators consistently performing badly do not escape the notice of supervising officers,” he said.

The Chief Justice noted that the Judiciary had lately been under massive and unremitting criticism from members of the public due to the manner in which some courts handled matters of immense public interest.

“Our justice system is today in substantial discredit for fairly fathomable reasons. And it is no secret that lately the Judiciary has been under massive and unremitting criticism from members of the public.

Very critical comments about the manner in which our courts, well some of them, have handled matters of immense public interest, especially those which implicate democratic governance and the rule of law, have been repeatedly ventilated publicly.

Pockets of the Zambian society, including our politicians, civil society organisations, lawyers, clergymen, litigants and accused persons, have not concealed their shrinking faith in the Zambian Judiciary as a sanctuary for the vindication of those principles which are prized in any true democracy namely, truth, justice, fair play and equality before the law.

Rightly or wrongly some members of the public have accused the judiciary of failing the Zambian people in its role of impartial adjudication and resolute constitutional guardianship; that the Judiciary has in some instances been complicit in undermining the rule of law and entrenching a culture of impunity,” he said.

“Times without number we have heard accusations that our Judiciary suffers political manipulation and compromise; that some judgments are motivated by considerations that are inconsistent with the judicial oath of office.

Other public criticisms against us, our decisions and processes, include our apparent lack of pace as manifested in sluggish or slow justice. Delays in the delivery of judgments and rulings and the long adjournments of cases have particularly infuriated litigants.

Declining standards of adjudication, inefficient registries, primordial courtroom facilities and procedures, substandard judgments which occasionally lack in clarity and are poorly articulated; the indiscreet use of authorities and the evident failure, in some cases, to keep on top of developments in the law, have in their own way provoked a degree of discomfiture amongst stakeholders.

And whether these allegations are founded or not is neither here nor there. The point is that much of what has happened over the years to dampen public confidence in the Zambian Judiciary is attributable to these very allegations.”

Justice Malila said his vision as Chief Justice is that of a transformed Judiciary that will reclaim public trust and confidence.

“And so the vision I have of the Judiciary under my charge as Chief Justice is that of a transformed institution that will reclaim public trust and confidence; an institution that is truly a co-equal to the other arms of government, consolidated in its independence, especially financial independence; an establishment that will prime the fair administration of justice for all anchored on the core values of impartiality, independence, accountability, ethical and professional practices, fair procedures and respect for human rights; a judiciary that society will identify with as a dependable ally in vindicating their rights and promoting the rule of law.

My wish, dear colleagues, is to see a Judiciary where all staff (adjudicators and support staff alike) is unquestionably properly qualified, competent, committed, ethical and honest; where they reflect on their performance and invest in their own professional development with the Judiciary affording them the scope and opportunities for this.

A qualified and competent adjudicator is oftentimes confident and independent too,” said Justice Malila.-News Diggers

President Hakainde Hichilema Embraces PF Plan To Run A 24 Hour Economy

“……………As we intend to run a 24-hour economy, security must be strong……….this will soon be a reality…..”

For Zambia to develop, it is important that those in power do not discard anything idea made by the previous administration, our team of Analysts are pleased to note that President Hakainde Hichilema, is picking up some positive intents such as running a 24-hour economy, a feature advanced by the Patriotic Front.

The Head of State made this reference when he officiated at the graduation ceremony of 1, 297 Paramilitary officers who underwent training at Sondela in Kafue, Lusaka.

During his address to the graduates, President Hichilema emphasised the need to protect life and property and also that time for citizens to be running away from officers is long gone.

“We want law and order in our country because without this, no meaningful development would be attained. It is a known fact that there is a direct connection between security and economic development. As we intend to run a 24-hour economy, security must be strong. Working together with our security wings, this will soon be a reality” he said.

Analysis

Another positive our Team of Analysts has picked out from Mr Hichilema, today is the cost-saving measure he has exhibited while carrying out his duties.

He officiated at two different pass out parades, first, he has attended the pass out of 290 Zambia National Service Cadets in Kafue. He later moved to officiate the pass out parade of 1,297 paramilitary officers still in the Kafue District.

Previously, such Presidential duties would have been done on two different dates each requiring specific details, budgets and a heavy convoy but not for “Mr. Fix it”, he has killed two birds using one stone, well done Mr. Hichilema.

Having said that, we are excited to see that Mr. Hichilema has not thrown out the 24 hour economy, which the PF had planned to implement had they won the 12th August, 2021 general election. This plan resonates with the UPND economic transformation agenda. In order to transform the economy, the wheels of commerce must keep rolling.

President Hichilema and his administration will have it easy because some groundwork was led by the PF, talk off of the digital national command centre, situated at Sikanze Camp, the centre almost complete will enable security personnel monitor on real-time, whatever activities are happening in the City, this will aid the transformation of the local economy. Our men and women in uniform will police smartly and be efficient in their duties.

The Speech Analyst

23.12.2021

The UPND Begins To Enforce What The PF Failed To Do

…….Vendors know that it is illegal to trade from the streets but the vendors have the backing of politicians who ignore their illegality because they want votes from the vendors………

UPND Deputy National Youth and Sports Chairman Kenny Ng’ona has welcomed the removal of vendors from trading in the streets saying street vending is illegality under the laws of Zambia.

Mr Ng’ona said that the removal of street vendors from the streets is timely as it has been long overdue.

He added that everyone should trade from designated areas of trading such as markets adding that those in markets are happy with the removal of vendors in the streets.

“In as much as we respect those that survive through vending. We ought to consider the fact that street vending is illegal under the laws of Zambia. This, therefore, means that there is no law whatsoever that backs Zambians in trading from the streets across the entire nation” he said.

According to Mr Ng’ona, both those in the markets and shop owners have been complaining of poor business because customers end up buying from the streets and never enter markets or shops.

“The removal of vendors from the streets of Lusaka and elsewhere is a welcome move. Thanks to Minister Hon Garry Nkombo for taking action. It was done in Kitwe and it can be done across the nation, vendors should just adhere to that which is legal and do the right thing by following directives which the ministry has set” he added.

The UPND member of the management committee explained that it should be noted also that those trading in markets across the nation is more in number than those that do street vending in selected towns in the country.

“Those in markets and those with shops are now happy, the vendors can go and find spaces in markets or can do their vending at markets. We as Zambians should be a citizenry that follows the laws of the land. Let the vendors follow the law by trading from areas they will be allocated for trading. The new dawn government shall endeavour to do the right things at all times” he stated.

Analysis

Our informal sector is one of the largest employers where jobless Zambians are earning a decent living amidst the harsh economic environment.

Since 2011, the government has failed to find a solution to street vending, when the PF formed government, Professor Nkandu Luo, as Local Government Minister then embarked on a campaign to remove vendors, but then and now late President Michael Sata objected to the removal of vendors without finding an alternative to the hundreds of vendors.

Fast forward to 2021, we are back to the drawing board chasing after vendors from the streets. Political willingness is key to finding a lasting solution to the problem of uncontrollable vending in the city. Without political willingness the vendors will be back the moment, they are removed from the streets.

Having said that, we know that this issue will be politicized for obvious reasons, and we cannot blame anyone for doing so because they have reasons, one of which is the vendors have families to take care of plus other bills. However, the vendors know for a fact that what they are doing, is illegality but the vice is aided by lack of political will to bring it to a complete end and failure by local authorities to ensure there is NO Vending.

We wish the UPND all the best of luck in their quest to clean the Capital City by removing the vendors and we hope local authorities will see to it that street vendors do not return to the streets.

The Speech Analyst

23.12.2021

Association of Vendors, Traders and Marketeers of Zambia (AVETMZ) has warned the government against agitating the hundreds of street vendors across the country by removing them from the streets without dialogue or providing proper alternative trading spaces in available markets.

Association General Secretary Musonda Mushota says it is contradictory of government to first hike fuel prices leading to an escalated cost of living and then tempering with peoples source of income abruptly by removing them from the street when there are no available trading spaces in markets.

Mr. Mushota is urging Local Government Minister Garry Nkombo not to declare a one-man war on the informal sector but rather engage stakeholders to find a proper solution including designating some streets for regulated vending.

He was reacting to Mr. Nkombo’s directive yesterday to all street vendors to vacate the Lusaka Central Business District.

And Association president Fredrick Tembo is urging President Hakainde Hichilema to intervene in the matter and this process halted for Lusaka, Kitwe, Ndola and Livingstone until new markets are complete to accommodate all the traders.

Mr. Tembo says there is also a need for a quick meeting between local authorities, the Ministry of Local Government and market associations to find a lasting solution to this matter as opposed to forcing matters while the economy continues to negatively affect street vendors.

Mr Tembo said that his association has strongly opposed the wholesale removal of street vendors in major cities such as Lusaka and that the removal of vendors from streets by the Government should be done gradually, adding that asking all vendors must leave the streets will have a negative impact on his members.

He said AVETMZ was aware that currently, Zambia does not have the adequate market infrastructure to accommodate everyone operating in the streets.

“As the Association of Vendors, Traders and Marketeers of Zambia we want to argue what the Honourable Minister of Local Government Garry Nkombo has said over the removal of street vendors. I think as at now if we look at the status of the economy, it is biting and people are complaining so if we are going to take that hard step that street vendors should be removed from the streets then we are going to add salt, I can rest assure you that there will be dust,” he said.

“Quiet ok we appreciate the Government’s efforts as at present they are constructing massive modern markets but the truth of the matter is that those markets should be completed. It is very important that the minister calls for a national indaba, we have a very big meeting with us, the union, the people who speak on behalf of these people. It is very important that they engage us; we gave them ideas to say Mr. Minister and your Ministry we can be moving vendors into markets in phases,” Mr. Tembo said.

“As we are talking right now, my brothers, my mothers, and my sisters who are on the streets are surviving from those K2s they are getting on a daily basis but if we are going to take a position to remove them, we are going to create what we call social problems. We will be experiencing increased prostitution, stealing and other illicit activities because of the decision to remove vendors from streets,” Mr. Tembo said.

“We are in the rainy season, and you all know that in the rainy season every individual complains about the status of living. My humble appeal even to the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema please let this thing be rested first. Let us call for a meeting, a proper one. Let the council come on board, the market associations and the Government. We sit down and plan,” he said.

21st December, 2021

His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema
State House
Independence Avenue
Lusaka.

Your Excellency,

Greetings and compliments of the season.
I have decided to write you after a great deal of thought and dismay regarding some campaign promises you personally made and what has followed now that you are occupying the office of presidency after the 12th August, 2021, general elections.
(i)Freedom of Expression.

On many occasions while you were in the opposition and fell victim to the injustices frequently perpetrated against you by the PF government, you promised the Zambian people that when elected as president you shall guarantee all citizens freedom of expression as provided by the constitution which you later swore to uphold and respect.

One of the most obnoxious provisions in this area is the provision in the Penal Code which provides for the criminal defamation of the president. This archaic provision which has its roots in our colonial past to protect the British monarchy and not the British prime minister is not consonant with the tenets of the rule of law which you have continued to proclaim and the fundamental right of citizens to express themselves against the wrongs you are likely to commit or omit to do as head of state. This provision as you may know does not exist in the statute books of the United States of America.

I, therefore, wish to say this to you, that if you are truly a democrat as you claim to be, you should promptly have this provision removed as you are neither a monarch nor a saint but a mere mortal of flesh and blood who should be subject to criticism by our citizens without hiding under the protection of the realm of criminal defamation.
(ii)Rights of Suspects.

Our criminal justice system is anchored on the principle that a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by an impartial tribunal established by law. Such a tribunal is represented by our courts of law.

Again as a reminder to you, you cried foul about the number of times when you and other UPND members were arrested while you were in the opposition without the police and other investigating agencies observing the due process of law. Again as president, you publicly proclaimed to this nation that the police shall not detain or keep in custody any person or suspect unless and until they have fully investigated the alleged offence committed by such a person.

However, what the nation has seen in the recent past is the complete opposite. We have witnessed the rights of politicians picked up as suspects being violated with gross impunity under your watch. We have seen suspects of bondable offenses remain in police custody for days for no good or justifiable reasons. If the police is defying your good intentions and instructions, why have you not taken actions or come out to publicly condemn these transgressions by the police? Your loud silence as president and commander –in-chief is beginning to translate into tacit acquiescence of such open injustices.

(iii)Political Cadre violence
It was overly mischievous and embarrassing for your party spokesperson during the Sunday interview edition on 19th December, 2021, to make a statement that the acts of violence perpetrated by UPND cadres at the radio station in Mpika recently and chelstone police station last week were isolated incidents. Where was the man when on more than one occasion you stated publicly that political cadre violence would have no place in Zambia under your government? I hope you realise that even the acts of violence we saw under PF started with what Zambians thought were an exception and not the norm as it later turned out to be. Since these incidents are to be treated as exceptions, please tell the nation when the citizens of this country should start counting and consider acts of political party violence by your cadres as systemic and a part of the UPND political culture which would necessitate your intervention as President as you promised the people.

Your Excellency, in the words of Thomas Hardy, “Character is fate,’’……..that our lives are determined in large part by our own attitudes and actions.’’

Yours faithfully,

Wynter M. Kabimba, SC, ODS.
General Secretary

Who will win Kabwata bye-election?

The Kabwata Parliamentary bye-election scheduled for 20th January 2022 is already causing a lot of excitement especially from the opposition ranks. But is it possible to try and predict the outcome of what is likely to be a highly contested poll? Here are some issues that may affect this bye-election;

1. Incumbency
By-elections tend to favour the ruling party for various reasons such as campaign resources and voters’ view that the outcome wouldn’t cause meaningful change and so voters opting to give the ruling party the benefit of the doubt. Although UPND is unlikely to abuse incumbency to the extent that PF did, they are still likely to benefit.

2. Stronghold
Whose stronghold is Kabwata between PF and UPND? PF held the seat for 15 years and UPND for 5 years before PF with the same MP Given Lubinda (under both parties) . Both parties have viable structures and presence in the constituency. Given this, it would be difficult to tell whose turf the constituency is. But we have to consider the fact that PF lost the seat by 28, 000. This is a huge flip looking at the fact that they previously held the seat. This shows that the former ruling party is much weakened in the constituency. This is more so that the UPND won the constituency with apparently very little effort and was virtually invisible (even SP was more visible than UPND).

3. The issues
For this to work for the opposition, the voters must really be feed up and bent on sending a message to the ruling party. In short, there must be general discontent. But there are really not many issues at this stage save the recent increase in fuel prices (and probably local govt minister Nkombo’s eyebrow raising stirring of the bees who are the street vendors). The extent to which the increase in fuel prices will effect the poll will depend on how wide-spread the price escalation will be by the time of the polls. So far this has only translated into a maximum of K2. 50 increase in bus fares. Also to what extent, in the voters’ view, is this increase mitigated by other New Dawn ‘positives’ such as 2022 budget, appreciation of the Kwacha, end of cadrerism, etc. Especially considering that its barely 130 days in a 5 year mandate.

4. Sympathy vote
Human nature dictates that the sympathy vote is likely to have a significant impact on the election. On this score, voters may allow the UPND to ‘replace’ Levy Mkandawire (MHSRIP) so that it continues with its programs for the constituency.

5. Vote splitting
It would appear that the race for Kabwata is between UPND and PF. However, should the other parties, DP, EEP, PeP, have some impact, they are likely to split votes from the PF. This conclusion is based on the fact that those likely to vote against the UPND are mostly those who voted against it in August this year. At this stage, it’s highly unlikely that most voters would have changed their minds.

6. Voter apathy
Voter apathy is likely to occur because, again, there isnt much to vote for in a bye-election. But this is likely to affect both sides in almost equal proportion.

7. The candidates
General elections are highly influenced by the presidential candidates. However, in a bye-election, this influence can be mitigated especially if there is a very strong candidate. I. e. strong party weak candidate and vice versa.

But as they say ‘anything is possible in politics’. Let us wait and see. See less

Comments
Enock Mwila
Memories of the brutal PF regime are fresh lawlessness, violence, intimidation, corruption, insults, police brutality, tribalism
· Reply · 2h
Francis Mukuka
Once children report to school without fee on January 10, it will be difficult to challenge upnd
· Reply ·

By Pamela Bwembya

WHY I THINK SEAN TEMBO IS A BIG LIAR

Sean Enoch Tembo was among the many Zambians that stood as a presidential candidate for PEP in our last general elections. The party emerged without a single seat in parliament, and not even a councilor at local government level.

Most political parties field their best members for the positions of member of parliament. This is important because MPs must sell themselves well to the constituents they seek to represent. I believe PEP identified men and women exhibiting good leadership skills and fielded them as members of parliament in the last elections. The duplicated article No. 1 of PART IV of the ill-formed PEP manifesto reads, “It is worth noting that with the exception of the Party President and Party Vice President, no other Party official will be a member of a PeP Government Cabinet. This will ensure that the governance of the country is separated from the politics.” According to the PEP manifesto, the elected MPs would not be the ones to be appointed to form the national cabinet.

The above statement is certainly in line with the aspirations of the Zambian people. Unfortunately, this would have only been possible if, from inception, Sean Tembo’s PEP pursued a national constitution review process for the sole purpose of legitimizing selection of his cabinet from outside parliament. It seems Sean is not aware that a lot of Acts of Parliament that guide operations of ministries and statutory bodies require the presence of a minister for them to serve their purpose. That is precisely why functions of the president are diluted during elections in the absence of ministers.

As an example, The Energy Regulation Board Act No.12 of 2019 has executive powers vested in the minister responsible for Energy. In the case of PEP, that would have been the proposed but nonoperational Ministry for Mines, Energy, Water and Environmental Affairs. The ERB Act deposits the power to prescribe a lot of activities in the minister through issuance of statutory instruments. While the board makes recommendations of necessary policy changes, the policy changes can only be made by the minister. The implication of this dilemma is that Sean Tembo would have had no vehicle to change anything under his arrangement in the absence of a constitution amendment.

Not even the policies governing the mining, local government, agriculture, tourism, or education would be changed in the absence of ministers. The constitution amendment was going to be the priority of PEP while the country struggled with its financial challenges. Changes to the current constitution requires publication of proposed bills in the government gazette for thirty days, and passing the constitution amendment Bill by at least two thirds of the members of parliament at the second and third reading stages of the parliamentary process. Implied in PEP’s attempt to overhaul the current constitution are prerequisite processes such as the sensitization necessary to gain consensus from Zambian citizens. The sensitization require lots of public debate and would possibly fail to take off without the existence of a cabinet and ministers to sanction them through executive decisions.

Just like the UPND were confronted with shocking revelations, a PEP government would have been greeted by shocking revelations of the extent of damage caused by the former PF government to our economy. The new party would have automatically inherited compromised institutions. PEP’s fight against corruption as stated in their manifesto would experience an interesting hurdle. Although heads of state institutions are currently appointed by the president and ratified by parliament. A number of them fall under individual ministries with Ministers at the top. Ministries, led by permanent secretaries implement government policy, but the policies are formulated by the executive and operationalized through statutory instruments issued by ministers. Under PEP, the ministries would have waited for the uncertain change of the constitution to drastically change the current system into what is proposed in the PEP manifesto.

The country would run for a very long time without a minister of finance until a successful change of the constitution. All this would be happening at the expense of resolving a ballooning debt burden through unpaid interest.

PEP promised through its manifesto to sell ZESCO, ZAMTEL, ZCCM-IH and all for-profit state owned enterprises, and disbanding IDC. All this was obviously ONLY going to be possible after a successful amendment of the current constitution.

Had Sean Tembo and his PEP managed to turn their zeroes into votes to make them instant heroes, they would have been faced with two choices; to keep the promises proposed in the PEP manifesto to the letter or to break the promises by appearing to LIE to the electorate by first continuing with the existing constitution until it was possible to amend the constitution for the implementation of the changes proposed in their manifesto. If we assumed Sean Tembo’s PEP had the 2.8 million votes that went to the ruling UPND this is what would have possibly happened.

1. STICK TO THE PROMISES
   The PEP government would have no choice but to prioritize the amendment of the current constitution to one that would allow for the appointment of ministers from outside parliament as proposed by the PEP manifestos. Part V of the PEP manifesto proposed an immediate replacement of all parastatal heads in government owned institutions, and permanent secretaries in all ministries. The manifesto further promised the abolishment of IDC, a body that owes its existence to the minister of finance under CAP 349. Permanent Secretaries with the help of Sean and his Vice President would paradoxically direct government activities in the absence of a cabinet to give the necessary policy direction until the constitution was amended.
2. BREAK THE PROMISES
   This approach would require the obvious continuation of the current constitution and maintain the current government structure with reorganization of ministries into the suggest 16 ministries as suggested by the PEP manifesto. This would require quickly appointing ministers and a cabinet to address important national challenges such as underperformance by poorly funded ministries and mobilization of resources to get the country to quickly and efficiently sort out its domestic and foreign debts. The challenge with this approach is that Sean Tembo would automatically qualify to be called a LIAR be causes it goes against the duplicated item No. 1 under PART IV of the PEP manifesto.

CONCLUSION

While most of us believe Sean Tembo is academically sharp, I personally fail to appreciate his ability to see things in their correct light. I believe Sean Tembo must keep quiet over accusations of apparent lies in the UPND process of driving towards the party manifesto’s objectives. It is evident that even PEP objectives, as contained in the party manifesto, are impossible to fulfill without first adopting existing structures and the current constitution that underpins them. Sean Tembo’s incessant attacks on measures taken by the current government to ultimately achieve its promised objectives over time are misplaced because no party can outrightly change existing structures or policies without falling back on existing models. Assuming Sean Tembo would NOT LIE to the people of Zambia is baseless because the PEP manifesto cannot be implemented without long processes of changing the current constitution. The assumption that the required two thirds majority to achieve such a change is as naïve as Sean Tembo himself.

PB …always in national interest.

*STATEMENT BY PATRIOTIC FRONT ACTING SECRETARY GENERAL HON. NICKSON CHILANGWA –MCC*

_Thursday 23rd December 2021_

*LEAVE THE VENDORS ON THE STREET UNTIL YOU PROVIDE A SOLUTION – DECISION BY UPND GOVERNMENT TO UNCEREMONIOUSLY EJECT VENDORS FROM THE STREETS*

The Patriotic Front is greatly disturbed by the decision by the UPND government to unceremoniously remove our street vending mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters from the streets.

President Hakainde Hichilema and his promise breaking administration are now showing their true insensitive colours. The elitist UPND gave fake promises to the poor masses just to win the vote of vendors and the poor masses.

Instead of fulfilling their promise to reduce the price of fuel and electricity, the UPND administration have broken their promise by doing the opposite of what they promised. They have instead removed the fuel and electricity subsidies that cushioned the poor, and hiked fuel prices and electricity tariffs. This has significantly raised the cost of living – particularly for the vendors and masses of our people.

And now to add salt to injury, the UPND is bent on taking away the little that is left of the livelihoods of street vendors whose life the UPND has already made harder with the increased cost of living brought on by the Hichilema administration’s decision to remove subsidies.
How does the UPND government expect our people on the street to survive without providing them an alternative?

We demand that the UPND administration leaves the street vendors on the streets until alternative and acceptable alternatives are found for them.

Unlike our capitalist friends in the UPND government, PF remains a pro-poor party.
PF is therefore greatly disturbed by this insensitive UPND injustice and we sympathise with our sisters, mother’s brothers and fathers.

As the Kabwata Constituency By-Election approaches, we note that there are street vendors who either come from Kabwata Constituency or are connected to the constituency in one way or another, and we call upon them and the people of Kabwata to signal their disgust for the many promises UPND have broken in such a short time, by voting PF.

*HON. NICKSON CHILANGWA –MCC.*
*PATRIOTIC FRONT ACTING SECRETARY GENERAL*

Leader of the opposition Patriots for Economic Progress Sean Tembo has condemned what he has termed as harassment of street vendors by the government through a short notice given for them to vacate the Central Business District.

Local Government and Rural Development Minister Garry Nkombo yesterday gave a short notice and ultimatum to street vendors to immediately vacate Cairo road, Chachacha road and Freedom Way and directed the Council to relocate them to designated trading places.

But Mr. Tembo said that the government should have first engaged the representatives of the street vendors before removing them from the streets.

Addressing Journalists at a media briefing, Mr. Tembo said this will increase poverty at household level especially that the prices of commodities have gone up following the adjustment in fuel prices by the Energy Regulations Board.

Meanwhile, Patriotic Front acting Secretary-General Nickson Chilangwa says the party is disturbed with the decision by the UPND government to unceremoniously remove street vendors from the streets.

“President Hakainde Hichilema and his promise breaking administration are now showing their true insensitive colours. The elitist UPND gave fake promises to the poor masses just to win the vote of vendors and the poor masses,”he said.

“Instead of fulfilling their promise to reduce the price of fuel and electricity, the UPND administration have broken their promise by doing the opposite of what they promised. They have instead removed the fuel and electricity subsidies that cushioned the poor, and hiked fuel prices and electricity tariffs. This has significantly raised the cost of living – particularly for the vendors and masses of our people,”.

And now to add salt to injury, he said, the UPND is bent on taking away the little that is left of the livelihoods of street vendors whose life the UPND has already made harder with the increased cost of living brought on by the Hichilema administration’s decision to remove subsidies.

Mr Chilangwa said “How does the UPND government expect our people on the street to survive without providing them an alternative.

In a statement, the SG demanded that the UPND administration leave the street vendors on the streets until alternative and acceptable alternatives are found for them.
“Unlike our capitalist friends in the UPND government, PF remains a pro-poor party.

PF is therefore greatly disturbed by this insensitive UPND injustice and we sympathise with our sisters, mother’s brothers and fathers,”he said.
He said “As the Kabwata Constituency by-election approaches, we note that there are street vendors who either come from Kabwata Constituency or are connected to the constituency in one way or another, and we call upon them and the people of Kabwata to signal their disgust for the many promises UPND have broken in such a short time, by voting for PF.

Patriotic Front (PF) Member of the Central Committee, Kebby Mbewe has described as unfortunate calls by United Party for National Development-UPND youths that his restaurant at the new Choma Bus station be closed.

This follows continued pressure from UPND youths in Choma to remove Mbewe’s business from the new intercity bus station – accusing him of being a cadre that was vulgar against President Hakainde Hichilema in opposition.

But Mbewe has challenged those saying he insulted Hichilema to produce evidence.

“So, for people to start thinking that I was insulting the President in opposition, I think it’s not a right thing to do because I can tell you to say that these are the politics we do and if I insulted the president before, let someone quote the words I used,” Mbewe said.

Mbewe, who says he has been doing business in Choma for 25 years has told Byta FM’s Joe Pandwe that the Southern Provincial capital is what has made him to be who he is today, adding that the bus station belongs to everyone.

“All what is happening is unfortunate, but not for me, if anything, I sustain that restaurant because it does not make money for me but for the people I employed there,” he said.

Mbewe reveals that he employs over 80 people in Choma through his businesses, noting that for the restaurant in question, he followed due process in acquiring it just as any Zambian would following advertisements.

“For your own information, it was my manager who pushed in the application for that restaurant and I did not have any influence in the process,” He said.

Meanwhile, Mbewe says that it is disappointing to see people bent on closing down his businesses in Choma following a recent move by UPND officials where his Debonair’s Pizza was briefly closed for not displaying the Presidential portrait.

“..am a human being and it’s very sad and painful that the brothers and sisters I live with can turn around and destroy the property I invested in without anybody’s money.

“To destroy properties that does not only serve me but the populace of this country and our town Choma, and to allow cadres to take the law in their own hands, to destroy properties of private people who support other political parties, it does not sit well with me,”Mbewe lamented.

He said he will not be bullied to join the UPND as a way of sustaining his businesses.

DR. MUSOKOTWANE’S STATEMENT IN PARLIAMENT THAT PF FAILED TO DEVELOP THE 8NDP GROSSLY MISLEADING

The Minister of Finance and National Planning yesterday informed Parliament on the process of formulating the Eight National Development Plan and went on to make a wild statement that the PF Government failed to develop the Eight National Development Plan having had all the time to do so. This statement clearly demonstrates that the Minister is clueless about the planning process and has not been properly briefed or has chosen not to listen or even read his own documents.

The planning process in Zambia is Governed by two instruments the National Planning and Budgeting Act number 1 of 2020 and the National Planning and Budgeting Policy which was approved by Cabinet in 2014. The Act provides overall guidelines in terms of the main contents of the plan including the consultative mechanisms to ensure that the outcome is a product of a participatory process. This is outlined under Part III of the Act. Unlike the long term plan (which in the Act is the Vision), the medium term plans (NDPs) do not have tangible time lines in their preparations in the Act. The timelines are however well elaborated in the policy document which he is advised to read together with the Act.

In the Planning and budgeting cycle of the policy (page 25) the last deliverable of the Government in power during an election year is the development of the concept note and broad policy direction. This should include development priorities as precursors to the finalization of the actual document.

The above processes were done and completed and the PF Government went further to come up with a draft 8NDP which provided policy guidance that the President used in his opening address to Parliament. It should therefore be noted that that key output of any Government in an election year with regard to the national development planning process is a concept note regarding the socio-economic development informed by the mid-term review process and other evaluation reports. The Government in power could also outline development priorities on the basis of a thorough situation analysis.

The main reason the policy was formulated in such a manner that a full-fledged plan should not be developed by a sitting Government in an election year was meant to avoid what transpired during the change of Government from MMD to PF where the PF Government did not fully own the Sixth National Development Plan as it was not aligned to our political part’s manifesto. This certainly would have occurred had UPND found a fully developed Plan as it would have been perceived as a PF document.

The Economic Recovery Plan is one case in point which is hardly on the lips of the UPND just like many other progressive policies left behind which are now being mutilated.
From the above the Minister should be aware that the development of the Eight National Development Plan is his responsibility and cannot look for failures elsewhere that do not exist. The role of the outgoing Government in an election year is once again not to develop a Plan but to undertake a situation analysis and provide a social economic update in readiness for the development of the national development plan by whichever party wins the election. A draft document could also be prepared to help ease the process of aligning the plan to the winning part’s manifesto. These processes were done and completed.

Given what I have outlined and is verifiable in the two key documents I have referred to, it is evidently clear that the Minister needs to take a back seat and take some quick lessons on how the process is done failure to which he will continue to mislead the nation and himself. After the 2016 elections, the PF found in place the same prescribed road map and used the materials the professionals had such as evaluation reports left by the MMD administration to develop the 7DNP after aligning it with the PF manifesto. The launch was done in 2017. My advice to the Minister is to move away from the blame game as this will keep on backfiring against him and his administration and get down to work than exposing his failures.

Alexander Chiteme
Former Minister of National Development Planning

By Chomba Kaoma

LOVE HIM OR HATE HIM TIME WILL TELL

The case of Bally, a simple Gentleman from the outskirts of Southern Province, From Kachema to Successful businessman and Politician to President with a Virgin mind about Public and Civil service but a very rich background about business and how the private sector runs, fails, succeeds etc. as a nation we are always led by politicians let me explain that….”A POLITICIAN always makes decisions from a voters point of view simply because this nation has been reduced to elections and not development” Very Sad!! Mostly these decisions affect long term planning because most of them have got short term benefits and only sustain the few among the General public.

Yesterday His Excellence President of the Republic of Zambia Comrade Double H Made a serious statement which I am sure not even the famous Binoculars could see or hear from afar This man simply said what no politician has ever said “Am not here to seek Re Election but am here to work” what most people don’t know is that Presidency is the most difficulty Job but should never be reduced to a Voters card. Every time the President makes a decision people go up in arms 2026 TAWAKAPITE even with little understanding that the decision has been made in there best interest “TATWAKA VOTEE” one day we shall end up with a Fool of a President because lack of patience and understanding on matters of National interest. This President is clearly here to serve the people and he has simply put it this way “don’t reduce my work to elections when I have only done more than a 100 days, infact am not scared of elections but let’s talk about that when it’s the right time. Because everything has got time and now it’s time to work we shall talk about voting when that time comes for now Seleni mbombeko”

FACT: even if PF Won the Elections Fuel was going to increase because how were we going to Service the debt while subsidizing a certain sector hell No.. dear Zambians let’s allow this Gentleman in state house to work let us not reduce his job to a Voters Card because whatever decisions him and his Team makes, are in the best interest of this nation Infact this Gentleman can actually see far beyond the Binoculars let us not allow few individuals reasoning from there bellies to Detour the nation from the truth!! We had our time and during our time all the Binoculars were hidden that’s why the nation was subjected to Massive looting of public resources and unreasonable Caderism!! Did the Binoculars see that for $50 000 investment a Zambian will now be Given the same incentives as a foreigner? All it saw was Fake sickness. Imwe let us support this Government, there so many Good pronouncements being made by different Governments departments which binoculars is not seeing apart from the fake sickness it announced to the nation 😂😂 it’s time to work now!!

Anothe Fuel Increase Maybe on the Way

By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

Listening to government officials justify the fuel, increase, one gets the idea that the incoherent message maybe as a result of lack of or withholding of information, absence of consultation among the key officers or lack of basic researched knowledge on the matter.

Presidential Spokesperson Mr. Anthony Bwalya has blamed transporters of the commodity of hiking costs and has made a startling claim that the tankers are owned by former cabinet ministers.

Other government officials claim that the fuel subsidy benefitted mine houses more than it did to ordinary people.

FUEL SUBSIDIES OR SUSPENSION OF TAXES AND RATES?

We now know that in 2020 and 2021, Government passed several statutory instruments (including; SI No.125 of 31st December, 2020, SI 89 of 2021).

The effects of these statutory instruments suspended all taxes on petroleum, diesel, kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas.

Secretary to Treasury Mr. Felix Nkulukusa disclosed that Government was spending $67million per month on fuel subsidies.

Information has since emerged that the $67million cost of “subsidy” per month is broken down as follows;

1. $26m price differential arising from exchange rate fluctuations and balancing of world market price. ( However the exchange rate fluctuations have settled around K16 per $1 since June 2021 to the high rate of K23 per $1between January 2021-June 2021. So this figure may largely be overstated.)

2. $41.4 m lost because of suspended on taxes and rates. (Customs duty 25%; VAT 16% and excise duty K2.07 per litre).

Ministry of Finance then came up with a figure of an estimated loss of revenue for the year 2021 would would be $809m.

It is clear from the above information that there has been no subsidy per-say but a suspension of taxes and rates on petroleum products.

THE ERB FUEL INCREASE

This brings cardinal questions.

1. Has government reinstated these taxes? It appears not. This means beginning January 2022, when the new Budget cycle starts, we may see a natural return of these taxes as government has not provided for their renewal or suspension in the 2022 Budget.

This will bring a sharp increment of fuel pump price as these taxes amount to 41% of the current fuel price.

2. What did ERB do? ERB appears to have increased the price of fuel pump price independent of the debate and factors driving the tax suspension or so called subsidies.

3. Is there another fuel price increase on the way? Likely yes as the Minister of Finance has made it very clear that no form of subsidy or tax suspension will be entertained to the petroleum sub-sector in 2022.

What is your view?

By McPherson Mutale

“The drama at the Ministry of Information and Media should come to an end. Bally’s way of solving the problem is merely creating another.

By appointing Mr. Thabo Kawana, the hope is that he will fill the void. Unfortunately, he has just created another problem. Mr Kawana was better left at the party Secretariate as a functionary.

The problem is the Minister and the team around her. She was thrown in the deep-end without a life jacket. She is drowning and she may not drown alone.

Cabinet is like a bicycle chain, when it’s broken in one place, it’s useless. The earlier Bally realizes the weakest link, the earlier he can solve his problems.

There is a number Ministers in Bally’s administration who are just seat warmers and he is not doing himself a favor by keeping them to warm seats. For now it might be bearable but soon people will get tired.

It’s never too early to change your team if you realize in the first minute that one of your players is not fit.

The bulky of the problem for Bally is that, the person who is suppose to be the eyes and ears of the administration is actually unable to see and hear.

The vacuum that Hon Kasanda has created has forced people like Anthony Bwalya and Cornelius Mweetwa to try and fill in the gap.

Unfortunately, this is a nightmare as they both can’t freely speak on government policy without crossing the line and stepping into the Minister’s office.

President Bally has to be bald and deal with the Minister. If he needs her so badly in his administration, he can reshuffle her.

The work ahead is very brutal and requires a competent communicator and an agile public policy expert.

The administration has IMF and its attendant tough choices that need an effective and efficient communication machinery. There is none at the moment.

Regardless of the major successes the administration has scored so far, the Minister and her team have lamentably failed to create a contrast between what we vomited and what has been achieved so far.

What has happened is that the Minister has allowed and enabled the opposition to have a field day.

Governance, like politics is about perceptions. You should not just DO but you should also be SEEN to be DOING.

The opportunity to do the right thing is now, before the water gets to the nose.

Bally can choose to babysit adults and get grey by 2026, or he can do the right thing and have a team that helps him to deliver a prosperous and equitable Zambia.”

PF LEFT HALF BAKED 8TH NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

The Patriotic Front (PF) administration allegedly did not finish formulating the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), compelling the new dawn administration to base the 2022 budget on a draft.

Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane says Government also considered what the PF failed to achieve in the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP).

Dr Musokotwane’s response followed questions by some PF Members of Parliament (MPs) in the House yesterday on why the 2022 budget is based on a draft plan.The minister said Government had to work with what was available to come up with the national budget because the previous regime did not leave a complete development plan.

This was after he rendered a ministerial statement to clarify on the draft 8NDP.“Pending the end of the Seventh National Development Plan, it was imperative and requirement by law that a successful plan be put in place.“In 2021, Government started the formulation of the 8NDP for 2022-2026 .

The plan is still work in progress and reference was made to it in the yellow book to reflect this fact,” Dr Musokotwane said.But Leader of Opposition in the House Brian Mundubile asked the exact plan on which the 2022 budget is based.

Dr Musokotwane said the previous government should have finished formulating the 8NDP by the time the UPND was taking over the reign.He said Government fell back on the draft and other information it had on the economy to come up with a budget.

Shiwang’andu MP Stephen Kampyongo wondered why Dr Musokotwane could not admit having been wrong to base the budget on a draft, but instead focus on the 7NDP.Dr Musokotwane said it was only sensible for Government to consider elements in the 7NDP which were not implemented because they are still relevant.

Kamfinsa MP Christopher Kang’ombe asked if the confusion implies that the country needs an independent ministry to oversee national development planning to effectively implement the documents.

But Dr Musokotwane wondered how the then Ministry of National Development Planning failed to come up with the 8NDP if it was effective.“UPND had no option but to base the 2022 national budget on draft 8NDP we found, and the things PF failed to do in the 7NDP like employing teachers and building schools,” Dr Musokotwane said.

The minister was answering Bwacha MP Sydney Mushanga (PF) why Government did not prioritise having the 8NDP approved by Parliament before presenting next year’s National Development Plan.

Daily mail

ESTHER LUNGU FOUNDATION RAIDED

THE Esther Lungu Foundation was last week raided and searched by a combined team of law enforcement agencies consisting of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and the Zambia Police.The team searched the Trust offices before breaking in a container where they only found wheelchairs.

A Trust official confirmed that the investigative officers raided their offices.
PF vice president Given Lubinda who also confirmed the development said it was sad that in trying to pin down the former republican President, Mr Edgar Lungu, the investigative wings have continued with their no-knock raids and searches of properties belonging to innocent individuals who are closer to him.

In an interview, Mr Lubinda said last week, a combined team of officers from the Zambia Police, ACC and DEC raided and conducted a search at a Trust run by President Lungu’s wife, Esther, where they broke in and only found wheelchairs.

But when contacted for a comment, both ACC and Police spokespersons, Queen Chibwe and Rae Hamoonga expressed ignorance of the raid and search of the Esther Lungu Foundation Trust.

Mr Lubinda, who apologised to Mr Lungu and his family for making it public said it was important for the nation to know what was happening to the former first family.
“It is so painful that Mrs Lungu for instance, everybody knows that she was running the Esther Lungu Foundation Trust. About a week or so ago, Police, DEC, and ACC went and broke the lock open of a container in which she was keeping wheelchairs,” Mr Lubinda said.

He explained that the workers who were found at the foundation told officers to wait for the keys but they broke it saying they had no time to wait for the person to bring the key.
“They broke the lock open and only found the wheelchairs. Is that humane? It that the way to treat each other, more especially the former Head of State?” Mr Lubinda asked.
Mr Lubinda has also disclosed that several associates of President Lungu were on the run because of politically-motivated persecution by the new dawn government.
He said most of Mr Lungu’s associates were in hiding for fear of being harmed or killed.

Daily Nation

By Chamuka Shalubala,

ANTI-Corruption Commission (ACC) director community education Dorothy Cheelo says the maximum prison sentence of 14 years for corruption is not adequate because the vice is an economic crime which can sabotage the nation.

And Cheelo says the commission was flooded with corruption complaints immediately after the August general elections.

Meanwhile, Cheelo says the commission does not wait for instructions, but adds that the President, like any other member of the public, can also lodge complaints.

Speaking when she featured on Radio Phoenix’s ‘Let the people talk’ programme, Tuesday, Cheelo said the sentence for those who engage in corruption activities should be harsh enough to deter would-be offenders.

“We have said we need legal reforms on a number of laws starting with the Anti-Corruption act. The Anti-Corruption Commission act, there is a retreat that is happening now where it has been revealed. So the review of the act has started. In a similar manner, the sentence, the minimum sentence for corruption is not something that we should be happy about. It should be a sentence that should deter offenders in the future so that it is scary to anyone who would want to engage in corruption, but there is no minimum sentence at the moment,” she said.

“The maximum we were given is 14 years, that is not adequate. Corruption is an economic crime which can sabotage the nation. Imagine you have expired drugs purchased through some procurement system and people take the drugs, they get sick, they die. You have murdered. It is you who was involved in that whole process who has caused that, so why should you go for 14 years when you should go for more because you have caused economic sabotage? So we need to have the act revealed in order to support this.”

And Cheelo said the commission was flooded with corruption complaints immediately after the August general elections.

“I should indicate that effective August 12, just immediately after the August 12 elections, the commission was flooded and is still been flooded with a lot of complaints of corruption.

Some of them are very surprising because they may have been reported a year or so ago but they are coming up now and they are coming with a lot of evidence, tangible evidence even with documentation. We have actually uncovered a lot of complaints which we are working on not only as ACC but with joint teams that have been formed of law enforcement agencies working together, tackling the vice from all corners,” she said.

“If there is something to do with drug enforcement, maybe money laundering involved, we have the drug enforcement on the teams. If it’s something we need information from the Auditor General’s office, the Auditor General is part of the team. If we need information from the FIC, they are part of the team and very available to avail documentation.

We have a lot that is going on in the background and the public will continue getting informed along the way as we uncover a lot of these cases, especially those in public interest. We know the public is expecting a lot from the Anti-Corruption Commission and we know that all eyes are on the Anti-Corruption Commission and we are alive to that.

We are doing what we can do best to ensure that we satisfy you, to ensure that you get what is yours back in terms of assets, you get the resources back and the nation moves forward.”

Cheelo said the commission does not wait for instructions, but added that the President like any other member of the public could also lodge complaints.

“The Anti-Corruption Commission has the law in their hands, they do not wait to be directed. We do not wait for you to lodge complaints. Yes, we will receive complaints from the public from all angles but we are on the ground. We have intelligence officers on the ground in different areas and we gather information about different people. We don’t sit back to wait for instructions, no. Of course, we will receive information, the President is a member of the public and like any member of the public he can also lodge complaints which he may come across and this is encouraging. Because when the President says things, we work in that kind of environment which we call walking with the lion and you are safe because you are protected. And that is what we are using as a basis for us to move faster than it was before,” she said.

Cheelo further called for the establishment of independent courts for corruption cases to expedite the hearing of cases.

“We need independent courts for corruption. You will realize that there are so many cases that are of public interest. I will give an example of our famous Kapoko case because it is in public domain and some of the sentences have been passed and have been served. How do you take nine years to conclude a case in court from day one? Nine years and the public loses interest along the way. They see it is a waste of time and some even lose track,” she said.

“We are investigating all those where we have gathered intelligence and where we have seen things that were happening, and so we have information and reports from all over. It is not that we are targeting the private persons, but the law does provide for targeting private persons where they interface with the public and that will not stop. If you are a private person, you interface with the public and you get resources from the public, you have to be investigated because the law provides for it. We will not leave you behind just because you are a private person, everybody should be brought to book and should be brought to answer.”

And speaking on the same programme, Transparency International Zambia executive director Maurice Nyambe challenged the UPND government to come up with a comprehensive strategy for fighting corruption.

“I want to give a challenge to the UPND administration. The UPND really said a lot in terms of their manifesto when it comes to the fight against corruption and I think they have said many of the correct things. I think the time has come for us now to see action. So my challenge to them is let them be different, let this fight against corruption not be another political rhetoric that we have seen in the past. Let them develop and come up with a comprehensive country strategy for fighting corruption because I think that is what is going to help us going forward as a country,” said Nyambe

“Corruption is a very complex problem now and the complexity of corruption now demands that we become even better, for example using technology to deal with it because a lot of corruption that is happening now is actually happening in the digital space. The digital space has now become a key battleground for corruption and so the digital space is the new frontier when it comes to the fight against corruption. As Anti-Corruption activists, we need to find a way of also penetrating that space and beginning to function within that space in order to fight that corruption. Also, there is a need for us as anti-corruption activists and entities that are involved in this fight, we need to boost our research capabilities so that we can generate evidence that will be used in the fight against corruption.”

A father has complained that nurses insisted on calling him ‘mom’ during his pregnancy despite being a man.

Bennett Kaspar-Williams, 37, from Los Angeles, first realised he was trans around ten years ago, in 2011, but didn’t begin his transition until three years later.

Then six years later, in 2017 he found Malik, his future husband – who he married in 2019.

The couple decided that they wanted to have children, and weighed the options available to them because it meant Bennett stopping the testosterone hormone therapy he’d been on for several years.

Bennett, who has had surgery on the top half of his body but not on his genitalia, eventually decided that he would be comfortable trying to conceive and carrying a child.

Two years after beginning hormone treatment, in the summer of 2015, Bennett had surgery to remove his breasts – paying $5,000 for the procedure.

Recalling how it took the operation to make him realise how unhappy he was about having female breasts, he said: ‘It was really liberating. I had this feeling that it was something that I needed to do, but I never had a self-hatred of my breasts, like some trans people.

‘I had no dysphoria about certain body parts and still don’t.

‘But I never could have anticipated what a relief it would be to find them gone. It was a huge weight off my shoulders.

‘That’s the end of the surgical road when it comes to my transitioning though – bottom half surgery is off the table. I have no dysphoria with that part of my body.’

However, carrying and giving birth to his own child was not a straightforward decision for Bennett.

‘I always knew it was a possibility that my body might achieve pregnancy, but it wasn’t something I ever wanted to do until I learned how to separate the function of my body from any notions of gender,’ said Bennett.

‘Once I learned to think of my body as a tool and not a collection of gendered stereotypes, I realized that I could both be the person I wanted to and bring a child into the world.

‘No one can ever really know whether having children is possible until you try – being born with a uterus doesn’t make conceiving or carrying a certainty.

‘That’s why it’s so important that we stop defining “womanhood” in terms of “motherhood”, because it’s a false equivalency that all women can become mothers, that all mothers carry their children, or that all people who carry children are mothers. – Daily Mai

By Emmanuel Chilekwa

UPND TEACHES MULENGA SATA A WORTHWHILE WELCOME BUT NOT SO WELCOME HARSH LESSON.
21 December 21

Politicians, like footballers must have MANAGERS. It appears they get lost in puffed up self ego thinking “they’re happening” when fact is they are spent forces.

Case of Mulenga Sata. How could he even think of REDEFECTING back to UPND and on same day, he goes into primary elections (at Ward level) for vacant Kabwata Constituency by election parliamentary seat only to get *ONE* vote from the 5 wards in the Constituency? Good lesson. Message to him us: ” _uko kwine ba mishiba, kuno Balboa ilyauma._ ” And that’s how Mulenga Sata has been shunted to the very last position out of …. candidates

Indeed, UPND has taught him a good lesson. So he thinks he can just change jerseys today and go to cruise over those who have been suffering for the UPND party?

All the while, Mulenga was enjoying in the former ruling party PF only under four months ago. Now he decided to jump ship and surpass all the bonafide UPND party stalwarts? No ways.

Since 1991, only one Felix Mutati has been able to make winning moves (defections) as he has been in every government since then- MMD, PF and now UPND. Unlike Mulemga, Murati knows when to cross the floor. He should have the sharpest political binoculars todate. He’s on the quieter side but more tactical in placing himself in pole position even among the sharpest politicians.

As for Mulenfa Sara, I congratulate the 5 UPND wards in Kabwata. This is how to teach political pendulums who stand for nothing. This young man has ditched his father’s party twice in 5 years.

I certainly believe Mulenfa is now on his way to wipe himself out if political relevance, purely, for lack of vision and stability even the chips are down. You can’t eat your cake and still have it.

Going forward, not until people like my son Kalani Muchima , Mubita Nawa and the like have enjoyed the 5 years of being in the control seat should they think of looking at Mulenga as a Councillor.

Ni masobela aya. Atase!!!

*Results of UPND Kabwata Constituency Primary Primary Elections : Candidate Adoption Process*

The following are the combined results of the 5 wards and constituency body of the UPND Kabwata primary elections which are part of the process to identify the candidate who’s going to contest as Kabwata MP in the forthcoming 20 January 2022 by-election.

1. Andrew Tayengwa – 103
2. Mike Mulabe – 47
3. Sulwe Issac Hamuchele – 21
4. Mutinta Mazoka – 19
5. Chilekwa Munkonge – 16
6. Msaiwale Mlewa – 5
7. Royd Chibonta – 4
8. Sibeso Banda – 4
9. Dr. Bob Sakahilu – 3
10. Ackim Moono – 2
11. Felix Kayeyi – 1
12. Henry Chibutu – 1
13. Mulenga Sata – 1

Ward level Election Summary Statistics

Total valid votes cast: 227
Total eligible voters (electoral college): 264
Rejected votes: 1
Voter turnout: 86%

HH MUST HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE TO APOLOGISE FOR LIES – KAMBWILI … denies telling people to urinate into Lake Kariba

Chishimba Kambwili has asked President Hakainde Hichilema to call for a press conference and apologise to Zambians for having told them lies.

And Kambwili said he never told people to urinate into Lake Kariba Dam, when the county was experiencing severe load shedding during his time as information minister under Edgar Lungu, describing that as propaganda to draw the people’s attention away from hiked fuel prices by UPND.

Speaking with Daily Revelation, Kambwili said this was the time President Hichilema should avail himself more before the media as he said he would when coming into office.

“It is the right time so that he can explain to the people of Zambia why the change of heart,” Kambwili said, saying he warned Zambians that it was a lie if anyone was promising them to reduce prices for essential commodities.

Kambwili wondered where the President had kept his spread sheet where he promised people a reduction in fuel, electricity and prices for other commodities.

“Now today that he has done the exact opposite the best my dear brother can do is apologise to the people of Zambia and not let his ministers exhibit arrogance by saying the poor people and the retirees are happy,” Kambwili said. “Which poor people did (Finance minister Dr Situmbeko) Musokotwane consult and they told him they are happy with removal of subsidies? He’s happy because he is not affected. He’s got a good salary and allowances.”

Kambwili said Dr Musokotwane should instead be urging his fellow colleagues in government to tighten their belts in the same manner they have tightened Zambian people’s belts, saying that will make government leaders be reasonable when increasing prices as they will be feeling the pinch in their pockets also.

“When there is need to tighten up the belts, the leaders must be in the forefront to even say okay, now that there is this hardship coming because of our engagement with IMF, where we have to have austerity measures,” Kambwili said, “for the next three years they can say no, we are giving away our housing allowance, or traveling allowance or sitting allowance… continue to website http://dailyrevelationzambia.com/hh-must-hold-press-conference-to-apologise-for-lies-kambwili-refuses-telling-people-to-urinate-in-lake-kariba/

Mercy Cowham has agreed that a DNA test be conducted on her four children she alleges were fathered by Bowman Lusambo

A NDOLA woman Mercy Matongo Cowham has consented that a Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) test be conducted on her four children she alleges were fathered by former Lusaka Province minister Bowman Lusambo.

Lusambo in this case sued Mercy in the Lusaka High Court and is seeking an order that a DNA test be conducted on the four children to ascertain their paternity.

Lusambo is also claiming damages for libel.

On September 28, 2021, Mercy published through a video footage that was circulated on Facebook and other online media houses to the effect that Lusambo had been in a sexual relationship with her for about eight years and fathered three children with her while she was expecting the fourth one and has since given birth.

But Mercy in her defence filed in court has maintained that her four children were fathered by Lusambo.

“The defendant shall aver at trial that the comments made by her are based on her personal knowledge and belief,” Mercy stated. “The defendant will aver at trial that the plaintiff is not entitled to any of the reliefs sought but the defendant is agreeable to a DNA test to be conducted on all four children to confirm that indeed the plaintiff is the father.”

She stated that she will show at trial that there was no malicious in her statement that Lusambo is the father to the children, adding that the former minister in the past did not dispute paternity of the children and had given her support to maintain the children.

Mercy stated that it is true that she was in a relationship with Lusambo for the past years which relationship only ended in 2021.

“The defendant will aver at trial that the plaintiff and defendant were in an on and off sexual relationship since 2014,” the defence read further.

Mercy added that it was true that Lusambo abandoned his children and it was for that reason that she commenced an action against him for the maintenance of the children before theSubordinate Court under cause No. 2021/CRMP/MO/228.

Mercy submitted that the words she uttered in the video were of fair comment and the truth.

(Mwebantu, Wednesday, 22nd December, 2021)

ZAMBIANS must be ready to deal with the consequences of changing government because the UPND administration is obsessed with pleasing their financiers at the expense of the people, New Congress Party (NGP) President, Peter Chanda has warned.
But UPND secretary-general, Batuke Imenda dismissed the claims saying the new dawn government was busy cleaning the mess left by the Patriotic Front (PF) administration to improve the living standards of the people.

Mr. Chanda said Zambians should brace themselves for tougher times ahead because the first thing that any opposition political party that forms government does is to please those that have been funding them at the expense of easing the suffering of its people.

He said in an interview that Zambians should not be shocked that the UPND has removed fuel subsidies and mineral royalties because the measures have been taken to please the people that have been funding the party for the many years it has been in the opposition.

“I want to state that the people should brace themselves for tough times because the cost of living would remain high with the increase in fuel price contrary to the’ heaven on earth’ that President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND promised them in the run up to the August 12 general elections,” Mr. Chanda said.

He has challenged President Hichilema and the UPND administration to admit that reality has caught up with him and tell Zambians that what he has found on the ground is different from what he thought running the government was.
“HH should have taken a leaf from late President Frederick Chiluba on how he conducted his truth campaign in 1991, he asked Zambians, are you ready to rebuild what has been destroyed, do you know that these measures need sacrifice?. He said to rebuild the economy, Zambians would require to tighten their belts,” Mr. Chanda said.

Mr. Imenda however said the reality on the ground is that the UPND administration found empty coffers, hidden loans, and too much corruption in the contracts awarded for construction of road projects, the mess the new dawn government is busy cleaning.
He said in an interview that the PF regime which Mr. Chanda supported during the August elections was supposed to increase the price of fuel in March this year but failed to do so because they were cowards.

“Mr Chanda should not be a hero of their own mistakes, the PF, the party he supported left the country in a mess, the reality is that we found empty coffers, hidden loans, there was too much corruption on projects such as roads,” Mr Imenda said.- Daily Nation

President Hichilema’s Government has mistreated recalled Diplomats

…of treating diplomats like common criminals says Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba.

21.12.21 LUSAKA

President Hakainde Hichilema has set a bad precedent that shall lead to future diplomats being mistreated every time government changes says Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba, the former representative of Zambia to Ethiopia and the AU.
In an interview recorded live for Prime TV, the former diplomat President Hichilema´s government blatantly breached the law by “evicting” senior diplomats such as Ambassadors without giving them due notice to wind up business as per law required.
“The manner in which diplomats including Ambassadors were recalled (by President Hichilema) was totally unfair and illegal,” said Ambassador Mwamba.

The former envoy now eyeing a political play ground said protocol requires Ambassadors for instance to bid farewell to host heads of governments in the same manner they presented credentials which was not the case for dozens of Zambian Ambassadors in order to set the tone for the in coming Ambassador that the two countries still enjoyed warm diplomatic relations.
“But the way Zambian diplomats was done as if they were common criminals packed and bundled out in total disregard to the simple regulation that requires the government to give them three months notice and pay in lieu of notice,” said Ambassador Mwamba.

He said “we are not asking for a favour in recalls from Mr Hichilema´s government we just ask that the law be applied equally and not selectively just to punish perceived enemies.”

The former diplomat whose name has been sounded off in the opposition PF leadership said what Mr Hichilema did has the potential of being repeated by others on his chosen diplomats when he loses power.

“These diplomats you see live in countries for a long time and you must bear in mind that some of them have loans with banks or with governments that ought to be planned before exit and cannot be bundled out like criminals, especially for a country like Zambia which is 57 years old.

The international community, locally and abroad still remain puzzled at how the Hichilema administration wantonly ignored the law and diplomatic decorum in sacking senior diplomats when he assumed power.
Some have described Mr Hichilema´s heavy handedness on diplomats and other perceived enemies as a personification of how vindictive he is for having stayed in opposition for 23 years.

Ambassador Mwamba who touted his 20 years experience in government as a public servant re affirmed that he now stands ready to throw his hat in the national political field of Zambia.
He is seen by many as the face of the “new PF” that is trying to rebrand and provide an alternative voice along with 61 legislators in parliament.

Ambassador Mwamba said it was also sad that despite the harsh immediate recalls the diplomats suffered, they have not been paid their dues up now since they returned compared to the fired Permanent Secretaries.

He also cautioned President Hichilema to not vindictively remove the sacked District Commissioners from the government pay roll until their dues are paid because doing so is illegal according to Zambian laws.

Source: Prime TV

Mbita Chitala

We, just like many other citizens such as President Fred Membe of the Socialist Party are concerned with the continued practice of nepotism, cronyism and favoritism by several administrations in our country.

Nepotism, both in scientific literature and in public opinion, is understood as the abuse of person’s position, power or influence in order to confer a privilege on his/her relatives or tribesmen or regional affiliates.

Cronyism on the other hand means the patronage in a professional career that is based simply on close relationship (i.e. schoolmate or friend, common socialite or political ally and the like).

Favoritism is yet another distasteful conduct which describes patronage that is not based on professional or meritorious interest but on personal relationships or interests. In our country Zambia, we have no legal definition of these vices yet.

However, we all know that nepotism, cronyism and favoritism are negative phenomenon both morally and politically, especially when they manifest themselves in the public sector or the political life of our government as they undermine the principles of the legitimacy of any government and public representation.

They undermine democratic processes and our civil society by encouraging mistrust in public authorities, erodes the confidence of civil society in public institutions, weakens the foundations of state security and defense and reduces the resilience of the Zambian society to internal and external threats.

Studies in both our country and elsewhere also show that the risk of corruption is heightened which damages organizations and society at large, compromises democracy, the legal system and the security of our nation.

We teach our students at universities and colleges that when a person in power gives unfair advantage to people who do not have the requisite qualifications or professional responsibility, such a person in power is not only violating the law, but is also violating standards of professional ethics and causing conflict situations in our country.

We further teach our students that it is in the public interest that citizens employed in the public sector, act professionally and provide quality services that are equally accessible to all citizens so that all decisions are taken impartially and in good faith as required by the public interest.

Unfortunately, this has not been the case in our country since the introduction of the one party state constitution in 1973. All subsequent regimes have practiced nepotism, cronyism and favoritism.

President Kaunda tried to address it through the doctrine of “tribal balancing”. President Chiluba’s first term followed the UNIP doctrine but reverted to nepotism in his second term. President Mwanawasa perfected the system through the doctrine of the “family tree”.

President RB Banda continued with the Mwanawasa doctrine. President Sata advanced the system with naked nepotism via regionalism and President Lungu continued with the nepotism of his predecessor.

President Hichilema has simply reversed the obnoxious nepotism of the PF government by an act of retribution and activated a discriminatory doctrine of regionalism.

This has seen the continued Presidential appointment of cadres as District Commissioners instead of subjecting them to professional civil service conditions , the dismissal of Chief Executives and dissolution of Boards of public enterprises and their replacement with UPND members instead of subjecting them to meritorious selection, the recall of PF appointed diplomats and the appointment of people from the former North Western Rhodesia to hold all senior positions in the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, Defense and Security organs ad infinitum at the expense of those from the former North Eastern Rhodesia. In other words repeating a wrong which many of us hoped would be corrected by the educated people in the UPND such as Ambassador Sachika who has gone completely silent on this.

Most of us agree with the Socialist Party President Dr. Fred Membe that this conduct by the UPND administration does not advance our national unity and those in power must surely know this.

Chilufya Tayali

SPECIAL GRATITUDES TO MY WIFE, MUTEMBO NCHITO (SC), MY FRIEND AT NEWS DIGGERS, BRIAN MUNDUBILE AMONG OTHERS

At times we take the good deeds or sacrifices, our wives offer us, just because they are our wives, forgetting they have a choice not to.

I want to publicly put it on record, that I am so grateful to my wife for standing with me when I was arrested and spent 8 days in cells. She also stood by me during the court process.

No matter what the future brings on us or for us, I will live to appreciate you.❤❤❤

MUTEMBO NCHITO SC IS THE REAL HERO IN THIS MATTER, I AM REALLY GRATEFUL

I have been arrested several times, but this time around it was like my assailants went for the jugular, to finish me. They were ruthless and determined.

Mr. Uyoya, who was at Force Headquarters, at that time, worked hard to execute the instructions from whoever was sending them. I was strong but I suffered.

They humiliated and tortured me psychologically and it really pained.

State Council Mutembo Nchito was my saviour, my hero, he came in bravely and fought for me. They tried to frustrate him, treating him like a law student from “Katemba” University, but he was fortified to fight for my freedom.

I don’t know what would have happened to me had he not come in with the spirit he possessed to fight.

Sir, I am writing this for the record so that history can be written of your good heart and fighting spirit for justice, human rights and brotherhood.

I paid no single ngwee to you but you fought like I had paid you millions of dollars.

TO MY FRIEND AT NEWS DIGGERS
I will not mention your name because you are private in your own way, but I am grateful. My wife take you for a lawyer than a journalist because you guided and encouraged her accordingly. Thanks very much, I really appreciate your true friendship and sacrifice for me.

BRIAN MUNDUBILE YOU ARE A TRUE FRIEND THAN ALL THOSE WHO CLAIM TO BE BROTHERS
Some people think I support Brian Mundubile for Presidency because he has brought me, but it is because he stood by me when all other PF friends took fright from me.

Though he couldn’t do much because it was beyond him, but he showed sympathy and helped my wife when she was desperate for someone to just talk to her.

My wife tried all the numbers of the people I had introduced her to, they all ignored her or cheated to call her back, but never did.

She called Brian Mundubile and he was responsive and supportive. I am so grateful and this is why I support him to lead PF because I know he would help a lot of people.

A leader must have a heart to feel for others and help where he can. No one beats Mundubile among those aspiring for Presidency in PF.

TO PRESIDENT LUNGU
I will not pretend about how hurt I was, that, I, your soldier, had to go through that under your leadership. I was really angry and prayed that you lose the elections because it was clear, if you had won, I was going to jail.

However, I voted for you, to prove my loyalty to you, in spite of what I faced and what I went through.

Today, the case has been dropped through a Nolle, I know how you have wanted it to go away and I am grateful to you and all those who made it possible.

I hold no grudge against anyone, which is why I am writing this long article to release the steam out of me.

You (President Lungu) may not be Republican President today, but I still stand loyal to you and I will still fight for you and take orders from you if you need me for anything.

TO THE POLICE OFFICERS AT IBEX
Not all police officers act according to how they are instructed by politicians, some are very professional and I saw that in the police officers at Ibex.

BENWELL YOU ARE INDEED MY LAWYER
The case was big, but you tried to come in to throw in your best, I am grateful to you.

MY NEIGHBOURS, I AM GRATEFUL FOR HELPING MY WIFE
Muma yard, people are reluctant to help, but you opened doors for my family, to keep Kiya away from the trauma of brigade of police officers when they came to my house to search me like a common criminals.

THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO STOOD BY ME
Some people celebrated by incarnation while others sympathised with me, I am grateful to all of you.

TIME FOR KABWATA NOW
Let me prepare for Kabwata now.

KABWATA – NDIMUNTU WENU!

TAYALI THE RIGHT CANDIDATE FOR KABWATA!

TAYALI THE PUBLIC LAWYER – THE VOICE OF THE VOICELESS!

LET ME GO AND SPEAK FOR YOU IN PARLIAMENT!

By Alexander Nkosi

When designing a project, we begin by conducting a situation analysis which helps us build a problem tree and analysis. We thereafter transform the problem tree into a solution tree and articulate a clear intervention logic. This process helps us design the project, articulating inputs we need, activities we will conduct, expected outputs and medium and long term outcomes and population level impact.

From the expected outputs, outcomes and impacts, we develop indicators that will help us determine whether we have achieved what we set to do. However, before we start implementing interventions, we do a detailed study focusing on indicators developed. We call this a baseline study. This gives us a more accurate picture of where things are before we embark on interventions, we get an initial reading of indicators. This information is vital as it helps us adjust activities and set more informed and accurate targets.

As we implement the project, we monitor continuously so as to ensure it is on track. If things are not working, we make adjustments. This is how development works. We use data to ensure our interventions are impactful.

Similarly, the political economy of development works the same way. In opposition, you have limited information, you develop your campaign promises based on the information you can access or is availed to you. You don’t have access to details on contracts signed, some arrears and other important things that would impact on how an economic challenge should be addressed. When you get into government you begin to see how deep the economic crisis is and you have access to some legally binding contracts that stand in the way of your initial plans of resolving the economic crisis. You now have detailed and more accurate information. At this point you have to adjust your plans in view of this new information, this is the correct thing to do. If you ignore the new detailed information and stick to your campaign promises which were based on an ‘outsider’ view, you will ruin the economy further.

So your campaign promises were correct based on the information you had but in view of the new information availed to you, the correct thing to do is that which will help address underlying economic challenges.

I want to end by encouraging the new dawn government to communicate challenges they have picked which have necessitated that the approach to achieving some campaign promises be changed. In situations where you have to drop some campaign promises altogether, explain why this is important. Similarly, in situations where you have to take a painful route to achieve some of them, explain why this is important. Explain how these changes will yield better results, and most importantly be proactive in setting the agenda and preparing masses in advance.

Thank you!

HH FOLLOWED SEER 1 ADVICE TO LIE TO ZAMBIANS IN ORDER TO BECOME PRESIDENT – PETER CHANDA

… says Zambians believed that things were going to be better immediately because that is what they were promised.

Lusaka … Tuesday, December, 21,2021 [Smart Eagles]

New Congress party president Pastor Peter Chanda says President Hakainde Hichilema is failing to govern because he followed the advice of infamous self proclaimed Nigerian prophet, Seer 1’s advice to lie to Zambians in order to get into power.

Speaking when he featured on Hot FM radio today, Pastor Chanda said Zambians believed that things were going to get better because that is what President Hichilema promised whilst in opposition.

Pastor Chanda said President Hichilema promised the people of Zambia that he was going to stabilize the exchange rate hours after he is sworn in.

” While in opposition President Hichilema used to move with pre parked cooking oil and mealie meal saying the cost of living was very high under the PF Government. He promised to reduce the cost of living immediately he assumed office and Zambians bought into that message. He even gave us his mathematics on how he was going to reduce the price of fuel but today he doing the exact opposite, ” Pastor Chanda said.

“The problem is that President Hichilema followed the advice from Seer 1 to lie to Zambians in order to get to State House and Zambians believed that things were going to change immediately,” He said.

And Pastor Chanda said former President Edgar Lungu was a listening leader who committed his reign to develop all parts of the country.

He said it is sad that his rule was sabotaged by unpatriotic people who surrounded him.

” Former President Edgar Lungu took development to all parts of the country and this was done to prove that he was not tribal but it is sad that his leadership was sabotaged. Some of his people around him never did the right thing. He made several statements to curb cadrelism but it is sad that the vice continued,” Pastor Chanda said.

Meanwhile, Pastor Chanda said there is no possibility of him working with the UPND Government because he has an understanding with the PF.

” As a party we have not resolved to support anyone in the forthcoming Kabwata parliamentary by election and there is no possibility of us working with the UPND. Its upto the PF secretariat to approach us if they wants us to work together during the by Kabwata by election, ” Pastor Chanda said.

Mwamba Confirms PF Presidential Bid…I have no problem serving at any level including presidential

Former Zambian Ambassador to Ethiopia Emmanuel Mwamba has confirmed he is throwing his hat in the ring for the Patriotic Front presidency at next year’s convention.

Featuring on Prime Television’s Oxygen for Democracy, Mwamba said he had garnered a lot of experience including serving as a former diplomat to vie for the top job in the Patriotic Front.
Mwamba who served in South Africa as ambassador and in Ethiopia said that he was heeding to the call by some members of the PF in the aftermath of the August 12 elections loss.

“I have served as permanent secretary, I have served as official spokesperson for former President Chiluba, I have been a diplomat in some of the most distinguished stations in the world, South Africa and Ethiopia. I have interacted with many presidents, my disposition on the matter of leadership is that I have always served wherever I have been called,” he said.

“And with the vast experience that I have when I see what I can offer this country maybe through the Patriotic Front and members are calling upon me to participate in the leadership contest I have no problem with that.”

Mwamba said, “I should not say that it is coming from the members, looking at the vast wealth of experience that I have had, that I have had an opportunity that God has sued top open up the doors. I have no problem with serving at any level including presidential.”

He said that the PF was still an attractive brand and remained vibrant with 59 members of parliament.
Mwamba also advised President Hakainde Hichilema to be wary of law enforcement agencies that had perfected the art of misleading politicians.

He said that having been incarcerated multiple times should make Hichilema cautious with the manner he embraced arrests being championed by the law enforcement agencies.
Mwamba opposed the appointment of Ministry of Information Director Thabo Kawana saying the appointee was illegally appointed.

He said that the ned dawn government had fallen victim to the appointment of cadres in positions where they promised to fix professionals.

Mwamba said the wholesale recall of diplomats was unfair as they were being withdrawn with immediate effect.
“I have misgivings on the current manner the diplomats on recall have been treated,” he said.

Four leading candidates have emerged for the PF top job among them Mwamba, Chishimba Kambwili, Brian Mundubile and Stephen Kampyongo.

Chibamba Kanyama’s comment on Prof. Mwenda’s post

He wrote:👇

Many thanks Prof. We have spoken. I know there has been a continued narrative about my academic credentials in economics, generated by one person who knew little about me many years ago and some people have continued to rub it in albeit unsuccessfully.

For those who want to have a bit of context and do care about me, I went to UNZA as a direct entry student in Mass Communication (which was then treated as a school despite being in School Of Humanities).During registration, I decided to switch to economics as major,a decision that was rejected.

On appeal, Dr Caleb Fundanga, then Head of Economics department, escalated my application to Senate (cannot remember on this one) but was allowed to take an overload of courses every year; the only student at the time allowed to do an overload of five courses per year instead of four; implying I had to carry as many Mass Comm courses as I did for economics.

Interestingly, from 1st to 4th year, I performed far better in economics courses than I did in Mass Comm (I submitted my academic transcripts everywhere I worked, including the IMF). I was classmate to many colleagues who are still alive, among them former Secretary to Treasury Fredson Yamba, former Maths teacher at Libala boys. I am citing him because we did economics together at UNZA, and the current Minister of Finance Dr. Musokotwani, lectured us in Banking, Finance and Public expenditure. Mr Yamba and I later studied for an MSc Development Finance programme at University of Reading.

I do not need to belabour any of these issues but the fact still remains today that Economics has remained my favourite subject: I love it to the extent I have lectured in the region and I lecture EXMBA at UNILUS five years now (implying the student rating is very good). My investment book expanded from my dissertation ‘Determinants of FDI in the Southern African Development Community- Risks and Opportunities’ has continued to enjoy citations from the academic world (people are free to google it).

I am not disturbed by the social media commentary. As long as you are engaged in some activity, people will always talk about you, and it’s tolerable so long it does not change the facts. I value my life goals and what I have done to myself, wife and children (my first born son is an economist and he is Head of Projects and Research at my company Bridges Limited, the company that crafted strategic plans for ZRA, NHIMA, LUSE, ZAMRA, LMMU, ZACL, MFZ Limited currently PIA, WARMA, CHAZ etc . Above all this, I value the people of Zambia, both those who have interacted with me in person and not. When I read the musing, I knew it had nothing to do with me because it does not speak about me. Besides, Prof Mwenda was my distant academic mentor when studying for my MSc and has remained close to me ever since. I value everyone and compliments of the season.

By Hastings Nasilele,

PRESIDENTIAL Spokesperson Anthony Bwalya says the removal of fuel and electricity subsidies will have a slight impact on the cost of living but the UPND government has put in place measures to mitigate that.

Speaking during Phoenix FM’s Good Morning Zambia breakfast show, Monday, Bwalya said if there would be an increase in commodity prices going forward, it should not be entirely blamed on the removal of subsidies.

“It is not entirely correct that the cost of living is going to rise because subsidies on fuel and electricity have been removed and here is why; from the year 2012 to where we are now, your average price of eggs has increased right? Your mealie meal has increased in price, right? Your average price of sugar has increased in price. Literally, everything has increased in price from 2012 to now.

Subsidies were on, so what was driving the change or the increase in prices? And I will give you this perspective, Zambia is largely an import dependent country, now these are facts, this is not politicking, anyone who knows economics should know this and now I am trying to explain it.

Zambia is an import dependent country, when your kwacha depreciates as much as it had done under the previous regime, as much as 230 percent over 10 years, then you are in trouble,” he said.

“It means that anything and everything that you are importing in the country for people to consume will be expensive. And that was the key driving force for the kind of inflation that we are seeing over the past 10 years, just a slump in the value of the kwacha against the dollar.

What was causing that slump in the kwacha against the dollar? Public debt. How? Because every money which our colleagues in the previous regime were generating in revenue needed to be converted into US dollars to feed the appetite to service public debt.

That was weighing on the kwacha, dollar exchange rate and that was driving inflation that was undermining growth. And this is why when you look at 2012 to 2021, your average food-related inflation had spiked from 6.1 percent in 2012 to 31.6 percent in August 2021, subsidies were on then.”

Bwalya said the removal of subsidies would contribute to a slight change in the cost of living but the UPND government had taken measures to mitigate that.

“Now the removal of subsidies, yes marginally it is going to contribute to a slight change in the cost of living but we have taken measures to mitigate that.

We understand that it is going to be tough and this is why we hastened to say as we remove subsidies there, let us make sure that we put 30,000 teachers on the job, let us make sure that we put 11,000 health workers on the job.

Let us ensure that we keep the promise of delivering to the local councils by giving them their local government equalization fund money which [we] have already started doing by the way, as well as clearing all CDF arrears to all 156 constituencies. As we remove subsidies, let us pay our retirees their pension benefits and let us make sure that our kids go to school for free,” he said.

“Let us also make sure that we support those vulnerable women and girls by making sure that they have free access to sanitary wear. That is progress and that is purely in recognition by this administration and the President that it is going to be tough for ordinary people before it gets better.

But at least now the Zambian people have the confidence that they have a government that is not sweeping the problem under the rug, we are not doing that. Already we are making progress; I have just explained that the kwacha dollar rate which we found at 23 percent, we have reduced it to 16.4 percent.

That is an improvement of 55 percent, which means that everyone that brings in goods in the country for you and me to consume no longer requires as much in their kwachas in order to bring in the goods, that is good for business. It also means that it should play out in the retail price that they channel to people.”

And Bwalya said Zambians would start seeing a reduction in the cost of living as soon as the government restores the integrity of the Kwacha.

“We are dealing with the underlying issues that undermined and made it difficult for us to make progress on driving down the cost of living for ordinary people.

The issue of debt is being dealt with. Already, away from having signed the debt service suspension initiative, we have now signed the staff-level agreement with the IMF that has paved the way and made it possible for us to aggressively engage with our creditor productively so that we can restructure how Zambia services her debt.

What that is going to do is that it is going to create excess capacity for us to now spend money in areas where it is needed the most because previously we just had no capacity. The issue of the fuel pump price will be resolved provided we make progress on maintaining or restoring the integrity of the kwacha,” said Bwalya.

“We will deal with the Kwacha issue and now you will begin to see that fuel at the pump progressively will start getting down because the kwacha dollar exchange rate is a critical component to what you pay at the pump. If we miss that, then we will be in trouble.

Unfortunately, the previous government for some reason did not quite understand the relationship between the debt and the kwacha dollar exchange rate and this is why the inflation was going off the roof and it seemed like nobody knew what the problem really was.

But now the Zambian people can be certain they have a President who understands that relationship. This is why we are dealing with the issues of that public debt and as a consequence, we have started to make progress on restoring the integrity of the kwacha and Zambians will start seeing the progress in the reduction of their cost of living.”