Monday, October 28, 2024
Subscribe
Home Blog Page 1006

Political parties urged to avoid imposing candidates

Chief Editor
-
1
Political parties urged to avoid imposing candidates

Movement for Voter Sensitisation (MVS) on the Copperbelt has urged all political parties in the country to avoid the tendency of imposing candidates on electorates.

MVS Copperbelt Provincial Coordinator Noah Simulunga observed that imposing of leaders on people has potential to cause voter – apathy and electoral violence in the country.

Speaking during the launch of MVS in Lufwanyama district, Mr. Simulunga said the movement is aware that many political parties have started receiving applications from candidates aspiring to contest on various positions in this year’s elections.

It is on this background that the organisation is encouraging party leaders to respect the choices of people in order to hold violence free elections and voter apathy as recently witnessed in some parts of the country.

In the last elections the country recorded 52.3 percent turnout.

Mr. Simulunga said this is why MVS has continued establishing it’s presence in different parts of the country.

He has since called on traditional and church leaders to support and participate in this noble cause.

Meanwhile Lufwanyama district Commissioner Dorothy Chipimpi who officiated the event, commended the MVS for registering it’s presence in the district.

She observed that the movement will no doubt help maximise the number of people to participate in peaceful elections.

And Lufwanyama district pastor’s fellowship chairperson pastor Bernard Kasonde said the church leaders are encouraged with the coming of such a movement which is aimed at promoting peace and unity in the country.

He further assured the organisation of total support from the church in the area.

The event was attended by hundreds of church leaders, stakeholders from government and non-governmental organisations from different districts of the Copperbelt.

Movement for Voter Sensitisation MVS is a non-political and profit making organisation whose aim is to sensitise the majority citizens on their rights to vote and avoid electoral violence.

President Lungu urges the private sector to invest in the renewable energy sector

Chief Editor
-
12
President Lungu urges the private sector to invest in the renewable energy sector

President Edgar Lungu has advised the private sector to utilise the conducive environment created by the government, by investing in renewable energy projects.

President Lungu urged the private sector to use the renewable energy feed-in tariff strategy, which is an initiative aimed at accelerating private investments in small-and-medium sized renewable energy projects, in order to increase the number of players in the electricity sub-sector.

The Head of State said this would ultimately increase access to clean energy services in the country.

“Further, the government, with support from the world bank, has developed a national renewable energy resource map focusing on solar and wind.

“ Let me take this opportunity to urge our private sector to take advantage of such government initiatives to make investments in renewable energy,” he said.

President Lungu reiterated that the future was green and government did not wish for Zambia to remain behind, so efforts were being made to improve the resilience of power supply in the country.

President Lungu said this in a speech read for him by National Development Planning Minister Alexander Chiteme at the media launch of the Zambezi Live Light Festival at Avani Hotel in Livingstone.

The festival initiated by Lusaka based Lawyer, Franco Kapijimpanga is set to foster a cultural shift in social behaviours and practices that drive climate change; environmental degradation and pollution, and will take place in June this year.

And President Lungu said climate change was real and its negative effects affected everyone.

He said that was why government was providing decisive leadership to address the scourge and put the economy back on a sustainable growth trajectory.

“In this regard, government recognises that climate change is a development challenge and as such, is mainstreaming it in all development processes of the country.

]

“ This is because mainstreaming is the initial step required to enable climate change take prominence in the development processes of our country,” he said.

President Lungu also noted that the objective of holding the Zambezi Live Light Festival, being to promote green environmental solutions, was consistent with government policy of protecting the environment and charting a green growth pathway.

“The holding of the festival is a symbol and reminder that we are part of nature. It is also a barometer as well as litmus test of our willingness to connect to the global fight against climate change,” he said.

And speaking earlier, initiator of the Zambezi Live Light Festival, Franco Kapijimpanga said Zambia should take the lead and not wait for other countries in the region act against climate change.

Mr. Kapijimpanga said Zambia had an opportunity to step up and lead the region to a greener and more sustainable future.

“We have been given this beautiful planet but in our quest to industrialize and modernize, we have been continuously taking from mother earth, and not allowing her to regenerate…we have destroyed forests, rivers, oceans and need to reverse the damage,” he said.

It is anticipated that the holding of the three-day Zambezi Live Light Festival from June 11 to 13, 2021 will raise awareness about climate change and the need for green solutions to economic challenges.

The event will also generate additional revenue and create jobs particularly in the tourism sector which is one of the hardest hit by the covid-19 pandemic.

Association for Fair Play Zambia calls for leniency on school fees payment

Chief Editor
-
3
Association for Fair Play Zambia calls for leniency on school fees payment

Association for Fair Play Zambia President Lawrence Kaoma says involved stakeholders in the education sector should exercise leniency on the paying off of school fees and other requirements.

Mr Kaoma says struggling parents should be given room to pay in small amounts so as to ensure children return to school rather than staying home due to unpaid fees.

In a statement issued to ZANIS, Mr Kaoma stated that the economic impact of the pandemic has left many struggling and barely surviving.

He noted that a payment plan can be arranged with the parents based on how capable they are in covering the fees and on the number of children they have.

“With the opening of schools both in the private and public sector, the Association has with great concern felt for those parents with more than one child who they need to support to get in school,” he said.

Mr Kaoma said the great efforts put in by the authorities are evidence enough that the education of the Zambian child is priority even in these trying moments.

He indicated that the Association is standing up for the members of the public out there during this difficult time of Covid-19.

He humbly requested that the matter is considered by the relevant authority and action be taken.

Kampyongo assures the nation of peace during and after August 12 general elections

Chief Editor
-
16
Kampyongo assures the nation of peace during and after August 12 general elections

Home Affairs Minister, Stephen Kampyongo has assured the country of continued peace and tranquility as the country heads for general polls on 12 August, 2021.

Speaking when he commissioned the newly upgraded Mapalo police station, Mr. Kampyongo said that his ministry will also continue rendering the necessary support to the men and women in uniforms.

ZANIS reports that Mr. Kampyongo has also instructed the police command on the Copperbelt to deal with any perpetuators of violence, political cadres inclusive, irrespective of the party they belong to.

The minister has advised police officers to acquaint themselves with the new technology that the ministry is implementing for them to effectively execute their duties.

He likewise directed the Copperbelt Police Commissioner, Elias Chushi to ensure that officers are deployed to the station immediately.

“Commissioner ensure that officers are deployed immediately. I appeal to you that the President has given instructions that you serve the people without fear. Deal with perpetrators of violence without looking at the color or political affiliation,” Mr. Kampyongo said.

Mr. Kampyongo said government is working hard to change the way of policing adding that he is a happy minister to see police officers operating in conducive environments.

And Ndola Central Member of Parliament, Emmanuel Mulenga said there can never be development without peace.

Mr. Mulenga explained that Chipulukusu compound has grown in population and a modern police station was a necessity.

The Lawmaker , who is also Minister of Youth and Sports, has since appealed to his Home Affairs counterpart to help the station with a vehicle to enhance operations.

“Without a vehicle, these officers will not be able to execute their duties effectively. So the police need to work well because this area borders with DRC where people even smuggle mealie meal,” Mr. Mulenga said.

And speaking earlier, Copperbelt Province Minister, Japhen Mwakalombe said the police station will not only enhance security in the area but also attract investors, thus contributing to job creation.

Mr. Mwakalombe said there is no investor who can bring their business in an area that is not safe.

“For me I just see job creation here, because investors will now come here, security has been a major cry. So the coming of this police station will create business opportunities, that will result in job creation,” Mr. Mwakalombe said.

Meanwhile, Copperbelt Police Commissioner, Elias Chushi said the station will help to prevent crime, which he added was cheaper to prevent than crime investigating.

Mr. Chushi told his officers to appreciate the efforts by government by reciprocating with improved security.

Dominant Power Pound Poor Nkana

sports
-
0

Power Dynamos beat Nkana 3-0 away on Saturday in a lopsided Kitwe Derby in Wusakile.

Nkana went home as the unfortunate punching bag that Power vented their woes to ended its six match winless drought and record their first league win in 2021.

Mukuka Mulenga, Spencer Sautu and Kennedy Musonda scored in this convincing display against a Nkana side seemingly still jetlagged 72 hours after arriving from Morocco where they successfully secured their CAF Confederation Cup group qualification.

Power took an effortless 2-0 halftime lead through Mukuka in the 4th minute and Sautu in the 37th minute as Nkana chased the visitors shadows.

Nkana’s best opportunity of the first half came in the 30th minute when Obeddy Masumbuko’s superb long-range volley was kept out by Jackson Kakunta who made a breathtaking diving save.

Power didn’t slow the pace when they returned from the break and choking the midfield and outpassing Nkana.

The visitors vice-grip tighted in the 66th minute when Musonda sliced his way through Nkana’s stationary defence to produce a cheeky tap-in beyond goalkeeper Talbert Shumba.

Meanwhile, Nkana striker Simon Mulenga’s dreams of a debut Kitwe Derby goal were extinguished when his 73rd minute shot came off the post.

The result left Nkana still without a Derby home win in the league since May 2015 where they have a draw and four successive defeats in Wusakile against Power.

Kamanga Bounces Back

sports
-
8

Andrew Kamanga has bounced back as FAZ President after beating his only challenger Emmanuel Munaile by 28 votes at the delayed elective annual general meeting held on Saturday in Livingstone.

Kamanga polled 57 votes against Munaile’s 29 to seal a new four-year mandate at the helm of Football House.

Ex-Zesco United Secretary Justin Mumba is the new FAZ Vice President after brushing aside competition from Konkola Mine Police boss Gideon Mwenya.

Mumba amassed 55 votes with Mwenya collecting 31 and little-known Lunga Mandona had zero votes.

Zambia Army officer Priscilla Katoba scooped the position of Women’s representative with a landslide victory.

Katoba won with 67 votes with her closest rival Brenda Kunda getting seven votes.

FAZ Election Results

President

Andrew Kamanga 57

Emmanuel Munaile 29

Vice president

Justin Mumba 55

Gideon Mwenya 31

Lunga Mandona 0

Women’s representative

Priscilla Katoba 67

Brenda Kunda 7

Hilda Mutangama 6

Nelly Miamba 4

Brenda Bowa 2

The UPND Alliance Taking a Suicidal Trajectory

Chief Editor
-
40
The UPND Alliance Taking a Suicidal Trajectory


By Peter Sinkamba Green Party President

I usually avoid commenting on internal issues concerning other political parties. However, this issue concerning the UPND Alliance is too serious to ignore.

My comment is not on their choice of the leader who will represent the Alliance in the upcoming election. Rather, it is on the proposed litigation. I understand that one NDC faction wants to go to court to stop the other faction from holding their Central Committee Meeting. I understand that they also want to stop the embattled leader Dr. Chishimba Kambwili from continuing to represent NDC as party president on account that he did not respect the outcome of the meeting where it was mutually agreed to field president Hakainde Hichilema as the UPND Alliance candidate.

If it is true that the Akafumba faction will go to court on this ground, that is likely to be suicidal because UPND or UPND Alliance may ultimately fail to field HH as a candidate. Here is why:

If CK files a counterclaim that he was unjustly denied a chance to be the Alliance presidential candidate, and in that regard applies for an injunction to stay the candidacy of HH on UPND or UPND Alliance until the determination of the court on who is the rightful person to represent the Alliance in the forthcoming elections, then that’s it for UPND unless the matter is ultimately determined by Supreme Court or Constitutional Court before the nominations day. And from my experience, it is unlikely that such a complex matter can be determined by the High Court, and the Court of Appeal and finally by the Supreme Court or Concourt in two months’ time considering that the nominations for presidential candidates are due early May.

I repeat: if the Akafumba faction makes a mistake to go to court to banish CK, and in turn, CK hits back with a counterclaim of the Alliance leadership, then it’s gonna be some interesting legal drama. Let’s watch this space.

Now Atanga sues, asking the High Court to declare Chishimba Kambwili legally expelled from NDC

Chief Editor
-
20
Now Atanga sues, asking the High Court to declare Chishimba Kambwili legally expelled from NDC

Divisions in the opposition National Democratic Congress have deepened with Secretary General Bridget Atanga asking the Lusaka High Court to declare that Chishimba Kambwili was legally expelled as party interim president.

In a statement of claim filed in the Lusaka High Court, Mrs Atanga wants the court to declare that Dr Kambwili was never elected to the substantive position of party president.

“The plaintiff will aver at trial that the defendant has since called a purported meeting of the NDC central committee meeting to be held in Luanshya on February 27 this year for purposes of discussing his termination as interim president,” reads the statement.

She further wants the court to order that having been properly expelled, Dr Kambwili has no powers to call for any NDC meetings.

Mrs Atanga also wants the court to grant the party an interim injunction preventing Dr Kambwili from convening any party meetings.

ZESCO owed close to K1 billion in unpaid bills

Chief Editor
-
16
ZESCO owed close to K1 billion in unpaid bills

ZESCO has revealed that it is owed in excess of K900 million through unpaid bills by some of its postpaid customers.

ZESCO Public Relations Manager Hazel Zulu said the debt is negatively affecting the company’s drive towards the provision of efficient services.

“In an effort to halt the debt growth and improve cash flow, ZESCO Limited will with effect from 1st March 2021 begin a countrywide mass disconnection exercise of all defaulting postpaid customers with unsettled electricity bills of more than thirty days,” Mrs Zulu said.

“We therefore take this opportunity to alert all defaulting customers to take advantage of this notice and settle their bills immediately. Customers are further informed that once disconnected, re-connection to supply will only be activated upon payment of 75% of the outstanding amount and applicable reconnection fees”.

Mrs. Zulu added, “We implore the affected customers to ensure that their account/s are promptly paid up in full in order to avoid any inconvenience that may arise due to suspension of power supply. Customers are therefore, advised to utilise online payment platforms available as well as visiting the nearest Customer Service Centres to settle their bills.”

President Lungu expected in Northern Province today for a 1 day official visit

Chief Editor
-
26
President Lungu expected in Northern Province today for a 1 day official visit

President Edgar Lungu is today expected in Kasama District, Northern Province for a one day official visit.

Northern Province Minister, Chungu Bwalya says the President will be in the district to among other things officially open the Patriotic Front(PF) provincial conference.

“President Lungu who is also PF President will touch down at Kasama Airport at 10:00 hours and thereafter officially open the provincial conference which will culminate in the election of the new provincial committee,” he said.

Mr Bwalya who is also PF Provincial Chairperson said the elective conference will be held in two venues within Kasama and will be conducted virtually.

“The teams will be split into two, with one team stationed at Kasama Boys while the other will be at Kasama College of Education. The meetings will be held virtually and the groups will be using the screen to discuss with each other,” he said.

He explained that the delegates have been split into two as a way of encouraging social distance in view of the COVID-19.

Mr Bwalya has further announced that there will be some restrictions in the number of people to be allowed at the airport.

“We expect some restrictions in the number of people who will come to receive the President not because of anything but due to COVID-19. However, we expect all the people who will come to put on face masks, observe social distance,” he said.

President Lungu is expected to proceed to Mansa in Luapula Province after his engagements in Kasama.

Govt refutes social media reports on embattled Envoy Mukuma

Chief Editor
-
11
Govt refutes social media reports on embattled Envoy Mukuma

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed social media reports that a Zambian Diplomat by the name of Musenge Mukuma appointed to the United Republic of Tanzania has been rejected by that country.

Dismissing the unfounded reports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Public Relations Officer Chansa Kabwela states that her ministry is not in receipt of any letter of appointment for Mr Mukuma as a diplomat designated to the United Republic of Tanzania.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Public Relations Officer Chansa Kabwela clarified in a statement issued to the media that the government has not made any such appointment as reported in social media circles.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Zambia has taken note of reports of an alleged appointment of a Zambian Diplomat to the United Republic of Tanzania and the subsequent rejection of the appointment, ” she said.

Mrs Kabwela further indicated that the Ministry is not in receipt of a letter of rejection from the neighboring Tanzania as claimed on social media reports.

“The Ministry wishes to inform the public that the Government of the Republic of Zambia has not made any such appointment in respect of a Mr. Musenge Mukuma and is not in receipt of a letter of rejection from its sisterly neighboring country,” she said.

The Ministry has since advised the public to dismiss the article circulating on social media and other platforms with the contempt it deserves.

The matter has been referred to the relevant security wings for appropriate investigations.

The Ministry indicated that the false information circulating on social media was being peddled by unscrupulous individuals with motives bent on tarnishing the country’s image.

“The Ministry has since reminded the public to guard against the consumption and circulation of false and unverified information, which is peddled by unscrupulous individuals with motives bent on tarnishing the image of the Republic of Zambia.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains fully committed to promoting Zambia’s interests and maintaining good international relations in order to ensure sustainable development and national prosperity,” the statement read in parts.

According to social media reports, Zambian Diplomat to Tanzania was rejected by President John Magufuli because his name is insulting words in Swahili.

It is reported that Tanzanian President Magufuli left Zambians in shock when he rejected Mr Musenge Mukuma because of his name.

According to President Magufuli, the name is insult words in Swahili speaking societies.

Kapiri Housewife sent to Prison for One year for Assaulting her Husband

Chief Editor
-
9
Kapiri Housewife sent to Prison for One year for Assaulting her Husband

Kapiri Mposhi Magistrate Edward Banda has sentenced a 38-year-old housewife to one-year imprisonment for assault. Fridah Ngosa of Soweto compound in Kapiri Mposhi stood charged with one count of Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (OABH) contrary to section 248 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Facts before court were that Ngosa did assault Belony Mutupa, 42, her husband, by biting his manhood following a marital dispute.

This happened on 12 February 2021 around 21:00 hours in the couple’s bedroom after a fight ensued following a marital dispute.

A medical report before the court revealed that the victim sustained a cut on his scrotum and experienced headache and general body pains.

Ngosa who readily pleaded guilty to the offence, in mitigation, pleaded with the court to exercise leniency on her as she was looking after her three children and a three-month-old baby orphan adding that the children would suffer if she was imprisoned.

The sobbing Ngosa, begged the court for leniency vowing never to involve herself in fights with her husband.

But in passing judgement Magistrate Banda noted that cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) were on the increase in Kapiri Mposhi and the country as a whole and therefore needed to be addressed by punishing perpetrators through custodial sentences.

Magistrate Banda advised couples to learn to settle marital disputes amicably.

” Cases of GBV are on the increase.. we are experiencing killings as a result of GBV … if you managed to rip off his testicles we could’ve been talking about a serious condition .. we are always hearing on the media of deaths as a result of GBV and government is very concerned,” he said.

Magistrate Banda then sentenced Ngosa to a one year custodial imprisonment as a deterrent measure to other couples involved in GBV.

PH-Tea produced by Mendez Clinic International is not approved for use or sale in Zambia

Chief Editor
-
6
PH-Tea produced by Mendez Clinic International is not approved for use or sale in Zambia

The Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA)has announced that all medicines and allied substances, including PH-Tea produced by Mendez Clinic International are not approved for use or sale by the Authority.

In a statement released to the media, ZAMRA cautioned members of the public against the purchase or use of medicines and allied substances manufactured by Mendez Clinic International as their safety, quality, and efficacy have not been ascertained and no Marketing Authorization was granted by the Authority.

The inspection conducted by the Authority revealed that the Clinic manufactures products such as; PH-Tea, cosmetics, water, detergents, and other products under unsanitary conditions making products unsuitable for human use.

ZAMRA further said that the facility is not licensed by the Authority to manufacture, supply, and distribute medicines and allied substances.

In this regard, the proprietor, Mr. Mendez Fernandez has been directed to immediately cease the manufacture and distribution of all products that are considered to be regulated by the Authority as prescribed under the Medicines and Allied Substances Act No. 3 of 2013.

Additionally, ZAMRA has instructed Mendez Clinic International to withdraw all medicines and allied substances from circulation with immediate effect in order to ensure that public health and safety is safeguarded.

Three nabbed for theft and illegal sale of Government medicine

Chief Editor
-
4
Three nabbed for theft and illegal sale of Government medicine

Three people of Mambwe district in Eastern Province have been arrested for various offences relating to theft of government medicines, illegal sale of medicines and allied substances.

ZAMRA Senior Public Relations Officer Christabel Mutale Illampu confirmed in a statement that in one count Chawezi Zimba a female aged 39 years who is an Environmental Health Technologist in the Ministry of Health has been jointly charged with Patrick Phiri, male aged 32 years for being in Possession of government medicines suspected to have been unlawfully obtained contrary to section 319 of the Penal Code of the laws of Zambia.

In the second count, Ms Zimba has been charged for operating a Pharmacy without a Certificate of Registration Contrary to Section 14 (1) of the Medicines and Allied Substances Act (3) of 2013.

Among the drugs seized include Lumartem (Artemether + Lumefantrine 20/120mg tablets) HIV test kits, Malaria rapid test kits, and Medroxyprogesterone injection.

Meanwhile in a related incident, Chrisencia Miyoba, a female aged 50 years, of Mambwe district has been arrested for Operating a Health Shop without a Permit Contrary to Section 14(1) of the Medicines and Allied Substances Act (3) of 2013.

Ms Mayoba is said to be the proprietor of Fortune Drug Store situated at Mfuwe Cropping Area Market in Mambwe District.

During the operation, Prescription Only Medicines and Pharmacy Sale medicines were officially seized.

The trio have since been released on police bond and will appear in court soon.

The Authority says it remains vigilant and steadfast in its commitment of protecting public health through curbing illegal drug stores.

President Lungu calls for stern action against ZRC’s alleged looters

Chief Editor
-
28
President Lungu calls for stern action against ZRC’s alleged looters

President Edgar Lungu says he sympathises with the plight of the Zambia Red Cross Society whose properties have allegedly been ‘ looted ‘ by people entrusted to manage the society.

President Lungu has on this score said the alleged looters should be brought to book to account for the resources.

President Lungu said its imperative that the truth behind the mismanagement and alleged corruption and sale of the society’s assets is ascertained.

The Head of State has since challenged journalists to investigate the matter into the alleged sale of properties belonging to the Zambia Red Cross Society.

“What has happened to the media? Check who mismanaged the resources” asked President Lungu.

Speaking when he held a virtual meeting with officials from the Zambia Red Cross Society, President Lungu said he’s saddened that the society has been mismanaged and its properties allegedly looted.

He implored the Zambia Red Cross to speak up and lobby Parliament to change laws to enable the Society bring before the courts people that mismanaged the organisation and looted its assets.

“ I therefore assure you as the Zambia Red Cross Society officials that I will do everything possible in my power as Head of State and Patron to help revamp the society, “ he said.

The President who urged the Society that it has a duty to cry foul when things are going wrong, said he will consult extensively relevant legal authorities to see how best Zambia Red Cross Society can be rescued and revived.

.

President Lungu in a Virtual Meeting
President Lungu in a Virtual Meeting

It has been learnt that some people entrusted with the management of Zambia Red Cross Society are allegedly looting the society’s property for K4 billion valued at K12.

Earlier, Zambia Red Cross Society President Frackson Ngosa complained to President Lungu that the organisation has struggling with high levels of debt.

Mr Ngosa appealed to President Lungu to explore ways to give relief to the Zambia Red Cross which owes the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) K2.5 million in taxes and K3.6 million to the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) in contributions.

In response, President Lungu said that he could not write off the said taxes as government needs the money to support critical areas such as health, and education .

He further urged the Zambia Red Cross Society to engage relevant authorities at the ZRA and NAPSA to find an amicable solution.

And International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) President Francesco Rocca has urged President Lungu to seriously consider rescuing the Zambia Red Cross Society from total collapse.

Mr Rocca represented by former Secretary General of Red Cross Society of Kenya Abbas Gullet said looting and mal-administration has brought the Zambia Red Cross Society to its knees.

He also urged President Lungu to consider disbanding the Zambia Red Cross Society as a drastic alternative measure which has worked in Liberia and Sudan in efforts of reviving the society.

Dr Abbas presented a book to President Lungu on 50 years of Red Cross Society in Kenya , which was handed over to Ministry of Information Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga , to deliver to the Head of State.

Zambia Red Cross Society Secretary General Kaitano Chungu also presented the society’s five year action plan for 2021 – 2025, and a cap, ornamental plate among others.

President Lungu in a Virtual Meeting
President Lungu in a Virtual Meeting

1...1,0051,0061,007...5,569Page 1,006 of 5,569

Company

Trending

Categories

© Lusaka Times