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Chishimba Kambwili rejoins PF at a Colourful ceremony in Lusaka

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Chishimba Kambwili rejoins PF at a Colourful ceremony in Lusaka

Former National Democratic Congress(NDC) leader Chishimba Kambwili has re-joined the the ruling Patritic Front (PF) and has pledged to support President Edgar Lungu during the August general election.

Speaking a colourful ceremony when he was welcomed back into PF by PF National Chairperson Samuel Mumba, PF Secretary General Davies Mwila among other party officials, Mr Kambwili said that he has decided to renew his membership with the PF to support the party’s development agenda.

Mr Kambwili said that PF has never departed from its pro poor policies and wants to ensure there is continued development, adding that the PF administration is the only government that has delivered tremendous development in just 9 years.

Mr Kambwili said parties that subscribe to tribalism must not be supported by any well-meaning Zambians.

And welcoming Mr Kambwili, Mr Mukupa said the PF welcomes all members including those who return to the party. He said the PF will work with Mr. Kambwili to ensure that the PF wins the August polls.

Meanwhile, PF Secretary General Davies Mwila called for unity and discipline in the party. Mr. Mwila said people must be able to embrace one another further stating that more people are expected to join and rejoin the party.

He said the party has already commenced mobilization and further stating that Mr. Kambwili re-joining the party is part of the mobilization.

Meanwhile, Lusaka Province Chairman Kennedy Kamba said any form of indiscipline will not be tolerated in the party.

Mr. Kamba said youths are expected to respect the party leadership.

President Lungu prods motorists to observe road safety on new infrastructure

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President Lungu prods motorists to observe road safety on new infrastructure

President Edgar Lungu has yesterday commissioned the Longacres Flyover Bridge in Lusaka with a call on motorists to observe stringent road safety measures on the newly built infrastructure.

Speaking when he made a keynote address in Lusaka during the commissioning of the flyover bridge, President Lungu advised motorists to adhere to the required speed limits so as to protect lives.

Mr Lungu observed with concern the increase in speeds and damage to newly constructed infrastructure which has been caused by high speeds and failure to obey road signage.

He emphasised the need for road users to guard the infrastructure jealously.

Mr Lungu implored citizens to use the road infrastructure appropriately,

And the President vowed to continue rolling out infrastructure development countrywide.

“This will definitely not be the last project that we will launch as we have a lot in stock. We will continue to change the face of Zambia even as we continue to bring services closer to where true power lies and that is you the Zambian people,” Mr Lungu said.

The President also noted an increase in the number of people living in the outskirts of the capital city because of the reduced travel time and cost owing to the Lusaka decongestion project.

“It is because of the high quality infrastructure that the city of Lusaka has witnessed an increase in the value of land even in far-flung locations,” Mr Lungu said.

The President further called on the business community to make the most of the Lusaka decongestion project.

“The improved road infrastructure is an enabler for economic activities. It is my government’s desire and expectations that the citizenry will take advantage of these developments to utilise the new business opportunities which arise from such infrastructure,” Mr Lungu added.

The President also commended local consulting engineers acknowledging that they are equal to the task.

“I would also like to acknowledge the services rendered by Allione consulting engineers, the design, review and supervision consultant, for ensuring that we obtain value for money on the project. It is now evident that our local consulting engineers when well supported can rise to the occasion to manage our infrastructure projects of varying magnitudes, “he said.

Meanwhile Mr Lungu paid tribute to the contractor Afcons Infrastructure Limited of India for completing the project ahead of schedule.

“To Afcons Infrastructure limited, I wish to thank you for the commitment to ensuring that the project is completed within the contract period and cost and to very high and acceptable quality,” Mr Lungu said.

Speaking during the same event, Minister of Local Government Charles Banda says the project is being completed way ahead of schedule despite challenges faced by COVID-19 pandemic.

“You may recall that this project started in July, 2018 and was to be completed in 36 months, meaning that it was scheduled for completion in September this year. i am glad to report to you sir that the project is now at 98 percent completion,” Mr Banda says

And the Minister said the flyover bridges have reduced traffic in the city.

‘I am glad to inform you sir that the three flyover bridges you launched earlier, that is the Makeni Bridge launched in august 2020, the Arcades which Your Excellency launched in October, 2020 and the Arcades Flyover bridge commissioned on 24th March 2021, have resolved major traffic bottlenecks with traffic congestion in Lusaka largely reduced,” he said.

And Indian High Commissioner to Zambia Ngulkham Gangte said the Lusaka City road decongestion project has succeeded in transforming Lusaka into a modern city.

“I have no doubt in my mind that the project sets a benchmark for superior quality, durability and timely exhibition in infrastructure projects in the country. It is a matter of satisfaction to me that Afcons Limited has measured up to the expectation of Government and the people of Zambia,” he said.

Zambia- Brazil confer over fertilizer partnership

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Zambia- Brazil confer over fertilizer partnership

Zambia’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Brazilian Fertilizer Company Agronelli has held talks aimed at commencing the fertilizer partnership between Zambia and Brazil.

Speaking when she addressed stakeholders during a virtual meeting, Zambia’s Ambassador to Brazil Alfreda Mwamba called on Agronelli to consider possibilities of partnering with the Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) through technology advancement and production of phosphate fertilizer.

Ambassador Mwamba said that Agronelli’s fertilizer would enable Zambia to produce the drought- resistant bumper harvest as well as benefit the small scale and commercial farmers in the country.

“Once the centre is set up in Zambia, exports could be made within the region and economic benefits will be attained in line with the National Agricultural Policy,” she noted.

Dr. Mwamba added that the partnership will further contribute to the increase and availability of inputs on the market as well as boost crop production and diversification.

She reiterated that the phosphate fertilizer from Brazil will enhance government’s efforts of sustaining the country’s food basket.

And Agronelli Company Director Renato Costa notified the stakeholders that the Brazilian fertilizer company is ready to send a one-ton foot container of fertilizer to Zambia as a pilot project to ascertain its results on the Zambian soil.

Mr. Costa said his company is ready to do business with Zambia because of the country’s vibrant Agro vision.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Principal Agricultural Economist, Peter Zulu advised Agronelli to send the sample of the fertilizer to Zambia for evaluation before importation.

Mr. Zulu assured the Brazilian company that Zambia is open to meaningful investment in order to develop the Agricultural sector.

Other Stakeholders that participated in the meeting include the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Zambia Agricultural Research Institute and the Zambia Development Agency.

This is contained in a statement issued to the media in yesterday by First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at the Zambian Embassy in Brazil, Grace Makowane.

Strengthening of Zambia-Bangladeshi relations cardinal , says Visiting Bangladeshi Army General

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Strengthening of Zambia-Bangladeshi relations cardinal , says Visiting Bangladeshi Army General

Visiting Bangladeshi Army Chief of Staff General Aziz Ahmed says Zambia and Bangladeshi need to enhance their bilateral cooperation at military level.

Speaking upon arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka for a six days working visit to Zambia, General Ahmed said the military cooperation can be enhanced through training and exchange programmes.

“We considered that there are a lot of scope to enhance, to establish our military cooperation with regard to exchange of training programmes …and consider joint exercises ” said General Ahmed.

General Ahmed who is accompanied by his wife Dilshad Nahar, in a seven member delegation is in the country at the invitation of his counterpart Zambia Army Commander Lt General William Sikazwe

He was welcomed by Deputy Army Commander Dennis Alibuzwi and other senior defence force officials.

General Ahmed thanked Lt General Sikazwe for inviting him to visit Zambia, on a reciprocal visit, following the Zambian Army Commander’s visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh in February 2020.

ZANIS reports that General Ahmed said such visits by military leaders can help build upon the two country’s bilateral cooperation and bring them much closer.

The four star General stated that Bangladeshi is the world’s largest contributor of soldiers for United Nations (UN) peace keeping operations and that both countries can learn a lot from each other.

“Like Zambia, Bangladeshi has been participating in the United Nations since 1988, its more than 31 years, At the moment we are the highest troops contributing country in the United Nations, and while performing different duties in mission areas, Bangladeshi troops came in contact with Zambian troops, and came to know each other, assist each other. Such visits at the highest level can help both countries” explained General Ahmed.

General Ahmed recalled that Zambia was the first country to acknowledge and support Bangladeshi’s independence with cooperation and mutual ties growing exponentially.

“Zambia has a special place in our history, am sure you know that Bangladeshi got its independence in 1971, and Zambia was the first African country , who recognized our independence…and his Excellency Kennth Kunda visited Bangladeshi, and in return two of our former Presidents visited Zambia.” said General Ahmed

General Ahmed will hold separate high level talks with Minister of Defence Davies Chama, Zambia Army Commander Lt General William Sikazwe, Zambia AirForce Commander Major General David Muma, and Zambia National Service (ZNS) Commandant Lt General Nathan Mulenga.

While in Lusaka, General Ahmed will visit some military and civilian establishments among them Burma Mosque, Lusaka Musuem and lay wreaths at the Presidential Memorial Park in Lusaka.

He will also visit the Lafarge Cement Plant in Chilanga as well as inspect ZNS Farms in Chisamba.

The General and his delegation will also travel to Livingstone to view Zambia’s tourism flagship the Victoria Falls and other tourism sites.

General Ahmed is expected to leave Lusaka for Dhaka, Bangladeshi on May 5, 2021.

Message to South Africa’s Finance Minister Tito Mboweni

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Message to South Africa’s Finance Minister Tito Mboweni

By Edward Chisanga

The Lusaka Times of 27 April 2021 published an article entitled, “The recent comments from South Africa’s Finance Minister Tito Mboweni that the Zambian economy will not register any meaningful growth this year due to poor economic policies has upset the Zambian government.” While the intention of this commentary is not to dwell on the growth or not of the Zambian economy and to prove or not whether Mr. Mboweni’s statement is correct or not, I simply share with readers the performance of the South African economy, in particular its trend of growth, using GDP and GDP per capita growths, since independence from Apartheid.

I’m no economist and I don’t claim to be. I’m simply an international and regional trade expert who has worked with the United Nations for fifteen years helping African countries, among other developing countries to improve their integration in the global economy. In my career, I use economic and trade statistics almost each day to help countries that we support understand how their countries are performing. South Africa is not an exception.

When I read the article about South Africa’s Minister of Finance’s remarks about Zambia’s economic growth, and the Zambian news of 7pm the same day, I was struck by one of Jesus’ parables, when He said, “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?” I think it is a similar saying to, ‘Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.’

The South African economy may be more humongous in size than Zambia’s and indeed, any other African countries. But its growth over the years presents a mixed picture that basically follows similar patterns of squeaks and groans as other African economies’. Mr. Mboweni should have broached the sensitive topic he is now bringing to light about our country during the period 1999-2007 when South Africa’s economy was exhibiting spectacular growth, from for example 2.4% to 5.6% shown in Figure 1 below for GDP.

Problem is that he punctures Zambian’s mood of optimism when his own country’s economy, for which he is the driver is facing acute growth challenges perhaps worse than ours, given South Africa’s GDP size is about fifteen-fold that of Zambia and a population equally larger. As can be seen in the image, GDP growth for the period 2010-2019 shrank appallingly from 3.0 to 0.2%.

South Africa GDP annual average growth rate in %

On the other hand, GDP per capita at $6,000 is about sixfold larger than Zambia’s. While experiencing the highest growth peak that reached 4.3% in 2006 shown in Figure 2 below, and a road to external bliss, when the ‘speck in the brother’s eye’ would have been Zambia’s to take care of, the period from then to 2019 saw extreme growth oscillation of the economic pendulum between one extreme and another.

The worst came in 2019 when GDP per capita growth surrendered to the level of minus 1.2%. And, the presence of Covid19 only makes the situation worse and ignites a sense of hopelessness that the economy will not get back to its 2007 growth level soon.

South Africa’s annual average growth rate per capita in %
South Africa’s annual average growth rate per capita in %

Clearly, the statistics shown in the foregoing do not exempt the South African Finance Minister from the blame that he is pilling on his Zambian counterpart and government. He has, as much a job to do as his counterpart to make the economy serve its people, in particular the majority poor Africans in South Africa. “For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

President Lungu Commisions Longacres flyover bridge

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President Lungu Commisions Longacres flyover bridge

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has re-assured Zambians of determination and commitment to improve the state of infrastructure in every part of the country as highlighted in the 2021-2026 Patriotic Front (PF) manifesto.

The President said PF government will continue to invest in massive infrastructure development for economic development, job creation and ultimately poverty reduction.

Speaking when he commissioned the Longacres flyover bridge under the Lusaka city decongestion road project, President also commended cooperating partners for the support.

“I wish to reiterate my government’s sincere appreciation to the people and government of India for their support and partnership on this project as well as many other projects being implemented throughout the country. The people of Zambia will forever treasure this support and partnership as it truly brings about the transformation of lives for the Zambian people,” he said.

He said the PF government has demonstrated consistency and commitment in making the lives of all Zambians better without leaving anyone behind as evident from the number of projects being completed countrywide as well as those that are in progress.

He said improved road infrastructure is an enabler for economic activities.

“It is my government’s desire and expectations that the citizenry will take advantage of these developments to utilise the new business opportunities which arise from such infrastructure.

The areas which were not previously suitable for certain business ventures have now become easily accessible, with enhanced suitability,” President Lungu said.

Minister of Energy says Government will strengthen local petroleum transporters

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Minister of Energy says Government will strengthen local petroleum transporters

Minister of Energy Matthew Nkhuwa says the government is committed to ensuring that local transporters are empowered in order to grow the capacity of the petroleum transportation subsector.

Mr Nkhuwa says all contracted government suppliers and OMCs importing petroleum products into Zambia are expected to support the empowerment programme initiated by the government.

The Minister said it will now be required that contracted government suppliers importing petroleum in the country announce 50% of their import volumes through the Secretariat for equitable distribution to all local transporters.

This is contained in a statement made available to the media yesterday.

He noted that importers of petroleum products have been urged to engage the Secretariat through the Office of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy.

Mr Nkhuwa noted that the Secretariat currently has representation from the institutions such as TAZAMA Pipelines Limited, Energy Regulation Board, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Indeni Petroleum Refinery Limited Petroleum Transporters Association of Zambia and Zambia Union of Tanker Drivers and Allied.

“ Empowerment of Zambian transporters all Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and contracted Government suppliers importing petroleum products into Zambia are required to announce fifty Percent (50%) of their import volumes through the Secretariat for equitable distribution to all local transporters,’’ he stated.

Mr Nkhuwa noted that the mandate of the Secretariat is to ensure transparency and efficiency in non-petroleum products and Ensure the administration of transportation petroleum products is done by Zambian.

He said government is updating on all activities of Oil Marketing Companies in the transportation of Government fuel.

Zesco United Face Derby Test at In-Form Indeni

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Zesco United Face Derby Test at In-Form Indeni

Zesco United’s quest for a ninth FAZ Super League title continues this Saturday with an interesting Ndola derby date away to a resurgent Indeni FC across town at Indeni Sports Complex.

Leaders Zesco are seeking a ninth straight league win while tenth positioned Indeni are hoping to maintain their seven-match unbeaten run in which period they have garnered four victories.

Zesco come into the match after beating mid-table side Red Arrows 2-1 last Wednesday in Ndola to bounce back from their 2021 ABSA Cup final loss to Lusaka Dynamos on April 24  at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka.

That victory over  Arrows at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium restored Zesco’s eight point lead on 49 points with eleven  games left for them before they reach the finish line.

“The game against Arrows was very important in terms of motivation on our part after coming from a loss,” Zanaco coach Mumamba Numba said.

“I think it was very important for us as we prepare for Indeni because Indeni have been performing very well in the last few games that they have played.”

However, despite Zesco beating Indeni 3-2 in the first leg derby meeting at Levy Stadium on December 12, The Oilers have lost just three of their thirteen home games this season.

“That really shows that we are expecting a very tough game as we go to there because Indeni has always used home advantage so we really need to go and be at our best so that we get maximum points,” Numba added.

Furthermore, Indeni’s last tasted  defeat on February 20 when they lost 3-1 at home to third placed Zanaco.

Meanwhile, Zanaco will be out to reclaim the number two spot that they lost to Forest Rangers in midweek when they host the latter at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka on the same date.

Forest have 41 points while Zanaco have 39 points with ten and eleven matches left to play before  this  seasons league title is concluded.

FAZ SUPER DIVISION WEEK 27 FIXTURES
01/05/2021
Power Dynamos-Nkwazi
Prison Leopards–Young Green Eagles
Indeni-Zesco United
Kabwe Warriors-Lumwana Radiants
Kitwe United-Buildcon
13h00: Red Arrows-Lusaka Dynamos
15h00: Zanaco-Forest Rangers
02/05/2021
Green Buffaloes-Napsa Stars
Green Eagles-Nkana
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Fathi:Napsa Is A Rising Star

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Napsa Stars coach Mohammed Fathi says his side has made tremendous progress since he took over the reins almost three years ago.

Fathi took over the Napsa coaching position at the time the Lusaka side was fighting relegation in the FAZ Super Division.

Napsa last year qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup and managed to reach the group stage.

Speaking to journalists in Algeria when Napsa ended the CAF Confederation Cup group stage with a 2-1 loss to J.S Kabylie in North Africa, the Egyptian said Napsa have made a name in Africa.

‘2018 this team was trying to survive relegation,’ Fathi said.

‘We are in April 2021, if you cut off the Covid-19 issues, I think within two and half years we turned the team from surviving relegation in the Zambian league to a team playing group stage (CAF Confederation Cup).’

Napsa finished bottom of Group B with four points, five points away from the second qualification spot, after recording a win, a draw plus four defeats.

UPND Legal team to institute legal proceedings against opposition FDD President Edith Nawakwi

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UPND Legal team to institute legal proceedings against opposition FDD President Edith Nawakwi

The United Party for National Development (UPND) through its legal committee intends to institute legal proceedings against opposition Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) President Edith Nawakwi for her continued slanderous accusations against the party’s leader Hakainde Hichilema.

During a Press briefing yesterday, UPND chairman for legal and constitutional affairs Jack Mwiimbu says legal representatives of Mr Hichilema cannot sit idle and watch as Ms Nawakwi continue to issue vexatious, defamatory and inflammatory statements against our client.

“We have noted that she has been endowed with authority and audacity to go through private files of individuals which is against the law.We have responded to her challenge and ready to meet her in court where she will exculpate herself.She made desperaging remarks against my colleague who was representing Pheluna Hatembo.We are now ready to meet in court,” said Mr Mwiimbu.

He warned Ms Nawakwi to be weary of issuing statements that have the potential to injure the political feelings of Zambians saying the huge support base which the UPND leader is enjoying locally and internationally will nolonger tolerate her behaviour.

“Her motivation is that she doesn’t want Mr Hichilema to be President of this country.Her statements are hurtful and contemptuous,” he added.

And Marshal Muchende of M Associates has challenged the media in the country to advocate for political and civil rights as enshrined in the Zambian Constitution adding that the Police should immediately stop brutalising citizens.

On Nawakwi’s utterances, Counsel Muchende said the FDD leader was supposed to be ashamed for causing the death of Nsama Nsama and Joseph Kaunda who were both gunned down on 23rd December, 2020 when HH appeared at Police Force Headquarters over the Kalomo Farm.

Zambia – Angola signs oil pipeline MoU

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Zambia – Angola signs oil pipeline MoU

Zambia and Angola have signed an Inter-Governmental Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation to facilitate private sector Development and Implementation of the Refined Petroleum Multi-Product and Natural Gas Pipeline Project (AZOP) which will stretch from that country to Lusaka.

Minister of Energy Matthew Nkhuwa who signed on behalf of the Zambian government described the MoU as a great milestone in facilitating the Angola-Zambia Oil Pipeline (AZOP) which has taken 10 years of negotiations.

Mr Nkhuwa speaking at the signing ceremony held at Sana Luanda Hotel said it was a great relief that both the Zambian and Angolan Governments had finally reached mutual agreement as reflected by the aspirations of the two countries in the MoU whose priority focus is on enhancing economic cooperation in the Petroleum sub sector.

“This Inter-Governmental Memorandum of Understanding symbolises our commitment to foster development in our two nations, particularly in the energy sector,” said the Minister.

Mr Nkhuwa underscored the importance of Petroleum and its by-products as they drive the engines of growth and development through the crucial role they play in the production and transportation of goods and services.

Mr Nkhuwa commended Basali Ba Liseli Resources Limited, the promotors of the project, for its proactive initiative to advance the petroleum and power sectors.

“I am confident that this initiative will provide a platform to further strengthen the bilateral relationship that exists between Angola and Zambia, especially, towards the provision of sustainable energy services. This initiative will also contribute to the realisation of the Southern African Development Community’s goal for enhanced regional economic integration,” Mr Nkhuwa noted.

He disclosed that once constructed the pipeline will be producing 100,000 to 120,000 barrels per day of refined petroleum products along hubs to be established in Angola and Zambia.

Mr Nkhuwa further added that the AZOP pipelines system will also have a gas pipeline expected to be supplying Natural Gas to Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Plants to be located in Angola and Zambia for the production of electricity of a combined minimum capacity of 2,000 Mega Watts for the Angolan, and Zambian electricity markets.

Mr Nkhuwa went on indicate that the project is also expected to employ about 12,500 to 14,500 local people in Angola and Zambia during construction.

“The Pipeline system shall include Single point Moorings, Gas receiving terminals, inlet tank facilities, hubs, pump stations, a main terminal, and Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Plants, as well as a fibre-optic cable system. Once operational, the project will have the capacity to employ in excess of 4,000 Zambian and Angolan nationals, combined,” he said.

The Minister called for the further need to invest in the petroleum sector to meet the growing demand and enhance security of supply given the growth in economic activities in the region.

“Despite this appreciable progress, there is still need for more investments in order to meet the growing demand for sustainable development in various regions of our countries. We recognise that one player, let alone Government, cannot drive this agenda for sustainable development on its own.

“Accordingly, there is need for conceited efforts from all stakeholders and the private sector will play a key role in harnessing the oil and gas potential of not only Zambia and Angola but the region as a whole,” he said.

And Angolan Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas who signed on behalf of that government, Diamantino Azevedo, said his government was happy to partner in facilitating the project whose feasibility studies once conducted will determine the cost of the project and when actual construction will commence.

Mr Azevedo said the benefits from the project will enhance economic cooperation and improve the lives of the people.

The Minister said Angola was positioning itself to become a major gasoline supplier in the SADC region following its heavy investment in constructing terminal oil reserves in strategic regions of the country.

Mr Azeveod said the country has capacity to meet its fuel demand and that of the region hence the cooperation of the oil pipeline which will be undertaken by the governments.

And Zambian Ambassador to Angola Lawrence Chalungumana, expressed happiness with the signing ceremony as it showed the country’s growth in their bilateral relations.

The Envoy said the countries were also exploring further cooperation in other sectors especially in road construction and agriculture which he disclosed has resulted in the construction of the Jimbe road where a contractor has since been identified on that country’s side which once completed will link Angola to Zambia through North Western province.

Mr Nkhuwa and his delegation has since returned from Angola following last night’s signing ceremony of the MoU.

The problem Zambia faces during Elections is Failure to Accept Results by the losing party-President Lungu

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The problem Zambia faces during Elections is Failure to Accept Results by the losing party-President Lungu

President Edgar Lungu says the will of the people of Zambia on August 12, 2021 will be respected.

“All political players should follow the rules that govern the electoral process because the problem that Zambia is facing during elections is the failure to accept results by the losing party,” he said.

The Head of State said this at State House in Lusaka today when he held a meeting with European Union (EU) envoys accredited to Zambia.

“The EU should help to make political players know that the rule of the game is win or lose meaning that if one loses elections they should go back to the drawing board and look at how they can improve next time unlike causing confusion,” he said.

President Lungu said some politicians always claimed that election results were rigged yet they could not point out how that was done.
“EU is welcome to monitor the elections and to point out how Zambia can improve it’s democracy,” he said.

President Lungu pointed out that what happened in America after elections was a bad example of democracy.

“America has been a democratic Country for more than 200 years but those events showed that they have not yet perfected their democracy,” he said.

President Lungu said those dealing with African countries like Zambia needed to refer to history and understand that democracy was a continuous process that was being perfected with time.

He said Zambia would continue working with the EU in various sectors.

The Republican President also said security concerns in Mozambique were being monitored by SADC.

And European Union (EU) Head of Delegation to Zambia Jacek Jankowski said the EU appreciated President Lungu’s commitment towards holding democratic, free and fair elections.

“The EU will help Zambia financially in holding free and fair elections and following Your Excellency’s invitation, EU will deploy election observers,” Mr. Jankowski said.

He also said EU was pleased to see that the Covax vaccination drive against COVID -19 had started very well in Zambia

President Edgar Lungu receives a ball with covid-19 message from European Union Ambassador Mr.Jacek Jankowski at State House
President Edgar Lungu receives a ball with covid-19 message from European Union Ambassador Mr.Jacek Jankowski at State House
,President Edgar Lungu talks to European Union Ambassador Mr.Jacek Jankowski when EU delegation paid a courtesy call on him at State House
,President Edgar Lungu talks to European Union Ambassador Mr.Jacek Jankowski when EU delegation paid a courtesy call on him at State House

ECZ to start receiving Nomination Fees for 2021 Presidential Candidates

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ECZ to start receiving Nomination Fees for 2021 Presidential Candidates

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) will on May 1, start receiving nomination fees for Presidential candidates in the August 12 general election.

The process will end on May 9, in readiness for the filing in of nomination papers for Presidential candidates, between May 17 and 20, 2021.

The commission will facilitate verification and capturing of details of supporters for Presidential candidates, from May 10 to 15, and this will be done in all provincial centres.

Meanwhile, those aspiring to be Members of Parliament are expected to file in their nomination papers on May 17, Mayoral and Council Chairperson aspirants on May 18, while Councillor aspirants will do so on May 19.

ECZ Chief Electoral Officer, Patrick Nshindano also says all successful candidates in the elections must provide their campaign time-tables but emphasized that there will be no physical campaigns in correctional facilities.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka today, Mr. Nshindano has also said certification of the final voters register will be done on May 9, after the close of electronic verification exercise.

And Mr. Nshindano said the ECZ will effective next week start engaging aspirants on the newly developed standard operating procedures in the elections calendar.

University of Zambia Lecturers and Researchers’ Union Stands for Academic Freedom

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University of Zambia Lecturers and Researchers’ Union Stands for Academic Freedom

A STATEMENT ISSUED IN RESPONSE TO UNZA MANAGEMENT’S TRENDS TO SUPPRESS ACADEMIC FREEDOM

The University of Zambia Lecturers and Researchers’ Union (UNZALARU) is deeply concerned by the press statement issued by the University of Zambia (UNZA) Management through its Acting Head of the Department of Communication and Marketing under the heading, ‘UNZA Disassociates itself from Dr. Sishuwa’s seditious article’ issued on 22 April 2021. We find the UNZA Management’s press statement deeply troubling for the following reasons:

First, the press statement in question reveals the growing and alarming trend of weakening the practice of academic freedom at the University of Zambia under the current crop of managers. This press statement is evident and makes sad reading for every well-meaning citizen. While we note that public universities are more susceptible to political pressure because they receive funds from the Government, UNZALARU believes that the biggest and most feared let down is in the approach taken by the Management team. The University of Zambia Management is wantonly disregarding and violating the principles of academic excellence, among which, is academic freedom. Academic freedom is one of the bedrocks of any functional and reputable university and its practice distinguishes it from other forms of education and training institutions.

Academic freedom entails freedom to teach and communicate ideas or facts and to state even controversial or unpopular opinions including those that may be viewed inconvenient to political elites without academic staff being threatened with repression or any other forms of intimidation as expressed in the press statement of the University Management. We wish to emphasis here that no member of the academic staff has ever been ‘disowned’ in the manner that Dr. Sishuwa has been treated by the University Management in the history of the University of Zambia. It is our desire that this will never happen again.

Secondly, UNZA’s press statement in question is misleading to the public because it contains inaccuracies. For example, Dr. Sishuwa is actively employed by the University of Zambia Council as a Lecturer and his leave does not make him inactive. In addition, at no time has Dr. Sishuwa, or any other member of the academic community at UNZA written articles or engaged the broadcast and print media in the name of or on behalf of the University of Zambia. Every academic staff of UNZA has the right to freely express their views or ideas amongst themselves or with members of the public without necessarily being associated with the University of Zambia or UNZA Management. We therefore find it unnecessary and unbefitting for the UNZA Management to want to be disassociated to a piece of work which they were not associated with in the first place. We similarly wish to disassociate ourselves from such levels of intolerance and lack of objectivity in the management style of our premier university.

Thirdly, we have struggled to understand the relationship between Dr. Sishuwa’s article to his status of employment with UNZA and how that should bother the University Management in the matters raised by the author. We are left to wonder whether the said press statement was a genuine reaction to the contents of the article or is a repeated repression of freedoms to shape and control the flow of information to society. There are many examples in Zambia where such flow of information and critique have positively impacted policy, enhanced good governance and improved the understanding of issues by society. This is why society, and Government itself, should have an interest in protecting academic freedom.

The Union, therefore, wishes to stand in solidarity with Dr. Sishuwa’s academic freedoms and all other members of the University of Zambia academic community. These are rights that we are ready to fight for and defend.

____________________ _________________________
President General Secretary
Andrew Phiri, PhD Kelvin Mambwe, PhD

US-based Zambian gospel singer Siphiwe is back with ‘Woyera’ and ‘Healing Hands’

Entertainment Editor
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US-based Zambian gospel singer Siphiwe is back with ‘Woyera’ and ‘Healing Hands’

US-based Zambian gospel singer and budding youtuber, Siphiwe, has had her fair share of success over the years but she had to take a break for school and now she is back with two brand new songs ‘Woyera and ‘Healing Hands’ from an upcoming EP.

“The songs I am working on are as always very personal and a testament to what God continues to do in my life and I am so humbled that he keeps working in me and through me.” She says.

Woyera is an up-tempo praise song that is in defiance of these turbulent times we live in. Siphiwe says the song should inspire people to shake off their troubles and trust God to see them through.

“While going through a pandemic I was reminded that God is the one who created all of these things and he knew about this pandemic and so we have to trust that he is the holy one, the creator, the listener, the author and the finisher of all things on this earth! The pandemic will not define us! We will sing and dance to Gods glory even in this mess!”

Siphiwe says Healing Hands, her other single from the upcoming EP is a personal song that anyone who has ever cried out to God will relate to.

“This song so personal in a sense that at some point in my life I felt so alone mostly because my family was going through some difficult times and there was a sense of helplessness that I felt…sometimes I was even mad at God but again and again through the community around me and the love of my village I was constantly reminded that Gods healing hands go far beyond what we see and comprehend. He is an omnipresent, omnipotent, ever present God. We need to depend on him even when we don’t understand. I am so glad I depended on him and his word of assurance that he would never leave us nor forsake us!”

While most of her fans know Siphiwe simply as a singer and song-writer, she has also started a Youtube channel to let them see the other side of her life, something she says was inspired by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I was struggling with the pressure of going to school, and family and so I really needed an outlet I decided to share my ‘notes’ in life, which is why I started my youtube channel. It’s a little crazy right now because there’s so much I have experienced as a person.  My content is authentic and real.”

Fans who have followed the channel will get to see Siphiwe talk about the culture shock of arriving in the United States and other life experiences she faces on a daily basis as an African.

Siphiwe is also a nurse by profession, and the pandemic was a tidal wave of an experience as she was one of the front line workers.

“I had to work even more than usual so that was the most stressful I’ve ever felt as a nurse. Yes the pandemic definitely brought about a “new normal” because everything changed and the way of living and life took a turn. It’s been stressful but I think we are adapting and changing with the times and the lockdowns have definitely lessened but it’s a new era we are living in we embrace it with a little resistance.”

Siphiwe is almost done with school and has swung into creative mode again as she gears up for release of two brand new music videos for her songs Woyera and Healing Hands.

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