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The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) General Secretary Adrian Kashala has disclosed that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has taken interest in the case of Nkana Queens Football Club attacking match officials during a league match.
Kashala indicated that CAF has written to FAZ to provide answers on the attack of match officials by Nkana Queens players and officials during the league match against ZISD.
Kashala added that CAF Referees Manager Eddie Maillet wrote to FAZ saying that the Refereeing Board as well as security have taken interest in the Zambian case.
In a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka, FAZ General Secretary urged football administrators and officials to air their grievances using the right channels.
Kashala noted that the Association was aware of the growing attacks on match officials during and after football matches which has opened the game to public ridicule.
Kashala noted that this has led to the growing number of officials that are routinely making comments thereby bringing the game in bad light.
“We wish to remind our members that they are all bound by rules and are not at liberty to liberally attack match officials publicly. This trend is slowly getting out of hand and must be checked,” Mr. Kashala stated.
He further urged those claiming corruption against match officials to back their claims with evidence which should be handed over to the relevant bodies.
FAZ General Secretary assured that this does not in any way suggest that referees are above board but must be censured or punished within the football rules.
He reiterated that FAZ will commit to ensure that referees are well qualified to meet the high demands of the game.
Nkana kept alive their hopes of surviving relegation after stunning leaders Zesco United 1-0 in the midweek FAZ Super Division match played at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Striker Alex “Bazo” Ng’onga propelled Nkana to the famous win over Zesco when scoring a 20th minute header as Kalampa recorded their second straight win in three days.
This was Ng’onga’s fourth goal in four matches since joining Nkana from Power Dynamos last month.
The goal ended Zesco’s ten-match winning spree.
Meanwhile, Nkana stay second from the bottom of the table despite moving to 28 points from 26 matches played.
Nkana have eight matches before the season ends.
Meanwhile, league leaders Zesco remain stuck on 55 points after playing 26 matches.
Zesco’s lead at the top has been cut to six points by second placed Zanaco, who edged Power Dynamos 2-1 at home in Lusaka.
Power dropped one place down to number ten on 38 points after playing 30 matches.
Kabwe Warriors have jumped into third place following a 2-0 win over Green Buffaloes at Godfrey Ucar Chitalu Stadium.
Warriors have moved to 44 points after playing 29 matches while Buffaloes are number nine on 38 points.
Parliament heard this morning that Zambia has not recorded any case of the Indian COVID variant.
Minister of Health Jonas Chanda disclosed to the house that currently Zambia has no evidence of the Indian COVID variant.
Dr Chanda said this when responding to a question raised by Lukulu east area Member of Parliament Christopher Kalila Kalila who wanted to know whether Zambia has got cases of people with the Indian COVID variant in isolation facilities.
“Currently we have no evidence of the Indian COVID variant in the country,” Dr Chanda stated.
Dr Chanda counseled Member of Parliament to desist from listening to social media speculation but rather to trust the information provided by the Ministry of Health.
He informed Parliament that government has put in place intense public health security measures at all points of entry.
Dr Chanda indicated that part of the measures instituted by the Ministry is to retest travelers coming from high risk countries such as India.
He explained that the idea to retest travelers is to avoid the COVID variant coming into the country.
The Minister said the Ministry is aware of a few cases of people using forged COVID certificates.
And Health Minister has assured members of the public who received the first dose of the COVID vaccine that they will get their second dose of the vaccine in two months’ time.
Dr Chanda explained to the house that the first dose of the vaccine acts as a booster for Antibodies as it prepares the body for the second dose of the vaccine.
The Health Minister revealed that it was a standard practice for people to get two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine except for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
“I want to assure all those who got the first dose that you will get the second dose of the vaccine,” he assured.
Meanwhile Dr Chanda has dismissed reports of people being forced to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
He told parliament that the Ministry has not received any report of health workers forcing members of the public to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Dr Chanda reiterated that cabinet has made it clear that the vaccination against COVID -19 is voluntary and not mandatory.
The Health Minister was responding to Chiengi Member of Parliament Given Katuta who wanted to know why some people were being turned away from health facilities for refusing to get the COVID- 19 vaccine.
Dr Chanda explained to the house that the Ministry of Health has engaged ZANIS to make public announcements concerning the vaccination programme as to create awareness.
He urged Members of Parliament to report any health worker forcing the public to be vaccinated.
President Edgar Lungu has called on Zambians to deter from acts of violence ahead of the August 12, 2021 general elections.
President Lungu indicated that security is a key component of peace in a country, hence the need to uphold peace before, during and after the elections regardless of the outcome.
The Head of State urged supporters of various political parties to learn from their leaders, asking them whether they have ever seen himself and the United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema engaging in physical fighting at any point.
President Lungu stressed the need for people to abstain from engaging in acts of violence adding that it may cost the security of the country.
Speaking before he officially opened Kanyama Police Station in Lusaka today, President Lungu explained that peace and tranquility helps the flourishing of business.
The Head of State noted that the newly constructed modern police station will not only enhance security but further improve access to justice for residents of Kanyama Constituency.
He explained that the constituency only had four functional police posts which could not provide adequate services due to the increasing population.
“With the commissioning of this police station I expect enhanced security in this large township of Kanyama. It is my responsibility as President of the country to ensure peace and tranquility in all townships of Zambia,” President Lungu stated.
He further implored the community to work closely with the police in order to strengthen law and order in the area.
He commended the Minister of Home Affairs Stephen Kampyongo, area Member of Parliament Elizabeth Phiri, cooperating partners among other stakeholders for responding to the need for a police station in Kanyama Township.
The President added that government’s transformation agenda is based on changing the working environment as well as improving the livelihoods for police men and women, thus the construction of housing units across the country.
Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo reminded that government has supported the police with proper infrastructure hence the onus remains on the officers to serve the nation professionally.
Mr. Kamyongo implored the officers to ensure law and order is enhanced for the people of Kanyama by treating every perpetrators of violence with the same law regardless of their political standing.
“Am urging police officers to perform to the expectations of Zambians. The President has spoken and it is now on us to fulfill his order and that is the only way you can reciprocate the gesture of improved infrastructure for men and women in uniform,” Mr. Kampyongo indicated.
Mr. Kampyongo took the opportunity to thank President Lungu for conferring him to lead the security wing in the country as parliament dissolves tomorrow, May 13, 2021.
And Kanyama Member of Parliament Elizabeth Phiri mentioned the high rate of crime in her constituency was because of inadequate police posts in the area.
Mrs. Phiri noted that the densely populated area accommodates many poverty stricken and unemployed young people who have resorted to criminal activities such theft, rape, murder drug dealings among many others.
Mrs Phiri said that the existing police posts could not provide adequate services due to a number of logistical challenges, thus the area was unsafe.
“Kanyama Constituency is one of the places where criminal activities are becoming unbearable making the residents live in constant fear every day. This increase has been worsened by the high population which has caused a lot of challenges ranging from unemployment among youths, poverty and other social economic challenges, therefore leading to criminal activities,” Mrs. Phiri explained.
She expressed gratitude for the support to construct a police station that will curb criminal activities saying that it will encourage establishment of businesses as the area is now safe.
FAZ Copperbelt Chairman Patrick Ndhlovu has promised improved prize money for the provincial cup winners next season.
2021 FAZ Copperbelt Provincial champions Konkola Blades received K20, 000 as the grand prize with runners up Ndola United walking away with K10, 000.
Bronze winners Jumulo got K7, 500 and Mufulira Blackpool, who finished fourth, received K5, 000.
In an interview, Ndhlovu said his committee will find sponsors for prizes next season.
‘I think we organized the tournament well although the prizes were not that good,’ he said.
‘We are hoping that the next cups to come prizes must be more attractive. We are going to ensure that we get sponsors for the cups,’ Ndhlovu.
The ex-Nkana vice chairman was impressed with the organisation of the inaugural provincial cup.
‘I think this has been very wonderful and well organised. I am happy that the security was in place and the tournament was incident free. Even the games were wonderful. Exciting final plus third and fourth playoff, all going into penalties,’ Ndhlovu said.
Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) president, Cecilia Zimba says, efforts to cling to the old concept of leadership in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, will lead to a bleak future as leadership has changed from being positional to serving others.
Mrs Zimba said the pandemic had given stakeholders a platform to see that the future of leadership was no longer about those on top of the hierarchy but the ones who served others on the frontline.
She noted that when it mattered the most globally, it was not the Managing Director or Director of Finance who mattered the most, but the nurse, doctor and other frontline workers who bravely left their young ones to serve people in the wards who were helplessly and desperately gasping for breath.
“If we cling to the old concept of leadership, our future is doomed. There is no such thing as getting back to the way life was. I dare say, those leaders who want to cling to the thought that there is ‘life as it was’ to go back to are going to be irrelevant going forward,” she said.
Mrs Zimba said this today in her welcome remarks at the International Executive Retreat in Livingstone, being held under the theme: Leadership extraordinary, success against all odds.
The inaugural retreat is being held in collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Malawi (ICAM).
Mrs Zimba further said the country needs leaders who would help stakeholders cooperate and not compete since competition as the lifeblood of economies was a false concept.
“Cooperation is the life-blood. This means we need leaders who are going to change our theories of economics. We are better when we realise we are in this together: Malawi, Zambia and all our Neighbours,” Mrs Zimba said.
And Institute of Chartered Accountants of Malawi president, Phyles Kachingwe said through manifestation of its successes, Africa has challenging stereotypes imposed on it by colonial masters.
“We are no longer primitive but architects of our own destiny which we will frame on our own,” she said.
Meanwhile, during a presentation dubbed ‘Transformational Change Leadership’ Absa Bank Managing Director, Mizinga Melu said leadership was a calling and required making a difference in people’s lives.
Mrs Melu said there was a hunger for true leadership in the country but bemoaned the high number of bad leaders in various organizations.
She said what made her cry as a leader was bad leadership.
“I cry when I see bad leaders, trust me, I cry. There are so many bad leaders…leaders who ignore, belittle their subordinates but I have hope that things can still change on the continent, in Zambia and Malawi,” she said.
Minister of Health Jonas Chanda has expressed concern that only 31 percent out of the 61,000 health workers across the country have been vaccinated against COVID-19 since the exercise was launched in the country.
Dr Chanda says health workers especially nurses are front line workers who are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and further transmitting to others.
Speaking at the virtual commemoration of the World Nurses Day dubbed ‘Nurses: A Voice to Lead, A Vision for Future Healthcare,’ Dr. Chanda said that a high number of nurses have contracted the diseases since it was declared a public health emergency last year.
He stated in a speech read for him by Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Dr. Kennedy Malama that though the COVID-19 vaccine is voluntary, more needs to be done to sensitize people on the benefits in the prevention of the disease and severe illness.
Dr Chanda observed that nurses continue to face the challenges and risks of COVID-19.
“We are not trying to coerce you to take the jab but you need to take note that you are at a higher risk of getting infected and spreading it to your families. You must get information and ask as many questions as possible to make informed decision with regard to the vaccine,” he said.
Dr Chanda observed that the role of nurses is critical to the successful implementation of vaccine programme and pledged government’s commitment to sensitize both health workers and the general public.
And Dr Chanda noted that government will remain committed to providing opportunities for advanced nursing education and professional roles including at policy level stating that they are key to the future of the nursing profession and improvements in health of the general population.
“In line with the theme, the world of health is dynamic; only those that decide to prepare for it will reap the benefits,” he said.
Dr. Chanda also noted that government is aware of the nurse shortages that compromises effective quality healthcare services which are a result of work overload among nurses.
“In addressing this challenge, government has so far recruited 24,480 health workers against a target of 30, 000,” he said.
Dr. Chanda also highlighted government’s commitment to enhancing the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) towards nurses and other health workers across the country.
Meanwhile, Dr. Chanda has cautioned members of the public against physically or mentally abusing nurses adding they should use appropriate procedures when aggrieved with the conduct of healthcare workers.
He also advised nurses to be professional in their conduct and avoid being confrontational with the public.
“I know that 99 percent for our nurses are professional, it is only a small percentage that has tarnished the profession,” he noted.
Earlier, Zambia Union of Nurses Organization (ZUNO) President Tisa Chiponda bemoaned poor working conditions among nurses who she said put their lives at risk of contracting diseases.
Mrs Chiponda observed that nurses are poorly paid and demanded that government should pay their outstanding personal related emoluments.
“Many of our nurses are being owed settling in allowances and leave benefits. We appeal to government to pay the outstanding monies to our members,” She said.
Mrs Chiponda called for public sensitization on the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine to promote acceptance and uptake of the jab.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical services Kennedy Malama has urged the public to continue adhering to the COVID-19 prevention rules even though the number of cases being recorded have drastically reduced.
Dr Malama has also attributed the reduction in COVID19 cases to the continued efforts by all stakeholders in the fight against the pandemic.
ZANIS reports that Dr Malama said this in a speech read on his behalf by Chief Health Promotions Officer, Winfredah Mulenga when the Zambia Public Relations Association (ZAPRA) donated over 500 washable face masks to Minibus drivers, conductors and commuters at Lusaka’s Kulima bus station in Lusaka today.
Dr Malama has since thanked ZAPRA for the timely donation.
“The reduction in cases and deaths due Covid19 is as a result of continued efforts by all stakeholders such as yourselves. This donation today attests to the fact that we stand as a winning team in the fight against Covid19” he said.
And speaking at the same event, ZAPRA President, Mwamba Siame said the Association decided to partner with the Government and all the other stakeholders in the fight against the pandemic.
“In addition to the 5 golden rules, ZAPRA would like to propose a message which says #tell your neighbor about coronavirus. We think that as a combined effort with the ministry of health and ZNPHI we can pass this message on to bus drivers, conductors and commuters that we have targeted today” she said.
And the receivers of the masks have expressed gratitude for the donation.
Zambia National Service Commandant Nathan Mulenga has called on officers to remain non-partisan and loyal to the government of the day.
Lieutenant General Mulenga has cautioned officers not to involve themselves in active politics in their line of duty, as the country heads to the polls and beyond.
Lt Gen Mulenga explained that officers in all the units should not be lured by any politician to engage in any activity of political nature.
He made the remarks today at Mumbezhi ZNS unit in Kalumbila district in North-western Province.
The ZNS commandant who is in North-western Province on his routine visits to all the units, pointed out that any officer who will be involved in politics will be disciplined.
“In the next few months we will be having general elections. I urge you all to refrain from politics and leave the politics to politicians, remain loyal and dedicated to serving the government of the day,” the Commandant stressed.
And Lt Gen Mulenga hailed the Mumbezhi ZNS unit for being united and dedicated to duty.
He pointed out that the works that the women club at the unit is executing goes to show how much committed the officers are.
The Commandant who toured crop fields, goat kraal and the health centre, all managed by Mumbezhi ZNS unit, expressed satisfaction with the development.
Upon arrival in Kalumbila district this morning, the ZNS commandant paid a courtesy call on Kalumbila District Commissioner Robinson Kalota who was thrilled with the first ever visit by the ZNS commandant since the establishment of the district in 2015.
Mr Kalota underscored that the investments in the district are safe, owing to the presence of the Zambia National Service unit.
He said the men and women in uniform are working hand in hand with the district administration to spur both social and economic development.
The District Commissioner stated that both Kalumbila and Lumwana mines are adding value to the development of the district.
“Commandant, we are very excited with your visit being the first ever to come here since we became a district in 2015. We have development progress here in Kalumbila such as the civic centre that has reached 80 percent completion and ZNS is working closely with the district administration,” he emphasized.
Isaac Mwaipopo (Mr) CTPD Executive DirectorThe Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) , Southern Africa Cross Border Traders Association ( SACBTA )and the Zambia Chamber of Commerce Trade and Industry (ZACCI ) have commended Zambia and Botswana on the commissioning of the Kazungula bridge.
The trio noted that infrastructure development of that kind is critical to the realization of ambitions under the Africa Continental Free Trade Initiative.
CTPD Executive Director Isaac Mwaipopo however noted that the trade organisations are concerned with the proposed toll fees at the Kazungula Bridge, saying the outcome will affect trade, which will be increased in order to meet the toll fees.
‘’We think the proposed fees will hinder trade and there is a need to avoid application of exorbitant fees as these will become a deterrent to trade,’’ he said.
Mr Mwaipopo added that the Private Sector and Civil Society understand that government’s intentions may be around enhancing resource mobilization, however, the proposed fees will result in an increased supply chain expenses for goods and service traded through Kazungula.
He indicated that the proposed fees will result in increased illegal trade or reduced trade flows volumes through Kazungula Bridge.
‘’We are concerned that with such new barriers, aspirations under the newly launched Africa Continental Free Trade Initiative may not be achieved. Our fear therefore is that traders will be faced with a choice to choose between the routes with high toll fees, and low toll fees,’’ Mr Mwaipopo explained.
He explained that, in the interest of trade facilitation, the Kazungula Bridge is a good opportunity to enhance trade between Zambia, Botswana and South Africa and the goal should be to ensure trade facilitation with less trade costs and elimination of non-tariff Barriers.
‘’It is, therefore, our position that the government should revise the fees in the interest of all Zambian cross border traders and transporters. Jointly we implore the Government to inform the nation on the criteria they used to determine the communicated fees and how consultative the process conducted was ’’ said Mr Mwaipopo.
This is contained in a statement made available to ZANIS by CTPD Executive Director Isaac Mwaipopo.
The Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry has challenged residents who still doubt locally produced goods to try the products showcased in the proudly Zambian Campaign Catalogue, and prove that they are of excellent quality.
Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry, Christopher Yaluma, notes that government recognizes that consumers buy goods and services of high standards and quality, as opposed to purchasing the locally produced commodities.
Mr Yaluma assured the public that the products with the proudly Zambian logo are of good quality and go through a vetting process to ensure high standards.
“The proudly Zambian logo assures customers of quality. You may wish to note that products and services that are certified as ‘proudly Zambian’ go through a vetting process to ensure that they are of the highest standard,” he said.
The Minister called on citizens, businesses and institutions to pride themselves in Zambian products and think local first, as they buy products.
“I wish to call upon all citizens, business and institutions to take pride in our products and think local first by buying proudly Zambian products and services” Mr Yaluma said.
He stated that proudly Zambian products carry an official logo which is a mark of quality assurance and national pride, and differentiates them from other products.
Mr Yaluma noted that due to the negative effects that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the economic performance of country, residents should rally behind the proudly Zambian campaign that seeks to support the recovery of Zambia’s local businesses.
“In the response to the weakening economic performance, the government of the Republic of Zambia has put in place an economic recovery programme aimed at resorting economic growth to 3 percent by 2022,” he added.
The Minister said this during the official launch of the proudly Zambian campaign catalogue held at Mulungushi Conference Centre, in Lusaka today.
And speaking at the same event, Zambia Association of Manufacturers President Ezekiel Sekele expressed hope that the proudly Zambian campaign catalogue will make it easier for consumers to identify local products, which will result to increased consumption.
The ZAM President explained that the association decided to showcase some of the products registered under the campaign and compiled them in a catalogue for everyone to see.
Mr Sekele, in a speech read on his behalf by ZAM Board member Bridget Kambobe, stated that the catalogue will be widely distributed in both print and soft copy, in order to reach as many people as possible.
“I also note that that the catalogue is among the items that your ministry will be shipping to the upcoming Dubai expo and other international expos. This will greatly assist Zambian products penetrate international markets,” he added.
Meanwhile, the proudly Zambian Campaign National Steering Committee Chairperson, Roseta Chabala revealed that since 2018, 33 companies have been registered under the campaign and are expecting more to be registered this year and the years to come.
Ms Chabala expressed pleasure that stakeholders, have begun to demand for the proudly Zambian Catalogue, in order to acquaint themselves with the registered products.
“Buying a product registered under the proudly Zambian campaign has benefits which go beyond consumer satisfaction,” she added.
Zambia’s Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey, His Excellency Dr. Joseph Chilengi has died.
Ambassador Chilengi died on Tuesday 11th May, 2021 at 22:35 Hours at Güven Hospital in Ankara where he was receiving medical attention.
He was 61 years old.
Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Malanji announced the sad development in Lusaka.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the death of our Ambassador accredited to the Republic of Turkey, His Excellency Dr. Joseph Chilengi after a short illness,” Mr. Malanji said.
The Minister regretted the sad loss of Ambassador Chilengi stating that he had worked very hard to promote bilateral and trade relations between the Republic of Zambia and the Republic of Turkey.
The Minister expressed his condolences to the family of Ambassador Chilengi.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will announce the funeral arrangements in due course.
His Excellency Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia appointed and later swore in Ambassador Chilengi as Zambia’s envoy to the Republic of Turkey in January 2018.
Prior to that, Ambassador Chilengi served as the Presiding Officer of the African Union Economic, Social & Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) and was instrumental in ensuring that Zambia hosted its Secretariat.
This is according to a press statement issued by Chansa Kabwela, Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lusaka.
A 49 year old woman of Kachinga village in Musele chiefdom in Kalumbila district in North-Western Province has sustained multiple burns after her house was set ablaze by unknown people.
North Western Province Commissioner of Police, Joel Njase confirmed the incident in a statement today.
“Be informed that police in Kalumbila received a report of Arson, which occurred today 11 May 2021 between 01:00 hours and 02:00 hours at Kachinga village in Kisasa area Kalumbila reported by male Muzenzi John aged 36 of Kalumbila Housing…a concerned citizen who phoned and informed the police that the house of female Muyembe Maggy was set on fire by unknown persons,” Mr Njase said.
He stated that several household goods valued at K1, 400 and cash money amounting to K400 were burnt in the fire.
Mr Njase said suspected petrol fuel was poured through the sitting room door and later setting the house ablaze, causing the victim, Maggy Muyembe to sustain some multiple burns on her whole body.
He explained that police visited the scene and found that several assorted properties of the victim were burnt.
“The whole sitting room smelt suspected petrol fuel, the victim was rushed to hospital and though with severe burns her condition is stable,” Mr Njase added.
He said the fire brigade will be engaged to carry out a fire investigation.
Zambia Postal Services (ZAMPOST) says technological advancements has made the institution suffere setbacks but is determined to come back to life.
ZAMPOST Assistant Director for Operations, Tamson Banda said the coming in of Technology such as smart phones has made the institution loose business.
Mr Banda said this today during a business development forum for government departments and parastatals that was organized by ZAMPOST in Solwezi.
“We have suffered setbacks in terms of service provision but I can assure you that we have diversified in terms of our services and ZAMPOST is coming back to life,” he said.
Mr Banda added that ZAMPOST is trying to see how they can partner with government departments in the provision of the express mail service (EMS).
He said the institution, despite loss of business, has commenced revamping some of its services such as EMS, post bus, ZAMPOST car sales agency, insurance brokers and travel and tours.
Mr Banda also thanked government for the various infrastructure that it has been building for ZAMPOST with the latest being Vubwi post office.
Meanwhile North-Western Province Permanent Secretary Willies Mangimela who officiated at the meeting appealed to stakeholders at the meeting to take advantage of the competitive rates and offer business to ZAMPOST.
Mr Mangimela said this will help ZAMPOST revamp itself and provide good services to the people.
