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The Ministry of Local Government has formally been requested to enforce the Constitution and the judgment of the Constitutional Court by directing affected councillors to vacate from office and repay back the emoluments in full.
In a letter to the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary dated 5th February, 2021, Governance activist, Isaac Mwanza, who had petitioned the Court said it was a fact that although the Constitutional Court’s judgment is a new event, the constitutional provision governing the resignation of councillors, has been in force and has remained the same since its enactment on 5th January, 2016.
“The affected councillors cannot therefore continue to occupy office, and ought to immediately cease to present themselves as councillors. That being the case, that is, that they ceased to be councillors thirty days from the day on which they delivered their letter of resignation to the Mayor or the Council Chairperson, they must reimburse, in full, all funds which they received from the date on which they were to vacate from office (i.e., 30 days from the date on which they handed in their letter of resignation,” read part of the letter.
On 4th February, 2021, the Court, in its Judgment, held that a councillor who resigns from his or her elected office, does not have the option to rescind his or decision to resign, once they have delivered their letter of resignation to the Mayor or Council Chairperson and that the latter have no power to accept or reject such resignation.
The Court further held that Article 157(2)(b) of the Constitution situates the effective date of resignation as the end of the 30-day period which, the Court stated, is not intended to be a period during which a councillor may change their mind and rescind that decision.
According to Mr Mwanza, the filling of vacancies which arise after the affected councillors have vacated office will not be necessary as the Constitution proscribes the holding of a by-election within 180 days of a general election.
“In effect, this entails that the seats vacated by these former councillors, may not be filled until 12th August 2021,” stated the letter.
JESUIT PRIEST, Father Laston Lupupa has asked for forgiveness from Zambians and especially from those hurt by his remarks.
Last week, a video emerged where Fr Lupupa urged leaders seeking to rule Zambia to condemn violence and preach love. He said God would not allow a leader whose heart was not for Zambia to enter State House. He followed up by saying, “it’s better to rig an election against such a leader!”
These remarks caused a social-media storm as people took turns to condemn him.
Others said Fr Lupupa’s remarks were not far off from numerous recent and partisan remarks attributed to Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu.
In the new video, Fr Lupupa has since apologised for his remarks and said as many people know him, he is a good citizen and has pursued peace and national unity all his life.
He said after reflection and counsel from the leadership of the Church, he has sought forgiveness from the people over what he termed as his offensive remarks.
An ambitious Indian driver uses his wit and cunning to escape from poverty and rise to the top. An epic journey based on the New York Times bestseller.
PROS
Very compelling original storyline.
Great performances by the main characters.
FAVORITE QUOTES
Balram: The greatest thing to come out of this country in its 10,000-year history… the rooster coop. They can see and smell the blood. They know they are next, yet they don’t rebel. They don’t try and get out of the coop.
Balram: The trustworthiness of servants is so strong that you can put the key of emancipation in a man’s hand and he will throw it back at you with a curse.
Balram: In the old days, when India was the richest nation on Earth, there were 1,000 castes and destinies. These days, there are just two castes. Men with big bellies and men with small bellies. And there are only two destinies, eat or get eaten up.
Balram: But for the poor, there are only two ways to get to the top, crime or politics. Is it like that in your country too?
CONCLUSSION
The White Tiger is based in India but its themes of ambition , classism and corruption are international. It is a relatable story about being stuck in an endless cycle of poverty and looking for a way out. The movie is narrated by Balram (Adarsh Gourav)as he takes you on a journey through his rags to riches story.
Balram , raised to show unwavering loyalty to his employer ,Ashok (Rajkummar Rao), and his wife Pinky (Priyanka Chopra) , works as a driver to his two US educated bosses, whom do not conform to traditional norms. They treat Balram with a combination of familiarity and condescension. The dynamic between them ,was played out in spectacular fashion. It is interesting to watch Balram’s character development , I was not sure if I was supposed to support him or hate , or maybe both. He is driven to do whatever it take to get to the top.
The White tiger is a brilliantly memorable movie. It will leave you thinking about the parallels to your own society and the dynamics between the rich and the poor.
Responding to the climate crisis in Zambia, the Government supported by UN coalitions led by UNDP, FAO and WFP are helping women turn goat rearing into economic prosperity
By Moses Zangar, Jr.
Sylvia Chiinda lives on the edge of desperation. Her husband died a few years ago, leaving her with no savings or possessions. It was a crushing blow for the mother of seven.
To make matters worse, Zambia has seen a rise in more frequent and intense floods, recurrent droughts and other climate risks, that have reduced yields for farmers like Sylvia, putting lives and livelihoods in the crosshairs.With her maize and groundnut farm production dwindling, Sylvia was forced to find an alternative income to keep her family afloat.She started running a makeshift grocery shop in her village of Kanakanatapa in Zambia’s Chongwe District. But the income – just K300 in a good month – is barely enough to meet the necessities for her and her seven children.
“I can’t give up. I need an income because I have many children and it’s my responsibility to provide for them,” says Sylvia. In the face of rising climate risks and unprecedented adversity, the 47-year-old single mother and breadwinner is determined to change her situation.
Sylvia Chiinda tending to her goats Photo by Belinda Zimba@UNDP
LESS ACCESS TO LOANS
In least developed countries like Zambia, many rural families cannot obtain loans from mainstream banks to cope with the impacts of weather extremes. They are poor and viewed as high risks, compounding the challenges they face.For women in farming communities, the first hurdle to setting up a business is access to affordable credit. Getting a loan from a commercial bank is a nightmare of form-filling and intrusive questioning. Moreover, the absence of a commercial bank in their villages adds to their woes.
“Banks in the city won’t lend us money because we have no land title to put up as collateral,” Sylvia sighs.
These women on the scheme said they have benefitted by gaining a stable income stream, and a new sense of independence and respect within their villages.
HELP TO ADAPT
Single women like Sylvia Chiinda are among the most vulnerable in Zambia’s patriarchal traditional communities, where age-old customs dictate a woman’s life. This vulnerability is compounded by the ravages of climate change.
But as part of wider government efforts, a UN coalition mobilized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), involving the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP) together with national institutions like the Ministry of Agriculture and Zambia Meteorological Department is helping climate-stressed small-scale farmers like Sylvia to tap into a booming – and drought resistant source of income – goat rearing.
With funding from the Green Climate Fund, the ‘Strengthening Climate Resilience of Agricultural Livelihoods in Agro-Ecological Regions I and II in Zambia (SCRALA) project is supporting resilient agricultural livelihoods in the face of climate change and promoting diversification practices to improve food security and income generation. The project is making important strides to empower women as rural entrepreneurs and agents of change.
A LIFESAVER IN GOATS
Some of the goat beneficiaries in Luangwa District
Sylvia is among more than 8,000 beneficiaries – mostly women – who were trained in goat rearing and animal husbandry practices through the far-reaching and innovative project. Women were provided with tools and training to prevent diseases, build sheds and breeding management. To kick off the intervention, each beneficiary received five goats.
A year later, Sylvia now has had a total of 30 goats, including additional goats she bought using proceeds from the sale of goat manure. To multiply the impacts of the project and build a steady income stream, Sylvia sold 10 of the goats and five goat offspring were passed on to help other women. This tiered, multiplier-effect approach capitalizes on initial handouts while promoting solidarity, equity and sustainability within communities. As a result, it is enabling to raise income levels across the 16 districts in Zambia where the project works.
The K5,000 Sylvia made from the sale of the 10 goats was spent on essential items for her children, including school-related fees and fertilisers.
“I’m now planning to invest in more goats and save enough money to buy my own land,” says a beaming Sylvia as she directs her remaining goats into a field for grazing.
This life changing moment did not just stop with Sylvia’s family. Mpeza Phiri, 49, a single mother of six living in the Luamba Agriculture Camp in eastern Zambia, says because of this initiative, her family now has a steady and stable income for the first time in their lives. As a result, the family now owns 10 goats and counting. Now when crisis hits, farmers like Mpeza and Sylvia have greater savings and equity. And equity means resilience.
Charity Lungu, a mother of four who lives in the same agriculture camp as Mpeza, has been able to support her family of 10 after selling some goats. Before then, Charity said her children would go to school hungry. Income from the goats has allowed her to afford uniforms and books for her children.
“They are now able to focus on school, not on hunger,” says Charity, as she tends to the bleating goats in her backyard.
“I am not worried any more about my children going hungry or falling ill. I can always sell a goat if we have needs,” says Anna Mumba, 48, of Luangwa District. The people of the village have suffered from recurring drought and dismal harvests in recent years.
“The SCRALA project provides small-scale farmers with goats to give them an alternative source of income in case their crops fail,” says Parick Muchimba, the acting project manager.
SURGING DEMAND
Goat farming in Zambia is set to grow in importance with huge demand from Saudi Arabia, which now wants to import as many as 1 million Zambian goats a year.
Zambia only has approximately 4 million goats being reared largely by small-scale operators – not nearly enough to meet the new demand, according to a senior livestock officer.
Back in the capital, Lusaka, goats sell for between $25 and $30 depending on the size and breed. Many of the women are looking to expand their herds to take advantage of a potential surge in demand for Zambian goats.
CHANGING THE NARRATIVE
Goat beneficiaries in Nyimba District
Sylvia, Mpeza, Charity, Anna and thousands of other women beneficiaries were without a doubt among the most vulnerable members of their communities. But with just a few goats – and the training and tools to keep their businesses growing – they are now well on their way to financial independence. As it accelerates its activities, the GCF-funded project will indirectly support approximately 3 million small-scale farmers in Zambia in building climate resilient lives.
Women supported through the goat-herding initiative say they have benefitted by gaining a stable income stream, and a new sense of independence and respect within their villages.
“Climate change is one of the major factors and challenges contributing to low productivity of farmers, especially at small scale level. As government, we are therefore pleased that our partnership with UNDP and GCF, under the SCRALA project, is supporting farmers, especially women, with opportunities and sustainable lifelong solutions to help boost productivity and adaptation to climate change effects,” says the Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary, Songowayo Zyambo.
“With the extra income from goat rearing, more than 8,000 beneficiaries, half of whom are women, will be able to pay for school expenses, improve their diets and afford medical costs for their families – giving them power over their lives and the means to lift themselves out of extreme poverty,” says Lionel Laurens, the UNDP Resident Representative in Zambia.
It’s an important step in realizing Zambia’s Nationally Determined Contribution to the Paris Agreement, and accelerating progress to end hunger and poverty by 2030 as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals.
Not only do the women sell goats to put food on their table, but they are also able to use the goat manure as a natural and effective fertiliser in their gardens. This is allowing them to grow vitamin-rich vegetables in abundance, provide their children with healthier meals and valuable sources of protein from the goat meat and milk, and improve climate-resilience, nature-friendly farming practices.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Roland Seri hands over a goat to a female beneficiary in Siavonga District
Note: the author is Communications Specialist within the Environment Unit at UNDP.
Nkana coach Kelvin Kaindu says it is an encouraging sign to see the struggling defending FAZ Super Division champions collect a second consecutive victory and keep another clean sheet.
Nkana on Thursday won 2-0 away in Lusaka at stubborn Nkwazi at Edwin Emboela Stadium in Lusaka to jump four places to number eight on 20 points, five points behind the top four led by Zanaco.
It was also Kaindu’s debut win over Nkwazi as a coach who had given him a torrid time during his reign at Power Dynamos over two seasons ago with four successive defeats.
“It was a good outing, and it never easy to pick maximum points at Edwin Emboela it’s one of the most difficult grounds to play- probably I cannot even recall even in my playing career when we managed to pick maximum points while playing at Emboela,” Kaindu said.
Emmanuel Mwiinde and Ackim Mumba scored in the 17th and 90th minutes respectively to see Nkana pick up another clean sheet following their 4-0 home win over struggling Young Green Eagles on January 31.
“For us to have picked up three points with another clean sheet in the second game also shows great signs of improvement in the team although there is still a lot of work to be done,”Kaindu said.
“Slowly we have moved a bit up on the log playing.”
Nkana now head back to their Kitwe base ahead of Sundays short trip to Ndola to play a Copperbelt derby against Kaindu’s former charges Buildcon at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
However, Nkana have suffered a major setback before the Buildcon game and will be without goalkeeper Moses Mapulanga who sustained a serious head injury against Nkwazi and was stretched off in the 83rd minute.
El Mukuka and South African heavyweight Cuebur release the Sebastien Dutch remix of their hit single ‘I’ll Hold You Down’ featuring the vocal talents of Marocco and James Sakala – out across all digital platforms today.
After years of friendship and remixing work for one another, El Mukuka and Cuebur recently dropped an original collaboration entitled ‘I’ll Hold You Down’. The song is a sexy, slow tempo Afro-pop “tropical” track ideal for the summer. The sensually smooth vocal delivery by Marocco and James Sakala gives the song a laid back, fun and cheeky vibe that builds throughout the entire track.
El Mukuka commented on the team of artists saying “Cuebur, Marocco and James Sakala are common names within my repertoire, but this song I feel is something different and special.”
Julius Sebastien Mwewa, popularly known as Sebastién Dutch, was born in Ndola, Zambia. Sebastién’s music endeavours began at a young age, out of his pure love for music. To this date, his passion and skills have graced him the opportunity to share the stage with some of Africa’s biggest DJs. Describing himself as a blend of African grooves and Electronic music, Sebastién’s style and catalog takes his audience on an exuberant journey. In 2017 Sebastién was one of the few winners of the Pan African AXE DJ Challenge giving him the opportunity to play in the party capital of the world, Ibiza Spain. Today Sebastien Dutch delivers a powerful Afro-tech remix of “I’ll Hold You Down” stamped with his signature sound!
“I have always loved Sebastien’s work! I think he is super talented and I love what he did with the song! I can’t wait to play this in my sets the energy of the remix is amazing!” – El Mukuka
Cuebur, a SAMA nominated music producer, mix engineer and club DJ who hails all the way from Middelburg, Mpumalanga, made a name for himself after he released his hit song ‘Pepe’, which was featured on DJ Zinhle’s ‘Feminine Touch’ album. Since then he has produced songs for some of SA’s most popular artists, including Heavy K, Shimza and Da Capo.
‘El Mukuka and Cuebur – I’ll Hold You Down (Feat. Marocco and James Sakala) (Sebastien Dutch Remix)’
It is well documented that Zambia should be the hub of grain production in the region. The soils are well suited and the yields capable of being attained in this country are next to none. For example, in Mpongwe yields are as high as 9.5 metric tons per hectare and 9 metric tons per hectare for maize and wheat, respectively.
On the other hand, despite the natural resource endowments in support of grain production, the country remains at a stage of merely satisfying domestic requirements with minimal exports attained.
We read the article in the Daily Nation of Monday 1 st February 2021 under the heading; “Value addition key to cracking foreign markets – Saasa” with keen interest and were disappointed.
While we agree that value addition is important to improving foreign exchange earnings of a particular commodity, there is a compelling case in favour of export of grain for Zambia.
Further, it must also be appreciated that it is a demand that drives production and Zambia is surrounded by sovereign countries with peculiar industrial capacities. Some have milling capacities while others do not. Therefore, it is worth noting from the onset that the policy to mill all grain in Zambia would not strike maximum benefits for the grain industry nor the country. This is primarily because of not only the limited capacity to crush or mill all its grain for both domestic and export purposes but also because the value-added products have limited shelf life in some cases e.g., roller meal plus the fact that demand in the export markets is not homogeneous.
In short, grain exports given its demand provide an added lucrative avenue to earn FOREX and can be a relief for excess production. Therefore, grain exports should be encouraged as this incentivizes the sector and has potential to increase domestic production to carter for local manufacturing needs and grain export utilization.
A model that seeks to promote value addition ONLY by curtailing grain exports in the hope that all production will be channelled to processing of finished products is misplaced, short sighted and must be rejected as this is what suppresses producer prices. Farmers need export parity prices to be incentivised to produce more. Grain exports are potential sources of FOREX in addition to earnings realized from finished products like edible oil, wheat flour, stock feed, and mealie meal which are processed from soya bean, wheat, and maize grain, respectively.
The attractiveness of grain exports, globally, lies in the potential for multiple industrial use and this is the reason why even developed countries, from the west to the east, still promote grain exports.
So long as the export market continues to demand for grains there is no need to entertain policies that will, in the end, cut production and reduce farmer alternative markets.
In short, why change a win-win formula? There is no room for such one-sided policies in Zambia. The Grain Industry Stakeholders speak with one voice through industry consensus positions. What we desire most to propel grain production is the lifting of maize and mealie meal export bans by the Government.
The Author is the Media and Public Relations Manager for the Zambia National Farmers Union
Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has said that it has become aware of an unfounded report circulating in some sections of the media alleging that the company’s Provisional Liquidator (PL) Milingo Lungu has fired all employees aligned to opposition political parties.
The said report also cites some employees as victims and claims that, “several Patriotic Front (PF) leaders and councilors have been left to cross over to the restructured KCM.”
In a statement released to the media the Company said that it refutes these allegations with the contempt it deserves and wishes to put on record that there is no political inclination in the restructuring and reorganisation of KCM. The objective of the process is to increase efficiency and optimize operations, and not to target any individuals for whatever reason may be perceived elsewhere.
The ongoing re-organization exercise is aimed at leveraging the available human resources for maximum productivity. Like in any industrial restructuring, the re-engagements of the employees is labor requirement driven. Management respects the principles of freedom to contract and offer employment to the best required skilled individuals.
Some employees have voluntarily opted not to continue with employment in the new subsidiary companies namely KCM SmelterCo Limited and Konkola Mineral Resources Limited to pursue other interests, and management cannot force them to accept the offer of employment.
“Therefore, the allegations are both unfounded and misleading to all stakeholders, and are intended to discredit the Provisional Liquidator and the management, “the statement concluded.
Catholic Priest, Fr. Laston Lupupa should unreservedly apologize to Zambians for abusing the pulpit to propagate the agenda of the ruling Patriotic Front (PF), says UPND Religious Affairs Committee Deputy Chairperson for Politics, Pastor Kangwa Chileshe.
In a recent video that has drawn widespread condemnation from the Church, academia and the general public, Fr. Lupupa is heard telling a church gathering that “it is better to rig elections (12th August, 2021) than to allow someone (HH) to form government”.
And Pastor Kangwa, who says he has great respect for the Catholic Church, lambasted Fr. Lupupa for desecrating the Word of God and for failing to stick to his fatherly role of preaching peace, love, unity and co-existence
“As a Priest; as a clergy man…his is supposed to be a fatherly role…one of uniting the country; one of preaching love, unity and one of preaching dialogue and reconciliation. It is sad that Fr. Lupupa has chosen to abuse the pulpit to preach words that are inflamable,” stated Pst. Kangwa.
Meanwhile, Kangwa, a who wondered whether Fr. Lupupa’s insinuations and attacks on the Constitution was a result of the excitement euphoria that usually characterise sermons from congregants, asked him to retract his statement and apologize to Zambians.
“Sometimes, preaching and people apllauding creates euphoria but we are hoping that the Father will retract his statement and not cause divisions as Zambia belongs to all of us. Therefore, we pray that the Father will retract his statement, ” he said.
Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo has defended Catholic Priest Fr. Lastone Lupupa after many condemned his recent sermon which has gone viral.
In a brief video, Fr. Lupupa of Matero Parish is heard saying; “it’s better for us to rig an election than allow some people to govern”.
Fr. Lupupa’s sermon was apparently about love and forgiveness.
But in a Facebook post, Mr Lusambo said it is hypocritical for some UPND members to stage online protests about a 45 second clip showing Fr. Lupupa, addressing his flock about a leader he feels should rule the country.
Mr Lusambo has since likened some United Party for National Development (UPND) condemning Father Lastone Lupupa to the Romans who crucified Jesus at Golgotha.
He said the same right that UPND members seek to enjoy to freely condemn another person’s opinion is the same one they should allow Father Lupupa to enjoy and freely hold an opinion and freely express it.
Mr Lusambo, who is also Kabushi Member of Parliament said no matter how one feels about the remarks, Father Lupupa, just like 18 million Zambians should be allowed to hold his opinion and be free to share it.
“If UPND members choose to condemn Father Lupupa, they should also condemn their leader Hakainde Hichilema for his role in privatization which has claimed people’s lives and almost turned Copperbelt into a ghost region.”
“By calling for Father Lupupa’s head, the UPND members are behaving like the Romans who crucified Jesus Christ at Golgotha,” reads the post in parts.
Below is the full statement issued by Hon. Lusambo
THE CRUCIFIXION OF FR. LUPUPA, SJ
Over the recent years, we have seen a rise in cultic behavior from members of the UPND. These cultic tendencies were introduced by Hakainde Hichilema just when he ascended to the helm of the party in 2006. Cultism in the UPND has now become so entrenched that even its own Members of Parliament do not have minds of their own. UPND MPs have been reduced to dunderheads whose job is to parrot Mr Hichilema’s thoughts.
Further, the coming in of Mr Hichilema in Zambian politics saw the rearing of the ugly head of tribal politics. Mr Hichilema and his supporters publicly declared that the great Anderson Kambela Mazoka could only be succeeded by a Tonga and with Mr Hichilema’s stay in politics, we have seen the despicable regional voting become almost acceptable, case in point; Dundumwezi 2016.
With Mr Hichilema heading the UPND, the party has become bloodthirsty. The proclamation of Mapatizya Formula has never been undone by Mr Hichilema and has since been adopted as the official UPND policy position and we have seen it implemented fully during several by elections.
It is therefore hypocritical for some UPND members to stage online protests about a 45 second clip showing Fr Lastone Lupupa, SJ addressing his flock about a leader he feels should rule his beloved country, Zambia. The same right that UPND members seek to enjoy to freely condemn another person’s opinion is the same one they should allow Fr. Lupupa to enjoy and freely hold an opinion and freely express it.
No matter how one feels about the remarks, Fr. Lupupa, just like 18 million Zambians should be allowed to hold his opinion and be free to share it.
However, what I find nauseating is that the same UPND members who openly support characters like Seer 1 to degrade the image of Zambia, freely insult the Head of State and wish death and calamity on the Republic are the ones throwing tantrums over Fr. Lupupa’s words.
To the UPND, when Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu declares that there will be bloodshed after August elections and when Bishop Mambo openly insults national leaders, you refer to them as men of God who love Zambia but when Fr. Lupupa declares that a Zambian President ought to humble oneself, love God’s people more and preach love and denounce violence, then he has committed a crime and should be crucified. That is the highest level of hypocrisy and double standards shamelessly at play.
Between Seer 1 and Fr. Lupupa, I believe Fr. Lupupa has a well-defined Locus Standi to openly discuss merits and demerits of a Zambian President. The other one is an imposter, a fraud, a fugitive who should stay away from all things Zambian.
The Holy Book in John 8 v 7 instructs us that, “The one sinless among you, let him cast the first stone at her.” It is clear that the UPND wants to take issue with Fr. Lupupa because he served them their medicine and they have discovered that it is actually bitter.
If UPND members choose to condemn Fr. Lupupa, they should also condemn Mr Hichilema for his role in privatization which has claimed people’s lives and almost turned Copperbelt into a ghost region. They should also start online petitions condemning their use of violence in politics and their open practice of tribalism.
By calling for Fr. Lupupa’s head, the UPND members are behaving like the Romans who crucified Jesus Christ at Golgotha.
UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema’s special assistants Anthony Bwalya and Mubita Nawa have been jointly arrested for Forgery, Uttering false document and for being in possession of property believed to have been stolen or feloniously obtained.
Also jointly charged and arrested is Dorothy Mukutusha, former Luapula Provincial registrar, Edger Maluba, stores officer and Graham Halumamba accountant for one count of theft by public servant in which they are alleged to have stolen 1500 NRCs valued at K3, 840.
This is alleged to have occured between 10th January, 2019 and 07th May, 2019 between Lusaka and Mansa.
“Whereas Mubita Nawa, a motivation speaker and Anthony Bwalya, a business man have been jointly jointly charged with offences of
1. Forgery
2. Uttering a false document and
3. Found in possession of property believed to have been stolen or feloniously obtained. This is suspected to have occurred between
10th January, 2019 and 18th October, 2020,” a statement from Police Spokeswoman Esther Katongo read.
All the accused persons have been granted police bond and are scheduled to appear before court on 15th February, 2021 in Mansa where they have been charged from.
Nkana on Thursday jumped four places up the FAZ Super Division log following a 2-0 away win at Nkwazi in Lusaka.
The defending FAZ Super Division champions victory was their second on the trot following last Sundays 4-0 home win over struggling promoted side Young Green Eagles in Kitwe.
Emmanuel Mwiinde scored the opener in the 17th minute to record his second goal in as many games as after getting one on his debut against Young Eagles.
Ackim Mumba sealed the three points in stoppage time of the 90 minutes to send Nkana from 12th to 8th on 20 points, five points behind leaders Zanaco.
Nkwazi, on the other hand, stay put at number ten with 19 points.
Nkana are on the road again this Sunday but make a very short trip to Ndola to play 6th placed Buildcon who are two points ahead of them.
The Ruling Patriotic Front has expressed shock that the UPND is agitated by Fr. Lupupa’s sermon on governance when his message was general and not targeted at any individual or political party.
Featuring on 5 FM Radio’s ‘Burning Issue’ program Thursday Morning, Mr. Chanda said Fr. Lupupa’s message should not be trivialized by UPND but should be understood in its broad context. He said what the priest implied was that Zambia did not require a divisive leader but one who preaches unity and peace.
“Father Lupupa’s core message as I understand it was him speaking to the heart of a leader and what type of leader, what type of person should be in Statehouse, and he qualifies it by saying that a person who is aspiring for leadership and a person who aspires to be President should not be driven by bitterness and should not be driven by vengeance,” he stated.
He wondered why UPND was attacking the innocent priest when they have in the recent past cheered whenever Archbishop Telesphor Mpundu and Chief Mukuni on several platforms engaged in active politics attacking and insulting the government and the Ruling Party.
“He didn’t mention anyone’s name, where I come from “batila Imbila yamushi tabayasukila” (you don’t respond to a message that is not targeted at you.) So why are our colleagues in UPND up in arms about father Lupupa’s message?” said. Mr. Chanda.
He said God will never allow a divisive person to lead the nation unless his sore purpose is punishment.
“God will never allow a dangerous person to become President unless he wants to punish the nation, what wrong have we done to deserve a dangerous leader who is going to divide and bring confusion to set the nation ablaze ?” He questioned.
He said PF will not engage in the politics of INSULTS especially those targeted at traditional leaders and the church. He said the party will always respect divergent views even those that it does not agree with.
He said that is the reason why President Edgar Lungu has always been tolerant.
Asked on whether he will contest the KANCHIBIYA Parliamentary seat in the forthcoming elections in August, Mr. Chanda said he was working and seeking counsel from the incumbent MP Dr. Martin Malama, but was quick to mention that adoptions were a preserve of the Central Committee.
He has since commended Zambians for entrusting President Edgar Lungu with the mandate to lead and transform the nation as evidenced by several developmental projects .
The Constitutional Court has this morning ruled that councillors who tender in notice of resignation cannot retract their notice of resignation.
This is in a matter in which Governance Activist, Isaac Mwanza, had sued the Electoral Commission of Zambia and the Attorney General over the failure to conduct by-elections inwards were councillors had resigned but later retracted their resignation.
Mr Mwanza had argued that the ECZ had engaged in double standards in the implementation of the Constitutional provision by conducting a by election in Sinda District when a UPND councillor had resigned but retracted the resignation while refusing to conduct a by election in other areas.
Delivering the Judgement on behalf the Court, Judge Palan Mulonda said the rescission of a councillor’s decision to resign is a substantive issue.
The Court said the absence of express provision being made in the Constitution to that effect entails that a councillor has no option to rescind the decision to resigns with the notice period.
The Court has however determined that the resignation of a councillor takes effect at the end of the notice period of 30 days.
“In concluding, as Article 157(2)(b) of the Constitution does not provide for rescission of a councillor’s notice of resignation before the lapse of the notice period of 30 days, the second and third question put to us become otiose,” said the Court.
And Mr. Mwanza has welcomed the decision by the Court as sound.
“We shall now engage the Attorney General to ensure that those councillors who had resigned but purported to have withdrawn their resignations vacate their seats forthwith and repay any monies they could have collected from Councils and Government,” he said.
LOCAL authorities failed to remit statutory obligations including taxes to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) and membership contributions to NAPSA amounting to a combined K1.7 billion over the two financial years of 2018 and 2019, says the Auditor General.
According to the latest Auditor General’s Report on the Audit of Accounts of Local Authorities for the financial years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, all 60 local authorities countrywide failed to remit statutory obligations, including taxes to the ZRA and membership contributions to NAPSA, amounting to a combined K1.7 billion over the two financial years of 2018 and 2019.
“The Report has revealed failure to remit statutory obligations as the highest irregularity at K1,693,684,384; failure to settle staff obligations at K276,689,804 and failure to collect revenue at K108,885,954. The implication for failure to remit statutory obligations is that this may disadvantage employees of their benefits at the time of leaving service, while the implication for failure to settle staff obligations may result in low staff morale, ultimately affecting service delivery negatively and possible litigation. In the case of failure to collect revenue, this deprives government and respective institutions of the much-needed revenue for provision of social services for improved service delivery and operations,” Ellen Chikale, the AG’s head of public relations, stated in a press release, Wednesday.
She added that the report also exposed unusually high unsupported payments found at over K20.7 million, while missing payment vouchers were at nearly K19.3 million.
“The report also revealed unsupported payments which stood at K20,762,409, whilst missing payment vouchers were at K19,265,971. The implication of the unsupported payments and missing payment vouchers is that, they promote concealment of wrong doing due to lack of audit trail and supporting documents. other findings raised in the report are failure to develop integrated development plans, poor management of solid waste, failure to update valuation rolls, failure to control markets by the councils, weaknesses in procurement and contract management. The audit also revealed weaknesses in the management of Local Government Equalisation and Constituency Development Funds,” stated Chikale.
“The implications of the above findings range from, the country having Unplanned Settlements, Poor Management of Waste to Poor Service Delivery among others. The Auditor General is concerned that Local Authorities that are expected to provide service at local level have continued to exhibit poor governance in the management of public resources.”
The audit scope covered the accounts and records of Local Authorities for the financial years ended December 31, 2018, and 2019 and in some cases, observations that required updating were reported as at October 31, 2020.
Under the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016, a local authority is competent to levy, impose, recover and retain local taxes.
A local authority may make bylaws to impose a levy on leviable persons owning or occupying property or premises situated within the area of the local authority, leviable persons carrying on a business, trade or occupation within the area of the local authority or the purchase or sale of a commodity within the area of the local authority.
The Council also receives funding through national support in form of the much-sought-after Local Government Equalisation Fund (LGEF), Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and any other grants as government may issue.
