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2020 Paralympics Envoy Munga To Feature in UK TV Documentary

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2020 Paralympics Envoy Munga To Feature in UK TV Documentary

A UK-based TV production company is making a Paralympics documentary series that will include a full episode on Zambia’s sole Paralympics representative at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Monica Munga.

The sight-impaired albino athlete from Chipata will represent Zambia in the 400 meters during the Paralympics that will be held after the Olympics from August 24 to September 5 in Tokyo.

The delayed Summer Olympics will run from July 23 to August 8.

Zambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom His Excellency Lieutenant General Paul Mihova praised Airbloom Media in a statement issued by the London Missions First Secretary, Press and Public Relations,Abigail Chaponda for putting the spotlight on Munga in their forthcoming 2020 Paralympics documentary series entitled “Against All Odds.”

“Paralympics demonstrate immense strength of character and courage to defeat mental and physical impediments. Paralympics are inspirational because they demonstrate that impossibilities can be possible. The Paralympics also build awareness of mental and physical disabilities in the hope of creating a better life for those with frailties,” said High Commissioner Mihova.

Meanwhile, Munga hopes her appearance in the Airbloom Media documentary will inspire other disabled athletes to take up Paralympics.

“I want to serve as an inspiration for all the disabled people in my country,” she said.

Munga is currently preparing for the Tokyo Games in Lusaka under the watchful eye of her coach Crispin Mwale.

Nkana Eye 6-Pointer Against Namungo

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Nkana hope to make further gains in Group D of the CAF Confederation Cup when they host Namungo of Tanzania this Sunday at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

Nkana beat Namungo 1-0 away in Dar es Salaam in the first leg on April 4 to exchange places with the Tanzanians that saw the Kitwe side rise from bottom to third on 3 and zero points respectively following three rounds of games played.

Another victory for  Nkana this weekend will enhance  their slender top two quarterfinal qualification ambitions with two games left to play at the end of match-day-four.

“We are ready for our return fixture, the victory we got away from home gave us a bit of hope and we are just hoping that even as we are playing at home we just want to make sure we work against being complacent,” Kaindu said.

“But if we can manage to pick another 3 points it can give us a bit of hope in trying to catch up with the other teams.”

Nkana are 3 points behind second placed Pyramids who host leaders Raja Casablanca in Cairo this Sunday hoping to avenge last Sunday’s 2-0 away loss in Morocco.

Raja leads Group D on maximum 9 points.

Victory at Levy is critical for Nkana who have successive home dates there with the final one coming on April 21 in their midweek penultimate Group D date against Pyramids.

But Nkana will have two absentees in striker Simon Mulenga due to injury and goalkeeper Moses Mapulanga who has Malaria.

The good news is striker Fred Tshimenga is back after a three- week layoff that saw him miss the 1-0 home loss to Raja on March 17 and last Sundays 1-0 away win over Namungo.

Meanwhile, Napsa Stars are in Cameroon on a huge mission to try and lift their spirits in Group B where they are rooted at the bottom on 1 point from three games after Coton Sport beat them 1-0 in Lusaka on April 4.

The onus is now on Napsa  to try and halt Coton Sports winning run against Zambian opposition this season after earlier eliminating Green  Eagles in the second whom they beat 2-0 away in Lusaka and 1-0 at home.

Napsa are five points behind leaders Coton Sport JS Kabylie of Algeria and second on 5 points while the competitions defending champions RSB Berkane of Morocco are third with 4 points.

Stakeholders to assist in COVID -19 acquisition – MOH

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Stakeholders to assist in COVID -19 acquisition – MOH

Minister of Health Jonas Chanda has announced that government has received the draft guidelines from the private sector and non-state actors who expressed interest in contributing to the COVID-19 vaccine acquisition.

Dr. Chanda disclosed that this follows discussions that were concluded yesterday with the private sector and non-state actors who are interested in contributing to the COVID-19 vaccine acquisition for the country’s vaccine basket.

Dr. Chanda, in a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka, disclosed that as soon as the draft guidelines are reviewed and approved, his Ministry will begin to implement the acquisition of additional vaccines.

The Minister was impressed with the eagerness by the private sector to support government in mobilizing the necessary resources aimed at supporting the vaccine deployment.

“The meeting with the private sector and non-state actors who have expressed interest in contributing to the COVID-19 vaccine acquisition for the vaccine basket was successfully concluded yesterday,” Dr. Chanda disclosed.

The Minister has revealed that Zambia has in the last 24 hours recorded 135 new cases of COVID-19 out of 7,275 tests conducted, bringing the cumulative number of confirmed cases to 89,918.

Meanwhile, Dr. Chanda stated that no new deaths were recorded in the last 24:00hours, but that 1,254 people were discharged both from covid-19 isolation facilities and home management, bringing the total recoveries to 86,813.

He added that the country has 1,879 active cases of whom 1,814 are under community management, while 65 are admitted in COVID-19 isolation centres.

He noted that among those admitted isolation facilities, 52 are on oxygen therapy and 10 are in a critical condition.

“We continue to see some variation in the positivity recorded across the provinces. The breakdown of the new cases and positivity by province is as follows: Copperbelt 11, Eastern 21, Luapula eight, Lusaka 40, Muchinga one, Northern 11, North-Western 26 and Southern province 17; there were no new cases reported from Central and Western Provinces,” Dr. Chanda publicized.

He commended the health workers for a steady management of the pandemic as evidenced by the progress and improvement in the reduced numbers of new cases, hospital admissions and deaths in the country.

The Minister assured the public of prompt administering of the vaccine as soon as it arrives in the country next week.

He implored people to continue adhering to the five golden rules against the virus.

Clergy to hold national prayers for 2021 general elections

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Clergy to hold national prayers for 2021 general elections

The Lusaka Ministers’ Fellowship in association with the Pastors Fellowships from all 10 provinces have flagged off the national prayer initiative for the 2021 general elections.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka, Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Permanent Secretary, Howard Sikwela commended the initiative saying it has been long overdue for the church to take a lead in national matters.

Reverend Sikwela noted that it was imperative for the country to host peaceful electoral processes from the campaigns, announcement of results, and beyond the elections.

He urged the National Minister’s fellowship to continue with such kind of activities, saying that it is the only way the country can actualize the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation.

The Permanent Secretary urged all Zambians to participate in the programme because the initiative is aimed at upholding the peace in the country even after the general elections in August, 2021.

“I want to state that the Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs fully supports this kind of initiative. When the church decides to pray for a nation, it is only in order for all well-meaning Zambians and churches to support such initiatives,” Reverend Sikwela indicated.

And Lusaka Ministers Fellowship Chairman Christopher Kabunda explained that the church is aware of the positive and negative potential that elections can bring in the country, hence the need to host prayers to bless the campaign landscape.

Bishop Kabunda disclosed that the prayers will be hosted on May 8, 2021 under the theme: proclaiming peaceful, issue based political campaigns to provide responsible leadership for the next five years of Zambia.

The Bishop explained that the National Ministers fellowship was confident that going forward, the country shall hold peaceful electoral processes, perceiving that Jesus being the prince of peace will saturate the hearts of all citizens to value peace and respect for one another.

“This campaign period will establish a foundation upon which the next government shall stand for the next five years. Our sincere prayer is that this foundation shall not be stained with blood, corruption, insults, witchcraft of failure to honor God’s image,” Bishop Kabunda stated.

He added that beyond May 8, 2021, the Ministers fellowship will meet on July 31, 2021, October 18, 2021 for thanks giving and also on December 29, 2021 to celebrate entry into the 30th year of the national priesthood of the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation.

Meanwhile, National Ministers Fellowship Organizing Chairman Canon Sihubwa explained the objective of the Fellowship was to bring the church and political players together.

Reverend Sihubwa further indicated that the fellowship intends to proclaim blessings on the campaign terrain as each political party’s player appeals to people for a chance to serve the nation.

“As a Christian nation, anything that falls below the standard of true godliness is not to be tolerated,” Reverend Sihubwa noted.

He added that the prayers will also affirm the rulership of Christ over Zambia and commit to upholding dignity for every human being.

Katuta Chiefdom installs new chief

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Katuta Chiefdom installs new chief

Chief-elect, Brian Mwewa has been installed as Chief Katuta-Kapemba of the Chishinga people in Mwense District, Luapula Province.

The installation comes after over 10 years of the chieftainship remaining vacant following succession disputes that engulfed the chiefdom.

ZANIS reports that speaking when he witnessed the installation ceremony, Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Charles Mushota bemoaned the challenges government faces in implementing developmental programs in the absence of a chief.

“The impact of being without a Chief has been felt by the people of Katuta Kampemba Chiefdom and Government in particular, which relies on the Tradition Leadership in the implementation of various development projects in the Chiefdoms,” Mushota observed.

Engineer Mushota revealed that government is collaborating well with tradition leaders in the District as it recognises that Chiefs are major stakeholders in development.

He cited the land given for the construction of a bridge at Chalwe under the Mwenda Kasome road project by chief Mulundu as one of the collaboration that government has had with the chief that will impact positively to the lives of the people of Mwense.

Earlier Chief Mulundu of the Chishinga people of Mwense District called on the subjects to Chief Katuta Kampemba to support the new Chief.

Meanwhile, standing in for Mwense District Commissioner, Sabeta Mwansa thanked the people of Katuta Kampemba for being peaceful during the period the Chiefdom was experiencing succession wrangles.

“This ceremony cannot go without appreciating you the people of Katuta Kapemba for remaining peaceful during the time there where misunderstandings in the chiefdom, please continue to remain peaceful,” Mr Mwansa said.

The installation follows the death of Chief then Chief Katuta Kapemba Robert Kapansa who died on December 25, 2010.

The installation ceremony was attended by Chief Kashiba, Chief Munkanta, sub chief Kabila and sub chief Kabanda, Senior Government Officials were also in attendance.

Court grants Chief Liteta injunction restraining Chief Chitanda as Senior Chief

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Court grants Chief Liteta injunction restraining Chief Chitanda as Senior Chief

The Lusaka High Court has granted Chief Liteta of the Lenje speaking people of Chibombo District an ex-parte injunction restraining Chief Chitanda from being installed as new Senior Chief Mukuni Ng’ombe.

This is in the matter in which Chief Liteta is challenging the selection of his counterpart Chitanda as Senior Chief Mukuni Ng’ombe the sixth (VI) of the Lenje Speaking people in Central Province.

The order of interim ex-parte injunction issued by Lusaka High Court Principal Registry, stops Chief Chitanda from being installed on the throne of Senior Chief Mukuni Ng’ombe pending inter parte hearing of the matter in the court.

ZANIS reports that the court has set April 19, 2021, as a day of inter parte hearing of the matter.

Meanwhile Chief Liteta has also sued, as second defendant, Chief Chamuka of Chisamba District who chaired the Electoral College of Ba Temboshi Clan that selected Chief Chitanda as Senior Chief Mukuni Ng’ombe.

Chief Liteta is contending that he is the rightful heir to the throne of Senior Chief Mukuni Ng’ombe as he is the longest serving Junior Chief than his counterpart Chitanda.

Meanwhile, both Chief Chamuka and an advisor to Chief Chitanda Yuka Kaputula have told ZANIS that they are aware about the court injunction but said they have not yet been served with the copies.

Chief Chamuka has however confirmed that the installation ceremony has since been postponed to a later date.

Chief Chitanda was scheduled to be installed today April 10, 2021, as Senior Chief Mukuni Ng’ombe the sixth, at Likonde Lya Bakanga Traditional shrine.

This was after he was appointed to be the heir to the throne last month, following the death of Chief Chipepo in February this year, who was Senior Chief Mukuni Ng’ombe.

UPND Manifesto Launch in Pictures

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UPND Manifesto Launch in Pictures

Kambwili and Nawakwi attend PF Convention as he castigates UPND

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Kambwili and Nawakwi attend PF Convention as he castigates UPND

National Democratic Congress (NDC) has hailed the Patriotic Front for embracing other political parties by way of inviting them to attend the conference.

Speaking at the sidelines of the PF general conference where he and other opposition leaders such as Forum For Democracy (FDD) President Edith Nawakwi have been invited, Mr Chishimba Kambwili said that he was happy to be invited and said that it was the way how things should be

“Am happy that I was invited by the PF and this is as it should be!” Mr. Kambwili said.

He told journalists that what the PF have done is what other political parties should have been doing in the true spirit of democracy and peacebuilding.

Mr. Kambwili also took the opportunity to castigate his former alliance partner, the United Party for National Development (UPND) for being undemocratic.

Mr. Kambwili who took the opportunity to announce the appointment of Ms Saboi Imboela as the party’s interim vice president said the UPND missed an opportunity to have discussed important bilateral issues had they embraced intraparty democracy by inviting other political parties to their convention like what the PF has done.

“We were in an alliance with them and they failed to invite the person they wanted to be their running mate. That shows you the kind of political party they are” he added.

Mr. Kambwili also warned that he will expose the hidden agendas of some political parties and for what they really stand for, having worked closely with them.

When asked if his coming to the convention is an indication of willingness to work with the PF, Mr Kambwili said if the party convention decides to work with the PF, ‘so be it’.

“Am one of the five people that started the PF and it will not be a sin to be associated with the PF. Those that want to speculate, can speculate. As a matter of fact, what is wrong to work with the PF” Mr Kambwili questioned.

The PF Convention

President Lungu Consoles Queen Elizabeth

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President Lungu Consoles Queen Elizabeth

President Edgar Lungu has described the late Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and husband of Queen Elizabeth as a Patriot, Global Youth Ambassador and Royalty that believed in unbridled service to humanity.

President Lungu said Prince Philip touched many lives around the world through his remarkable service to humanity through various sectors.

The Head of State said this in his message of condolence to Queen Elizabeth on the death of her husband Prince Philip.

Prince Philip died April 9, 2021 at the age of 99.

In a press statement issued to the media in Lusaka yesterday by President Lungu’s Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations Isaac Chipampe, the Head of State said he learnt with deep sadness the death of Prince Philip.

He said Zambia joins the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and rest of the world in eulogising an outstanding person who assisted the British Monarch in its service to humanity.

The President said Prince Philip inspired many lives around the world through his involvement and service in the environment, industry, sport and education among others.

President Lungu noted that Prince Philip contributed to his country’s security when he served in the British Army as a youth.

He said Zambia will remember the late Duke of Edinburgh for championing the cause of young people around the world and his penchant and support for nature through the World Wide Fund for Nature.

“It is my belief that his memory will live on through the values he shared in the various organisations he led. Your majesty, please accept our heartfelt condolences and prayers” said President Lungu.

Kasama Mayor wants to have Sex Workers Integrated back into Society

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Kasama Mayor wants to have Sex Workers Integrated back into Society

Kasama Mayor, Fredrick Chisanga has called for the full integration of sex workers into society.

Mr. Chisanga noted that there is a need for people to also end discrimination against sex workers but enable them realise their potential.

Speaking when he officially opened a one-day stakeholder’s workshop in Kasama organized by USAID, Mr Chisanga noted with sadness that sex workers remain stigmatized, marginalized and criminalized by the society they live in.

Mr Chisanga noted that the reintegration of these groups of people will help to reduce transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

“The meeting could not have come at a better time than now when the local authority is empowering women in different spheres in an effort to eradicate poverty,” he added.

Mr Chisanga further noted that such empowerment will enable women to be self-reliant.

And speaking on behalf of the participants, Priscilla Banda thanked USAID for embarking on the project to reintegrate sex workers into society.

Ms. Banda expressed happiness that this will help protect and uphold the rights of adolescent girls and young women against sexual and gender based violence.

Earlier, District Avencion Lead facilitator, Phil Chipanta disclosed that the project which is being implemented in six provinces is targeting adolescent girls and young women, people living with HIV and mobile populations among others.

“The project works with communities and adolescent girls and young women to prevent HIV, unwanted pregnancy and sexual and gender based violence,” Mr Chipanta added.

He further revealed that the project aspect includes economic strengthening of the adolescent girls and young women as a strategy to counter vulnerability which exposes them to HIV.

The workshop attracted participants from the business sector, civil society organisations and the local government.

Zambia has enough Fuel-Vice President

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Zambia has enough Fuel-Vice President

Vice President, Madam Inonge Wina said that Zambia has enough fuel stock and the fuel shortage situation has since normalized.

Speaking during the Vice President Question and Answer session in parliament, the Vice President said fuel shortage was experienced for a day or two when the fuel tanker drivers downed tools.

The Vice President noted that as of 6th April 2021, the country has had a 10 days stock of diesel, and 11 days stock of petrol, although it needs to be increased.

The Vice President further said the engaged suppliers have continued to import petrol and diesel on behalf of the Ministry of Energy, while at the same time the Oil Marketing Companies (OMC’s) have continued to import fuel under the waiver that has been given to them, so there is no shortage of fuel in the country.

The Vice President was responding to Bweengwa Member of Parliament Hon Kasautu Michelo, who wanted to know why the country is faced with fuel challenges.

And responding to Manyinga Member of Parliament Hon Robert Lihefu who wanted to know what measures the government is putting in place to protect the businesses of Zambians from collapsing looking at the performance of the Exchange rate, Mrs. Wina said that the government is doing everything possible to ensure that the cost of living is taken care of through the main polices that government is putting in place and that this starts with food commodities.

The Vice President noted that the government is working with millers to ensure that the staple food, which is mealie meal is readily available to the Zambian people and that the cost of the mealie is reduced as well as other commodities that seem to impact negatively on the lives of the people.

Mrs. Wina said the government is not pleased to see its people suffer or experience the rise in the cost of living, because this affects the most vulnerable people in society.

“Definitely government is not pleased, but is doing something to ensure that the livelihood of Zambians is improved,” Her Honor the Vice President said.

First Lady appeals to stakeholders to aid govt in alleviating poverty

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First Lady appeals to stakeholders to aid govt in alleviating poverty

First Lady Esther Lungu has appealed to stakeholders in the country to supplement government efforts of curbing hardships of the vulnerable in society.

Speaking when she handed over K1.3 million worth of food hampers donated by AFCONS Construction Company at Saint Kizito Parish, the First lady reminded that most vulnerable groups in society are finding it difficult to meet their daily requirements especially under the COVID-19 pandemic.

The First Lady commended the gesture by AFCONS saying that it is a sign of the company’s care for the community in which they operate.

She added that the donation will go a long way to assist the needy and also give them a chance to instill a sense of belonging in society.

“Today’s event is a reminder to those who can manage to supplement government’s efforts in social sectors to regularly consider alleviating the hardships of those who may be struggling and finding it difficult to meet daily requirements due to various social and health challenges such as the impact of COVID-19,” Mrs Lungu stated.

The First Lady also challenged women and youths to take advantage of government empowerment programmes to venture into entrepreneurship.

Mrs Lungu explained that government has made progress by putting in place policies aimed at cushioning the socio-economic challenges of the people.

The First Lady under the Esther Lungu Foundation also donated K200,000 cash to ST. Kizito Parish Women Organisation to support their humanitarian work.

And Ministry of Community Development and Social Security Permanent Secretary Pamela Kabamba indicated that social protection to the vulnerable plays a critical role in uplifting the welfare of poor people.

Ms. Kabamba said that government is determined to reduce poverty by 20% by the end of 2021 in line with the seventh national development plan.

She added that her Ministry has been implementing a number of social protection programmes which involve the provision of non-contributory transfers in form of cash, in-kind support, fee waiver, among other programmes.

“The onset of this national development plan in 2017 added an impetus to the prioritization of the social protection sector through the poverty and vulnerability pillar which has targets to be attained,” MS. Kabamba noted.

Meanwhile, ST. Kizito Parish Women Organisation Chairperson Mary Mukuka expressed happiness for the support.

Mrs. Mukuka assured that women will not remain idle but work hard to participate in national development.

She disclosed that her organization has since embarked on activities aimed at uplifting the standards living for the orphans, widows and the differently abled persons.

“As women organization, we are aware of the important role we play in society, that of national development and bringing food on the table to our families and community,” she stated.

Among the items donated includes food hampers and sunscreen lotion for albinos and will be distributed to selected health facilities, orphanages and foundations within Lusaka.

The aged people wait to receive food hampers donated by AFCON at ST Kizito Parish in Lusaka. Picture by SUNDAY BWALYA/ZANIS
The aged people wait to receive food hampers donated by AFCON at ST Kizito Parish in Lusaka. Picture by SUNDAY BWALYA/ZANIS
First Lady Esther Lungu greets AFCON planning and Coordination Manager Sachin Zende who donated food hampers to Kizoto Parish in Lusaka. Picture by SUNDAY BWALYA/ZANIS
First Lady Esther Lungu greets AFCON planning and Coordination Manager Sachin Zende who donated food hampers to Kizoto Parish in Lusaka. Picture by SUNDAY BWALYA/ZANIS
ST Kizito Parish Priest Father Isaac Chabu welcomes First lady Esther Lungu to officiate at a donation of food hampers in George Compound in Lusaka. Picture by SUNDAY BWALYA/ZANIS
ST Kizito Parish Priest Father Isaac Chabu welcomes First lady Esther Lungu to officiate at a donation of food hampers in George Compound in Lusaka. Picture by SUNDAY BWALYA/ZANIS
ST Kizito Parish Women Council Chairperson Mary Mukuka shares a light moment with First lady Esther Lungu when she officiated at a donation of food hampers in George Compound in Lusaka. Picture by SUNDAY BWALYA/ZANIS
ST Kizito Parish Women Council Chairperson Mary Mukuka shares a light moment with First lady Esther Lungu when she officiated at a donation of food hampers in George Compound in Lusaka. Picture by SUNDAY BWALYA/ZANIS

Cabinet’s decision to approve the National Land Policy and its implementation plan welcomed

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Cabinet’s decision to approve the National Land Policy and its implementation plan welcomed

The Zambia Land Alliance (ZLA) has welcomed Cabinet’s decision to approve the National Land Policy and its implementation plan.

ZLA Executive Director Patrick Musole says his organization is pleased that there will be a document in place that will guide the proper management of land in the country.

Mr Musole says the development is a step in the right direction and expressed hope that it will successfully be implemented.

He said Zambians who have been marginalized through the violation of their land rights will now enjoy the benefits of a policy when it is fully implemented.

Mr Musole is hopeful that different challenges regarding land governance will become a thing of the past.

“We have had numerous challenges to do with land allocation for the marginalized especially women. I think you may be aware that because of our tradition and culture, especially customary areas, land has been dominated by men. Women have not been allocated land in their own name,” he said.

He said the policy will address laws that have not protected owners of customary land but instead favoured investors who wish to displace indigenous people.

Mr Musole said the implementation of the policy entails that indigenous people owning the land will have to consent to an investor taking ownership of the land.

“You may have heard stories about people that have been displaced from the customary land by large scale investors, the process of acquiring the land was not consultative in the past. Our laws and policies did not provide for a consultative process so that people are informed so that they make informed decisions. We are happy that the policy that has been approve makes way for pre and prior-informed consent,” he said.

He stated that the illegality in land administration where political party cadres have power to allocate land is also another challenged that will be addressed with the policy.

Yesterday Chief Government Spokesperson Dora Siliya disclosed that Cabinet had approved the National Lands Policy and its Implementation Plan in order to improve land delivery systems in the country for the benefit of present and future generations.

According to the Chief Government Spokesperson, the Policy is intended to guide land administration and management in order to open up opportunities for every Zambian to access and secure their interests in land regardless of status and will further strengthen security and tenure and enhance management of land resources.

Zambia has not had a comprehensive land policy since attaining independence in 1964

I didn’t file in my nomination papers, I understand the importance of respecting rule of law-KBF

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I didn’t file in my nomination papers, I understand the importance of respecting rule of law-KBF

Lusaka lawyer Kelvin Bwalya Fube popularly known has said that he did not file his nomination papers for the party presidency of the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) in view of the PF General Assembly scheduled for today because he understood the importance of adhering to the rule of law.

Speaking in a press briefing that was streamed live on the Diamond TV Facebook page yesterday, Mr. Fube said that, following several calls from some people questioning as to whether he was going to file in his nomination in readiness for the forthcoming PF General Conference,
he had opted to stay away from lodging his application of the party presidency because he understands the importance of adhering to the rule of law, adding that he has no intention to engage in any form of violence because the vice might result in the shedding of innocent blood.

“I want to state to the nation that I have decided not to lodge my application despite being a member of the Patriotic Front. I have stated on several occasions and various platforms about the importance of adhering to the rule of law,” Mr Fube said said.

He added that he has no intention to engage in any form of violence because the vice might result into shedding of innocent blood.

The ruling Patriotic Front party is scheduled to hold its General Conference on the 10th and 11th April, 2021, to choose a party president and Members of the Central Committee ahead of this year’s August 12 General Elections.

President Edgar Chagwa Lungu filed in his nomination which went unopposed.

About the New UPND Manifesto: Whats Really New in It?

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About the New UPND Manifesto: Whats Really New in It?

By Sean Tembo – PeP President

1. As one of the key advocates of issue-based politics in Zambia, l have always looked forward to the release of the much talked about New Manifesto for the main opposition United Party for National Development. Now that it is out, it is time for me to give my views of what l think about it. For those UPND members and supporters that may have a thin skin and are fuming that l am discussing their beloved party’s new manifesto, l wish to remind them that that’s what issued-based politics is all about; you release your new manifesto, we your competitors poke some holes in it, you defend your position and the Zambian people make their own judgement and conclusion. That’s how the much talked about democracy works.

2. First of all l wish to state that l was impressed with the graphic design and presentation format. I think it was very much on point. Also l think the size of 20 pages was perfect. Not too small and not too big. This is often a difficult balance to strike. The last version of the PF Manifesto that l was reading had 67 pages, and l think that was too bulky. Suffice to mention that our PeP Manifesto is 24 pages, so we had some kind of meeting of the minds with the UPND and their 20 page new manifesto here.

3. My overall take on the substance of the new UPND manifesto is that it was very big on what a potential UPND Government will do for Zambia and very thin on how they will do it. In the few areas where they included the “HOW”, it lacked specificity and was largely just a waffle. For example, under Chapter 3, the paragraph on private sector development says that this will be achieved by “improving the business environment and reducing the cost of doing business” but does not specify how the business environment will be improved or how the cost of doing business will be reduced.

This makes it difficult for any reasonable Zambian to determine whether or not the UPND have a good plan for the country’s economic development. Now compare and contrast with Chapter 10 of the 2018 PeP Manifesto on Reforms in the Business Environment which states in paragraph 15; “a PeP Government will ensure that the cost of doing business in Zambia is significantly reduced by, among other things, eliminating the number of licenses that a business requires in order to operate. This will be done through the establishment of a National Licensing Authority that will be a one-stop licensing authority which will issue a single license that will cover everything from fire, health etc.” It is only when a manifesto is specific that people can take a position on whether they agree with it or not. But the new UPND Manifesto is neither here nor there.

Many reasonable Zambians are likely to doubt that a potential Republican President who is unable to pay attention to the detail of a one page statement will be able to pay attention to the details of running an entire country with its complex social-economic dynamics.

4. I was also disappointed with the first Chapter of the new UPND Manifesto which talked about “Message from the President”. First of all, the entire chapter is laced with too many grammatical and spelling mistakes. Now, we are not saying that any of us is an Englishman here, no. Of course English is not our first language. But if a potential Republican President in a one-page statement, then the grammar and spellings have to be on point. The same amount of effort and attention to detail that was allocated to the graphic design of the new UPND Manifesto, should have been allocated to correcting grammatical and spelling mistakes in the document, especially in the first chapter that talked about a “Message from the President”. This is especially so because the UPND Party President put his portrait there.

If you sign a statement or put your portrait there, then you better make sure that the content is on point, otherwise you end up looking like a joker who is not serious. For example, in line 17 of the Message from the President, it says; “…They can rest assured that through our collective effort …” Instead of; “…They can BE rest assured that through our collective effort…” Many reasonable Zambians are likely to doubt that a potential Republican President who is unable to pay attention to the detail of a one page statement will be able to pay attention to the details of running an entire country with its complex social-economic dynamics. There appears to be no evidence of competence here.

5. I was equally taken aback by the propensity in the new UPND Manifesto, to book-lift other people’s ideas without permission. This shows a total lack of innovation and competence. For example, the theme for the new UPND Manifesto is; creating a United Prosperous and Equitable Zambia. This bears an eerie resemblance to President Charles Chanda’s United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ) party. In fact l do believe that Mr Charles Chanda can sue for copyright infringement here. As the main opposition political party in Zambia today, surely the UPND can do better than a copy and paste job of other people’s ideas.

6. I could go on and on, but of late l have received too many complaints about the length of my articles, so l will seek to oblige the linguistically uninitiated and end here. But before l do, if l was allowed to score the new UPND Manifesto, l would give it a 3 out of 10. And all the 3 points are for presentation. Substance theliz no

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