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Dabid Chilufya Parts Ways With Indeni

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FAZ Super Division side Indeni have released head coach Dabid Chilufya.

Chilufya’s exit comes 48 hours after he publicly criticized his players for giving away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Forest Rangers and threatened to quit.

“I have reached a limit for now because I cannot continue to coach a team that is just limited in thinking,” Chilufya told journalists on Saturday.

Chilufya’s departure was confirmed on Monday afternoon by club Secretary Anderson Choolwe.

“This is a mutual separation. The coach indicated that he wanted to leave. If you had followed the media, there was an article where he had indicated that he wanted to leave the club. We just had to sit with him this morning to agree on a mutual separation,” Choolwe said.

Chilufya helped Indeni to win promotion to the Super Division last year after replacing Matthews Ndhlovu earlier in May 2020.

Indeni have since promoted assistant trainer Chanda Mwape to the position of acting head coach.

“The interim coach is the former assistant Mr Chanda Mwape and the rest of the technical staff remains intact,” Choolwe revealed.

Indeni are placed 13th on the table with 16 points from 15 matches played.

Disregard of Covid-19 preventive guidelines worries Health Minister

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Disregard of Covid-19 preventive guidelines worries Health Minister

Minister of Health Jonas Chanda has expressed concern at the continued deliberate disregard of public health guidelines, particularly at super spreader events such as funerals, markets, shopping malls, townships and on public transport.

Dr. Chanda noted that the virus is still very active in communities hence people should not drop the guard against the further spread of Covid-19.

He has since advised that in order to protect oneself and loved ones from the pandemic, it is important that the simple five golden rules that include wearing of facemasks correctly and consistently, maintaining of social distance, washing hands frequently with soap and water or use of hand sanitiser, avoiding crowded places by possibly staying at home and seeking medical attention early if symptomatic are heeded to.

The minister has reiterated that people can also use local remedies such as steaming (ukufutikila), vitamin C, Zinc and other supplements.

“Remember that the numbers we report daily are not mere statistics but people within our communities, people we know, our brothers, sisters, parents and friends,” he said.

In a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Dr. Chanda announced that 825 Covid-19 positive cases were recorded across the country in the last 24 hours from the 5,600 tests conducted.

He highlighted that 303 cases were recorded from the Copperbelt province, 248 Lusaka, 104 Southern, 60 North-Western, 45 in Luapula, 28 in Central, 16 Northern, Eastern 15 and 6 from Western.

The latest statistics bring the cumulative number of confirmed cases recorded to date to 55,042 in the country.

“There are encouraging signs of reduction in numbers of patients admitted in our health facilities but we should not let down the guard now,” he stated.

And Dr. Chanda added that 17 new deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours, which included five on the Copperbelt province, Luapula three, Southern three, Eastern province two, Lusaka two, Muchinga one and North-Western Province one, bringing the cumulative number of Covid-19 related deaths to 780.

He explained that 349 have been classified as Covid deaths, 405 as Covid-19 associated deaths adding that 26 deaths are pending classification.

“Today, we also report 1,394 additional discharges bringing the cumulative number of recoveries to 49,394. We currently have 4,868 active cases of which 430 (8.8%) are currently admitted to our Covid-19 isolation facilities. Among the admissions, 293 are on oxygen therapy and 40 are critical,” said Dr. Chanda.

Meanwhile, the minister disclosed that a quick spot check at some schools this morning found encouraging levels of adherence to the prescribed guidelines including screening, provision of hand washing facilities and wearing of masks.

He said government through his ministry remains committed to ensuring that schools provide lessons with the utmost regard for the safety and well-being of children.

“Our report on the readiness assessment of schools for reopening will provide key insight into the measures that have been put in place for guidance adherence and monitoring,” Dr. Chanda said

Police detain Anthony Bwalya and Mubita Nawa at Woodlands Police Station

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Police detain Anthony Bwalya and Mubita Nawa at Woodlands Police Station

Police in Lusaka have detained Mr. Anthony Bwalya and Mr. Mubita Nawa at Woodlands Police Station.

Police are expected to charge and arrest the duo on fraud and theft charges.

In October 2020, Police issued a ‘Warn and Caution’ on theft and fraud charges against the duo.

In October 2020, the two appeared on Muvi TV Assignments programme and produced a large stack of National Registration Cards (NRCs) that they claimed were irregularly issued.

Police began investigating the matter and summoned the two to establish how the duo came into possession of secure national documents only issued to individual citizens.

Opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema shortly after the incidence, employed the two in his Office as political aides.

Woman dies in boyfriend’s house

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Woman dies in boyfriend’s house

A woman of Chainda compound in Lusaka has been found dead in her boyfriend’s house.

Police spokesperson Esther Katonga identified the woman, who was suspected to have been murdered, as Margaret Mudenda.

Ms. Katongo said in a statement to ZANIS today that the body of the deceased was discovered in her boyfriend’s house by the landlady and neighbours.

This was after the father of the victim begun inquiring on the whereabouts of his daughter on January 31, 2021.

She said according to some neighbours, Mudenda was last seen on January 30, 2021 at about 16:30 hours.

She said the landlady of Mudenda’s boyfriend and the neighbours decided to force open the door to the house of the deceased’s boyfriend.

“Upon opening, they discovered the body of the deceased lying dead on the bed and reported the matter to the police who visited the scene,” she explained.

Ms. Katanga stated that it is suspected that the victim was locked inside the house as the key to the door was not found.

The Police Spokesperson further disclosed that there was a stench of suspected poison detected in the room where the body was found.

She added that there was no physical injuries found on the body.

“The body has been taken to University Teaching Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem so as to ascertain the cause of the death and investigations have been instituted in the matter,’’ said Ms. Katanga.

Government worried about the increase in illegal mining activities in Eastern Province

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Government worried about the increase in illegal mining activities in Eastern Province

The Ministry of Mines has expressed concern over the increase in illegal mining activities in Eastern Province. worries

Provincial Mines Officer Brian Nyambe says the number of illegal miners is growing because people now know the value of some of the minerals such as Gold.

Mr. Nyambe says the ministry has been emphasizing to the people the need to formalize their mining activities.

He was speaking in an interview with ZNBC News on the sidelines of training for small-scale miners organised by the United Nations Development Programme in conjunction with African Caribbean Pacific and European Union.

The training, dubbed the Development mineral program, has attracted small scale miners from across the country.

And Saint Monica’s Alumni co-operative chairperson Alice Mkandawire said the training will empower them in many ways.

ZCCM-IH 100% acquisition of Mopani Copper Mines: Corporate Governance is Needed in the Running the Mine

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ZCCM-IH 100% acquisition of Mopani Copper Mines: Corporate Governance is Needed in the Running the Mine

By Mrs. Bernadette Deka Zulu – PMRC Executive Director

On Tuesday the 19th of January 2021, the Zambian Government, through its mining investment arm Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH), completed the 100% acquisition of Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) following its negotiations with Glencore Corporation. In April 2020, Glencore Corporation had announced its intention to place the mine under care and maintenance sighting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and low copper prices. However, this was rebutted by Government because it would have resulted in the loss of employment for 15,000 employees.

ZCCM-IH has acquired the 90% shareholding of MCM previously held by Glencore Corporation through Carlisa Investment Corporation (73.1%) and First Quantum Mining (16.9%), giving ZCCM-IH 100% control of Mopani. The Government of Zambia and Glencore Corporation signed an off-take arrangement deal. An off-take arrangement is simply an arrangement between the producer and a buyer to purchase or sell all or portions of the producer’s forthcoming goods/commodities to the market. This sort of agreement is commonly done with the mines to secure a market for their future production purposes. In this case, Glencore Corporation has agreed to sell 90% of its shares to ZCCM-IH, which will fully own the mines after the transaction has been fully settled. This is because ZCCM-IH and Glencore deal is based on a no-cash transfer basis.

The deal is priced at $1.5 billion which will be funded by a loan that will be repaid from sales and profits moving forward. The loan is estimated to be repaid in a period of 10-17 years depending on copper prices which are currently at $8000 per tonne on the London Metal Exchange. For the debt to be paid, the Government and Glencore have put up terms and conditions as stipulated below. Firstly, the interest of the transaction debt will be capitalized for the first three months, implying that it will report to the balance sheet and not the income and expenditure sheet and thereafter, paid quarterly at the London Interbank Offer Rate which is at 3%. The principal outstanding payment will be paid using a dual mechanism approach. Firstly, 3% of the gross revenue of Mopani copper (2021-23) and thereafter, 10-17.5%. Secondly, 33.3% of the Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) minus (taxes, changes in working capital, royalty payments, and payments in the first mechanism).

The 100% acquisition comes with many socio-economic benefits such as employment security for the 15,000 mine workers. This will have a trickle down effect on their communities and the nation as large. The acquisition also provides an opportunity for local mine suppliers and contractors to conduct business with the mines. It is envisioned that this move by Government will increase the number of local contractors within the mining sector, which will enhance the establishment of local mining supply chains. Additionally, the deal comes at a time in which the price of copper has increased on the global market, trading at $ 8,014 per tonne as of the 20th of January 2021, with a projection of above $7000 per tonne in 2021. Government will therefore generate revenue which will not only be used to pay off its acquisition loan but will also be used to enhance economic development in the country.

In order for Government to maximize from this acquisition, there is need for them to amend the Mines and Minerals Development Act No. 11 of 2015 to ensure that Zambians benefit from the mining sector. The amendment of the Act will ensure proper coordination and an adequate legal framework governing the mine. Secondly, poor corporate governance has led to the fall of many private and stated-owned enterprises around the world. It is for this reason that PMRC strongly recommends that principles of corporate governance be embedded in the running of MCM.

16 year old commits suicide-Mwinilunga after being accused of stealing from her mother

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16 year old commits suicide-Mwinilunga after being accused of stealing from her mother

A 16-year-old girl of Ndumba village in Kanyama chiefdom of Mwinilunga district in North-western Province has committed suicide after being suspected of stealing from her mother.

North-western Province Police Commissioner Joel Njase has confirmed the development to ZANIS, and named the deceased as Agnes Katenga, a grade 10 pupil of Lunga Day Secondary School.

Mr Njase said the deceased sister Alice Katenga reported that her sister took her life by hanging herself to a mango tree 10 meters away from their house, after she was suspected of stealing three new pairs of underwear belonging to her mother Lucy Kayombo.

He said after being talked to over the matter, the girl got upset and sneaked out of the house, where it was later discovered that she took her own life.

“A grade 10 pupil at Lunga day secondary school has committed suicide by hanging herself to a mango tree, 10 meters away from their house. The cause of death was that she was suspected of stealing three new underwear belonging to her mother Lucy Kayombo of the same abode,” he said.

Mr Njase said the incident is reported to have occurred between 20:00 hours on 30th January 2021 and 06:00 hours on 31st January 2021.

He said the police in the area have visited the scene and inspected the body, and observed a protruded tongue and eyes.

Mr Njase said the body of the deceased has since been deposited in Mwinilunga district hospital mortuary, awaiting burial as no foul play is suspected.

Meanwhile, Mr Njase has observed that there is an urgent need to address emotional handling gaps among people in the communities.

He said the challenge should be addressed by helping the youth especially to understand and accept that criticism is part of life.

“We must address this challenge and ensure that our youths are able to withstand criticism and take it as part of life to make them better. However, this ability to handle emotional challenges comes with careful development of values, belief system, attitude and ultimate conduct,” he said.

Mr Njase has since appealed to leaders, parents, health authorities, the department of social welfare and the church to look at brain science and cognitive disorders and spiritual engagement as part of a long term solution to the challenge.

Parents decry costs of Covid-19 Test Certificates demanded by Mulungushi University

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Parents decry costs of Covid-19 Test Certificates demanded by Mulungushi University

Dear Editor,

Kindly allow me space in your widely read publication. I would like to express my displeasure at the happenings at Mulungushi University.

I am a sponsor to one of the students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Mulungushi University under Open Distance Learning. The distance students are scheduled to attend a 2 weeks residential school starting on 7 February, 2021. In an effort to enforce covid-19 regulations, they are requiring (among other things) that each student presents a negative covid-19 certificate. Even those that are bringing the students are required to present the same. This presents very serious challenges for both sponsors and students.

Most people will fail to attend this residential session simply because they will not be able to afford. In addition to paying at least 50% of tuition fees, where are we going to find the extra K2000 for this covid test certificate? Mind you, we also have to look for transport to and from this institution as well as the money for upkeep and other expenses incidental to the residential school. Does management know how difficult it is to find money in the covid new normal? For those who will travel by public transport, how sure is management that they will not contract Covid on the way to the University despite presenting a negative result?

Other students had planned to be coming from out of compus (to save on cost) but are now being required to all be in residence. Will the lecturers and other staff also be staying in residence? If they will not be in residence, are they going to be testing them every day to ensure that they do not infect the student populace? If they have allowed the Postgraduates to attend virtually, why can’t they do the same to the undergraduates? Why are they hell-bent on putting students at risk?

Please Editor, ask these questions on our behalf. I have been trying to get answers from them, but these people are so rude that they don’t even answer their phones. When they do finally answer, they are not very knowledgeable.

Thanks in advance.

Gwembe District in Southern Province is poised for Economic Boom

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Gwembe District in Southern Province is poised for Economic Boom

Gwembe District in Southern Province is poised for an economic boom resulting from various government interventions seeking to fully exploit the resource endowment.

District Commissioner, Timothy Siakaziba, says the government has created a conducive environment in Gwembe that is now attracting investors both local and foreign, to invest in energy and mining as well as fisheries on Lake Kariba.

Mr. Siakaziba has disclosed that a number of investors have already been to the district to assess the investment opportunities with many of them indicating their readiness to invest in the area.

He told ZANIS in Gwembe that the valley district is endowed with vast deposits of core and that an investor is finalizing formalities to begin mining.

The District Commissioner said the investor has also shown a willingness to partner with the government to upgrade the Chisekesi-Munyumbwe road to bituminous standard, saying once this is done the new road will open up the valley district to more development.

Mr. Siakaziba also disclosed that a number of investors want to invest in fish farming on Lake Kariba while others would like to invest in tourism along lake frontage.

Meanwhile, Government through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) has released Two Million Kwacha towards strengthening surveillance and prevention of COVID19 in Gwembe District, Southern Province.

Gwembe is one of the districts in the Province that has been hit hard by the pandemic with more than 100 accumulative cases.

ZANIS reports that Gwembe District COVID-19, Planning Coordinator, Lucy Zulu, said the funds would go towards preventive, strengthening and surveillance in public places as well as putting measures at crossing points.

Ms Zulu who also doubles as District Administrative Officer has since urged the COVID19 Committee members, to be proactive in fighting the pandemic before the virus causes havoc in the district.

“We have Two Million Kwacha towards the fight against the pandemic, therefore, l urge you Committee members to be proactive if we have to win this battle ,” she said.

Extract from the Auditor General Report on Honeybee Pharmacy Contract

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Extract from the Auditor General Report on Honeybee Pharmacy Contract

By: Anthony Bwalya – UPND Presidential Spokesperson

The Report of the Auditor-General for the year ended 31 December 2019 contains the following about Honeybee Pharmacy on pages 86 – 91

1. Questionable referral letters contrary to Public Procurement Regulation No.69

– Further, the pharmaceutical license which allows trade-in wholesale was only issued on 28 August 2019, less than 4 months at the time of signing contract, while Honeybee claimed to have been supplying for more than 2 years.

2. Questionable capacity to perform the contract

– An analysis of Honeybee’s financial statements submitted revealed that the average turnover from 2016 – 2018 did not meet the criteria as they fell below the value of the bid.

3. Failure to provide power of attorney written by a lawyer

– The power of attorney attached was signed by an employee of the company who nominated himself and not by a lawyer as required.

4. Questionable responsiveness on ZAMRA registration

– Out of 60 items bid, Honeybee did not have manufacturers’ authorization

5. Sourcing of medicines and medical supplies from unapproved manufacturers

– 58 out of 60 items with an invoice value of $3.4m were sourced from noncontract stated sources

6. Questionable supply of unregistered goods

– medicines and allied substances contained in the 4,752 health center kits of invoice value $3.79m delivered in August and September 2020 were not registered with ZAMRA.

7. Failure to avail quality control test certificates

– Paracetamol had mould like growth on surfaces and did not meet acceptance criteria

– Lubricated latex condoms failed on the following parameters: bursting volume, hang and roll, length and package integrity

– Latex examination gloves failed the water tightness test

ALL this information is in the public domain and has been independently tested and verified by the government’s own Auditor General’s office. How is this NOT a crime against the Zambian people?

Why are the police issuing defamatory notices of arrest against individuals like myself who merely drew the public’s attention to an NRC issue which continues to threaten the SOVEREIGN identity of our people and our country?

As citizens, we have a duty of patriotism to our country. We urge the police to examine their conscience and help us fulfill our patriotic obligations.

Zambia could be under reporting Covid deaths-Study

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Zambia could be under reporting Covid deaths-Study

A study from mortuaries in Lusaka has suggested that Zambia could be under counting Covid-19 deaths.

Research by Boston University School of Public Health, which has not yet been peer reviewed points that many Covid deaths have simply not been registered.

Researchers, who took nose and throat swabs from the bodies of recently deceased people at the University Teaching Hospital mortuary in Lusaka, found a far higher incidence of Covid-19 than expected.

Of 364 bodies tested, Covid-19 was detected in 70.

Lawrence Mwananyanda, who led the research, said it cast doubt on the view that Covid-19 had “somehow skipped” Africa.

“If our data are generalisable, the impact of Covid-19 in Africa has been vastly underestimated,” the authors of the paper wrote.

The study conducted between June and September last year, the median age of death of those testing positive for Covid-19 was 48, much younger than in developed countries.

Seven were children, including a baby only a few months old.

“Oral autopsies”, conducted by talking to relatives, found that many of the 70 deceased had exhibited Covid-like symptoms, including coughing and shortness of breath, in addition to testing positive on their postmortem swab tests.

However, Dr Mwananyanda conceded it was impossible to be certain that Covid-19 was the cause of death.

Of the 70 patients, only 19 had been admitted to hospital while the remaining 51 had died in the community where Covid-19 testing was almost non-existent, he said.

“In Lusaka now, everybody knows someone who has died of Covid or who is in the hospital with Covid,” he said.

Dr Mwananyanda estimated that Zambia’s official Covid-19 death toll of 723 might underestimate the true level by as much as tenfold, a pattern that he said could be replicated in many African countries where Covid-19 testing is limited and the cause — or even the fact — of death goes routinely unrecorded.

Ignorance of Government Process: Hichilema and Trump Belong to the Same Whatsapp Group

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Ignorance of Government Process: Hichilema and Trump Belong to the Same Whatsapp Group

By Sunday Chilufya Chanda

Even though by a fluke one had an opportunity to lead America for one term and the other one is a perennial “no term” presidential candidate having lost five times in a row to a democratic process, there appears to be striking similarities between former US President Donald Trump and UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema. The pair have mainly three things in common: their overinflated egos full of hot air; their know-it-all attitude and above all; their excruciating cluelessness of government processes.

Hichilema as expected, has once again not disappointed in exposing his ignorance on statecraft and government processes. His limp attempts to create an issue over the non-issue of the appointment of Mansa Central Member of Parliament and former Minister of Health Dr Chitalu Chilufya to the Parliamentary Budget Committee once again exposes Hakainde’s witlessness of the highest carat. It is disturbing that the leader of Zambia’s largest Opposition Party cannot distinguish between budget and expenditure, let alone audits.

It had to take Ms. Laura Miti to offer a public lecture to Mr. Hichilema on basic Government processes. We hope the student paid particular attention to his teacher!

At this rate, if his ignorance of statecraft with regard to budgets, expenditure and audits were to be weighed in gold, the UPND leader would no doubt be a bigger millionaire than he currently is- just like Trump!

For four years America reeled under the weight of a President with a puffed up ego and a burdensome lack of understanding of the basic functions of government. Never, ever should Zambians be subjected to the Trump-like impulses and cluelessness of such self-centredness as the UPND leader appears to display.

The ignorance shown by someone seeking the highest office of the land is particularly excruciating. His support base has more reasons to worry about their “messiah”.

The author is Patriotic Front Media Director At the Party Headquarters.

Rampant Nkana Win Big

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Nkana roared to the biggest league win of the 2020/2021 FAZ Super Division season on Sunday when they humbled promoted Young Green Eagles 4-0 at home in Kitwe.

The result also ended the defending FAZ Super Division champions’ two-match losing run and handed coach Kelvin Kaindu his second win in five league games at the helm.

Striker Simon Mulenga stole the headlines today, silencing the Nkana fans who had given him a hard time all of this season.

Mulenga turned from zero to hero with his debut hat-trick for Nkana in the 4th, 11th and 19th minutes to see Nkana take a 3-0 halftime lead in what was also an effortless victory over the second from last bottom side.

Emmanuel Mwiinde, who provided the assist for Mulenga’s third goal, scored on his debut in the 64th minute when he headed-in a cross from Ackim Mumba.

Nkana are at number 12 on 17 points, and interestingly are now just eight points behind the top four led by Zanaco who are tied on 25 points with Prison Leopards, Forest Rangers and Zesco.

However, Nkana face a big test this Wednesday when they visit Nkwazi in Lusaka who have traditionally been the bogey team for teams from the Copperbelt.

Goals Highlights of Zambia’s 3-1 loss to Morocco

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Goals Highlights of Zambia’s 3-1 loss to Morocco

 

Morocco Ends Chipolopolo’s CHAN Odyssey

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Chipolopolo’s 2021 CHAN odyssey came to calamitous end on Sunday when ten-man Zambia was humbled 3-1 by defending champions Morocco.

The result in Douala on Sunday evening sees Zambia make a now customary CHAN quarterfinal exit for a third successive time since making the playoffs in 2009 at the inaugural tournament in Cote d’Ivoire where they finished third.

Defender Zachariah Chilongoshi saw red in the 20th minute, but by then, the defending CHAN champions were leading 2-0 through goals by Soufiane Rahmini and Mohammed Bemmamer in the 1st and 8th minutes respectively.

Ayoub El Kaabi added the third from the penalty spot in the 39th minute to see Morocco take a 3-0 halftime lead.

Moses Phiri, who came one for his Zanaco teammate Kelvin Kapumbu in the 46th minute, scored the consolation with ten minutes left on the clock to end Chipolopolo’s interest in the campaign.

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