St Ignatius Parish Priest Father Charles Chilinda has died.
Father Chilinda who had been battling with Covid-19 and was admitted to Maina Soko hospital and died on Thursday evening.
Father Chilinda who is also Loyola Media Director, an Apostalate of the Society of Jesus, has over the last decade emerged as a strong figure from the clergy.
He was renowned as a peace-maker and national builder and unifier, helping bringing together political figures and ending political conflicts
Former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Zambia Jerome Kanyika has described officials at the Ministry of Health Headquarters who authorized the use of fake medical kits as terrorists.
Mr Kanyika charged that Former Minister of Health Dr Chitalu Chilufya and his officers at the Ministry unleashed terror on Zambians when they distributed fake drugs and medical supplies from Honey Bee.
Mr Kanyika demanded that medical practicing licenses for all officials at Ndeke House who played a part in the Honey Bee scandal should be revoked and culprits be prosecuted.
He was speaking Thursday morning when he featured on the Hot Seat radio programme on Hot FM.
“It is hard to believe that some of those people are still working at Ndeke House (MoH Headquarters) after they did what they did and today they have even received their salaries. What those people did was an act of terrorism on the Zambian people,” Mr Kanyika explained.
He said it is sad that some of the defective commodities supplied by Honey Bee are still in use in health facilities as there has not been a full recall.
“You know our medical kits normally carries about 60 different drugs but according to ZAMRA, only a few of those commodities have been recalled, since September when the flagging off for the distribution was done, most of those defective drugs are still in use,” he revealed.
Mr Kanyika added that the firing of Dr Chilufya is not enough adding that the former Minister should be prosecuted.
“Furthermore, Dr Chilufya and other officials at Ndeke House who participated in this scandal should be made to lose their practicing licenses for life.”
“Those are terrorists who should not be allowed near patients ever again.”
Zesco United coach Mumamba Numba insists Wednesdays 1-0 loss to Nkwazi was not a result of overconfidence after beating Nkana last Sunday.
Nkwazi punished Zesco through a second half penalty converted by Christopher Zulu to end their seven match unbeaten run.
The highlight of Zesco’s good spell saw them beat struggling defending league champions Nkana 2-1 away in Kitwe on January 17.
“I don’t think that was in their minds. It was just a tough game. We played a determined Nkwazi and they are not a pushover,” Numba said.
“We told the team during our pre-match meeting that it won’t be an easy game looking at the way Nkwazi played against Lusaka Dynamos.”
Nkwazi halted seventh placed Lusaka Dynamos two match winning run with a 0-0 home draw on January 15.
“I watched them on TV and I told them it won’t be easy for us to get maximum points and we have to work hard on the pitch and it showed how Nkwazi came on us on the pitch. They deserve to get the three points,” Numba said.
The home defeat denied Zesco an opportunity to go top of the table and stayed put at number two on 22 points, one point behind leaders Prison Leopards.
Zesco have the weekend off because Power Dynamos had five players on CHAN duty but the fifth, midfielder Chaniza Zulu, has yet to return from Cameroon after he was dropped from the final team.
Management at Ndola Teaching Hospital has refuted claims by some members of the public that the health institution is charging citizens for Covid-19 tests.
Ndola Teaching Hospital Medical Superintendent Joseph Musowoya said testing for Covid-19 is free for all citizens adding that the Ministry of Health distributed testing kits to health facilities in the country.
Dr. Musowoya however said the Tropical Disease Research Centre in Ndola is the one charging only those intending to travel outside the country.
“We are only charging those who require a Covid-19 traveling certificate from the Ministry of Health which is a clearance for them to travel,” he explained.
He said the health facility is only testing referred patients who show Covid-19 symptoms.
“We are only conducting tests for those who are sick but for those who just want to know their status should visit TDRC,” he said.
He has meanwhile discouraged patients who are well and have no Covid-19 symptoms to stop frequenting health facilities or hospitals that may be highly infectious places.
After second placed Zesco United failed to go top on Wednesday, an opportunity has opened for Zanaco to try and dislodged Prison Leopards from top spot of the 2020/2021FAZ Super Division table this Friday.
Third placed Zanaco hosts 15th positioned Green Buffaloes on January 22 in a Lusaka derby at Sunset Stadium.
Zanaco face Buffaloes 48 hours after Zesco lost 1-0 at home in Ndola to mid-table side Nkwazi that saw them miss a great opportunity to come into this weekend’s round 14 fixtures as leaders.
The seven-time champions have 21 points, one behind Zesco and two less than Prison.
Zanaco return to action after a fortnight off since beating Kabwe Warriors 2-1 away in their Midlands derby at Godfrey ‘Ucar’ Chitalu Stadium in Kabwe.
Zanaco coach Chris Kaunda admitted that the pressure was on the old guard to stay in touch with Prison who are seemingly punching above their weight following their promotion this season with five wins and one defeat in their last six games alone.
“You can see that Prison Leopards who are straight from the National Division One league are doing very well. They are pushing everyone and they are making us think,” Kaunda said.
“Teams that were thinking Prison Leopards is a small team but now we are watching them and saying; ‘What is it they are doing? How do we handle them?’ because they also want to win the league.
“Everyone wants to win the league but let’s see what happens at the end of the day.”
A win over struggling Buffaloes will see Zanaco take an overnight lead until Prison visit Lumwana Radiants this Saturday.
“Of course everyone would like to be on top but it is not a simple league, it’s an open league and you can see that if you make one mistake you can pay, so for us we have to stay focused and see what happens at the end of the season,” Kaunda said.
United State Charge de Affairs to Zambia David Young said that the Joseph Biden administration will strengthen bilateral ties that the two countries have continued to enjoy.
Mr. Young says President Biden, who is America’s 46th President, will among other areas focus on bettering the ties that have existed between Zambia and America in the health and education sectors.
He also expressed confidence that the US government will appoint an ambassador to serve under the new leadership.
Mr. Young also explained that despite the violence that characterised the election, he is pleased with the smooth transition of power.
He told ZNBC News in a virtual interview that the smooth transition is the rebirth of democracy in the United States.
Meanwhile Mr. Young appealed to Zambians to adhere to the health guidelines set by health experts following the second wave of the COVID 19.
Zambia has in the last 24 hours recorded 1,264 new Covid 19 cases out of the 10 Thousand Five Hundred and 23 tests carried out across the country.
Health Minister Jonas Chanda said that the country has also recorded 12 new Covid related deaths in the last 24 hours.
Dr. Chanda explained that the 12 deaths bring the cumulative number of deaths to 597, saying the deaths have been classified as 233 covid deaths, 345 Covid19 associated deaths and 19 pending classification.
Dr. Chanda said that Government has continued to employ a multi-sectoral approach towards the fight against the pandemic and that the Ministry is collaborating with various sectors of society in order to incorporate response activities at community levels.
Dr. Chanda reiterated the need for Zambians to continue adhering to health guidelines to fight the disease.
Meanwhile, Saint Ignatius Catholic Church in Lusaka’s Roads Park area has been closed down with immediate effect following the COVID-19 positive cases recorded at the parish.
In a statement released to the parishioners and obtained by ZANIS in Lusaka today, Parish Priest Father Hector Mukwato, said the Church will remain closed for a period of two weeks.
Father Mukwato and his Assistant Parish Priest Father Charles Chilinda have both tested positive for COVID-19.
The two priests have since placed themselves in self-quarantine.
Fr. Mukwato has urged congregants who may have come into contact with them to go ahead and get tested for COVID-19.
He said the rest of the priests and staff at the parish have all carried out similar tests and have tested negative.
He added that the church will resume operations on February 3, 2020, after being fumigated and made safe for public use again.
The Zambia Boxing Federation (ZBF) has expressed sadness following the death of Exodus Boxing Promotions promoter Anthony Mwamba.
Zambia Boxing Federation General Secretary Bright Chomba said the death of Mwamba is a sad development to the boxing fraternity.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS, Chomba said Mwamba who represented the country in promoting boxing at a high level has left a gap that will be hard to fill.
He said Mwamba contributed a lot to the fraternity like bringing Women boxing into light, and grooming former World Boxing Council (WBC) Champion Esther Phiri among others.
He said some youths who were being groomed by Mwamba were taken from the streets, adding that the task has now been left to those still living to carry on the mantle.
ZANIS reports that Chomba has since appealed to boxing stakeholders to come on board and continue with what Mwamba has left in order for the youths to remain focused and not fall back to the streets.
“For us as the Boxing federation I think it is very bad and we just implore the people to mourn him in harmony and Christ,” Chomba said.
Chomba has requested that all Boxing Tournaments in different provinces be suspended until Mwamba is put to rest.
And in a separate interview, Zambia Professional Boxing and wrestling Control Board Secretary General Expendito Chipalo said Mwamba’s death is a huge loss not only to Zambia but to the entire African continent.
Chipalo has said Mwamba was committed to the sport he loved from childhood as an amateur boxer before going professional.
“He was one of the only two active promoters in Zambia and it is not an over statement to say he will be irreplaceable,” Chipalo said.
Mwamba died at the age of 61, at the Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital this morning from suspected COVID-19.
President Edgar Lungu is deeply saddened that some people are politicising a serious global disaster like the coronavirus (Covid-19).
President Lungu said the coronavirus has impacted economies not only in Zambia but the entire world hence the need not to politicise the pandemic.
ZANIS reports that President Lungu complained when he met chiefs Mubanga and Nkweto of the Bemba people of Chinsali district in Muchinga Province.
The meeting was at Kapasa Makasa University in Chinsali today.
The Head of State said it is sad that some people are accusing him of spreading the virus through his routine tours around the country, which he said is not the case.
“As much as I know that there is coronavirus which is a very sad situation, I will not allow everything to remain standstill because if the pandemic is not well handled it can cause more economic catastrophe, but we will ensure that as we work, we are also following health guidelines to reduce the further spread of the virus,” he said.
He lamented that a lot of people have died worldwide through Covid-19 and said it is a pit that some elements in Zambia are politicising the sad phenomena.
“Please I urge you chiefs to continue sensitizing your subjects on the dangers of the virus and to adhere to the health guidelines of sanitising, washing hands regularly and self-distancing,” President Lungu stated.
And President Lungu has called for the speed construction of the Chinsali-Mulilansolo road which is in a dilapidated condition.
He said the road is an economic highway for the people in the area.
President Lungu has meanwhile praised the people of Chinsali for massively involving themselves in agriculture.
“I am very much happy with what I have seen here in Chinsali. You have cultivated a lot of maize which is very encouraging,” President Lungu said.
Meanwhile, chiefs Mubanga and Nkweto have assured President Lungu of total support in the August 2021 general elections saying they have seen unpresented development in Chinsali under his leadership.
“ ‘Ushitasha Mwanawandoshi’, meaning he who does not appreciate was born from a witch, because we have seen a lot of development in Chinsali under this administration than any other,” chief Mubanga stated.
The traditional leader added that, “you have changed the face of Chinsali, we have hospitals, clinics, schools, roads and all we needed, so why can’t we support you? You are assured of our support”.
President Lungu later met Chinsali village headmen and the clergy who also echoed chiefs’ sentiments to support the PF leadership.
President Lungu is in Muchinga Province on a four day working visit.
A five year old boy of Ibrahim village in Nakonde District of Muchinga Province has accidentally hacked his three year old female cousin to death.
Muchinga Province Police Commissioner Lizzie Machina confirmed the incident that happened yesterday.
Ms Machina said the incident occurred when the two children were playing outside their home when the boy who was digging with a hoe on the ground accidentally made the hoe to bounce and hit the three year- old girl who was running towards him.
Ms Machana said the hoe hit on the girl’s head leaving her with a deep cut and was later rushed to Katozi health post in an unconscious state where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Ms Machina said police have since compiled a docket of case to enhance an inquest and a smooth disposition of the matter before court as the case was perpetrated by a child who is not liable for a criminal offence.
The Police Chief said the department of social welfare have been engaged to counsel the parents of the accused as well as the accused in order to solve the matter amicably within the family.
” I also want to take this opportunity to advise parents to always watch and take care of their children when they are playing and ensure that dangerous things such as hoes and medicines are far away from their reach,” the police Commissioner said.
Ms Machina added that it is sad that life has been lost in such an unfortunate manner which can be avoided if parents take extra care.
The Political Science Association of Zambia (PSAZ) has urged political candidates not to shun political debates forums ahead of the August 12, 2021 general elections.
In an interview with ZANIS, PSAZ President Joe Ndambwe said the political debate forums are the best way for candidates to reach out to the general public, due to the limitation in time, due to restrictions brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Ndambwe expressed concern, noting that some candidates shun debates at every level and proposed that in future a law should be introduced that compels political parties to be represented by their candidates during debates.
“If we have a law that regulates the debates, it will be easy for candidates to participate,” he said.
The PSAZ president said at the moment it is very difficult to compile candidates to participate in debates, adding that it is just a moral call for the candidates to participate on their own.
Mr Ndambwe explained that the association will also provide forums on which candidates will be able to showcase their manifesto, ahead of the August 12, 2021 general elections.
He said the association is putting in modalities and will look to collaborate with other stakeholders like the Electoral commission of Zambia, media institutions, and universities.
The Association President further appealed to the general public to follow the debates in order to acquaint themselves with the type of candidates who will work with them to grow the country economically.
National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQUEZ) has called on the government to help schools with funding, in order to help them provide proper health necessities as schools reopen on February 1st 2021.
NAQEZ Executive Director Aaron Chansa said without financial commitment from the government, very few schools will be able to meet the required health necessities that are needed at the various facilities, to help fight any spread of the coronavirus.
Mr. Chansa said NAQUEZ has since embarked on a nationwide monitoring programme of schools to independently ascertain their readiness for reopening amidst COVID-19, as well as identify those that will need urgent and immediate assistance.
He said that more than 2500 NAQUEZ members will physically visit the more than 4500 primary and secondary schools across all the 10 provinces of the country.
Mr Chansa added that the association further expects to find among other preparations, availability and adequate supply of sanitizers, infra-red thermometers, running water and enough desks for the learners, in order to cater for efficient social distancing.
He further said the organization will inform the nation once the findings are actualized.
Mr Chansa said without the required items needed for proper adherence to the COVID-19 health guidelines in schools, it will be a serious danger to both learners and teachers.
Joe is a middle-school band teacher whose life hasn’t quite gone the way he expected. His true passion is jazz — and he’s good. But when he travels to another realm to help someone find their passion, he soon discovers what it means to have soul.
PROS
CONS
FAVORITE QUOTES
22: “Don’t worry, they’re fine. You can’t crush a soul here. That’s what life on Earth is for.”
Dorothea: “I heard this story about a fish. He swims up to this older fish and says, “I’m trying to find this thing they call the ocean.” “The ocean?” says the older fish. “That’s what you’re in right now.” “This?” says the young fish. “This is water. What I want is the ocean.””
Joe: “Life is full of possibilities. You just need to know where to look. Don’t miss out on the joys of life.”
CONCLUSSION
Soul is a heart warming movie. The lead character is a lovable guy, Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx) who is searching for his one big break in his Jazz music career. It may be billed as a ‘Children’s movie” by the story will leave most of us adults with something to think about when the credits roll , it will have you contemplating your own life.
The movie teaches a number of life lessons such as ;
The pitfalls of tunnel vision – As you chase your goals and passions in life, don’t get too absorbed into it that you neglect other areas of your life.
Finding your passion – On your quest to achieve your goals make sure you are clear as to WHY you want that particular goal and find out if attaining it will really give the fulfillment you desire.
Practicing mindfulness – Don’t be so focused on the future that you miss out on the present moment. Appreciate the little things that make life beautiful.
Soul features Pixar’s first ever black lead character ,and is only the fourth American animated movie to make black characters the leads, this includes “Bebe’s Kids” (1992), “The Princess and the Frog” (2009) and “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018).
RATING
4 out of 5
BY KAPA KAUMBA
EXODUS Boxing Promotions promoter Anthony Mwamba has died.
Mwamba, 61,died from the Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital on Thursday morning from suspected COVID-19. Mwamba is among people who played a huge role in raising boxing to a level it has reached today.
He is also credited with female professional boxer Esther Phiri’s rise to fame.May His Soul Rest In Peace.
By Nalucha Nganga Ziba, Country Director, ActionAid Zambia
The hiring of Highgate Advisory Limited as the government Communications advisor for the debt management process at a total cost of more than three hundred thousand pounds is not economical.
Not overlooking the communication challenges observed by the bondholders from their second statement responding to the Zambian Government’s request for a six-month interest repayments suspension, ActionAid is of the view that public debt restructuring communication services should be done either by Lazard or the government through the Ministry of Finance with help from Lazard our public debt restructuring consultants to avoid replication of work and save the much-needed public resources. Our expectation is that Lazard must be able to communicate to lenders on behalf of the Zambian government or guide the Zambian government with communication to lenders.
As a country, we cannot afford or continue making irrational fiscal decisions amidst fiscal challenges. We are already spending five million dollars on Lazard, and now over three hundred thousand pounds towards the same process. There is need for the government to be more prudent in the way they are managing public resources; and acquiring of public debt restructuring advisory related services is not exceptional to guarantee adequate public service delivery especially in the wake of Covid-19.
We have also observed that, there are significant public concerns and queries around the registration status of Highgate Advisory Limited. In this regard, we would like to urge the government not only to clear the public concerns but also endeavor to embrace the spirit of transparency regarding the procurement of similar services in the future and more importantly in all its socio-economic decisions on behalf of the Zambian people.
© Lusaka Times
