Friday, October 11, 2024
Subscribe
Home Blog Page 1156

Google x PRX announces Leading Ladies Zambia as part of their Google Podcast Creator Program

Entertainment Editor
-
3
Google x PRX announces Leading Ladies Zambia as part of their Google Podcast Creator Program

Google Podcasts x PRX on Wednesday 30th made the global announcement that Leading Ladies Zambia podcast would be part of a group of 20 podcasters from around the world that will participate in the Google Podcast Creator Program for 2020.

Thousands of creators from nearly 120 countries applied to this year’s Google Podcasts
creator program. To make a hard decision even more difficult, this time we were only
looking for creators who had an existing podcast.

The quality of applications was off the charts, and we thank the team of people who were
up to the mighty task of reviewing them. Those reviewers included Google Podcasts
creator program alumni alongside representatives from PRX, Google, and a variety of
international podcast festivals, networks, and producers.

The selected teams will participate in 12 weeks of free, virtual training conducted by PRX
alongside international industry experts. During that time they’ll get regular feedback on
all aspects of their production; work on storytelling, sound design, marketing, and more;
equipment and software to help meet independent production needs amid the COVID-19
pandemic; and $12,000 in funding.

Launched in 2018, the Google Podcast creator program aims to provide podcasters everywhere with open resources, to empower underrepresented voices, and to showcase new work. This year, PRX and Google will welcome 20 production teams from 11 countries representing existing podcasts produced in six languages, with content rooted in personal storytelling, audio drama, humor, journalism, intergenerational identity, food, literature, the power of imagination, and beyond.

The Google Podcasts creator program will provide a space for producers to advance their skills and take their productions to the next level. Creators will receive regular feedback on their production; training in areas such as storytelling, sound design, and marketing; equipment and software to help meet independent production needs; and up to $12,000 in funding for use as they see fit. Creators will convene virtually among three 12-week cohorts: October to December 2020, January to April 2021, and May to July 2021.

The Women’s History Museum of Zambia are the producers of Leading Ladies Zambia podcast.The purpose of this content is to tell the obscured and often hidden stories of Zambian women who have held significant positions of leadership. The second season of the series was launched on the 16th of September 2020 and presents more contemporary accounts of Zambian Leading Ladies – the characters include, a scientist, a truck driver, a racial justice advocate, a justice seeker, a health care advocate and many more. This season followed the success of the debut season which featured women from the pre-colonial era who made important but largely untold contributions to Zambia’s history.

“We are so proud to represent Africa and Zambia along with Nigeria, the only other African
country selected in Africa to be part of this great program, and we trust it will give us the
platform to launch the work with Leading Ladies even further,” said Producer of the podcast
and co-founder of the Museum, Samba Yonga.

Samba Yanga

Blades and City Seal National Division 1 Promotion

sports
-
1

Konkola Blades and City of Lusaka have won promotion to the FAZ National Division One after winning their respective group games on Thursday to amass nine points each.

Konkola thumped Real Nakonde 2-0 in their final Group B match of the playoffs while City overcame Petauke United 2-1 in Group A encounter.

Strikers Harry Milanzi Jr and Francis Banda scored for Ya Moto who have a game to spare against Livingstone Pirates on Friday afternoon.

City have opened a three point lead in Group A with Pirates standing in second place with six points while Petauke United, Blessings and Malalo Police are on three points each.

In Group B, Konkola are three points above second placed Kashikishi and Luena Buffaloes who sits on six points each.

Trident and Real Nakonde have three and zero points respectively.

Playoffs are being played on a round robin basis with the top two teams in each group winning promotion to the National Division ahead of the 2020/21 season.

FRIDAY

02-10-20

Police College Grounds

13:00 Blessings FC Vs Petauke United

15:00 Livingstone Pirates Vs City of Lusaka

Miller Grounds

13:00 Luena Buffaloes Vs Kashikishi Warriors

15:00 Real Nakonde Vs Trident

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump test positive for Covid-19

editor
-
26
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump test positive for Covid-19

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for coronavirus, the President announced early Friday morning.

“Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!” Trump tweeted shortly before 1 am Friday.

The President had said earlier in the night that he planned to quarantine.
“Hope Hicks, who has been working so hard without even taking a small break, has just tested positive for Covid 19. Terrible! The First Lady and I are waiting for our test results. In the meantime, we will begin our quarantine process!” Trump tweeted Thursday night.
Hicks has traveled with the President multiple times recently, including to the debate in Cleveland on Tuesday, and was seen boarding Marine One, along with several other of the President’s closest aides — Jared Kushner, Dan Scavino and Nicholas Luna — none of whom wore masks, on Wednesday as Trump was heading to a campaign rally in Minnesota.

“She did test positive, I just heard about this. She tested positive. She’s a hard worker. Lot of masks, she wears masks a lot but she tested positive. Then I just went out with a test. I’ll see — you know, because we spent a lot of time — and the first lady just went out with a test also. So whether we quarantine or whether we have it, I don’t know,” Trump said during a call-in appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity.”

While it’s unclear what the President’s “quarantine process” will look like, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines state that a 14-day quarantine should take place after the last known exposure to someone who has tested positive for Covid-19. This is because the incubation period for the novel coronavirus can be up to two weeks.
News of Hicks’ positive test comes amid continued efforts by the Trump administration to blatantly disregard science and best public health practices during the pandemic, with West Wing staff actively eschewing masks and the President defying recommendations from his own coronavirus task force, proceeding with a busy schedule of packed campaign ralies. Trump and his key aides have shown little interest in changing practices of his staff to meet the needs of the moment.
Trump, in his Fox News interview, speculated that Hicks could have contracted the virus from an interaction with a supporter.
“She’s a very warm person. She has a hard time, when soldiers and law enforcement comes up to her, you know, she wants to treat them great, not say, ‘Stay away, I can’t get near you.’ It’s a very, very tough disease,” he said.
A source close to Hicks told CNN that she is experiencing symptoms and is back in Washington. A source familiar with Hicks’ symptoms describes her as being achy and feeling pretty bad. CNN has reached out to Hicks for comment.
“The President takes the health and safety of himself and everyone who works in support of him and the American people very seriously,” White House spokesman Judd Deere told CNN in a statement when asked about the level of contact between Hicks and Trump.
The White House made no mention of Hicks by name, nor did it confirm she had tested positive.
“White House Operations collaborates with the Physician to the President and the White House Military Office to ensure all plans and procedures incorporate current CDC guidance and best practices for limiting COVID-19 exposure to the greatest extent possible both on complex and when the President is traveling,” Deere added.
Some White House staffers who were in close proximity were notified of the positive test result today, one official said.
This development was first reported by Bloomberg News.

Source:CNN

Parliament ratifies Mvunga’s appointment as BOZ Governor

Chief Editor
-
26
Parliament ratifies Mvunga’s appointment as BOZ Governor

Parliament has unanimously ratified President Edgar Lungu’s appointment of Christopher Mvunga as Bank of Zambia (BOZ) Governor replacing Denny Kalyalya.

This came to light when PF Msanzala MP Peter Daka presented moved a motion to adopt the Report of the Parliamentary Select Committee appointed to scrutinize the Presidential appointment of Mr Christopher Mvunga to serve as Governor of the Bank of Zambia, for the Fifth Session of the Twelfth National Assembly, laid on the Table of the House on Wednesday, 30th September 2020.

Mr. Daka says all security agencies were satisfied that Mr. Mvunga is highly qualified and fit to be Bank of Zambia Governor.

Seconding the motion, Kantanshi Independent MP Anthony Mumba says President Lungu made the right choice.

Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Monze Central MP Jack Mwiimbu, UPND Bweengwa MP Kasautu Michelo, Livingstone MP Mathews Jere, Liuwa MP Situmbeko Musokotwane, also debated the motion.

Finance Minister and former BOZ Deputy Governor Bwalya Ng’andu brings to the table understanding the latest technology in line with the fast-changing technology adding that he is focused on delivering results.

Justice Minister Given Lubinda says Mr. Mvunga was not BOZ Governor when the Kwacha collapsed for the opposition to make an issue out of his appointment.

Home Affairs Minister Steven Kampyongo condemned the UPND for championing ethnic emotions in Parliament even when the appointees meet the constitution of Zambia.

Livestock and Fisheries Minister Nkandu Luo says the new Governor will instill confidence in the international community especially that he was trained abroad in America and Europe.

MMD Serenje MP Maxwell Kabanda says Mr. Mvunga has a wealth of experience and multi -skilled.

PF Kanchibiya MP Martin Malama says the appointment of Mr. Mvunga has met the requirements of the Republican Constitution.

Feira MP Steven Miti says Mr. Mvunga has local and international experience adding that the appointee was seen as a strategic thinker and a reservoir of knowledge to run BOZ.

The “Owner” of the mysterious 48 Houses is not My Nephew- Dr Musokotwane

Chief Editor
-
26
The “Owner” of the mysterious 48 Houses is not My Nephew- Dr Musokotwane

UPND Chairperson for Economics and Finance Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane says it is malicious to insinuate that the purported owner of the 48 Houses is his nephew.

Dr. Musokotwane said a news report has come to his attention which alleges that a man who is a suspect in the ownership of the 48
mysterious houses, a Mr. Charles Loyana is his nephew.

He said the news report further alleges that while being interviewed on Radio Phoenix on 29 September 2020, he had difficulties in answering questions from a caller who insisted on knowing from him how Mr Loyona, a mere civil servant, earned enough income to build the 48 houses.

“I wish to state categorically that I have no relationship whatsoever, whether by blood, marriage, friendship, or any other social connection with Mr. Loyana or anyone else who is allegedly connected to those 48 houses. I don’t know Mr. Loyana, I have never met him and I don’t even know what he looks like,” Dr. Musokotwane said.

“Regarding the allegation that I had difficulties on a radio interview to explain how Mr Loyona earned income big enough to build 48 houses, this is yet another cheap lie. Many people who listened to my interview on Radio Phoenix on the 29th of September 2020 will agree that no person called during the entire interview to ask me about the 48 houses.”

“Meanwhile the recording of the entire interview may be obtained from Radio Phoenix. I wish to urge those who did not tune in to listen to the recording so that they get a proper perspective as to why we are experiencing the current economic problems such as the loss of value of the Kwacha which were the issues under discussion.”

Dr Musokotwane said the vile and malicious insinuation that Mr. Loyana is related to me is a PF creation.

“It first emerged in Parliament months ago when the PF member of Parliament for Chitambo, one Remember Mutale, made a wild accusation that Loyana is my nephew. Because parliamentary rules prohibit lies, I reported him to the Privileges Committee of Parliament which deals, among others, with disciplinary cases involving MPs. Mr Mutale was ordered to prove his accusation at a hearing. For the purpose of the hearing, he was at liberty to bring as many witnesses as he wanted. He lamentably failed to prove his allegation because it was based on lies. Arising from his failure, he was found to have breached Parliamentary rules. For this, he was admonished by the Speaker in front of all MPs and he was made to apologise to me, which he did.“

“In conclusion, the story that Mr. Loyana who is allegedly connected to the 48 houses, is my nephew, is totally false, vile, and malicious, and only fit for the garbage.”

He added, “In the meantime, Zambians await the conclusions from the many investigative agencies in the country to find out the owner of those 48 houses and bring him/her and their accomplices, no matter their status or connections in society, to book.”

“Surely, this is not a complex matter as ownership of property in Zambia is on public records and can be easily verified at the Ministry of Lands.”

Collection of Revenue by councils on behalf Zambia Revenue Authority welcomed

Chief Editor
-
10
Collection of Revenue by councils on behalf Zambia Revenue Authority welcomed

A land Rights activists in Kitwe has welcomed the initiative by the government to allow councils across the country to be collecting certain taxes on behalf of the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Kitwe yesterday, Archie Mulunda said the move will enhance revenue collection which the country is currently in dire need of as councils are present all over the country.

He however urged government to ensure that councils do not delay in remitting the money to ZRA after collecting it.

“The Local authorities were in past engaged by some water utility companies to collect revenue on their behalf but some councils failed to remit the revenue collected and up to now some water utility companies are still owed by councils, so chances of revenue deviation should be curbed if this plan is to be successful,” Mr. Mulunda said.

He noted that ZRA can also opt to increase its work force and spread its presence across the country and continue collecting the revenue to avoid the risk that might arise if councils are engaged.

Mr. Mulunda further cautioned that the failure by councils to manage issues of land a location as agents of the Ministry of Lands is a clear testimony that the council might have challenges in carrying out the task of collecting revenue on behalf of ZRA.

But the Kitwe Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice President Emmanuel Mbambiko said the councils have the capacity to collect the revenue provided they are capacitated in terms of personnel training and being equipped with working tools and the appropriate software system which ZRA is operating on.

“ZRA works on a special software and if the councils can be equipped with this software and provided with a reliable network and other working tools, the plan can work very well,” Mr. Mbambiko said.

Mr. Mbambiko who is also a chartered accountant said the proposed plan has worked in the as councils used to collect some categories of revenue that is now being collected by the Zambia Revenue Authority.

Recently, the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Finance signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will allow Local Authorities collect some revenue on behalf of ZRA.

This is aimed at enhancing revenue collection as councils are present in areas where ZRA has no offices.

Kalulushi councillors suspended for using abusive language during the full council meeting

Chief Editor
-
6
Kalulushi councillors suspended for using abusive language during the full council meeting

Four councillors at the Kalulushi Municipal Council on the Copperbelt have been suspended for using abusive language during the full council meeting.

Council Assistant Public Relations Manager Lidah Kamanga said this in a press statement released to ZANIS yesterday.

Ms Kamanga said the four councillors namely, Febby Simwanza of Lulamba ward, Maureen Mwape of Lukoshi ward, David Kapeso of Ngweshi ward and Modestor Kabwe of Twaiteka ward.

She explained that the four councillors were suspended during an extraordinary meeting held on September 29, 2020 for unruly conduct during a meeting held on June 19, 2020, while councillor Clement Njobvu was reprimanded.

Ms Kamanga said following this disorderly behavior, the council at its ordinary meeting held on July 24, 2020 constituted an ad-hoc committee in accordance with paragraph 14 of the councillors code of ethics enshrined in the local government Act No. 2 of 2019 in order to investigate the cause.

She further explained that the ad-hoc committee set out to investigate the matter and invited the five councillors to the case hearing on August 5 , 2020 to give them an opportunity to be heard in order to fulfill the requirements of natural justice.

Ms Kamanga noted that unfortunately, only councillor Clement Njobvu appeared before the ad-hoc committee on that date and the rest of the councillors refused to appear before the committee citing various unjustifiable reasons.

She said the findings of the committee established that the councillors breached the provisions of the councillors code of conduct and the committee came up with various recommendations against each councilor with corresponding penalties as prescribed in the Act and in accordance with the gravity of the offence committed.

She explained that councilor Febby Simwanza has been suspended for 6 months for violent behavior and use of abusive language in a meeting.

She said the other three councillors have been suspended for 2 months for use of abusive language in a meeting.

Meanwhile, Ms Kamanga has said that councilor Clement Njobvu was reprimanded for the offence of dishonest and unethical behavior during the meeting.

Four political parties successfully apply for Chilubi council chairperson by- election

Chief Editor
-
3
Four political parties successfully apply for Chilubi council chairperson by- election

Four candidates have successfully filed-in their nominations for the October 22 Chilubi Council Chairperson By-election.

These include PF’s Rosemary Chimbini, People’s Alliance for Change (PAC) candidate Mark Mpundu, Risto Mushembe of UPND and Standford Chikuma of United Peaceful and Prosperous Zambia (UPPZ).

The candidates took turns to file-in his nomination before Chilubi constituency returning officer John Longwe.

And speaking in separate interviews, the four candidates expressed confidence of scooping the seat and pledged to spearhead development in the district.

Ms. Chimbini, who is the only female candidate in the race, said once elected, she will work with various stakeholders to ensure that the plight of women is looked into through the existing government initiatives.

She added that she will endeavor to enhance development plans embarked on by the PF administration and the late Council Chairperson.

Mr. Mushembe of UPND said he will strive to deliver development through improving the road network.

He said Chilubi District is yearning for sustainable development that will boost economic activities among the local people.

And PF Campaign Manager Brian Mundubile said he is optimistic that the ruling party will retain the seat owing to the development projects being implemented.

Mr. Mundubile cited the establishment of two hospitals, a nursing school and upgrading of the Luwingu – Chaba road.

He further said the PF is ready to conduct issue based campaigns in line with the provisions of the Electoral Code of Conduct.

Meanwhile, UPPZ Northern Province Chairperson Samuel Kabungo said his party seeks to exercise political tolerance and promote peace.

Mr. Kabungo said political players should allow the democratic process to take course unlike engaging in violence.

UPND Chilubi District Chairperson Elpidious Mwakwa called for a free and fair election saying all parties should embrace tolerance and co-existence.

And Northern Province Police Commissioner Richard Mweene has warned that the police command will not condone lawlessness in the run up to the October 22 polls.

Speaking to ZANIS in Chilubi, Mr. Mweene said there will be no sacred cows in enforcing the law against perpetrators of violence.

The Chilubi Council Chairperson seat fell vacant following the death of the incumbent Daniel Mwila.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has set October 22, 2020 as the date for the by-election.

Mufumbwe Youths Protest Against Illegal Mining Activities By Shawi Fawaz’s Company

Chief Editor
-
4
Mufumbwe Youths Protest Against Illegal Mining Activities By Shawi Fawaz’s Company

Youths in Mufumbwe on Thursday carried out peaceful protests against the continued illegal mining activities by Lunga resources under the auspices of Kalengwa Processing Zone (KPZ).

The youths who were led by Chief Chizela’s son Fumpa Chizela are demanding that KPZ should immediately vacate the mine and that the Ministry of Mines should quickly return the License to the rightful owners, Moxico Resources.

Speaking on behalf of the residents Prince Chizela who is also an aspiring parliamentary candidate on the Patriotic Front (PF) said the people of Mufumbwe had suffered a lot at the hands of Lunga resources previously and now KPZ and that they will not allow phoney investors who want to steal resources meant for the people in the area.

He called on the Republican President to take interest in the happenings surrounding the mine and help resolve the issues so that people of Mufumbwe can start benefiting from the riches in the district through employment.

“The youths of Mufumbwe carried out a peaceful protest against the illegal mine activities taking place at Kalengwa mine. We wanted to get the attention of the President so that he can look into the plight of people of Mufumbwe by ensuring that the rightful owners take up the operations at Kalengwa mine. Moxico is the company we know. KPZ does not mean well and the President should take action so that we can start benefiting from these resources as a community”.

“The youths of are asking the President because they have suffered. Moxico has demonstrated that they are willing to help the people of Mufumbwe through their Corporate Social Responsibility programs. When the Police Station was burnt it was Moxico that pumped in money to ensure that it is rebuilt. The only bank was about to close but Moxico pumped in over K1 million to ensure that it remains open. Our appeal to the President is to listen to the cries of the youths and help resolve the challenges surrounding our mine so that we can get employment and avoid the bad vices that come with unemployment,” he said.

He said as the custodians of the land they will ensure that the rightful owner of the mine starts to operate from the mine and that government through the ministry of mines should expedite the process of ensuring that Moxico Resources License is reinstated.

He said KPZ is not only reaping of the people of Mufumbwe but they were stealing resources which belong to the people of Zambia.

Meanwhile Moxico Resources has commenced Contempt of Court proceedings in Ndola against KPZ and others after the company abrogated a court ruling which reinstated Moxico as the rightful owners of Kalengwa Mine in Mufumbwe District of North Western Province.

Contempt charges have been filed against Shawaki Fawaz, Brenda Gama, Craig Meerholz, Colin Bird, Bezant Resources, Xtract Resources and Lunga resources on Thursday.

The Contempt charges are in relation to an ex parte order which was granted on 26th July 2019 to Moxico that restrained KPZ and its employees and agents from positioning mining equipment and people as well as undertaking any mining activities on Kalengwa Mine in Mufumbwe District. The recent occupation of the Kalengwa mine by KPZ with equipment, vehicles and people is in contempt of the ex parte order.

The injunction also has a penal notice which cautions that if the defendants fail or neglect to comply with the terms of the order they shall be liable for contempt of court and be committed to prison for breach of the order.

The recent occupation of mine by the defendants is a clear breach of the ex parte order by any standards.

The case also stretches to London. Colin Bird the chairman of Bezant and Xtract is a known associate of Fawaz and has boasted publicly about his business deals with KPZ.

More recently he has been making public statements to the London markets regarding the on-going illegal KPZ mine activities as he has said they have raised money and will be commencing drilling at Kalengwa but did not mention the injunction against KPZ even coming near the Kalengwa mine site.

The traditional leadership in the District has also vehemently refused to support KPZ as they have written several letters to authorities including the President asking for his intervention in the matter.

In the recent correspondence, the traditional leader has written to the Ministry of Traditional Affairs complaining about the invasion by KPZ who have moved to the mine without any approval from ZEMA nor a consent from his Chiefdom.

Zambia Athletics Quashes Newly-Elected Copperbelt Board

sports
-
3

Zambia Athletics has announced that it has nullified the recent Copperbelt Area Board elections that ushered into office the Andson Katongo led executive committee.

Other executive committee members elected are vice chairman Nathan Nyirongo, Treasurer Jane Tembo, Secretary Mulenga Chipoma and his vice Peggy Mutuna while committee members are Felix Mbuye, Zachariah Kumwenda, Judy Mutupa and Felix Kapembwa.

In a letter addressed to Secretary elect- Chipoma, ZAA General Secretary Davison Mung’ambata alleged that the elections held at Kitwe College of Education were not free and fair.

“We received the report from the presiding officer that the elections were held in a toxic and intimidating environment. The presiding officer was also ridiculed, demeaned and referred to as ‘Mwankole’,” Mung’ambata wrote.

“Furthermore, the elected chairman had just undergone a disciplinary hearing and was awaiting the verdict of which the report has now been received and awaits the final determination by the ZA Executive.”

“In view of the above, I wish to inform you that ZA does not recognise the results of the said elections and has nullified them. Meanwhile ZA will continue to recognise the Botain Mulendema as the chairman and Jeddah Phiri as the Secretary of the Copperbelt athletics until fresh elections are held,” Mung’ambata wrote.

The mandate for the Mulendema led executive committee expired earlier in March 2020.

However, the Katongo led executive has appealed the election nullification while copying the appeal to the Ministry of Sports and the National Sports Council of Zambia.

Secretary Mulenga said: “We have sent the appeal to ZA. The elections were free and fair so we are surprised that ZA is talking about nullification. Why did the presiding officer allow the elections to go ahead if the environment was toxic?”

It’s not illegal for pupils to obtain NRCs, Chinsali DC explains

Chief Editor
-
14
It’s not illegal for pupils to obtain NRCs, Chinsali DC explains

Chinsali District Commissioner Mary Chifuna says it’s not illegal for pupils to obtain green National Registration Cards (NRCs) as long as they meet the required age.

Ms Chifuna said the act is not wrong because all pupils who obtain the document have consent from parents through submission of details.

Ms Chifuna was responding to concerns raised by callers during a live radio program on Muchinga FM called hot issues.

Some callers questioned that it was not right for school going children to be represented by people who are not their parents to obtain an NRC.

Ms Chifuna explained that parents should not worry about their children obtaining NRCs while they are in schools adding that the idea is being done in good faith.

She also called on some citizens to be factual and engage authorities before publicising any information especially on the current mobile issuance exercise of NRCs and the forthcoming voter registration which will commencing soon.

And Kenneth Kaunda Secondary School head teacher, Kanyimbo kabise disclosed that so far 80 pupils from the school have obtain NRCs during the mobile exercise which was conducted at Lubwa School recently.

The DC also called on other stakeholders to join hands with government through publicity so that every citizen get an NRC.

“It is every Zambians right to obtain an NRC for them to prove that they are bonafide Zambians,” said Ms Chifuna.

She expressed worry that it will be challenging to reach the set target in Chinsali as many people who live on the river banks of Chambeshi River have migrated on to the other side of the river for fishing and rice cultivation which has made it difficult to reach them.

And a check by ZANIS in the areas where the NRC mobile issuance exercise is taking place in Chinsali District, the response of people obtaining NRCs is overwhelming.

At District Registration offices, more than 100 people were found being attended to and given NRCs.

President Lungu to setup Commission of Inquiry into the Privatisation process

Chief Editor
-
71
President Lungu to setup Commission of Inquiry into the Privatisation process

President Edgar Lungu has assured that a Commission of Inquiry will be set up to look into the Privatisation process in order for the matter to be addressed conclusively.

The President says Section 2 of the inquiries Act allows him to set up a Commission of Inquiry and that he is not obliged to consult anybody.

The Head of State was speaking in Lusaka at State House today when he received petitions from the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and other youth groupings requesting him to set up a Commission of Inquiry regarding the privatization process.

“It is just a matter of time and the Commission will be instituted. This matter is of great national interest. It has been on people’s minds and discussions have been held in various places. I have also people pushing me on the subject matter but like I said the will of the people reigns supreme,” President Lungu stated.

The Head of State said having heard the voices from across the country, he will reflect on the matter and will make a few consultations before setting up the Commission.

“I have heard a lot of voices, North, South East And West, throughout the country, I will take time to reflect on this matter and I will make a few consultations because what you have given me is a petition with signatures without giving me terms of reference, so I will have to sit with those who are well vested in the matter of privatization historically and those who are well vested with the law to tell me what will be the terms of reference for the commission,” the President indicated.

And the Head of State stated that once the matter of privatization is concluded, all those that will be found wanting will face the law.

“I think it’s a matter of time, so we have to put this matter to rest and all those who were in it and are found wanting will have to answer to the people through the courts of the law,” he said.

“Whether people are sleeping or not it doesn’t matter, what is important is justice so I assure you that it’s a matter of time, the Commission will be instituted and all I’m looking for are these gentlemen, ministers and others who are conversant with this matter to give me what will be appropriate terms of reference and then we begin identifying which citizens can be on this commission,” he explained.

Meanwhile, YALI Executive Director, Andrew Ntewewe, said the petition is a request to the President to help the country address the issue of privatization which has affected the country for a long time now.

Mr. Ntewewe said it is expected that the Commission of Inquiry once constituted will look at how the privatization process was managed with particular attention to those that evaluated, negotiated, and made decisions on behalf of the country.

“Your Excellency, we are making an earnest plea that u look into this matter and bring a conclusion to it. Our parents lost jobs, our parents died because of privatization, because of privatization, others suffered depression because of privatization, our parents continued to live in poverty and some became destitute. This is a cry of the citizens of the Republic of Zambia,” bemoaned Mr. Ntewewe.

President Edgar Lungu reads through a petition on the Privatisation of National assets presented to him a State House
President Edgar Lungu reads through a petition on the Privatisation of National assets presented to him a State House
Young African Leadership Initiative President Andrew Nthewewe speaking when he presented a petition on the Privatisation of National assets a State House
Young African Leadership Initiative President Andrew Nthewewe speaking when he presented a petition on the Privatisation of National assets a State House
Protesting students displaying banners at State House when they presented a petition on the Privatisation of National assets
Protesting students displaying banners at State House when they presented a petition on the Privatisation of National assets
Protesting students matching to State House to present a petition on the Privatisation of National assets
Protesting students matching to State House to present a petition on the Privatisation of National assets

Government has not defaulted or failed to pay back the Euro Bond-Antonio Mwanza

Chief Editor
-
34
Government has not defaulted or failed to pay back the Euro Bond-Antonio Mwanza

PF Deputy Media Director Antonio Mwanza has said that the Government has not defaulted or failed to pay back the Euro Bond.

Mr. Mwanza said that the Government has put in place a comprehensive debt restructuring strategy adding that Zambia is not the only country that has asked for debt cancellation or suspension of interest as it is a global phenomenon, adding that that only China will record growth of 1% because the COVID 19 has resulted in a recession across the world.

Mr. Mwanza said that the money that has accumulated as debt in Zambia was used to spar visible development in the country and that all countries in the world borrow, and what is important is how the money is used but stressed that President Edgar Lungu has directed that the country should not contract any more debt from the international market

The PF Deputy Media Director said that the PF Government has invested heavily in infrastructure development and a specialized hospital in order to stem capital flight.

Speaking on 5FM Radio today, Mr. Mwanza said that Zambia today is boasting of bringing back the Mununshi Banana Scheme in Mwense District, Luapula Province, adding that the Kafulafuta Bulk Water Project will connect one million people on the Copperbelt to end water challenges.

Mr. Mwanza further said that the Kafue Bulk Water Project which is 90% done will see water challenges in Lusaka become history.

The PF Deputy Media Director also said that the PF Government has increased the storage capacity of Lusaka Medical Stores from 9000 to 33 000 adding that medical hubs have been built in seven other provinces to stabilize the supply of essential medical drugs across the country.

Mr. Mwanza said that critics have failed to criticize the 2021 proposed national budget because it has responded to the needs of Zambians and that even UPND President Hakainde Hichilema is happy because he will benefit from the 40% import tax on processed beef products as it will result in sourcing such products locally.

Mr. Mwanza also said that President Edgar Lungu has appointed more young people than any President in Zambia and that the Ministry of Commerce is giving loans for aquaculture while the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries is giving loans for goats and chickens, and that youths should also take advantage of cooperatives to venture into gold mining and that the PF Government has helped 30 000 youths that have been sponsored to go to school in form of bursaries.

Holders of Zambian Eurobonds Reject Government Request to Delay Interest Payments

Chief Editor
-
31
Holders of Zambian Eurobonds Reject Government Request to Delay Interest Payments

A group representing many holders of Zambian Eurobonds has rejected a government request to delay interest payments until April, but said it was ready to look at a potential bond swap.

Zambia, one of the world’s largest copper producers, had been wrestling with growing public debt even before the coronavirus pandemic forced lockdowns and cut demand.

Last week it proposed deferring interest payments on its three outstanding dollar-denominated bonds to give it time to finalise a debt sustainability analysis and sketch out the parameters of a restructuring plan.

“While the Committee stands ready to engage constructively and proactively on finding ways to support Zambia, its members are unable to provide a positive response,” the Zambia External Bondholder Committee, which holds a blocking stake, said.

The committee said the government had not engaged with the group since its formation in June and that the budget presented to parliament last Friday moved the country further away from a path to debt sustainability with long-standing fiscal imbalances not being addressed.

The committee consists of 14 U.S. and Europe-based financial institutions which hold in aggregate some 40% of Zambia’s outstanding Eurobonds, including at least 25% in each of its three outstanding Eurobonds.

Source:Nasdaq

Charles Banda Suspends Kalumbila Town Council for Inviting the Opposition to Inspect Government projects

Chief Editor
-
25
Charles Banda Suspends Kalumbila Town Council for Inviting the Opposition to Inspect Government projects

The Minister of local government Hon. Charles Banda has suspended the Kalumbila town council for inviting the opposition to inspect government projects and taking credit for the work done.

Dr Banda told journalists at a media briefing this morning that the councillors invited the opposition leaders to inspect government projects after lying that the projects which were taking place were their own initiative.

He said the move by the councillors was an act of indiscipline which will not be tolerated.

He said the decision by the government to punish the Kalumbila council was to save as a lesson to other councils.

The councillors invited their political leaders to inspect government projects without permission.

Dr. Banda said the local authority has the mandate to oversee the projects in the local authority.

He said the action taken by councillors to invite the opposition leaders to inspect government project was illegal and tend to politicise the projects.
And speaking at the same briefing, North-western Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu condemned the acts by Kalumbila councilors to invite the opposition leaders to inspect the government projects saying the move was unacceptable.

He said Kalumbila was the creation of the PF government saying there was no way the opposition could claim benefits.

Meanwhile, Dr Banda has confirmed that the government has fully disbursed the constituency development fund for the year 2020.

He also regretted the high indiscipline being exhibited by Mufumbwe council officers that fought in Public.

He has since directed the Provincial Minister to ensure that an ad-hoc committee was formed to investigate the infighting that went viral on social media.

1...1,1551,1561,157...5,564Page 1,156 of 5,564

Company

Trending

Categories

© Lusaka Times