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Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Richard Musukwa says Government has rejected the request by Mopani Copper Mines to place its Mines on care and Maintenance.
According to Mr Musukwa, the mining firm in May 2020 issued a fresh notice to the Director of Mines in the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development to declare its intention to place the mines in Kitwe and Mufulira on care and maintenance.
Mr Musukwa said the Director of Mines has however rejected the request because Mopani did not give convincing reasons for its decision.
He told Parliament that Mopani cited the unsustainable cost of production and reduced global mobility caused by the coronavirus pandemic as some of the issues that severely disrupted the supply chain making it difficult to access of essential equipment needed for production at the mines.
Mr Musukwa said the authorities rejected Mopani’s request based on the findings of the Inter-Ministerial Committee which found that the coronavirus pandemic had not affected operations of the mining sectors as most of the operations are mechanized.
He said Mopani Copper Mines did not provide evidence to show that it was facing challenges importing machinery saying the Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry has been providing support to companies that intend to import equipment from other countries.
Mr Musukwa also refuted claims that Government owes Mopani more money in VAT Refunds saying documents from the Zambia Revenue Authority showed that the company owed government more money in other taxes.
He however said that negotiations regarding the matter are ongoing to ensure that operations at Mopani Copper Mines are sustained to avoid job losses.
Mr Musukwa was responding to Kantanshi Independent Member of Parliament Anthony Mumba who wanted to know what measures the government had employed to prevent job losses at the mine if it was put on care and maintenance.
Promotion contenders Kitwe United look set for the FAZ National Division 1 season restart as they prepare to tackle Police College on Saturday at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Kitwe will face Police in a rescheduled week 22 match at 13h00 before Super Division teams Forest Rangers and Zanaco faceoff in the 15h00 kick off match to complete the Saturday double-header.
The Buchi Boys, who have a chance to reclaim top spot, are fourth on the table with 45 points from 22 matches played.
As at week 24, Kitwe, who have two un-played games, are two points behind leaders Prison Leopards.
“We are very excited that the league is back and we are looking forward to the games that are ahead of us,” Chingalika captain Moses Lolozi said.
Lolozi said Kitwe will not be deterred by sponsorship concerns as they seek to win promotion back to the Super Division.
“As we training the morale is high among players. We had a meeting with management where we resolved to do our part and management will meet their obligation,” the ex-Mufulira Wanderers and Indeni defender said.
“As Kitwe United our target remains winning promotion to the Super Division,” Lolozi added.
Kitwe were demoted from the Super Division last year during the transitional season.
The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit-DMMU has assured suppliers of face masks that it will pay everyone before the end of August when auditors conclude auditing all the received items.
Speaking in an interview, DMMU National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe said the funds to pay all the suppliers are available and will be released at once to pay everyone.
He said his office had received its targeted number of face masks from various suppliers from across the country and have since been distributed to all the schools to pupils in examination classes.
Mr Kabwe said auditors have been engaged as a way of enhancing accountability and building public confidence in the operations of the Unit.
The National Coordinator said he is however impressed that a lot of youths came on board and supplied the masks in accordance with the 75 percent which was put aside for youths and women to supply.
He said the continued participation of youths in such activities will help them to be self-reliant and not depend on handouts for sustenance.
He urged youths to continue working with the government and make use of every opportunity that comes as a way of wealth creation.
He stated that President EDGAR LUNGU also recently reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering youths at all levels across the country.
Mr Kabwe said his office is open to all youths who would want to engage him on any matter.
The government has expressed concern at the non-adherence to measures aimed at preventing the spread and contraction of covid-19 among members of the general public.
Chief Government Spokesperson, Dora Siliya says the situation is worrying and may result in a serious health catastrophe if left to continue.
Speaking when a group of children from the Media Network for Child Rights and Development (MNCRD) and Save the Children International paid a courtesy call on her in Lusaka today, Ms. Siliya said it is shocking that people have resorted to doing their usual activities with total disregard for preventive measures.
She said with the ever-increasing number of covid-19 cases, citizens need to take the disease seriously and do everything they can to protect themselves and their families against the disease.
“At the weekend I drove around Lusaka town and I was shocked to see how people are not adhering to the preventive guidelines given by health authorities such as wearing of masks, social distancing and washing hands,” Ms. Siliya said.
Ms. Siliya noted that the situation has been compounded by misinformation and fake news in which some people are claiming that covid-19 does not exist.
She called upon the media to help contain the situation by providing accurate information on the disease.
Ms. Siliya, who is also Information and Broadcasting Services Minister, said Government is worried that the situation would degenerate into a crisis if left unchecked.
Ms. Siliya appealed to families to take responsibility and ensure that the measures announced by health authorities are strictly adhered to.
“This disease is real and let’s not make a mistake by becoming complacent and listen to those who are saying it does not exist because it actually does exist. Our failure to take the disease seriously is a time bomb,” she said.
Chief Government Spokesperson, Dora Siliya
And 18 year Child Rights Activist Musowe Like said most children risk being victims of the disease because of the wrong information they are being given.
Musowe said many children are meant to believe that Corona Virus is a hoax by their parents, guardians and in some cases teachers in schools who are insisting that it does not exist.
He said the situation was even worse in rural areas where people do not have enough information about the disease.
“At one school, I was shocked to hear a teacher trying to convince pupils in his class that the disease does not exist. Now, this is serious because children easily believe information from their teachers, caregivers and parents,” he said.
He appealed to Government to heighten its coronavirus sensitization campaign to ensure that citizens, including children, are given accurate information about the disease.
Zambia has so far recorded a cumulative total of 1,895 cases, 42 deaths, 1,412 recoveries and 441 active cases.
Meanwhile Ms. Siliya has said Children’s Rights are Human Rights and must be protected.
Ms. Siliya said there is urgent need for members of the public and families to take responsibility of how children are taken care of in the society.
The Minister said after the outbreak of the coronavirus, Government made serous decisions to prevent the spread of the disease, among them, the closing of schools to protect children against contracting the disease.
She added that Government did not only end at closing schools but went ahead to introduce e-learning platforms as well the Education Broadcasting Services on various television and radio channels to ensure children continued with their education.
She said through line Ministries such as Health and Youth, Sport and Child Development, Government has continued to take care of the health, educational and other needs of children to ensure that they fully enjoy their rights without any inhibition.
“Issues affecting children are being addressed through various ministries such as Youth and Sports through the implementation of the child policy and Ministry of Health by ensuring every child has access to medical facilities within a short radius among many other works by different Ministries,” Ms. Siliya said.
Ms. Siliya said Government is alive to the fact that some of the initiatives it has taken to ensure continued provision of education to children is not reaching and benefitting all children due to various limiting factors.
She, however, said the education of a child should not be about the government alone but a partnership involving the family, the church, the community and the media.
Ms. Siliya challenged the media to play a pivotal role in the promotion and safeguarding of children’s rights.
She said the media must create and publish more content relating to issues affecting children and tailor them in such a way that they meet the needs of all children across the nation.
And Media Network on Child Rights and Development Executive Director Henry Kabwe urged the media to get the views of the children on issues affecting them especially during this time of Corona Virus because the issues that affected children long ago might not be the same issues affecting them now.
Mr. Kabwe called on the Government to expand Educational Broadcasting Radio and Television Services so that as many children as possible can benefit from its services.
Speaking during the same meeting, Save the Children International Country Director Jo Musonda expressed concern with the limited media space for children.
Ms. Musonda said issues concerning children are not often given due attention and when raised are given in adequate follow-ups on stories covered.
“We also note with regret the unethical reporting and sue of children’s images on social and mainstream media without due consideration for the right of the child to protection,” she said.
And Mundia Lubinda a 15 year old girl from Media Network on Child Rights and Development commended Government on the introduction of the education channel and e-learning platforms which she said were helping many children across the country.
Lubinda, however, expressed sadness with the fact that children in rural areas and some peri-urban areas are not able to easily access these platforms due to many different challenges such as access to laptops, internet, smartphones and electricity.
“Even children in urban areas are having challenges because of load-shedding and I feel that they are missing out on a lot of lessons while others are learning,” she said.
She added that the e-learning platform do not provide a safe environment for children as they encounter cyberbullying and side links that may not be relevant to children’s academic progress.
She urged Government to provide a system which will enable children keep track of their progress.
Finance Minister Dr. Bwalya Ng’andu has disclosed that K950 million has been paid to institutions to clear outstanding bills to suppliers of goods and services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Ng’andu said K500 million was released to the Public Service Pensions Fund to pay over 1,500 retirees or their beneficiaries.
He said this when he delivered a ministerial statement to Parliament on Tuesday afternoon.
”To alleviate the economic pressures associated with the Covid-19 induced liquidity challenges His Excellency the President in his address to the nation announced the availing of K2.5 billion in financial relief for businesses. In this regard, Government released: K500 million to the Public Service Pensions Fund to pay over 1,500 retirees or their beneficiaries; K170 million to Banks to clear third party arrears; K140 million to various road contractors; K950 million has been paid to institutions to clear outstanding bills to suppliers of goods and services,” he told Parliament.
“Mr. Speaker, I wish to report that the Ministry has progressed with the modalities of setting up of an SME Fund that was directed by his Excellency the President. The funds to be used will be allocated from the Covid-19 Mitigation Bond. The Bond is targeting to raise up to K8 billion in tranches from the Banking sector and Pension Funds. Mr. Speaker, I wish to report that so far, Government has managed to raise K6.8 billion. The bond proceeds will solely target to finance domestic expenditures as it is supposed to be applied to boost the economy. No foreign related expenditures will be covered as this will defeat the objective of improving liquidity in the market and negatively impacting the exchange rate of the Kwacha against major tradable currencies.”
Dr. Ng’andu stated that the financial sector’s liquidity challenges have further been eased through the Bank of Zambia’s K10 Billion Medium-Term Refinancing Facility.
He said this Facility is available eligible commercial banks and non-bank financial institutions to access in order to restructure, refinance or extend credit to businesses and households impacted by Covid-19 on more favourable terms.
“I wish to report that the uptake of the facility commenced with applications from the Banking Sector and Non-Bank Financial Sector being processed and approved by the Bank of Zambia. As at 13th July 2020, we have had eleven (11) banks and twelve (12) non-bank financial institutions submitting applications for financing worth a total of K4,821,2 million, out of which K3,875.6 million has been approved. This represents 80 percent approval of total financing requested and of which twenty three percent (23%) has already been disbursed to 9,762 beneficiaries,” he added.
“Sir, I should emphasize that these funds are meant for relief on the part of business and are offered at relatively lower interest rates. It is expected that financial service providers will pass this benefit to their customers. Mr. Speaker, the recovery from the impact of Covid-19 will require a concerted effort over the medium-term. To deal with the ‘New Normal’ of Covid-19 and help businesses recover, Government is intensively reviewing policies to come up with additional measures that will support businesses over the medium-term.”
He emphasized that the unprecedented outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has reversed the fortunes of many economies around the world.
He further added that as a result, experts have lowered economic growth prospects of the global economy in 2020.
“For instance, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that the world will record the worst economic fallout since the Great Depression of the 1930s. This fallout is also expected to be much worse than the 2007/2008 financial crisis,” he said.
State House has issued a statement describing as false allegations that have emerged in international media that President Edgar Lungu provided financial resources to a Rwanda rebel group to launch attacks in Rwanda.
In a statement signed by President Lungu’s Special Assistant for Press and Public relations, Isaac Chipampe, State house said that they categorically refute the claims stated unequivocally that these allegations are false and must be treated with the contempt they derserve.
The statement went on to say that the Zambian Government and the peoples of Zambia and Rwanda continue to enjoy strong and fraternal relations founded on mutual respect and a common purpose based on shared values and principles
According to international media reports, Rwanda’s terror suspect Callixte Nsabimana a.k.a Major Sankara who claimed to be the head of Rwanda rebel group National Liberation Force (NLF) on Monday told the judge at the International and Cross-Border Crimes in Nyanza,a district in Southern Rwanda that Zambian President Edgar Lungu helped rebel factions to attack Rwanda.NLF is a military wing of a Rwanda opposition political party, the Rwandan Movement for Democratic Change led by Rwandan dissident Paul Rusesabagina, known for protecting people during 1994’s Rwandan genocide as a manager of Hotel des Mille Collines.
Nsabimana appeared in court on Monday where he pleaded guilty of all charges but said that he was misled by some individuals including Kayumba Nyamwasa, one regade senior officer of the Rwandan army currently seeking asylum in South Africa.
Speaking Monday before the International and Cross-Border Crimes, Nsabimana accused Zambian President Edgar Lungu of allowing them space to operate in his country to overthrow the Rwandan government.
The trial was conducted digitally due to COVID-19 measures where all the parties made submissions through a live video link. There were glitches from the start of the trial which were resolved and the hearing proceeded.
The defendant is facing several charges including the formation of an irregular armed group, complicity in committing terrorist acts, conspiracy and incitement to commit terrorist acts, taking persons hostage, murder, and looting.
Nsabimana was spokesperson of a rebel outfit that calls itself National Liberation Front (FLN, French acronym), which has been accused of attacking villages in Southern part of the country, killing people, looting and destroying property.
The former rebel leader who promoted himself to the rank of Major, according to the prosecution began his journey when he was expelled from a government university in Rwanda, then reappeared in South Africa as a member of the group led by former RDF chief Gen Kayumba Nyamwasa in 2012.
He also spent time in Indian Ocean island of Comoros.
For years, since he began dissident activities in South Africa with the Rwandan National Congress (RNC) of Gen Kayumba Nyamwasa, Sankara always appears in dark sunglasses.
On capture before his extradition to Rwanda, Sankara was found with Lesotho passport under the names Kabera Joseph, born from Masisi, DR Congo. It was acquired in 2013. Sankara paid 5,000 South African Rands ($ 300 USD). Prosecution says it is a fake passport.
Wedson Nyirenda has returned to the bench following his appointment as coach of Lusaka Dynamos today.
The ex-Chipolopolo coach is back on the job after he quit South Africa PSL side Baroka FC last December.
Dynamos said Nyirenda has signed a short-term deal with the Lusaka club and that Ian Bakala has been relegated to assistant coach.
“It is great to be associated with Lusaka Dynamos FC. For the next 3 months we shall work tirelessly to see that we end this current season in the best position. If everyone works accordingly, and pull in the same direction we can achieve the unthinkable. God will guide us through,” Nyirenda said.
He takes over at Dynamos who are currently sixth with 40 points from 25 games played on the FAZ Super Division table, six points behind leaders Forest Rangers and just three points outside the top four continental bracket with nine games left before the season ends.
Dynamos are also breathing down the neck of Nyirenda’s ex-charges and defending FAZ Super Division champions Zesco United who are fifth on 42 points.
Ironically, Zesco, who he guided to their debut league title in 2017 and successfully defended it a year later, are expected to be his first opponents on August 2 at home in Lusaka.
Nyirenda returns to the FAZ Super Division after a brief period at Green Buffaloes in 2015 before a two-year stay in Mozambique at Ferroviario Beira.
Following the submissions by the Zambia Centre for Inter-Party Dialogue (ZCID), the United Party for National Development (UPND) and other Stakeholders, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has decided to reduce the proposed nomination fees for the 2021 General Elections that are scheduled to be held on 12th August 2021.
In a statement released to the media this morning and signed by the Commission Public Relations Manager, Margaret Chimanse, ECZ said that, in considering the adjustment to the proposed nomination fees, the Commission took into account all the stakeholders submissions and concerns, as well as other factors such as inflation, increased cost of conducting nominations and polls, including the issuance of the free Voter Registers to all Presidential candidates which cost K610,000.00 per candidate.
“The Commission, therefore, wishes to thank all Political Parties and Stakeholders for the cordial engagement and submissions regarding the proposed nomination fees,” concluded the statement adding that Political parties and aspiring candidates shall be required to pay the nomination fees four weeks before the nomination date to allow effective and efficient processing of the nominations.
Below are the revised and Commission approved nomination fees:
THE United Party for National Development (UPND) would like to make it clear that Republican Vice President, Inonge Mutukwa Wina, does not sit in Parliament by virtue of being an elder or woman but as a leader of Government Business and Vice President of the Nation.
While we can forgive the many so called women organisations that have been paid to parrot the Master’s voice to condemn Choma MP Cornelius Mweetwa on ZNBC news, we find it strange that Fisheries and Livestock Minister Nkandu Luo would without shame claim that it was wrong for the MP to speak against Ms Wina, because she is an elder and a woman.
It is such thinking that will make Zambia fail to reduce gender inequalities, because we seem to look at gender instead of accomplishments, competence and skill of a person.
Mrs Wina has on many occasions lied and misled the nation over issues such as the burning of Lusaka City Market as well as the chemical gassing which she blamed on the opposition as being architects in pursuit of regime change.
Her loose rantings on the burning of City Market led to the brutalising of a poor old woman by cadres in police uniform who has since died and this is the woman people want us to respect because of her age.
Apart from that, Madam Inonge Wina lied that the market would be re-built in six months, yet nothing has been done and most of the women lost their capital and today are struggling to feed their families.
She lied as a leader and should be held responsible and not attacking Mr Mweetwa for saying the right things.
She was not speaking as a woman but in her capacity as Vice President and we shall look at her as a person and not as an elder or a woman but a Vice President who is supposed to be factual and truthful.
Ms Wina must be reminded that accepting to hold a public position means being ready to be criticised and called all sorts of names regardless of gender. She needs to emulate strong women that have debated with facts across the world without using gender as a sympathy card.
We would like to state as UPND that, we will continue to criticise the Vice President as long as she holds the second highest position of
the land without consideration for gender or age.
PATRIOTIC Front (PF) deputy national chairman Davies Chama says Lusaka lawyer Kelvin Bwalya Fube can continue dreaming about his ambitions to contest the party presidency.
And Chama in an interview said it is laughable that an educated lawyer like Fube does not understand the party constitution.
Reacting to Fube’s remarks last week that he does not recognise his expulsion from the PF because the Central Committee that expelled him had no mandate, Chama said the lawyer was hallucinating.
Chief Cooma of Choma District in Southern Province has castigated the behavior of opposition political party, United Party for National Development (UPND) Member of Parliament for Choma Central Cornelius Mweetwa over his remarks against Vice President Inonge Wina on the floor of the house in parliament.
The chief observed that it is shocking to see an Honourable Member of Parliament behave in the manner he did adding that a leader should serve with respect and honor in and out of parliament .
Chief Cooma has since pledged to counsel Hon. Mweetwa to ensure that he offers an apology and stops such behaviors as it would set a bad precedence in the country.
Meanwhile Chief Cooma has appealed to President Edgar Lungu not to feel discouraged but continue working hard and delivering development to all parts of the country.
Commenting on the Incident that recently happened in Monze District where UNPD carders jeered the Presidential motorcade Chief Cooma said that behavior should be condemned and people involved should be reminded that Zambia is a democratic Country which can only be ruled by one president at a time.
He said the behavior exhibited by UPND carders in Monze District should however not be allowed to continue.
He reminded people of Southern Province that President Edgar Lungu is President of all Zambians and has a responsibility of checking on all developmental projects in the country and was free to visit any part of the country without intimidation.
He noted that the people of Monze District have the Monze- Nickle road which they have been asking government to work on but wondered how the president was going to work on such projects if the people were giving him such attitudes.
He advised Chiefs to continue working with the government of the day and ensure that development is taken without intimidation.
Chief Cooma has also declared his support for the Constitution amendment bill number 10.
He said the bill contains many good things that can help Zambia move forward.
The Chief was speaking when Religious Affairs and National Guidance Minister Hon. Rev. Mrs Godfridah Sumaili MP, paid a courtesy call on him at his Palace.
President Edgar Lungu has said that his government is determined to end poverty through the promotion of Climate Change resilience programs.
Speaking when he visited the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR) were he handed over support to beneficiaries in Lukulu district and handed out empowerment funds to various groups, President Lungu said that the program have allowed people in Western and Southern Provinces to diversify their sources of income.
The Head of State said that the government with support from the World Bank is scaling up the program to Northern, Muchinga and Luapula provinces.
President LUNGU said that 100 million United States dollars has been pumped into the program following the successful implementation of the project in Western Province.
And during the ceremony 13 groups were given empowerment funds to venture in livestock, crafts, milling and mining.
Speaking at the same event Minister of National Planning Alexander Chiteme said the government will continue helping families that have been hit by Climate Change.
And one of the beneficiary Namakando Mubita said members of her group are now able to take their children to school.
President Edgar Chagwa Lungu hands over a Grant Cheque to Mukelebai Mulonda of Mixwest Hardware Limited in Lukulu district, Western ProvinceSome of the Beneficiaries of Pilot Program for Climate Resilience
President Edgar Lungu has transferred Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Dr Felix Phiri to the Ministry of Defence.
According to a statement released to the media by his Special Assistant for Press and Public relations, Isaac Chipampe, the President has also transferred Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Mr Stardy Mwale to Cabinet Office to be in charge of the Remuneration Division in the same capacity.
Remuneration Division Permanent Secretary at Cabinet Office Mr Kashell Mwenya has since been moved to the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development in the same capacity.
And Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development Permanent Secretary Mr Charles Mushota has been transferred to Luapula Province.
The President has wished the Permanent Secretaries the best in their new portfolios.
The Women from the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) in Lusaka have asked Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Patrick Matibini to take stern action against UPND Choma central lawmaker Cornelius Mweetwa if he fails to apologise for disrespecting Republican vice President Inonge Wina
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka, PF vice provincial chairlady Chilando Chitangala said it is sad that Mr. Mweetwa has refused to apologise to the Vice President for issuing derogatory remarks against her on the floor of the house.
She said it was heart-breaking that at a time woman are fighting for 50 percent representation in parliament there are men like Mr. Mweetwa who are making it difficult.
‘ We are aggrieved as women in this country by the remarks made by Hon. Mweetwa against the Vice President, this is at a time we are fighting for 50/50 representation in parliament and other key decision making positions and the men we think can support us are by the ones disrespecting us’ Ms. Chitangala said.
She Mrs. Wina has inspired many women to join politics because of her exemplary leadership style.
‘ The exemplary leadership of Madam Inonge Wina inspired some of us women to be in politics and the speaker of the National Assembly should take this matter seriously because men like Him. Mweetwa are making it difficult for women to be politics,’ said Ms.Chitangala.
She added that women groups should also come out and condemn the conduct of the Choma central lawmaker.
She said there was need for the quick enactment of the constitution amendment Bill number 10 because it will guarantee women representation in parliament.
President Edgar Lungu has said that he has received reports of some opposition political parties planning to make the country ungovernable through violence so that they can force him to meet with UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema.
The President has wondered why some church leaders have never asked Mr. Hichilema to publicly condemn violence, adding that he expected the Church to condemn violence whether it is coming from the PF or UPND.
President Lungu said that there was also a plot to provoke the PF in Mongu and Lukulu so that they can blame him for the violence, adding that those who are in leadership have a duty to maintain law and order.
The President urged the urged youths not to be used in violent activities and those youths should question why political leaders do not send their children to fight but those of other people.
The President was speaking when he addressed people in Lukulu district that had gone to welcome him. President Lungu urged people to get national registration cards (NRCs) and participate in the 2021 general elections. He said this is the best way to participate as opposed to violence.
