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ZESCO, KCM seal direct power supply deal, shuts out CEC

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ZESCO, KCM seal direct power supply deal, shuts out CEC

ZESCO Limited says it has entered into a long-term agreement with Konkola Copper Mines following successful conclusion of negotiations.

ZESCO Director Strategy and Corporate Services Patrick Mwila says the agreement between ZESCO and KCM is part of ZESCO’s long-term strategy of correcting imbalances in the power supply chain.

He says the artificial imbalances were the result of the Bulk Supply Agreement (BSA) that was signed between ZESCO and Copperbelt Energy Plc (CEC) on 21 November 1997 which had been commercially disadvantageous to ZESCO.

“These imbalances were aided by certain clauses which ensured only CEC could supply the lucrative Copperbelt mining market ever since the BSA was signed in 1997,” he said.

Mr. Mwila says the development is also in line with the Government’s new policy framework, which supports an open Electricity Supply Industry that is intended to encourage participation of various players in the three key segments of the value chain, Generation, Transmission and Distribution.

He says the landmark agreement will ensure ZESCO and consequently the Zambian economy and public are able to benefit from direct commercial agreements between ZESCO and potential generators of foreign exchange.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mwila says despite the initial failure to finalize a new power supply agreement to replace the now expired Bulk Supply Agreement, ZESCO has continued to make power available to CEC to allow it to supply its consumers who have already contracted for power supply from CEC and to supply ZESCO’s existing consumers in the Copperbelt.

He added that this is despite the fact that CEC continues to owe ZESCO millions of dollars in unpaid arrears.

“By eliminating monopolistic tendencies, the Zambian electricity sub-sector will soon realize efficiencies, as neither ZESCO nor any other owner of Transmission or Distribution Infrastructure can claim exclusivity for their use as third parties will be able to supply power across Zambia. ZESCO welcomes this competitive environment and the opportunity to prove that it can compete on a level playing field with the best competitors in the market,” he said.

“Specifically, ZESCO is now in a position to compete for the supply of power directly to those mining consumers in the Copperbelt who are able and willing to enter into new commercial relationships. Supply to such consumers was previously the preserve of CEC, but with the lapse of the BSA, the consumers, ZESCO and CEC are free to buy and sell power from anywhere and supply to anyone as long as the terms are commercially competitive. ZESCO also notes that under these circumstances, ZESCO’s traditional consumers may also be subject to competitive bids or solicitations from other potential suppliers, but we firmly support the new market framework and we are ready to prove that we can supply power more competitively than anyone else in the Southern African region.”

He said, “The “common carrier” declaration typically unlocks resources and avoids “hoarding” of Transmission capacity or even worse still, duplication of infrastructure by competing players in the ESI. Transmission and Distribution asset owners still remain fully in charge of their assets, but they must negotiate wheeling arrangements on commercial terms once they are approached by parties intending to trade. The law thus prevents any party from using its vantage point to block commercial trade and stipulates that if the parties fail to agree on wheeling terms for the power, any aggrieved party may then appeal to the Electricity Regulation Board to arbitrate and determine fair terms and conditions of supply.”

Why a moral revolution is needed now more than ever

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Why a moral revolution is needed now more than ever

We cannot get overly familiar with the intolerable images of unarmed African American men dying on flimsy grounds, and in many cases, by the hands of people ordained to protect them. African Americans have suffered disproportionately under the heavy yolk of a partial justice system. The chorus of supplications for a fairer, just and equitable society has often fallen on deaf ears. While progress has been made, more is still needed to reach the “promised land” of a racially just society. But we cannot afford to ignore these death cries any longer. These traumatic events of race relations serve as collective summons for all to move from postures of stagnant passivity and a deadening complacency, to a reasoned determination, needed to bend the “long arc of the moral universe” towards a just society. Racism has for centuries exerted its baneful influence on American society. It is precisely for these reasons that we all need to rally together to urgently extricate the malevolent grip of racism, off the tender neck of America’s race relations.

Photo Credit: Associated Press

A moral revolution is needed

A “moral revolution”, as Dr Martin Luther King Jr put it, is urgently needed now more than ever. A collective righteous indignation against racism is needed to safe guard our societies against its corrosive effects. This is the most urgent work of today, or else we run the danger of racial hatred and bigotry being permanently codified in societal institutional structures. We need to forge new beginnings of race relations and strive mightily for a racially just society for all. The hope of America lies in its diversity, as “the land of the free and home of the brave.” In the end, the greatness of America should not only lie in the towering military might, the technological and scientific exploits, but also in an expansive redemptive moral vision that is rooted in the ideals of human solidarity and dignity, which also should be the envy of the world.

By Sula Mazimba MD, MPH

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Chisamba Lungu Makes Zanaco Return

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2012 AFCON winner Chisamba Lungu has returned to Zanaco.

The midfielder has joined the seven-time champions as a free agent on a two-year deal barely a month after terminating his contract with Nkana.

“Lungu is an experienced player and him coming on board will motivate the young players. There will be more competition among the players which is what we want,” Zanaco CEO Marlon Kananda said.

“Lungu is an exciting player to watch and I am confident that he will add value to the team and deliver.”

Chisamba returns to Zanaco for the first time since 2009 where he spent over a season before heading to Europe where he made stops in Georgia, Russia and Turkey.

This is Chisamba’s third FA Super Division stop since returning home in 2018 after a stint at Buildcon and later Nkana.

Minister of Tourism Assures Artistes of Presidential Protection

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Minister of Tourism Assures Artistes of Presidential Protection

Minister of Toursim and Arts has called for calm in the nation and in particular amongst artistes assuring them of president Lungu’s protection as long as they exercised their right to freedom of expression within the confines of the law.

Hon. Chitotela who is also Pambashe lawmaker says the government regrets any public altercation that is perceived to have had ensued stating that it had no blessings from the President.

Speaking, Friday, at a meeting with leaders of various associations of artistes, Mr. Chitotela reminded artistes that ‘with great power comes responsibility” and appealed to them to respect the rights of others.

“Government regrets any altercation that is perceived to have been happening in public. It had no blessings from the president, ” said Chitotela

“Every Zambian and artiste in particular expressing themselves will be protected by the President and my ministry as long as they exercise the right to freedom of expression within the confines of law. Remember where your rights end that’s where another person’s rights begin.”

Meanwhile, the Arts Minister has clarified that there is no Gold mine in the country that has been sold to any foreigner.

He advised artistes to form comparatives and apply for prospecting mining licenses to explore the sector.

He further disclosed that part of the K10 billion announced by the president will be apportioned to CEEC for fair and easier access by artistes and small scale businesses experiencing challenges to meet bank conditions.

The minister has told artistes that he runs an open door policy and has since directed officials at the ministry not to subject artistes to any red tapes whenever they visit his office “i want to meet every artist unless I am extremely busy but you must reschedule the meeting”

The meeting resolved to hold quarterly meetings, the next meeting being at the month end of August so that some of the issues raised can be addressed by his Excellency president Lungu during his next address to parliament.

The minister has since called peace to reign and for artistes to bury the past, reassuring them that none of them will be harmed under the able leadership of his Excellency President Lungu.

Minister of Toursim and Arts, Zambia meeting the Artists in Lusaka
Minister of Toursim and Arts, Zambia meeting the Artists in Lusaka
Some of the Artists that attended the meeting in Lusaka
Some of the Artists that attended the meeting in Lusaka
Some of the Artists that attended the meeting in Lusaka
Some of the Artists that attended the meeting in Lusaka

Freedom of Expression for Bloggers and Rogues?

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Freedom of Expression for Bloggers and Rogues?

By Isaac Mwanza

Introduction

Is it by accident that, all of a sudden, many Zambian Facebookers have discovered they can exercise their freedom of expression; That all they need is a Smart Phone, bundles and their Facebook account to advance this cause? Or have we reached a stage where the partial shutdown of social sectors of our country such as bars, colleges, and universities has taken a toll on everyone for we can no longer do the gigs and concerts?

Is the mudslinging we see from some of these social media bloggers the result of how annoyed we are with the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic but we are too scared to tell China straight to her face because we are not as brave as Donald Trump who has been blunt in terming it the “Chinavirus”?

On Freedom of Expression

The 44th President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, once said about Freedom of Expression: “we have to uphold a free press and freedom of speech…because in the end, lies and misinformation are no match for the truth.” Before Obama, Winston Churchill also said, “everyone is in favour of free speech. Hardly a day passes its being extolled but some people’s idea of it is that they are free to say what they like but if anyone says anything back, that is an outrage” but it is Raphael K. Nunes who tried to define the limits of freedom of expression when he said:

“The limits of freedom of expression is tautological: it ends at a point where it begins to affect the freedom of expression of others.”

In the exercise of freedom of expression being promoted by social media, Zambian bloggers ought to reflect on the caution the Republican President, His Excellency, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu made to journalists on November 8, 2019 during his rare media interaction, when he said:

“Criticism is healthy in a democracy …The media can build or destroy a nation, therefore, let me urge you not to be swayed by the political shenanigans of the outside world as you do your professional work. I, therefore, urge you not to be crusaders of conflict between political players but to provide a forum for public discourse and compromise.”

These words still apply to those who have discovered the new power of freedom of expression that social media offers them. The question then is whether many of these users of live streaming facilities on social media are, indeed, providing a forum for public discourse and compromise or they are just crusaders of conflict between political players.

Some of our colleagues conducting live streaming on Facebook, all in the name of exercising their right to freedom of expression, are unfortunately doing so in disregard of constitutional freedoms and rights of others or the need to exercise restraint reasonably required by the Constitution of Zambia for purposes of protecting the reputations, rights and freedoms of other persons or the private lives of persons or preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence.

At the rate we moving, it’s easier to predict that soon, our country will be seized with civil litigation in which many people will be dragged to court for various libel and defamation cases. The only consolation for those who may be dragged to court is that a known civil society organisation has donor funding for use in providing legal services to libellous characters or defamers who issue defamatory remarks that support causes for which those funds were made available by the donor.

Free Expression and anti-Chinese sentiment

Let us first be clear: that there is no excuse for any foreign national – whether investor or just a mere businessman or woman or a mere tourist or visitor – to mistreat Zambians either for the colour of their skin or simply because our people need those jobs to earn a living. Equally, there is no excuse for any of us to become xenophobic against foreign nationals, especially the Chinese all because some of them are engaged in unlawful labour practices that humiliate the dignity of our people.

Article 15 of our Constitution protects all persons, both citizens and non-citizens from inhuman treatment. The Article reads:

“No person shall be subjected to torture, or to inhuman or degrading punishment or other like treatment,”

In a nutshell, Zambians and foreign nationals need each other and must co-exist but, most importantly, Government has a solemn duty to protect all persons – Zambian citizens and foreign nationals – from inhuman or degrading treatment.

In carrying out this obligation to Zambians, Government agencies responsible for labour and immigration must work together with the Chinese to improve the environment in which our labour force is working.

But further, in exercise of our freedom of expression, social media bloggers must remember to remain mature and solution-oriented.

There are some live streaming broadcasters on Facebook who have literally forgotten the demands of our African culture and Biblical teachings of treating persons with the courtesy every human deserve: treat an elderly woman as a mother, an elderly man as a father, a young female as sister or young male as a brother. That demands maturity from all of us.

But we must also be solution-oriented, doers of the word and not just people who speak the loudest because we have a platform on Facebook or other social media platforms to do so.

Facebook Streaming without solutions?

During the same interaction with the media in November last year, President Lungu made these remarks which are proving true today:

“The coming of social media has meant individual citizens, themselves, passing content that they have no direct role in producing, and without verification. With social media we have seen that the truth is less important and the more exaggerated or inaccurate the communication is, the more it seems to attract readership.”

What should concern many of our youth on social media today is whether the many vocal bloggers who use live streaming on Facebook, are capable of providing solutions beyond the mere rhetoric and criticism. For instance, how many Facebook activists have created even one (1) gainful employment for the next person?

There is one Zambian colleague who is based in the UK; he doesn’t like speaking publicly (not a Facebook streamer) and yet he has invested his money in a radio station and other employment generating projects in his home district, Manyinga. That kind of entrepreneurial spirit is what this country needs because it creates employment for others and uplifts the wellbeing of communities. Silence speaks the loudest when you have results to show for it.

But the author is not blaming those who speak the loudest and yet have done nothing to create even a single job for someone. This has to do with our education system as a country. Our education system – from nursery to universities – teaches us to become employees, instead of employers. We go to school with the hope that someone will employ us and will give us better conditions.

So when someone is crying that the youth want employment and better conditions, it comes from this mentality that society owes our young people jobs, not opportunities to work for themselves and creating jobs for others.

This is what makes the difference between our country and other countries such as China and Germany, where their education has a large component of vocational or skills training, not focused on producing job seekers but entrepreneurs, that is, creators and managers of their own businesses. And those that come out with innovations in China and run their own businesses, get the support of their government through appropriate policy tools and practical measures or finances, to enable them to thrive.

Here in our country, our own Government has set aside K10 billion as bailout or stimulus package for small scale businesses to help them survive. To those who are speaking the loudest on Facebook streaming, I pose the question; what have you done to encourage our people to access these funds?

We also have US$10.3 million in aquaculture funding from the Ministry of Fisheries managed by CEEC and waiting for people to apply for it so that they can go into fish farming. What are our people who are streaming live on Facebook doing to help our youths harness this opportunity?

There is so much talk about gold mining and that the youths demand that Zambians are given the opportunity to mine the gold. This is a good call but you can cut my finger: even when this opportunity is opened up and conditions set for gold mining, it’s only those Zambians that will have capacity who will be beneficiaries, namely, those who will have the ability to borrow money and invest into gold mining.

But if our youths are failing to tap into the already available opportunities of borrowing from the K10 billion stimulus package or $10.3 million aquaculture funding, what will motivate them to enter into gold mining? Zambia also enjoys vast land for farming, how many of our youths feel like venturing into farming?

Youths seem to be waiting for someone to create employment for them and to give them better conditions of service. I long to see a time when those who have now discovered the power of social media to stream live, would utilise that opportunity to challenge our youths to a change of mindset.

Youths must not expect that any one politician – now or tomorrow – will literally create jobs for them and give them better conditions of service; you can also change Government as many times as you want but your fate lies in your own hands. Those telling you that solutions lie in politics or the youth voting in or out anyone are not providing any solution at all.

Youths and adults alike must rise to the occasion and seize the available opportunity to better their lives. But this starts with the streamers themselves.

Responding to social media bloggers

The manner in which Lusaka Province Minister, Bowman Lusambo, responded to some vocal social media bloggers has indeed raised controversy and been condemned by many Zambians. And they are justified in doing so because, for example, B Flow and Kingsley never insulted or disrespected anyone but they aired their views. What then would be the best reaction to social media bloggers?

Let me remind the PF, of the Republican President’s directives on this matter. The President once said this to journalists:

“The question still stands; do our people believe everything they read on social media? If the answer is yes; then we need to find a way of educating them about how to detect lies in the information they come across; if no; then we need to use the same platform to reply to the purveyors of fake news and call their bluff.”

So instead of calling people like B Flow and others who respectfully air their views as if they broke some law or violated some rule, the President says, use the same platform to reply to the purveyors of fake news and call them out or call their bluff. There is no need to issue threats against citizens, such as B-Flow, Kings Malembe and others who are just peaking their mind

Those working with Government need to take the advice by the President seriously: use the same platform to reply to the purveyors of fake news and call their bluff. And if what they say is untrue, challenge them by replying with the facts, not threats.

The author is a governance activist and hold of Bachelor of Laws, with an inclination towards discourse on governance and legal matters

Expulsion of KBF from the ruling party has nothing to do with the upcoming party convention

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Expulsion of KBF from the ruling party has nothing to do with the upcoming party convention

PF Media Director Antonio Mwanza says the expulsion of Kelvin Fube Bwalya from the ruling party has nothing to do with the upcoming party convention.

Mr Mwanza says as an ordinary member of the party, Mr Fube did not even qualify to contest the Presidency of the PF at the upcoming convention.

He explained that only people holding positions in the party structures are eligible to contest the presidency and KBF is not among those that qualified to attend the convention.

Mr Mwanza said President Edgar Lungu was therefore not worried about KBF attempts to challenge him because he did not qualify.

“The President has already been endorsed as a party President for the 2021 General elections, so when we go to the Convention, everyone will endorse him”, he said.

Mr Mwanza said insinuations that KBF was expelled because he was a threat to President Edgar Lungu are not true.

Mr Fube has called for calm among his supporters countrywide and within the PF following his purported expulsion from the ruling party by the Central Committee.

He has assured his supporters that he is still the game changer and remains alive.

Mr. Fube has confirmed that his office at KBF and Partners along Bwinjimfumu road in Lusaka on 3rd June was served with a letter purporting to have expelled him from the party dated 6th June 2019.

Bill10 is the gravedigger of Zambia’s democratic tradition – Sishuwa

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Bill10 is the gravedigger of Zambia’s democratic tradition – Sishuwa

If passed into law, the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill Number 10 of 2019 would weaken institutions like elections and the constitution that offer the long-term hope for democratic consolidation, University of Zambia lecturer Sishuwa Sishuwa has warned.

Commenting on the imminent presentation of Bill10 that would follow the reopening of parliament on 9 June 2020, Dr Sishuwa appealed to opposition and independent MPs to vote against the proposed changes to the constitution.

“The Bill is the gravedigger of Zambia’s democratic tradition because it is primarily designed to weaken institutions – such as elections, the judiciary and the constitution – that offer the long-term hope for democratic consolidation. Should it pass, it would consolidate the Patriotic Front (PF)’s stay in power, make it effectively impossible to remove President Edgar Lungu from office, and serve as the ultimate executioner of Zambia’s democracy. Voting against Bill10 would constitute the highest expression of patriotism and respect for the basic structure of the constitution”, he said.

Dr Sishuwa, who is also a Senior Researcher at the Southern African Institute for Policy and Research (SAIPAR), stated that the PF have severely dented Zambia’s democratic tradition.

“Even before the first case of Covid-19 was confirmed in March 2020, Zambia’s flight from being a model of democracy in Africa to a disguised authoritarianism had already taken off. The erosion of democratic principles started under President Michael Sata, but worsened under his successor, Lungu. As well as successfully pressuring the Constitutional Court to allow him to run for a third term, President Lungu has presided over the shutdown of the main independent newspaper, removed the vestiges of autonomy in nearly all state institutions, almost succeeded in muzzling civil society, and created a general climate of fear”.

The UNZA academic said the outbreak of the coronavirus disease has only accelerated the country’s slide into chaos and repression.

“Amidst this changing political character of Zambia’s democratic tradition, the arrival of Covid-19 proved, for the authorities, to be a blessing in disguise in two main ways. The first was that it threw a lifeline to Lungu’s power push ahead of the 2021 elections. At the time, when the first few cases of Covid-19 were reported, Parliament was debating the deeply problematic Bill 10. After failing to raise the two-thirds majority required to pass it, the PF, fearful that the Bill would be defeated, asked the Speaker to abruptly suspend Parliament using the coronavirus as the pretext”, said Dr Sishuwa.

“Since then, the confirmed number of Covid-19 cases in the country has soared to about 1000, but the authorities now plan to resume parliamentary sittings, presumably after having had enough time to mobilise the required support. Should the Bill pass, the PF would have succeeded in establishing the administrative, legal and constitutional framework that would almost certainly guarantee their re-election and enable them to perpetuate their stay in power. Conversely, the collapse of the Bill would provide the opposition with a better chance of unseating the ruling party and strengthen the voice of those in PF who are calling for the replacement of Lungu with a better candidate ahead of the 2021 election. In fact, if the PF want to rid themselves of Lungu, it is in their interest to make sure that Bill10 fails, as it must”.

Dr Sishuwa further noted that the government has manipulated the coronavirus disease to curtail the activities of the media, opposition parties, and civil society.

“The PF have manipulated the pandemic to bury authoritarian abuse under the guise of fighting it. In April, the broadcasting license of Zambia’s leading private television station was cancelled, days after it declined a government request to broadcast Covid-19 adverts for free. Radio stations that host opposition figures who highlight the government’s failings have also been violently attacked by ruling party supporters, who insist that no form of campaigning should happen until the pandemic is past. Meanwhile, public meetings by civil society and opposition parties remain proscribed on health concerns, even when the PF continues to hold theirs. A series of repressive measures that curtail civil liberties have also been enacted. In the words of one government minister, ‘when it comes to fighting Covid-19, human rights are suspended’!

The SAIPAR Senior Researcher argued that in Zambia, Covid-19 has mainly claimed democracy, not human life.

“With the official death toll standing at seven since the onset of the disease, the major casualty of the coronavirus in Zambia is not human life but the country’s democratic tradition. Only the election vaccine may be enough to end the pandemic, as the standard vaccine (soon) to be recommended by the World Health Organisation is unlikely to cure our strain of the virus!”, observed Dr Sishuwa.

Coronavirus could increase hunger for over 40million in Southern Africa

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Coronavirus could increase hunger for over 40million in Southern Africa

40 million people in Southern Africa are at risk of increased hunger and poverty due to the double threat of the coronavirus and consecutive climatic shocks, warned Oxfam today.

More than 17 million people across Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and South Africa are already food insecure due to last year’s drought.

Around 40% of the population in the region are already living in abject poverty as the World Food Programme warns that food prices are at a five-year high.

Zambia, which is considered the region’s food basket, has already suffered climatic shocks, an energy deficit, and the highest debt in the region prior to the coronavirus pandemic.

Today, nearly two million Zambians are facing acute food and water insecurity, high chronic malnutrition, livestock diseases, and crop destruction caused by dry spells and flash floods.

Monica Chime a Zambian farmer from Sinazongwe, bordering Zimbabwe said: “Life is now very difficult because we are always hungry. It is not just us, even people from Zimbabwe, they cross Kafwambila border daily to exchange their goats and cows for a small bag of maize flour. To complicate matters further, we recently experienced flash floods that destroyed our crops and homes.”

The last decade has seen the region hit by consecutive climatic disasters that have left more than 35 million people food insecure. Since 2004, around 15 million people have already been facing hunger every year. In 2015, the El Nino-induced drought left nearly 40 million people without enough food. Then, in 2019, Cyclone Idai left over 8.7 million in dire need of food and water. Except for South Africa, over 60% of the people in the region depend on small-scale farming to meet their basic needs; now the coronavirus will devastate their ability to recover from five years of consecutive climate disasters.

“As a farmer, I need to move around looking for markets, interact with agriculture officers, and buy seeds and fertilizer. Now with the lockdown, it’s a nightmare for most of us farmers to access markets and procure inputs for the upcoming winter cropping season,” said Mary Chinembiri, a smallholder farmer from Zimbabwe.

Nellie Nyangwa, Oxfam’s Southern Africa Regional Director said: “In the region, the pandemic is not only a public health issue, but it is also a food security issue as restrictions on movement within and across borders have slowed food systems and impacted supply chains. Many have also lost their jobs and with rising food prices, this means many more people will go hungry”.

Most countries in the region also do not have adequate social protection in place for the most vulnerable people even before the pandemic.

Seven out of ten people across sub-Saharan Africa work in the informal sector with little or no employment benefits. Even in South Africa, which is the least dependent on the informal sector, one in six workers is informally employed.

Across the continent, only 17.8% of workers are covered by social protection schemes. Only South Africa and Zimbabwe have an Unemployment Insurance Fund and a National Social Security Fund for formal workers. Even where there are social stimulus packages in place, like South Africa’s 500-billion-rand package, the most vulnerable people are left out.

South Africa has more than 4 million migrants and refugees and none of them are eligible for relief under this package. Only a small percentage of working refugees have access to the Unemployment Insurance Fund.

“Many European, North American and Asian countries are able to address the terrifying reality of “the cure being worse than the disease” because they could afford to fund good public health, unemployment and social benefits, as well as food chains and business relief packages,” said Tsitsi Magaza, Oxfam’s Southern Africa Humanitarian Manager.

“But for many poor people across the South African region that reality has become a daily life-or-death situation, as they have no access to food and other basic needs. The Covid-19 pandemic is threatening to wipe out the gains we have made in combating hunger and poverty in the region, added Magaza.”

“With food and other essential needs prices going up, many smallholder farmers have resorted to negative coping mechanisms such as selling productive assets to survive. The pandemic is making the vulnerable households go hungry but also poorer,” adds Nyangwa.

“Action by governments and donors is urgently needed to help the most vulnerable people, especially through providing multipurpose cash transfers grants which would enable them to buy food, seeds and fertilizers to grow food again. Governments must also subsidize farm inputs, and strengthen their national and community’s resilience to increased climatic shocks”.

The Failures of President Lungu’s Leadership are Transparent and Well Documented, Says CiSCA Vice Chairperson

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The Failures of President Lungu’s Leadership are Transparent and Well Documented, Says CiSCA Vice Chairperson

The Civil Society Constitution Agenda is elated at the swelling ranks of Zambians who have decided to not only defend the Constitution but also to unapologetically and categorically exercise their constitutionally guaranteed human rights specifically the freedom of expression.

CiSCA Vice-Chairperson Judith Mulenga says her Organisation is proud of the youth exemplified in B-Flow’s and Chellah Tukuta’s refusal to apologise as per Minister of Lusaka Bowman Lusambo’s reprehensible shameless attempts at repressing their right to express themselves on legitimate dissatisfaction and anger at the dismal failure by President Lungu’s administration.

Ms. Mulenga says the failures of President Lungu’s leadership are transparent and well documented and do not need someone well versed in governance to see.

She said the insatiable borrowing spree that he defended with, “No government does not borrow so I will continue to borrow because I am in a hurry to develop Zambia.” Now Zambia is debt-ridden and cash strapped and the so-called development is still an illusion for the majority of us Zambians.

Ms. Mulenga said the wanton unabated matrix of plunder and corruption which has deteriorated to an extent of 48 mansions building themselves and plunder of the Mukula trees and now the plunder of gold deposits.

She said all these whilst diabolically attempting to mutilate the Constitution through Bill 10 to perpetuate his hold on power and therefore this rise of the youth to defend the Constitution needs to be emulated by all patriotic Zambians especially their fellow youth whose future is being stolen by the careless, absent and unconcerned leadership of President Lungu.

Ms. Mulenga has reminded Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo that human rights are a birthright and non-negotiable as they are the sum total of being human.

“We further want to remind Minister Bowman Lusambo that, unlike human rights being a President in Zambia is a privilege that is given to a person by the Zambian people and the privilege can be withdrawn at any time. For the information of Bowman Lusambo who worships President Lungu, it is the Office of the President that is sacrosanct and not the person who occupies it”, she said.

Ms. Mulenga said the person in the office does not own it but is merely afforded the privilege by Zambians to lead the country failure to which Zambians can withdraw that privilege.

“Criticism of President Edgar Lungu is our duty as citizens. He was not born into the Presidency and he will eventually leave that office. President Lungu does not possess any more presidential qualities than other Zambians who are exercising their constitutional political right to offer their candidacy for the Office of the President”, added Ms Mulenga.

She said the qualifications to be a President of Zambia under article 100 of our constitution are that the person has to be Zambian, at least 35 years old, has a grade 12 certificate, is fluent in English, and is a registered voter.

Producers and Processors of GMO Food Urged to adhere to biosafety and food safety standards.

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Producers and Processors of GMO Food Urged to adhere to biosafety and food safety standards.

The National Bio-Safety Authority has urged producers and processors of genetically modified food products to adhere to biosafety and food safety standards.

The NBA oversees the aspect of regulating genetically modified organisms or products of GMOs such as food, feed, application and processes from the laboratory or farm to the consumer.

This also includes the import, export, and transit of GMO products. The Authority works with various partners and stakeholders to enhance this perspective.

The NBA through internationally recognized biosafety standards, codes of practice and other national guidelines and laws, supports national food safety in order to contribute to consumers’ good health and environmental protection. In addition, the NBA conducts risk assessments, an essential tool in ensuring food safety.

“The Authority is encouraging all those handling GMO food products to ensure safety for humans, animals and the environment. As we celebrate the second World Food Safety Day (WFSD) on 7th June 2020, we would like to reiterate our stance on ensuring the safety for humans, animals and the environment as it is our mandate to do so.”

The first WFSD was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2018 and was celebrated on 7th June 2019 under the theme “Food Safety, everyone’s business”. In this year’s commemoration of this important day, call to strengthen the commitment to scale up food safety has been made.

“As the Authority we work with various stakeholders dealing in food safety, including the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture. This is because we have one common goal to ensure the safety of humans, animals, and the environment. Biosafety measures and standards must be adhered to through the whole food chain up to the consumer. Through risk assessment, NBA will always ensure that the GMO foods placed on the market are safe for human consumption.”

Meanwhile, it’s imperative to note that COVID-19 is a highly infectious virus that demands good laboratory practices with appropriate biosafety standards. Therefore, Laboratories conducting tests for COVID-19 using molecular techniques must adhere to biosafety standards and good laboratory practices as enshrined in the biosafety guidelines/standards for the National Biosafety Authority.

The Authority commends molecular laboratories such as the Virology Laboratory at University Teaching Hospital, University of Zambia School of Veterinary level 3 molecular Laboratory, and the Tropical Disease Research Centre molecular laboratory for the good work done so far and for adhering to Biosafety standards.

This is contained in a statement issued to the media by NBA Communications Officer Sandra Lombe.

On Patriotism and Leadership

Entertainment Editor
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On Patriotism and Leadership

BY Chanda Mbao

A quote to commence my thoughts:
“It has become a pastime to blame politicians for the ills of the world. I understand the urge to do that … but at the end of the day, the politician is a representative of an electorate. If you have an issue with politicians it’s because you have an issue with your fellow citizens who put them there.” Neil Degrasse Tyson

A response to the quote:
It’s important to hold those in positions of power accountable, but we can’t forget who put them there in the first place. We are all to blame for the condition of society.

None of us can afford to sit on the sidelines in life.

Politics matter just as much as science; they dictate so many aspects of our lives. If we choose to assume that our vote doesn’t count and our voice doesn’t matter, we’ve placed our future into the hands of others.

Participate. Don’t complain without engaging, it’s counterproductive.

There’s a relatively popular narrative that Zambia has a leadership problem. As much as it pains me to say this, I do not think we do…what I believe we have is a cultural problem. Our leaders are not a reflection of a malevolent minority, they are, in fact, a reflection of us in totality. They say, “in democracy, a nation gets the government it deserves.” While this is an obvious oversimplification rooted in hyperbole, what I think can be accepted, is that our nation has lost its way in cementing a set of national values that are traceable across the vast majority of its citizenry. Therefore, our leaders suffer from the same character flaws and vices that we do. When we look at our leaders, we are looking in the mirror.

What does it mean to be Zambian in today’s world? What are Zambian values? I am personally preoccupied with patriotism. [Definition: love for or devotion to one’s country (Merriam Webster).]

Personally, what matters most to me is the “devotion.” I believe in an ideological patriotism and devotion to a nation based on shared values and ideals. Loving one’s cuisine, for example, is simply not enough. What do we believe about the human race collectively? Who do we believe we are? How do we believe we should treat others? What principles and values do we COMMIT to?

Perhaps it’s colonialism, perhaps it’s something else but I can truly say I believe we have lost our way in the quest for a set of national values which translate to the sort of virtues we need to make our own lives better. When was the last time you read a book by a Zambian discussing issues of national importance? When was the last time you committed to organizing a group of like-minded individuals to take action on a cause you believed in? To those that can earnestly answer these questions concretely and feel they are doing their part, well done, keep doing so. For the rest, we are the majority.

The problem is we think that “they” will construct our society for us. There is no “they.” We are the “they” we are waiting for. We are responsible for the hard work. I have reflected on several cultural factors which I personally believe have been holding us back but that is an exposé for another day. As a brief example, however, how many of us Zambians can tell stories of employees we have either worked alongside or maybe even directly employed who have stolen or been irresponsible with resources from their employer? (E.g., the carpenter who disappears for two weeks after he is paid without fully completing his work). If this syndrome is so rampant in the country, is it surprising to note that the same happens in many political offices? It seems there has been an erosion in how much we culturally value integrity…and this in the name of survival. It is not an accident that we see such stories across all levels of society. In our hearts and minds, we have collectively decided that such things are ‘normal’ or ‘to be expected.’ Should we be satisfied with this? Ultimately, whether we choose to label such occurrences as justifiable or not is up to us and what we believe about ourselves. It is also up to us to decide if it is in our best collective interest for such stories to be the order of the day.

Society is not designed by accident. A haphazard approach to doing so will lead to poor results. This is why there is brokenness all around us. We have failed to formulate and cement a set of values upon which we can build systems and institutions that foment our advancement in the modern world. We are obviously free to decide that we are okay with this but personally I believe, as Zambians, we deserve better. We owe it to ourselves to DO better.

Doing better encompasses not only the work of ‘not doing bad’ in our little corner of the country but also the difficult and uncomfortable task of holding our fellow citizens, ergo leadership, accountable. When we see a fellow Zambian litter in the street, how many of us say anything? If it is not expected that we would, how then, do we imagine we will embark upon the more complex task of making our leaders do what we believe is right? Silence and acceptance of mediocrity seem to have become the specialty of the modern Zambian. Should we continue this way?

It is time for us to look in the mirror and take responsibility for who we are. If we do not like what we see, we must be brave enough to admit our shortcomings and disciplined enough to commit to making a change. Charity does indeed begin at home. If you and me do not do it, nobody will. There is no “they.” “They” is us.

The Universities will start opening from 8th June 2020-Education Minister

Chief Editor
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The Universities will start opening from 8th June 2020-Education Minister

The Universities will start opening from 8th June 2020, Minister of Higher Education Brian Mushimba has announced.

Dr Mushimba says the opening of Universities will be approached in a phased manner considering that they have different circumstances and are at different levels of preparedness.

He said at a media briefing that graduating students will be the first ones to commence lessons and subsequently write their examinations based on calendars approved by their respective senates.

Dr Mushimba said foreign students will continue with e-leanings and their exams will be conducted online.

He added that TEVETA colleges and other colleges will open on 1st July 2020 and their examination dates will be reduced to two sessions this year.

Dr Mushimba said Exams that were scheduled for April/May will be held from 27th July to 7th August 2020 adding that examinations for July/August and November/December will be combined and held from 8th to 23rd December 2020.

He however emphasized that when reporting back, students will be required to bring their own masks, soap and hand sanitisers as these will not be provided by the Universities and Colleges.

Dr Mushimba said before the Institutions re-open, they will need to be inspected and certified ready by the appropriate authorities as some of the schools have been used as quarantine centers for COVID-19.

He said these will require to be adequately disinfected before they are certified ready to receive students back on their campus.

Dr Mushimba said when the classes resume, some of the key guidelines that will be required to be followed include temperature checks at entry gates, provision of hand washing facilities at all entrances of Hostels, lecture rooms, labs and administration buildings.

He said others are restriction of students to 2 students per room in Hostels and no squatting will be permitted, restriction of visitors on campus, social clubs and amenities will be closed, very strong peer to peer monitoring, provision of a check-in check-out register in all hostels, regular inspection of hostels to ensure compliance and regular cleaning, disinfection of buildings and surrounding areas.

Zambia Chamber of Mines appeals to the Government to diffuse tensions ZESCO and CEC

Chief Editor
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Zambia Chamber of Mines appeals to the Government to diffuse tensions ZESCO and CEC

The Zambia Chamber of Mines has appealed to the Government to diffuse tensions and expedite negotiated resolution of the ZESCO-Copperbelt Energy Corporation impasse

For some time now, the Zambia Chamber of Mines has bemoaned the worsening instability of the mining operating environment that has led to a spreading perception of increasing risk in the industry.

Chamber of Mines Chief Executive Officer, Sokwani Chilembo said says the recent passing of statutory instrument number 57 of 2020 has needlessly re-affirmed the perception presented by the country’s decline on the 2019 Fraser Institute Mining rankings and Oxford Economics-Control Risks Africa Risk Reward Index.

Mr Chilembo said the imposition of access and commercial terms on private infrastructure at levels that tip Copperbelt Energy Corporation into operational and financial distress have echoed around the mining world.

He said this is an unfortunate outcome for what should be a national champion given the home-grown CEC brand’s undeniable delivery of the highest standard of service and efficiency both locally to the Copperbelt Mines, and regionally as part of the SADC power pool for two decades.

“The stalled negotiations and escalating tensions arising from the ZESCO-CEC Bulk Supply Agreement (BSA) can still be resolved in an amicable manner that does not further deteriorate Zambia’s stature as an energy and mining investment destination, said Mr Chilembo.

He has noted that ZESCO being a fully state-owned enterprise, almost a quarter of CEC’s shares being ultimately held by the state, and a significant portion of its shares publicly traded on the Lusaka Stock Exchange, makes a homegrown mutually agreed outcome as essential to keeping industry going as it is to restoring diminished confidence and allaying widening fears of expropriation.

Mr Chilembo said, if Government can come in as the ultimate steward of value to facilitate frank and level negotiations between its two investee companies; a resolution can be found that keeps both businesses afloat while containing any damaging spill-over effect on their corporate and domestic client bases, not to mention potential disruption to the Copperbelt mining industry.

He noted that the alternative outcome will push the high cost of capital for cash-strapped mining operators, mining suppliers, mining contractors and also potential energy investors even further out of reach than it already is.

Mr Chilembo said this will delay and put at risk the crucial pivot from the current decline back to growth and a million tonnes per year of Copper output that the economy so badly needs.

Further Mr Chilembo said the delay reduces the fortunes of us all in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic’s accelerating recessionary effects.

He said the Industry earnestly petitions government to take the macroscopic and long-term view to steer the energy and mining sectors clear of this avoidable obstacle to recovery.

Mr Chilembo added that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed significant challenges on businesses – mines are no exception. The actions expected from Government are ones that assist business bounce back rather than compromise it.

Zambian Youths: You Represent The Largest Group of Cowards Zambia has Ever Produced

Chief Editor
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Zambian Youths: You Represent The Largest Group of Cowards Zambia has Ever Produced

By Nevers Sekwila Mumba President, New Hope MMD

This Message is dedicated to the Zambian Youths between 15 and 35 years old: I want every young Zambian to look into my eyes and listen to me with both your ears and your hearts. You represent the largest group of cowards Zambia has ever produced. You have proved to be spineless. You have watched the country you are going to manage in a few years get wrecked and you are silent. I sometimes wonder if you have any interest in your country. How shall you lead this country without passion and courage? I know you are angry at my words. Yes, I want you angry. I repeat You are a bunch of COWARDS. For some reason you think the country does not need your input. You are afraid of being arrested, imprisoned, and ostracized. Somehow you believe good things come cheap.

If the current crop of youths were the ones we had in the early sixties, we would probably still be under colonial rule. But our fathers were fearless, resolved to secure the freedoms we now enjoy. They were beaten, imprisoned, and even killed so that you and I can today sing, “ Stand and sing of Zambia proud and free..” we salute their courage and selfless commitment to our country. This early breed of youth grew up differently. They walked without shoes to segregated schools. They used outside latrines for toilets. They fetched water and firewood early in the morning before they could be allowed to go to school. They made their own beds and swept the surroundings every day. They were brought up with strong culture and character. They were warriors.

Your generation grew up in front of the television playing video games. Your world is a virtual one on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. A driver takes you to school and picks you up. A maid makes your bed and someone washes and irons your clothes. With these comforts, some of our youth have no fight in them. You shy away from anything that looks like a fight. Our forefathers fought and delivered freedom for us. To create a better future for yourselves, you too must be ready to fight. Nothing good comes on a silver platter. Stop hiding behind your laptops and strange English accents, come out and challenge us not to destroy your future by our corruption and greed.

Challenge us not to auction your gold. Challenge us not to sell your birthright to foreigners. Challenge us not to insult your intelligence by relying on foreigners to think for us in restructuring the debt we recklessly accrued. If you don’t challenge us, you shall inherit a wrecked nation.

I call for courage amongst our youth. If you belong to a political party, learn to ask the difficult questions to your senior officials. If you are in the opposition ask us to be clear about the future we intend to create for you. Ask us why we wish to assume power.

Challenge us to include you in our planning. If you belong to the ruling party ask difficult questions as to how some of them have become so rich overnight. Ask and keep on asking until they change. It is your future.

We are forming “FREEDOM FROM FEAR” CAMPAIGN Committees in all provinces. These shall demand answers from the government. They shall use all democratic means to get answers from the government. The youth of Zambia, you may not have grown up as we did, but if we are lions who have spoiled our cubs by spoon-feeding you, I have good news for you. Inside you are a real unprovoked lion. I am here to provoke you to start asking the questions. You are real lions.

I invite young people to courageously join our political ranks. I am determined enough to push for 50% of our candidates to be a youth in the New Hope MMD. We need a fresh start as a nation. We need to start the handover to the next generation. We shall soon start receiving applications from those who wish to stand for elective positions like counsellors, Mayors, and Members of Parliament. We want a new and young line up for 2021. It is your time.

CEC’s Problems Worry Power Dynamos

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Power Dynamos admits that uncertainty over principle sponsor, Copperbelt Energy Corporations’ operations, after the expiry of the Bulk Service Agreement with Zesco, has left the Kitwe club in a precarious situation.

This follows an impasse with Zesco after the BSA deal expired on March 31, 2020 plus a US$144 million debt owed to CEC by Konkola Copper Mines subsequently saw regulatory authorities declare the company’s’ power transmission lines common carriers following a stand-off with the mining concern.

CEC reportedly has a US$1.8 million annual budget set aside for the Kitwe-based six-time Zambian champions who last lifted the league title in 2011 and later finished second in 2014, third in 2015 and fourth in 2016.

“While our parent sponsor has yet to officially communicate a firm position regarding the future of its relationship with the Club, we can logically speculate a drastic budget cut or a possible total discontinuation of financial and material support that the Club has enjoyed since its establishment as a community amateur group in 1971,” Power CEO Happie Munkondya said.

Power are currently ninth this season that has been on pause since early March due to the prevailing Coronavirus pandemic.

The Kitwe side has 37 points from 24 games played, and are nine points behind leaders Forest Rangers with nine games to left to play ahead of the projected restart of the league campaign in mid-July.

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