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Presidential Address: My Expectations

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Presidential Address: My Expectations

By Phillip Mubanga

I still support the reopening of the following!

Schools: limiting it to Exam classes, Masters, and Ph.D. classes to allow the defense of their dissertations.

Bars to operate on the takeaway basis for them to meet their rental obligations.

Civil Service: 50% of the staff operating from their homes to return for work.

The world is grappling with a dilemma: Saving lives versus saving the economy. Globally, countries have begun to ease strict lockdowns imposed to contain the spread of Covid-19 and a number of African countries have taken a similar move albeit cautiously.

We must learn to live with the rules of the ‘NEW NORM ’.

Preventing or wiping out COVID 19 from Zambia this year is an impossible dream but at an individual level, we can win this fight against the virus.

Step out thinking whoever you meet is a potential COVID-19 patient. so deal with them like you are dealing with a confirmed case. That’s preventive measures are in place.

I expect more measures to ensure people in public places adhere to masking up, maintaining social distance, sanitizing, or washing of hands.

Should you get sick or show symptoms of COVID-19 go get tested, If positive get quarantined and begin treatment of the opportunistic infections treated and let life continue. About 70% of the COVID-19 patients in Zambia have recovered and we are still counting. Only 3% of the cases have ended up in death.

Africa, in general, must reopen up borders and all travelers must be issued a Certificate that they underwent a 14-day supervised quarantine before traveling. And upon arrival in another country, the traveler must be tested again to determine with certainty whether they are infected or not. They must complete another 14-day quarantine at the isolation facility.Thereafter allowed to trade

By so doing Hotels and Lodges will have business and tourism, in general, would, as a result, be partially resuscitated.

Anyone above the age of 60 should continue working from home including those with chronic conditions.

Celebration of fiestas must continue in the privacy of homes with household members only. Any gatherings for festivities should remain suspended.

Govt should continue to observe discipline and adherence to measures in the reopened sectors. If it’s exhibited then the re-opening of our society to business and activities should be extended to remaining sectors.

All provinces considered “low-risk” for COVID-19 should be prioritized in the reopening of sectors.

Life will not be the same at least not for now.

The NEW NORM is upon us!

We must accept that COVID 19 will be with us for years and that we must learn to ‘live’ with it, and not to ‘die’ with it”.

I submit

let’s get interactive, post your opinion

The 2021 Elections are likely to Remain Tribal and Regional

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The 2021 Elections are likely to Remain Tribal and Regional

By Antonio Mourinho Mwanza,

People may pretend and say whatever they want to appear morally upright or politically correct but the truth remains that no one can ignore the potent role that tribe and region play in African politics.

To ignore or pretend otherwise is to be hypocritical to the realities that we face as Africans.

While tribe and region are important demographics in elections and campaigns, tribalism and regionalism are dangerous sentiments that needs to be fought with everything we got.

The world over, demographics such as race, ethnicity, religion, gender, education, age play very crucial roles in politics, campaigns and elections and it would be naive and lackadaisical for anyone to ignore this reality.

In the Middle East, Religion plays a central role in Middle Eastern Politics. Most (if not all) Middle Eastern countries make sure that their constitutions, laws and education curricula comply with the religious norms dominant in each society, this has sometimes fuelled sectarian divisions and conflict, like what is currently happening in Iraq, Syria, Iran, Yemen and Lebanon, let alone the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict which has a prominent religious aspect to it.

More than a decade after America elected its first black president, fears of worsening racial tensions are are on the rise with the growing emergence of white supremacism. A poll in February from the Pew Research Centre, a think-tank, found that 58% of Americans think race relations are “generally bad” and 45% believe it has become more acceptable to express racist views since Donald Trump was elected president.

The exit polls by various researchers show divisions across racial and educational groups, too. As was the case in the 2016 presidential election, white men voted Republican by a wide margin (60% to 39%) while white women were divided (49% favored the Democratic candidate; as many supported the Republican). Blacks voted overwhelmingly (90%) for the Democratic candidate, including comparable shares of black men (88%) and black women (92%).

As we edge closer to the 2021 elections we expect to see desperate political shenanigans resort to tribal and regional sentiments to woo and hoodwink voters.

What we should guard against is the dangerous animalistic instinct of some baseless individuals to try to divide and take advantage of us using tribalism and regionalism for their political expediency.

We must summon our moral and intellectual authority and fight tribalism and regionalism with everything we have got for the unity, peace and prosperity of our nation.

One Zambia, One Nation.

Stay Home. Mask Up. Observe Social Distancing. Wash and Sanitize Your Hands Regularly.

The Author is Ruling Patriotic Front (PF) Deputy Media Director, at Patriotic Front Headquarters.

The scourge of corruption has impacted Zambia and the standards of living of many citizens-HH

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The scourge of corruption has impacted Zambia and the standards of living of many citizens-HH

UPND Leader Hakainde Hichilema says the scourge of corruption has tremendously impacted Zambia and the standards of living of many citizens.

Mr Hichilema says leaders have enriched themselves at the expense of impoverished citizens while they pretend to be God fearing.

The UPND Leader says this is truly the definition of evil.

He said he and the UPND have a plan to eradicate corruption and they would like to have an open conversation with all Zambians about it.

He has advised Zambians to stay engaged, as Bally explains how corruption will be fought and eradicated.

Several stakeholders have continued accusing the PF of being corrupt citing the manner they are managing the country’s meagre resources.

Recently, the UPND accused the PF of spending public resources to buy its councillors who have continued to resign joining the ruling party in Western and North Western provinces.

The opposite party also accused the PF government of promising millions of Kwacha to its Members of Parliament that were willing to vote with them on Bill 10.

Ariel collaborates with Nigeria’s Jid-Vocals on WeWe Bwana

Entertainment Editor
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Ariel collaborates with Nigeria’s Jid-Vocals on WeWe Bwana

Zambian Soul Singer Ariel calls upon his Nigerian counterpart Jid-Vocals on a mid-tempo groovy jam titled WeWe Bwana translated as you’re the Boss/King/Leader in Swahili referring. The song is sang in English, Swahili, Igbo and Nyanja/Tumbuka.

The duo met over 7 years ago in Ukraine whilst studying at their respective Universities. They both enjoyed successes with several award nominations and awards during their time in Ukraine. After constantly talking about their collaboration over the years, they finally linked up on this jam with Soulful vocals and catchy melodies. This song is a follow-up to Ariel’s last single, One in a million with German’s Chin Chillah which has been enjoying airplay on the continent’s Music video channel Trace Africa and most local TV stations. It seems, the Soulful singer is on a journey of international collaborations and we can only look forward to seeing what’s next.

The song was produced by Daize and mixed and mastered by Jerry Scooper.

Lockdowned Kambole Misses Family

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Chipolopolo and Kaizer Chiefs striker Lazarus Kambole admits it has not been easy being in lockdown in South Africa away from his family in Zambia.

Kambole and his teammates have been training in self- isolation at his Gauteng base since the South African PSL was postponed two months ago following the Covid-19 outbreak.

“We are professionals and being away from home is part of our job,” Kambole told Kaizerchiefs.com.

“But this is different because things are abnormal. I wish I was home to battle this situation with my family. At the same time, I’m grateful to still have a job and being able to provide for my family. Thanks to the Club.”

Kambole joined Chiefs this season from Zesco United on a three-year deal but has yet to ignite for the current SA PSL leaders who enjoy a four-point lead over defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns with eight games left to play.

Zambia Sugar lends its support to the COVID-19 fight

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Zambia Sugar lends its support to the COVID-19 fight

Zambia Sugar Plc has handed over refurbished buildings and assorted items as part of its creating shared value initiative in the COVID-19 fight in Mazabuka.

The company handed over the refurbished ZIAH college to the Mazabuka District Epidemic preparedness Committee as part of preventive and preparedness activities in the District. Speaking at the handover ceremony in Mazabuka earlier this week, Managing Director, Mrs Rebecca Katowa said Zambia Sugar had responded to the Mazabuka District Epidemic preparedness Committee’s request with an attitude that Zambia Sugar and Mazabuka District are in this fight against COVID-19 together.

“When the District Commissioner, as chairperson of the Mazabuka District Epidemic Preparedness Committee began to engage with the stakeholders in the district and proposed the use of the ZIAH College as an Isolation centre, Zambia Sugar came forward with support to refurbish the facility since the infrastructure at the college had deteriorated over a number of years. We wanted to make sure that the facility was as conducive as can be. This is what our Thriving Communities strategy is all about! It is in our hands to stop the spread of this disease. We want our district to be prepared for any COVID-19 cases, even while we are doing our part to prevent any cases in Mazabuka.”

In addition to the refurbishments Zambia Sugar has provided:

• 50 beds
• 50 mattresses
• 100 sets of bed sheets
• 100 blankets
• 1000 face masks to ensure the protection of the frontline workers at this facility and other members of the community
• 10 x 5 litres of liquid hand soap.

Billboard at the refurbished buildings at the Mazabuka COVID-19 Centre

Zambia Sugar acknowledged the great cost of this support but the company believes so much more in the value that this service will bring to the community. The company has also implemented preventive measures in a bid to fight the covid-19 pandemic in the workplace. A COVID-19 executive task team meets every morning including weekends to review the COVID-19 responses impacting the entire district. Zambia Sugar also continues to give its employees regular updates including latest government and group guidelines on COVID-19.

Mrs Rebecca Katowa said, Zambia Sugar in line with its creating shared value (CSV) approach is also looking at more ways of supporting local businesses that are greatly hit as a result of the pandemic and some practical areas are through providing opportunities in the supply chain. One example is supporting some Mazabuka women groups in the production of cloth masks that will be made available to employees and members of the community.

Officiating at the Handover Ceremony, Mazabuka District Commissioner, Ms Jenny Chirwa, who is also Chairperson of the Mazabuka District Epidemic Preparedness Committee commended Zambia Sugar for the support and called on more support from the community stakeholders. She also implored the residents to respect social distancing, practice personal hygiene and refrain from unnecessary movements.

“We commend Zambia Sugar for being an all-weather friend. When we presented the initiative they did not hesitate at all. This is as it should be and we thank you for this support. I would like to take this opportunity to call upon all those stakeholders who wish to support the COVID-19 fight to channel their contribution through my office. This will ensure accountability and offer us an opportunity to acknowledge your support publicly,” said Ms Chirwa.

Speaking earlier, the Mazabuka Central Member of Parliament, Hon Gary Nkombo thanked Zambia Sugar Plc for the support and called on everyone in the country to come together in the COVID-19 fight and unite to ensure the pandemic was defeated. He appealed to everyone to follow the guidelines given by Government and refrain from social gatherings.

“I am aware that Zambia Sugar has spent over K1.8million on refurbishing this facility. As always we thank you for your generous support. It is my prayer that no case will be recorded in Mazabuka and we do not get to use this facility. However, it is also important that we continue to prepare for a possible outbreak to ensure that we effectively contain it,” Hon. Nkombo said.

Zambia Sugar Country Managing Director Rebecca Katowa, giving her speech during the handover of the refurbished buildings at the Mazabuka COVID-19 Centre in Mazabuka
Zambia Sugar Estate Maintenance Coordinator – Mr Mulenga Chibwe (in reflective vest) explain the refurbishment works undertaken by Zambia sugar as (from Left to right), Dr Phallon Mwaba District Health Director, Mazabuka District Administrator – Ms Jenny Chirwa, Zambia Sugar Plc Country Managing Director – Mrs Rebecca Katowa, Mazabuka Central Member of Parliament – Hon Gary Nkombo (in suit) and Mazabuka Chief Environmental Health Technician – Mr Mulemuna Mushabati (in pink shirt) listen on.

31 Zambians who were stranded in India arrive back home

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31 Zambians who were stranded in India arrive back home

Thirty-one (31) Zambians who were stranded in India have arrived safely through the Royal Air Charters company based in Lusaka.

The Zambians arrived aboard the Royal Air Charter Embrae 145 AEW plane that landed at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) on Thursday 7th May 2020 at 1830hrs.

The Roya Air Charter managed to fly from Lusaka to India despite the many airspaces that are closed across Africa and the Indian sub-continent after meticulous planning and extensive diplomatic undertakings across the countries involved.

The group that arrived has been placed in mandatory quarantine for the next 14 days.

The crew was an all Zambian crew that included: Capt Sasha Chizyuka, Capt Orwel Akakulubelwa, First Officer Melanie Sigedt, First Officer Chitambi Zulu, Cabin Crew members, Elizabeth Mubita, Mazyopa, Roginia Banda Muyeka, Engineer Handy Mukunte.

On 7th May, Zambia’s High Commissioner, Judith Kapijimpanga announced the Mission was arranging for Zambian nationals or resident and work permit holders stranded in India to travel back to Zambia.

She stated that there were hundreds of Zambians comprising students and permit holders stranded since the COVID-19 pandemic and after India implemented a lockdown on 25th March 2020.

Lusaka City Council Revenue Collection down by 50% due to COVID-19

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Lusaka City Council Revenue Collection down by 50% due to COVID-19

Lusaka City Council under collected revenue by 52 percent during the first four months of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

LCC Public Relations Manager George Sichimba says the Council planned to collect K132 Million during the period under review but only collected over K63 million.

Mr. Sichimba says this deficit is the lowest in the Council’s revenue collection in the last five years adding that the Council is currently operating at 48 percent capacity only.

He has attributed the under-collection of revenue to complete and partial closure of some local and international business entities due to the CIVID-19 pandemic.

He adds that the most affected revenue streams are property rates, business permit levies, personal levy and waste management fees among others.

He has appealed to companies and individuals to settle their bills promptly.

Students submit reopening plans for colleges and universities

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Students submit reopening plans for colleges and universities

The Zambia National Students Unions (ZANASU) has submitted a report to President Edgar Lungu detailing the findings from an online survey on e-learning and the possible reopening of colleges and universities in Zambia.

According to the report, 56 percent of the 13,072 students who took part in the survey called for the Government to consider reopening of colleges and universities with a mandatory daily screening of students, lecturers, and all staff involved in conducting of classes.

Meanwhile, ZANASU Vice President Steven Kanyakula has thanked President Lungu and his administration for providing leadership during the ongoing fight against the Coronavirus Pandemic. He has since urged students to comply with the health measures intended to protect them.

The Report also show that 43 percent of students are dissatisfied with e-learning programs being offered by colleges and universities during the shutdown period as the majority cannot afford the cost of reliable internet.

“The popular opinion is that the use of e-platforms has only given an advantage to a few students while the majority are left behind. As can be seen, only 8 percent of students are satisfied with the e-learning classes which Universities and colleges have introduced,” states the Report.

The Report has recommended the limiting of numbers of students attending classes per session to 25 in order to promote social distancing of 1.5 metres between students and enforce the mandatory wearing of face masks, sanitizing and screening within University and college campuses.

“While we note that 51 percent of students have opposed the postponement of examinations during the pandemic period, our recommendation has been that examination must not be allowed to take place via electronic means as they would be subject to widespread cheating among students,” said Kanyakula

Mr. Kanyakula said ZANASU is of the firm view that the Ministry of Higher Education and Examinations Council of Zambia, in consultations with students through their various Unions, must re-work the academic calendar for classes and examinations which have been affected by the closure of colleges and universities.

A total of 13,072 students from 39 colleges and universities took part in the survey which was conducted online from 30th March to 2nd May, 2020.

ZRA Donates Solar Power Backup Solution to Chelston Health Centre in Lusaka.

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ZRA Donates Solar Power Backup Solution to Chelston Health Centre in Lusaka.

The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has donated a solar power backup solution, worth K41 000, to Chelston health centre in Lusaka.

ZRA Commissioner-General, Kingsley Chanda has said that this is part of the Authority’s women leadership programme which aims at encouraging women to take up leadership roles.

He has said it is important to acknowledge that health frontline staff make sure pregnant mothers are looked after in a conducive environment, amid challenges of loadshedding.

Mr Chanda was speaking at the handover of the solar power backup solution, through ZRA Commissioner-Finance, Brigitte Muyenga.

And Chelston Health Centre Acting Superintendent, Jacqueline Manda said the solar backup solution will help reduce referrals to other hospitals necessitated by power outages.

IMF still considering Covid-19 request from Zambia

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IMF still considering Covid-19 request from Zambia

The International Monetary Fund says it is still considering a request from Zambia for emergency Covid-19 pandemic funding.

On Wednesday, the Fund approved requests for emergency pandemic aid from 50 of its 189 members for a total of about $18 billion and it says it is continuing to work quickly through the remaining more than 50 requests.

IMF Spokesman Gerry Rice told reporters in an online briefing that IMF’s executive board is considering a request from Zambia but did not disclose the amount requested for.

“I want to turn to Zambia, on which there have been a number of questions. The questions relate to — does Zambia qualify as a PRGT country? That’s that poverty reduction and growth trust facility of the IMF’s, which I mentioned at the beginning, which provides concessional resources. So, the question is: does Zambia qualify, technically, to apply for the rapid credit facility, as well? So, that’s two questions, there, and has it applied?”

“So, the answers are yes, Zambia qualifies as a PRGT-eligible country, and, yes, also qualifies to apply for a rapid credit facility. The authorities have requested emergency assistance from their international partners, including the Fund, and I can tell you this comes in addition to an earlier request for Fund support for Zambia’s economic reform program, aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability, as well as debt sustainability, while increasing growth and fighting poverty,” Mr. Rice said.

He added, “So, where we are is — you know, I’ve given the status of those eligibility and requests. We continue to have active discussions with the Zambian authorities on their economic responses to COVID-19, as well as their macroeconomic objectives and policies. So, we are in active discussion with Zambia around those requests.”

Mr Rice said the aid granted under the IMF’s rapid financing initiatives comes without the usual conditionality, but the Fund is working to ensure transparency and prevent corruption by asking all recipient governments to commit to enhanced reporting of crisis-related spending and undertake audits.

He said the funds were also subject to the IMF’s safeguards assessment policy, under which a central bank’s framework of governance reporting and controls must be deemed sufficient to manage resources, including IMF disbursements.

He said as of Wednesday, the IMF’s Executive Board had approved financing under these emergency facilities, at record speed for for 50 countries, totaling about $18 billion.

“So, since roughly the beginning of April, until May 6th, yesterday, we have approved financing for 50 countries under these emergency facilities,” he said.

On the conditions, Mr Rice said countries that apply for emergency funding should commit to ensure that the funds are for agreed upon purposes.

“Number one, specifically, we are asking member governments who receive emergency financing from the Fund, to commit in their letters of intent, to ensure that this assistance is used for the urgent purposes agreed under the emergency financing. These letters of intent are important, and they are published by member countries, and they are available for you and anyone to review on the IMF website.”

He added, “Two, we assess which public financial management anti-corruption, anti-money laundering measures. We want to ask members to put in place without unduly delaying the urgently needed disbursements under the emergency financing.”

He said the IMF has asked member countries to commit to enhanced reporting of crisis-related spending and to undertake and to publish independent, ex-post audits of crisis-related spending, to ensure procurement transparency by publishing procurement contracts, and by preventing conflicts of interests and corruption by publishing the beneficial ownership information of firms awarded procurement contracts.

No Confimed COVID-19 Case in Eastern Province, Suspect Case not the same as Confirmed Case-Health Minister

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No Confimed COVID-19 Case in Eastern Province, Suspect Case not the same as Confirmed Case-Health Minister

Zambia has not recorded any new confirmed positive COVID-19 case in Eastern Province, health minister Dr Chitalu Chilufya has clarified. He, however, said surveillance has been very active in the province and in all parts of the country.

“Let me emphasize that we have surveillance taking place in all parts of the country and our systems are alert to pick up cases in any part of the country. So as we speak today, we do not have have any confirmed case in Eastern province” he said.

He said contrary to reports that the province recorded a case, Dr. Chilufya said a suspected and confirmed case is different and maintained that surveillance is active and testing is actively taking place.

He said all data is being managed at the command entire at the Zambia National Public Health Institute were all cases from all parts of the country are managed. Dr. Chilufya was speaking during the latest COVID-19 update.

Meanwhile, Dr. Chilufya disclosed that 7 new COVID-19 cases have been recorded out of 849 tests conducted in the last 24 hours. He has also disclosed that 2 discharges have been made bringing the total number to 103.

Dr. Chilufya said cumulatively cases now stands at 153 with 103 discharged, 43 active cases and 4 deaths. Dr. Chilufya has also expressed happiness that Zambia has continued to recorded high recovery and low death rates which he attributed to the coordinated multisectoral team and said this should not be underrated but be a source of strength to even do more.

“Let’s not underrate the efforts of the frontline health workers by comparing the impact of the disease on the deaths recorded so far. We want to continue to work hard to ensure that the mortality remains low” he said.

And on reports that there is lack of personal protective equipment PPE’s and swabbing kits, Dr. Chilufya said the government is working around the clock with all partners to ensure the availability of all essential products in the fight against the pandemic and further said the country is commodity secure in terms of swabbing kits.

Government hands over gold mining equipment worth 1.3 million Kwacha to three cooperatives in Esatern Province

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Government hands over gold mining equipment worth 1.3 million Kwacha to three cooperatives in Esatern Province

The government has handed-over gold mining equipment worth 1.3 million Kwacha to three cooperatives aimed at scaling up gold production levels in three districts of the Eastern province.

And Ministry of Mines Permanent Secretary Barnaby Mulenga says the government is cognizant of the cooperative model’s potential in contributing to poverty alleviation and job creation.

Mr. Mulenga says government will endeavour to support cooperatives in their growth.

Speaking during the handover ceremony in Lusaka today, Mr. Mulenga said the equipment will enhance the productivity of cooperatives in Rufunsa, Vubwi and Lundazi which have been targeted for now.

He also revealed that the Ministry of Mines will soon start issuing new gold mining licenses which had been cancelled in the three districts because of being inactive.

And Ministry of Commerce Permanent Secretary Mushuma Mulenga said the equipment will be key in helping formal mining of gold in the targeted districts.

He said government had assigned ZCCM Investment Holdings to secure the equipment and maintain it.

Mr. Mulenga emphasised the need for equitable access to the equipment by cooperatives.

And ZCCM-IH Chief Executive Officer Mabvuto Chipata said the acquisition of equipment with support of the SADC Trade Related Facility reflects government’s commitment in supporting growth of artisanal miners.

He noted that lack of equipment has remained a challenge hence believes the move to empower the cooperatives with equipment will go a long way in their operations.

And representative of the cooperatives in Rufunsa Josias Malunga, who is Chintimbwi Ward councillor said the beneficiaries are greatful to government and pledged to work with ZCCM -IH as they are eager to uplift their lives through the project.

Power Tools Bus Accident Was Due To Dangerous Driving

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Power Tools Bus Accident Was Due To Dangerous Driving

The road traffic accident investigations to ascertain the causation of the Power Tools bus accident that occurred on 2nd May 2020 along M8 Solwezi-Chavuma road near the Mundanya bridge in Manyinga District, North-Western Province in which four (04) people died and 11 sustained injuries have revealed that the crash was caused due to dangerous driving.

According to the accident investigations conducted by the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), the analysis of the accident has established that the driver of another vehicle dangerously and improperly overtook the Power tools bus and cut-in at a 240m curve before Mundanya bridge resulting in probable destruction occasioning the Power Tools bus driver hitting a pothole on the near-side of the road and thereby losing control of the bus which was equally at high speed.

An analysis of the human factor investigation supported by the recitation by one of the accident survivors Given Selenji has further revealed that the driver of the other vehicle in question was racing against the Power Tools bus and both vehicles failed to yield to mandatory stop signs before the one-way Mundanya bridge due to inappropriate speed.

From the foregoing, the driver of the other vehicle in question who caused probable destruction occasioning the Power Tools driver losing control of the bus will be reprimanded for causing an accident and failing to render assistance, with possible revocation of his Driving Licence.

Further, all Power Tools bus drivers will be required to undergo in-house defensive driving training in order to improve journey management and driver behavior.

SACCORD Welcomes Government Move to review laws to counter the financing of Terrorism and Money Laundering

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SACCORD Welcomes Government Move to review laws to counter the financing of Terrorism and Money Laundering


By Boniface Cheembe Executive Director

SACCORD Statement Welcoming Government of the Republic of Zambia in Taking Steps to Review Laws to Counter Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Regime and Anti-Money Laundering in Line with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations

The Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) has taken note and welcomes the steps taken by the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) through the 30th April 2020 press statement issued by the Chief Government Spokesperson on Cabinet approval of the introduction of Bills in Parliament in order to facilitate the enactment, amendment or repeal of some laws in compliance with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations.

The FATF is an Inter-Governmental body established in 1989 by the G7 responsible for the formulation of policies in combating global anti-money laundering and terrorism financing.

The laws approved by Cabinet include The Anti-Terrorism and non-Proliferation Act No. 6 of 2018; Banking and Financial Services Act No. 7 of 2017; Casino Act, Cap 157; Companies Act No. 10 of 2017; Financial Intelligence Act No. 46 of 2010; Lands (Perpetual succession) Act, Cap 186; Non-Governmental Organization Act No. 16 of 2009; and Securities Act No. 41 of 2016.

SACCORD would like to commend the Government for this progressive step of implementing the FATF recommendations as this will enable the Zambian Government to reduce the exposure to terrorism financing and money laundering which is critical to the maintenance of peace, security and stability in the country.

SACCORD is aware that the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) members and observers are committed to the effective implementation and enforcement of internationally accepted standards against money laundering and the financing of terrorism and proliferation as per the FATF Recommendations. Zambia is one of the founding members of the group and having leadership that drives towards the implementation of the FATF recommendations is both encouraging and welcome.

According to the Mutual Evaluation Report for Zambia done in June 2019, Zambia has a commendable grasp of its terrorism financing risk. In addition, it was reported that it effectively detected, mitigated and interrupted terrorism financing occurrences through well-coordinated and collaborated joint operations.

The report also recognizes the reasonable steps which have been initiated to categorize Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) in terms of their vulnerability to terrorism financing risk although the inspection monitoring tool in use does not include mechanisms of risk exposure to terrorism financing.

In view of the progressive developments above, SACCORD would like to appeal to the Government to create platforms that will engage with the NPOs on the methodology that the Government will use to categorize the NPOs. This is important as it will create confidence and partnership in the NPOs that this process will not be used as a tool to silence Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working around advocacy.

We make this appeal against a background observed that in some countries where recommendation 8, which provides for the regulation of NPOs not be used as conduits of terrorism and money laundering, has been fully implemented, Governments have used it interfere with the work of human rights organizations as well as other organisations working in the governance sector.

We therefore urge the Government to take extra caution in the implementation of recommendation 8 and that the process should involve NPOs as has been the case in the review of the Non-Governmental Organization Act No. 16 of 2009 which Cabinet approved to the satisfaction of the NPO fraternity in Zambia.

As SACCORD, we believe that the FATF subject is not familiar in Zambia and several CSOs might be caught unaware just like it happened when Government decided to enact the NGO Act of 2009 which is a product of the FATF recommendation 8.

In response to this, SACCORD with support from the International Centre for Non-Profit Law (ICNL) will conduct activities around the country popularizing the FATF recommendations among CSOs. This will enable several CSOs to take keen interest in the mutual evaluation report and participate in the process of enactment, amendment or repeal of the said laws as compliance requirement by FATF.

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