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FQM pledges to abide by policies and measures to prevent COVID-19

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FQM pledges to abide by policies and measures to prevent COVID-19

The First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has pledged to abide by policies and measures which government has put in place through the Ministry of Health to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19 in the district.

FDM Acting Managing Director John Gladston said the mining company has aligned itself with government policies and measures put in place to fight the disease.

Mr. Gladston said this when Northwestern Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu held a meeting with the mine’s top management in Solwezi.

He said all its experts, who travelled abroad and are returning back into Zambia are put on a 14 days self-quarantine in their homes with close monitoring by the mining clinic health officials.

FQM Clinical Occupational Health Specialist Leonie Kloppers said her staff have been conducting COVID-19 screening and testing on people entering and leaving the mining premises to ensure everyone is fit and healthy.

Ms. Kloppers said any suspected cases are referred to Kansanshi mine clinic for further investigations adding that thousands of people have been reached so far.

She said sensitizing everyone on the preventive measures such as social distancing as well as on hygiene have been conducted.

And Northern Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu said government acknowledges the support the mining company has been rendering to the region.

Mr. Mubukwanu expressed happiness that the mining company has been adhering to COVID-19 preventive measures and encouraged others to do so at personal, community and workplace levels.

He said the impact of the disease on people’s lives and the economy was immeasurable adding that it was better to control COVID-19 now before it escalates to uncontrollable numbers of confirmed cases.

Zambia’s Statistics on COVID-19 are accurate, there is no need for Government to Falsify Figures

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Zambia’s Statistics on COVID-19 are accurate, there is no need for Government to Falsify Figures

The Minister of Health Dr. Chitalu Chilufya has said that that all Zambia’s statistics on COVID-19 are accurate and not manipulative and that there is no need for government to falsify figures.

Reacting to social media reports questioning the accuracy of the figures the government has been publishing during the 20th COVID-19 update, the Health Minister expressed concern with people peddling falsehoods on social media in regards to Coronavirus cases and wondered why people are coming up with wrong statistics and assured that Zambia has a reliable surveillance system that works silently and effectively.

Dr. Chitalu said that the government is not doing things haphazardly but doing everything based on scientific research while resources have been placed in contact tracing, diagnostics, quarantine, human capital which are essential for case management, risk communication.

“Let not politicize this fight but celebrate the legacy together. When the country is faced with such a thing, countrymen have to come together across the political divide and work together and celebrate together when it is overcome” he said.

“Let us move in solidarity with the guidelines that have been put in place by President Edgar Lungu in order to win the Coronavirus pandemic,” he said.

Dr. Chitalu urged the members of the public to have faith in systems put in place by the government and to rest assured that the government was doing everything possible to ensure that all suspects and their contacts are traced and tested for COVID-19 and dispelled allegations that there are more cases of COVID 19 in the nation which have not been picked out because the nation hasn’t been conducting tests on everyone.

On the latest numbers, Dr. Chitalu said that two more Coronavirus patients have been discharged and that no positive test was recorded in the last 24 hours from the 104 cases tested, making it a clean sheet for the past 5 days.

Dr. Chilufya has also disclosed that two more patients discharged bring the total number of full recoveries to 7 with 1 death from the 39 cases cumulatively out of 1085 cases with active cases now standing at 31.

He further said 1,601 people out the 7,756 have been released after completing the 14 days mandatory quarantine.

Dr. Chilufya disclosed that 631 alerts have been screened and have been discharged home after they tested negative.

And Chief Government Spokesperson Dora Siliya advised the public to be wary of some traditional healers claiming to have the cure for COVID-19.

Ms. Siliya urged the people to continue observing instituted measures of preventing COVID-19 such as social distancing and maintaining personal hygiene.

Chembo Backs Calls For Foreign Quota in FAZ League

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Mighty Mufulira Wanderers coach Tenant Chembo is in support of foreign quotas being introduced in the FAZ League.

The FAZ League has over the last five years witnessed a huge influx of imports that has seen clubs like top-flight club, Buildcon; field an entire starting XI devoid of Zambians players.

Chembo, who coached Buildcon including another gross importer of talent Zesco United, said a quota system would act as quality control for imports.

“I think it is important because I believe we are not short of talent in this country. We have an abundance of talent but they are measures that need to be put into place because some time back they was a suggestion of five (foreign players) per-team,”Chembo said.

“So I think it is all about application so that whatever we implement must be practical in order for our league to go forward.

“They must be some measures really because it is not just about bringing foreign players on board but let’s have quality foreign players to help improve the game.

“We must put a limit like they have in South Africa for example.

“We are not saying we don’t need foreign players, we need them for the improvement of our game but let’s put measures so that we can control the situation.”

President Lungu wishes British Prime Minister quick recovery

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President Lungu wishes British Prime Minister quick recovery

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has said that it is sad to hear of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s admission to the Intensive Care Unit after being diagnosed with COVID-19.

In a statement released to the media by his Special Assistant for Press Mr. Isaac Chipampe, President Lungu wished Prime Minister Johnson a quick recovery.

“My thoughts are with him, his family and the great people of the United Kingdom,” he said.

The Head of State also extended his thoughts to all those who have lost loved ones from the coronavirus disease and wished a quick recovery to all who are still battling to survive from it.

“The widespread of COVID-19 is unfortunate and we all have to work together to defeat this pandemic by ensuring that our people comply with measures announced by World Health Organisation,” said President Lungu.

Yesterday the British Prime Minister was admitted to the intensive care Unit. According to latest reports, Mr Johnson is “in good spirits” after spending the night in intensive care being treated for coronavirus, and that he was stable overnight and is being given oxygen and is not on a ventilator.

The statement read “The prime minister has been stable overnight and remains in good spirits. He is receiving standard oxygen treatment and is breathing without any other assistance.He has not required mechanical ventilation or non-invasive respiratory support.”

The sad reality of the National Youth Development Council

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The sad reality of the National Youth Development Council

Doesn’t it boggle your mind as a youth that there’s no sustainable government program or policy for youths on the ground which has stood the test of time? These programs are either marred with corruption or just fail, for instance the Youth Development Fund(YDF) which was suspended a long time ago. The question is, WHY?

The reasons at the moment are too numerous to make mention. But I am sure by the end of it all, as long as there is a youth somewhere in Zambia, we will exhaust all the possible reasons and find and implement solutions.

In the mean time, let me guarantee you that not even the John Sangwa’s, Kelvin Bwalya Fubes’s or Tutwa Ngulube’s of this time will stand and sustain a long battle for us the youths. We have to get off our bums and do the dirty laundry ourselves if a youth emancipation is to be realized.Tell me any single lawyer, youth advocate or politician who has ever stood on any podium and talk about how redundant the National Youth Development council act Cap 144 of the laws of Zambia is or the programs contained in the Action Plan for Youth Empowerment and employment and i will rest the revolution I have started for the youths.

For now lets talk about Cap. 144 which the majority of the youths don’t even know exists.

As youths, to focus on Bill 10 and the eligibility of the president is a patriotic thing to do. But we also have to realize that no one is fighting our battles. We have to wake up. We have too many pressing issues that we need to raise, address and fight for.

For instance, the Ministry of Youths, Sports and Child Development is obsolete. 99% of the youths don’t even know the name of the youth minister. It’s like the ministry doesn’t even exist. One specific factor in my well researched opinion which is contributing to the ministry not to function at all is Chapter 144 of the laws of Zambia. Cap. 144 is the National Youth Development Council Act. It supports the establishment, the powers and composition of the National Youth Development Council. The council advises the Minister of youths, sports and child development on the programs which should be implemented and policies to be established in order to empower youths in terms of employment and entrepreneurship
Article 8 of cap 144 spells out the functions and importance of the National Youth Development Council. It reads as follows.

8. (1) The functions of the Council shall be- Functions of Council
(a) to advise the Minister on programmes relating to youth development;
(b) to co-ordinate youth activities;
(c) to evaluate and implement youth programmes;
(d) to assist and encourage organisations interested in youth development in
the initiation of youth training and development programmes;
(e) to initiate, operate and manage non-profit making or profit making projects
in support of youth development; and
(f) such other functions as the Minister may, from time to time, direct.

As the saying goes: “the devil is in the details”, there are a lot of things wrong with the well intended Cap. 144. For instance:-
From article 5 to 7, the act just gives too much power to the minister which renders the council toothless. When the minister says jump, the council always has to say how high.

To start with the minister appoints all the members of the council and then appoints the chairman and the vice. As if not enough these serve at the mercy and good will of the minister because they can be removed at any time the minister feels like it. Let’s look at some clauses in the act which make almost impossible to be operable.

“5. (1) The Council shall be composed of- Composition of
Council
(a) the Director of Youths;
(b) twenty-two representative members APPOINTED BY THE MINISTER,
(2) There shall be a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman who shall be APPOINTED BY THE MINISTER from amongst the members.”

“6. (1) A member, other than an ex-officio member, shall hold office for a period of three years from the date of his appointment and may be re-appointed upon the expiration of such term.”

This article doesn’t even provide a term limit for the members of the counsel. This means that if they so wish they can continue to be elected till kingdom come.

“(2) A member, other than an ex-officio member, may resign upon giving one month’s notice in writing to the Minister and MAY BE REMOVED BY THE MINISTER AT ANY TIME.”

7. Whenever the office of a member becomes vacant before the expiry of the term provided in section 6 the MINISTER MAY APPOINT another person to be a member:

Section 7 of article 9 makes reference to Subpragraph (i) and (iii) of Section 5 subsection 1. This subsection does not exist anywhere in that article.

Section 9 of Article 9;
“(9) The validity of any proceedings, act or decision of the Council shall not be affected by any vacancy in the membership of the Council or by any defect in the appointment of any member or by reason that any person not entitled so to do took part in the proceedings.”

The above articles means that any person can be invited to any council meeting and the decisions made, regardless of their influence shall be upheld.

Article 12.” No action or other proceedings shall lie or be instituted against any member, member of a committee of the Council or member of the staff of the Council for or in respect of any act or thing done or omitted to be done in good faith in the exercise or purported exercise of his duties under this Act.”
This article in itself is a lacuna, because something done “in good faith” is too open to interpretation.

16. ” (1) An application for registration as a youth organisation shall be submitted to the Secretary in such forms as may be prescribed.”

Article 16 still provides that registration of youth organizations is done by the Ministry of youths when infact its now done by the registrar of Societies under the ministry of Community Development and social services.

The way the whole act is poorly drafted is like it was meant for kids who cannot think for themselves or make informed decisions. If at all the same council exists, I am sure the show is being run by a bunch of “Yes bwana” nitwits who cannot question jack.

Comrades, colleagues and fellow combatants, I am making a clarion call on all of us the youths to make a stand and be serious about issues which affect us. Our lack of seriousness and concern about how the government conducts its programs and activities which concern us is terrifying.

My heart is burning for a revolution, to make protests if need be, until the government and other stakeholders start taking us seriously. *If you are a youth who is honest with yourself, you need to be as outraged as me.*

By David Chishimba
AUY President.
Youth Advocate.
Youth Commander.

Mopani Mines proposes to shut down operations as Government sharply rejects the plans

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Mopani Mines proposes to shut down operations as Government sharply rejects the plans

Mopani copper mine has proposed to Government to put the mines in Kitwe and Mufulira under care and maintenance.

Mines Minister Richard Musukwa announced during a news briefing that he was informed by the Glencore Executive Director that the two mines are be put on care and maintenance for effective today, Tuesday 7th April 2020 for three months.

Mr Musukwa said Mopani is citing the global economic challenges which have led to the price of copper falling to about 4,800 dollars per tonne and the disruption to international mobility due to the Covid-19 out break.

But Mr Musukwa announced that government has refused to grant Mopani mine placement under care and maintenance.

He said the plan has been rejected because the reasons forwarded by Mopani are not adequate and lack merit.

The Mines Minister said plans by Mopani Copper Mine to place its two mines on care and maintenance were unacceptable and unjustified.

Mr. Musukwa said the reasons advanced by Mopani Copper Mine to place the mines on care and maintenance fail far beyond the provisions of the law.

Below is the full statement

Mopani Copper Mine (MCM) contacted the Ministry Last week on Wednesday requesting to have a video conference with the Minister.

Yesterday on Monday 6th April 2020 at 14hrs we held a video conference involving Glencore Head of Copper Africa Mark Davies, Nathan Bullock CEO Mopani Copper Mine (MCM) with Myself and our respective technocrats.

The Glencore Executive Director informed me that the Company was going on ‘Care and Maintenance’ from Tuesday 7th April 2020 for 3 months citing 2 reasons namely the global economic challenges which have led to the price of copper falling to about US$4,800 per Tonne and disruptions to international mobility. Another reason cited was the challenge of COVID 19 in terms of putting projects on hold until key personnel can travel to the mining sites.

Mark Davies informed the meeting that some personnel in Management would be laid off while unionized workers would obtain their salaries for the 3 months from today the 7th of April 2020, after which the situation would be up for review. A further indication was made that an ex-gratia payment of one month’s salary would be made to unionized staff employed by contractors in addition to some severance package. Later in the afternoon, after the meeting an electronic copy of a letter dated 6th April 2020 addressed to the Director of Mines and copied to my office was emailed by MCM.

The letter claims that the company had taken the action pursuant to section 37(1)(d) of the Mines and Minerals Development Act which provides for closure of a mine based on Force Majeure. For avoidance of doubt, 37 (1) of the Mines and Minerals Act cited by MCM states:

“Subject to the other provisions of this section, a holder of a mining licence or mineral processing licence may suspend or curtail production of a mine for any of the following reasons:
(a) the maintenance, installation or de-commissioning of equipment;
(b) an unsafe working environment;
(c) uncontrolled pollution of the area resulting from the mining operations;
(d) Force Majeure; or
(e) a labour dispute that disrupts the mining operations”

The Ministry has studied both the letter from MCM and the oral submissions during the Video conference submission and wish to react as follows:

1. The Government of the Republic of Zambia Rejects this attempt by Mopani to put the Mines in Kitwe and Mufulira on CARE AND MAINTENANCE because it does not conform with the Law. The reason cited of Force Majeure is defined in the Law as:
“FORCE MAJEURE ” means an event which is beyond the reasonable control of a Licence holder and which makes the exploration or mining operations under the licence impossible”
The Ministry is not aware of any event that has happened that is beyond the reasonable control of MCM and which makes mining impossible.
Force Majeure relates to an event that can best be described as “AN ACT OF GOD” which clearly is beyond the control of an employer but in this case no explanation equivalent to “An act of God has been availed”.

2. The letter from MCM and the video conferencing failed to provide clear evidence of what has happened that would trigger MCM citing Force Majeure. Fluctuations to the copper price are a constant in the mining sector and cannot reasonably be classified as “Events” beyond the control of the company. The price of copper per Tonne has been fluctuating for many years. MCM came to Zambia in the year 2000. Between the year 2000 and today, the price of Copper has fluctuated from as low as US$2000 to US$9900 per Tonne. It is therefore surprising that the price of Copper can be cited as one of the reasons necessitating the need to claim ‘Force majeure’ because the current price is about US$4,800 per Tonne. This Price is not as low as some years when it was as low as US$2000 per Tonne. It is therefore shocking that this circumstance of copper being at US$4,800 Per Tonne can reasonably be considered as beyond the control of MCM, which had weathered worse price fluctuations in the past. This is clearly not ‘AN ACT OF GOD” but a normal business trend.

3. MCM claims in their letter that two weeks ago they began a comprehensive review of the business against the backdrop of an extremely challenging environment impacted by the COVID

19. Zambia as a jurisdiction registered its first two cases of COVID 19 on 16th March 2020. The timing of COVID 19 in relation to the analysis by MCM reveals that none of the COVID 19 developments in Zambia could realistically be said to have specifically impacted MCM to trigger Force Majeure. The measures taken by government to mitigate the effects of COVID 19 have hitherto not been a lock down but steps to allow commerce to continue in the country, especially the mining sector. At no point has MCM specifically raised concerns of specific goods or services being withheld that are critical for their operations. This reason therefore came as a complete surprise to the Ministry.

4. The Minister of Finance specifically took measures to mitigate the impact of COVID on the Mining Houses and the measures include:
a. Removal of provisions of SI No. 90 relating to claim of VAT on imported spare parts, Lubricants and Stationery to ease pressure on companies;
b. Suspension of Export Duties on export of concentrates in the mining sector to ease pressure on the sector and
c. Suspension of Export Duty on precious metals.

5. Last week, Mopani specifically requested to have a video conference call in the light of COVID and at no time were the issues of disruptions to international mobility raised, it’s therefore shocking that again MCM can claim these reasons amount to FORCE MAJEURE.

6. Government is aware that MCM has been attempting without success to change various aspects of their business model including the Procurement system which the Ministry challenged as not conforming with section 20 of the Mines and Minerals Development Act on giving preference to Zambians on the supply of goods and services. The government cannot therefore accept an attempt to use the COVID 19 pandemic as a scapegoat to push an agenda to lay off people without lawful reasons and circumvent the law to achieve an end.

7. The proposal by MCM is further rejected because for a mine to be put on care and maintenance, there are processes required to ensure that Mine Safety, Environmental concerns and the welfare of miners are secured. An event which reasonably can be classified as Force majeure such as a collapse of a mine or sudden flooding of the Mine after an earth quake does not present time to plan what the way forward would be. In this situation however MCM has had the time to analyse what they call a business review process that is clear on the goal but weak on the process to be undertaken.

8. Whereas the MCM letter claims that no retrenchments will be made, it categorically says some management employees will be laid off while severance packages will be granted to unionized workers under contractors. This again points to the long outstanding issue of attempting to cut off the current suppliers of goods and services in preference for a model that disadvantages Zambians. We are on record and I wish to reiterate that we shall not allow the exploitation of Zambian contractors because our law is very clear that preference must be given to Zambian providers of goods and services.

9. As Minister responsible for Mines and Minerals Development, I wish to assure first the Workers of MCM that your government will not let you down and allow MCM to circumvent the law to favour their interests. We are a pro-poor government who were elected to ensure that Zambian workers are protected and where there is justification we will allow the laying off of people but not in this situation where we clearly have MCM fishing for reasons to lay people off. This situation does not amount to Force Majeure and we believe it’s possible and allowed by the law to lay off people using the right procedure where a company engages the Unions, the contractual workers and the Government in a constructive manner.

10. I have further rejected an attempt to give government less than 24hrs notice to effectively lay off more than 11,000 workers and put a mine on Care and Maintenance. We shall further engage MCM to be more forthright and engage in genuine dialogue to look into the plight of workers and the life of the Mines in Kitwe and Mufulira respectively. There is no Force Majeure that can reasonably be seen by any reasonable person analyzing the sector. Where an Act of God or Force majeure occurs, it tends to be so clear everyone would agree that a situation has so presented itself but in this instance we do not agree as Government that Force majeure has been triggered that can justify waiving workers rights, Environmental concerns and Mine Safety. My office shall keep you updated of the developments as we continue to discuss with MCM.

I thank you

Hon. Richard Musukwa, MP
Minister of Mines and Minerals Development
7th April 2020

Covid-19 and Its Impact on Physical Activity and Sport: What the Future Holds

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Covid-19 and Its Impact on Physical Activity and Sport: What the Future Holds

By Sombwa Knox Musunsa

The Corona Virus, otherwise known as COVID-19, continues to wreak havoc across the globe since December, 2019 when it first broke out in Wuhan, China. The pandemic has had significant impact on the globe and life as we know it, affecting millions of people. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there were 750 890 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 36 405 deaths resulting from the pandemic up until 31st March, 2020.

The COVIC-19 has had a significant impact on nearly all sectors of society including public health and the economy as a whole. Physical activity and sport have not been spared. In an attempt to reduce the spread of the virus and prevent new cases occurring, many countries took steps to suspend or cancel sport events and related activities in line with advice from WHO aimed at avoiding mass gatherings of people. This has been cemented by calls for people to stay at home, practice social or physical distancing and engage in regular washing or sanitizing of hands to avoid or reduce infections. Notable among the sport events that has been affected by the pandemic is the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games from July/ August, 2020 to July/ August, 2021. Globally, the suspension of sports and recreational events has resulted in huge revenue losses for hosts and sponsors. The impact, which is yet to be fully analysed, could stretch into billions of US dollars in terms of losses, while the immediate impacts will be seen through massive job losses, immediate or long term closure of businesses directly or indirectly dealing in sport and recreation, reduced funding to the sector and a reduction in implementation of sport programmes.

At the home front, Zambia has not been spared from the pandemic with 36 cases recorded as of 31st March, 2020. Although the cases currently seem insignificant, the Government of the Republic of Zambia has taken far-reaching steps to ensure reduction in cases as well as full recovery of patients. Some of the measures announced by the Republican President, His Excellency, Edgar Chagwa Lungu in his recent address to the nation include, but not limited to; i) closure of all airports except the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, ii) closure of all bars, night clubs and restaurants, and iii) hosting of public gatherings with not more than 50 people at any given time.

With the advent of the pandemic in Zambia, the nation has been affected in various areas of society and development. Physical activity and sport have also been affected with a number of events suspended or cancelled. The potential impact and loss of revenue from the combined hosting fees across the period of the pandemic, could cost the country millions of Zambian kwacha. Additionally, the country could face significant job losses and closure of businesses connected to recreation and sport such as gyms.

The Government of the Republic of Zambia has proposed key economic measures to be implemented presently and post COVID-19 pandemic to cushion the significant economic challenges that the Zambian citizens will face as a result of the pandemic. Such measures could ensure rapid recovery of the country and its economy from the dreaded pandemic. The sports sector, as indicated, will receive a significant share of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic over the short and long term. In this regard, we must pause and ask ourselves the following important questions:
i) What remedial measures does the country take to ensure sustainability of the sports sector during and after the blustery periods of the pandemic?

  1. How can sport be used as important factor in cushioning the impact of the pandemic?
  2.  How can we ensure physical activity and sport are practiced in a safer environment that permits mass participation post COVID-19?

With these questions in mind, we shall continue to see empty running tracks, playing fields, stadiums, auditoriums, gyms, swimming pools, shooting ranges and no current sports news on out televisions. This will lead to loss of revenue by a number of businesses connected to sport and recreation as alluded to earlier in this text. However, one of the most affected aspect of sport development will be the reduced number of citizens that will be participating in physical activity and sport post COVID-19.

In order to ensure the sustainability of physical activity and sport, Governments and organisations will be compelled to change strategies of implementing programmes and engaging participants. Anything short of effective mechanisms of drawing citizens to participate in physical activity and sport will render most of the milestones in sport development and sport for development inoperable. It is, therefore, prudent for all sport development stakeholders to modify their organizational strategies in response to the present circumstances and employ approaches that will ensure sustainability of their programmes and existence.

The COVID-19 pandemic is certainly a threat and an impediment to the milestones the country has achieved in sport development. Granted the available resources and stakeholder collaboration in sport development, there remains hopefulness of physical activity and sport enduring and continuing to play an important role in global development beyond the pandemic.

This text provides general information. The author assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text. The Author is a Sport Development Officer and a National Podium Performance Programme Coordinatore in Lusaka and can be  reached at Email: sombwam79 AT yahoo DOT com

Mwepu Donates to Home Town Chambishi’s Coronavirus Fight

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Chipolopolo midfielder Enock Mwepu and his childhood friend Chikabala Kaleta have donated hand wash kit to residents in the peripherals of their home township Chambishi on the Copperbelt.

The donation of 50 buckets, 50 basins and over 100 liquid soap to the people of Twaiteka, Mwambashi and Musakashi is aimed at supplementing the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Kaleta presented the items to beneficiaries on behalf of Mwepu in the three areas at the weekend.

“I would love to appreciate my friend, colleague and brother Enock Mwepu for his contribution toward this gesture. We need more people to come and help our communities,” Kaleta, the nephew of the late ex-Zambia star Webster Chikabala, said.

Speaking from his base in Austria, Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Mwepu said he was glad to help people in his old locality.

“It is important to remember where you are coming from. I am ready in my small way to help not only in Chambishi but beyond. I am glad to work with people like Mr Kaleta to help people in our community,” he said.

“We are promoting hand wash to slow down the spread of the coronavirus. Let our people follow guidelines from experts because this virus is deadly,” Mwepu said.

A female recipient in Mwambashi said:”We have been using small containers of cooking oil to wash our hands now we are happy to receive these big buckets and basins.”

Mwepu and Kaleta last December collaborated to organise the Changwe Kalale memorial football tournament in honour of their late friend and ex-Zambia Under-17 star.

COVID-19 Presents More Challenges than Opportunities for Zambia’s Agro-Value Chain-CTPD

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COVID-19 Presents More Challenges than Opportunities for Zambia’s Agro-Value Chain-CTPD

The Center for Trade Policy and Development says there is need for Zambia to put in place robust measures towards supporting and strengthening agriculture value chains.

The CTPD has also called government to consider short-term exemptions and modifications on taxation and labour legislation to prevent a total collapse of the commodity supply amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Dr Simon Manda, the CTPD Senior Researcher thinks that Government should work with private sector players in ensuring that adequate logistical measures are put in place to facilitate the movement of agricultural commodities from place of production to the market.

He said the measures should ensure that agricultural production and marketing continues uninterrupted despite the COVID-19 outbreak especially that the country is a few weeks way from commencing the 2019/2020 agriculture marketing season.

Dr Manda said research is urgently required in profiling the implications of COVID-19 on Zambia’s agri-food system in order to not only map out actual agro-value chain impacts of COVID-19 but also to suggest possible recommendations for strengthening agricultural value-chains and boosting the economy post outbreak period.

“We further call for more sensitization targeting the farming communities, especially small-scale farmers who live outside the line of rail were information is hard to reach. The outbreak of the coronavirus in China is a serious threat and that the impacts on the agriculture sector and related value-chains remain uncertain and are yet to be understood fully”, he added.

Dr Manda noted that there is an increasing concern about whether there will be enough global food supplies at affordable prices for all countries adding that the availability of agricultural supplies cannot be guaranteed, and where it is guaranteed access has been challenged by social restrictions, challenging effective utilization across various uses and consumption patterns.

“Elsewhere for instance, European production is very well integrated into global value chains, via which intermediate goods and services are traded. The President of Zambia, Edgar Lungu has responded to the outbreak by announcing measures to contain its spread. These and with other measures are expected to have profound impacts on Zambia’s agricultural markets and wider performance of the sector”, said Dr Manda in a statement.

He said in terms of Zambia’s imports, the world market is reportedly well stocked in all food items and that any potential periodic shortfalls will mainly arise due to logistical disruptions caused by lock downs and restrictions on the movement of goods.

Dr Manda said this would only be the case for the specific agricultural items that are typically imported from affected regions in the world market such as Asia and Europe.

He said longer-term impacts on the agri-food labour force could possibly have more significant socio-economic implications.

“For instance, recent reports have shown an increasing important on seasonal workers such as in sugar sub-sector. COVID-19 will have a direct impact on agricultural production by inducing a drop-in labour supply”, he added.

Five instance mob justice members committed to High court in Luwingu

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Five instance mob justice members committed to High court in Luwingu

Five instance mob justice members arrested during gassing incidences have been committed to the high court by Luwingu district magistrate court.

The five were arrested in connection with the murder of Aaron Mutale of cope village in chief Chipalo area of Luwingu district of Northern Province.

The deceased Aaron was allegedly dragged out of his mother’s house and burnt to death by an instant mob justice at Chola Mutanto market in full view of his mother.

After the matter was brought before Luwingu magistrate Kenny Nkundwe on Friday last week, the director of public prosecution instructed that the matter be referred to the high for the commencement of trial.

Appearing before magistrate Nkundwe were Maxwell Mwape 52, Gertrude Kumwenda 56, William Chanda 37, Memory Mulenga 25 and Stevenia Chate 34 all of cope village.

It is alleged that on 20th February 2020, the five jointly and whilst acting together with others unknown did murder Aaron Mutale whom they accused of gassing some residents in the village.

The five are facing one count of murder contrary to section 200 of the penal code chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

The suspects have since being taken to milima correction prison in Kasama in readiness of the court proceedings.

Recently, the country underwent a spate of gassing incidences where a number of innocent lives and property got lost and so far a number of gassing suspects having been arrested and appeared in court, as a result.

Zambia Police Service records an increase in Cyber related financial crimes

Chief Editor
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Zambia Police Service records an increase in Cyber related financial crimes

The Zambia Police Service has recorded an increase in Cyber related financial crimes where fraudsters have taken advantage of increased online financial transaction services particularly during this period of COVID-19 and are swindling unsuspecting members of the public.

Zambia Police spokesperson Esther Katongo said this is despite the reported downward trend in general criminal activities recorded so far during the advent of COVID-19 as shown in the daily incident reports received across the country.

Mrs Katongo said in the past three weeks, the Zambia Police service has recorded 56 reports in which people have been swindled out of various amounts of money , the highest being K21, 000.

She said in some of the reports received, some fraudsters are calling unsuspecting members of the public pretending to be officials from some Banks asking for Bank details such as Tax Payers Identification Numbers (TPINs) and National Registration Card numbers.

Mrs Katongo said others are pretending to be officials from Banks and are calling people deceiving them that their respective Banks are running promotions where they are requested to deposit certain amounts of money in mobile money accounts provided to them claiming that it will attract interest at various percentages when in fact not.

She said other fraudsters are running fake promotions under renowned business trade names while others are calling people and are pretending to be officials from mobile service providers purporting to be conducting network tests and end up getting information which they are using to get account details.

“From the received cases, Lusaka Province recorded 21 cases, Copperbelt, 18, Eastern, four, Central Province six southern, Western and Northern Provinces recorded two cases each while North Western recorded one”, she said in a statement.

Mrs Katongo has since advised members of the public to always verify any information, requests or promotions with financial or business institutions before committing themselves to any online transaction or before giving out personal details.

She has further called on financial institutions to step up sensitization to their clients on online services and promotions as well as their general operations so as to protect their clients from these fraudsters.

MISA Zambia welcomes the sentencing of Patriotic Front Cadre

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MISA Zambia welcomes the sentencing of Patriotic Front Cadre

MISA Zambia has welcomed the sentencing of Frank Mwale, a Patriotic Front cadre who has been handed a 2-year custodial sentence for the assault of Chipata’s Breeze FM Journalist Grace Lungu.

MISA Zambia Chairperson Helen Mwale said the judgment which was passed yesterday is timely and serves as a warning to any other would be offenders in the country that violence in whatever form against journalists is against the law and such culprits will be brought to book.

Ms Mwale said MISA Zambia is happy that this judgment indeed shows that the state does not condone violence against journalists and therefore value their work.

“We are congnisant of the Presidential directive made in May of 2019 urging Zambia Police to deal with any cadres perpetrating violence against journalists, therefore, this judgment is testament to this commitment by the President”, she added.

Ms Mwale said this judgment also gives Journalists confidence that the media can seek protection when its rights and freedoms are violated and they deem it a victory for the media.

“Therefore, we call on authorities to continue the pursuit for justice by convicting all those responsible and perpetuating violence against journalists. Further, we urge the journalists and media not to relent in their pursuit of their freedom and justice”, Ms Mwale said.

She said MISA is happy that justice has been served and that the Zambia Police in Eastern province value the work of the media as they did assist Grace when she reported the matter to them.

The judgment arose from an incident in which Lungu was assaulted by the 41-year-old Chipata businessman during the Mkomba Ward Local government by-election on 12th February, 2019. The assailant together with other people beat Grace and the driver of the vehicle she had booked, Lengani Kanyinji.

In a case which started last year the Magistrate Court in Lundazi have found Mwale guilty of assault and theft and sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment on the count of assault and on the charge of theft of K400 belonging to Lungu he has been handed a two years suspended sentence.

Ms Mwale said this sentencing is an important sign that the perpetrators of crimes against journalists will no longer evade justice.

She said political party cadres should know that journalists have a duty to investigate, disseminate, research and inform, hence they should not be hindered as they carry out their noble tasks.

She has urged all politicians to exercise maximum restraint as the media are merely carriers of news and must be left to operate in a free environment void of harassment and intimidation for the benefit of the public.

“We would like to echo the words of wisdom from President Edgar Lungu by saying that journalists should not be covering political activities whilst watching over their shoulders for fear of being lynched and that no one is above the law”, Ms Mwale said.

She added that citizens need a free flow of information for them to make informed decisions and it is a well-known fact that elections are highly dependent on the free flow of information, something which the Zambian media is trying so hard to provide.

British Prime minister Boris Johnson moved to ICU as his coronavirus symptoms worsen

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British Prime minister Boris Johnson moved to ICU as his coronavirus symptoms worsen

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been moved to intensive care in hospital after his coronavirus symptoms “worsened”, Downing Street has said.

A spokesman said he was moved on the advice of his medical team and is receiving “excellent care”.

Mr Johnson has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to deputise “where necessary”, the spokesman added.

The prime minister, 55, was admitted to hospital in London with “persistent symptoms” on Sunday evening.

A No 10 statement read: “The prime minister has been under the care of doctors at St Thomas’ Hospital, in London, after being admitted with persistent symptoms of coronavirus.

“Over the course of [Monday] afternoon, the condition of the prime minister has worsened and, on the advice of his medical team, he has been moved to the intensive care unit at the hospital.”

It continued: “The PM is receiving excellent care, and thanks all NHS staff for their hard work and dedication.”

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said his thoughts were with the prime minister and his pregnant partner, Carrie Symonds, and that Mr Johnson would “come out of this even stronger”.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer described it as “terribly sad news”.

“All the country’s thoughts are with the prime minister and his family during this incredibly difficult time,” he added.

Mr Johnson was initially taken to hospital for routine tests after testing positive for coronavirus 10 days ago. His symptoms included a high temperature and a cough.

Earlier on Monday, he tweeted that he was in “good spirits”.

After very, very little information was shared today, the prime minister was taken into intensive care at around 19:00 BST.

We’ve been told he is still conscious, but his condition has worsened over the course of the afternoon.

And he has been moved to intensive care as a precaution in case he needs ventilation to get through this illness.

The statement from Downing Street makes clear he is receiving excellent care and he wants to thank all of the NHS staff.

But something important has changed, and he has felt it necessary to ask his foreign secretary to deputise for him where needs be.

That is a completely different message from what we have heard over the past 18 hours or so, where it was continually “the prime minister is in touch” and “he is in charge” – almost like everything is business as usual.

But clearly being in intensive care changes everything.

Last month, the prime minister’s spokesman said if Mr Johnson was unwell and unable to work, Mr Raab, as the first secretary of state, would stand in.

It comes as the number of coronavirus hospital deaths in the UK reached 5,373 – an increase of 439 in a day.

The Department of Health and Social Care said there were now 51,608 confirmed coronavirus cases.

Source:BBC

SACCORD congratulates PF for Wining the Nangula ward by-election in the Western Province

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SACCORD congratulates PF for Wining the Nangula ward by-election in the Western Province

The Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes has congratulated the ruling Patriotic Front for winning the Nangula ward by-election in the Western Province.

The Organisation has also congratulated the PF and the UPND for participating in the by-election as it is such participation that makes Zambia a competitive multi-party democratic dispensation.

SACCORD Executive Director Boniface Chembe said the participation of both the ruling PF and opposition UPND is a testimony of Zambia’s commitment to embracing democracy as the only method of ushering leaders into office.

Mr Chembe said the by-election conducted in a peaceful environment where no incident of political violence was recorded encourages SACCORD that it is possible for the two leading political parties to compete in an election and have one emerge as a victor without resorting to violence.

He has commended the Electoral Commission of Zambia for conducting a professional by-election taking into consideration the restrictive measures imposed on the nation as a result of the COVID-19 disease.

Mr Chembe said the social distancing practice observed by the ECZ and ultimately delivering a by-election result free of political violence is an indicator of the competence that the country’s electoral body has.

He noted that whereas in other countries on the continent elections have had to be postponed due to the COVID-19, the ECZ conducted a by-election where no adverse results, such as harm to human rights defenders, were recorded on account of the COVID-19.

Mr Chembe said many lessons can be learnt by the electoral body on the conduct of the Nangula by-election in the midst of a global pandemic and it would be good to get some of these best practices by the ECZ especially as this relates to the conduct of future by-elections.

Lack of Personal Protective Equipment Compromising Essential Workers’ Rights to Health and Life

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Lack of Personal Protective Equipment Compromising Essential Workers’ Rights to Health and Life

The Human Rights Commission has observed that while some people are observing health guidelines on COVID-19, social distancing largely remains a challenge, particularly in public service institutions, public places and public service vehicles such as buses.

Commission spokesperson Mwelwa Muleya notes that further, some essential workers have not been provided with adequate Personal Protective Equipment, a situation that is compromising their rights to health and life.

Mr Muleya said this is of great concern to the Commission because failure to adhere to the guidelines and providing Personal Protective Equipment to those in the frontline of fighting the coronavirus could reverse the progressive achievements being made towards containing the spread of COVID-19 and this can have far-reaching consequences on the country at large.

He said the right to life is linked to public health and it is absolutely neccessry that all stakeholders, including employers, continue to abide by the public health guidelines during thisdifficult period of fighting the coronavirus pandemic in order to save lives.

Mr Muleya has appealed to everyone to continue adhering to the prescribed guidelines because they are necessary for the greater good.

He said it is important to appreciate the fact that although the guidelines such as restrictions on public gatherings may have caused negative socio-economic effects, such measures have a legitimate objective of promoting public health and protecting life.

Mr Muleya said that there is also need for targeted measures aimed at mitigating such negative effects of the guidelines on the public, particularly on the vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, the elderly, child and female headed-households and others with underlying health conditions.

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