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Government must inspect and certify schools for the commencement of classes next month

Chief Editor
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Government must inspect and certify schools for the commencement of classes next month

National Action for Quality Education in Zambia has welcomed President Edgar Lungu’s directive for examination classes to resume on June 1, 2020.

NAQEZ Executive Director Aaron Chansa said that he cautiously supports the move because no one knows when Covid-19 will end.

Mr. Chansa adds that the government must distribute masks to all pupils and teachers and ensure daily screening to protect them from the virus.

He has further urged the government to inspect and certify schools for the commencement of classes next month.

And Deputy Parliamentary Chief Whip Tutwa Ngulube has urged Members of Parliament to help in the Provision of Masks following the reopening of schools for examination classes.

Mr. Ngulube said that apart from what the government is going to provide, he will also use his resources to provide reusable masks to pupils in all the schools in Kabwe Central Constituency.

Mr. Ngulube said that even before the announcement was made to re-open schools; he had already started mobilizing masks for the people in his Constituency.

Mr. Ngulube told ZNBC news that his team is also working out measures to provide handwashing soaps and masks NOT only to the pupils but Teachers as well.

Meanwhile, the Opposition FDD has commended President Edgar Lungu for reopening schools for examination classes.

FDD Spokesperson Yotam Mtayachalo says continued closure of schools was going to undermine the education sector which is key to National Development.

Mr. Mtayachalo says his party is looking forward to the opening of the remaining classes on condition that they adhere to the health regulations.

He has however expressed concern with the difficulties that small businesses are facing in accessing the ten billion Kwacha stimulus package which has been provided by the government.

Kampyongo Warns Casino owners against turning the Gaming clubs into bars

Chief Editor
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Kampyongo Warns Casino owners against turning the Gaming clubs into bars

Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo has warned Casino owners against turning the Gaming clubs into bars.

Mr. Kampyongo says Casinos should continue to operate as gambling places and serve their purposes rather than turning them into drinking places.

Speaking when he appeared on Radio Delight FM in Chinsali District of Muchinga Province, Mr. Kampyongo said there will be stiff punishment for those that go against President Edgar Lungu’s directive.

He also urged all those that will visit the Casinos to observe social distancing and ensure they wear face masks all the time.

Mr. Kampyongo noted that all those that go against the Presidential directive risk having their businesses suspended or their licenses revoked.

He said police and other law enforcement wings will continue with patrols day and night.

Meanwhile, the Zambia Gaming Association -ZGA- which regulates the operations of Casinos has thanked President Edgar Lungu for reopening Casinos because they are key in national development.

ZGA Chairperson Gift Simusamba says Casinos in Lusaka alone employ close to 2-thousand people and that their reopening is key for social and economic development.

Mr. Simusamba has however appealed to ZGA members who include Casinos, Sports Betting facilities and Slot Businesses to adhere to health guidelines as they resume operations.

And a check at Galaxy Casino at Lusaka’s East Park Shopping mall found management making arrangements to resume operations.

Galaxy General Manager Chris Cousins said while most Casinos were taken by surprise because they did not expect to reopen soon, they are happy with President Lungu’s move as it will help the over 2-hundred workers.

And a Check at some Bola Bet outlets found the premises opened but operations have not resumed.

Outlet Manager in Chelstone Godfrey Kasanga said the workers are waiting for further guidance from Head Office.

Psychology Of Meetings

Chief Editor
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Psychology Of Meetings

By Dickson Jere

Once, the President asked his Vice to sit-in for him and chair cabinet meeting for few minutes. He went to take a call in his office. After an hour, he walked back to the cabinet room and only found Ministers dispersing.

“What has happened?” a visibly surprised President asked.

“The meeting is finished…” I answered.

“How?” he inquisitively questioned.

You see, Cabinet Meetings used to take long and ended with late lunch with the President. But that day, the Vice President – George Kunda, SC – did not allow any debate on agenda items unless one wanted to change position. By design, each ministry submits their view point on any agenda item in advance and everyone knows what the position of each ministry is. And so, the Vice President followed that route and constantly hit the gavel with “no debate and let us move to next item”. Within 45 minutes, the meeting which used to take about 5 hours was over!

In contrast, President Rupiah Banda allowed debate. He never expressed his position on any issue until the debate is exhausted. That way, he told me, allowed him to assess the thinking of each minister as well as their individual grasp of issues beyond the Cabinet Memorandum or “Cab Memo” as we call it.

“That way, you learn and understand your colleagues better,” he said, adding that he got that tact from President Kenneth Kaunda. He allowed them even to stray outside the agenda.

I have since followed that tact and use it in most meetings regardless of the nature – board meetings, sports, church and all. Do more of the listening and be the last to contribute unless you are the mover of a motion. That way you learn the thinking of others and the “real agenda” of the meeting. Very few decisions are actually made in meetings. There is always a caucus before the actual meeting where decisions are made and presented to the innocent meeting.

“Observe the flow of the meeting and you can tell the agenda of those who caucused,” Lawyer and Businessman late Wila Mung’omba once told me.

“Always, speak last or don’t speak at all if not sure….,” he told me, adding that the silence will always discomfort those who plotted the agenda.

Two weeks ago, the board chairman asked me thrice for my opinion on an issue I knew was predetermined. I opted to mute myself. He then adjourned the meeting to have a “tête-à-tête” with me.

“We have been given instructions by the powers that be to pass this decision..” he disclosed and admitted he did speak with few board members to solicit for advance support.
“I know…” I said and added: “I was also spoken to by the same people who called you”.

Anyway, always be observant in meetings and do not speak first on issues you have very background and context. You may be used without knowing the real agenda – these are things Chibamba Kanyama, Patrick Chisanga and Mumba Kapumpa rarely teach you during the board orientation – they concentrate on the real meat – Board Charters and Conduct of Directors.

Have a lovely Sunday

Distributed Power Africa Moves into Zambia with Solar

Chief Editor
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Distributed Power Africa Moves into Zambia with Solar

Distributed Power Africa (DPA) has moved into Zambia to roll out hybrid solar solutions for Commercial and Industrial businesses, on a lease financing basis. The renewable energy company’s offer comes at an opportune time when the country continues to face long hours of load-shedding. In the last year, DPA has accelerated the deployment of Green energy into sub-Sahara Africa, with notable solar projects in South Africa, Kenya, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

Now the fastest growing solar energy solutions provider in Africa, the company has a pipeline of 450MW across their markets. They primarily target Commercial and Industrial customers with solar systems from 5kW to 5MW, custom designed to power wide-ranging businesses including Telecom towers, offices, schools, clinics, manufacturers, estates and mines. In the last year DPA has showcased some milestones projects for their customers, including Liquid Telecom, Schweppes, Total, UNESCO, Aga Khan Kuze and Ecobank.

Recently, the company introduced a Covid-19 Emergency Power Solution to support national health delivery institutions across sub-Sahara Africa. The company also has strategic alliances, with technical partners; Tesla, EDF (Electricite de France) and Canadian Solar.

According to Norman Moyo, CEO of DPA Africa: “Businesses in Africa are increasingly interested in affordable and reliable energy, and due to the associated financial savings and environmental dividend, the replacement of generators with solar technology is a growing trend. We have received tremendous interest from Commercial and Industrial players in Zambia, including banks, beverage manufacturers and malls, and we remain focussed on providing solar power with Lithium Ion battery technology to power up businesses efficiently.”

Although solar energy is the fastest and easiest to deploy, it is widely believed to be an expensive alternative due to the initial capital. Distributed Power Africa provides solar solutions on monthly instalments, with zero upfront investment. As part of the lease DPA takes full responsibility for engineering, procurement, installation, monitoring, maintenance, warranties and insurance, and guarantees customers zero technical risk.

PwC Zambia names Andrew Chibuye as Country Senior Partner

Chief Editor
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PwC Zambia names Andrew Chibuye as Country Senior Partner

PricewaterhouseCoopers, one of the worlds most prestigious Professional Services firms have appointed Andrew Chibuye to head its Zambia office as Senior Country Partner effective 01 July 2020.

Mr Chibuye takes over from Nasir Ali who is retiring at the end of June.

Mr. Chibuye (37) has served the firm for sixteen and half years from Associate level all the way through Managerial ranks ending up as Associate Director and Partner.

His last role was that of Country Assurance Leader, a role he held for the last 10-months before his recent promotion to Senior Country Partner.

He has also worked for PwC London.

Mr. Chibuye is a Fellow of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) and an Associate of the Association of Chartered Accountants (ACCA).

He is holder of a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Alliance Manchester Business School.

And Mr Chibuye has thanked God and his friends and family for their support.

“Dear Lord..I thank you…we thank you.Dear Mainza, where would I be without you? I thank you, I love you. Dear GLC. My friends have told me that you must be proud looking down from where you are… I just wish you were here sir… rest easy sir… I thank you… we thank you. Dear Mum… our immovable pillar… I thank you… we thank you.“

“Dear Jeremy, Chanda and Chali… my people! I thank you… we thank you.. To my Pastor and friend Reverend Bruce Msidi…To my mentor… my Country Senior Partner for the last 10 years Nasir Ali…To all of you my PwC family… past and present…To all of you my friends and family… I say thank you for your support. Indeed I have stood on the shoulders of giants…I salute!!“

He continued, “We were born for a time such as this and so bh the grace of God we will do what we must so that those that come after us will testify that indeed we did what we could. I am grateful for all of your kind words my friends… I am, in equal measure, excited and humbled at the opportunity that has been granted to us… I could go on but will end here with… Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

Government’s Approach to the COVID-19 Fight is Detrimental to the Security of all Zambians

Chief Editor
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Government’s Approach to the COVID-19 Fight is Detrimental to the Security of all Zambians

By Dr Nevers Sekwila Mumba President, New Hope MMD

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, I made a statement on behalf of the New Hope Movement for Multiparty Democracy in which I stated the following:

Firstly, we pledged that the New Hope MMD shall stand shoulder to shoulder with government in the COVID-19 fight to keep the Zambian people safe. We encouraged the government to stop at nothing in ensuring that we do not allow the virus to spread as we do not have neither the capacity nor the resources to deal with a fully blown pandemic. Secondly, we stated our position that the Country needed to go on a complete lockdown for a few weeks to ensure that we keep Zambians out of any possible danger.
I wish to restate that our position remains the same today as it was then on both fronts.

On the first commitment we made, we have initiated a community based program in Kalikiliki Compound under the banner of the Zambia shall be saved foundation in partnership with the MMD to supply masks, water tanks, sanitizers and antibacterial soap. We have so far serviced one hundred households with a view of servicing two thousand households by July. We shall continue to work in this community until the country is out of danger.

On the second commitment, we have insisted that only a complete lockdown will save lives in our country. To the contrary, government has opted for half measures that in our view continue to compromise the security of the citizens of this country. A quick check, around Lusaka, one realizes that the measures being recommended by government are of no effect as many Zambians have continued with life as usual, and this was our fear thus having recommended for a total shutdown. Most of our poor brothers and sisters have no money to buy face masks and their circumstances do not allow for social distancing. We are sitting on a time bomb.

In the last Presidential address Churches were given the freedom to start meeting of course following the ministry of health guidelines. Yesterday, the president unlocked Gyms, Casinos, Restaurants and school examination classes. In the same address the President hinted that the worst of COVID-19 could still be ahead of us. He further stated that he anticipates the worst economic outlook for Zambia in the months that lie ahead. The question all Zambians are asking is, Why against such a gloomy back ground are we then opening up the country instead of tightening the reins?

While we respect the position of Government on how they wish to fight this disease, we would like to state that, this approach is detrimental to the security of all Zambians. We salute the Church which in a chorus thanked the president for allowing them to meet and yet they resolved to keep the doors of their churches closed in order to protect their flocks. We would like to strongly advise the Restaurant owners and other business houses to consider to wait for the flattening of the curve before they open up their spaces for business. We know these are not easy decisions but these are no easy times either. We must bite the bullet and wait for the waters to rescind before we jump out of the ark. Life is more precious than profit.

Today’s update on Covid 19 is one of the most horrific so far for our country. Just yesterday the Repuplican president gave the nation such assurances about the situation and went on to relax the measures that government has put in place so far to help us fight this vicious enemy.

We are concerned that firstly Nakonde which has recorded 76 cases is a very significant town to the social-economic life of our country. Many small scale and medium scale traders arrive and leave from Nakonde daily in search of a better life. These business people go to all parts of our country with their wares. This could easily mean that the virus has been transported all over our nation as it would have attached itself to all kind of material.

So we could be facing our darkest days in the months ahead.

We, in the MMD have been very consistent in advising government to lockdown the nation especially the epicenters. We have further pledged that we shall support the government in the efforts to fight this virus. It is clear that on the issue of a lockdown, we see things different. It is unfortunate that as an opposition leader I have no easy access to the President or his ministers. There is also no round table around which we can float our views for government’s consideration. Our only option is to write open letters to the President in the hope that he can somehow catch wind of it.

The president himself indicated that our worst days with CoronaVirus are ahead. In view of the forecast and todays picture, we insist that it is not too late to undertake drastic measures and reverse the relaxation of the measures. We suggest the following

1. Put the epicenters on complete lockdown until it is safe.
2. Increase daily screening and testing. Let us use the GeneXpert testing that the minister of health referred to as this is available country wide.
3. Provide all our health workers from the cleaners all the way to the hospital managers with enough and complete PPEs

As the old adage goes, a stitch in time saves 9. We have delayed to put in a stitch but still 3 stitches will save 6. We are racing against time.

It is critical that the president retakes the ship and give the nation direction.

I remain deeply disheartened at the course the fight against COVID-19 has taken. Mr President, again, please lockdown the epicenters as a matter of urgency. We further demand that both the Nakonde and Chirundu borders be closed closed.

I thank you and may God bless and protect our Nation.

Bowman Lusambo warns owners of Casinos and Restaurants

Chief Editor
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Bowman Lusambo warns owners of Casinos and Restaurants

Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo has warned owners of Casinos and Restaurants to refrain from turning their premises into bars following their reopening by President Edgar Lungu.

Mr. Lusambo says operations of Casinos and restaurants are well outlined hence should not be transformed into bars.

He has advised owners of Casinos and restaurants that also sale alcohol to only focus on their key roles and not open the bar section.

The Minister says his office will not relent in conducting spot checks to ensure compliance levels and observance of set health guidelines in these premises.

And Mr. Lusambo has advised District Commissioners in all the Districts in Lusaka to ensure funds meant for the fight against Covid-19 are used for their intended purpose.

Meanwhile, the directive by the Livingstone City Council, compelling people to wear face masks in public places seems to have been ignored by a number of residents, particularly in markets, in the Tourist Capital.

Market committees in the district are said to be having challenges to compel traders and customers to wear face masks.

A ZNBC News crew that visited Ellaine Brittel Market found most traders conducting business without face masks.

Market Chairlady Granery Moono, says some traders are failing to wear face masks despite periodic reminders to do so.

Makwata Salutes Jesse Were

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Kenya striker John Makwata says compatriot Jesse Were played a major part in his decision to join defending FAZ Super Division champions Zesco United.

Makwata’s has made a promising start in his second coming to Zambia this January scoring three goals before the league was halted due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The ex-Buildcon striker said he hopes to emulate the prolific forwards’ domestic and continental success at Zesco.

“He is a respected man here, thanks to the great job he has done,” Makwata told The Star Newspaper of Kenya.

“He inspired me to join and I am learning a lot from him. He has broken records here and I feel the pressure to perform just like him.”

Meanwhile, Were has scored 12 league goals this season and is three goals behind leader in the 2019/2020 FAZ Golden Boot race Cameroonian Baba Basile of Lusaka Dynamos.

The defending league champions are currently fifth on the log on 24 points, four points behind leaders Forest Rangers with nine games left to play since the season was suspended in mid-March.

COVID-19 Cases Explode in Nakonde , with 79 new cases out of 170 Tests

Chief Editor
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COVID-19 Cases Explode in Nakonde , with 79 new cases out of 170 Tests

Health Minister Dr. Chitalu Chilufya has declared Nakonde District as the new COVID-19 epicenter following the explosion of new cases in the district. The 76 new cases, out of 170 tests done in Nakonde, marks the highest number of new COVID-19 cases record in a district since the detection of the disease in Zambia.

Briefing the media today, Dr. Chitalu also announced that 3 COVID-19 deaths have been recorded while the country has also an additional 9 new cases out of 346 test, to bring the total to recorded 85 new cases, with 1 recovery in the last 24 hours.

Dr. Chilufya added that the cases involve 26 truck drivers, among them 18 Tanzanians, 13 being workers at lodges and commercial sex workers, and 31 immigration staff among others.

Dr Chilufya disclosed that the first death was recorded from an 82-year-old patient of Nampundwe who had a stroke but was subjected to COVID-19 tests which came out positive. He said the second case is of a 30-year-old female from Ngombe compound who tested positive but was suffering from the chronic liver condition while the 3rd case is from a patient from Ndola who was investigated for tuberculosis and presented to the hospital and was swabbed and also tested positive for COVID-19.

Dr. Chitalu also said that the 9 cases are from 346 tests done in Lusaka out of which the deaths came from bringing the cumulatively cases to 252, 112 recoveries, 133 active cases, and 7 deaths.

The Minister said the cases recorded in Nakonde came from mass testing which was necessitated by a couple from the Copperbelt who tested positive after coming from the border town.

Dr. Chilufya further said 650 cases from Nakonde are being analysed today and said all measures have since been intensified to avoid further community spread in the district and also appealed to the citizenry to avoid traveling to and from Nakonde.

“Key guidelines remain the same. avoid unnecessary travels and enhance hygiene in the midst of the gradual retain to normalcy and be adherent to the public health guidelines” he urged.

Dr. Chilufya said the ministry has instituted stringent border control measures and those who will be coming from Nakonde will be subjected to the 14 days mandatory quarantine at their own cost.

He said Chinsali will have a 300-bed  quarantine facility  and assured that the government will be able to handle the surge in cases in the area.

“In averting a public crisis and allowing the economy to run this summons all of us to observe strictly the public guidelines as given by President Edgar Lungu in his national address,” Dr.Chilufya said.

Women’s History Museum of Zambia and the National Museums of World Culture in Sweden awarded funding for a digital heritage platform collaboration

Entertainment Editor
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Women’s History Museum of Zambia and the National Museums of World Culture in Sweden awarded funding for a digital heritage platform collaboration

The Women’s History Museum of Zambia (WHMZ) and The National Museums of
World Culture in Sweden (NMWC) has been awarded a grant of ZMW2,000,000
from the Creative Force program of the Swedish Institute for a project to develop a
digital and interactive platform for sharing historical collections and women’s history
between Sweden and Zambia. The Museum of Ethnography in Stockholm cares for
more than 600 artefacts from Zambia as well as some three hundred historical
photographs. Through digital tools and collaborative methods, the purpose is to learn
more about these collections and making them available for the public and for
researchers in both countries.
“We are excited to embark on this opportunity to create digital paths for Zambians
to access cultural objects and knowledge which has previously been out of reach. It
is also a way for indigenous, historical and contemporary knowledge to be correctly
documented by Zambians with original content and metadata that may have been
lost. We will work with “knowledge keepers” in our communities to support the
process of restoring this knowledge here in Zambia”, says Mulenga Kapwepwe – Co
Founder of the Women’s History Museum.
Entitled Empowering Women’s Histories: Sharing Digital Heritage between
Zambia and Sweden the project will use the collections from the Museum of
Ethnography to portray the lives and conditions of women now and in the past.
WHMZ is an independent museum based in Lusaka which focuses on women’s
history and cultural heritage as tools to strengthen women’s rights and participation
in civil society. The organization gained global attention by their much-celebrated
animated podcast Leading Ladies, using innovative digital storytelling to make
Zambian women’s history accessible to a wider audience.
“More and more the museum space is changing, the walls are being dismantled and
are rapidly being replaced with digital spaces. The museum will be one of the first to
launch a digital platform that will not only allow access but will bring in wider
populations to interact and functionalise the shared objects. We are looking forward
to collaborating with educators, artists, entrepreneurs and many others to find a
way to leverage use and practical application of the digital objects”, Co-Founder
Women’s History Museum, Samba Yonga.
The collaboration is part of Ongoing Africa – a project at the NMWC which combines
exploration and method development with the purpose of generating new
perspectives on the African continent and its history. A primary concern is to make
the collections from the African continent in the museum’s care relevant for more
visitors. Says Michael Barrett, curator for the African collections at the NMWC:
“We are so happy to continue our collaboration with the Women’s History Museum
of Zambia. I think how we care for historical collections from the African continent,
especially those connected to the colonial period, needs to evolve in a more ethical
direction. The project will improve our digital tools and methods to start addressing
this.”

COVID-19 may turn out to be a hoax disrupting the economy

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COVID-19 may turn out to be a hoax disrupting the economy

I have been quietly monitoring the Covid-19 situation and the sequence of events that have transpired so far.

I can safely say that it is not a lethal disease.

Like I earlier observed we seem to have drifted from basing our decisions on Epidemiology to making decisions based on hearsay and political rhetoric.

I still strongly feel that government should not have closed businesses, churches, schools etc based on hearsay and few imported cases of covid-19.

Instead Government should have waited to observe epidemiogically how the disease evolves at local level, whilst putting appropriate interventions in place.

That way they could have been making logical decisions based on data.

From my observations the Covid-19 may not be as lethal to Zambians and Africans in general as it was portrayed to be.

A close look with a medical eye may show that the deaths attributed to Corona in Zambia had other serious conditions than the Corona itself.

Am yet to see a death in Zambia purely caused by Covid-19. If this happens please update me so i analyse and update my thought process.

So what am saying is that I strongly feel Covid-19 may not be as lethal in our setting as earlier portrayed.

Therefore if my personal thought process is considered right, then Covid-19 may come out as a time waster, destructor, a hoax and a potential destroyer of our hard earned economic environment.

Am calling on Doctors, Public Heath Specialist, Epidemiologists, Health Management Specialist to come out and brainstorm in the open to give guidance to our political leaders before they destroy our country further and push our already poor people into unnecessary extreme poverty orchestrated by the Western World through or in the name of Covid-19.

Our observations over the past few months on Covid-19 are enough to enable us decide a good progressive path for our country. Let us not bury our heads in the sand and leave western countries dictate what we should do or not do at every point.

Let’s make use of our short observations on Covid-19 and our medical knowledge and experience to guide politicians to put this country on the right path.

Because most learned medical professionals don’t want to say things the way they are for fear of politicians, we shall end up embarrassing the same politicians when they start opening businesses, churches, schools when we shall have many many thousands of cases and the lay people will start querring their political decisions and they will lose trust in our medical guidance.

With our short experience with Covid-19, and building on our wealth of experience of epidemics, and pandemics, we could guide to continue normal life while putting appropriate intervention and eventually wean off the interventions.

I strongly and honestly feel that Covid-19 will Not kill us Zambians the way these foreigners are making us believe and it will be too late by the time we realise.

Once my thought process is proved right I hope one day the Third world should sue the Western World in the International Court for reparations/damages to the economy arising from false alarms and causing unnecessary fear and panic.

Dr Puma (UNZA) MPH (USA)
International Heath Systems Management Specialist.

Siwale Hopes For Rational Concensus on 2019 /2020 Season Conclusion

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Former FAZ executive committee Blackwell Siwale is calling for wide consultation as Football House looks at ways of concluding 2019/20 season that has been halted by coronavirus.

CAF has guided member associations to come up with a plan on ending the troubled season.

Siwale said there was need to engage all clubs during the consultation process.

“I would agree that we take it easy. Many a team, even those who are at number five had a chance to probably become champions,” the ex-Nchanga Rangers president said.

As at week 25, Forest Rangers, who have never won the FAZ Super Division title, are leading the table with 46 points from 24 matches played.

‘This issue requires engagement. The association should talk to all clubs and find out which way is possible. Then at the end of the day we should be able to agree and say most clubs feel it should end in this manner,” Siwale said.

“It’s not a one man decision; it affects many people, many clubs, sponsors and other stakeholders. We need to talk to clubs engage them so that we hear their views in relation to concluding this season,” he said in Chingola.

Forest chairman Ben Mukuka recently said his team should be declared champions if the 2019/20 season is declared null and void.

Nkana Officials and Supporters Urged to Reconcile

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The Zambia Football Fans Association (ZAFFA) has asked the Nkana executive committee and the supporter’s leadership to bury their differences.

A cold war has erupted between the two parties with the supporter’s group accusing the executive of poor administration before petitioning club sponsors Mopani Copper Mines to remove club president Evaristo Kabila and Secretary Charles Chakatazya.

National supporters chairman Emmanuel Zulu has cited Kalampa’s failure to settle arrears owed to former players Stephen Adams, Aaron Katebe and Walter Bwalya as signs of mismanagement.

The cases of the three players resulted in some of the club’s assets being impounded by bailiffs in addition to sanctions by FIFA and FAZ.

The executive reacted angrily to the petition by announcing that it had dissolved the supporters leadership at all levels.

Reacting to the rift, ZAFFA General Secretary Chawezi Katwizi said no stakeholder is bigger than the other at Nkana hence the need for supporters and the executive to dialogue.

“The shadow boxing we are seeing at Nkana is not good for the club. The best way is to sit down and iron out this issue behind closed doors. Hoping to see a very good ending to this,” Katwizi said.

Katwizi has also asked the Nkana executive to rescind the announced dissolving of the supporters’ leadership.

“No club can survive without fans. The executive should find a strategy of engaging the fans. Fans have been there even when the team was in Division One. There is no way the executive can say they have dissolved the supporters,” he said.

And Kitwe based Nkana supporter Prosper Shamatutu is insisting that Kabila must be removed as club president.

“Why has Kabila rushed to dissolve the supporters? This means he is guilty and must go. What has he achieved at Nkana? Kabila needed to sit down with fans and hear out our concerns,” Shamatutu said.

President Lungu’s Progressive Measures On Corona Virus In The Context Of The “NEW Normal” Must Be Supported

Chief Editor
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President Lungu’s Progressive Measures On Corona Virus In The Context Of The “NEW Normal” Must Be Supported

By Dr. Jonas Chanda

I fully support measures just announced by His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu on the Corona virus disease in Zambia and the “NEW NORMAL” we have to learn to live with, just as we have learned to live with other deadly diseases like Malaria, HIV/AIDS, TB, which actually infect and kill many more people than Covid-19.

The novel Corona virus has affected almost every country on earth with adverse impact on people’s health, livelihoods and economies. However, health experts have stated that the disease is not going to disappear any time soon and others say Corona virus will be with us for a minimum of 2 years, and RECURRENCES cannot be ruled out.

As the President stated, prolonged total or partial local downs will have DEVASTATING EFFECTS ON NATIONS’ ECONOMIES from which recovery may take many years. Borders for a landlocked country like Zambia cannot remain TOTALLY shut as some have called for, and neither should there be prolonged delays in the flow of EXPORTS and IMPORTS, otherwise the economy can collapse with dire consequences. Manufacturing companies, hotel and tourism industry, wholesale and retail shops, bars and restaurants have to gradually open up as failure to do so will result in further loss of jobs and tax revenues for Government, thus affecting Government’s capacity to provide essential services like buying of drugs and equipment in hospitals, paying civil servants’ salaries, meeting debt servicing obligations, etc.

The President has similarly highlighted the devastating effects of the partial lockdown we’ve had on schools, colleges, universities, small businesses (restaurants, bars), cinemas, gyms, etc.

Even the most affecred countries like China, Japan, South Korea, Britain, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, USA and South Africa are all beginning to EASE RESTRICTIONS in a PHASED MANNER just like the President has announced while emphasizing on preventive measures against Covid-19. Most European Parliaments are meeting with social distancing, European football leagues will be restarting this month-end, airlines are beginning to fly with mandatory face masking and other preventive measures, manufacturing, retail and wholesale companies are beginning to open up. In short, life is beginning to “normalise” under the “NEW NORMAL” created by Covid-19.

Like the President stated, all measures in the “NEW NORMAL” are subject to PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDELINES like HYGIENE PRACTICES (washing hands with soap and water or alcohol based hand sanitizers), SOCIAL DISTANCING, MANDATORY WEARING OF FACE MASKS in PUBLIC (in retail shops, markets, public transport, schools, church gatherings), NO SHAKING OF HANDS and NOT TOUCHING THE FACE, MOUTH OR NOSE WITHOUT WASHING HANDS.

In addition, health experts and other key stakeholders have to prioritize COMMUNITY SENSITIZATION and EDUCATION, SCREENING, QUARANTINE, accessible TESTING, CONTACT TRACING among clusters, ISOLATION, and TREATMENT.

The Author is the Ruling Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Parliament for Bwana Mkubwa Constituency in Ndola

Stop Discriminating Against Deaf People, Let Them Drive, Government told

Chief Editor
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Stop Discriminating Against Deaf People, Let Them Drive, Government told

The Zambian Roads and Highway Safety Group (ZRHSG) is urging the Zambian government to stop discriminating against the deaf in our society and allow the deaf to start driving.

The Zambian Roads and Highway Safety Group has not found any reason that could stop a deaf person from safely and professionally driving a motor vehicle of their choice or any class.

The Group has also not found any research that shows that deaf drivers have been the leading cause of road traffic accidents in countries that allow the deaf to drive, like in the European Union countries, in the United States of America, United Kingdom, South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe among others.

In fact, research shows that deaf drivers are among the cautious and law-abiding motorists on the road because of their sensitivity to what is happening around them, including the reading of all road signs and checking their mirrors all the time.

Research has also shown that non-deaf drivers are easily distracted by the noise around them including listening to music, talking on the phone, honking, and other noises on our roads.

Research has also shown that most road signs and flashing lights are designed not to be heard but to be seen and as such the deaf should have been the first persons to be licensed to drive because of their easy understanding of road signage on our roads.

Not giving the deaf their chance to drive actually hinders the deaf from doing business like other citizens and denies them their freedom of movement without depending on others.

Zambia is among a few countries that still discriminate among the deaf in so far as driving on our roads is concerned.

Let the deaf drive.

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