Monday, June 30, 2025
Subscribe
Advertisement Banner
Home Blog Page 1376

Sate-Sate Itching For Action

sports
-
3

Nkana star striker Ronald Sate Sate Kampamba is itching to return to action when the coronavirus outbreak is contained.

Sate Sate said life has not been easy during the covid-19 outbreak which has halted sport globally.

Kampamba said football was his way of life.

He is also confident of maintaining his fitness during the coronavirus induced FAZ Super Division recess.

“We have been asked to stay home so I am just training at home, sometimes I do jogging and road run. As a player I use my body and legs to play so I need to keep myself fit,” Kampamba said in Kitwe.

“We are praying to God to help us. It’s not easy to live like this because football is our life. We are praying to God that soon we go to the pitch,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kampamba couldn’t comment on his future with Nkana.

Kampamba recently announced his intention to leave his boyhood club when his contract expires next year.

UPND says it’s appalled at the levels of corruption and downright thieving of national resources by PF Leaders and Cadres

Chief Editor
-
29
UPND says it’s appalled at the levels of corruption and downright thieving of national resources by PF Leaders and Cadres

The opposition UPND is appalled at the levels of corruption and downright thieving of national resources by the Patriotic Front leaders and their cadres.

UPND spokesperson Charles Kakoma says the PF is a bunch of kleptomaniac individuals who steal money, anything that they want, whenever they can and nearly all the time.

Mr. Kakoma says his party has seen and heard how some people connected to PF leaders are now supplying personal protective equipment that was donated by well-wishers in the fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic.

He said the UPND is horrified that even after President Lungu sent hundreds of paramilitary officers to secure the gold deposits at Kasenseli gold mine in Mwinilunga, his cadres took over the mine without anyone stopping them.

Mr. Kakoma noted that President Lungu led his party members into Mwinilunga and has wondered his interest in the area he visited four times in a month.

“A fortnight ago, our Member of Parliament for Mwinilunga Newton Samakai had given the Zambia Police an ultimatum to leave Kasenseli mine failure to which he was going to lead the locals to take over the mine as only PF cadres, mostly from outside the province, we’re benefiting from the wealth given to them by God”, he said.

Mr. Kakoma said President Lungu has received reports from the police and the country’s intelligence services on how his party leaders and cadres camped in Mwinilunga are exploiting the natural resource to their benefit.

“Acting on the information from the police and the intelligence agencies, President Lungu has taken a new Police Commissioner to North-Western Province to replace Hudson Namachila who is accused of having failed to protect the gold”, he added.

Mr. Kakoma has wondered why PF party Secretary General Davies Mwila has taken action against one person, Jackson Kungo the party provincial chairman in North-Western Province, over his involvement in the looting of gold in Mwinilunga.

He said the suspension of Kungo by Mr. Mwila goes to show that indeed there is no honor amongst thieves.

Mr. Kakoma said it is however shocking to the nation that Mr. Mwila is sending a team of PF cadres to investigate their fellow cadre Kungo when the police and the intelligence agencies have already handed their findings to President Lungu.

He challenged the PF should not insult and take the Zambia people for grated by sending cadres to cleanse their colleagues of criminal offenses.

Mr. Kakoma said the theft of gold by the PF elements and agents in Mwinilunga is undeniable indisputable and irrefutable truth and fact known by the people of North Western Province and the Zambians at large.

He said the theft of gold in Mwinilunga should not be trivialized as a PF internal matter at a time the country is shackled in debt.

Mr. Kakoma said this is a serious matter that does not need Patriotic Front Chairperson for Legal affairs Brian Mundibile and his band of fellow cadres in the names of Nixon Chilangwa, Syacheye Madyenkunku, Kampamba Chewe, Andrew Lubusha, and Alick Tembo to investigate the matter.

He said the only reason these cadres are being sent to Mwinilunga by Davies Mwila is that they should go and get their share of the loot taking place there.

Mr. Kakoma said if President Lungu is serious about his utterances to uproot corruption in the PF and government and his promise not to shield anyone found wanting by the law, then he should stop cadres from undertaking this investigation.

He has challenged President Lungu to take action based on the reports from the Zambia police and the country’s security apparatus.

Informal is Normal: Why Lockdown Won’t Work in Lusaka

editor
-
22
Informal is Normal: Why Lockdown Won’t Work in Lusaka

When the coronavirus first became the topic of conversation on world news, I kept my fingers crossed hoping it wasn’t going to reach Africa, not least Zambia, my beloved country. Alas, it has.

I appreciate the efforts the government is putting in place to combat the spread of the virus. It goes without saying that Zambia’s current health infrastructure isn’t prepared to deal with the severity of the pandemic should the situation currently happening in New York City befall us. While I understand on an intellectual level that the lockdown is most likely our best approach to prevent the spread of this deadly virus, on a practical level, I don’t think it’s a sustainable approach—especially in a city like Lusaka.

Why am I taking this stance? It’s important to understand that the city of Lusaka is unlike cities such as London or New York. People in these foreign cities can survive during the lockdown but in Lusaka, life takes a whole different shape. To begin with, the majority of people in Lusaka fall under the category of informal employment. This largely means when people go to work, they don’t report to offices. Rather, they report to the streets. Essentially, the streets and roads are their offices. You only have to walk the streets of Lusaka and you’ll see people selling secondhand clothes, fritters and doughnuts, phone accessories, to mention just a few. These people don’t spend their time on the streets to make surplus income. Instead, they do it for survival. Hence, enforcing a mandatory lockdown in Lusaka will only result in starvation to many families.

Secondly, the lockdown is likely to exacerbate the problem of homelessness. Unlike in Western countries, landlords in shanty compounds of Lusaka such as Kanyama and Chibolya aren’t rich people. They rely on rentals from tenants to feed themselves. Many of these tenants make their money by getting out in the streets to run their informal businesses. The lockdown makes this impossible, making them unable to pay rent. The landlord is left with no choice but to evict them from his property.

Lastly, the lockdown causes economic activity to slow down, if not come to a halt. It doesn’t take an economist to realize that income reduces when economic activity slows down. The downside of this scenario is that it is likely to lead to higher rates of crime. When people are fighting for survival, they do desperate things—even breaking the law becomes an option. Yes, the lockdown may be good at preventing the spread of the virus, but it’s important to understand the implications of this course of action to the many small business owners in Lusaka who rely on being on the streets to generate income. Those with government jobs have dodged the bullet of this lockdown, but they’re only a few. Authorities need to remember that informal is normal in Lusaka. This lockdown is hurting the masses.

By Joram Mutenge

The author is a Zambian student in the USA pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy.

Should Africa consider the nuclear energy route?

Chief Editor
-
5
Should Africa consider the nuclear energy route?

Despite its advancements over the years particularly in the oil, gas and power industries, it is no secret that Africa is still plagued with the very real issue of inefficient energy supply. Recording nearly 600 million people with no access to electricity, the question of what it will take to eliminate poverty in Africa is prevalent now more than ever.

While the continent has enjoyed great achievements in oil and gas developments and seen the launch of numerous successful renewable energy programmes, bringing online large scale world-class projects, it still has not managed to close the power gap as it hedges forward with its goal of sustainable energy mixes. So, what’s next for Africa?

With rising populations and high electricity costs, African countries are investing in various sources for electricity generation but, one remains largely unimplemented and, not without reason.

Nuclear energy and Africa

While nuclear energy is widely unexplored on the continent with South Africa remaining the only country with a commercialised nuclear power plant.

Egypt is home to one of the oldest nuclear power programmes. Launched in 1954, the programme is responsible for the 4.8 GW El Dabaa nuclear power plant, currently in the construction phase. The project will be developed by, Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation (ROSATOM) – the biggest nuclear power player in Africa having concluded memoranda of understanding with Kenya, Nigeria, Sudan, Zambia and Uganda.

Kenya’s first nuclear reactor is set for completion in 2027 while Uganda’s 2019 Inter-Governmental Agreement with ROSATOM to help develop nuclear infrastructure remains in place.

Though it has not made any announcements in regards to implementing nuclear in its energy mix, earlier this year, Senegal shared its readiness for nuclear energy, through its Integrated Nuclear Security Support Plan (INSSP) developed alongside the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

“Before the INSSP, we did not consider nuclear security to be a problem that affected our country, as we do not have a nuclear power programme. In cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, we are working to assess our threats,” said Ndèye Arame Boye Faye, Director General of Senegal’s regulatory body, the Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Authority. “Since working with the IAEA, we have also reassessed our priorities and capabilities and enhanced our competencies in the field of nuclear security,” he told the agency.

The challenges of nuclear energy

Nuclear energy is one of the more attractive options when considering a clean, reliable and cost-effective energy source. But, it does not come without its challenges.

For instance, it could take years for a country anywhere in the world to initiate a nuclear power programme and, infrastructure development could not come any sooner than 10 -15 years. Simply put, the nuclear route requires a lot of patience and dedication – especially in Africa where a number of countries are working towards development.

According to Miliko Kovachev, Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section: “A successful nuclear power programme requires broad political and popular support and a national commitment of at least 100 years.”

100 years, a commitment that would not address Africa’s pressing power needs in the near term, especially with Sub-Saharan Africa’s population set to double over the next 30 years.

But, there is an alternative solution. Small scale nuclear reactors.

Defined by the World Nuclear Association as reactors that are generally 300MWe equivalent or less, small scale nuclear reactors are designed with modular technology using module factory fabrication, pursuing economies of series production and short construction times, making them one of the more practical solutions for African countries.

Another major hurdle of nuclear energy is financing. Due to its high cost of implementation, African countries looking at nuclear energy could be deterred. “But, there are financing mechanisms like, for instance, from export agencies of vendor countries. Tapping into a reliable, carbon-free supply of energy when vendors are offering to fund it can make sense for several countries in Africa,” said Kovachev.

American entrepreneurial firms that understand Africa are likely to succeed. IP3 International, a firm founded by retired Navy Rear Admiral Michael Hewitt, retired Army General John Keane, and Robert McFarlane, a former national security adviser to President Ronald Reagan is likely to make a strong play with an innovative approach that makes puts Africans at the foundation of it and also driven by local empowerment.

All these challenges are not ones that cannot be overcome and, Africa is ready to take them on.

“Platforms such as the International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation and IP3 International are essential in opening the dialogue on the right approaches for Africa,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “Because nuclear energy is still a foreign concept to many African economies, we need to take our lessons from the rest of the world and, participate in the conversations on nuclear efficiency, safety and security ensuring that when the time comes for us to move forward with nuclear, we have laid the foundation.”

Nuclear energy and the climate change debate

As the climate change debate continues and the global community seeks cleaner energy sources, the shift towards nuclear power for African countries would mean that they are able to reduce their carbon emissions as expressed under the Paris Agreement.

“African economic growth, job creation, and improved quality of life depend on affordable, abundant energy, nuclear-powered energy is clean, reliable and affordable” said Ayuk. “It is a workable solution for Africa. Of course, it will take a lot of time, hard work and it will be challenging but, we need to look at alternative energy solutions. Our populations are rising and the gap is widening, we need to address the power issue and, we need to be open to doing it through exploring different routes,” he added.

In advancing nuclear power programmes, the African Energy Chamber encourages governments to show strong political will and create enabling environments for nuclear to take its place in our energy mixes. In getting started, African countries need to push forward with the programmes, put in place policies and regulations and, take lessons from the rest of China and Russia. If we are to close the power gap, we need to act now. Energy is the backbone of our development

 

SOURCE
African Energy Chamber

Why should our doctors die while saving lives, NDC Party Leader Chishimba Kambwili Asks

Chief Editor
-
21
Why should our doctors die while saving lives, NDC Party Leader Chishimba Kambwili Asks

The National Democratic Congress, NDC, is worried that more Health Care Workers, HWCs, may be infected with the Coronavirus if the government does not prioritize their health and safety during this pandemic.

In a statement issued to the media by Party spokesperson Saboi Imboela, Personal Protective Equipment, PPE, is a must during such pandemics or health emergencies and the government should ensure that the health personnel has them.

‘As you can see, 9 people out of the 72 that have been reported so far are medical staff. This gives us about 13 percent of health personnel being infected. So the more the number rises the more HCWs will be infected and we can’t risk their lives like that,’ NDC President Dr. Chishimba Kambwili said.

Meanwhile, the HCWs talked to have complained that their associations have been talking on their behalf but the government is not listening to them. ‘So what is going on is that no incentives have been given to us and we also don’t have proper PPE. Our duty right now should be to concentrate on the health of our patients but how do we do that without incentives and proper PPE? We can’t just be risking our lives with just words and no written documents like what other countries have done,’ one health personnel explained.

‘The government really needs to do something or it will be like times of cholera… Are you aware that people are made to pay back those little monies they were given from the cholera pandemic in 2017-2018? At the women and newborn hospital, we say no woman should die while giving birth so at the COVID one, why should people get sick while taking care of patients, without even any risk allowances?’ he asked.

‘If other poor countries like Malawi can do that what about us?… For example, Uganda has removed taxes for all front liners and increased their salaries by 50% for 6 months, South Africa has done the same, Malawi, Botswana, but to mention a few. So in those lines, let it be a written document, not just in words. What happens to our families when one dies on duty? We need to be protected and motivated,’ he said.

Dr. Kambwili has complained that the revelation by the HCWs of always running out of PPE like clothes that they are supposed to wear when seeing patients was very unfortunate.

‘Why should our doctors die while saving lives? And on top of that die without any proper incentives? This government needs to have a heart for its people and the way our health personnel is being treated right now is inhuman. They are risking their lives for all of us and the least we can do as a country is to pay them well,’ he said.

Electoral Commission of Zambia schedules Three Local Government By-Elections

Chief Editor
-
16
Electoral Commission of Zambia schedules Three Local Government By-Elections

The Electoral Commission of Zambia has prescribed Tuesday 9th June, 2020 as the date on which to hold the Polls for the Local Government By-elections in Nakato and Imalyo Wards of Mongu Town Council in Western Province and Bulilo Ward of Chilubi Town Council in Northern Province.

The Elections in Nakato, Imalyo and Bulilo Wards have been necessitated by the resignations of the incumbent Councillors.

This is according to a statement issued to the media by ECZ Public Relations Manager Margaret Chimanse.

And in view of the COVID-19 pandemic whose cases have continued to rise in Zambia, the Commission has also put in place measures to prevent the transmission of the pandemic.

Mrs Chimanse says political parties are discouraged from holding public rallies to avoid the contraction of COVID-19.

She encouraged political Parties and other Stakeholders to use appropriate campaign strategies such as mobile Public Address System, distribution of flyers and other political party materials with minimal or no contact with a crowd.

Mrs Chimanse has further advised political parties to desist from ferrying cadres from one district or ward to the other for campaigns in Districts where By-elections are taking place.

PF Suspends North-western Province Chairperson Jackson Kungo for suspected Corrupt Activities

Chief Editor
-
23
PF Suspends North-western Province Chairperson Jackson Kungo for suspected Corrupt Activities

The Patriotic Front (PF) has suspended North-western Province Chairperson Jackson Kungo from all party activities is with immediate effect.

PF Secretary General Davies Mwila said that the suspension has been effected in order to facilitate investigations at Kansenseli Mine- Mwinilunga District Northwestern Province.

Mr. Mwila said that Patriotic Front Chairperson for Legal affairs Brian Mundibile will on Saturday, April 25th, 2020 lead a delegation of senior party officials which will include Nickson Chilangwa, Kampamba Chewe, Andrew Lubusha and Alick Tembo to Northwestern Province.

The PF said that President Edgar Lungu who is also President of the Patriotic Front has vowed to uproot corruption in the party and government and will not shield anyone found wanting by the law.

Mr. Mwila said that the suspension will be reviewed subject to the outcome of investigations by the relevant authorities.

This is according to a statement issued to media by Patriotic Front Media Director Sunday Chanda.

Government throws out Pime TV Appeal, Prime TV License expired

Chief Editor
-
65
Government throws out Pime TV Appeal, Prime TV License expired

The government has thrown out an appeal by Prime Television Limited to have its license reinstated.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dora Siliya said that the Ministry can not entertain the appeal as Prime Television License had expired before the Independent Broadcasting Authority had canceled it on April 9, 2020.

In a letter to Prime Television Managing Director, Gerald Shawa, Ms. Siliya said the Private Television Station license had expired on March 29th, 2020.

She said Section 28 subsection two of the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act is categorical as it provides that the broadcasting license that is not renewed in accordance with Sub Section one of the Act is void.

Ms. Siliya said that it is for this reason that the appeal has been refused.

Ms. Siliya who is also Chief Government Spokesperson said Section 28 sub-section three of the IBA Act criminalizes the provision of a broadcasting service when the license is void.

She said upon conviction the offender is liable to seven years imprisonment or a fine of 700,000 penalty units.

Two New COVID-19 cases recorded in Chingola

Chief Editor
-
37
Two New COVID-19 cases recorded in Chingola

Chingola District has become the latest hotspot for COVID-19 in Zambia, after recording two cases, bringing to 76, the cumulative number of cases in the country.

The two cases, which are the only ones recorded in the last 24 hours, involve a couple, that had traveled to Tanzania.

Health Minister, Chitalu Chilufya confirmed this today in Lusaka, during the routine COVID -19 update.

Dr Chilufya explained that the couple, both aged 45, had traveled to Dar-re-Salaam, and came back through Nakonde border post in Muchinga province.

He said that screening at Nakonde border post, therefore, needs to be tightened, just like the government is doing in all places.

And, Dr. Chilufya has disclosed that the suspicious death at the University Teaching Hospital -UTH- earlier reported this week, is NOT COVID-19 related.

He explained that investigations and tests have revealed that the man, who was evacuated to the UTH from Choma in Southern Province did not die from COVID-19.

Dr. Chilufya, however, said authorities are investigating another suspicious death in Mongu, Western province, involving a female and the results will be announced later.

He said that anyone that arrives in the Country from a COVID -19 High-risk country will be quarantined at Government designated institution but at their own cost.

Earlier, Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Dora Siliya said tomorrow will mark two weeks that President Edgar Lungu made an extension on the COVID -19 measures.

Ms Siliya said that the nation needs to wait for further advice.

She cautioned Zambians to continue to adhere to the measures and also stay home and avoid non – essential travel.

Kwacha Deprecation Keeps the Price of Fuel Unchanged Despite Sharp Fall in Oil Price on the International Market

Chief Editor
-
23
Kwacha Deprecation Keeps the Price of Fuel Unchanged Despite Sharp Fall in Oil Price on the International Market

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) says current gains from a reduction in international oil prices have been negatively affected by the depreciation of the Kwacha during the same period.

ERB says this has resulted in no price changes made since the last review in December 2019.

ERB Public Relations Manager Kwali Mfuni says ERB has been monitoring movements in international oil prices and the performance of the Kwacha against the US dollar as the two directly impact local fuel prices.

Ms. Mfuni has noted that price review conducted on a cargo procured in January 2020 when the oil prices had not yet started to reduce and the Kwacha had started to depreciate showed minor price variations.

In a statement to media, Ms. Mfuni explained that ERB found it prudent to maintain fuel pump prices as changes would have been below the 2.5 % trigger band for price adjustment.

Ms. Mfuni said even if international oil prices fall during the period when the current cargo is consumed, the perceived benefit is not immediately passed on in the form of a domestic price reduction.

She said benefits can only be passed on if procurement was made during the period when the international oil prices are low.

Ms. Mfuni further said Zambia has not had any importation of crude petroleum feedstock since January 2020 as Indeni has been on industrial maintenance shutdown.

She said the government has in the interim relied on the importation of finished petroleum products being supplied by Oil Marketing Companies.

Ms. Mfuni said in view of the current trends, proposals have been made on options for leveraging on the low global prices and the possibility of locking insufficient low priced cargo orders.

She said that this is to take advantage of the low international oil prices.

Should the President Consider Relaxing COVID-19 Measures at his Next Address?

Chief Editor
-
19
Should the President Consider Relaxing COVID-19 Measures at his Next Address?

By Phillip Mubanga

The vaccine for novel coronavirus may be developed and be widely and safely available by 2021 or more, researchers have revealed.

Further for populations to develop sufficient natural immunity to slow the spread of the virus it could take up to two years according to Experts.

Most countries are beginning to realise that they cannot afford to wait in lockdown. This leaves us with no option but to walk the tightrope of finding strict measures that can facilitate survival through this duration the same way nations survived Ebola, SARS and HIV/AIDS…

To avoid serious economic and social devastations that can lead to a food security crisis there is need to consider careFULLY adjusting, lifting and relaxing some measures.

Measures such as mandatory quarantine of up to 14days after undergoing health screening upon entry into Zambia and physical/ social distancing including wearing of masks and washing of hands MUST continue until Covid19 is contained globally.

when and where should these measures be relaxed?

In provinces that have gone months until now without finding a single case of COVID-19 measures could be relaxed with immediate effect.

While for Lusaka province and Kabwe town, as soon as reported data begins to suggest the curve is flattening, with case numbers declining from their peak measures can be relaxed.

We can reopen economies in stages with schools, workers returning to work and churches a priority: restaurants should continue to operate on take away basis while adding other social venues like bars on same basis.

Kindergartens, high schools and colleges should reopen gradually..

We must act slowly, potentially waiting a month between each new step and ready to reverse quickly if infections start to spread again quickly.

There are no best practices established for timing or sequencing. We have to play by ear because there is no gold standard on how to do it.

We must continue to listen very carefully to experts and looking very carefully at what is working and has worked in other jurisdictions, and seeing how and if that can be adapted in Zambia

Austria reopened some non-core businesses on Tuesday. Denmark has allowed children to return to school. And Spain has allowed the return of construction workers and factories, although a national blockade remains in effect.

The conclusion of the matter is we are faced with a precarious balance, a potentially deadly misstep where we need to weigh the costs to the economy, mental health,education against peak potential of Covid19. Zambia must walk a tightrope and carefully begin to reopen economies in stages, acting slowly between each new step.

Mass COVID-19 screening and Testing gets underway in Lusaka’s Emmasdale and Chaisa Township

Chief Editor
-
22
Mass COVID-19 screening and Testing gets underway in Lusaka’s Emmasdale and Chaisa Township

Mass screening and Testing is underway in Lusaka’s Emmasdale and Chaisa Township which are considered high risk areas for COVID-19.

Lusaka Provincial Health Director Consity Mwale says 150 health workers have been deployed to the two townships to conduct screening and testing for COVID-19.

The Health Workers who comprise Doctors, Clinical Officers, Environmental Health Officers , Laboratory Officers and Data Personnel target to test 1,000 People.

Dr Mwale says the health workers also target to screen 3000 people.

He says the Health Workers who have been divided into ten teams, will screen and test people at Emmasdale Central Mosque, Twatotela School and Bank Houses.

Dr Mwale says the remaining team have been deployed at Chaisa Mosque where they have set up four screening points.

And, Lusaka Muslim Society Executive Member, Zakir Khankhara said it is the Muslim Community civic duty to help government in the fight against COVID-19.

Labour Ministry to Issue SI on when employers can be allowed to send workers on forced leave

Chief Editor
-
24
Labour Ministry to Issue SI on when employers can be allowed to send workers on forced leave

Minister of Labour Joyce Simukoko says the Ministry intends to draft a statutory instrument that will prescribe circumstances under which employers can be allowed to send workers on forced leave.

Mrs Simukoko says the ministry also plans to invoke section two of the employment code act to suspend some provisions which might include suspension of the requirement to give notice for a redundancy.

She also said the invocation of section two of the Employment Code Act to suspend the requirement to pay redundancy benefit as lump sum and allow employers to come with a flexible payment plan.

Mrs Simukoko said this in at media briefing in Lusaka today.

She said this will be done once consultations are done through the Labour Consultative Council.

The Minister said Government is aware of the challenges that the COVID-19 have brought to various sectors and is monitoring the situation.

She however said the Ministry is extra vigilant to ensure that no employer abuses those provisions to victimize workers.

And Mrs Simukoko further said there is no need for blame games on the enactment of Employment Code Act number three of 2019 because the tripartite consultative labour council was there during the consultation process.

She said it is unfortunate that some stakeholders have opted to go to the media to air their grievances on the bill when the actively participated in its enactment.

Mrs Simukoko further said those with concerns should dialogue with the Ministry over the matter.

FRA recovers 99 bags of stolen Mealie Meal

Chief Editor
-
2
FRA recovers 99 bags of stolen Mealie Meal

The Food Reserve Agency FRA has recovered ninety-nine (99) by 50 kilogramme bags of white maize worth over 10,000 Kwacha that were stolen in Luwingu District of Northern Province.

According to FRA public relations coordinator John Chipandwe,the theft was uncovered when alert Agency officers were conducting an intra-district movement of maize from Shitimali Satellite Depot in Luwingu to the main holding depot in the central part of Luwingu District.

“In fulfilment of the Food Reserve Agency’s goal statement of ”securing national strategic food reserves”, the Agency working in collaboration with the Zambia Police Service recovered the bags after an operation” Mr Chipandwe disclosed in a statement.

Mr Chipandwe further said the ninety-nine bags were stolen by Francis Mwamba at Shitimali Depot who worked with other unknown people.

He said Mr. Mwamba was arrested, taken to court and was convicted of the offence and was imprisoned with hard labour.

He cautioned the public to desist from stealing maize or any property from its strategic reserves and further stated that the agency is working closely with the Zambia Police Service and reliable informers stationed at all the storage facilities countrywide.

“Members of the public are therefore requested to help in securing national strategic food reserves by reporting anyone found selling maize in FRA branded bags to any nearest police station” Mr Chipandwe said

President Lungu is in violation of the Constitution by allowing Minister Lusambo to beat Citizens-CiSCA

Chief Editor
-
38
President Lungu is in violation of the Constitution by allowing Minister Lusambo to beat Citizens-CiSCA

The Civil Society Constitution Agenda (CiSCA) has charged that Republican President Edgar Lungu is in violation of the Constitution by allowing Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo to beat people that have not been in compliance of COVID-19 guidelines.

In a statement released to the media, CiSCA said that Mr. Lusambo Beating People Violated Article 15 of Our Bill of Rights and that beating of people is symptomatic of the absence of a human rights culture, bad governance and poor leadership in Zambia.

Below is the full statement

Lusambo Beating People Violated Article 15 of Our Bill of Rights: CiSCA

The Civil Society Constitution Agenda (CiSCA) strongly condemns the ongoing violations of the rights of citizens by Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo who has given himself a new job of chief enforcer of measures to address COVID 19.

Minister Lusambo’s beating of people is symptomatic of the absence of a human rights culture, bad governance and poor leadership in Zambia. Our human rights are a birth right and no one has the right to take them away from us even for our so-called own good or benefit. Our human rights are God given and not bestowed on us by law or even by any political leader no matter how powerful. The law only recognizes rights but it does not confer rights. Therefore, what Minister Lusambo has been doing leading the police in beating up people in public places in order to safeguard our lives is not only a blatant violation of human rights but a ridiculous and dangerous contradiction. Human rights are indivisible, interrelated and interdependent so you can not violate one right in the guise of protecting another right!

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been around since 10th December 1948 and we have a dangerously ignorant minister publicly declaring that he will beat human rights and its defenders using his own law 71 years later! Using one’s law is pure anarchy and delinquent behavior. President Lungu should be ashamed of his appointee Minister Lusambo. This man has a penchant for violence. He beat up Mr. Kambwili on the grounds of the law-making house itself instead of debating Mr. Kambwili on the floor of the house as MPs are supposed to do. Now he is going around shamelessly violating article 15 of our Constitution which protects everyone from being subjected to torture, or to inhuman or degrading punishment or other treatment. This right is in our Bill of Rights. It is not only justiciable but also non-derogable therefore this right cannot be suspended even in a state of emergency or a war situation. Article 25 of our Constitution lists rights that can be derogated from and article 15 is not one of them! Lusambo’s beating of people is ‘inhuman’ and ‘degrading.’ It is corporal punishment and Judge Chulu in his High Court ruling in the John Banda v the People case of 1999 affirmed that corporal punishment, beating people is a violation of article 15 of our Constitution.

Once again by the action of his Minister Lusambo’s violation of human rights, President Lungu’s reputation and standing at national and international level is brought into disrepute like his pardon of General Kanene, a child sexual molester. Last year, 2019, in its Fourth Periodic Report on the Implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to the UN Human Rights Committee, Zambia reported that the state has no laws that would give an opportunity for destruction of fundamental rights and freedoms recognised in the Covenant and while derogations are recognised by the Zambian Constitution under a state of emergency, such derogations do not affect the right to life, protection from slavery and forced labour, protection from inhuman treatment, contrary to what Minister Lusambo is doing. It would be interesting to note what the Committee’s response to the Minister’s shenanigans in relation to this part of the State party report would be. We ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 1984.

President Lungu is also in violation of the Constitution by allowing Minister Lusambo to run wild violating our human rights. Article 91(2) gives the President the executive authority to exercise either directly or by public officers he appoints. He appointed Minister Lusambo so how Lusambo exercises his authority is a reflection of the President himself. In fact, Lusambo has stated that he reports to the President and not to anybody else. Further, under the same article paragraph 3 sub section (e) puts an obligation on the President to promote and protect the rights and freedoms of a person and to uphold the rule of law. So what is the President doing letting Lusambo run wild violating the Constitution on his behalf without consequences?

The claim that police are using minimum force does not hold any water. Minimum force is applied to persons resisting lawful arrest. The intention of Lusambo was not to lawfully arrest the revelers but to beat them from the public places. Were the people being beaten resisting arrest or being brow beaten out of public places like cattle? How is that the same as resisting arrest?

Minister Lusambo even had the audacity of going on television to defend his unlawful acts. What an embarrassment to the Presidency whether the President acknowledges or wants to be ‘absent’ about the issue as he does on most issues that really matter to us. We are not President Lungus’s subjects. We are citizens whose only mistake was to entrust him with power to facilitate a democratic environment for all of us where the rule of law is respected and our voices are heard. The person who saw value in appointing Minister Lusambo is the President therefore the value of Minister Lusambo as a Minister is in the eyes of President Lungu and perhaps the electorate of Kabushi not the rest of us. So please President Lungu relieve this man of the position of Minister, a position which his actions has denigrated it. If a die-hard brutish man like Mr. Lusambo can be a Minister what’s honourable about such positions? A short while ago he said things that displeased Zambians in the diaspora and they unleashed insults on him a situation reflecting to the appointing authority. Is Minister Lusambo President Lungu’s best choice for a ministerial position? If so, we Zambians should restructure President Lungu’s function.

Issued by:

Judith Mulenga

CiSCA Vice Chairperson

1...1,3751,3761,377...5,641Page 1,376 of 5,641

Company

Trending

Categories

© Lusaka Times