Stevo released the video for his single “Certified” featuring Dope G, Kantu and Ben Zee.
“Certified is track 21 from SAVED album, a hip hop genre oriented record & it talks about Stevo being accepted as the New official face of Zambian Hiphop in the Ghetto, Streets and Cities at Large.”
By: Anthony Bwalya – UPND Member
Since the year 2014, Zambia has lost an estimated $500 million in Mukula revenue as a result of illegal underdeclaration of exports by the Zambian side.
Over the same period, another estimated $38 million has been paid and received in bribes by top government officials in this country, with new information now placing the presidency, a member of the first family, top government Ministers and a member of the traditional leadership now implicated.
And the primary reason the Patriotic Front (PF) political establishment, through it’s Media Director Sunday Chanda and and it’s defacto Spokesperson Emmanuel Mwamba, vehemently defended the Mukula Cartel is simply that the party is a beneficiary.
We have always spoken on the record, and repeatedly raised the alarm to the effect that Zambia is now firmly under the spell of political state capture. The political party Zambians elected into office serve and protect their interests, as well as acting for and on their behalf in the best national interest, has finally gone rogue. The Patriotic Front (PF) political establishment has facilitated the hostile and criminal takeover of government and all of its key institutions to ensure that economic gains are disproportionately, illegally and illegally diverted away from citizens and into the pockets of the presidency, top PF government officials, the party and their profit seeking private associates.
From the patterns of grand corruption thus far investigated and published, we now know that corruption under the PF administration is not perpetrated by individuals but rather sponsored by the party and the state. This is why it is and has been difficult for the PF establishment and government to act decisively against the corruption activities involving top party and government officials, as well as the party itself.
In February 2017, armed with information that there were several thousands of cubic meters of Mukula bound for export but lay in the hands of private permit holders, greed got the better of the PF administration. They panicked and put an illegal blockade on all Mukula exports. According to correspondence we have looked at by the Zambia Association of Timber and Forestry Based Industries, the 2017 ban, just like the 2012 ban, was instituted illegally, against the prescriptions of Article 64 of the Forestry Act No. 4 of 2015. The ban was never supported by a statutory instrument. They seized this timber and proceeded to illegally selling it to willing buyers, using ZAFFICO as a conduit. Only now are we learning of the gross underdeclaration and misrepresentation of revenues which arose from this illegal seizure and selling of the private property of Zambian companies, with a greater proportion of the arising revenue going into the pockets of individuals and never onto the books of ZAFFICO.
I personally know Two (2) legitimate local timber processing companies that collapsed, losing several thousands of US dollars in investment capital, inventory, idle machinery, incomes, livelihoods, lost jobs; thanks to this illegal, savage and heavy-handed wielding of power by corrupt PF operatives. In the end, it was corrupt government politicians who ended up dubiously benefitting from the efforts and private investments of hardworking Zambians. The value of the seized consignment alone exceeded $20 million and yet this was just a drop in the ocean.
Realizing how much money there was to be made, the PF government used Jean Kapata to cause ZAFFICO to be selectively issuing “special permits” to top government officials ONLY for the illegal harvest and export of Mukula trees. But even when the purported ban was in place, these corrupt government sponsored operatives were cutting down and exporting Mukula under the guise that the trees originated from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Of course, this was all a facade.
But the plunder of Mukula trees at the hands of PF operatives and government officials is just one area where the country is being raped and deprived of the much needed revenue to invest into our various social and economic sectors.
And it is no surprise that the party has come to the aid of it’s thieving proxies in government. The PF itself is on the record and has been cited for receiving tens of millions of dollars in bribes in exchange for the award of public contracts. This is in the Financial Intelligence Center report for the period ended 2018.
The PF also unequivocally and shamelessly defended the fraudsters in $42 million the Fire Tender scam, just as they defended the $35 million Maizegate scammers. The PF also came to the defense of those at the heart of the £3.5 million social cash transfer scandal, defended the criminals who spent up to $11 million on ambulances that never arrived, the thieves that stole $400,000 worth of test kits at MoH, as well as those who procured $4 million of expired drugs – again at MoH.
It is also the PF who have systematically shielded public sector payroll fraudsters who have racked in close to $800 million since 2012 in ghost worker salary payments.
We also know, that the 20% local contracts allocation is a scheme to divert public resources to the PF political party establishment as these contracts are issued to companies owners by Ministers and other party operatives, despite their repeated and shambolic record of never delivering on public works.
This is the legacy of the PF – a legacy of theft and plunder.
No single individual within the PF can fix this rot. The rot sits at the heart of the party and one certain way of averting the impending catastrophe connected to this filth is to vote the PF out of power.
Army Commander Lieutenant General William Sikazwe says smuggling of maize and mealie meal should be aggressively addressed in order to ensure food security in the country.
General Sikazwe says neighboring countries can be allowed to buy from Zambia but only through proper channels so that Zambians are NOT disadvantaged.
The Commander was speaking in Chipata today when he paid a courtesy call on the Provincial Administration where he was met by Assistant Secretary Royd Tembo.
And the Army Commander has advised Eastern regional Commander Brigadier General John Ng’andwe to facilitate for meetings with his Mozambican and Malawian counterparts in order to seek solutions to various issues of concern along the two borders.
And Mr Tembo has congratulated the Army Commander on his appointment to the highest office in the army, describing it as well deserved.
He added that the province looks forward to further engagements with the army under his command.
The Army Commander is in Chipata on a two-day familiarisation visit.
Ten sub-contractors have expressed concern with AVIC International, saying the contractor is allegedly abrogating the 20 percent sub-contracting policy.
The sub-contractors say AVIC has not done an evaluation of scopes of works for upgrading of selected Lusaka urban roads since April 2018.
In a letter addressed to Infrastructure and Housing Minister Vincent Mwale, the sub-contractors said AVIC international is allegedly set to go on recess on Friday 13th December 2019 without signing any contract agreement.
They said their appointment letters expire on December 31st, 2019, after which they will be invalid.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mwale said investigations are underway to ascertain if AVIC International is adhering to the 20 percent sub-contracting policy.
Mr. Mwale said he has received the petition from local contractors, adding that if the complaint from the contractors is found to be true, appropriate measures will be taken on AVIC International in line with the government’s guild lines.
But AVIC International has dismissed reports of the company going on recess, adding that they are waiting for guidance from Road Development Agency before any decision can be reached.
President Edgar Lungu has warned that no perpetrator of corruption will be allowed to roam free, but will face the full wrath of the law, regardless of their standing in society.
The head of state notes that those who engage in corrupt practices deny mothers, fathers, and children in the rural areas and in society access to basic services such as healthcare, education and proper sanitation.
He has observed that this is because few selfish individuals pocket funds meant for the provision of public services but assured that the government will not condone that.
Speaking yesterday during the commemoration of the international anti-corruption day under the theme “united against corruption” President Lungu vowed to punish all erring officers and to recover all stolen funds.
“It is heartbreaking to see the levels of abuse and embezzlement of public resources which continue to be revealed in the auditor-general’s report, and other related reports. Colossal sums of money are reportedly lost by institutions every year because some public officers have taken it upon themselves to milk public resources for their own selfish benefit” the head of state observed.
He has further emphasized that the fight against corruption will not be politicized but told law enforcement to do their job independently without any interference.
President Lungu reiterated the government’s resolve to do what is necessary for the attainment of a corruption-free country adding that Zambia is on a path to economic prosperity and we will not allow corrupt elements to derail the country from this path of development.
“The fight against corruption begins with me, it begins with you. We should all reject corruption, hate it with a passion and report all suspicious acts to law enforcement agencies. We should not just complain and do nothing about it. We should all take action, the time is now”. He said
President Edgar Lungu says there is a need to restore sanity in the utilization of public resources in the country.
The Head of State expressed concern at the huge financial resources that are either being misapplied or misappropriated in the public sector.
The President said this during the swearing-in ceremony of Deputy Auditor General in the office of the Auditor General, Francis Mbewe and Public Policy Specialist –Policy Analysis and Co-ordination Division at State House yesterday.
President Lungu urged newly appointed Deputy Auditor-General Francis Mbewe to apply his audit skills and resolve the numerous audit queries that constantly appear in the Auditor General’s report.
“I am concerned that huge financial resources are either being misapplied or misappropriated in the public sector. We need to restore sanity in the utilization of public resources and your office is key in finding a lasting solution to the matter.
He explained that the Mr Mbewe’s appointment is on merit, and expressed confidence that his promotion will effectively contribute to the financial and public supervision of the public service.
And the Head of State urged Public Policy Specialist Kambaila Munkoni to understand the global trends happening in this competitive world, in order to ensure that the best practices are adapted at local level for the benefit of the Zambian people.
President Lungu however, called on both newly appointed officers to take their work seriously and deliver according to the expectations of the Zambian people.
And speaking to journalists after the ceremony, Deputy Auditor General Francis Mbewe pledged his support to the Auditor General, promising to work as a team, in order to reduce on audit queries.
Mr Mbewe also explained that his office will warrant the enforcement of the Public Finance of 2018, to ensure a reduction in the audit queries.
He also stated that his office will further strive to improve the audit coverage of local authorities from the current 40 percent to a 100 percent coverage of councils as they offer service delivery to the people.
He added that there will be a heightened audit of money as well as performance audit to ensure that government programs impact citizens.
“We will also continue collaborating with other oversight institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Commission, Drug Enforcement Commission among others to ensure discipline in the expenditure of the public service.
Coach Beston Chambeshi says he is open to new job offers after resigning as Nkana coach on Sunday.
This was Chambeshi’s third stint as Nkana coach and it lasted two and a half years.
Nkana have since promoted Manfred Chabinga to the role of acting head coach.
‘Time had come for us to separate. Time comes in football when you look back at your performance and say I have worked let me now rest,’ Chambeshi said.
‘Nkana is my team but I said let me rest so that others can take over. For me to say let me rest it was not an easy decision to make. Nkana has made me reach where I am as a coach and player,’ he said on Monday in Kitwe.
Chambeshi has been linked with a move to several clubs among them Tanzanian side Simba Sports.
‘Football is round and it can take you anywhere. For now am resting but my eyes are also open. I will wait for another door to open, you know I love coaching and I still have the energy to coach,’ he said.
The 2018 season was the hallmark of Chambeshi’s third Wusakile reign as he guided Nkana to winning the Barclays Cup after finishing second in the FAZ Super Division campaign.
And Chambishi refused to rule out the possibility of returning to Nkana in future.
‘That’s why we have advisers. Football can take you anywhere but you have to consult when offers come,’ he said with laughter.
The ex-Power Dynamos and Lumwana Radiants coach also called for unity at Nkana Stadium.
Kalampa are fourth in the FAZ Super Division with 21 points from 11 matches played.
‘I am encouraging players, the coaches, supporters and the executive to unite and work together. Our team (Nkana) is a people’s team so there is no need to point fingers at anyone,’ he added.
President Edgar Lungu is tomorrow expected in Kasama for a two-day official visit.
The President who will arrive in Kasama in the morning is expected to commission the new civic centre in Kasama which was recently constructed.
President Lungu is also expected to go to Mporokoso district where he will commission a house that was built for a retired Reverend who is also a senior citizen.
Northern Province Minister Bwalya Chungu has confirmed the development to ZANIS in Kasama today.
Mr. Chungu said during his visit to the Province, the President is expected to also be conferred with the status of free man of Kasama.
He added that the President will during his visit to the Province also hold public meetings in Kasama and Mporokoso.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Minister has indicated that over 90 percent of the farming inputs have been distributed to all parts of the province.
The General firearms Amnesty, introduced in 2011 by the Zambia Police, whose objective was to remove prohibited and illegally acquired Firearms as well as prohibited firearms accessories and ammunition from members of the public, with a view of reducing the prevalence of violent crime in the country, will come to an end next year.
Inspector-General of Police Kakoma Kanganja said the Amnesty is coming to an end on 30th June 2020.
Mr. Kanganja has since appealed to the general public that those still in possession of illegally acquired firearms should take advantage of the remaining period of the Amnesty to surrender them to the Police.
He has also reminded all those who have inherited firearms of their deceased relatives without following laid down procedure in changing ownership to deposit such weapons in the Public Ware House without delay or risk being arrested and prosecuted.
Mr. Kanganja said Police will soon conduct random clean-ups in search of illegally owned firearms and all those that would be found wanting will be prosecuted accordingly and should have themselves to blame.
He has further called on members of the public who could have information on anyone in possession of illegal arms to report to any nearest police.
Some youths in the ruling Patriotic Front are unhappy with the arrogance being exhibited by their Leaders ahead of the 2021 general elections.
The youths are also disappointed that the top party leadership is not taking into consideration concerns being raised by the grassroots over failure by the government to deliver on the pro poor promises.
Those talked to have expressed fear that the party might not win the 2021 polls should the leaders especially the party leadership continue ignoring the needs of grassroot members.
They have attributed the loss in a Ward by election in Northern Province recently to arrogance by leaders who are not willing to listen to the needs of the people.
And the PF youths have appealed to the government to find ways of addressing the increasing cost of living which is affecting every Zambian.
They are worried that if left unchecked, this will affect PFs chances of winning the 2021 polls.
Speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of victimization, the youths among them youth leaders in Lusaka feel the level at which the party is ignoring the concerns being raised by Zambians is alarming.
They have also accused the leaders of misleading President Edgar Lungu on various issues affecting the people.
A twenty-year-old ZCAS student has committed suicide by throwing himself from the 14th floor of Government Complex building this afternoon.
The student who has been identified as Mwango Kandeta is the son of Chileshe Kandeta, Ministry of Finance Spokesperson.
Zambia Police spokesperson Esther Katongo confirmed in a statement that officers rushed to the scene and found a body of the deceased with several injuries.
Mrs Katongo said the deceased is reported to have jumped from the 14th floor, using the toilet window and left his slippers and a half-full bottle of Coca-cola inside the toilet where he had initially locked himself.
She explained that the door was forced open by the Police.
Mrs Katongo said the accident occurred today around 1615 hours at Government Complex at the rear lawn.
President Edgar Lungu has said that the talk of being mentioned in the illegal trade of Mukula is a case of falsehood being perpetrated by some Reporters.
The Head of State hoped that Reporters would rise above fake news and return to professional reporting.
The President said this through his Spokesperson Isaac Chipampe who briefed journalists shortly after President Lungu held a closed-door meeting with British High Commissioner to Zambia HE Nicolas Woolley.
Mr. Chipampe indicated that President Lungu made it clear that he has on several occasions restrained himself to act on fabrications because he hoped one day Reporters in Zambia will rise above fake news.
“The President also hoped diplomatics accredited to Zambia would be using diplomatic channels whenever they had issues of concern,” said Mr. Chipampe.
“And President Lungu has expressed concern that the country is being polluted daily with lies that have the potential to endanger peace in the country. President Lungu gave an example of the Constitutional Amendment Bill, also known as Bill 10, as one document that has been misrepresented.”
The Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations further told journalists that Mr. Woolley hoped Zambia can become a regional center for trade in the region.
Mr. Chipampe said the British High Commissioner to Zambia said the United Kingdom’s economic development program for Africa is based on support to small and medium enterprises and enhancement of regional trade.
“And Mr. Whoolley said President Lungu was leading the charge to find solutions to climate change in the region. The High Commissioner said the United Kingdom will partner with Zambia to find solutions to climate change. Mr. Whoolley said MET projections are still showing harsh indicators like lower than average rainfall and higher than average temperatures to which President Lungu said he welcomed the partnership to find solutions to climate change,” said Mr. Chipampe.
Here is a wrap of selected foreign-based players who were in action over the weekend at their respective clubs.
RUSSIA:
Sixth placed Arsenal Tula beat fifth positioned Locomotive Moscow 4-0 to claim their second big kill following their 1-0 victory over CSKA Moscow last Monday.
Striker Evans Kangwa came on in the 87th minute but was not on target while midfielder Lameck Banda was an unused substitute.
BELGIUM:
Third from bottom KV Oostende lost 1-0 away to AS Epen on Sunday.
Fashion Sakala played the full 90 minutes against the 12th placed side.
AUSTRIA:
Leaders RB Salzburg beat second from bottom Swarovski Tirol 5-1 on Saturday.
Patson Daka scored the first goal in the 3rd minute before making way in the 76th minute for compatriot Enock Mwepu.
Daka is now third on the top scorer’s charts with 13 goals, three behind club-mate Erling Haland.
SOUTH AFRICA
-KAIZER CHIEFS: Lazarus Kambole was an unused substitute on Saturday in leaders Kaizer Chiefs 5-3 home win over Bloemfontein Celtic.
Orlando Pirates: Augustine Mulenga was an unused by Orlando Pirates in Saturday’s 2-2 away draw against ex-Chipolopolo coach Wedson Nyirenda’s Baroka FC.
Justin Shonga was not selected for the match.
-POLOKWANE CITY: Goalkeeper Mwenya Chibwe was not selected for Polokwane City in Sundays 1-0 home loss to Maritzburg United.
Salulani Phiri was substituted on the hour- mark.
Mamelodi Sundowns:Goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene was an unused substitute in Sundowns ‘ 0-0 away draw against Wydad Casablanca in Morocco on Saturday in a CAF Champions League Group C match.
-BLACK LEOPARDS: Striker Musonda Mwape played the full 90 minutes in Black Leopards 0-0 home draw against Amazulu on Saturday.
FRANCE:
On Saturday, defender Stopilla Sunzu played the full 90 minutes in third from bottom Metz’s4-1 away loss against 13th placed Nice.
Former Finance Minister Felix Mutati is among the eminent world Leaders that have been invited to speak at the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants, African member’s Convention to be held in Kigali, Rwanda between 9th and 11th December 2019.
Mr. Mutati, who is the 2017 ACCA Global Advocacy award winner, has been invited to give a key note address which celebrates African leaders who have made a mark contributing to changing social structures, reforming business, leading people and impacting on the Accountancy profession.
Mr. Mutati, a Chartered Accountant will also speak about how Africa can among others, prudently manage her resources for the benefit of her people.
The high level meeting which will be officially opened by Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, Rwanda’s Finance Minister brings together, ACCA members from the African continent.
The Convention is being held under the theme, the evolution of finance: Africa thriving in disruptive ‘sociotechnomic’ dispensation.
Zambia have sailed to the 2019 COSAFA U20 Cup semifinals with a 100 percent record following a 2-1 win over Malawi in their final Group A match today at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
Oswald Mutapa’s side win Group A on maximum 9 points at the tournament Zambia is hosting in Lusaka from December 4-14.
Zambia will face Angola in the semi-finals on December 12 at the same venue after they to won Group C on maximum points following a comprehensive 4-1 win over eSwatini today.
Captain Golden Mwafwenta put Zambia ahead in the 40th minute.
Francisco Mwepu made it 2-0 in the 68th minute to score his third goal of the tournament.
Then his namesake Francisco Madinga scored Malawi’s consolation goal four minutes later.
Malawi now await Tuesdays outcome in Group C to know if they will qualify to the semis as the best second placed side of the three group tournament.
© Lusaka Times
