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Finance Minister Bwalya Ng’andu has officially opened the $25million British American Tobacco ( BAT) Zambia Cigarette Manufacturing Plant in the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone – MFEZ- with the call for more investment in the manufacturing sector.
Dr. Ng’andu says the plant represents the kind of development government is determined to have that enhances the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment.
The minister said currently the tobacco sector is estimated to support a livelihood of about 5 hundred thousand farmers with a ready market.
Dr. Ng’andu has urged the company to engage the domestic Agriculture sector like the Tobacco industry and create linkages to cut down on imports of Tobacco.
And BAT Zambia Plc general manager Kimesh Naidoo said the Zambian market holds potential in creating more upstream and downstream employment through the tobacco industry development
Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Patrick Matibini at the requiem mass held in honour of the former Health Minister late Dr Joseph Kasone at St Ignatius Catholic Church
Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini has bemoaned a growing trend by members of parliament to use offensive and insulting language in the House.
Dr. Matibini says this is a matter of grave concern because such conduct lowers the integrity and dignity of the House.
He has since urged members of parliament to take the caution seriously stating that he would in future not hesitate to impose severe punishment on any member found using insulting language on the floor of the House.
The Speaker of the National Assembly said this when he made a ruling on the complaint by Kanchibiya Member of Parliament Martin Malama against Monze Central Member of Parliament Jack Mwiimbu for using insulting language against him on the floor of the house
In admonishing Mr. Mwiimbu, the Speaker said his conduct was shocking as he was a senior member of the house as well as a long-standing member of the Committee on Privileges, Absences and Support Services, the Committee charged with the responsibility of en
orcing discipline in the House.
Dr. Matibini also ordered Mr. Mwiimbu to render an apology to the House.
Former Chipolopolo winger Clifford Mulenga has began the road to earning his coaching qualifications.
The 2017 CAF Young Player of the Year, who is currently clubless, is in class of ongoing FAZ D coaching license training in Lusaka at NASDEC.
‘Right now I am club-less so I decided to come home and visit my parents. And then I spoke to one of my friends who told me about this programme (training),” Mulenga said.
“I thought it was a good idea to partake in this programme because I am also in the evening of my career. So I thought this will be a good starting point to getting my coaching badges,’ he said.
Mulenga has played for several South African clubs that include University of Pretoria, SuperSport United, Bloemfontein Celtic, Mpumalanga Black Aces, Ajax Cape Town and Thanda Royal Zulu.
He was part of the Zambia Under-20 side that finished third at the 2007 U20 AFCON featured at the 2007 FIFA World Cup in Canada under George Lwandamina and were the first Zambian side to reach the knockout round where they were eliminated in the last 16 by Nigeria.
Mulenga was also part of the Chipolopolo team at the 2012 Africa Cup before being expelled from camp on disciplinary grounds as Zambia went on to win the trophy.
Acting Milenge District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) Mark Kasongo has said this year’s school examinations were conducted successfully and malpractice free.
Dr. Kasongo explained that there are 29 examination centres for grade seven pupils, 14 for grade nine and five for grade 12 in the district.
He said the grade nine scripts have since been delivered to marking centres awaiting the commencement of marking next week on Monday.
He has since commended teachers in the district for exhibiting professionalism in handling examinations this year.
Meanwhile, Milenge Secondary School Acting Head Teacher Misheck Chirwa expressed confidence that pupils will this time around perform better than they did during the 2018 examinations.
Mr. Chirwa stated that pupils now have extended hours of reading since the school was electrified in January, 2019.
He said judging by the improved mock examinations results, this year’s pass rate will surpass last year’s 57 percent.
Zesco United coach George Lwandamina has used an interesting boxing analogy to describe their quest to end their winless away run against Angolan opposition in continental football in Saturday’s CAF Champions League Group A opener against Premiero de Agosto in Luanda.
The Zambian champions are in Angola for the third time where they have lost in successive outings.
Ironically, Zesco’s last defeat in Angola was at the hands of their host this weekend in another group stage match in the 2018 edition of the competition.
Agosto beat Zesco 2-1 after a 0-0 away draw in Ndola.
Prior to that, Zesco were crushed 3-0 away in Calulo by CRD Libolo in the group stage of the 2017 CAF Confederation Cup.
“We go into every game with a positive mind. No coach goes into a match saying I am going to lose,” Lwandamina said.
“But only one coach will win but that will not give us an exception that what happened to us the other year will happen again. We have to improve and that is why we compete all the time.
“If I give you an example of Mohammed Ali; he once lost to George Foreman.
“Did he say I am stopping? He continued until he got back the title.”
Zesco need to leave Luanda with at least a point ahead of heavyweight meeting against five-time champions TP Mazembe whom they host in Ndola on match -day-two on December 7.
But Zesco should be fueled by compatriots Green Eagles feat two months ago against Agosto in Luanda when they collected a rare away win in Luanda for a Zambian club in continental competition.
However, Eagles’ 1-0 win in a pre-group stage final leg fixture on September 29 was not enough to save their CAF Champions League group stage ambitions and bowed out on away goals rule following a 2-2 aggregate result.
Green Eagles head to Kitwe this Saturday hoping to spoil another party when they visit in-form Nkana in a 2019/20 FAZ Super Division Week 13 fixture at Nkana Stadium.
The match comes a week after they halted defending champions and current leaders Zesco United’s nine game winning start to the campaign with a 0-0 away draw in Ndola.
Now sixth positioned Eagles have Nkana in their scopes who are quietly enjoying a six-match unbeaten run with four straight wins after two draws.
“We will take it as any other game; we don’t want to put pressure on the players, “Eagles Coach Aggrey Chiyangi said.
“If everything goes well according to plan we will get the three points. We are going to be cautious.”
Chiyangi has reason to be wary.
Eagles are unbeaten against Nkana in their last two games with a win and draw in the 2019 transitional season.
The highlight saw Eagles crush Nkana 4-1 away in Kitwe in April so memories are still fresh as the prospect of a backlash looms.
Meanwhile, in Mazabuka, second placed Napsa Stars have a chance to cut Zesco United’s lead from four to one point as they visit Nakambala Leopards.
Leaders and champions Zesco are out of local league action owing to their CAF Champions League commitment this weekend.
Napsa are coming from a 3-2 win over Zanaco in Lusaka on the weekend Nakambala lost 2-0 at Power Dynamos.
Nakambala coached by Zeddy Saileti are third bottom with seven points from 11 games played.
FAZ Super Division
Week 13
30-11-19
Kabwe Youth Vs Red Arrows
Kabwe Warriors Vs Mufulira Wanderers
Nkana Vs Green Eagles
Lumwana Radiants Vs Power Dynamos
Nakambala Leopards Vs NAPSA Stars
ZANACO Vs Green Buffaloes
01-12-19
Forest Rangers Vs Kansanshi Dynamos
Buildcon Vs Lusaka Dynamos
08-01-20
Nkwazi Vs ZESCO United
President Edgar Lungu gestures to Chifunabuli residents on arrival at Mwewa Village with PF Campaign Manager for the Chifunabuli Council Chairperson elections Chipolo Mwale (r) and his Deputy Rodgers Mwewa on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 – Pictures By Godfrey Chikumbi/ZANIS
The Patriotic Front (PF) leadership in Mbala district has welcomed and supported the endorsement of President Edgar Lungu’s candidature for the 2021 general elections.
The PF officials registered their support when they conducted a solidarity march past along the President Avenue before gathering outside the ZANIS offices in Mbala today.
And speaking after the march past, Mbala district PF chairlady, Matildah Makungo predicted that President Lungu will win the 2021 general elections.
Mrs. Makungo said Dr. Lungu has exhibited good governance adding that the President’s vision is to transform Zambia into a better country.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Makungo has called for unity among PF members in all the wards, constituencies and districts.
And Mbala deputy mayor, Aaron Chungu said the PF is ready to face the opposition in the political field without fear or favour during the 2021 general election.
U.S. Ambassador to Zambia Daniel Foote says he is personally horrified with the sentencing of two men, who had a consensual relationship, to 15 years imprisonment for “crimes against the order of nature.
In a statement, Ambassador Foote says government officials can steal millions of public dollars without prosecution while political cadres can beat innocent citizens for expressing their opinions with no consequences.
He said poachers can kill numerous elephants, and sell their tusks, and face a maximum of only five years imprisonment in Zambia.
And the American Envoy says such decisions like the oppressive sentencing, do untold damage to Zambia’s international reputation by demonstrating that human rights in Zambia are not a universal guarantee.
He said such sentences perpetuate persecution against disenfranchised groups and minorities, such as people from other tribes or political affiliations, albinos, the disabled, lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and anyone who is deemed “different.”
Following the successful release of his debut album, “Songs of Love, Hope and Deliverance“. Ariel aims to end the year strong by collaborating with German Ragamuffin Chin Chillah.
Having shared stages since 2014 and appreciated each other’s arts, this song is the first official collaboration of the German raggamuffin and the Zambian soul singer. The outcome is an uplifting zouk and reggae flavored summer anthem dedicated to all the special people who made us who we are today and who we are yet to become.
Veteran Broadcaster Chibamba Kanyama has welcomed the appointment of Eng Malolela Lusambo as Director General of ZNBC.
My Kanyama who once served as D.G at the public broadcaster said Mr Lusambo’s appointment is a good one.
“Mr. Lusambo served as Director Engineering at the time I served as Director General at the institution. He was also my workmate at the time I first joined ZNBC as a broadcaster. During the time I was Director General, Mr. Lusambo used to occasionally act in in my place, signifying my total confidence in his acumen,” Mr Kanyama recounted.
“He was my main advisor on the Digital Migration process and remained so to my successor and Government. When I was leaving ZNBC, Mr. Lusambo was among the three names I submitted to the Board as possible successors even though the organization was going the open market for the new DG. I was very disappointed about myself when he did not get the position.”
Mr Kanyama described Me Mr Lusambo as a very quiet man who fights no one, a hard worker, disciplined and someone who has built a very solid team in the Engineering Department and undermines no one.
“I, therefore, urge all ZNBC staff to give Mr Lusambo the support he needs. I also implore Government to give Mr Lusambo space so that he can execute his functions freely with the sole guidance of the Board.”
He added, “Mr. Lusambo, I am very happy on your appointment. It will soon be an election year, meaning a lot of pressure in that office but remain professional and always seek the support of the Board. You will succeed.
Ministers- Katambo, Chiteme and Mwakalombe, PS Mushuma and Director Lishomwa, 21-02-2019. MNDP
The government’s response to issues affecting the agriculture sector should be a source of concern for every Zambian who has hope of seeing this country develop.
The people’s Alliance for Change is disappointed with the Ministerial statement issued to Parliament by Finance Minister Michael Katambo which did not give any hope to a farmer whose inputs have been withheld by agro dealers over delayed payment for inputs supplied in the previous farming season.
Like everyone else, PAC expected Mr Katambo to tell the Nation when the K374 million owed to agro dealers will be released but to our surprise, the Minister sounded clueless on when the money would be paid.
It is disheartening that a who has been mandated by the Head of State could shamelessly tell the nation that he is not aware when the money will be released to pay the agro dealers to ensure efficiency in the distribution of inputs.
We want to remind the PF in case they have forgotten that the reason why we are facing this hunger in Zambia today which has affected over 2. 3 million people, is because we had no rains leading to most farmers harvesting nothing. Why then should the PF create man made famine because of lack of Vision?
Should the PF fail to sort out these issues among them the payment to agro dealers, Zambia is heading for another food crisis created by the Patriotic Frong.
Farmers have prepared adequately and should be given the inputs on time to enable them plant.
Government should realise that agro dealers are critical in managing the e voucher system under FISP hence the need to pay them the money because failure to do so will spell doom for Zambias agriculture sector.
The ruling Patriotic condemned the attacks on Sean Tembo, Leader of the Patriots for Economic Progress.
Party Media Director Sunday Chanda says Mr. Tembo is a stakeholder in the affairs of this country and at 55 years of age, Zambia can and must tolerate divergent views including decisions taken by individuals in pursuit of their democratic participation.
“We all have a duty to guard jealously the democracy we have and commit ourselves to tolerance and the maturity to accept that we will not always agree but even under those circumstances, we must restrain ourselves from becoming personally disagreeable and violent”, he said.
Mr Chanda has called on members of the public with any information regarding Mr. Tembo’s assailants to cooperate with the Zambia Police.
He said the culprits must be brought to justice.
And All Peoples Congress Leader Nason Mson says the barbaric attack on Mr Tembo and his members is uncivilised and people behind it have no further business being in government.
Mr Msoni said no normal-right-thinking human being can do such things to another human being for merely expressing his opinion in a democratic society.
“We think that such criminal behaviour further strengthens the legitimate argument for regime change in Zambia and to bring all the perpetrators of such criminal violence to book”, he said.
Mr Msoni said his party will hold the PF leaders responsible for the criminal conduct of their members.
“Clearly, the perpetrators are sponsored and bankrolled by senior leaders of the PF who take pleasure with glee to see criminals inflicting maximum harm on a defenceless human being and drenched in his own blood. Shame”, he added.
Patriots for Economic Progress Leader Sean Tembo was yeaterday attacked by people he has termed as aggravated robbers along Cairo Road while they were undertaking their 13th peaceful protest against the $42 million fire tender which had full permission from the police.
The incident occured between National Milling and Farmers House where the attackers arrived on the scene in about three Toyota Corollas and were clad in black t-shirts and blue jeans, and a few of them had applied white powder on their faces, ostensibly as a disguise.
Mr Tembo said the attackers were about 12 in number and carried an assortment of weapons ranging from pistols to machetes and assulted PeP members who ran in all directions.
The protest followed the Party’s victory against the Zambia Police Service in the Lusaka High Court where the Court ruled that the Police had violated the Constitution and abused their powers in their previous attempts to stop the fire tender protests.
The Court also awarded the Patriots for Economic Progress a sum of K50,000 in damages plus costs of suit.
One person has died while another one has been evacuated to Livingstone central hospital after heavy rocks fell on them at Nkandabbwe Colum Coal Enterprises Mine Limited in Sinazongwe District.
Mine Manager Ketson Munthali confirmed that three miners were involved in a mine accident which left one dead, another one seriously injured while the third one survived with minor injuries.
In his briefing to Sinazongwe District Commissioner at the mine’s shaft two offices, Mr. Munthali said the accident occurred around 11:30 hours yesterday at mineshaft one when the deceased and two others were on duty underground the mine.
He identified the deceased as Stanley Bulongo aged 44, Trust Simulombela aged 39, who has since been evacuated to Livingstone Central Hospital, and the survivor Teddy Siakulya.
Mr. Munthali explained that the trio were hit by heavy falling rocks underground which resulted into the death of one miner.
He assured the bereaved family that the company will provide assistance in terms of requirements for the funeral until the deceased employee is buried.
Mr. Munthali added that it was unfortunate that life was lost in such an accident.
He said the mining company has been conducting safety talks every day with the miners before they go to work underground.
Meanwhile, Sinazongwe District Commissioner Protacial Mulenga has expressed sadness over the loss of life in an accident at the mine.
Mr. Mulenga has since called on the Nkandabbwe Colum Coal Enterprises Mine Limited to strengthen and intensify safety measures and regulations for its employees.
He said the company must ensure that miners are provided with protective safety clothing and sensitized every day before they are dispatched to go and work underground.
In another incident, police in Sinazongwe district have discovered a body of a female person.
The unidentified body was discovered yesterday around 16:00 hours in Nangombe ward around Siamfunde village.
The body was found in a decomposed state and will be buried today at the site where it was found because it could not be taken to the mortuary due to its bad state.
Police has since instituted investigations to gather details of the deceased and circumstances that led to her death.
PF Lusaka Province Chairman Paul Moonga has denied being part of the people that attacked leader of the opposition Patriots for Economic Progress Sean Tembo yesterday.
Mr Moonga has dismissed the allegations as false meant to tarnish his image.
Speaking on the Breakfast show on Hot FM, Mr Moonga said he has strong evidence to show that he was never on Cairo Road where the incident occurred.
Mr Moonga said he has numerous witnesses as he was in meetings with party officials to discuss the delimitation exercise of Lusaka by the Electoral Commission of Zambia.
In justifying his claims, Mr Moonga said he also had lunch with his wife and returned to the office without any knowledge of any attack on the opposition Leader.
He demanded that Mr. Tembo provides evidence to his allegations or that he will face charges of malicious and criminal defamation.
PEP President after he was attacked by suspected PF cadres
Yesterday a convoy of motor vehicles belonging to the Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) was attacked by some aggravated robbers along Cairo Road while they were undertaking their 13th peaceful protest against the $42 million fire tender protest which had full permission from the police. This occurred between National Milling and Farmers House. The robbers arrived on the scene in about three Toyota Corollas and were clad in black t-shirts and blue jeans, and a few of them had applied white powder on their faces, ostensibly as a disguise.
Mr. Tembo said he was attacked by three assailants and he managed to identify two of them as Mr. Paul Monga, the Lusaka Province Acting Chairman for the ruling Patriotic Front and Mr. Reuben Banda, a well known Kanyama PF Cadre. The third assailant was not easily recognizable as he had applied white powder on his face. The assailants went away with his wallet which had K8,300 in cash, ATM Cards and his driving license . They also took away his two phones, an iPhone 8 Plus and an iPhone 7. Mr.Tembo was hacked twice in the head with a machete. In total, there were about 11 PeP Members who were assaulted.
Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) President Sean Tembo
The Human Rights Commission has called on the Zambia Police Service to investigate and arrest the suspects in connection with the brutal assault of the Patriots for Economic Progress during a peaceful demonstration against the alleged overpricing of 42 fire engines in Lusaka yesterday.
The Commission has confirmed that the PEP President, Sean Tembo, reported the case of being attacked and robbed by some known and unknown people who were allegedly armed with dangerous weapons such as guns and machetes on Cairo Road in Lusaka.
Commission spokesperson Mwelwa Muleya said it is therefore expected that in accordance with the rule of law, the police will swiftly act on the reported crime in order to end impunity and lawlessness that has in the past resulted in grave violation of human rights such as deaths and injuries of victims.
Mr Muleya said the fact that Mr. Tembo reportedly provided the Police with names of suspected assailants should relatively make the work of the police easy in initiating investigations and bringing the suspected culprits to account through the due process of the law.
He said the Commission has engaged the police command to find out why there was no police protection or policing of the lawful public procession as required by law.
Mr Muleya said the Police have however, the police have indicated that there was a last minute advice to Mr. Tembo that the police was not going to be available to monitor the procession because they had a sudden commitment.
He said the Commission is deeply concerned at the growing and apparently justified public perception that the police deliberately and maliciously neglect or refuse to protect individuals with divergent or dissenting views in order to justify their routine violation of the right to freedom of assembly through the abuse of the Public Order Act.
Mr Muleya said the right to freedom of expression of divergent views and opinions is the foundation of a multi-party democracy and a pluralistic society such as Zambia, and the state has an obligation to respect and protect that right without any form of discrimination.
He has called for political tolerance, civility and respect for the rule of law and human rights.
Mr Muleya said those who commit crimes must be punished to avoid creating a fertile ground for impunity, civil disobedience and anarchy, which is inimical to national interest.
