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Fourth Republican President Rupiah Banda Of Zambian talking about peace
Former President Rupiah Banda has advised that no effort should be spared to ensure that the mining project in the Lower Zambezi National Park does not go ahead.
Joining the First Republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda among other prominent Zambians in opposing the awarding of the license to Zambezi Resources to mining in the National Park, Mr Banda said he is opposed to the project.
Mr Banda said he is not convinced that due regard was given to a number of important considerations such as the negative impact the mine would have on the lives along the river and depend on it for food, fishing and agriculture.
He said it is a well known fact that mining activities invariably negatively impact rivers because of the sludge and other harmful chemicals and residues that are offloaded in the river and the surrounding areas.
Mr Banda said this alone means that people are exposed to all manner of health risks, and economic ruined as they can no longer make a living from fishing as the fish is killed by the poisons being dumped in the river and watering crops and drinking from a contaminated water source poses further health risks.
He has also observed with deep concern that even the economic benefit that may be derived from the minerals is nothing compared to the long terms damage on the environment and ecosystem that currently supports some of the rarest species of birds, game and forests sitting on a vast area covering 240 square kilometers in the middle of the Zambezi game park which can never be replaced once lost.
Mr Banda encouraged Zambians to always place the wellbeing of future generations ahead of quick economic gains even in the hard times because Zambia will always be there and its future is brighter as long as the current generation acts with foresight and resilience.
He said the fact that so many Organisations and eminent Zambians including Dr Kenneth Kaunda have expressed concern to do with this project should be sufficient evidence that it is not in the public interest.
Mr Banda said this is one project that should unite all leaders regardless of their political affiliation.
Finance Minister Bwalya Ng’andu and the Zambian delegation in Washington DC during a meeting with the World Bank Group Vice President for the African Region, Dr Hafez Ghanem
Finance Minister Bwalya Ng’andu says the expression of goodwill and willingness by various cooperating partners is a sign that the government’s initiative to engage them is yielding results.
Dr. Ng’andu adds that the willingness by France, the United States of America and other Cooperating Partners in helping Zambia overcome the turbulences in the economy, are signs that the governments initiative to implement an information exchange is having
positive impact on development cooperation.
The Minister was speaking after bilateral meetings with France and the USA at his office in Lusaka.
And French Ambassador to Zambia Sylvain Berger conveyed the readiness of his government to continue financing developmental projects in Zambia’s various sectors.
Mr. Berger explained that the France’s stance is aimed at strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
And speaking later during a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Finance, US Ambassador to Zambia Daniel Foote said his office has enjoyed close working relationships with government agencies.
Mr. Foote told the Minister that the United States maintains an open engagement policy with its partners.
Speaking at the same event, United States Director for Southern African Affairs Stefanie Amadeo said Zambia should continue to explore solar and other off-grid solutions to mitigate climate change challenges posed by dependence on hydro power generation.
This is contained in a statement availed to ZNBC News by Ministry of Finance Spokesperson Chileshe Kandeta.
Zamtel Head of Corporate Affairs and Government Relations Reuben Kamanga
Zamtel says children should be introduced to a culture of saving money in order to create a financially literate Zambia.
In commemoration of this year’s World Savings Day which fell on Thursday, Zamtel Head of Corporate Affairs and Government Relations Reuben Kamanga said children should be oriented on the benefits of saving money at an early stage.
This year’s global commemoration of World Savings Day is being held under the theme ‘Be Money Smart: Savings Give Life a Lift!’
Mr Kamanga said Zamtel is proud to be actively playing a role in the promotion of financial inclusion through the use of digital channels such as Zamtel Kwacha and ZamPay.
He said saving money for the future is important as it acts as a buffer against some of life’s eventualities.
Mr Kamanga said Zamtel, as a Prime driver of digitalTransformation has developed innovative platforms and channels that make it easier for people to save a portion of their incomes using their mobiles devices.
“We realise that a well-entrenched savings culture will go a long way in deepening our financial sector in line with the National Financial Inclusion Strategy which targets to increase financial inclusion from 59% to 80% by 2022. Using Zamtel Kwacha, our customers can save up to K10,000 for individual accounts and K250,000 for Small to Medium company accounts with ease from within the comfort of their homes or offices,” Mr Kamanga said.
He added, “Since Zamtel Kwacha is easy to use, we are encouraging parents and guardians to open savings accounts for their children and jointly manage them in order to inculcate a savings culture in children.”
Mr. Kamanga said using Zamtel Kwacha, the company is moving into a new era of mobile savings and loan products using Patumba, which is a partnership with Hobbiton.
He said the partnership enables any active Zamtel mobile money customer to earn attractive interest on any deposits into the Hobbiton Savings and Credit account.
“This is another partnership that provides an end to end social security platform consisting of investments, savings and credit towards education or retirement plans. We are committed to an inclusive agenda in the financial sector as we strive to make Zambia a cashless society,” Mr. Kamanga said.
He said Zamtel is encouraging savings while improving access to microcredit for the unserved and underserved population, thus bridging the savings and credit provision gap.
Energy Minister Mathew Nkhuwa (far right) with officials from Mphepo Power follow proceedings during the launch of a Metrological Mast for the wind power project in Katete on Thursday
Energy Minister Mathew Nkhuwa on Thursday launched Mphepo Power Metrological Mast for a 200 MW wind power project in Katete, Eastern Province.
The Metrological Mast is for the UNIKA 1 wind project and is capturing wind data needed for the project, which will start construction in early 2021.
The project will help alleviate the countrywide power shortages in line with the Government’s strategy to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Zambian renewable energy developer Mphepo Power Ltd has erected a 120m Metrological Mast for its 200 MW wind project in the Eastern Province.
This is the first major milestone in the development of the UNIKA 1 wind project, which will have an investment value of over USD 350 million and will be one of the largest private sector investments ever in Eastern Province.
Mphepo Power intends on starting construction on this wind farm in the first half of 2021 and the project will create 850 jobs during construction.
More Jobs will be created once the project is operational.
Priority will be given to Zambians and women will be given equal opportunities for employment.
Mphepo Power is a Zambian company whose shareholders include the Chewa Development Trust (CDT) on behalf of His Majesty Kalonga Gawa Undi.
In this partnership, profits from the project will be used by the Chewa Development Trust for development projects in the Community and in the Chewa Kingdom.
The UNIKA 1 wind farm is located north of Katete in the Eastern Province.
There are further planned phases to expand the project once Unika 1 is completed.
Mphepo Power is currently working on the project development in order to gain all consents and studies needed to ensure that construction begins.
Initial data shows that the UNIKA wind resource is good throughout the year but particularly in the dry season when Zambian hydro resources are at their lowest.
Also, wind generation is available in the evening which will help Zesco cover the evening electricity peak.
Mphepo Power is working closely with the Ministry of Energy, Office for Promoting Private Power Investment (OPPPI), Zesco and the Chewa Kingdom to ensure that the project is completed on schedule.
“This milestone reinforces the strong position of Mphepo Power in the Zambian electricity market,” commented Sipho Phiri, Mphepo Power Chairman.
“We are delighted to commit to development in Zambia and it is important indicator that the Zambian private sector is working alongside Government to find solutions to our current power challenges. The 200MW UNIKA 1 wind project is part of this Zambian solution.”
Zambia will no longer be receiving a Sukhoi SuperJet 100 VIP passenger jet from Russia as it lacks the funds to pay for the aircraft.
Russia’s Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov told TASS during the Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi last week that the contract for the VIP-configured aircraft has been suspended as Zambia cannot pay for the jet.
“In Africa, for example, we signed a contract for the supply of a VIP version of the SSJ 100 [SuperJet] to Zambia. But in Zambia, besides the advance payment, there were no funds to finance this aircraft, so the contract has been frozen,” Manturov said.
In July 2017 it was reported that Zambia had ordered five SuperJets from Russia.
Subsequent media reports stated that Sukhoi would only supply a single VIP-configured SuperJet for President Edgar Lungu, after earlier reports suggested four SuperJets would be acquired for the relaunch of Zambia Airways.
The single SuperJet was to be delivered this year at a cost of $45-49 million, Sukhoi vice president Yevgeny Andrachnikov said at the Russian Business Aviation Exhibition last year.
Zambia’s Air Force has acquired a number of new aircraft in recent years.
By August this year, it had received its two Leonardo C-27J Spartan transport aircraft that were ordered in 2015 from Italy.
In Zambian service, the C-27Js will most likely replace the Air Force’s BAe 748s and supplement its Y-12 and MA60 transport aircraft.
They are based at Lusaka/Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, according to Scramble Magazine.
On 28 February this year, the Zambian Air Force received a new Gulfstream 650ER jet, which is believed to have been ordered for $65 million via Israel, where it was fitted with a self-defence system.
The G650 takes over from the Challenger 604 used by the Zambian government for VIP transport.
CSOs holding a conference on the Lower Zambezi Mining Saga
As CSOs, we would like to join the many other voices across the country and internationally in condemning the planned mining investment in the Lower Zambezi National Park. We are saddened at the fact that despite the effects of climate change being so evident and affecting the livelihoods of citizens with devastating impact on national economy, incidences of environmental damage have continued to rise and sadly some are perpetrated by our leaders who should be in the forefront to lead the crusade against wanton damage of our environment.
The current debate on the mining investment in Lower Zambezi National Park makes a sad reading in a country such as ours where there are clear policies and regulations governing the conservation of our natural resources. Such situations should not even be an issue of debate.
The Lower Zambezi National Park is one of four national parks that generate up to 96% of Zambia’s non-consumptive wildlife tourism revenues. Although the mine is expected to cover about 980 km2, which is about 25% of the park, it is estimated that more than 50% of the national park will be lost. This means that the primary reasons for which the park was initially established will be lost forever. Suffice to mention that the Lower Zambezi National Park was established in 1983 to:
• Conserve biodiversity, including iconic and rare wildlife, forest, and freshwater species, that also ensure ecosystem function;
• Protect the Rufunsa, Chakwenga and Chongwe River watersheds;
• Conserve ecosystem services that also serve as a buffer to climate change impacts; and,
• Provide for scientific knowledge advancement, public education, and tourism development.
With the foregoing, the importance of the Lower Zambezi National Park cannot be overemphasized. The park covers a large stretch of wilderness area along the north-eastern bank of the Zambezi River and the Zambezi River valley is known for abundant wildlife and other natural resources. By allowing mining activities to commence in such a habitat, we risk compromising the rich ecosystem that is home to a variety of fauna and flora. We are also alive to the fact that there are some mining licenses that are already existing in Lower Zambezi, and some are pending renewal; ranging from large scale prospecting, active mining rights and mineral processing to small scale mining licenses.
As CSOs and citizens of this great nation, we feel duty bound to appeal to government to enforce their powers and revoke the license/s that permit mining in national parks for the sake of safeguarding the environment. There is need for urgent intervention by those in power to ensure we are acting in the best interest of our country which is not only for the current generation but also for future generations.
In the recent past, we have heard numerous proclamations by our leaders with regard to climate change and its effects. Shockingly, our actions are not demonstrating the proclaimed commitments to address climate change. Instead, we continue to see actions that are bent on compounding the problem and this poses a risk to this country in terms of its development as nothing can thrive without a healthy environment.
As CSOs, we remain committed to support efforts by government that are aimed at strengthening conservation measures and we shall not keep quiet when we see actions that are promoting damage to our environment. Allowing mining in Lower Zambezi is not a demonstration of commitment to sustain nature and mitigate the impact of climate change. Mining comes with rampant activities in terms of cutting down of trees which are a huge component of the ecosystem and therefore caution must be exercised in allocating areas for such investment.
We are alive to the fact that in 2013, the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) rejected the application by Mwembeshi Resources limited to mine in Lower Zambezi National Park, however the mine appealed their rejection to government who then approved the application by overturning ZEMA decision. This is an indication that there is rampant disregard of procedures and processes and this is evidence that the process of issuance contravened particular sections of the Mines and Minerals act.
It is sad that as a country we continue to fall short in terms of appreciating the benefits of our natural habitats and the ecosystem values. By choosing to disturb the habitat in its current state to accommodate mining is a clear demonstration of our myopic view of the benefits of our environment. The fact that mining contributes to the Zambian economy significantly is a fact we cannot ignore, however, the significance of undertaking the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is to ascertain the extent of the negative effects of the proposed project against the benefits. This is an analysis that is critical in order to appreciate the significance of sustaining the environment beyond direct monetary gains.
As CSOs we believe that wildlife tourism both consumptive and non-consumptive has excellent potential to generate the much-needed foreign exchange which can contribute to addressing several economic challenges including our current debt burden. In 2018 alone, the sub-sector generated about 11 million dollars which is quite significant. Therefore, Lower Zambezi National Park is one of the key national parks that is already contributing high revenue for the country in its current state. Allowing mining in national parks will greatly compromise the economic potential of tourism as a whole.
In view of the above, as CSOs we are making the following recommendations:
• Government should Cancel all pending and existing licenses in the Lower Zambezi National park and any other environmentally sensitive areas.
• Expedite the establishment of strategic environmental assessment regulation with specific reference to designating some regions as non-mining areas, which will therefore mean that there will be non-issuance of any mining licenses in the lower Zambezi and any other ecologically and culturally sensitive regions in Zambia.
• Develop stricter monitoring, environmental audits and other compliance related actions by the Zambia Environment Management Agency (ZEMA) on existing licenses and other economic activities – therefore government should endeavor to allocate enough resources in national budgets that will support ZEMA in terms of monitoring unlike what has been demonstrated in the current proposed national budget.
CSOs holding a conference on the Lower Zambezi Mining Saga
Signed by:
ActionAid Zambia
Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD)
WaterAid
Oxfam
Wild Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
Caritas Zambia
NGOCC
Chalimbana River Headwaters Conservation Trust
Chapter One Foundation
Alliance for Community Action
Zitukule Consortium
Care for Nature Zambia
Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM)
Civil Society Organization Environmental Hub
Chief Government Spokesperson Dora Siliya says Government has paid 40 million Dollars for electricity importation from South Africa.
Ms Siliya says 10 million Dollars was paid last week and a 30 million Dollars was transferred to Eskom on Wednesday this week.
She disclosed this during the Hot FM Hot seat programme on Thursday.
Ms Siliya who is also Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services however has not indicated when the power imports will start flowing into Zambia.
Energy Minister Matthew Nkhuwa announced on 23rd October, 2019 that the power imports will be in after 14 days.
Zambia has a power deficit of 700 megawatts which has resulted in 15 hour power load shedding management.
And Ms. Siliya has revealed that government will give its position on the issue of the Lower Zambezi mining licence soon.
She says Government will soon give its position on the matter regarding the issuance of a mining licence in the lower Zambezi.
Ms. Siliya says once internal consultations within Government are concluded, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Development will give the nation an update on the matter.
Ms. Siliya said Government wants to establish and understand the bone of contention and other processes that were undertaken prior to the issuance of the licence before a final decision is made.
She says the matter is receiving active attention and that Government has heard the cries of the citizens whose interests will always be top priority.
Ms. Siliya said Government has keenly been following the debate and has taken note of the many concerns citizens and other stakeholders have raised on the matter.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Dora Siliya speaking to Hot FM’s Zach Chavula on the Hot Seat radio programme
UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema has warned Eastern Province Minister, Makebi Zulu to stop spreading lies about him, or risk being ‘cleaned out’ – financially.
Mr. Hichilema was reacting to running accusations from Mr Zulu that he pocketed US$ 14 million from the sale of Lower Zambezi National Park.
Mr Hichilema has advised Mr. Zulu to desist from what he terms as “buffoonery of the highest order” by accusing him of selling an asset that is under the custody of government.
Mr. Hichilema has warned Mr Zulu to protect his resources saying he has “not worked hard enough” to start losing them through court processes while those cheering him on will be nowhere to be seen.
“I can sue you. I clean you out. You will be bankrupt. You too young for that,” Mr. Hichilema stated while adding “I am thinking about it, I haven’t decided now but I know if I do I will clean you out. Those who were encouraging you to say wrong things will not be there to save you will be alonge.”
Mr. Hichilema says Mr Zulu has time to run an apology, but should count himself lucky if anything does or does not happen in the absence of an apology.
“…ukule iwe ukali mwana ukule (grow up you are still young grow up). Grow up Makebi. Don’t follow the Sunday Chanda piggery behavior. Walk away from there. You have time to apologise,” he advised.
The UPND leader was speaking this morning when he featured on a live Radio Christian Voice radio programme that was aired on various media outlets.
Mr. Hichilema has since challenged law enforcement agencies to arrest him if he took part in the selling of Lower Zambezi National Park.
Mr. Hichilema argued that the principle of selling anything is anchored on ownership hence he could not have sold the natural habitat owned by government.
He explains that selling something that one does not own amounts to madness or theft hence those with evidence should go to Woodlands Police Station and report him for theft of the national park.
George Lwandamina has been lauded by his Zesco United bench for his tireless input during their current eight-match unbeaten run despite their boss not feeling well.
Lwandamina is feeling under the weather but Zesco remain unbeaten in the league so far this season on maximum 24 points from eight games with a match in hand.
On Wednesday, Zesco opened up a four-point lead following a 4-1 home victory over struggling Lusaka Dynamos at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
“We are excited about this performance, of course the coach has done a lot work, he has not being feeling well but he is always available,” Lwandamina’s assistant Alfred Lupiya said.
“He is a strong man and he is very dedicated, even the players know that he is very dedicated and that is why they are putting in a lot.”
Zesco could open an eight point lead this Saturday when they visit Red Arrows in a top two clash away at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
Arrows head into their big test after losing 3-0 away at fourth placed Nkana on Wednesday to suffer their first league defeat of the 2019/2020 season.
Arrows, on 20 points, are three points ahead of third placed Napsa Stars who will be in action in a lunchtime kickoff at the same venue where they will host Forest Rangers.
Chipolopolo coach Aggrey Chiyangi has recalled veterans midfielder Nathan Sinkala and defender Stopilla Sunzu for November’s 2021 AFCON Group H doubleheader qualifier against Zimbabwe and defending AFCON champions Algeria.
Zambia will visit Algeria on November 14 in their opening Group H qualifier before hosting Zimbabwe on match-day-two on November 19 in Lusaka.
Sinkala, of DR Congo side TP Mazembe, and Sunzu, from French Ligue 1 side Metz , return to the Chipolopolo fold for the first time in a year.
Sinkala and Sunzu last featured for Zambia on November 18, 2018 in a 1-0 away loss to Mozambique in Maputo in a 2019 AFCON Group K qualifier.
The duo return to a Zambian side that is short on manpower due to the 2019 U23 AFCON tournament that Egypt will be hosting during the same period this November.
Enock Mwepu and Patson Daka of Austrian champions RB Salzburg including striker Fashion Sakala of Belgium club KV Oostende are all unavailable due to the eight-nation Africa zone 2020 Olympic qualifying tournament that will be held in Cairo from November 8-22 where the top three finishers will earn a ticket to Tokyo next summer.
However, there is no room in Chiyangi’s team for Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene or Mazembe midfielder Rainford Kalaba.
But South African-born goalkeeper Mwenya Chibwe is set for his second call-up.
The Polokwane City goalkeeper made his Chipolopolo debut on October 13 in a 2-2 friendly draw away against Benin in Cotonou.
Meanwhile, striker Evans Kangwa of Russian club Arsenal Tula is set to end his three year Chipolopolo exile.
First Lady Esther Lungu poses for a photograph on October 31,2019, with Zambian Doctors who have been offered sponsorship by Merck Foundation. This was after the closing ceremony of the 6th Edition of the Merck Africa Asia Luminary in Accra, Ghana -Pictures by THOMAS NSAMA
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck Germany conducted the 6th Edition of “Merck Africa Asia Luminary” in Accra, Ghana on 29th & 30th of October 2019. It was co-chaired by H.E. Madam Rebecca Akufo-Addo, The First Lady of Ghana and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.
During her welcome speech, H.E. Madam Rebecca Akufo-Addo, The First Lady of Ghana and Ambassador of Merck More Than a Mother said, “I am delighted to host this prestigious conference in Ghana. I am very proud of our partnership with Merck Foundation through which we have been able to achieve many outcomes in the country for the social and economic welfare of our people. through my ambassadorship of Merck More than a Mother, we have been able to launch many initiatives to sensitize our communities about the sensitive issue of infertility and the stigma attached to it”.
Merck Foundation CEO, Dr. Rasha Kelej welcomed the First Ladies and Ministers of Health, Gender, Information, Education and Science from more than 20 African Countries.
“Together with First Ladies of Africa and Ministers of different sectors, we worked on a strong strategy to build healthcare capacity and provide the necessary training to establish a strong platform of experts in Diabetes, Hypertension, Cancer and Fertility care in their countries and define interventions to break infertility stigma. During the Luminary, the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Committee (MFFLI) was also conducted to discuss different topics of discussion, follow up, monitoring and decisions.” Dr. Rasha Kelej emphasized.
Prof. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Executive Board and Family Board of E-Merck KG emphasized, “Merck Foundation is committed to support the social and economic development of Africa, Asia and developing countries by building healthcare capacity and improving access to innovative and equitable healthcare in the continent.”
During Merck Africa Asia Luminary, more than 1000 Healthcare providers, policy makers, academia, researchers and health media from Sub- Saharan Africa, more than 50 English, French and Portuguese speaking countries benefitted from valuable educational and social development sessions by top International experts in Diabetes, Fertility, Oncology, Women health and Cardiology with the aim to raise health awareness and improve disease management, early detection and prevention, build healthcare capacity and improve access to quality and equitable healthcare solutions across the continent.
The Merck Oncology Fellowship Program, a key initiative of Merck Cancer Access Program, focuses on building additional capacity through medical education and training.
The lack of financial means is not the only challenge in Africa and developing countries, but a scarcity of trained health care personnel capable to tackle the prevention, early diagnosis and management of cancer at all levels of the health care systems is even a bigger challenge.
Merck Oncology Fellowship Program focuses on building professional cancer care capacity with the aim to increase the limited number of oncologists in Africa and Developing countries. The program provides One-year fellowship program at Tata Memorial Centre – India, One and half-years Oncology Fellowship programs at University of Malaya – Malaysia, Two years Oncology Fellowship Program at University of Nairobi – Kenya and Two years Master degree in Medical Oncology at Cairo University – Egypt, in partnership with African Ministries of Health, Local Governments and Academia.
Launched in 2016, over 70 candidates from more than 25 African countries have rolled in the Merck Oncology Fellowship Program. The program will continue to build cancer care capability in African countries such as Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, CAR, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, DRC, Ethiopia, Ghana, Gabon, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
REPUBLICAN President His Excellency Dr Edgar Lungu
President Lungu is scheduled to travel to Botswana tomorrow to attend the swearing-in and inauguration of his counterpart Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi as President of Republic of Botswana.
The swearing-in and inauguration of Dr. Masisi as President of the Republic of Botswana follows national elections which were held on 23rd October,2019 in which he emerged winner with a landslide victory, and was declared winner on the Botswana Democratic Party ticket on 25th October,2019.
The President returns home as soon as the event concludes.
President Lungu has since congratulated Dr.Masisi and commended the people of Botswana for holding peaceful elections in line with the revised Southern African Development Community Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections,as a demonstration of the commitment that Botswana has to continue upholding democratic tenets.
President Lungu commissions the rehabilitated 360 kilometre Great East road from Luangwa to Mwami border
President Edgar Lungu has directed Transport and Communications Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya to remove from the road all public service vehicles without seat belts.
President Lungu also urged the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) to ensure the law that bans people from travelling at the back of vans and trucks is enforced.President Lungu said this when he commissioned the rehabilitated 360 kilometre Great East road (Luangwa to Mwami border) on Wednesday in Chipata, Eastern Province.
The Head of State said this is to protect passengers and reduce the number of fatal road traffic accidents caused by mechanical and human error.
“I have been disheartened, lately, by the spiralling rate of accidents across the country. My firm belief is that accidents only happen due to mechanical and human errors,” the President said.
He directed the Minister of Transport and Communications to review laws relating to traffic offences to deter would be offenders.
“I further urge the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) to enforce the law that bans people from travelling at the back of trucks and vans. I hope these measures will help reduce the number of fatal accidents,”
The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has lost the bid to have the Constitutional Court order Justice Minister Given Lubinda and Attorney General Likando Kaluluka to appear as their witnesses.
LAZ wanted Lubinda and Kalaluka to produce unspecified reports, research materials, memoranda, write up or data or any other material generated before the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 10 of 2019 for purposes of helping LAZ to argue its case against the enactment of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 10.
Delivering the ruling on behalf of the full bench this morning on the application by the Attorney General to set-aside the summons ordering Lubinda and Kalaluka to appear and give testimony on behalf of LAZ, Constitutional Court Judge Musaluke agreed with the Attorney General that LAZ was, by the rules of the Constitutional Court, required to obtain leave before they could issue summons to compel possible witnesses appear before the Court.
The Court referred to its past decision in which summons issued to witnesses by former Director of Public Prosecutions Mutembo Nchito were set aside for irregularity as they were issued contrary to the Order 38 Rule 19 Sub Rule 3 of the Supreme Court (England), applicable to Zambia, which state that “before a subpoena can issue for attendance in the Court of Appeal, leave must be obtained from that Court by motion or notice, after which a subpoena will issue from the Central Office.”
Justice Masuke said the Court has found LAZ did not obtain any such leave from the Court to issue the summons to both Justice Minister Lubinda and Attorney General Likanda Kalaluka. The setting aside of the summons mean LAZ will have to find other means of getting the unspecified materials it needs to argue and win the case.
This afternoon, the Court is set to rule on the appeal by LAZ against the refusal by a single judge to grant an injunction against the State which would prevent Parliament from proceeding to debate the Bill. Legal experts say the granting of an injunction against Parliament will set a dangerous precedent in which the public will be stop Parliament from debating Bills using the Judiciary.
RB and Alexander Chikwanda, with President Lungu in the middle
By Prince Ndoyi
“Godfathers” are usually almost synonymous with West African politics. But the phenomenon, is slowly becoming true for the rest of Africa. Godfathers themselves don’t always architect their positions, they land in such influential positions by the power they wield within the dynamics of a specific election.
Chiefs are godfathers in their regions, and dare say anything against them, then you can kiss that election in their region goodbye.
“Godfathers” in politics especially don’t usually run for office themselves, but many believe they are the ones who decide the election winners and losers.
The godfather must be influential, most often they are, or were, a political office holder. They are some of the most powerful political and business families in Zambia with a wide network abroad. They are political sponsors, who may use money and influence to win support for their preferred candidates.
Elections in Zambia, have always had its theme and individuals that are major factors and determinant of the results. In 2021, the general elections will also be determined, influenced and shaped by some individuals.
Since the return of democracy in 1991, some individuals have been a focal point of six general elections that have taken place in the country. I seek to highlight the two recent ones, whom every politician worth his sort oughts to appreciate the godfather status they have earned overtime.
These two, are from the Kenneth Kaunda school of politics, and they worked quite closely with KK. For Rupiah Banda, his more of a father figure having served as President of the Republic himself. For Chikwanda he is a father figure for PF and no one can take that away from him. They are a silent powerhouse, Lungu courts very well.
We cannot talk about the Lungu presidency, without a mention of the these two politically strong men. godfathers may not be Presidents themselves, but their voice transcends legitimate power.
After the demise of Michael SATA, President Lungu relied heavily on the blessings of these two men in both 2015 and 2016. The voter out there decides nothing before the party decides who your choice will be. And best believe me these two will shape 2021 politics, at both national and political party dynamics – and they invariably are men – who will pull the strings behind the scenes.
As such, they remain a potent factor to be reckoned with, politically next year and beyond, a blessing from them will be the highest commodity many political aspirants would be seeking.
The results of 2021 elections lay on many shoulders which includes these individuals. With almost two years down the line to 2021, there is no indication that things would change, therefore we are yet to see how the opposition will play out against this tide. Any politician who ignores these two does so at its own peril.
Their importance as regards 2021 elections cannot be seen by the naked eye, but abandoning these two will be anyone’s biggest mistake. Even as we hear, lots of stories about change of government, I tend to agree with President LUNGU’s confidence when I see how he is playing the real politics when it comes to such strong political voices.
Michael SATA won 2011, after the master dribbler albeit “godfather” Chiluba died. And that was real politics. The UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema is not naive, he understands this way too well, and may never have an honest conversation in public about this issue but we can’t run away from it.
I end with this proverb, “the Lion Monarch must always reach out to the aggrieved but silent Lagoon Lion so that he doesn’t explode like the hippo. Because the Lagoon Lion controls waters that can drown.”
For their political sagacity and large followership in places I can’t mention here, they remain a major factor to be considered when measuring 2021 presidential elections at all fronts.
