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Former Home Affairs Minister Lameck Mangani warns Sunday Chanda

Chief Editor
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Former Home Affairs Minister Lameck Mangani warns Sunday Chanda

Former Home Affairs Minister Lameck Mangani has responded to the allegation by the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) Media Director Sunday Chanda accusing him and others, including Panji Kaunda, of working to incite People in Eastern Province against President Lungu and PF.

In a statement released to the media, Mr. Mangani warned Mr. Chanda that the approach he used in MMD, together with the Late Chanda Chimba, could cause another catastrophic defeat for the PF if he didn’t adjust.

Mr Mangani said that the politics of divide and rule have no space in modern politics and that Zambians don’t enjoy, politics of character assassination and blackmail.

Below is the full statement

STATEMENT ISSUED BY HON. LAMECK MANGANI IN RESPONSE TO THE ALLEGATIONS LEVELED AGAINST HIM, ATTRIBUTED TO PF MEDIA DIRECTOR SUNDAY CHANDA ON 16TH JANUARY 2020.

I would like to react to the statements which are attributed to Councillor William Phiri the PF Provincial IPS for Eastern Province and our Media Director at PF Secretariate Mr Sunday Chanda.

To begin with, let me deal with Councillor Phiri’s statement who is the IPS in Eastern province. From the historical perspective Councillor Phiri, the current Provincial Chairperson Andrew Lubusha, Jacob Sakala and several other young men and women played a pivotal role in 2011 in order to fight for the Patriotic Front in Eastern province. It was a very aggressive approach and everybody put in their very best and I do appreciate their contributions. I think it’s from that perspective that Councillor Phiri is coming from. Looking back at what happened in 2011, he is seeing whether something of that nature could be done as we go into 2021. The way I understood his statement, he is calling upon the President, the party leadership and the entire membership, that we get United and get ready to mobilise all those players who contributed to the success of the party in 2011 so that we are assured of victory in 2021. In my view, I thought that was a very progressive statement. Although I was put at the centre, I believe the appeal was meant for all those who contributed to the success of the PF, particularly in 2011.

In this respect, I am humbled by the fact that other people like Councillor Phiri can appreciate my contribution to the party. It is not a secret that in 2011, I was at the center of most of the political activities in the province. This is the angle that Councillor Phiri is coming from.

On the other hand, I was surprised and shocked by the reaction of our Media Director at our Secretariate. He came up with all sorts of accusations which include that, there are people who are plotting against the First Family in Eastern Province. Among these people, was Colonel Panji Kaunda, myself, Councilor William Phiri and another Councillor whom I don’t know from Chipangali. And then Ambassador George Zulu and others.

As one of the Senior members of the party in Eastern province, who even served as Provincial Chairman, I take great exception to this naked attempt to sow needless division between myself, the Province and the First Family. I want to make it very clear, that I have no issues with the First Family and any desperate attempt to try and malign me in this regard is extremely unfortunate. Nevertheless, as an Easterner, I totally agree with the sentiments that the political hegemony in Eastern province is glaring and requires consented effort in order to address the situation on the ground. Of course, some of the issues are beyond human making such as climate change which has resulted in some parts experiencing crop failure. It is also true that the economy of Eastern province is basically agricultural and I am not ashamed to indicate that we are facing challenges in this area.

I would like also to state that, although Comrade Panji Kaunda is a colleague from UNIP days, I have never had any contact with him for a long time, either in person or through the phone. Furthermore, in 2019, I was only in Eastern province for 4(four) times. And I can count them that one was during the Ncwala Ceremony, during the Kulamba Ceremony, and then when I lost my Nephew who died in UTH and I took the body to the village, the latest one was when there was a funeral for Chief Zumwanda. On all these occasions I have spent less than 3(three) days at each given time.

So where have I been having meetings to destabilize the party? Do they have empirical evidence, that I have been distributing money alleged to come from UPND? And who is this person that has been giving me this money? As grave as these allegations sound to be, as a senior member of the party I should have been summoned by the party leadership to explain myself. My advice to my colleagues in the leadership of the party is that, as we proceed to seek a fresh mandate from the Zambian people in 2021, let’s be level headed and work on promoting health debates to deal with issues which are prevailing on the ground. That is the only way we can grow the party and be assured of victory in 2021. These alarming statements further create more confusion on the ground than solving the problems.

Admittedly, I have been deliberately quiet on many issues, but this must not suggest that I don’t understand what is prevailing on the ground.

I also want to put it on record, that I detest, politics extended to our families. And the mention of the First Lady Madam Esther Lungu and President LUNGU’s daughter Tasila Lungu who is my daughter is extremely hurtful. There is no need to drive a wage between me and the First Family over unfounded allegations.

To my young man Sunday Chanda, I would like you to know that many people suffered for the victory of the PF into government. I personally suffered both materially and financially in this regard. I know, I have been on this road before where people accuse me of all sorts of issues in order to get political mileage. But the truth shall always prevail. Unless otherwise, I can only speculate that you may be used by other people to fight their battles. As a media director, try very hard to engage people on issues that affect the party. Secondly, I am a strong believer that younger men of your kind should be given space to perform but any leadership goes with responsibility. I would also want to remind you, that the approach you had in MMD together with the Late Chanda Chimba could cause another catastrophic defeat for the PF if you don’t adjust! The politics of divide and rule have no space in modern politics. Please also take note that Zambians don’t enjoy, politics of character assassination and blackmail.

I Thank You!!!!

Hon. Lameck Mangani
Former PF Eastern Province Chairman and Former Minister of Home Affairs

CTPD calls for the Protection of Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC)

Chief Editor
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CTPD calls for the Protection of Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC)

The Centre for Trade Policy and Development this morning appeared before the Committee on Cabinet Affairs to make a submission on the Role of the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) in the fight against Corruption and other Financial Crimes.

According to the statement released to the media by Mwaka Nyimbili, CTPD Information and Communications Specialist, corruption in Zambia is a big issue and continues to undermine the country’s ordinary citizens’ ability to adequately access public services such as health, clean water, proper housing, education, etc.

The situation of corruption in Zambia has been worsening and increased by a point from 38 in 2016, to 37 in 2017, and by two (2) points from 37 in 2017 to 35 points in 2018 (Transparency International, 2018). Of the 180 countries, Zambia was ranked at number 105, indicating high levels of corruption (Ibid, 2018). As such, citizens continue to lose trust in public service delivery in the country.

In its submission to the Committee, CTPD Executive Director Isaac Mwaipopo called for the protection of the Financial Intelligence Centre as this will help address insinuations by the General Public that it is operating outside its mandate.

Mr. Mwaipopo observed that the Financial Intelligence Centre is operating according to the Mandate it was established and that there is need to strengthen the functions of the FIC in addressing the weak coordination between the Centre and Law Enforcement Agencies.

He, however, added that the FIC is well-positioned to contribute to the fight against corruption because it is a key agency in domestic and international efforts to tackle money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

“Zambian FIC receives and analyses suspicious financial transactions which are then passed on to law enforcement agencies for onward investigations and possible prosecution where sufficient cause is established. In this case the role of the FIC is to be a provider of information to other agencies. What the other agencies do with the information they are provided with is entirely out of the control of the FIC’’, Mr. Mwaipopo said.

Going by the findings from CTPD research on the role of the FIC, Mr. Mwaipopo recommended the following to the committee:

(1) The need for increased funding to the FIC to enable it to carry out its mandate effectively.

(2) There is an urgent need for strengthened coordination between the various law enforcement agencies and the FIC to ensure increased chances of success in prosecution and conviction of cases brought up for investigation.

(3) Financial crimes are complex and fighting them requires an agency such as FIC to be well equipped with the latest technologies and training on fighting and tracking financial crimes. This therefore calls for increased budgetary support for trainings. (4) There is need for more protection from abuse of the members of staff at the FIC from members of society and politicians. In the past, the members of the FIC have been subjected to verbal and other forms of abuse for simply carrying out their work as required by the law.

Issued by
Mwaka Nyimbili
CTPD Information and Communications Specialist

Another MMD MP Survives Road Accident

Chief Editor
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Another MMD MP Survives Road Accident

Opposition Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) Member of Parliament for Mkaika Constituency Hon. Peter Phiri survived a road accident on Tuesday the 14th of January, 2020 around 23:30 hours in Sinda in Eastern Province.

Hon. Phiri who was traveling to Katete from Lusaka for a funeral rammed into a stationed Malawian Truck, which was partially parked along his road lane.

Hon. Phiri who was immediately rushed to Sinda Zone Clinic, was referred to St. Francis Hospital in Katete for observation.

This is the second accident that has involved an MMD MP, after last road accident that involved MMD Muchinga Member of Parliament Hon. Howard Kunda.

The Zambian Mining Fiscal Regime: Why Aint We Getting it Right?

Chief Editor
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The Zambian Mining Fiscal Regime: Why Aint We Getting it Right?

 

By Webby Banda Senior Researcher (Extractives)

A Mining fiscal regime should obtain the right balance between raising revenue and providing fiscal space for mining companies to continue in operation. A mining fiscal regime should also inspire confidence that the country is collecting what it is owed.

In an endeavour to achieve this, the Zambian Government has structurally reformed the mining fiscal regime four times in the past five years. Although the current fiscal regime aims at capturing maximum revenue for the country, the Centre for Trade Policy and Development wishes to note the following deficiencies in its structure:

(i) Lack of capital gains tax

A capital gains tax (CGT) which is defined as a tax on the profit realised from the sale of a non-inventory asset is essential for Zambia to fully benefit from the sale of its mineral assets between multinational corporations. The most common capital gains are realised from the sale of real estate and property.

Therefore, the lack of an excess profit tax will continue to act as a weakest point of revenue loss. An example in history is the sale of Lumwana Mine by Equinox to Barrick Gold Corporation, where the country did not benefit from the transaction in form of capital gains.

(ii) Retention of administrative complex tax instruments

Maintaining administrative complex tax instruments like the current VAT system will continue to act as the weakest point of revenue loss. There is a need to match the complexity of the fiscal instruments in the current regime with the administrative capacity of the tax authority (Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA). A country might have the best-designed tax system on paper, but if this is not matched with the administrative capacity of the tax authority, the tax system is bound to fail. The government needs to enhance the efficiency of the VAT system through structural reformation.

(iii) Lack of an excess profit tax instrument

The lack of an excess profit tax instrument in the current regime does not inspire confidence that the country will collect what is due or owed to it in high price cycles. A lack of an excess profit tax instrument will likely provide an incentive for the government to alter the regime in high price cycles. This is because it will feel it is not getting much of the desired revenue.

A robust fiscal regime should capture windfall gains in high price cycles but at the same time provide fiscal relief for mining companies to continue in operation in low price cycles.

Although the current mineral royalty might mimic the windfall tax, it is important to note that the former cannot serve the purpose of the latter. Mineral royalty acts as a rent paid to the government for the exploitation and exhaustion of mineral resources.

On the other hand, windfall tax is a fiscal instrument that aims at capturing windfall gains in high price cycles.

(iv) Overgenerous tax incentives

Overgenerous tax incentives in the current fiscal regime like the 10 years loss carryforward period continue to act as revenue leakages in the current fiscal regime. There is need to limit these overgenerous tax incentives given to large scale commercial mines.

However, energy needs to be redirected in crafting tax incentives that will grow the Artisanal and Small Mining (ASM) sector. This is because ASM is increasingly becoming an important sector of alleviating poverty levels in Zambia.

Chabinga laments Nkana defeat at Zanaco

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Nkana coach Manfred Chabinga admits they blew a valuable opportunity to go top of the FAZ Super Division table following Wednesday’s away loss at Zanaco.

The record 12-time champions fell 2-1 at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka to hand Zanaco its first league win from seven matches that also saw them crawl out of the FAZ Super Division relegation zone from fourth from bottom up one notch to 14th.

Nkana, though, stayed out at number two, tied on 34 points with leaders Green Eagles.

“Yah, we missed that one. This one was an important one for us unfortunately we lost 2-1,” Chabinga said.

“Of course I am disappointed, we definitely wanted to be on top of the log but we donated the points.”

But Chabinga added that he was optimistic Nkana would rebound in their last game in Lusaka this Saturday before return to Kitwe when they visit mid-table Green Buffaloes.

“They (chances) are very high, we are not a bad team, and we are a good team we need to talk to our players because we have chances of winning the league this season,” Chabinga said.

Protesting Retires at the Ministry of Justice were paid, says Dora Siliya

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Protesting Retires at the Ministry of Justice were paid, says Dora Siliya

Chief Government spokesperson Dora Siliya says some retirees who are part of the group demanding payment of their terminal benefits have already been paid and were swindled by some of their lawyers.

Ms Siliya says it is not correct to say that government is doing nothing about the retirees’ situation because money has been released on several occasions to pay them.

Speaking at a media briefing, Ms Siliya said government is concerned with the status of retirees who are spending months in the cold demanding to be paid their money and will ensure that what is due to them is paid.

She however said that records are there to show that some retirees were paid through their lawyers and it is not government’s responsibility to ensure that the money is transferred to them.

Meanwhile, Ms Siliya has warned that there will be chaos in the country if politicians continue peddling lies about institutions of governance.

She said Institutions such as the Electoral Commission of Zambia have been handling elections for a long time and there is need for the people to have confidence in it.

Zamtel in massive job lay offs

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Zamtel in massive job lay offs

State owned telecommunications company Zamtel has started a process of cutting up to 140 jobs which will see a number of key staff thrown on the streets.

The affected employees have already started receiving their letters of termination of employment from the Human Resources Department while the Finance Department has already worked out a redundancy package.

Company sources revealed that the firm is looking at reducing its total headcount from around 570 employees to 430 which is around 17% of its establishment in order to make the company efficient and reduce running costs.

The sources further indicated that last year, a decision was made to outsource some of the company’s key units such as the Technical Department and Call Centre which has seen the reduction in the head count.

Some of the affected workers who opted to remain unidentified at this stage said the manner in which the redundancy programme has been handled is not transparent, unfair and riddled with corruption.

“The whole process has been mishandled because we are not being told the criteria being used to fire people. It’s like the people in management just wakes up one day and include some names on the list, letters are drafted and you are called to pick it up, that’s it!” one of the affected workers narrated.

She added, “We were called to attend some training programme at the Training Centre in Roma on Monday only to be given the letters and told to leave the organization. I think there could have been a more humane way of sacking people than this especially that this is January and the economy is not in good shape.”

Efforts to reach Zamtel Managing Director Sydney Mupeta for a comment proved futile by the time of publishing the story but company Head of Corporate Affairs Reuben Kamanga promised to issue a statement later.

Why Lungu will win another term

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Why Lungu will win another term

By Dr. Joze Manda

• Voters in 2016 liked Lungu’s promise to stem the tide of massive infrastructure development.*

• Unless the combined opposition (which is NOT most likely to happen) can put up ONE credible candidate willing to deliver a similar agenda, they have already lost.

Zambian must not put too much stock in all those questionable predictions you’re hearing about Zambia’s elections in 2021 on social media and some hostile media houses who are paid to promote the agenda of known imperialists. Anyone saying that the opposition will win outrightly in 2021 without a clear analysis of the current political situation are probably just trying to get your attention and pre brainwash you so as to programme your brains to not accept their lose in 2021.

And probably they succeeding. We’ve all fallen for headlines and clickbait proclaiming foreknowledge of events. We do it for sports and just about any other outcome that cannot be foreseen and that goes for elections too and particularly in a high-stakes, pivotal cycle such as we will be faced with in 2021.

Zambia’s current challenges are global economic trends and climate change based and the quicker we get the grip of it all, the better we will understand the political quagmire we find ourselves in. It is also easy to predict that with a little more works on the economy, Edgar Lungu will easily win the 2021 elections because the focus of the opposition has been to capitalize on the challenges our country is facing, to the dismay of many citizens.

The connection between economics and politics is clearly visible. Economic production sustains human life which, for most people, is the most important concern in life. The prestige of a democratic government, its rise and fall, usually depend on its economic performance and that is way Edgar Lungu has put his effort and that of his government in overdrive to cartel the challenges we are facing as can be seen with his commitment pledges as 2020 begins. It is a new year and new pledges have been made and we will see massive economic changes in the positive within the next six months.

The steps taken by Lungu’s government to make the citizens the beneficiaries of the gold recently discovered will inspire the citizens to work and support Lungu’s efforts to easy the pain citizens are facing and this will also help create a health economic position for our country.

The reported discovery oil in Southern province and the plans by government to explore every inch of it to benefit the citizens, will also see a huge cash inflow in billions of dollars which will help easy the hostile global economic challenge that has affected our economy so drastically.

As things stand, it is easy to to conclude that Lungu will win the 2021 elections because the electoral map of 2021 closely resembles that of 2016 with most votes in about six provinces going to the the PF. In Lusaka and the copperbelt, the PF will also win with a slight majority in the face of the economic decline, but will also have a huge advantage and space to tap in, from the new voters who will be registered between now and then of which the majority are the youth who resonate with PF on many lines.

The main opposition, UPND is still fatally divided over outdated ideologies and leadership wrangles, proving that they haven’t yet learned the lessons of its 2016 defeat. They have a leader who selfishly holds on to three TOP party positions of – President, Vice president – Administration and Vice President – Politics. His paranoia of past loses has dealt him a huge psychological blow which in essence has turned him into an authoritarian dictator or a small god who suffer from inferiority complex.

It is also most troubling to UPND, who know they have nothing and no one to offer Zambians to beat Lungu. It is easy to see what is really going on here. UPND have weaponized the economic challenges and are using it as a political tool against an opponent they cannot beat.

Dr. Joze Manda is Political Analyst based in Lusaka.

NDC files in Henry Mushimu Kalenga ahead of the Chilubi by-election

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NDC files in Henry Mushimu Kalenga ahead of the Chilubi by-election

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has adopted Mr. Henry Mushimu Kalenga as its candidate for the Chilubi by elections slated for February 13, 2020.

The by-election was necessitated after the demise of the area Member of Parliament honourable Rosaria Fundanga.

Mr. Kalenga is a former District Commissioner, DC, for Chilubi and served between 2010 and 2011.

He was the Provincial Secretary for Central Province until 2015 when he joined the Patriotic Front (PF).

He was an aspiring candidate under PF in 2016 but the adoption was given to the late MP Mrs Fundanga.

He joined the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2018.

Mr. Kalenga, a staunch Catholic, is married to Catherine Kapambwe Nsofwa and has seven (7) children (3 boys and 4 girls).

He was born on October 27, 1962 at Ben’s village on the mainland, where he did his primary school. He later went to Samfya Secondary School where he did his form one (1) to form five (5).

He has done various trainings in mining and is currently pursuing a degree in philosophy and will be graduating in May, 2020.

According to the NDC, Mr. Kalenga’s popularity stems from his hard work as a District Commissioner where he transformed the mainland and island due to his development agenda.

However, his dream of developing the district was cut short when all contracts for District Commissioners were terminated immediately the PF was ushered into office.

He has, however, remained a household name on both the island and mainland.

Mrs Chanda spends her 50th birthday giving out hampers to new mothers

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Mrs Chanda spends her 50th birthday giving out hampers to new mothers

Usually, birthdays come with a lot of excitement and some call for huge celebrations such as cutting of cakes, good food, popping of champagne and dancing to good music.

But this was never the case for Mrs Jane Kaonga Chanda who decided to spend her 50th birthday giving out hampers to babies born on her birthday – 15th of January. Mrs Chanda is the wife of Zambia Revenue Authority Commisioner General, Kingsley Chanda.

Her day began very normal with her children helping her wrap gift hampers which she would later in the day donate to newborns in selected hospitals in Lusaka.

Her first stop was Chilenje Level One Hospital in Lusaka where she donated eight (8) hampers to babies born on her birthday.

She later went to Bauleni Clinic where she donated one gift hamper to a newborn and donated another to an expectant mother .

Her last stop was kalingalinga clinic. Unfortunately, the clinic did not record any births on that day.

When asked why she decided to spend her birthday in such a unique style, Mrs Chanda, said she always prefers to spend her birthday in such a way.

“I am not a party person; I always want to feel for the other person. If I was Bill Gates, I would share with the whole world but I am able to share to the capacity God has blessed me with and I hope the mothers and the babies can receive these gifts with one heart, because it’s not even within my powers, it’s not up to me but God made it possible,” she says with a smile.

This kind gesture by Mrs Chanda excited the mothers whose babies benefited from the hampers and hospital staff who applauded her for her kind heart of sharing and encouraged her to continue being kind to others through sharing.

By Chanda John Chimba
[Zambian Sky]

Spouse to ZRA Chief, Kingsley Chanda, Jane surprises mothers and newly born with hampers”
Spouse to ZRA Chief, Kingsley Chanda, Jane surprises mothers and newly born with hampers”

Citizen Science : A Conservation Game Changer

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Citizen Science : A Conservation Game Changer

By Arnold Chasaya

Communities play a critical role in the sustainable management of natural endowments.
In Zambia, one of the most precious natural resources, which continues to dictate the economic well-being of indigenous communities, is fresh water. For example, with more than half of the country’s population living within the Kafue River catchment area (according to Researcher Michael Kambole), there is no doubt that the river is a pillar on which many Zambians’ livelihoods depend.

But in order for the country’s critical fresh water bodies to be managed sustainably, there is an urgent need for both policymakers and conservationists across the country to find a way of empowering community members with basic research skills and tools so that they can take a leading role in initiatives aimed at assuring the integrity of natural water bodies. One of the ways of empowering communities with an active voice at conservation is citizen science.

Citizen science, also known as community science, is scientific research conducted, in whole or in part, by amateur (or nonprofessional) scientists, according to a 2013 write-up by Author Gura Trisha. Citizen science is sometimes described as “public participation in scientific research,” participatory monitoring, and participatory action research whose outcomes are often advancements in scientific research, as well as an increase in the public’s understanding of science.

Using basic scientific research tools, community members within the Lower Kafue River basin are monitoring quality of their natural water bodies, by closely observing the levels of nitrate and phosphates in the water. The citizen scientists are also monitoring turbidity, which is a measure of the degree to which the water loses its transparency due to the presence of suspended particulates.

The more total suspended solids in the water, the cloudier it seems and the higher the turbidity. The suspended particles absorb heat from the sunlight, making turbid waters become warmer, and so reducing the concentration of oxygen in the water. As a consequence of the particles settling to the bottom, shallow lakes fill in faster, fish eggs and insect larvae are covered and suffocated, according to a report by an online publication Lenntech.

Meanwhile, nitrate is one of the most common groundwater contaminants in rural areas. It is regulated in drinking water primarily because excess levels can cause “blue baby” disease, a condition where a baby’s skin turns blue due to a decreased amount of hemoglobin in the baby’s blood.
Although nitrate levels that affect infants do not pose a direct threat to older children and adults, they do indicate the possible presence of other more serious residential or agricultural contaminants, such as bacteria or pesticides.

On the other hand, phosphates enter waterways from human and animal waste, phosphorus rich bedrock, laundry, cleaning, industrial effluents, and fertilizer runoff. If too much phosphate is present in the water the algae and weeds will grow rapidly, may choke the waterway, and use up large amounts of precious oxygen. The result may be the death of many fish and aquatic organisms, notes Brian Oram of Water Research Center.
In its relentless effort to help manage natural water bodies sustainably, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Zambia and its strategic partners are providing the citizen scientists with the support they need to help assure the quality of critical fresh water bodies in their communities.
Speaking recently during a citizens’ engagement tour of the Lower Kafue River catchment area, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Zambia Fresh Water Programme Officer Diilwe Syamuntu observed that citizen science would not have come at a better time than now when community participation in conservation initiatives counts more than ever.

“With citizen science, community members, who are the custodians of these natural resources, are in a position to influence policy in the conservation sphere,” he noted.

Mr. Syamuntu also urged the citizen scientists to prioritize sharing their observations with their respective communities, so that a community motivated solution could be found to various factors compromising the quality of water.

“As you monitor this water, always remember to share your observations with the community so that you are on the same page in terms of the quality of the water you are using. If you sit on the observatory results, you will be defeating the whole purpose of citizen science,” emphasized Mr. Syamuntu.

Speaking earlier, WWF-Zambia Water Stewardship Officer Gershom Pule emphasized the need for more concerted efforts in the management of natural water bodies. He said that since water is a shared resource, it requires collective action to be managed sustainably. “Collaborative planning and action on fresh water will sustain the resource. Therefore, communities, private and public sectors must work together,” appealed Mr. Pule.
Meanwhile, the citizen scientists praised WWF-Zambia and its partners for introducing them to the science.

One of the visibly satisfied citizen scientists, Kalaluka Mwiya, disclosed that since he was introduced to the science, he has been helping other community members appreciate their role in conservation. Mr. Mwiya noted also that by sharing his scientific observations with the rest of his community, he has seen a drastic improvement in the quality of the water bodies surrounding his community.

The citizen scientists are spread across community schools, government departments and parastatal institutions within the Lower Kafue River catchment area.

After they have monitored the water, the citizen scientists move on to upload their observable results onto FreshWater Watch, a mobile application accessible to other citizen scientists across the globe.

Once uploaded, the results are automatically made available to other citizen scientists spread across various fresh water basins around the globe.

There is no doubt that with citizen science, the significant role communities play in natural resources management will be harnessed fully for the benefit of both nature and the human race as a whole.

Government’s plans to introduce Grade 4 Exams to Improve Grade 7 pass rate criticised

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Government’s plans to introduce Grade 4 Exams to Improve Grade 7 pass rate criticised

Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) Youths have urged the Government to concentrate on improving the school curriculum than introducing more exams.

In a statement circulated to the Media, New Hope MMD National Youth Secretary Mr. Gregory Mofu said that there is a huge number of Pupils who sit for Grade 7 who can’t read and write.

“We in the New Hope MMD Youth League, have received the proposed introduction of Grade 4 assessment and examinations with uttermost shock and surprise. A number of Pupils who sit for grade 7 cannot read and write for various reasons. What makes them think that one who can fail at Grade 7 can pass a Grade 4 examination? We find it shocking that instead of sorting out the problem behind this, they want to create more problems”, Mr. Mofu said.

Mr. Mofu called upon the Government to find out what is leading to a high number of Grade 7 examination failures.

“From the information, we have gathered, we understand that the Government through the Ministry of General Education has come up with this proposal to reduce the high number of Pupils who fail the Grade 7 examinations. However, we are of the view that this has nothing to do with lack of previous examinations but has more to do with other factors like the school curriculum. We would like to urge the government to find out the root cause for high drop out rates”, Mr. Mofu said.

Mr. Mofu further called upon the Government to improve the school curriculum.

“Lastly but we would like to call upon the Government to immediately improve the school curriculum. We are of the view that the curriculum in its current form is outdated and is among the main reasons why there is a high rate of failure at the various examinations levels including Grade 7. So we find the proposed Grade 4 examinations as a misguided missile, which might come to hurt us more”, Mr. Mofu said.

PF Youth Chairman Kelvin Sampa accused of attempting to illegally import finished edible oils

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PF Youth Chairman Kelvin Sampa accused of attempting to illegally import finished edible oils

The Crushers and Edible Oil Refiners Association (CEDORA) has accused PF Youth Chairman Kelvin Sampa of using his political influence to illegally obtain import permits for refined edible oils.

CEDORA Chairperson Aubrey Chibumba claimed that Mr Sampa has been using his office as PF Youth Chairman to force the Ministry of Agriculture to issue him with import permits for refined edible oils.

But Mr Sampa has denied the allegations that he is bulldozing the process saying the edible oil sector is free for anyone to participate.

During a news briefing in Lusaka, Dr Chibumba said Mr Sampa has formed an entity called Pamodzi Multipurpose Cooperative which he is trying to use to illegally bring in edible oils into Zambia.

He charged that Mr Sampa is trying to use political advantage to import a product that he cannot even pack even if he brought in bulk.

He warned that such maneuvers by Mr Sampa risks jeopardizing the livelihoods of 300,000 small scale farmers that actively grow soya beans.

“Historically, I smuggled edible oil has been the major challenge for the industry. However, we are glad to report that especially over the last 6 months the Zambia Revenue Authority has made tremendous progress in curbing smuggling,” Dr Chibumba said.

He added, “Working together with CEDORA and Ministry of Agriculture, measures have been put in place that have made it difficult for smugglers to get their products through our borders. ZRA has to be commended for this effort. ZRA has also developed an on-line portal for the application for import permits. This is currently under user acceptance testing at Ministry of Agriculture. When the system goes live it will simplify the permit application process and make it more transparent.”

Dr Chibumba said the Ministry of Agriculture has also tried its best to address challenges with the issuance of import permits for edible oil.

“They too need to be commended because it has not been easy especially given the type of political pressure that they come under. And it is this increasing political pressure that we must now address,” he said.

Dr Chibumba said the Association has no problem with the Pamodzi Multipurpose Cooperative which Mr Sampa has formed.

“Whilst we have no issues with this, we do have issues with how he is trying to use his cooperative. To reiterate, a few months ago, some individuals from Pamodzi called claiming that they have a processing plant and want to import crude palm oil.”

“As agreed between the Ministry of Agriculture and CEDORA we advised them that we have no objection if we can verify that they indeed have a processing plant. The caller said they would get back to me and when they did they said they were only a 20% shareholder. To which I responded that that was fine but we still needed to verify their plant. At that point communication ceased.”

He stated, “The next development was Ministry of Agriculture asking if any of our members had signed a toll agreement with Pamodzi. I replied that I did not know but would find out. I proceeded to ask CEDORA members who all denied entering into such a tolling arrangement with Pamodzi. I duly informed the Ministry of Agriculture and advised them that they should insist on Pamodzi producing a tolling agreement before they can be allowed to import crude palm oil and that in any case it would be better for the tolling company to import on their behalf.”

“The next thing was that Mr. Sampa called me and we exchanged words. But basically what I told him was that he has the political power to do whatever he wants, but that he must not hide behind a process that legitimizes his objective which is to import refined oil and thus avoid paying the correct duties and put at risk the livelihoods of 300,000 small scale farmers that actively grow soya beans.”

“The fact is that Mr. Sampa has been engaged by an individual who has been very active, but in the background, in the edible oil business facilitating mis and under declarations through the various clearing agents that he set up. However, with the new processes in place and the clamp down by ZRA on clearing agents that facilitate smuggling, this avenue has now also closed. So the remaining path was to try to hijack the issuance of import permits using Pamodzi and presumably the office of the Patriotic Front Youth Chairman as leverage on government officials.”

Dr. Chibumba said despite the advice tendered to Mr. Sampa, he has continued to put pressure on the Ministry of Agriculture so that he obtains import permits for a product that he cannot even pack even if he brought in bulk refined oil.

“To me this represents a clear abuse of his office as PF Youth Chairman because he should know better that most youth survive through agriculture and his intended activity in this sector will deprive a lot of them of the opportunity that is available as small scale farmers,” Dr. Chibumba charged.

“My appeal now is to His Excellency, The President Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu who has honored several of our members by commissioning their soya bean processing plants to advise Mr. Sampa to reconsider his current attempts to enter the edible oil sector in the proposed manner. There are much better ways available to help the youth than to destroy one of the more important drivers of our economy.”

When reached for a comment, Mr Sampa denied the allegations adding that Pamodzi Multipurpose Cooperative applied for import permit last October and has not been issued with any.

“The truth is that we have not imported any edible oils. We applied in October and we have so far not been responded to. If at all I am using my office to bulldoze the process, why has the Ministry not given us with the permit?”

He accused Dr Chibumba of working to protect the interest of foreign owned businesses working in the lucrative edible oil sector.

“Why is it that this Association is only full of Indians? Why are they blocking other business people from participating in this business? We are a law abiding entity and for me, I am a law marker and I follow the law. We have not exerted any pressure on this issue,” Mr Sampa said.

3 330 confiscated Mukula logs lying idle at Isoka District commissioner’s office

Chief Editor
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3 330 confiscated Mukula logs lying idle at Isoka District commissioner’s office

Isoka District commissioner Even well Mutambo has expressed worry over the 3 330 confiscated Mukula logs, which are lying idle at his office.

Mr. Mutambo revealed this to Muchinga Deputy Permanent. Secretary Jonathan Ngonga yesterday in Isoka.

He lamented that the Mukula logs have been lying idle for over three years and ZAFFICO is quiet over the matter.

And responding to the matter Muchinga Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Jonathan Ngonga said he would look into the matter with the permanent Secretary Joyce Nsamba.

Mr Ngonga appealed to all Civil servants and Isoka community to embark on serious tree planting programme in the district.

Meanwhile, Mr Ngonga has praised the Mafinga district administration for their quick response on planting 7000 trees on the source of Luangwa River.

And on Nakonde district Mr. Ngonga said Schools have planted 7650 trees.the situation he said was impressive.

Mr Ngonga has, however, urged Isoka District Education Board Secretary Gino Malongo to take advantage of pupils and plant trees in the learning institution.

There is need to expand economic opportunities and diversification-JCTR

Chief Editor
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There is need to expand economic opportunities and diversification-JCTR

The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) says there is need to expand economic opportunities and diversification for the country to create more decent employment.

JCTR Programme Officer, Muchimba Siamachoka says the country continues to have a challenge in creating decent employment because of inadequacies such as lack of skill development.

Ms. Siamachoka said this when she made submission to the budget committee on decent employment creation in Zambia .

She has since advised Government to address the challenge of youth unemployment beyond allocating resources and ensure that interventions are put in place that will address the skills mismatch in the Labour market .

Ms. Siamachoka also noted that there is need to create a link between foreign direct investment to domestic firms so that the can stimulate formal employment which will also encourage technological transfers and enhanced quality standards.

Earlier, the Zambia Federation of Employers Executive Director Harrington Chibanda has urged Government to continue creating an enabling policy environment that will address the high cost of doing business and in the long run contribute to create to jobs.

Mr. Chibanda said there is need to come up with holistic home-grown reforms or initiatives that will enable the country to create decent employment.

He also raised concern that retirees have not been given their monies from the pension funds stating that it affects their wellbeing after retirement.

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