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“Without education, we are in a horrible and deadly danger of taking educated people seriously,” Aristotle
“You can go to school but you can’t buy class,” Jay Z.
The last two weeks or so we have been subjected to some infantile and petty debate about grown ups calling each other names about their qualifications; who is an economist and who is not, blah blah blah.
First, it was the medical doctors, then the pilots then the lawyers, then the engineers now it is the economists bragging about their qualifications and calling each other names.
I would rather people show us their works and not their papers.
The problem with Africa’s education system is that it produces white-collar bureaucrats who can’t perform, innovate, write, research, develop or produce.
It’s about schooling/acquiring papers and not education/knowledge acquisition.
Like Mr Sata used to say, “We have Engineers who can’t even mend a pot hole, we have professors who can’t even write a book.”
Africa is producing thousands upon thousands of graduates; bachelors, masters and PHD holders every year but where are the fruits; where is the development, where is the innovation, where is research and development, the M&E, where is the entrepreneurship, the social mobility, the human development?
Are our graduates helping us with their education or it’s just papers?
Let us focus on using our education to lift up people, to change our attitudes, to change our societies and to advance human development and not to brag and demonize one another otherwise our education will be rendered useless.
Let me conclude by quoting Proverbs 16:16, wisdom is far much better than knowledge.
Bank of Zambia Governor Dr Denny Kalyalya cuts the cake during the 10th anniversary dinner for Ecobank Zambia dinner
Bank of Zambia Governor Denny Kalyalya says Small and Medium Entrepreneurs are engines of growth, especially in emerging and developing economies.
Dr Kalyalya says the Central Bank is happy that banks such as Eco bank Zambia are supporting the growth of SMEs through provision of credit.
The Central Bank Governor was speaking in Lusaka Thursday evening when he officiated at celebrations to mark Eco Bank Zambia’s 10th anniversary at the Taj Pamodzi Hotel.
Dr Kalyalya has since urged Eco Bank Zambia to continue supporting the SME sector as it has the potential to generate the much needed employment and is a good driver for non-traditional exports.
He said over the last ten years, Eco Bank Zambia has expanded its branch network to 7 and is represented in two provinces.
Dr Kalyalya says the Bank of Zambia expects Eco Bank to continue growing and more than double the number of branches as well as spread its presence to other parts of the country.
“We are aware of the banks’ global vision, which is anchored on achieving financial inclusion for pan Africa as a whole and your goal to reach 100 million customers in Zambia and across Africa.At the core of this vision, is the importance of understanding and satisfying customer needs. In this context we appreciate and commend Eco Bank for rolling out 7,000 Xpress points through its partnership with Kazang here in Zambia,” he said.
Dr Kalyalya said these Xpress points have brought financial services closer to the people in line with Bank of Zambia and Government Financial inclusion agenda.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, the advent of technology and its progression has made it possible to provide financial services to remotest places and in a more efficient way. Eco bank’s introduction of digital platforms in order to serve its customers more efficiently and to reach out to the unbanked through products such as Ecobank Pay and Ecobank Omni is another commendable effort,” Dr Kalyalya said.
And Ecobank Zambia Managing Director Kola Adeleke said Ecobank Zambia’s main objective is assisting in the economic development of Zambia and fostering financial integration in Africa.
“We aim to be the bank of choice in Zambia for consumers, businesses, corporates and the government. Indeed, today, we are one of the fastest growing banks in Zambia. As you know, Ecobank is the globally acclaimed Pan -African brand with banking operations in 33 countries in Africa and presence in China, United Arab Emirate, United Kingdom, Ethiopia and South Africa,” Mr Adeleke said.
“We also have a banking license in France. Being a member of the biggest Pan-African group in Africa, Ecobank Zambia utilizes the Group synergies to harness economic development through various trade instruments and digital solutions. We are thankful for the patronage of our various customers and affirm our commitment to continue to support critical sectors of the economy. We will also continue to leverage on the power of our digital platforms to deliver services to our customers and government in a convenient, accessible and reliable manner.”
Mr Adeleke said the Bank’s strategy is to be the Digital Bank of choice for all Zambians which is in line with Bank of Zambia’s objective of creating a cashless economy.
“To ensure that we serve you better, recently successfully Application, FlexcubeWith the , our processes and services are more robust aimed at ensuring that we meet varied customer needs efficiently. Indeed, we will continue to ensure that best in class banking experience.”
He said, “Our recent partnership with Kazang means that our customers can transact from 200 Kazang locations. From the end of this month, the number of transacting Kazang Agents where our customers can carry out some banking transactions will increase to 7,000 Xpress Points.”
Meanwhile, Ecobank Zambia Board Chairman Chileshe Kapwepwe In her closing remarks said thanked Customers, the Zambian Government, the Bank of Zambia and the staff for their continued support over the years.
She added, “Ecobank Zambia is a bank of the people, for the people, and this comes with corporate and social responsibilities that we take very seriously. As we focus on transforming the Zambian banking landscape, and servicing our customers with convenient, reliable, accessible and affordable financial products, we also care deeply about our local communities.”
She also announced that the bank will construct a shelter for care givers at the Cancer Diseases Hospital at the cost of K220,000 to mark the 2019 Ecobank Day.
“The objective is to raise awareness and help prevent Non-Communicable diseases which so tragically kill tens of thousands of Zambians every year,” Mrs Kapwepwe said.
Information and Broadcasting Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo has warned the ZNBC Board that he will not allow mediocrity by frustrating President Edgar Lungu’s directive to ensure that salaries for civil servants are paid on time.
During the 2019 Labour Day commemoration in Lusaka, President Edgar Lungu assured civil servants across the country that their salaries will never be delayed again.
Mr Kasolo’s warning follows a go-slow by ZNBC unionized workers over delayed salaries.
He notes that people have rentals and other bills to pay therefore the need to ensure that they are paid their salaries on time.
Mr. Kasolo has told QTV news that his ministry is concerned that an institution under it is not operating normally.
He states that it is for this reason that the Ministry through the board is looking for a new Director-General who is commercial-minded to maximize the asset of ZNBC considering that a lot of money has been spent on Digital Migration.
ZNBC Director General Richard Mwanza’s contract has not been renewed by the board.
Meanwhile, Zambia Union of Broadcasters and other Information Disseminators (ZUBID) General Secretary Andrew Mpandamwike says the Unionized workers decided to go on go-slow over delayed salaries.
Mr. Mpandamwike says the workers want an assurance that the delay in paying them salaries will stop.
Police in Kitwe received reports of Aggravated Robbery, Rape and Murder from a female student at Kalulushi Catholic University also of Kabundi in Chingola. The victim said that while she was being dropped off by Dr. Maximilian Mainza aged 36 of Riverside and a lecturer at Copperbelt University (CBU) at her friend’s house in Nkana West in the early hours of today 5th October 2019 at around 02:30 hours, they were attacked by a lone criminal who demanded for a K100.
After the confrontation, Dr. Mainza is reported to have come out of the car, a Honda Accord station wagon and challenged the criminal and in the process, Dr. Mainza was stabbed on the left side of the chest. He, however, managed to get back to the vehicle, reversed and drove about 100 meters before he stopped the car and collapsed.
According to the statement released to the media by Police Spokesperson Esther Katongo, the suspect later followed, broke the driver’s window, opened the door and dragged the female victim out to a nearby unfinished structure where she was raped.
He later went back to the vehicle and got two phones, a laptop bag, two other bags and an undisclosed amount of money and ran away.
After receiving the report, Police visited the scenes of crime and found Dr. Mainza dead at the steering wheel with a stab wound on the left side of the chest.
A Knife alleged to have been used in the act was recovered about six meters from the scene and the body has been taken to Kitwe Teaching Hospital mortuary while the rape victim was taken for medical attention.
Nkana say they have banned 10 supporters who were allegedly ring leaders of the violence that occurred during last Sunday’s FAZ Super Division match against Forest Rangers at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Nkana supporters threw assorted objects on the pitch as their team was losing this Week 4 match by 1-0 in Ndola.
The incident prompted FAZ to warn Nkana supporters against hooliganism.
Nkana president Evaristo Kabila said the action to permanently ban the culprits from all club activities has been taken after the internal investigations into the Ndola violence.
“Any behaviour that brings the name of the club into disrepute will attract maximum punishment that includes possible prosecution and jail sentences. Enough is enough! We have invested a lot in the club for a few disgruntled individuals to tarnish all that we have worked so hard to build,” Kabila stated.
Nkana have since forwarded the names of the banned individuals to the Football Association of Zambia secretariat.
President Lungu. “It is sad that the hunger situation in some parts of the country is being politicised.”
President Edgar Lungu has said that he is saddened that some people want to politicize the hunger situation in some parts of the country.
Speaking when he officiated at the launch of the Harvest of Winter Maize by Zambeef Plc at Zambeef Farm in Sinazongwe district of Southern Province yesterday, the Head of State warned politicians not to politicize climate change and the hunger situation in some parts of the country.
“It is dreadful that even with the overwhelming evidence on the presence of climate change, we still have doubting Thomases who have been dismissing the phenomenon as a fallacy”
“My Administration will not take advantage of this situation to gain cheap political mileage. We are aware of the many lives which are at stake. There is no need to play politics about this serious natural phenomenon,” he said.
The President advised Zambians to channel their support towards areas affected by hunger to relevant institutions such as the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) because it ensures that the help (relief food) reaches those that need it the most.
President Lungu has said DMMU under the Office of the Vice- President is the only institution with the capacity to distribute relief food to affected households in a coordinated and effective manner.
He said Southern Province is one such area that needs a lot of support and that his government welcomes support from all Zambians regardless of their political affiliation, tribe or standing in society.
“I wish to appeal to all well-meaning Zambians to come forward and provide support to people in areas affected by hunger. In Southern Province and indeed, other parts of the country, agricultural production has reduced significantly. This has made access to food for many Zambian households whose areas had poor yields, very difficult,” he said.
President Lungu assured that no one will die from hunger because the government through DMMU will provide relief to affected households.
“My government is determined to see to it that no life is lost because of hunger. I, therefore, wish to assure the Nation that every effort is being made to provide relief to affected households, this has, therefore, helped us plan our efforts in a more coordinated and effective manner,” he said.
He said efforts by DMMU have helped to cushion the impact of hunger that many families are faced with.
“So far, the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), through the DMMU has released one million by fifty-kilogram bags of maize to mostly families affected by hunger.
Mines and Minerals Development Minister Hon Richard Musukwa
Mines Minister Richard Musukwa has directed Mopani Copper Mines management to immediately halt the Contract Optimization Programme.
Mr. Musukwa says the programme which seeks to restrict the mine’s supplies business to foreign contractors will negatively impact on job security on the Copperbelt where local contractors employ over Seven thousand workers.
He says the implementation of the programme will not be supported by the government because it negates the provisions of the Mines and Mineral’s Act.
Mr. Musukwa has since urged Mopani Copper Mine Management to engage all stakeholders emphasising that dialogue should be the bedrock of mining operations in Zambia.
He said government targets to have 90 per cent of Mine contracts in the hands of local suppliers.
Mr. Musukwa says this will help curtail possible schemes of transfer pricing and externalization of foreign exchange earnings.
He was speaking in an interview with ZNBC News in Lusaka.
Mopani Copper Mines has embarked on a contract optimisation programme before striking consensus with the government and other stakeholders.
Finance Minister Dr Bwalya Kanyanta Emmanuel Ng’andu, MP, will present the 2020 National Budget Address to Parliament starting @ 14:00 Hrs this afternoon.
Finance Minister Bwalya Ng’andu says government will not limit the awarding of contracts to 20 per cent only for local contractors if they have the ability and capacity to undertake big projects.
Dr Ng’andu was speaking during the 30-year anniversary for Tomorrow Investments in Lusaka last night.
He said Zambia cannot import development because it is Zambians themselves who should develop and improve the economic landscape of the country.
Dr Ng’andu said government will always respond to contractors and businesses that show resilience and commitment by providing incentives.
The Finance Minister praised Tomorrow Investment for being a role model and a company that has benefited from the 20 percent sub-contraction policy by government.
Meanwhile, Tomorrow Investments chief executive officer, Augustine Katotobwe said it has not been an easy journey to grow the business to the level at which it is today.
He thanked government for providing a conducive environment for local contractor to thrive.
Mr Katototwe said the leadership of President Edgar Lungu has inspired more local businesses grow and contribute to the economic development of the country.
He called on imagine local contractors to show commitment and perform to the expectations for clients.
Meanwhile, National Council for Construction chief executive officer, Matthew Ngulube called on local contractor to do their best in order to win the trust.
He said Zambia has several local contractors who can perform and can compete favourably with foreign contractors.
Two days ago I appeared on BBC TV debating this very question – should tech gains such as Netflix, Facebook, Google, Snapchat and Twitter be taxed in Africa? Those of you who watched my video clip know that I take the view that these tech companies should be taxed to the extent of the revenue they collect in African countries. But this debate is not only about Africa.
The European Union (EU) is seriously considering taxing these tech giants. In fact, at the last G7 summit in July this year, finance ministers agreed that these tech firms like Netflix should be taxed in jurisdiction where they make money even when they are not physically present there. France in July this year passed a law in which these internet-based companies domiciled in the US but offering services in France will be made to pay taxes in France. The new law is called GAFA, which is short for Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon! Offcourse the US Government is fuming over these proposals – and rightly so as it will also affect her tax revenues.
I, therefore, do not see any reason why Zambia and other African countries should not be thinking along those lines. We need to start thinking outside the box in dealing with the emerging global tech economy. Issues of double-taxation will arise but that can only lead to African countries entering into double-taxation treaties with the US. By the way, so many jurisdictions are coming up with laws to tax these companies! We find to benefit from the global tech economy!
Why tax these tech firms outside the US? The rationale is simple. These digital firms contributes-millions of dollars to the US tax revenue but yet the US account for less than half of these companies revenue. In other ways, they generate income from countries in Africa, Asia and Europe where they do not pay taxes.
I find the debate between opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema and Information Minister Dora Siliya on this subject very refreshing . We need to have such kind of intellectual discourse on matters like this than usual politics and insults. I for one support the taxing of these companies like France has just done!
Red Arrows captain Bruce Musakanya has failed to make the 22-member Chipolopolo list for the October friendly dates against Niger and Benin.
Chipolopolo will visit Niger on October 10 in Niamey and Benin on October 13 in Cotonou.
Musakanya, who has continued with his good club form in the 2019/20 season from where he left off after scored seven goals for Arrows in the 2019 transitional campaign, is not among the fourteen home-based players picked for next week’s West Africa tour.
The Arrows midfielder has been a peripheral figure in Aggrey Chiyangu’s team but came off the bench to score Zambia’s winning goal in their 3-2 home win over Botswana on September 3 to help secure Chipolopolo’s passage to the 2020 CHAN final round qualifiers.
But excused from the West African tour are European- based stars Fashion Sakala of KV Oostende in Belgium including Enock Mwepu and Patson Daka from Austrian champions RB Salzburg.
The trio have been left out due to Zambia U23’s forthcoming 2019 U23 AFCON tournament camp ahead of the tournament Egypt will host from November 8 -22 in Cairo.
Meanwhile, Chipolopolo are using the friendly to prepare for their October 19 home game against eSwatini in their CHAN final round , last leg qualifier that Zambia won 1-0 away in Manzini on September 22.
Chipolopolo will also us the tour to fine-tune ahead of their 2021 AFCON Group H qualifier double-header against holders Algeria away on November 11 in Blida and Zimbabwe at home in Lusaka on November 16.
GOALKEEPERS: Sebastian Mwange (Green Eagles), Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos), Toaster Nsabata (Zanaco)
DEFENDERS: Simon Silwimba, Mwila Phiri, Adrian Chama, Clement Mwape (all Zesco United), Lawrence Chungu (Zanaco), Luka Banda (Napsa Stars), Tandi Mwape, Kabaso Chongo (both TP Mazembe,DR Congo), Salulani Phiri (Polokwane City, South Africa)
MIDFIELDERS: Amity Shamende (Green Eagles), Paul Katema (Red Arrows), Kelvin Kapumbu (Zanaco), Kelvin Mubanga (Nkana), Donashano Malama (Black Leopards, South Africa), Cletus Chama (Simba SC, Tanzania)
STRIKERS: Emmanuel Chabula (Nkwazi), Augustine Mulenga, Justin Shonga (both Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Lazarus Kambole (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Mwape Musonda (Black Leopards, South Africa)
Vice President Inonge Wina says government will not interfere with the court process involving Konkola Copper Mine in which vendetta has been taken to court.
Mrs Wina says government will abide by the laws and will allow the court process to take its course.
Mrs Wina was responding to a question asked by Nchanga Member of Parliament Chilombo Chali who wanted to find out whether government and Vendetta are negotiating to bring back the investor under a new name.
Mrs Wina said once the court process is completed, the new investor will take over operations at KCM.
And Mrs Wina said investigations into the 48 houses is still ongoing and a report is been compiled on the same matter.
She however said the Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo will give a comprehensive report once the investigations are completed.
The Vice president was responding to a question asked by the Kabompo Member of Parliament Ambrose Lufuma who wanted to find out what government is doing to ensure that justice prevails over the 48 houses.
Mrs Wina further stated that there is a financial management Act in place which is an indication of government’s determination to fight corruption for financial resources.
She said the notion that politicians are involved corruption is not true.
And Mrs. Wina said most projects undertaken by the World Bank and other cooperating partners follow through a process to enable its implementation leading to the loss of time.
She however said some projects have delayed while other projects are on course.
The Vice President was responding to a question asked by the Moomba Member of Parliament Fred Chaatila who wanted to find out about some projects that were about to be recalled because of delay in the implementation.
Responding to the question, Mrs Wina explained that countries did not abandon the meeting when African Presidents addressed the meeting but were attending to other side meeting.
Opposition United Party for National Development President Hakainde Hichilema says there is no need to tax NETFLIX.
Mr Hichilema says Zambians are already paying tax through data bundles and taxing NETFLIX will be a burden on the already overtaxed Zambians.
In a Tweet, Mr Hichilema said imposing tax on video streaming service will deprive Zambians of entertainment.
But Chief Government spokesperson Dora Siliya has attacked the opposition Leader saying this is a careless way of looking at business.
“You want an American company, Netflix, using our ICT infrastructure paid for by tax kwachas, to enjoy free profits with no local jobs, nor contribution to health education etc. Why do you think USA/China have trade war? Try no taxes in USA”, the Information and Broadcasting Services Minister tweeted.
Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo disclosed that the government is working towards starting to tax Netflix streaming service in Zambia.
Mr Kasolo said the Zambian government is displeased that some foreign content service providers are making money in Zambia without paying any taxes.
He said the money being generated by streaming services such as Netflix should be made to pay some form of taxes to the Zambian government.
The Zambia Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition Alliance is concerned that there has been no mention of nutrition in the 2020 National budget on how government intends to specifically deal with malnutrition.
Appearing before the Parliamentary Budget and Estimates Committee Chaired by Mbala Member of Parliament Mwalimu Simfukwe, the Alliance says this raises concern on prioritisation by government given that stunting levels are still high at 35 percent.
Making a Presentation, Alliance Member Mwandwe Chileshe said nutrition has only been catered for in the K1.1 billion allocated to the FISP/E-voucher programme which will not be enough to address the malnutrition challenges.
She noted with concern that of the K1.1 Billion allocated to the FISP Programme, K350 million is reserved to pay outstanding bills related to the FISP/E-Voucher programme which means that actual allocation to the programme next year has reduced almost by half.
Ms Chileshe said “more efforts should therefore be made to ensure that farmers diversify agricultural production by having access to diverse agricultural inputs, livestock, fruit tree saplings and vegetables to allow Zambians to have access to diverse foods”.
Ms Chileshe who is also Global Citizen Africa Lead of Food Security and Nutrition has since recommended that government should ensure availability and easy access to budget information on nutrition in key line ministries to avoid hampering timely analysis and accountability to ensure that Zambia achieves adequate food security and nutrition for all.
She has also recommended that government should continue to support multi-sectoral approach towards improving nutrition to ensure financial commitment of K400 per under 5 child annually.
Ms Chileshe added “Government should increase allocations to undernourished children under five especially given the context of rising food prices and support the diversification of the E-Vouchers system and allocate a percentage of the E-Voucher and Social Cash Transfer to the nutrition vulnerable.
And HIVOS Southern Africa Manager Sustainable Diets William Chilufya said to ensure that more money is allocated for Nutrition, the Food and Nutrition Bill should ensure that the Food Nutrition Commission is placed in the Office of the Vice President and not the Ministry of Health.
Mr Chilufya said nutrition covers a lot of sectors and leaving it in the Ministry of Health limits access to funding especially from government.
Meanwhile, CSO-SUN Country Cordinator Mathews Mhuru is worried that the 2020 national budget is not responsive to the findings of the Vulnerability and Needs Assessment report done by the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit.
Mr Mhuru notes that this will make it difficult for government to combat Hunger next year in the 58 affected districts across the country.
He added that this worsen the alarming rates of malnutrition that Zambia is faced with.
Bomb$hell released the music video for her single “Backshot (Ngayo Ngayo)” that features Tiefour. The video was directed by Les Hombres, Fortress Media.
Unionised workers at the Times of Zambia Workers in Ndola this morning downed tools demanding payment of salary arrears by management.
The workers who are owed up to eight months arrears have been angered by a plea from management to bear with them for the delay in paying salaries.
Management in a letter addressed to the workers said the company is facing liquidity problems as the money collected is not enough to meet all expenses such as salaries which take about 75 percent of total cash inflow per month.
Company Managing Director Beston Ng’onga said collection of money by debt collectors has been hard as most companies are facing serious liquidity problems adding that they are trying hard to meet their obligation to workers and with your support and patience will succeed.
“Let us see how much we collect by tomorrow, otherwise we will have no option but to implement batch payment. We are also proposing that money allowing we may have to pay you double salaries this month to avoid accumulating an arrear. this is just a proposal and depends on money collected”, the letter issued by Mr Ng’onga read in part.
Mr Ng’onga said in the meantime, workers must rally behind the union leaders as they also pursue the issue with IDC.
“Management has also engaged the president directly on the same issue. We pray something positive comes out of these engagement. the reality on the ground is that productivity has gone down and we only have one line of income generation, advertising, which is not enough to meet the wage bill for unionized workers of K900 000 on average per month”, he added.
Mr Ng’onga added that the company has bloated labour most of which is not productive but talk too much when it comes to salaries.
“You may insult me in whatever way but the fact is that the company is limping. Whoever takes over from me will face the same if we do not change our attitudes towards work. Remember, in the abundance of words, sin is not absent”, added the MD in a letter accessed by Lusaka Times.
“If you are not paid I am also not paid. So only a fool will want to delay salaries when that will also affect him”, he added.
Mr Ng’onga urged the work to work together with management as they fight for what belongs to them.
“United we will stand but divided we will fall. Enemies of Times of Zambia will always try to divide us so as to achieve their motives. Dont say you were not warned. Remember, every waiting is not in vain forgive us but let’s move together. insults will not solve the problems but combining our efforts”, he added.
