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The Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia Submission on Bill Number 10 of 2019

Chief Editor
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The Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia Submission on Bill Number 10 of 2019
Members of the clergy representing the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia making submissions to the parliamentary committee.
Members of the clergy representing the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia making submissions to the parliamentary committee.

THE EVANGELICAL FELLOWSHIP OF ZAMBIA SUBMISSIONS TO THE PARLIAMENTARY SELECT COMMITTEE TO SCRUTINISE THE CONSTITUTION OF ZAMBIA AMENDMENT BILL N.A.B 10 OF 2019

1. PREAMBLE

The Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ), representing a constituent of the people of Zambia, have reviewed the constitution-making process in a bid to give ourselves a constitution representative of the wishes of the majority of the Zambians. The Mung’omba Constitution Review Commission collected views of Zambians across the length and breadth of the nation, consolidating the popular views into a concise document which was the basis of the National Constitutional Conference (NCC, 2007 to 2010). The culmination of these processes is what may be considered as the bedrock on which the 2016 Amended Constitution was laid.

It is noted that the EFZ had taken a position previously, with specific concerns, and decided not participate in the National Dialogue Forum (NDF) based on its earlier submissions to Parliament. However, for the sake of ensuring national cohesion, and for the good of the country, the EFZ General Assembly held on 12th September 2019 resolved to make submissions. Consequently, in view of the significance of this constitutional amendment process that is part and parcel of the promulgation of the law of the land, we have taken a principled stand to make submissions to Parliament on Constitution Amendment Bill No. 10.

2. CHRISTIAN VALUES AND PURPOSES

The pertinent, yet democratically adopted declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation in the Constitution Amendment Bill No. 2 of 2016, arose from the wishes of well over 80% of those Zambians that made submissions to the Mung’omba Constitution Review Commission (CRC), who affirmed their strong desire that this declaration must be enshrined within the preamble of the constitution.

We submit that it is of vital importance to note that the altered verbiage carried through in the preamble of the Constitution Amendment Bill No. 2 of 2016 undermined Christian values in the nation by denoting that Zambia is a multi-religious nation, rather than upholding the originally democratically recommended position of a Christian nation as per submission to the Mung’omba Constitution Review Commission (CRC). We further wish to place on record that what we consider as the inconsistent verbiage resulted from amended submissions made by the Technical Committee of 2011, following the National Constitutional Conference of 2007 to 2010, consequently filtering into the Preamble of the assented amended Constitution of 2016.

3. SUBMISSIONS

We hereby submit the EFZ position on a range of proposed amendments in the Constitution Amendment Bill No. 10 of 2019, which represent pertinent areas of strong opinion from our constituents.

3.1. Page 3 of Bill No. 10 – Amendment #2 proposes to amend the Preamble by deletion of the words “multi-religious” and substituting it with the word “Christian”.

WE SUPPORT this proposed amendment, which is consistent with the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation. This proposed amendment removes the ambiguity and conflicting statement of whether Zambia is a Christian or Multi-Religious nation, while upholding a person’s right to freedom of conscience, belief or religion.

This proposed Amendment No. 2 adheres to a democratic tenet, by respecting and upholding the decision of the majority of Zambians during the Mung’omba Constitution Review Commission (CRC), where more than 80% submissions supported the enshrinement of the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation in the Preamble of the NCC Draft Constitution of 2010. However, the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation was undemocratically supplanted by the Technical Committee of 2011 during the Parliamentary Enactment Process to adopt the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016, when the Technical Committee reinserted the words “multi-religious”, thus creating this ambiguity and inconsistency.

3.2. Page 3 of Bill No. 10 – Amendment #4 proposes to amend the Preamble by deletion of Clause (3) and substituting it with the following: The Republic is a Christian, unitary, indivisible, multi-ethnic, multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-party democratic State.

WE SUPPORT this proposed amendment as it is consistent with the Declaration of our Republic as a Christian nation.

We further propose an amendment of Clause (3) by deletion of the word “multi-cultural” and substituting that with the word “multi-traditional.” This is to avoid the contemporary unbounded meaning of multi-culturalism, which now considers even some subjective personal lifestyle choices as a “cultural orientation”, against the fundamental and long-held understanding of “culture” as generally accepted societal customs, traditions and values.

3.3. Page 3 Bill No. 10 – Amendment #5 proposes to amend Article 8 by deletion of paragraph (a) and substituting that with the following paragraph: (a) Christian morality and ethics.

WE SUPPORT this proposed amendment as it clarifies and anchors the nature of morality and ethics in the Declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation, and all that the declaration entails, as democratically and constitutionally promulgated by the majority of Zambians. This amendment defines the intended meaning of the kind of morality and ethics being advanced, rather than leaving it to capricious, relativistic and unpredictable interpretation of what morality and ethics are, for a nation that has been democratically and constitutionally declared a Christian nation.

3.4. Page 4 of Bill No. 10 – Amendment #9 proposes to amend Article 47 by deletion of Clause (2) and substituting that with the following: Elections to the National Assembly shall be conducted under a mixed member electoral system, as prescribed.

WE DO NOT SUPPORT the amendment to introduce a Mixed Member Electoral System. In our current majoritarian system, first-past-the-post electoral system, emphasis is placed on Parliamentary candidates’ appeal to the electorates based on their capacity to best represent their espoused constituency, regardless of their political party affiliation. Consequently, in such a system the democratic tenet of free, fair and unrestrained choice of Parliamentarians by voters, whether such voters have political party affiliations or not, is upheld.

In the Mixed Member Electoral System, which combines the majoritarian (first-past-the-post) and proportional (Political Party Lists) systems, introduces and adds a constrained (proportional) basis of choice to certain political party or special interest minority categories, and this unnecessarily and unfairly compels those, who on the basis of their democratic and constitutional right have no particular political affiliation, to vote on Political Party Lines, over and above their unrestrained choice through the first-past-the-post (Majoritarian) system.

Therefore, Article 47 Clause (2) should be maintained in its current status.

3.5. Page 5 of Bill No. 10 – Amendment #13 proposes to amend Article 63 (2) by deletion of paragraphs (d) and (e).

WE DO NOT SUPPORT the amendment to delete Article 63 (2) paragraphs (d) and (e). It is critically important to have checks and balances, through representation by those democratically elected to the National Assembly in order to preserve and protect the interests of national constituencies, when it comes to national debt contraction and signing of international agreements and treaties which encumber upon the citizens of Zambia.

Our view is buttressed by the position taken by the Republics’ monetary gatekeeper, the Bank of Zambia, whose recent submission, in this regard, to the Parliamentary Select Committee reads, and we quote; “It is our considered view that National Assembly oversight is critical over these important public functions in a democratic dispensation like ours. The peoples’ representative in Parliament should have an opportunity to scrutinise the intended purpose(s) of any public debt as well as international treaties which bind and/or imposes obligations on the Republic.”

3.6. Page 5 of Bill No. 10 – Amendment #15 proposes to repeal Article 68 and substituting it with the following: Subject to Article 47, the election, nomination, qualification and vacation of office of a Member of Parliament shall be as prescribed.

WE DO NOT SUPPORT the repealing of Article 68 in its entirety, on the following grounds:

(a) The said amendment does not prescribe specific details in respect of the composition of the National Assembly and thus begs the question who will then determine how many members we shall have in the National Assembly?;

(b) If the composition of the National Assembly is not specified, it leaves open the capricious and unrestrained multiplication of constituencies by the incumbent political parties, to their advantage, as they map out their electoral strongholds in order to increase chances of their party affiliated members being elected to the National Assembly;

3.7. Page 5 of Bill No. 10 – Amendment #16 proposes to repeal Articles 69, 70, 71 and 72.

WE SUPPORT the repealing of Article 69, 71 and 72 Clause (3). Members of Parliament should be elected by Constituencies and not appointed by the President, as this usually increases the number of Parliamentarians who will align themselves with the appointing authority and not necessarily the electorates or any particular constituency. Since such members of the National Assembly are serving at the mercies of the appointing authority, they may not necessarily take divergent positions to their appointing authority, as the probability may be high of the revocation of their nomination to the National Assembly by their Appointing Authority. That defeats the fundamental purpose of Representative Governance as enshrined in our Constitution, and as one of the pillars of a democratic dispensation.

WE DO NOT SUPPORT the repealing of Articles 70 and 72 Clauses (1), (2), (4), (5), (7), (8) and (9) on the following grounds:

(a) If the conditions or requirements, as stated in Article 70, for candidates’ qualifications to be nominated or elected to the National Assembly are repealed, how will members of the National Assembly be nominated and elected. Leaving this unaddressed may create a lacuna in the constitution, which may constantly be referred to the Constitutional Court for guidance at a high cost to the nation.

(b) Clauses (1), (2), (4), (5), (7), (8) and (9) in Article 72, which we are supporting, and propose that they are maintained in our Constitution, address the important details of the Vacation of Office as Members of Parliament and the Dissolution of Political Parties. We know that these are possible occurrences in the governance systems of a nation, therefore, to be left undefined may set the nation on the course of unending Constitutional Court litigations, resulting in wastage of national resources.

3.8. Page 6 of Bill No. 10 – Amendment #22 proposes repealing Article 81 and substituting that with the stated new Article 81 Clauses (1) through (10).

WE DO NOT SUPPORT Article 81 Clause (1) which states that the term of Parliament shall be five years commencing from the date that Members of Parliament are sworn into office after a general election and ending on the date of the next general election.

WE PROPOSE that Article 81 Clause (1) should read as follows: The term of Parliament shall be within five years commencing from the date that Members of Parliament are sworn into office after a general election and ending on the date that Parliament is dissolved.

(a) Since there is the possibility of Parliament being dissolved by the President as prescribed in Article 81 Clause (3), it’s just consistent to avoid fixing the term of Parliament at exactly five years, but giving the term range of within five years.

(b) Whenever the process of dissolving Parliament is being implemented by the President, prior to the end of the categorically stated five year term of Parliament, there is a possibility of contesting (subtle lacuna) that Clause (1) states categorically that it must be five years, from the date of being sworn into office and ending on the date of the next general election.

WE PROPOSE that Article 81 Clause (3) of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) No. 2 of 2016 should be maintained, for following reasons:

(a) The term of Parliament to end on the date of the next general election, gives undue advantage to the ruling political party, who have among Members of Parliament, those serving in Government Cabinet Offices, wielding official government protocols, with government machinery in their favor, on the election campaign trail. It’s just democratically fair, and levels the playing field, when everyone on the election campaign trail, both the ruling and opposition parties, have candidates who are not accessing and wielding government resources and protocols, as they sell their party manifestos and personal capacities to the electorates.

(b) Parliamentary Gratuity of a Member of the National Assembly should be paid as long as such a member of the National Assembly actively and officially serves their term of office as prescribed.

3.9. Page 8 of Bill No. 10 – Amendment #26 proposes to amend Article 92 (2)

WE DO NOT SUPPORT Amendment #26 (b) to delete paragraph (c) and substituting that with the following: negotiate and sign international agreements and treaties and, ratify or accede to, or withdraw from, international agreements and treaties on the following grounds:

WE SUPPORT AND ARE CONSISTENT with our position as already stated in our proposal made on Amendment #13: We do not support the amendment to delete Article 63 (2) paragraphs (d) and (e). It is critically important to have checks and balances, through representation by those democratically elected to the National Assembly in order to preserve and protect the interests of national constituencies, when it comes to national debt contraction and signing of international agreements and treaties which encumber upon the citizens of Zambia.

Further, we agree with the submissions made by Bank of Zambia to the Parliamentary Select Committee to scrutinize the constitution of Zambia Amendment Bill #10, amendment of Article 63 of the Constitutional Act, and we quote; “It is our considered view that National Assembly oversight is critical over these important public functions in a democratic dispensation like ours. The peoples’ representative in Parliament should have an opportunity to scrutinize the intended purpose(s) of any public debt as well as international treaties which bind and/or imposes obligations on the Republic.”

3.10. Page 9 of Bill No. 10 – Amendment #30 proposes to repeal Articles 101, 102, 103 and 104.

WE DO NOT SUPPORT the repealing of Article 101 for the following reasons:

(a) A Coalition of Political Parties that fail to independently garner more than fifty percent of votes cast are considered minority parties that should not circumvent their failure to convincingly garner the constitutionally required votes by imposing themselves on the citizens of a nation, who have democratically and constitutionally decided to have a President with more than fifty percent of the votes cast by the electorate.

(b) There is a possibility that the political party with the highest votes, but slightly below fifty percent of votes cast, may form a coalition with some lowest minority political party that has few of the needed votes to push that coalition over the required fifty percent. In such a scenario, that small minority political party may not even be significant or powerful enough to wield authority to guide the stronger coalition partner who garnered a lot more votes than any other party, with the potential of such coalitions disbanding prematurely, causing unnecessary and costly electoral interventions.

3.11. Page 11 of Bill No. 10 – Amendment #30, Article 103(6) proposes extending the election petition period for the President-elect from fourteen days to within thirty days of the filing of such a petition

WE SUPPORT the seven days to file the petition.

WE DO NOT SUPPORT the extension of the petition hearing period and determination for the President-elect from fourteen days to within thirty days, as we consider as an overriding priority, the security of the nation which is of primary importance. The longer it takes for an acting President to hold office, who cannot make full executive decisions of such an office, weakens the security of our nation.
Therefore, our considered view is that the fourteen days is adequate for the Constitutional Court to determine the matter.

3.12. Page 13 of Bill No. 10 – Amendment #36 proposes to delete Article 114 (1) paragraphs (d) and (e).

WE DO NOT SUPPORT the deletion of paragraphs (d) and (e) for the same reasons we gave on Amendment #13: We do not support the amendment to delete Article 63 (2) paragraphs (d) and (e). It’s critically important to have checks and balances, through representation by those democratically elected to the National Assembly in order to preserve and protect the interests of national constituencies, when it comes to national debt contraction and signing of international agreements and treaties which encumber upon the citizens of Zambia.

Further, we agree with the submissions made by Bank of Zambia to the Parliamentary Select Committee to scrutinize the constitution of Zambia Amendment Bill #10, amendment of Article 63 of the Constitutional Act, and we quote; “It is our considered view that National Assembly oversight is critical over these important public functions in a democratic dispensation like ours. The peoples’ representative in Parliament should have an opportunity to scrutinize the intended purpose(s) of any public debt as well as international treaties which bind and/or imposes obligations on the Republic.”

3.13. Page 13 of Bill No. 10 – Amendment #37 proposes to amend by Article 116 by insertion of Clause (4), which states that Subject to this Constitution, a Minister shall continue to hold office until the next general election.

WE DO NOT SUPPORT the amendment for the following reasons: A Minister is in office by virtue of appointment by the President, and they are not elected into that office. Therefore, it would be erroneous to guarantee them a full term until the next general election. If they are a nonperforming Minister, it’s the prerogative of the Appointing authority to terminate their services.

3.14. Page 13 of Bill No. 10 – Amendment #38 proposes inserting of a new Article 117A immediately after Article 117

WE DO NOT SUPPORT the reintroduction of Deputy Ministers for the following reasons:

(a) This is a costly and unnecessary proposal, especially in the light of the already declared government austerity measures to reduce on expenditure and prioritize servicing the heavy national debt burden our country is bearing.

(b) Permanent Secretaries in all Line Ministries are the rightful individuals to render valuable support to Cabinet Ministers, with the work done through technocrats, who recently are being challenged to perform at a higher professional level in their execution of national duties as Civil Servants. Unless there is evidence that Permanent Secretaries have failed in the delivery of national duties.

3.15. Page 17 of Bill No. 10 – Amendment #53 proposes repealing Article 154

WE DO NOT SUPPORT Article 154 Clause (2) for the following reasons:

The current Constitution gives democratic powers to the electorates to determine individuals who should preside over City Council Business and who manages civic matters of the city on behalf of the citizenry whether political party affiliates or nonpartisan registered voters within the city.

3.16. Page 20 of Bill No. 10 – Amendment #67 proposes to pay a pension benefit promptly and regularly in contrast to existing requirement to pay on the last day

WE DO NOT SUPPORT the repeal of Article 189 in Amendment #67. We therefore propose that it should be maintained the way it is. Pension is an accrual and is an entitlement to someone who has worked. if this provision is repealed, Retirees would suffer and likely face increased poverty. This applies to Retirees of both public and private entities.

3.17. Page 21 of Bill No. 10 – Amendment #69 proposes to rename the Drug and Enforcement Commission to the Anti-Drugs, Economic and Financial Crimes
Agency

WE SUPPORT the newly named functions of Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) but propose, hereby, to keep it separate from the Financial Intelligence Commission (FIC), for complementary autonomy.
However, WE DO NOT SUPPORT the repeal of Amendment #69 to Article 189 for the following reasons;

a) We note that the FIC subscribes to international protocols and that such international protocols require observance and accreditation to Affiliate bodies by the Financial Intelligence Commission (FIC);
b) This entails that the institutions’ mandate aligns with applicable international statutes’ requirements, thereby demonstrating the Government’s will for enhanced levels of transparency.

4. CONCLUSION

The Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) wishes to tender its gratitude to the Parliamentary Select Committee, for the opportunity to represent a key constituency of the nation. It is our appeal that these proposals, coming from our constituents, will be considered carefully for adoption.

We wish to express unflinching hope for our nation in our quest to work for unity, cohesion of Zambian society, and the healing of the many contentious issues. We emphasize that Zambia is bigger than any single individual. This is a blessed nation that remains a haven of peace for many, from far and near. Additionally, Zambia has been a beacon of hope to the nations and must sustain that legacy for posterity.

To that end, we as a Church remain committed to the faithful propagation of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose eternal love motivates and undergirds our pastoral care and prophetic roles, as we speak for the voiceless.

Finally, we pray for those in authority according to 1 Timothy 2:1-4 which reads, “The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Saviour God wants us to live.” (Message Bible)

AMEN

Lusaka High Court Judge threatens to issue warrant of arrest for Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo

Chief Editor
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Lusaka High Court Judge threatens to issue warrant of arrest for Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo

Lusaka High Court Judge Mwila Chitabo yesterday morning threatened to issue a warrant of arrest against Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo for failing to appear in court.

This is in a matter where Mr. Lusambo and seventeen others are accused of having disobeyed a court order by evicting sixteen former teachers who had occupied government houses at Kabulonga Boys Secondary School.

When the matter came up, judge Chitabo demanded for proof of service of summons so that he can issue the arrest warrant against Mr Lusambo for not coming to court.

This was after he was told by the plaintiff’s lawyer that service was done on all the alleged contemnors.

But after five minutes break the plaintiffs’ lawyer informed the court that Mr Lusambo was not served because of lack of time.

Judge Chitabo then observed that it would be unfair to condemn Mr. Lusambo when he was not personally served with the summon to appear before court.

Meanwhile, judge Chitabo has rejected an application by the state to raise preliminary issues in the absence of two of the accused persons.

Solicitor General Abraham Mwansa had asked the court to allow him raise preliminary issues as they border on the law and procedure.

Judge Chitabo rejected this argument saying there is nothing urgent for him to allow the state to make the application in the absence of some suspects.

He further noted that the offence in question is serious and criminal in nature.

Judge Chitabo has adjourned the matter to November 6th to allow the other suspects be served with summons.

This week judge Chitabo granted leave to the affected teachers to apply for an order to commit Mr Lusambo and others to prison for contempt of court.

President Lungu reiterates his calls for Zambians to rejects Homosexuality

Chief Editor
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President Lungu reiterates his calls for Zambians to rejects Homosexuality
President Lungu speaking to Journalists before departure at KKIA
FILE: President Lungu speaking to Journalists before departure at KKIA

President Edgar Lungu has continued talking about the need for Zambians to reject homosexuality.

speaking at the ZAF Lusaka Airport base shortly after arriving from New York where he went to attend the United Nation General Assembly, the President said that people aspiring for political leadership should be of good moral standing and not those encouraging alien practices in Zambia and called on the church to pray for politicians aspiring to be leaders.

President Lungu said he will not push investigative wings to carry out their duties on the matter lest he is accused of interfering with their operations.

The President said investigative wings need to carry out their duties and that the law only allows him to a certain extent.

Meanwhile, the president is expected to be on the Copperbelt today

According to the statement issued by the provincial leadership, President Lungu will be in the province on a working visit amd all party officials have been invited to welcome him when he lands at the Simon Mwansa International Airport in the afternoon.

The statement further urged party members to be at the airport by 16:00 hours and show up in huge numbers to give the President a huge thunderous welcome.

Kansanshi Tests Mighty’s Rebound

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Rejuvenated Mighty Mufulira Wanderers host promoted Kansanshi Dynamos on Saturday at Shinde Stadium in one of the round four matches in 2019/20 FAZ Super Division campaign.

Going into this match, Kansanshi have performed better than Mighty so far in the season.

Mighty, who collected their first win of the season when beating Nkana 3-2 in Kitwe last Sunday, have three points after posting two losses and one win.

Kansanshi are in the top seven with six points from the first three matches played.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Nkwazi visit bottom side Nakambala Leopards in Mazabuka.

Nakambala have lost their first three matches while visitors Nkwazi are armed with six points from three matches played.

FAZ Super Division

28/09/19

Mufulira Wanderers Vs Kansanshi Dynamos

Nakambala Leopards Vs Nkwazi

29/09/19

Kabwe Warriors Vs Buildcon

Forest Rangers Vs Nkana

Green Buffaloes Vs Lusaka Dynamos

NAPSA Stars Vs Red Arrows

Government reverses its decision to replace the Value Added Tax with the Sales Tax

Chief Editor
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Government reverses its decision to replace the Value Added Tax with the Sales Tax
ZRA Headquarters
ZRA Headquarters

Government has reversed its decision to replace the Value Added Tax with the Sales Tax in the 2020 National Budget.

In the 2019 Budget Address, Government proposed to abolish Value Added Tax and replace it with Sales Tax which was widely rejected by the business community and other stakeholders.

A number of concerns were raised by various stakeholders, which included the cascading effect, negative impact on GDP growth and job losses through elimination of intermediaries in the supply chain.

Announcing the 2020 National Budget, Finance Minister Bwalya Ng’andu said based on the consultations undertaken countrywide, Government has decided to maintain the Value Added Tax, but address the compliance and administrative challenges.

Dr Ng’andu said he therefore intends to introduce administrative measures to strengthen enforcement and efficiency of VAT.

He said these measures will include Upgrading the Tax online system for domestic taxes and interface it with customs system to ensure that all claims of refund for import VAT paid to Customs Services during import of goods are validated through systems based controls against data in the customs system; Make it mandatory to use

Electronic Fiscal Devices for VAT and other tax types and facilitate accreditation of Additional EFD distributors and Virtual EFD software suppliers.

Dr Ng’andu said other measures will include limiting input VAT claims by mining companies on diesel to 70 percent from 90 percent; and limiting input VAT claims by mining companies on electricity to 80 percent from 100 percent.

He has further proposed to Zero rate capital equipment and machinery for the mining sector, standard rate ancillary services that are directly linked to the transit of goods through Zambia and Dis-allow claims of VAT on consumables such as stationery, lubricants and spare parts.

Dr Ng’andu said this measure will not apply to businesses for which these consumables are stock in trade.

Meanwhile, Dr Ng’andu has proposed to introduce duty at 10 percent on specified capital equipment and machinery imported by mining companies which are currently duty free or attract 5 percent to raise revenue for the Government and discourage transfer pricing.

He said in order to promote local production of Flexible Intermediate Bulk

Containers and create jobs, he proposed to impose a surtax at the rate of 5 percent on these containers.

Dr Ng’andu has also increased the specific excise duty rate on cigarettes from K240 per mille to K265 per mille further proposing to revise upwards, to cost reflective levels, various fees and fines charged by Government departments effective January 2020.

Finance Minister Bwalya Ng’andu unveiles a K106.0 billion 2020 budget

Chief Editor
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Finance Minister Bwalya Ng’andu unveiles a K106.0 billion 2020 budget
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 Dr Bwalya Kanyanta Emmanuel Ng’andu, MP

Finance Minister Bwalya Ng’andu has unveiled a K106.0 billion 2020, national budget representing32.4 percent of GDP an increase from this year’s K86.6 Billion Financial plan.

Of this amount, K72.0 billion, representing 22.0 percent of GDP will come from domestic revenues, while the balance will be raised through domestic and external financing.

Unveiling the budget in Parliament this afternoon, Dr Ng’andu said as a key strategy to stimulate economic activity, he has increased the allocation towards dismantling of arrears to K2.3 billion in 2020 from K437 million in 2019.

Further, Dr Ng’andu said Government will reduce borrowing from the domestic market to 1.1 percent of GDP from 1.4 percent of GDP in 2019.

He said Fiscal deficit is projected to reduce to 5.5 percent of GDP in 2020 from 6.5 percent in 2019, a clear demonstration of Government’s resolve to restore fiscal health and stabilize the economy.

Dr Ng’andu has proposed to spend K44.1 billion for General Public Services with notable expenditures under this category being K33.7 billion for debt obligations and K2.3 billion for dismantling of arrears to unlock the much needed liquidity in the market.

He said to empower our local authorities; he has allocated K1.2 billion for the Local Government Equalization Fund with K249.6 million allocated for the Constituency Development Fund for the implementation of projects identified by local communities to address their immediate development needs.

Dr. Ng’andu has further allocated K636.0 million towards redemption of the Eurobond, K135.0 million towards voter registration and other election related expenditures and K100.6 million for any unforeseen and unavoidable expenditures while K100.0 million has been allocated to the compensation Fund.

On Economic Affairs, the Minister has proposed propose to spend K21.8 billion under Economic Affairs function of which K10.6 billion is for road infrastructure, K1.1 billion for the Farmer Input Support Programme and K660.0 million towards the purchase of strategic food reserves.

To enhance livestock and fisheries production and productivity, the Minister has proposed to spend K225.6 million which will facilitate enhanced animal and fisheries breeding and stock improvement, disease control measures, as well as research and development among others.

He said to support the adoption of climate smart agricultural technologies; K97.9 million has been allocated for extension services for crop, livestock and fish production.

Dr Ng’andu has allocated K1.1 billion for investment in energy power infrastructure to diversify and boost the electricity generation capacity and to increase access to electricity in rural areas, he has allocated K166.3 million to the Rural Electrification Fund.

In the education sector he has proposed to spend total of K13.1 billion in 2020 increase access and improve the quality of education and skills training at all levels out of which K7.0 billion has been allocated to primary education and K2.2 billion to secondary education while for university education, he proposed to spend K2.0 billion out of which K557.0 million is for student loans.

The Finance Minister has also allocated a total of K9.4 billion to the health function representing an increase of 16 percent from the 2019 allocation.

He said of this amount, he has propose to spend K5.0 billion for primary health service delivery which includes health promotion, disease prevention and treatment, K2.9 billion has been allocated for hospital services such as curative, rehabilitative and palliative care services.

Zanaco banks on home advantage against Bolton

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Bolton City YC coach Jerome Thomas says they maybe down but are not out while Zanaco coach Mumamba Numba insists they are calm ahead of Saturday’s CAF Confederation Cup final leg, home tie against their visitors at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

Zanaco head into the second round, final leg, match leading Bolton 2-1 from the first leg played on September 14 in Mauritius.

A draw will suffice to see Zanaco through to the pre-group stage while a 1-0 win for Bolton will eject their hosts and see the Indian Ocean Islanders advance on away goals rule.

“It is the first time for most of my players playing in CAF competition but we will do our best on Saturday,” Thomas said.

“After the 2-1 defeat, it is possible to score two goals and qualify, I know it will be very difficult but we will try.”

But Numba said they had the cushion of an away victory and would use home advantage to the fullest this weekend.

“Basically I think pressure is always there, especially when you are playing at home but we have a team that can handle the pressure,” Numba said.

“I think the good thing is we managed to get a win away from home which puts us in a better position and it will give us the confidence we need going into the second and final game.”

Winner over both legs awaits second round loser from this month’s CAF Champions League pre-group stage.

South Africa ends Shepolopolo’s COSAFA U17 Cup Final Dream

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Shepolopolo U17’s dreams of qualifying for the inaugural COSAFA U17 Women’s Cup final in Mauritius ended today after losing to South Africa in Friday’s semifinal.

South Africa beat Shepolopolo 2-1 in Port Louis to advance to Sunday’s final when they will face Uganda.

Oyisa Marhasi broke the deadlock in the 16th minute to put South Africa 1-0 ahead.

Eleven minutes later, Maweta Chilenga equalized to see the two sides go 1-1 into halftime.

But lady of the match Jessica Wade fired-in a superb free-kick in the 49th minute to seal South Africa’s passage to the final where they will meet high-scoring Uganda who crushed Botswana 12-0 in their semifinal clash earlier on Friday.

Shepolopolo and Botswana will meet in the early kickoff on Sunday in the battle for Bronze.

PF congratulates Communist Party of China Xi Jinping, ahead of their 70th anniversary

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PF congratulates Communist Party of China Xi Jinping, ahead of their 70th anniversary
PF SECRETARY GENERAL HON. DAVIES MWILA WRITES TO ANC SECRETARY GENERAL ACE MAGASHULE - APPEALING TO ANC TO “LEAD THE STRUGGLE AGAINST XENOPHOBIC OPPRESSION IN SOUTH AFRICA”
PF SECRETARY GENERAL HON. DAVIES MWILA WRITES TO ANC SECRETARY GENERAL ACE MAGASHULE – APPEALING TO ANC TO “LEAD THE STRUGGLE AGAINST XENOPHOBIC OPPRESSION IN SOUTH AFRICA”

PF Secretary General Davies Mwila has sent a congratulatory letter to the General Secretary of the, Communist Party of China Xi Jinping, ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, which falls on 1st October 2019.

The letter dated 27th September 2019, reads in part: “The CPC and the people of China have been longstanding all-weather friends of the Patriotic Front and the people of Zambia, and this friendship cannot be better exemplified than in the friendship between the leaders of our respective political parties and nations, His Excellency Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu and President Xi Jinping.”_

Mr Mwila further said the Patriotic Front and the people of Zambia valued the existing Chinese cooperation in different sectors of Zambia, adding that the Patriotic Front and the Zambian people looked forward to a strengthening of these ties.

“…and as we join you in commemorating this tremendous milestone, we look forward to the continued strengthening of ties between the Patriotic Front and the Chinese Communist Party as well as the enhancement of mutually beneficial cooperation between our two nations”.

This is according to a statement issued by PF Media Director Sunday Chanda.

D-Day for Zesco and Young Africans at Levy

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Zesco United and Young Africans clash on Saturday at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola with all to play for this weekend for a place in the 2019/20CAF Champions League group stage.

Young Africans and Zesco are tied at 1-1 from the pre-group stage, first leg match played on September 14 in Dar-es-Salaam.

“Every game has its own challenges but it is a 50-50 encounter we have a chance to qualify,” Young Africans assistant coach and ex-Green Buffaloes midfielder Noel Mwandila said.

“Zesco too has a chance to qualify so it is going to be an interesting game but the most important is the 90 minutes on Saturday.

“We are going into this game with a positive attitude and I am sure this is the last 90 minutes.

“We can say we played the first half in Dar, and we are playing the second half here, although it is also 90 minutes.

“But both teams have a chance to qualify.”

Another a draw will see Young Africans through and so the onus is on Zesco to conjure a home victory this Saturday to go through or be relegated to the CAF Confederation Cup pre-group stage.

But Zesco captain and goalkeeper Jacob Banda is optimistic home advantage will prevail at Levy this weekend.

“That’s an advantage but the game is still on, we still have another 90 minutes to play and we just have to play according to the instructions and remain focused,” Banda said.

“But morale in camp is high and we are geared for tomorrow’s game.”

President Lungu satisfied with his engagement at the UN general assembly

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President Lungu satisfied with his engagement at the UN general assembly

President Edgar Lungu has described his engagement at the 74th Session of the United nations general assembly as successful.

President Lungu said he is happy that World Leaders tackled pressing issues affecting the globe.

Speaking to ZANIS in New York, President Lungu says he is coming back home satisfied that he ably represented the country at the UN General Assembly.

The Head of State observed that it is important for him to attend global engagements as it gives Zambia an opportunity to highlight its development agenda.

And President Lungu says he is pleased that the United States of America has a clear view of Zambia following his bilateral meetings with officials from the US State Department.

He expressed concern that some Zambians including politicians are trying to dent the image of the country by spreading fake news about the country.

Both the AFP and AP news agency dissociate themselves from malicious article linking HH to homosexuality

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Both the AFP and AP news agency dissociate themselves from malicious article linking HH to homosexuality
HH speaking during a radio programme on SUN FM
File:HH speaking during a radio programme on SUN FM

By: Anthony Bwalya – UPND Member

After failing to run the economy, the Patriotic Front administration and their devil’s advocates have now resorted to engaging in malicious and salacious fabrications against an opponent, who has now more than proved to the Zambian people, that he is sufficiently prepared for the challenges that come with occupying the highest office in the land.

The recent article purportedly authored by one Jackie Hweu of the AFP and AP news agencies , in which such unintelligent allegations have been made against President Hakainde Hichilema, much against his conscious and his core belief systems, as well as the values espoused by the UPND; has since been disowned by both international news agencies and have dissociated themselves from it.

When contacted for a formal inquiry to authentic the credibility of the story, both news agencies, unequivocally denied ever having published such an article or indeed by any of their affiliate journalist.

The AFP spoke through their Southern Africa Bureau Chief – Phillipe Alfroy based in Johannesburg, South Africa; while the AP responded through their New York based Global News Manager – Shelley Acoca.

See the actual email communication contained herein.

We would like to urge Zambians to weary and alert of the lies, deceit and untrustworthiness of a failed government whose legacy has been that of strangling the life out of what used to be a relatively vibrant economy, thanks to their appetite for grand and political corruption, unregulated accumulation of expensive public debt, lack of respect for the rule of law, their failure to manage the agriculture sector leading to widespread hunger, an avoidable energy crisis – both in the electricity supply sector and fuel pricing, both of which are marred by corruption and self interest.

The people currently peddling malicious rumors and lies against PRESIDENT HH are the same individuals who had been at the forefront of scandalizing Michael Chilufya SATA when they used to get paid by the MMD regime.

Zambians rose up in 2011 and defeated them in all their evil and satanic schemes against a good man, then Michael; and Zambians will rise again in 2021 to defeat these advocates of the devil against another good man and servant of the people – HH.

God bless Zambia and her peoples.

2020 budget should encourage private-led economic growth-CPTD

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2020 budget should encourage private-led economic growth-CPTD
CTPD Executive Director Isaac Mwaipopo
CTPD Executive Director Isaac Mwaipopo

The Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) says it is greatly anticipating the presentation of the 2020 National Budget this afternoon.

CTPD Executive Director Isaac Mwaipopo said the budget speech should set a roadmap towards achieving macroeconomic stability and inclusive development through private sector led economic growth.

Mr Mwaipopo said the many challenges the country is facing such as reduced economic growth, exchange rate depreciation, increased inflation, power deficit, and others, can all be remedied by strategically initiating and implementing polices aimed and allowing for a private sector driven economy.

He said the government should use the 2020 budget to show a clear policy direction toward solving current economic issues behind the increased cost of living and poor business environment.

“The Zambian government should set macroeconomic targets aimed at restoring domestic and foreign investor confidence. There is need to commit to at least 5% economic growth, single digit inflation and the restoration of international reserved to a minimum of 4 months of import cover,” Mr Mwaipopo said.

the many challenges the country is facing such as reduced economic growth, exchange rate depreciation, increased inflation, power deficit, and others, can all be remedied by strategically initiating and implementing polices aimed and allowing for a private sector driven economy.

“If government is to reduce its domestic borrowing, the private sector would benefit through reduce interest rates and thus increasing private investment and growth.”

Mr Mwaipopo suggested that Government should increase the 18% of GDP domestic revenue collection target by improving tax compliance especially within the informal sector-without the need to increase taxes.

“Through the crowding-in of the private sector, government can reduce the budget deficit to less than 5% of GDP as an indicator of austerity measures.”

He said there is an urgent need for the government to utilize Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the construction of much needed infrastructure across the country.

“This approach has the ability to reduce the pace at which public debt has been accumulating while still dealing with challenges such as the electricity deficit. This will also help government free-up more resources for allocation towards health, education and social-protection, items which had reduced budget share allocations in the 2019 budget as compared to the 2018 budget.”

He said CTPD expects the 2020 budget to allocate more resources towards the social sectors and also limit debt financing.

“In order to further reduce interest payments, government should restructure its debt profile and avoid commercial borrowing. CPTD believes that the private sector and Zambians at large are subjected to a high debt and tax burden.”

Mr Mwaipopo said the 2020 budget should therefore not focus on increasing taxes since this would reduce disposable income and result in lower economic activity.

“The proposed Sales Tax Policy should
therefore be suspended pending a thorough investigation as suggested by the new Minster of Finance. Introducing sales tax would result in lower tax compliance and the cut-off of distributor in the whole-sale and retail sector, while also increasing inflation.”

“Government should identity policy measures aimed at dealing with the limitations of the current VAT system,” he said.

Algeria Prepares for Chipolopolo With Two Big Friendlies

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Algeria will warm-up for their 2021 AFCON Group H qualifier home date against Chipolopolo with two high-profile friendly games during the October FIFA International Match window.

The defending AFCON champions have confirmed friendly dates again at DR Congo and Colombia that will be played during the FIFA Match Window that will run from October 7-October 15.

Algeria will initially host the 1968 and 1974 African champions, DR Congo, on October 10 in Blida.

They will later travel to France to face Colombia in Lille on October 15.

Algeria will host Zambia in both sides opening 2012 AFCON Group H qualifier on November 11.

Botswana and Zimbabwe are the other Group H opponents.

Senior Shepolopolo intensify preps for Botswana Olympic date

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Shepolopolo have stepped up their preparations for next Week’s 2020 Tokyo Olympics qualifier against Botswana in Lusaka.

Zambia and Botswana will next Wednesday clash in the first leg match of the final qualifying round at Nkoloma Stadium.

Shepolopolo deputy coach Beauty Mwamba said preparations are progressing well despite the absence of key defenders Anita Mulenga and Agness Musesa.

Mulenga and Musesa will miss the Botswana match due to unspecified commitment.

‘The team is shaping up well. We are helping players to catching up on fitness,’ Mwamba said.

She is expecting a tough match against Botswana.

‘It will be a tough one. Botswana is a good side, them having eliminating South Africa means a lot. Of course we want to overcome them. We really need to get the result,’ Mwamba said.

Zambia are in the final qualifying round after eliminating Zimbabwe in the second round.

Goalkeepers: Hazel Nali(Green Buffaloes),Edith Zulu(Yasa), Ngambo Musole(Zesco), Annie Namonge(Indeni)

Defenders: Agness Musesa,Marth Tembo,Anita Mulenga (Green Buffaloes),Margret Belemu,Emeldah Musonda,Fikile Khosa(Red Arrows),Lushomo Mweemba(Nkwazi) ,Vast Phiri(Zesco),Patrica Lampi(Yasa),Jackline Nkole,Grace Nanizya(Indeni).

Midfielders:Milika Limwanya,Mary Mulenga,Hellen Chanda(Red Arrows),Mary Mwakapila,Judith Zulu(Green Buffaloes),Rhoda Chileshe (Indeni),Misozi Zulu (BIIK-Kazaskhstan)

Strikers :Ochumba Osske(Nkwazi),Grace Chanda(Zesco),Hellen Mubanga(Red Arrows),Racheal Nachula(Green Buffaloes),Avel Chitundu,Racheal Kundananji (BIIK Kazakhstan),Barbra Banda (EDF Logrono

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