Join our community of SUBSCRIBERS and be part of the conversation.
To subscribe, simply enter your email address on our website or click the subscribe button below. Don't worry, we respect your privacy and won't spam your inbox. Your information is safe with us.
Aggrey Chiyangi has described Green Eagles successful elimination of Orlando Pirates from the 2019/2020 CAF Champions League as special.
Eagles drew 1-1 away against Pirates in Soweto on Saturday evening in their first round, final leg tie to advance 2-1 on aggregate to September’s pre-group stage of this season’s CAF Champions League.
“Football is played on the pitch and not in the papers. They talked too much in the papers. We play football on the pitch,” Chiyangi said.
“We had a good plan, yes fine, they missed so many chances but that is what football is all about. The only goodness is we scored making it difficult for them because they had to score two goals to beat us.
“I think the players did very well and I thank them so much for that.”
Happy Jele headed-in the opening goal, putting Pirates ahead in the 59th minute, but two minutes later, Amity Shamende leveled matters to hurt the 1995 African champions hopes of overturning the deficit.
“It (the result) was very important and that is what we needed, we knew that Pirates is a very experienced team, with very good players, very good football but we had to match them and that’s what we did in defence,” Chiyangi said.
Eagles will now face Desportivo de 1Agosto of Angola in the pre-group stage next month whom they host on September 14 in Lusaka before travelling to Luanda on September 24 to decide who goes through to the league phase of the competition.
As National Democratic Congress (NDC), we welcome the decision by whistleblowers who have officially written to the judiciary to set up a tribunal to probe lands’ Minister Jean Kapata.
This is in connection with the illegal allocation of land in forest reserve number 27 in Lusaka.
William Harrington and another senior citizen are the imminent persons who have requested the setting up of this tribunal. According to the procedure, Justice Mambilima is the one charged to set up such a tribunal.
We, however, feel Justice Ireen Mambilima is not the right person to set up this tribunal. Justice Mambilima should recuse herself in this matter. We say so because the “Honorable”, Chief Justice is herself a beneficiary of land, in not only Lusaka forest number 27, but also in Shibuyunji forest 42.
In this regard, request Justice Mambilima to delegate the Deputy Chief Justice to handle this matter. Justice Mambilima has a vast interest in this matter, and we feel she can not handle this matter with impartiality.
As NDC, we are taken aback that a person at the helm of the judiciary is cited in the dubious allocation of land. What is worsening is that the Chief Justice has failed to defend herself on how she miraculously benefited from land in two forest reserves.
Justice Mambilima has set a very bad precedent in the judiciary. Mrs. Mambilima has clearly sent a signal to the ranks and files of the judiciary that corruption is a norm in the judicature. We won’t be surprised to hear cases of rampant corruption in the judiciary because the respect that the system gave her Honour has been eroded.
Currently, most citizens have challenges in acquiring land in Lusaka. We are left with many questions as to how and why madam Mambilima has miraculously been allocated two plots in two controversial areas at an alarming speed.
As NDC, we want to remind the chief justice that she heads a very sensitive and important office in the land. But, justice Mambilima will have herself to blame for assertions members of the public will throw on her office, which office she has chosen to throw into odium.
With the foregoing, we wonder if most Zambians still hold this woman in high esteem. She, however, has an opportunity to clear her name in the wake of all these illegalities.
The Author is NDC National Chairperson lands, an opposition party in Zambia led by former Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Chishimba Kambwili.
Economist Oliver Saasa has commended the government for opening up investments in the country through hosting of provincial investment expositions.
Professor Saasa said that it was important that the government has seen the need to showcase each province’s investment potential through an expo.
He cited Northern Western province as a new mining town whose potential in the sector has surpassed Copperbelt province in terms of Copper production.
Professor Saasa said that 50 percent of copper production is no longer coming from the Copperbelt but from North-Western province.
He told ZNBC News that a country can not attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) without showcasing what each province has to offer in terms of investment.
And Private Sector Development Association Chairperson Yusuf Dodia urged the government to continue hosting investment expo in order to promote investments.
Mr. Dodia said there a number of provinces whose investment potential remains untapped.
UPND Monze member of parliament Jack Mwiimbu
By Jack Mwiimbu
Zambians were assured by the PF government that they had taken measures two years ago to reduce the price of mealie meal through the acquisition of solar-driven hammer mills. We were assured at the time that the price of a twenty-five-kilogram bag of roller meal wouldn’t be more than K40. Nothing of the aforementioned happened. The price of staple food has skyrocketed to levels that are not affordable to an ordinary Zambian.
The PF government through the minister of information has woken up from slumber and issued a very depressing and uninspiring statement on the escalating mealie meal prices. It’s important to note that we as UPND have been advising and warning the government over the catastrophic situation we shall face as a result of the poor agricultural policies.
The situation is being aggravated by the failure of FRA to purchase enough maize to meet the national strategic reserve of 500, 000 metric tonnes. The aforesaid failure by the FRA has made the nation to be food insecure. As a result of the escalating mealie meal prices, the hunger situation has entered the bedroom of the urban dwellers.
It, therefore, follows that the government has to put urgent measures to address this unfortunate situation. We await to see how this flip flop government shall address this disaster taking into account the severe financial distress facing the country as a result of the poor governance by the PF.
“He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound].”
(Isaiah 40:29, AMPC)
He Increases Your Strength
In the Scripture, Joseph went through seasons of difficulty. He was rejected by his family, sold into slavery, lied about, mistreated, abandoned, falsely accused of a crime and thrown in prison. But through it all, Joseph never gave up. He kept pressing through and doing the right thing even though the wrong thing kept happening. Psalm 105:18 tells us that as Joseph lay in prison in those chains of iron, his soul entered into that iron. In that prison, Joseph developed supernatural strength, perseverance that no one could take away. There are some lessons you can only learn in the dark places.
If you are going through difficulty today, God wants to increase your strength. He wants to increase your power to overcome. He wants to make your inner man as strong as steel. When you keep standing, keep believing and keep doing the right thing, you are opening yourself to God’s supernatural strength. That’s when you know you are growing in Him. Be strong today. Keep pressing forward because God is at work increasing strength in you so that you can live in victory in every area of your life!
A Prayer for Today
“Father in heaven, today I surrender every difficulty to You. I release the questions, hurts, and frustrations. I choose to trust You and do the right thing. Increase Your strength in me so that I can live in the victory You have in store for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
President Edgar Lungu returns home from India duty tour welcomed by Madam Inonge Wina, Vice President
President Edgar Lungu is today expected to leave the country to attend this year’s Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Tokyo, which is aimed at Enhanced Trade and Development between Africa and Japanese leaders.
On the Side-lines of the conference, Zambia and Japan are expected to sign two memoranda of cooperation.
Special assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Mr. Isaac Chipampe has told journalists that the two countries will on the 26th of August 2019 sign a memorandum of Cooperation on Africa Health and Wellbeing Initiative, for the Japanese government and its private sector to intensify cooperation in Zambia’s health sector.
Mr. Chipampe also indicated that Japan is further expected to give Zambia a $3million grant meant for health care kits and essential drugs.
The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) is a conference held regularly with the objective “to promote high-level policy dialogue between African leaders and development partners and Japan is a co-host of these conferences.
Green Eagles completed their giant-killing act on Saturday night away in Soweto where they eliminated 1995 African champions Orlando Pirates from the 2019/2020 CAF Champions League.
The two sides finished 1-1 at Orlando Stadium to see Eagles advance 2-1 on aggregate to September’s pre-group stage.
Eagles joined Zesco United through to the CAF Champions League second knockout stage to keep the Zambian flag flying on the same day that saw continental debutants Buildcon were eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup in the preliminaries.
Pirates and Eagles went into the break scoreless before two rapid-fire goals came on the hour mark.
Happy Jele headed- in Thembinkosi Lorch’s corner in the 59th minute to give Pirates some hope of overturning the result after losing 1-0 away in Lusaka on August 10.
But Eagles replied almost immediately on the counter -attack when Amity Shamende toe-poked in the equalizer from a Spencer Sautu cross.
Eagles goalkeeper Sebastian Mwange them conceded an indirect free -kick inside the box in the 83rd minute but redeemed himself when he shut-out Lorch’s effort.
Eagles will face Angolan club Desportivo de 1 Agosto next month and will be home in the first leg on September 14 before heading to Luanda on September 28 for the last leg.
1 Agosto booked their pre-group stage date with Eagles following a 2-0 home win over KMKM of Zanzibar in Luanda also on Saturday evening to advance 4-0 on aggregate.
Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo has dismissed claims by United Party for National Development UPND Choma Central Member of Parliament Cornelius Mwetwa alleging that he has received 10 herds of cattle from the Zambia Correction service.
Speaking in an interview at the Mukambo border in Mufulira Copperbelt province, Hon Kampyongo said that it was unfortunate that a seemingly seasoned and schooled Parliamentarian would go to such lengths in propelling lies.
“It is shocking that someone would go to the extent of claiming to have seen me receiving cattle which they cannot even produce as evidence to the people,” Mr Kampyongo wondered, before adding that the Zambia Correctional Service Commissioner-General Dr. Chisela Chileshe only made a Public pledge in a jest that 10 animals would be given to him minus even indicating what kind of animals they would be.
“Even when the Commissioner General made the pledge, I responded in a jest making it clear that government works as a team of course led by His Excellency the President, not me alone as a Minister”
Hon. Kampyongo has since Challenged the UPND Parliamentarian to show the nation the 10 animals that he had received and where the said animals are being kept.
“As leaders, we should endeavor to give factual information to the people and focus on things that are significant to the development of our nation unlike focussing on destruction,” the Minister said.
Hon. Kampyongo said that unlike Cornelius Mwetwa, he is well aware of and abides by the requirement by law that every Member of Parliament should declare his assets through Parliament to the judiciary every year.
The Minister said that the only payback he expects from the men and women in uniform whose accommodation plight government is seriously looking into by building them modern houses across the country is a dedication to duty, Professionalism, and loyalty to the president and his government.
“I have been in Parliament for over 7 years now serving the people of Shiwangundu and at the same time in have been in cabinet long enough to clearly understands and be well vest with the cabinet handbook and what it says about Ministers and public servants receiving gifts, unlike Cornelius Mwetwa who is ignorant and has no idea what it means to be a member of the cabinet and what is required of such a one who is a member,” the Minister said.
And Hon. Kampyongo further said that the issue has since been handled administratively by Home Affairs Permanent secretary and ZCS Commissioner-General.
Zesco United are through to the pre-group stage of the 2019/20 CAF Champions League today after beating Green Mamba of eSwatini 1-0 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
George Lwandamina’s side advance to Septembers first round, knockout stage 3-0 on aggregate following a 2-0 preliminary round first leg win in Manzini on August 10.
Jesse Were scored the game s only goal in the 14th minute when he blasted in John Chingandu’s corner .
Zesco will meet Young Africans of Tanzania next month in the battle for group stage qualification.
Yanga beat Township Rollers 1-0 today away in Gaborone to advance 2-1 on aggregate.
Meanwhile, Zesco’s neighbors Buildcon were not so fortunate and are out of the CAF Confederation Cup at the first hurdle following 1-1 away draw against Young Buffaloes of eSwatini.
Kayembe Alidor put Buildcon ahead in the 12th minute but Fanelo Mamba leveled in the 52nd minute to see Young Buffaloes advance 2-1 on aggregate after winning the first leg 1-0 in Ndola on August 10.
THE Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) says it has continued questioning people allegedly connected to the 48 mysterious houses in Lusaka’s Chalala area.
Public relations manager Timothy Moono said in an interview yesterday many people had so far been summoned by the ACC to be interrogated in connection with the houses.
ACC raised a nationwide uproar recently when it announced that it had closed investigations into the houses because it had failed to find their owner, but had forfeited them to the State.
Mr Moono said the ACC would ensure that the matter was thoroughly investigated to put the matter to rest.
He, however, declined to name those who had been interrogated saying the matter would be handled professionally.
Mr Moono said ACC would ensure the owner of the 48 upmarket houses was identified.
“Yes, the ACC has started probing the matter, and people have been summoned for investigations. We shall ensure that the matter is handled professionally,” he said.
Recently, President Edgar Lungu instructed Minister of Home Affairs Stephen Kampyongo to ensure the case regarding the 48 houses was probed further so that Zambians could know the truth. He made the directive at State House during the swearing-in ceremony for new Secretary to the Cabinet Simon Miti.
It followed the revelation by ACC acting director general Rosemary Khuzyayo when she featured on ZNBC’s Sunday Interview that it had closed inquiries into the case of the 48 houses because there no one claimed ownership.
“Following the announcement made by the Anti-Corruption Commission, I have instructed the Minister of Home Affairs, Honourable Stephen Kampyongo, through the agencies that fall under his ministry to collaborate and ensure the case regarding the 48 houses is investigated to its logical conclusion,” President Lungu said.
He also directed all investigative wings to help in the new investigations. “All investigative wings are under strict instructions to collaborate and ensure this matter sees its day in our courts of law,” President Lungu said.
Mr Hichilema speaking at a news conference at his residence.
SPEAKER of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini has refused to respond to United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hichilema’s letter regarding the Constitution (Amendment) Bill Number 10 of 2019 because the opposition leader is not one of the petitioners.
In a letter addressed to Mr Hichilema by Clerk of National Assembly Cecilia Sikatele, Dr Matibini said he was constrained to respond because correspondence in the matter was restricted as it was the prerogative of the parties to the petition.
Dr Matibini questioned in which capacity Mr Hichilema was acting regarding the petition to halt the amendment bill. Mr Hichilema on Thursday challenged Dr Matibini to state what clause he had used in the Constitution to reject the request by the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) that he halt the Constitution (Amendment) Bill.
Mr Hichilema said in his letter to Dr Matibini that a proposed law could be challenged at any stage of its development, even before it reached Parliament.
He said citizens had rights to challenge any bill before Parliament before it became a law.
Meanwhile, former United Party for Nation Development (UPND) vice president Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba has charged that Mr Hichilema should shut up because he does not know how Parliament operates.
Mr Mwamba said Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini acted in accordance with the Constitution and law that protect Parliament.
Mr Mwamba said Mr Hichilema had never been a Member of Parliament and therefore had little knowledge on how Parliament operates.
He said it was prudent that outsiders stayed away from the operations of Parliament because they did not know its jurisdiction.
He was reacting to Mr Hichilema’s move to challenge Dr Matibini to state what clause from the Constitution he used to reject the request by Law Association of Zambia to halt the Constitution Amendment Bill process.
Mr Hichilema said in a letter to Dr Matibini that a proposed law could be challenged at any stage of its development.
He said citizens had rights to challenge any Bill before it became a law.
Mr Mwamba said Dr Matibini was right in the way he reacted to the request by LAZ because Parliament was a supreme organ that was mandated to enact laws in the country.
He said no citizen had the right to stop Parliament from exercising its constitutional rights. “Mr Hichilema has no idea about what he is talking about, he has never even been a ward chairman or parliamentarian.
“So he doesn’t understand what the Speaker was talking about. Parliament is a supreme organ, so what the Speaker said was in line with the laws that protect Parliament and there is nothing sinister about it. He said it was important that people who do not understand how Parliament operates seek advice from those who know for them to understand its jurisdiction,” Mr Mwamba said.
The state says the Constitutional Court has no jurisdiction to hear a petition on allegations of the contravention of the Republican Constitution on proposed laws or bills.
The Attorney General Chamber has therefore asked the Constitutional Court to dismiss the petition by the Law Association of Zambia to halt parliamentary proceedings on the 2019 Constitutional Amendment Bill.
The Attorney General Chamber has submitted that article 128 sub-article three of the constitution only empowers the Constitutional Court to hear petitions on allegations that an Act of Parliament or Statutory instrument violates the Republican Constitution.
This is according to Skeleton Arguments filed in the Constitutional Court.
The Skeleton Arguments are in response to the Petition filed by the Law Association of Zambia -LAZ where the Legal Body has also challenged Speaker of National Assembly Patrick Matibini to halt parliamentary proceedings on the 2019 Constitutional Amendment ill.
LAZ is being represented by Simeza and Sangwa Associates.
However, the Attorney General’s Chamber has also submitted that LAZ has failed to demonstrate how the 2019 Constitutional Amendment Bill violates the Republican Constitution.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General ‘s Chamber has also submitted that President Edgar Lungu was within his Constitutional Mandate to initiate the 2019 Constitutional Amendment Bill.
The Attorney General’s Chamber has further observed that Attorney General Likando Kaluka, as a Chief Government Legal Advisor, has also constitutional mandate to sign Constitutional Bill for presentation to parliament.
LAZ filed the petition in the Constitutional Court to halt parliamentary proceedings on the 2019 Constitutional Amendment Bill.
President Edgar Lungu has thanked the Japanese Government for continued support towards the health sector.
President Lungu says the support towards the sector has contributed towards attaining universal health coverage in the country.
The Head of State was speaking when Japanese ambassador to Zambia Hidenobu Sobashim paid a courtesy on him at State House this morning.
And Mr. Sobashima said Zambia has been a good partner in various areas that the Two countries have continued to enjoy.
Meanwhile, State House Spokesperson Isaac Chipampe has disclosed that President Lungu is expected to in Japan to attend the Tokyo International Conference on African Development-TICAD.
Mr. Chipampe said on the sidelines of the summit, signing of two memorandum of cooperation between Japan and Zambia.
Zambia is expected to sign a $3million grant is expected to be given to Zambia by the Japanese government after the summit.
He said the summit will also see the signing of two memorandum of cooperation between Japan and Zambia.
Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) president Eddie Mwitwa has sued Lusaka lawyer Tutwa Ngulube in the Lusaka High Court, claiming damages for defamation of character.
This was after Mr Ngulube accused Mr Mwitwa of being used by UPND to fight political battles adding that he has been promised to stand as an MP under the UPND in Lusaka Central in 2021.
Mr. Mwitwa is seeking aggravated and exemplary damages for libel and slander.
He is further seeking damages for inconvenience, mental stress and anguish, as well as, interest on any sums awarded from the date of writ to the date of full settlement, costs and any other relief the court might deem fit.
Mr. Ngulube, who is also Kabwe Central PF member of parliament, said in an audio recording on ZNBC main news, that he was supporting other lawyers who wanted to impeach Mr. Mwitwa for being used to fight political battles on behalf of UPND.
“I would like to support the calls of State Counsel Sakwiba Sikota and other learned State Counsel who have come out in the open and said they would like us to impeach the LAZ president Mr Eddie Mwitwa for dragging the name of the association into serious disrepute and also for being used to fight political battles on behalf of a named opposition political party, the UPND,” said Mr. Ngulube.
“It is very clear that Mr Mwitwa, whose term of office is coming to an end would like to leave a trail of destruction on behalf of the Law Association of Zambia…”
But in a statement of claim filed in the Lusaka High Court, Thursday, Mr. Mwitwa stated that Ngulube’s words had been circulating on social media platforms like Facebook, Whatsapp and were reiterated and published on internet websites and newspapers such as the ‘Lusaka Times’ in an Article titled ‘Tutwa Leads Call for Impeachment of Current LAZ executive’ dated August 15, 2019, as well as, Zambian Observer and Zambia Reports.
He stated that in their natural meaning, the words uttered by Mr. Ngulube meant that he was an unethical and an unprofessional lawyer.
Mr. Mwitwa further stated that in an article published in the Daily Nation newspaper on August 17 this year, titled ‘643 lawyers nod Mwitwa impeachment’ Mr. Ngulube said ‘he had evidence that he (Mwitwa) was paid by the UPND to fight the Constitution Amendment Bill’.
He added that similar words were published in the News Digers newspaper dated August 20, where Mr. Ngulube said ‘he was ready to face the LAZ president in court because he was on firm ground that he was paid to fight the Constitution Amendment Bill’.
Mr. Mwitwa stated that Mr. Ngulube refused to apologise for the alleged defamatory words when he requested him to do so and instead dared him to institute court actions if he was man enough.
“By way of a letter, Mr. Mwitwa through his advocates, requested Mr. Ngulube to publicly apologise to him for the said defamatory words but Mr. Ngulube failed, neglected or refused to apologise but instead publicly dared Mr. Mwitwa to institute the present action against him stating that Mwitwa could only commence proceedings against him ‘if he was man enough’,” read the statement of claim.
He lamented that as a result, he had been severely injured in his profession, law practice and social standing, character, credibility and reputation and had suffered considerable distress and embarrassment, inconvenience and contempt from the general public and from members of LAZ.
Mwitwa is now claiming damages for slander and libel, among other claims.
Bafana Bafana South Africa have named a strong team for next month’s friendly against Chipolopolo Zambia.
Chipolopolo will host Bafana on September 7 in a friendly at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
Both sides have no competitive engagement during the September FIFA international match week.
Interim Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki has summoned the same team that took part at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt where South Africa reached the quarterfinals.
Midfielder’s Thembinkosi Lorch of Orlando Pirates and Belgium-based Percy Tau headline the visiting team who will face Chipolopolo for the first time since March 24, 2018 in Ndola during the four-nation invitational tournament at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Bafana beat Zambia 2-0 in the final through goals by Tau and Lebo Mothiba of French Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, who will also be part of the travelling party.
Goalkeepers: Darren Keet (OH Leuven FC, Belgium), Ronwen Williams (Supersport United), Brandon Petersen (Bidvest Wits).
