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The UPND says it has noted with regret that the PF have continued spreading malicious fake statements purported to have quoted UPND President Hakainde Hichilema as supporting gay rights and lesbianism.
UPND Secretary General Stephen Katuka has since urged all Zambians to ignore the statement by the PF as malicious propaganda aimed at scandalizing their Leader Hakainde Hichilema.
Mr Katuka says Mr Hichilema is a Christian and an Adventist who does not support gay rights and lesbianism adding that the Adventists do not believe in what PF is publishing.
He said it is appalling to note that First Lady Esther Lungu wore a Dorcas uniform and barely a week after her husband’s Party has continued to scandalize SDA members like HH with malice.
Mr Katuka said Mr Hichilema is a baptized member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church and it is evil for the first lady to allow her husband to tell lies against a fellow Christian.
He said it is a pity that the evils of the PF leadership have gone too far that they would write anything they dream of.
Mr Katuka has reminded President Edgar Lungu to tell his PF media team that Zambians want them to end load shedding, lower mealie meal prices, lower fuel prices, end corruption, provide employment and pay all retirees.
He said it is shameful for the PF to focus on dirty propaganda when Zambians have been sentenced to abject poverty by Edgar Lungu.
Mr Katuka has demanded that the PF government provides solutions to the economy they have ruined through massive corruption.
“We also ask Zambians to remind the PF of load shedding, hunger, high cost of mealie meal, corruption involving 48 houses, purchase of $42million fire tenders, and $288,000 ambulances, every time they scandalize President Hichilema. We want Edgar Lungu to explain where the $500million sovereign guarantee he signed for ZESCO has gone”, He said.
Mr Katuka said the UPND also want to see what action President Lungu and his friends will take now that the inquiries commission on election violence has named his ministers like Kampyongo, Bowman Lusambo, among others.
He has further demanded that PF cadres stop collecting levies at Bus Stations and Markets with immediate effect.
Local Government and Housing Minister Charles Banda
Local Government Minister Charles Banda says the properties built on Munali school land should not be demolished.
This directive comes barely a week after Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo directed Council Officials to demolish the structures failure to which they will be being transferred.
But Mr Banda has directed Lusaka Town Clerk Alex Mwansa to provide information on how the developers acquired the land for residential purposes.
Mr Banda said all those constructing at the land in question should stop as he is acquiring information on how they acquired the land and who gave it to them and for what purposes.
He said the idea was to re-plan the land so that it is shared among the four schools and not for plot allocation.
Mr Banda said it is important to understand where the problem is coming from.
Mr Lusambo said Government will reverse the offer letters given to developers who have encroached on land belonging to Munali High school in Lusaka.
He said his ministry has also recommended that all properties that have been developed should be given to the school saying he will not allow encroachment on land belonging to government institutions.
He reiterated that all those that were involved in the illegality will be brought to book.
Now School Children are protected by an elevated Zebra Crossing which is a traffic calming feature in itself
By Daniel Mwamba
The Zambia Road Safety Trust (ZRST) is concerned about the impact of road traffic on children. About 1550 children were in 2014 killed or injured in road traffic, hence our support for Lusaka Mayor Miles Bwalya Sampa, intention to reduce speeds limits in all schools from the widespread 40 km/h to 30 km/h.
Our support focuses on the impact of inappropriate and illegal speed on children, and on the key measures needed to tackle road pandemic in the country.
There is overwhelming evidence that children suffer greatly from speed—not just as the victims of road crashes, but also through loss of freedom and independent mobility. There is also evidence about the ways forward, namely measures to reduce speeds in areas where children live.
ZRST is backing for well enforced 30 km/h speed limits around all schools as the first step in making our townships and cities safer and healthier for children.
Excessive speed is a major cause of deaths and injuries, especially in children. Speeding is dangerous for the driver (for whom it is a self-imposed risk), passengers and other motorists, but it is especially dangerous for vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians, particularly children.
According to the Government statistics inappropriate and excessive speed on the roads account for a majority of deaths and serious injuries. The massive impact of road casualties on children, families and costs to society as well as the lack of support systems to deal with the consequences have been described in many studies.
The number of children killed and seriously injured in car crashes is many times higher than the number harmed by strangers, another child safety issue of major public concern.
Reducing traffic speeds clearly has a key role to play in this.
We also think that, the situation is almost certainly much worse than officially reported.
It is generally accepted that there is significant under reporting of serious and slight injuries as many road traffic incidents are not reported to the police.
There is also evidence of injury severity misclassification by the police within reported casualties.
The adverse health impacts of speeding extend far beyond deaths and injuries.
The commonly held view among some members of the public, and especially among lobbying groups for motorists (is) that traffic speed is only a problem if someone gets killed or seriously injured.
In contrast, we take the view that excess traffic speed has many adverse health effects and that a more holistic approach that promotes safer driving and reduces the social acceptability of driving at excessive speed is needed.
Road traffic injuries are, however, only one manifestation of the health impacts of excessive speed. Fast traffic on busy roads impairs pedestrian and cyclist access to goods and services, and leads to community severance. Access is a particular problem for those with impaired mobility, such as the elderly and people with disabilities.
Excess speed, especially when associated with late braking, increases local air pollution and noise levels with potential adverse effects on respiratory, cardiac and mental health.
Many Families are living in fear the present traffic conditions are a major cause of concern not only for the public at large and many parents but also for children themselves with adverse effects on mental health and welfare.
A change of attitude: Stop blaming the children. The narrower area of children and road safety two principles should be included.
The first is not just to blame the victim. The child pedestrian is normally blamed for a road incident by the police and others.
Those who report accidents on society’s behalf (the police) usually see young pedestrians as mainly “at fault”, as indeed does society itself . . . Society does not seem to be very critical of the conduct of drivers and so, when an accident occurs, unless the behaviour of the driver is atypical and extreme, it is the typical and often childlike behaviour of the young pedestrian where blame is directed.
The second principle is “not just to make the potential victims even more terrified of the threat . . . although this fear has a rational basis. Road traffic is extremely dangerous for children . . . We should be to reduce the dangers which underlie the fear, not treat them as adults.
In terms of children’s quality of life as it is affected by the rising volume and speed of traffic, there appear to be two alternative responses: either we can continue to withdraw children from the growing threat that is posed, and inculcate fear in parents and children about the risks, or we can withdraw that threat from the children by `taming’ traffic.
A first step: we support the introduction of well-enforced 30 km/h speed limits around all schools by the Mayor. In the face of this major public health crisis with drastic consequences on the life expectancy and quality of life of children, the Zambia Road Safety Trust takes the view that there is a very strong case for widespread lower speed limits in the areas where children live and travel.
As a first step we recommend the adoption of well-enforced 30 km/h speed limits around all schools.
Effective 30 km/h limits are very successful in reducing casualties. There is strong evidence, particularly based on experience from somewhere in Europe, that they play a positive role in improving mobility and quality of life.
There is a wealth of evidence that lower speeds and 30 km/h zones can benefit vulnerable road users with respect to casualty and speed reduction. A report that describes this case study, funded by the Commission for Integrated Transport in UK singles out area-wide coverage of 30 km/ h speed limits as a key best practice lesson from European countries.
We think that the Zambian government has it in its power to achieve health, environment, and transport policy goals by reducing the dangers posed to children and young people through policy change and concomitant resourcing to alter the traffic environment in favour of children. Their needs and expectations and those of the local community should be of paramount importance, rather than those of passing motorists.
Our support singles out the introduction of well-enforced 30 km/h speed limits around schools as a major step to protect children and improve their environment.
This is not to ignore other measures which may also play an important part in redressing the balance on our streets in favour of children. But in our view the evidence and arguments in favour of this measure are so strong that its complete omission from any government strategy is all the more striking.
If the government were to add its weight to the Mayor’s call for action, the benefits for children now and in the future could be enormous.
ZAMBIA ROAD SAFETY TRUST
*NB: Mayor Sampa will be hosting a forum of advocates for 30 km/h speeds limits around school areas on Thursday, 28th November 2019 at Lusaka City Council.*
Felix Mutati speaking at a Copperbelt provincial MMD card renewal
The decision by Felix Mutati not to appeal the November 5th High Court ruling which declared Dr Nevers Mumba as legitimate President of the MMD has not been well received by some party members.
Mr Mutati yesterday indicated after attending a Church Service at the Reformed Church in Kafue that he will not appeal the High Court ruling to allow the party to heal from the squabbles that have affected its growth in the last three years.
But Muchinga Constituency MMD Member of Parliament Howard Kunda says Mr Mutati cannot as an individual decide to quit the fight for MMD Presidency.
Mr Kunda says the decision by Mr Mutati to quit must be a collective decision as he did not impose himself as the opposition party leader.
He told Serenje Radio that party members are on the ground consulting the masses on the way forward regarding the position.
And MMD Member Gaston Sichilima says no one is mandated to announce the closure of the case adding that an appeal is more likely.
Mr. Sichilima says wide consultations are still ongoing.
Yesterday, the Lusaka MMD District Executive called on Mr. Mutati and Mr. Nakachinda to appeal the Lusaka High court ruling.
District Secretary, Reuben Mambwe said the committee and the seven Constituencies have also resolved to disown Dr. Mumba.
Last week, MMD President Nevers Mumba challenged Members of Parliament that are not willing to work with him to resign following a High Court judgment that declared him President of the former ruling party.
Dr. Mumba, however, said that he is willing to work and support MPs including supporters of the losing President Felix Mutati.
He said he will not force anyone to stay in the party if they are not willing to work with him and the party will be willing to go for bye-elections.
Zambia assistant coach Oswald Mutapa is happy with his fringe CHAN team players’ performance in last Saturday’s away friendly win over Namibia.
Chipolopolo’s home-based side beat Namibia 2-0 in Windhoek on November 9 with a team that had three CHAN and COSAFA regulars in the starting XI.
Defender Adrian Chama, midfielder Amity Shamende and striker Emmanuel Chabula, who scored a brace, were the three notable names in the starting XI.
“They are all local players, we have qualified for CHAN 2020 but this was not the full CHAN team but we brought in a few other players,” Mutapa said.
“The rest have gone to Algeria to play in the 2021 AFCON qualifiers.
“But again, it was a good platform for the new boys. They showed they can especially be considered for the team. They did very well and we are proud of them.”
Mutapa was put in charge of the Namibia friendly because Aggrey Chiyangi is away with Chipolopolo in Algeria ahead of Thursday’s opening 2021 AFCON Group H qualifier against the defending African champions.
Shepolopolo are in a do-or-die mission at home on Monday when they host Kenya in a CAF zone 2020 Olympic Women’s Football tournament penultimate stage, last leg qualifier at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
Bruce Mwape’s side returned home armed with precious away goals following a 2-2 draw on Friday in Nairobi.
“It is unfortunate that we drew but had a good run,” Shepolopolo captain Barbara Banda said.
“But they are coming to our home ground on Monday and we have an advantage.
“It is not over, they are a good side but we will do better at home and we are not underrating them but we will see them on Monday.”
Winner over both legs will face Cameroon or Cote d’Ivoire in the final round for Africa’s sole place in Tokyo while the loser at that stage will face a South American team in a playoff qualifier.
Last round contenders Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire drew 0-0 in their first leg match in Abidjan on Saturday.
Felix Mutati at the launch of the card renewal for Lusaka Province
Former MMD President Felix Mutati has said that he will not appeal the Lusaka High court ruling that declared Nevers Mumba as the Party’s President.
Mr. Mutati said that there is no need to remain on the path of fighting BUT that there are other ways to serve the country, adding that he respected the Judgement by the High Court.
Mr. Mutati said that he remained open to any rational political options that are progressive, sustainable, and centered on service.
Mr. Mutati was speaking to journalists in Kafue.
However, Former MMD National Secretary, Raphael Nakachinda said as Chief Executive Officer of the Party, he will appeal the case.
He told ZNBC News in a telephone interview that the decision not to appeal the case by Mr. Mutati is personal.
Mr. Nakachinda said the decision to appeal is based on seeking justice for many MMD Members.
Earlier, the Lusaka MMD District Executive called on Mr. Mutati and Mr. Nakachinda to appeal the Lusaka High court ruling.
District Secretary, Reuben Mambwe said the committee and the seven Constituencies have also resolved to disown Dr. Mumba.
Mr. Mambwe who was flanked by MMD members told ZNBC News that party loyalty will always be with Mr. Mutati who has proved to be a good leader.
The Ministry of Labour and social security has suspended operations at United Quarries Limited Company situated in Chongwe for failing to comply with the requirements of the law.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour Chanda Kaziya says the two Chinese expatriates namely Ai Hui and Hu Shang dang at the company have also been ordered to report to immigration offices.
This follows inspections conducted at the company on Friday which revealed the that workers do not have contracts of employment and there was a generalization of work .
Mr Kaziya said it is unfortunate that workers at the company were paid below the minimum wage of which they have not paid overtime despite working long hours.
He has since instructed that workers’ salaries be paid in full during four weeks period of which operations will be suspended .
The PS also noted that the company has no adequate serviced fire extinguisher s and that workers did not have protective closings while the sanitary conditions at the company are poor .
Mr. Kaziya further advised the company to calculate and pay all salary underpayments in arrears and submit a payment schedule to the Labour office.
Parliamentary Chief Whip, Brian Mundubile says borrowing by the PF government has been purely for developmental purposes.
Mr. Mundubile observes that it is unfair to maintain a clean debt sheet when people are suffering and need basic services.
He says from the debt government has contracted so far, schools, Hospital and roads have been constructed among other projects.
Mr. Mundubile who is also Mporokoso law maker says government borrowed to open the country for investment in various sectors.
He was speaking during the PF interactive forum in Lusaka today.
Mr. Mundubile said it is hypocrisy to overlook the aspect of development that has come with the debt that the country has contracted.
And PF Media Director Sunday Chanda expressed disappointment one opposition political party is propagating Gay rights.
Mr. Chanda said he is aware that the Opposition party is doing so to please its masters adding that it is sad for a leader to be ready to sale the country for political gains.
And PF Deputy Media Director Antonio Mwanza said the removal of meal allowances from Copperbelt University and University of Zambia was in good faith as government wants to extend loans to other public universities and colleges.
Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo arriving at the Royal Airstrip in the Lower Zambezi
Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo has implored tour operators in the Lower Zambezi to prioritize local tourists in order for the sector to be sustainable.
And Mr Lusambo has challenged the tour operators to stop quoting their services in foreign currencies.
Speaking on Saturday when he held an interactive meeting with tour operators in the Lower Zambezi, Mr Lusambo said Zambians should be encouraged to visit tourist sites.
He said making the charges affordable and advertising tourism services in the local media will go a long way in creating a sustainable local tourism sector.
Mr Lusambo said government considers the tourism sector as a priority hence the decision to classify it as an economic sector.
The Lusaka Province Minister who is also Kabushi Member of Parliament said it is unfortunate that many Zambians have never had a chance to sample local tourism products.
He also announced that givegnment will start working on the Chiawa-Katuba road in order to make the Lower Zambezi accessible by road.
Mr Lusambo further directed the tour operators to stop the practice of charging in US dollars.
He said pegging the Kwacha to the US dollar rate should also be discouraged.
Mr Lusambo also condemned the practice of compelling local tourists to going through South Africa when making and confirming bookings and reservations.
On the issue of mining in the Lower Zambezi, Mr Lusambo said the position of government on the matter has been made.
And speaking on behalf of the tour operators, Lower Zambezi Tourism Association Acting Secretary
Paula Vrdoljak said the operators are concerned that the area is operating without a Management Plan since the expiration of the last one.
Mrs. Vrdoljak also emphasized the need for clarity and assurance on the long term sustainability of the Lower Zambezi given the proposal to launch mining activities in the area.
Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo in the Lower ZambeziLusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo meeting with local stakeholders in the Lower ZambeziLusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo on a game drive in the Lower Zambezi with Lusaka Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Frazier MusondaLusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo with Chieftainess Chiawa in the Lower Zambezi
Friday the eighth 2019 will probably go down as the best diplomacy day on the annual calendar of President Edgar Lungu.
It is the day he came out and reconnected with the country through the fourth estate and managed to win many hearts and souls, even from his harshest critics.
It is the day that the Edgar Lungu Zambians voted for in 2014 and repeated the feat by more than 50 percent in 2016 came alive saying “I am still your man and live in the same country as you.”
In diplomatic parlance we would call it a ‘Diplomatic Coup’ due to the warm fuzzy feeling it left on the minds of many long after he had walked off the stage, leaving journalists eating from his hands and thirsting for more positively.
The President of Zambia has his own style of communicating, unlike his predecessors such as Dr Kenneth Kaunda who depended heavily on press conferences, and that must be respected.
The mingle, however, proved communication and diplomacy professors right: an eloquent and likable politician like him sometimes needs to be left to roam in the wild in order to spread his wings effectively. He did that on Friday like a duck turns to water.
President Lungu explained the crippling power shortages in a more succinct and humanly manner than it has probably been ever explained before, by reducing it down to Jack the Barber, BOB the welder and Sarah the hair dress who have shut down business due to the shortages of power.
He made the problem a human problem, not a climate change or technical problem ordinary Zambians affected by the scourge daily do not want to fathom.
President Lungu did not just present the problem but threw a proverbial bone to journalists when he touted the solution of a $100 million German Zambia GETFIT renewable energy project for 120MW which must be ready next year. A watt at a time.
While talking visionary long-term solutions apart from GETFIT and new regulation that must make the sector profitable, President Lungu told journalists about the short-term measures of getting the industrial power machinery running through the importation of $44 million worth of energy, expensive but necessary.
After doing all the heavy pushing and removing the elephant in the room-energy-that is directly adversely affecting everyone in Zambia in one way or another, he humbly explained that for Zambia’s GDP to grow, industrialisation, agriculture and skills would be vital. Ramp up exports.
Another diplomatic score he bagged but many could not see directly was his subtle exuding of confidence which he showed by owning a problem, touting a solution and saying: “I am in charge”.
President Lungu did not pass the back and if anyone inside and outside his party were in any doubt about his willingness to give and take a punch in the next 2021 poll, he cleared the air by telling them: “I am coming back…am ready for a fight.”
Analysing Friday as a diplomat and a student of international relations and an author, I can draw a conclusion that the Friday State House mingle was a win for the Commander in chief.
The journalists that broke bread and water with him shall fondly retell the story over and over because it’s not every day you get to mingle with the President of Zambia.
Perhaps his astute Secretary to the Cabinet Dr Simon Miti would encourage more of these mingles with the media perhaps once a month, a quarter or whenever it is felt that Zambians want the calming voice of the President.
This is diplomatically the reason the Captain on the plane steps in and says: “This is your Captain speaking…we are going through a turbulent patch, but everything will be normal in a while. Please keep your seat belts on until the seat belt sign is switched off. Thank you.”
President Lungu known mostly for being a man of the people showed once again that the trappings of State House have had little or no effect to his natural-born traits of humility and patience. He remains a man of the soil.
President Lungu mingled, shook lots of hands, shared a joke here and humoured the press like the ordinary husband, father and lawyer they voted for.
Needless to say, the energy deficit did not immediately go away but the narrative has now changed to that of Hope instead of Despair.
Reconciliation and love and not combative and settling of personal scores.
The political adage “everybody needs just five minutes with the President” came to life: a classic case study in diplomacy, cultural studies, and public speaking or engagement.
The author is the Ambassador of Zambia Germany. He is also the author of the insightful book “Against all Odds, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s Rough Journey to State House.”
Chipolopolo Zambia CHAN team on Saturday beat Namibia away in a friendly international.
Zambia beat Namibia 2-0 in Windhoek as part of both sides 2020 CHAN finals preparations.
Nkwazi and ex-Kitwe United striker Emmanuel Chabula in quiet fashion continued his great Chipolopolo form when he struck a brace in each half with his first goal coming on the stroke of half-time.
It was Chabula’s second brace in as many games after scoring in the 2-2 home draw against eSwatini in a 2020 CHAN last round, final leg qualifier on October 19 in Lusaka that secured Zambia’s passage to the Cameroon finals.
Chabula has stealthy taken his Chipolopolo tally to six goals so far this year after scoring his debut Zambia goal on June 2 in a 2-2 draw against Malawi in the 2019 COSAFA Cup quarterfinals in Durban.
Coach Beston Chambeshi is pleased with the goalless draw Zambia forced against South Africa in their opening Group B match of the Under-23 Africa Cup played in Cairo, Egypt on Saturday night.
It was a game of two halves in which Zambia dominated the first half and South Africa were the better side in the last half.
‘It was a nice game, very entertaining, very competitive and I am happy also with the result like what my colleague (South Africa coach David Natoane) said,’ Chambeshi said.
‘You know South and Zambia it is like a local derby. It’s Zamalek-Al Ahly, so it is not an easy game. We have to thank the boys they played very well. It was tactically well take,’ he said.
‘We started very well in the first half and South Africa contained us. Second half it was South Africa who came on us. A draw is better for us,’ Chambeshi said.
Zambia’s key players Patson Daka, Enock Mwepu and Fashion Sakala missed the game due to club commitment.
South Africa coach David Natoane said:’ I think a draw is a fair result. I think we gave the audience a very good game. Unfortunately we did not give you the goals; we will keep the goals for the next two games.’
Zambia’s next match is against Nigeria on Tuesday.
Ivory Coast are leading Group B with three points after edging Nigeria 1-0 in the two sides opening match earlier on Saturday.
The Bemba Royal Establishment has refuted a story in one of the private tabloid that is alleging that the Establishment has floated names of persons to stand as presidential candidates in the 2021 general elections.
And the establishment has also denied allegations by Chief Mukuni of the Toka Leya people of Southern Province that Bemba Chiefs and Chitimukulu had a meeting with President Edgar Lungu where the Chiefs submitted names of their preferred candidates.
Speaking on behalf of the Establishment, Chief Luchembe of Mpika district said the story is fake and should be dismissed with the contempt it deserves.
Chief Luchembe explained that no one from the Bemba Royal Establishment including Paramount Chitimukulu has held meeting with President Lungu to discuss issues concerning succession.
He said it is unfortunate that Chief Mukuni who is supposed to be the custodian of tradition could start issuing such malicious statement.
He said the Bemba’s are a peaceful group adding that the Chitimukulu is known to be free thinker who is admired by Zambians.
Chief Luchembe who was flanked by Chitimukulu and other Bemba Chiefs said this in Mungwi district during the Ilamfya Council for the Bemba Royal Establishment during the week.
He alleges that Chief Mukuni might be used by some people who are jealousy of the Bembas because of the support they have in the country.
Chief Luchembe has since advised Chief Mukuni to come out in the open if he has anything against the Bembas.
Chief Mukuni is quoted to have issued a statement in the Mast Newspapers last week with the headline “Edgar intends not to stand in 2021 reveals Mukuni, and banner headline “Lungu Opt Out’.
