Sunday, September 29, 2024
Subscribe
Home Blog Page 5554

2007 Charity Shield Preview

editor
-
1

The 2007 football season kicks off this Saturday with the Samuel “Zoom” Ndholvu Charity Shield semifinals.

In this years finals, defending champions and last years top-flight winners Zanaco face Coca Cola Cup holders Kabwe Warriors at Woodlands stadium in Lusaka.

And in the other semifinal games up on the Copperbelt at Arthur Davies stadium, 2006 league runner-up Green Buffaloes will play Mosi Cup defending champions Zesco United.

Almost all four clubs are expected to unveil some high-profile 2007 signings with Zanaco most prominently introducing Zambia Under 17 midfielder Chisamba Lungu.

Buffaloes on the other hand are expect to rollout left-back Maybin Chishimba, their impressive Zambia Under 23 left back loan-signing from Konkola Blades.

Zanaco meanwhile, have been three-time Charity Shield champions over the last half a decade with triumphs in 2001, 2003 and last year.

The defending champions will be facing Warriors for the first time in the Charity Shield since 2003 when they beat the latter 3-2 in the final.

At Arthur Davies, Zesco and Buffaloes who both had differing fortunes last season will both be looking to start their year on a high by reaching the Charity Shield final to be played next Saturday at a venue yet to be announced.

Focus at Arthur Davies will be on Zesco’s form following a poor 2006 season and relegation escape in the final phase of the campaign before securing a late 8th place finish.

This match will also mark new coach Wedson Nyirenda’s competitive debut at the helm of a local top-flight club since leaving the assistant job at Zanaco in January.

Buffaloes will be a tough opponent to test Nyirenda’s senior coaching credentials after success as head trainer of the Zambia Under 17 recently.

Courtesy of Kalumiana Kalumiana 

Zambia Loses ‘Vulture Fund’ Case in British Court

editor
-
0

hammer.jpgA “vulture fund” won a  court case against  Zambia on Thursday. The British High Court ruled that Donegal International, based in the British Virgin Islands, had the right to receive some payments for Zambian sovereign debt that it bought at a heavy discount. The debt, originally owed by Zambia to Romania, was bought by Donegal in 1999 for less than $4m. It emerged that Donegal  was seeking $55m in payment for the full value of the debt, higher than the $42m earlier thought, after a “settlement   agreement” in 2003 between Donegal and Zambia. Zambia had claimed in court that the debt was invalid as there was evidence  that Donegal’s local agent had bribed civil servants to pass the debt to Donegal rather than allowing Zambia to pay it off  at a heavily discounted rate to Romania. Zambia ceased making payments under the settlement agreement in 2004.

Issuing judgment, Mr Justice Andrew Smith rejected the contention of bribery. The judgment of how much should be paid
to Donegal was postponed but Mr Justice Smith said that the full claim was unlikely to be justified.

The high court ruled that a claim against Zambia by the US company Donegal International, owned by US citizen Michael Sheehan, for debts incurred by the impoverished southern African nation more than a decade ago, was lawful.

Zambia was represented by the prime minister’s brother, William Blair QC.

Donegal is claiming about $55m, a sum representing a 1,400 per cent return on its initial investment,  from Zambia but it is thought this will be reduced to around $20m when the parties meet in court again next month and the judge, Justice Andrew Smith, decides how much interest Zambia has to pay.

He ordered that Zambian assets in the UK be frozen in the meantime.

Oxfam and the Jubilee Debt Campaign said that Donegal – a vulture fund registered in the British Virgin Islands – should not accept any of the money because Zambia, one of the poorest countries in the world, has qualified for debt relief and desperately needs the money.

“It is clear that while the actions of Donegal International were not strictly illegal, they were immoral,” said Adrian Lovett, director of campaigns and communications at Oxfam. “Donegal should not take the money.”

Trisha Rogers, director of Jubilee Debt Campaign, said: “There is a clear need for a fair, comprehensive and binding framework for dealing with poor country debt which will ensure that commercial creditors will never again have the chance to profit in this way. ”

Donegal bought the Zambian debt, with a face value of around $30m, from Romania in 1999, for less than $4m. Zambia had run up the debt, mainly for agricultural machinery, during the Cold War.

Zambia approved the Donegal purchase at the time and later agreed to pay Donegal $15m for it.

The judge had little choice but to say the contract was binding, although he is thought unlikely to allow Donegal’s claim that interest and costs have inflated the amount to $55m.

The amount claimed by Donegal is more than the total debt relief Zambia is due to receive as agreed at the G8 meeting in Gleneagles in 2005.

Gordon Brown has condemned vulture funds and a Treasury spokesman said: “By depleting the resources of developing countries’ governments, these companies reduce the funds available for schooling and hospital treatment. This behaviour is socially irresponsible.”

Oxfam and Jubilee urged the chancellor to use his influence as chair of the International Monetary Fund’s key decision-making committee to make sure that new regulations are devised that prevent private companies from bypassing international debt rules and pursuing debts from very poor countries.

The judge did not let Donegal off lightly. “I have been driven to conclude that they were at times being deliberately evasive and even dishonest,” he said.

Mr Sheehan was “not merely careless but cavalier in presenting his evidence”.

He pointed out that delays had been caused to the trial because “put at its kindest, some of Donegal’s witnesses were less than candid”.

BBC’s Newsnight broadcast a report on Wednesday night purporting to show an email from Mr Sheehan offering $2m to the then president Frederick Chiluba’s favourite charity when Donegal bought the debt.

Mr Blair called it a “bribe” but Mr Sheehan told Newsnight it was a “charitable initiative”.

The US Justice Department later asked the BBC to hand over the documents to assess whether Mr Sheehan, a resident of Washington DC, had committed a crime under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Search for cellular network injures woman of Mkushi

editor
-
2

A 35-year-old woman of Mukankamana village in Mkushi district is nursing injuries after falling from a Musuku tree she had climbed in search of a mobile communication network.

Astridah Phiri climbed the tree in an effort to capture the network to enable her communicate to her spouse who was on a business venture in Lusaka.

Ms. Phiri told ZANIS that people in the area could only clearly communicate through
mobile phones once they climbed trees or hills.

Kamimbya Ward C Councilor, Dennis Mwansa appealed to mobile communications service
providers to extend better services to rural areas.

Mr. Mwansa challenged MTN, CELTEL and CEL Z to connect the area to avoid such
incidences in future.

ZANIS

Shortage of Petrol hits Solwezi

editor
-
0

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

Comesa to launch FAMIS

editor
-
1

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has organised a Food and Agricultural Marketing Information System (FAMIS) workshop in Lusaka.

More than 200 stakeholders in the agriculture sector would attend the workshop that
would mark the unveiling of FAMIS.

The stakeholders sensitization workshop, which will be held in Lusaka, is aimed at
sensitising stakeholders on the usage and management of the market intelligence
system.

The FAMIS, which is designed by COMESA, is aimed at bridging the information gaps in
agricultural markets and seeks to enhance trade facilitation through the provision
of reliable and accurate market information on key agricultural commodities and
trade related issues through-out the COMESA region.

COMESA Public Relations Officer Mweusi Karake told ZANIS in a statement that FAMIS
will feature key information on competitive agricultural commodities in the COMESA
region.

Mr Karake noted that the facility will also provide users with information on key
policy, custom procedures and other related issues affecting trade among COMESA
member states.

He added that the users of FAMIS will also benefit immensely from a timely and
transparent price discovery system and a large economic trading space as the FAMIS
will bring the whole region within reach.

Mr Karake stated that COMESA recognises that one of the major impediments to trade
growth and facilitation is limited availability of market information and intelligence to serve its traders within reliable and accurate data to link buyer to seller and surplus to deficit areas of demand.

He has since assured COMESA member states that COMESA will reduce market barriers
and create accessible and workable market strategies for its stakeholders
through-out the region.

Masebo advises Sata not to interfere with civic affairs

editor
-
7

Local Government and Housing Minister Sylvia Masebo has advised opposition Patriotic Front (PF) leader Michael Sata to respect the operations of the local government system.

Mrs. Masebo advised Mr. Sata not to take political differences in the civic affairs of local councils.

Mrs. Masebo told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that it was unfair for Mr. Sata to threaten dismissal from PF of Lusaka Mayor Susan Nakazwe and other councilors for performing for performing their civic duties.

She said councilors, regardless of political affiliation, are obliged to perform civic duties as stipulated under the local government Act.

She reminded politicians interfering with operations of civic leaders, that regulations governing the local governance system should be respected because they were superior to political party regulations.

Ms Masebo warned that she would not hesitate to suspend local councils that fail to execute their civic duties and hinder national development.

And Ms Masebo disclosed that she has spoken to PF Secretary General Dr. Guy Scott
regarding threats to expel some mayors from the party.

Heart risk pinned down for women

editor
-
1
HeartA key protein can help predict the risk of heart disease

US researchers say they have developed a more accurate method of predicting if a woman is at risk of heart disease.Current methods were developed 40 years ago and often fail to pick up women who are at risk.

The Reynolds Risk Score considers more than just traditional risk factors such as age, blood pressure, cholesterol level and smoking.

Featured in the Journal of the American Medical Association, it aims to predict the 10-year risk of heart disease.

Many women don’t recognise heart disease as being an issue for them Judy O’Sullivan
British Heart Foundation

New factors taken into consideration include parental history of heart attack before the age of 60, and levels of C-reactive protein, which has been linked to clogged arteries and damage to blood vessels in the heart.

The researchers, from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, hope their work will lead to more at-risk women being identified and offered drugs, and lifestyle interventions to reduce their risk.

They found that the current risk assessment measures failed to spot up to 20% of women who suffered from heart disease, but did not display any of the traditional risk factors.

Women reassessed

When they applied the new system, they found many women rated under the old measures of having a 10-year risk of heart disease of less than 20% had to be reclassified. In some the risk was increased, but in others it came down.

Roger Blumenthal from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, welcomed the new assessment system.

He said: “Physicians should incorporate these factors into their testing and decision-making about which women are most likely to develop cardiovascular disease.

“And physicians should intervene with lifestyle changes and drug treatment before symptoms start to appear.

“Our best means of prevention is through early identification of those most at risk.”

Judy O’Sullivan, a cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said it was not standard practice to take account of C-reactive protein levels during assessment in primary care in the UK.

She said various assessment methods were used in the UK, but none was perfect.

The key, she said, was to get women to present themselves for assessment in the first place.

“Many women don’t recognise heart disease as being an issue for them,” she said.

“In women it tends to be an older person’s disease, and quite often women have developed other conditions which can cause pain, such as diabetes, by the time they develop heart problems, so they put any pain down to something else.”

BBC

Man, 31, gets prison sentence for murder

editor
-
0

A 31 year old man of  Chief Zumwanda in Lundazi was
yesterday sentenced to  18 months with hard labour for killing his father.

Willy Chima of Zombe village, who appeared before High Court Judge Catherine Phiri,
was initially charged with first degree murder, which was later reduced to murder.

Facts before the court were that Chima returned home after a drinking  spree and
started showing his father in-law how to operate a riffle.

Chima fired a shot while he was  explaining to his son how the riffle operates.

Upon hearing the shot, Willy ‘s father, White Chima who had also just returned from
a drinking spree, stated questioning his son  who had fired the shot.

In the midst of the argument, Willy  got agitated and struck his father with a
stick, who bled profusely.

Chima  was then rushed to Lundazi General Hospital and died the following day.

In mitigation,  Willy who pleaded guilty to the charge, said he had four children
and that he acted under the influence of alcohol when he committed the offence.

And in passing judgement, judge Phiri said she had considered the mitigation and
that the incident occurred after both Chima and his father  were drunk.

Judge Phiri also stated  that she had considered  the fact that  Willy would live
with the stigma of killing his own father for the rest of his life.

She sentenced  Willy with one year six months with hard labour beginning from the
day of his arrest October 11, 2006.

LuSE capitalization grows

editor
-
0

LUSAKA Stock Exchange (LuSE)’s market capitalisation grew by 52 per cent in 2006, representing a K13 trillion increase from 11 per cent registered the previous year.

In dollar terms, the market capitalisation grew by 30 per cent to reach US3.2 billion.

Market capitalisation is the average value of all shares listed on the stock market and it varies as share prices grow and decline.

According to the end of year report released by LuSE marketing and public relations manager, Brian Tembo, growth in market capitalisation was due to capital gains experienced by most stocks like African Explosives Zambia (AELZ), Shoprite, Zambian Breweries and Farmers House Plc.

LuSE’s market size in relation to national gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 40 per cent compared to a reduction by 9.41 percent in 2005.

Commenting on trading activity, Mr Tembo said the number of trades in 2006 increased by 455 compared to 26 per cent in 2005.

He added that the number of shares transacted significantly increased as there were a number of block shares such as Cavmont Capital Holdings, which sold 25 per cent to a Namibian bank.

Investrust also released about 10 per cent of its shares on the market and a significant number of shares were transacted in Zambia Sugar, Zambeef and Farmers House.

He said the LuSE all share index ended the year poised to breach 2,000 points mark probably in the first quarter of 2007.

He cited listing of AELZ, Farmers House rights offer and listing of Cavmont Capital Holdings as some achievement of 2006.

Mr Tembo said this year promises to be a busy year for LuSE with a number of corporate debt instruments expected to be issued and several listings in telecommunications, agricultural, mining, banking and financial services sectors expected.

“The exchange is poised to have a bullish year with more listings than in any one year in its 13 years of existence,” he said.

Mr Tembo said LuSE has embarked on a restructuring process of its tier, an innovation designed as a nursery for new listings to allow companies that failed to meet current requirements to develop track record and satisfy the requirements.

He added that the restructuring process had taken longer than anticipated due to various parties involved in the consultation process.

He, however, stated that the restructured tier was anticipated to be functional this year.

Daily Mail

ZRCS seeks assistance from Govt.

editor
-
0

The Zambia Red Cross Society(ZRCS) in Kasempa has
appealed to government to channel some of its resources to the society in an effort
to provide humanitarian support to some of the affected areas in the country.

ZRCS Public Relations Manager James Zulu said in an interview that the society is
waiting for government to declare certain places as disaster areas.

Mr. Zulu noted that the society is in a predicament as it has received a lot of
disaster reports about floods in various places in the country.

“It becomes difficult for us to move in affected areas before the government
declares the place a disaster,” he said.

He said reports that have been received include Kasempa district saying the area
would only be considered once government recognizes it as a disaster  district.

Meanwhile more than 100 houses have collapsed in Kasempa and more than 14, 000
people are reported to be displaced.

Kasempa District Social Welfare Officer Kameko said the floods have posed damage to
crops in the district.

He described the extent of floods as unhealthy adding  that it would cause serious
economic  effects to people.

Mr. Kameko said most of the affected people are those involved in monoculture, poor
budgeting of food, child headed homes and women who are unable to acquire adequate
farming input.

He has since appealed to government  send relief food to enable people  go back to
normal life.

He said the floods have caused internal displacements and increased the cost of a 5
liter tin of maize from K2,500 to K3,500 due to shortages of food supply.

ZESCO, Albidon seal US2.2m deal

editor
-
0

The Zambia Electricity Supply Company (ZESCO) has signed a power supply agreement involving US$2.2 million with Albidon Zambia Limited company.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lusaka today, ZESCO Managing Director Rodnie Sisala said ZESCO would construct a 33 KV line from Kafue town substation to Munali Nickel Mine Plant in Southern Province.

Mr Sisala said ZESCO will carry out the project through a contactor to be selected through a competitive bidding process.

He noted that the construction of the Nickel Mine Plant would enhance development in
Southern province and lead to socio-economic benefits for the local people.

Mr Sisala said Albidon and ZESCO will work together with other equipment
manufacturers and contractors in order to complete the project by December this
year.

And Albidon Zambia Limited Managing Director Dale Rodgers said the construction of
the Munali Nickel Plant in Southern province will contribute positively to
sustainable economic development of the country.

Mr Rodgers said about US$65 million will be spend on mine infrastructure development
and the construction of the concentrator.

He stated that upon commissioning of the project, Ore production will be about 900,
000 tonnes per annum adding that annual production will be improved after the
completion of the plant.

Mr Rodgers further said when the project reaches its completion point, annual
production will be improved to about 8, 600 tonnes of Nickel, 1, 400 tonnes of
Copper and 15, 000 ounces of Platinum Group Metal (PGM) in concentrate per annum.

He also said his company has worked out modalities to implement a Resettlement
Action Plan aimed at helping the affected communities as determined by the
Environmental and Social Impact.

Mr Rodgers said the Resettlement Action Plan is based on the international best
practice of the World Bank guidelines.

He said his company has since purchased about 720 hectares of the farmland to
relocate the affected families.

 

Levy wins kudos over decision to let NEC choose successor

editor
-
4

A Lusaka clergyman is happy that President Levy Mwanawasa has given a go ahead to the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) National Executive Committee (NEC) to choose his successor before the next general
elections.

Christ Impact Ministries Prophet Hastings M’zumara said Mr. Mwanawasa’s decision is
a positive step in efforts of enhancing the country’s democracy.

Prophet M’zumara is optimistic that Mr. Mwanawasa’s decision not to interfere with
the selection process of his successor, would improve transparency in the ruling
party.

He advised the party to select a leader that would carry on with the fight against
corruption in order to achieve improved economic welfare for the people.

He also advised the MMD not to choose recycled politicians for the party leadership
and promote people with frewsh ideas of pushing forward the country’s economic
agenda.

Beauty on a plate

editor
-
7

We all want to look gorgeous, even 10 years younger sometimes! One has to exercise sufficiently to look good but it is also important to eat the right kind of food to look beautiful.

Isn’t it a wonder how naturally beautiful some women in rural areas are? They are not clad with foundations, face powders, blush, us city girls wear but they have that glowing complexion and radiance. No, I am not suggesting we throw our makeup kits but lets find out what can give us that glowing, radiant youthful skin.

Food has become the focus of medical science with research showing it is responsible for anything from glowing skin, sharpened intelligence, heightened sexuality, boosted immunity and ageless vitality. Research also shows that to get the most out of food it must be eaten as close to its natural state as possible.

“skin deep ” micronutrients

  • Vitamin A – promotes normal growth of most cells especially epithelial cells.
  • vitamin B complex – are essential for many physiological functions thus promoting good general health.
  • vitamin C- promotes collagen production and inhibits free radical damage.
  • vitamin E – helps prevent scarring.
  • omega 3 – helps prevent dryness.
  • zinc – is an important antioxidant for skin. It is particularly important for healthy skin and is essential for a healthy immune system and resistance to infection.Deficiency is associated with acne.

! beware of the skin spoiler – SUGAR

sugar raises the insulin levels and causes inflammation of skin.

what should we be eating?

  1. Drink plenty of water to flush out impurities and keep skin hydrated.
  2. Vegetables- they are rich in vitamins,fibre and antioxidants which have anti-aging effects. Have 3-5 servings daily. Cook lightly with a little oil to improve absorption.
  3. Fruits – rich in vitamins, antioxidants and fibre. Have 2-3 servings daily.
  4. Fats and oils – Limit fat intake. Olive oil is however good for a radiant skin. Fish such as salmon and tuna have omega 3 which boosts the skins appearance.

did you know?

Pumpkin seeds provide one of the most concentrated vegetarian food sources of zinc!

Red beans contain flavonoids, iron, magnesium and zinc. These are important in helping the skin cope with environmental stress!

Grapes seeds and skin contain flavonoids, such as proanthocyanidins or PCOs that are powerful antioxidants. These potent antioxidants help fight free radicals associated with signs of aging. Also helps improve blood circulation and strengthen blood vessels, which is important for varicose veins or leg cramps.

Govt. releases K200m for terminal construction in Mongu

editor
-
0

Government, through the Ministry of Transport and Communication, has released K200 million for the construction of a passenger bus terminal at Mulamba Harbour in Mongu district.

Mulamba Harbour Master, Washington Nkhonjela, said the construction of the terminal
would commence as soon as tendering procedures are completed.

Mr. Nkhonjela said the construction of the terminal would help alleviate security
problems facing the travelling public in the area.

He indicated that the multi-facility terminal would also improve the comfort of the
passengers traveling to various destinations.

The current shelter at the harbour lacks facilities of convenience among them
toilets and clean drinking water.

Mulamba Harbour is a gateway to Kalabo district by water transport and is mainly
used during the rainy season due to the floods in the plains.

Chief Nonde appeals for help in bridge rehab

editor
-
0

Chief Nonde of Mbala district in the Northern province has appealed to government to help replace the bridge at Nangwa  river which was recently destroyed by torrential rains.

Chief Nondo said the washing away of the bridge has negatively impacted on the movement of the local people.

Chief Nondo described the situation ass serious adding that business activities have
been affected by the development.

He further said the bridge which was washed away by the rains has affected the
transportation of the commodities.

ZANIS
 

1...5,5535,5545,555...5,560Page 5,554 of 5,560

Company

Trending

Categories

© Lusaka Times