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Government commended for allowing law enforcement agencies to operate independently in fight against corruption

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Government commended for allowing law enforcement agencies to operate independently in fight against corruption

The Institute of Directors of Zambia has commended government for allowing law enforcement agencies to operate independently in the fight against corruption.

Institute president, Edward Kabwe says government’s stance not interfere with the law enforcement entities is a step in the right direction.

Mr. Kabwe said despite pressure from society for those in leadership to interfere with the fight against corruption, Government has allowed the institutions to operate autonomously.

Speaking at a media breakfast in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Kabwe also expressed satisfaction that the current Administration has been adequately empowering institutions charged with the responsibility to handle corruption cases.

He said empowerment of the institutions is key in the fight against the vice.

“We believe the new dawn government has been working on empowering the entities that are supposed to deal with corruption. We are talking about the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Drug Enforcement Commission, the Police and all these others. I think that has been the message from the government that whilst they set the tone, I think the bolts and nuts of fighting corruption has to be through the empowerment of the entities that are supposed to fight corruption,’’ he said.

And Mr. Kabwe called on the Institute’s members not involve themselves in corruption.

“As an institute, one of the things that we preach is accountability, transparency, responsibility and fairness, and fighting corruption sits at the centre of this. We want to extend this pronouncement to our members who are serving in roles of responsibilities that you are our ambassadors in fighting corruption,” he said.

The institute of Directors of Zambia will next month hold its inaugural Annual Corporate Governance Conference and Awards gala in the tourist capital Livingstone.

The event will be held from June 1st to 3rd 2022 under the theme: “Birthing a better future through good corporate governance practices in the New Dawn Era.”

The event is expected to be graced by Minister of Justice, Mulambo Haimbe.

HH at the Mining Indaba – Is this a worthy trip?

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HH at the Mining Indaba – Is this a worthy trip?

By Chimwemwe Mwanza

So deeply polarised is the Zambian political landscape that the citizenry prefers to dissect burning socio-economic and political issues through the lens of partisan politics.

Here in lies a danger. While opportunistic criticism and often a times lacking in substance appeals to base politics, it only serves to enrich a poverty of ideas. Let’s get straight to the point, is there merit to criticism being levelled against the incumbent President for honouring an invitation to attend the Mining Indaba currently underway in Capetown, South Africa. Let’s be clear from the onset, the role of the commentariat is not to bat for either the state or the opposition but maintain neutrality.

However, it would be irresponsible to fold arms and capitulate to the whims of peddlers of disinformation. Hence the warning, be careful what you read either on digital or in print media for that matter. Narrative manipulators are increasingly becoming desperate and sophisticated making it difficult for mere mortals to distinguish facts from their fiction. This caution cuts across the divide, both the opposition and ruling party supporters.

HH’s attendance of the on-going Mining Indaba shouldn’t be a hair-raising mystery. The objectives of the Indaba are simple, to network, lobby and sell participating country’s investment opportunities. Yet in this climate of socio-economic despondency, it’s almost impossible to ignore the stench of poverty. And thanks in part to a brand of lumpen politics enabled by social media, extravagancy, whether real or perceived is the soft underbelly for politicians looking to score cheap political points.

The objective is to cast their opponents as spendthrifts or a class of elitists that are out of tune with the suffering masses. Perfect example, the indirect message in the criticism levelled against HH being: ‘The President is too busy galivanting in SA to worry about your complaints against rising costs of fertilizer, fuel, electricity and mealie meal among other essentials.’ But is this true?

It doesn’t help much that the President occasionally scores his own goals including his previous visit to SA – a private trip he undertook at taxpayer’s expence to attend a book launch organised by one of his most ardent backers. Therefore, it ought to have come as no surprise that the invitation extended to his office to grace this year’s Mining Indaba and his subsequent participation in proceedings has somewhat elicited a backlash.

In a desperate effort to impugn on his travels, it’s the mischaracterisation of the Indaba as a talk shop or a touristy charade that’s deeply troubling. For the record, this is the most prestigious annual gathering of mining stakeholders, labour federations and heads of governments drawn from cross sections of the continent – which is why any self-respecting head of state and whose country has significant exposure to mining ought to attend.

As for Zambia, Africa’s second biggest copper producing economy, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This industry is the mainstay of the country’s economy. Mining is also the single largest employer accounting for more than 17% of GDP. In fact, it’s almost impossible to imagine a functional Zambian economy without a copper-bottomed pull. As a famous saying goes, when copper prices tank on the global market, ninshi ba kopala bachula.

While understandable that ba Kopala are disdainful of foreign investors, the blame squarely lies on state actors that have been handing free passes to mining entities in exchange for self-enriching schemes and kickbacks. The previous regulatory regime gave very little comfort to protection of investment rights which is why a sitting government could easily kick out a rightful owner of a mining asset and hand it to a party apparatchik to manage.

It’s new beginnings and that kind of behaviour is a thing of the past is the message that HH sold delegates to the Indaba. He further committed his government to raising copper output by more than three – fold (900 000) to 3 million tonnes/year over the next ten years. This is a huge statement of intent considering the financial distress of the country’s two biggest mining firms, Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) and Konkola Copper Mines (KCM).

Yet, he remains optimistic that this target will be met on the strength of the new regulatory regime which among other objectives has committed to protecting investment rights. Do we believe him? While it has become fashionable to be pessimistic about the country’s economic prospects, it’s hard to ignore his pragmatism. Time is the only measure.

Most encouraging though is that the respect, attention, and applause which he was accorded by delegates and potential investors alike after his keynote address gives hope that a semblance of stability has finally dawned on Zambia’s mining sector. But this is just hope.

About the Author: Mwanza enjoys reading Political History and Philosophy. He is non-partisan but a passionate football fan. For feedback, email: [email protected]

Zambia U16 Start UEFA Event With Shoot-out Loss

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Zambia Under-16 kicked off their UEFA U16 Development Tournament on Wednesday with a post-match penalties loss to hosts Georgia.

The match ended 1-1 that saw Zambia take a one-nil halftime lead through Emmanuel Mutale in the 45th minute.

Georgia equalized in the 73rd minute through Aleksandre Peikrishvili as the hosts eventually won the tie 4-3 on post-match penalties.

Mutale, Kelvin Phiri and Edward Mwale successfully converted Zambia’s spot-kicks while Elvis Mulenga and Mizhi Mawaya missed their penalties.

Zambia return to action in the four-team event this Friday when they face Azerbaijan.

Saudi Arabia is the four team at the four-nation junior tournament Georgia is hosting from May 10-17 in Rustavi.

President Hichilema concludes his Mining Indaba Visit in South Africa

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President Hichilema concludes his Mining Indaba Visit in South Africa

President Hakainde Hichilema, has concluded his four days engagements in Cape Town, South Africa where he also attended the 2022 Investing in African Mining Indaba.

While at the Indaba President Hichilema who was one of the key speakers, called on the African leaders to put in place deliberate efforts to ensure that there is sustainable development and management of natural resources.

He said the African continent is blessed with vast mineral resources that are key drivers of development in most countries.

The Head of State also held bilateral talks with Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi and South Africa’s Cyrill Ramaphosa.

During the separate meetings with his counterparts, President Hichilema stressed the need for enhancing the bilateral relations that Zambia enjoys with each of the two countries.

He cited mining, agriculture, infrastructure, education, health and livestock as some of the sectors that need close collaborations to attain development.

The President also engaged with investors and the private sector with the aim of attracting more investment to the country’s economy.

Some of the people he met include, Stanbic Bank and Standard Bank of South Africa, Standard Chartered Bank, the Extractive Industry Transparency International (EITI) among others.

President Hichilema also toured the Zambian pavilion at the Indaba to appreciate the different services that Zambian companies which were exhibiting were offering.

Speaking when he visited the ZANACO stand, ZANACO Chief Executive Officer Mukwandi Chibesakunda pledged the banks’ continued support to offer sustainable and affordable financial packages to the mining sector.

Ms. Chibesakunda explained that ZANACO is committed to work with government in improving access to finance especially among small scale businesses.

President Hichilema has since returned to Zambia.

Earlier, President Hakainde Hichilema held bilateral talks with President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi on the sidelines of 2022 investing in African Mining Indaba and the two leaders discussed how their countries can enhance relationship in different sectors of the economy.

The talks which lasted for more than an hour, were also centered on how Zambia and Botswana can collaborate in enhancing value addition to the raw materials found within their localities.

The two Heads of State also talked about how the two countries can work together in exploring the various potential that they have in other sectors of the economy such as agriculture, livestock, education, health and mining.

Speaking in an interview with journalists after the meeting in Cape Town, South Africa today, President Masisi commended the continued cordial relations that exist between the two countries.

” We want our two countries to continue enjoying and utilizing this relationship that we have built for a long time and we also want to take advantage of it to collaborate in key economic sectors, if anything we want to even build on it and strength it further,” he said.

Dr. Masisi said Botswana has a lot to learn from Zambia hence the need for the two countries to work together.

He further praised his Zambian counterpart, President Hichilema for the decision his has taken to consider the idea of manufacturing electrical batteries that can be used in electric vehicles.

Dr. Masisi explained that it is encouraging to see that Zambia, is taking progressive steps towards utilizing its natural resource which is copper into finished products.

“Am happy for you my brother, especially the idea of making electric batteries which you announced last month, it is very good, we need to start looking into the direction of adding value to our local raw materials,” he said.

He also noted that the other area in which he wants to personally learn from President Hichilema is how he has managed to run his livestock farming for a long time.

“I know my brother here, is a big livestock farmer, I personally would like to learn how he has managed to run it so well, am new in that area so I will learn a lot from him,” he stressed.

And President Hichilema also praised the continued strong ties existing between the two countries and called for further strengthened relations.

The President further said there is need for Zambia and Botswana to come up with strict measures that will ensure the two countries effectively benefit from the relationship.

He also added that Zambia too, has a lot to learn from Botswana, in different areas of economic development that can consequently benefit the people in the two countries.

President Hichilema however, expressed concern that for the relations between the countries to be fruitful, there is need for the continent to remain peaceful at all times.

He stated that instability in one country, is instability everywhere and is a barrier to maintaining the cordial relations that have been achieved by many countries so far.

“I agree with my brother, we need to work together in many areas to strengthen our relationship further, but most importantly, as I have always said there is need for peace in all countries across our region, I believe instability in one country is instability everywhere,” said.

Government is reviewing Zambia Police Act of 1996-Peter Machungwa

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Government is reviewing Zambia Police Act of 1996-Peter Machungwa

The Zambia Police Service Commission has said the government is in the process of reviewing the Zambia Police Act of 1996.

Commission Chairperson, Peter Machungwa, said once the Zambia Police Act is reviewed and repealed, it will be aligned to the Constitution Amendment Act of 2016, the revised national decentralization policy and other written laws

Dr. Machungwa was speaking in Livingstone today when he addressed uniformed personnel from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The meeting was held to establish the human resource management committees in the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Dr. Machungwa pointed out that the establishment of the committee in provinces is aimed at empowering them to deal with outstanding human resource cases.

He has since warned that should the established committee misconduct itself, the commission will not hesitate to withdraw the delegated functions in accordance with the law.

Fix the Local Economy as promised prior to 2021 Elections, UPND told

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Fix the Local Economy as promised prior to 2021 Elections, UPND told

Opposition Leadership Movement President Dr. Richard Silumbe has challenged the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government to fix the local economy as it promised prior to the August, 2021 General Elections.

President Hakainde Hichilema and the ruling UPND promised to fix the local economy when in opposition starting with the local currency the Kwacha.

Dr. Silumbe said the New Dawn Government should talk less and put up practical measures aimed at recovering, repairing and rebuilding the national economy.

The Educationalist said the government should shift attention away from speeches at the ongoing Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa, to fix the economy as promised during election campaigns.

Dr. Silumbe said the people of Zambia want to see the government put in place policies that will benefit the youthful generation of the country.

He charged that scores of the youths are not productive coupled with less jobs and inadequate business opportunities in all the 10 provinces.

“Away from the Mining Indaba speeches, the Government should fix the economy as promised. Talk less to recover, repair and rebuild the economy of Zambia by putting in place policies that will benefit the youthful generation of Zambia. Today, the Government is busy talking well. 90% of the youths are not productive with fewer jobs and no business opportunities in all the 10 provinces,” Dr. Silumbe said.

“We had heard: Bally will fix the economy. Economic recovery plan provincial expo until today, we seem not to find the answer to challenges facing our people. All these plans are not working as we are talking all the time with no action,” he said.

He said the Leadership Movement was not seeing a better Zambia that has been envisioned for many years.

Dr. Silumbe said the Leadership Movement is suggesting that Zambia holds a national indaba on economic recovery plans.

“Leadership Movement demand for a national indaba on Zambia’s economic recovery plan. LM believes Zambia belongs to Zambians and only Zambians will develop Zambia. As Leaders, let’s find local solutions to our problems. From the Leadership Movement-LM perspective, we are not seeing a better Zambia that we imagined, we need serious advocacy to have a Zambia that is sustainable,” he said.

Dr. Silumbe added that Zambians should run mining companies and help the nation to fully benefit from its minerals.

“Enough is enough; Zambians should benefit from the mining sector and we need to run our mines,” Dr. Silumbe added.

Meanwhile, the Leadership Movement has announced that its leader Dr. Richard Silumbe, who is an educationalist, will this second term of 2022 extend his Education Support to 13 community schools in Lusaka, Kafue, Kabwe, Kapiri, Serenje, Mongu, Mkushi, Kitwe, Mazabuka, Choma, Monze Livingstone and Chipata.

Dr. Silumbe has been supporting communities’ schools, youths and women cooperatives in selected parts of the country that include Lusaka and Copperbelt Provinces.

“Leadership Movement-LM believes that every child everywhere, has a right to better education. A vast majority of Community schools are in poor state with school buildings that are falling apart, no clean running water, and basic materials such as desks, chalk, boards, teaching and learning materials etc,” said party spokesperson Tatila Tatila.

Mr. Tatila added:”Dr Silumbe dreams of Zambia were the poorest and most vulnerable children of Zambia to access quality education. As a party, we call on the Government to consider community schools in its CDF empowerment programs and we call on the Ministry of education to train community school volunteers in education more often through orientations.”

Wintson Kalengo Retires After 19-Year Career

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Veteran striker Winston Kalengo says he has done everything in his football career and is retiring with a happy heart.

The 36-year-old striker has hung up his boots after 19 years that took him from Zanaco to Zesco United and then to Congo-Brazzaville club AC Leopards and back to Zesco where he closed his career.

“It has been a successful career, awesome with Zesco, but not only with Zesco but with Zanaco and even when I went out (to Congo),” Kalengo said

“Whatever goes up must come down at some point so let the young boys carry on from on from where I have left and I believe I have left good players who can carry the mantle.”

Kalengo leaves football with a Zambia Super League record of nine league titles; four with Zanaco and five at Zesco with a combined total of 109 domestic competitive goals.

He was also FAZ Golden Boot Winner in 2015 with 15 goals.

Kalengo also had a brief but successful spell with Chipolopolo scoring 5 goals between 2014 and 2016.

Meanwhile, Kalengo said he has not decided what his next move is but steps down armed with a CAF E Coaching License.

Stalled works at Bangweulu Hospital irks the government

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Stalled works at Bangweulu Hospital irks the government

The government has expressed concern with the stalled works on the construction of the K154 million Bangweulu Regional Hospital in Lupososhi district of Northern Province.

Northern Province Minister, Leonard Mbao noted that the lack of progress on the 800 bed capacity ultra-modern hospital has affected delivery of health services for the people in the Northern and Bangweulu region.

“Works on the hospital have stalled for over two years, but we know that if this hospital was completed on time, it was going to improve the delivery of health services in the Northern region and reduce referral of patients to the University Teaching Hospitals. “He said.

Mr. Mbao charged that it is unfortunate that numerous capital projects were embarked on without any tangible financial plan.

He said this situation has led to a number of stalled projects in most parts of the province.

Mr. Mbao however disclosed that the UPND administration will ensure that the facility is completed so that it can become a center of medical excellence in the Northern region covering Northern, Muchinga and Luapula provinces.

“ I hear this project was only supposed to take about 36 months to complete but works here have stalled for almost two years,” he added.

He disclosed that government has taken keen interest to probe as to what led to a number of stalled projects in the province.

The Hospital whose works have stalled for two years, was earmarked to be a centre of clinical excellence in the region, housing consultants in various medical disciplines.

The hospital was also going to provide training of various health personnel, including specialisation under the auspices of the Levy Mwanawasa Medical University.

Works for the construction of Bangweulu Regional Hospital were commissioned in 2019 and it was scheduled to take about 36 months to complete.

Eastern Province PF officials differ over when forthcoming party convention

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Eastern Province PF officials differ over when forthcoming party convention

Eastern Province Patriotic Front senior officials have differed over their views on whether the forthcoming party convention must take place.

While PF Provincial Information and Publicity Secretary, William Phiri, wants the convention not to go ahead in June, the Provincial Chairperson Andrew Lubusha is for the view that the June convention must go ahead.

In a statement to ZANIS, Mr Phiri said the party should consider postponing the party convention that is due to take place in June to allow time to deal.

Mr Phiri also wants the rebranding process that the party has embarked on to achieve the desired results.

He said the different factions that have emerged so far may cause mayhem at the convention and disturb the activities of the party.

Mr Phiri further mentioned that the party cannot afford to elect some leaders into sensitive positions when they are facing allegations of corruption.

“The party cannot afford to elect some leaders into sensitive positions when they are facing very serious allegations of corruption otherwise the rebranding process won’t have any meaning at all,” he said.

The Eastern Province Information and Publicity Secretary insisted that the party should consider postponing the convention and concentrate on strengthening the lower structures and preach the message of unity and hard work.

He warned that the party risks going into oblivion if the rebranding process is not well handled.

But when contacted for a comment, Eastern Province PF Provincial Chairperson, Andrew Lubusha said what Mr Phiri said was not the position of the party in the province but his personal opinion.

Mr Lubusha said his Provincial Information and Publicity Secretary issued the statement without blessings from the party leadership hence it should be taken as his personal opinion.

Toastmasters International, Southern Africa elects its youngest CEO

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Toastmasters International, Southern Africa elects its youngest CEO

26-year old Andrew Tsuro, takes on strengthening a hub of the world’s leading Organisation devoted to communication and leadership skills development as he becomes the youngest District Director of Toastmasters Southern African.

Toastmasters Southern Africa has welcomed Andrew Tsuro as the 44th CEO of the region, the youngest to be elected to that office. Tsuro has been elected for a one-year term at the organization’s 2022 annual regional conference, which is being held virtually. His term will begin on 1 July 2022 and will end on 30 June 2023.

As an ardent advocate for millennial leadership, entrepreneurship and skills development in various organizations across Southern Africa, Andrew becomes the highest-ranked officer in the region who will bring a wealth of leadership experience to his new role.

“I am honored and excited about the opportunity to serve in this new role under Toastmasters International, to build on the momentum my predecessor and team have created in advancing leadership skills and communication development. I want to the opportunity to thank the leadership and members of Southern African Toastmasters for electing me and other District leaders who will be serving in this coming year. We are fully equipped to advance leadership transformation in Africa” says Andrew Tsuro.

In his new role as District Director, he will be responsible for directly empowering, overseeing and managing Toastmasters hubs in Southern Africa including Zambia, Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Andrew, a Corporate Trainer, Speaker, and TEDx speaking coach, expects his success will hinge on collaborations within and outside Toastmasters International, his Toastmasters and professional experience.

He is a two-time recipient of the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award for excellence in Communication and Leadership – the highest accolade bestowed by Toastmasters International and the Chief Executive of the eHub, an entrepreneur’s hub that helps professionals transition from corporate to entrepreneurship with mentorship to alleviate the plight of the Africans.His work credits include extensive training at corporates across Southern Africa, such as Mercedes-Benz South Africa, Exxaro, University of Witwatersrand, Afrox Linde, Bidvest Bank, and many others in different industries. He has been actively involved in setting up and mentoring Communication and Leadership Development programmes in corporates like Multichoice, Vodacom, FSCA, Standard Bank Southern Africa and Malawi, and various other organizations.

“Andrew has been a pivotal pillar for us as Mercedes Benz Toastmasters. His unwavering commitment to leadership development is an excellent example to us, especially young people who aspire to make a mark in the continent. We are confident that he is the right leader to carry our strong momentum forward and create significant value,” Mzonjani Nkomo, Mercedes Benz Toastmasters President.

A Toastmaster since 2015, Andrew is a member of Entrepreneurs, L’Avenir – an Anglo francophone Toastmasters Club in South Africa. He has held several high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters. An entrepreneur and passionate leadership coach, Andrew was 2021 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons, 2020’s 50 Under 30 Emerging Leaders and 2018’s Top 10 Global Young Future Leaders recognized by the, HR.com’s LEAD Leadership Excellence awards. He is described by many colleagues as an enthusiastic entrepreneur and pacesetting leader who thrives in exceeding expectations.”

Andrew will work closely with the newly elected Executive Committee for 2022/2023 (1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023) to help fulfill these responsibilities and empower the regional leadership team to work together toward the regional mission, while supporting them in their development as a leader.

Kaladoshas drops the visuals for a soulful timeless record titled Reverse

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Kaladoshas drops the visuals for a soulful timeless record titled Reverse

 

Kaladoshas drops the visuals for a soulful timeless record titled Reverse. The single comes off his highly anticipated album dropping later this year.

Audio produced by Kekero and Video directed by Director Lo for Tilimo Entertainment.

Mwepu Reflects on Goal of The Season Award Win

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Midfielder Enock Mwepu’s season may be over due to injury but the Chipolopolo captain has been duly awarded by Brighton with the 2021/2022 Goal of The Season Award.

Mwepu’s goal in Brighton’s 2-2 away draw against Liverpool last October sees him cap his debut season with the EPL club following his summer move there from Austrian champions RB Salzburg.

That goal eclipsed another Goal of The Season contender he scored on April 9 in a 2-1 away win over Arsenal.

“What a season it has been for me and my family,” Mwepu said on Twitter.

“A season that I felt loved and cared when I had my low moments through injuries.

 “Nevertheless, I am privileged and honoured to win this award and thanks to all the fans who voted for me.”

The goal is one of two Mwepu has scored in EPL action during a campaign blighted with injuries.
Mwepu’s third  competitive goal came in League Cup action.

Meanwhile,  Mwepu is currently sidelined with a groin injury he sustained in Brighton’s 3-0 away win over Wolves on May 30 and will see him miss his teams’ last three games of the season.

Foreign Affairs Minister Defends HH’s long stay at Mining Indaba in Cape Town

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Foreign Affairs Minister Defends HH’s long stay at Mining Indaba in Cape Town

Minister of foreign affairs Mr Stanley Kakubo says that President Hichilema’s participation in the Indaba presents a great opportunity for Zambia to market her rich mineral resource and investment potential to the international mining community.

The Indaba will create a platform for high-level engagement, sharing of information on this strategic sector, and creation of synergies that will accrue benefits to the Zambian people.

He said the President has always underscored the key role that the mining sector will continue to play in accelerating economic growth through harnessing available opportunities in the sector; increasing copper and other mineral production; maximizing benefits from various metals; further exploration and value addition as well as positioning the country to be a lead manufacturer of mineral value-added products.

To this end, he said, President Hichilema’s participation in the Mining Indaba is projected to unlock opportunities for investment; reinforce bilateral relations with other countries within the region and further strengthen partnerships for greater cooperation in the country’s quest for development for the
participation in the Mining Indaba is projected to unlock opportunities for investment; reinforce bilateral relations with other countries within the region and further strengthen partnerships for greater cooperation in the country’s quest for development for the mining sector.

Get Ready for Chicken Export, Poultry Owners Urged

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Get Ready for Chicken Export, Poultry Owners Urged

Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Elias Mubanga has called on Zambians in the poultry business to get ready for the export of chickens to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Mr Mubanga has disclosed that the renowned multi-million dollar company that expressed interest in doing poultry business with Zambia, will soon be in the country to table a number of logistical issues before the commencement of business.

He revealed that during the expected meetings, the two parties will chart the way forward and come up with some agreements between the two countries.

Mr Mubanga noted that this is an exciting venture especially for the small scale entrepreneurs, as a foreign company has shown interest to import chickens from Zambia.

Speaking in an interview, Mr Mubanga said the Zambian Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is on the ground facilitating the correspondence.

“There are plans that the Saudi Arabian companies interested in the poultry business will be visiting Zambia to have firsthand meetings with the government. My ministry being cardinal in the partnership, we are ready to receive them,” he said.

He further disclosed that another deal with a Saudi Arabian company to set up an agro-chemical manufacturing company in Zambia is still underway.

Luapula minister worried with low number of CDF applicants

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Luapula minister worried with low number of CDF applicants

Luapula Province Minister, Derricky Chilundika, has bemoaned the low number of applicants for secondary schools boarding bursaries and the skills development in Chipili district.

Mr. Chilundika says it is disappointing that only 98 people have applied for secondary school boarding bursaries and 105 for skills development.

He observed that Chipili district needs a lot of empowerment among its people.

He reiterated that the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is meant for people and wondered who is going to use the money if beneficiaries are not encouraged to apply for sponsorship.

ZANIS reports that the Luapula Province Minister said this when he met Ward Development Committee members and selected government staff in Chipili district yesterday.

The Luapula Province Minister has since directed Chipili Council Secretary, Andrew Bwalya, and Ward Development Committee members to ensure that the CDF is publicised if more people are to access it.

And Chipili District Commissioner, Pennyproswendy Chipewa, called on the government to consider putting up a trades school in the area so that more youths can benefit from the skills development empowerment.

Ms. Chapewa observed that although youths in the district can access schools elsewhere, it would be more beneficial if they have a school within their locality.

Meanwhile, Chibalashi Ward Development Committee Secretary, Evelyn Bunda, attributed the low number of applicants to people’s lack of confidence in the CDF.

Ms. Bunda disclosed that people in the community do not believe that they can be funded because they have never received funds before.

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