Monday, March 17, 2025
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PF MP says time to focus on developing Constituency after ConCourt declares him duly elected

Patriotic Front (PF) Lubansenshi Member of Parliament Taulo Kabwe Chewe has declared that the time is ripe for him to focus on developing the constituency following the upholding of his election by the Constitutional Court.

The Constitutional Court on Thursday declared Mr Chewe as the duly elected Lubansenshi Constituency Member of Parliament.

The Constitutional Court brushed aside the nullification of the Lubansenshi Parliamentary election results made in November 2021.

The Kasama High Court then nullified the election of Mr Chewe as Lubansenshi Member of Parliament.

The election of Mr Chewe was earlier November declared void by High Court Judge Maria Mapani Kawimbe after evidence of malpractice following a petition by UPND candidate Patrick Mucheleka and an independent candidate George Mwamba.

Judge Kawimbe had ruled that the alleged malpractices during campaigns significantly affected voters in most wards of the Lubansenshi constituency.

Speaking after the Constitutional Court declared him duly elected Lubansenshi Constituency Member of Parliament, Mr. Chewe, an ex-miner on the Copperbelt, said justice has finally prevailed in the matter.

“The Constitutional Court has reversed the nullification of the Lubansenshi Constituency election and I have been declared as duly elected Member of Parliament for Lubansenshi Constituency. Justice has prevailed. This judgment shows that indeed the Constitutional Court is there for justice. We need to continue to pray to our living God because God always makes a way where there is no way,” he said.

“I will concentrate on seeing to it that we start registering the presence of investors, especially in Lubansenshi Constituency. We have to see to it that people have jobs and that people are empowered,” Mr Chewe said.

“Thank you very much for all your prayers and support I’m here to save you as a servant working in your office, as I said my policy is an open-door policy you are all welcome on board to work as a team, no political affiliation shall divide us or stop us from working for people who gave us this opportunity, we only have one agenda and goal to bring development in Lubansenshi Constituency. Together we can do it,” he said.

Mr Chewe is the immediate past President of the Ex-Miners Association of Zambia on the Copperbelt.

Churches March Against abduction of Individuals

A march-past and prayers have been conducted in Ndola City on the Copperbelt against the reported case of abduction in the country.

Several church members under the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) Ndola Chapter held a march-past from Jacaranda Shopping Mall to St. Paul’s -United Church of Zambia, Masala Central Congregation where prayers were conducted against the spirit of abduction.

The march-past and prayers follows the recent reported abduction of 22-year old Pamela Chisupa of Lusaka whose whereabouts is unknown three weeks after the information filtered through social media.

Chisumpa disappeared from her business place on Cairo Road in Lusaka, only to appear – a few days later – in a video pleading for her life while her alleged kidnappers hit her.

Chisupa’s torment in a video has brought fear among citizens.

She was reported missing in mid April, 2022 by her sister.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the march-past, one of the organisers, Rev. Margret Mwape of the United Church of Zambia, Masala Congregation said society and the church must rise and speak against child abuse especially abduction and trafficking.

“Today we have an important event to pray over what is happening in our nation Zambia concerning the girl child. We are marching from here (Jacaranda Mall) to St. Paul’s -United Church of Zambia, Masala Central Congregation. We are saying that the girl child in our society is not protected. The girl child is not safe from abuses like child trafficking and abduction. We have risen as a society and as churches under the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ).Our theme is standing with one voice against abduction. We need to stand up so that we can protect the girl child from abuse. You are aware of the case in Lusaka where a child Pamela has gone missing and her whereabouts are not known,” Rev. Mwape said.

“Only God knows what has happened to her (Pamela). As society and as Church we can’t just sit idle when our children are being trafficked or abducted. Some children are being trafficked to places where they are being used in brothels and some people are making profits over innocent children. People may just know that children have gone missing without realizing that they have been trafficked. We are up as a Church trying to protect the girl child,” she said.

“We won’t sit and relax no matter what we are going to fight to protect our girl child. It is our prayer that children should be safeguarded. Children should be taught to be wary of people coming to them to pretend that they are good Samaritans. People should be aware and should not tolerate such people. This vice must come to an end. We should not allow abductions in our country where people are even demanding ransom. Even though we hear some high profile people are connected to these vices, we are demanding that this must come to an end,” Rev. Mwape added.

Meanwhile, Police are yet to provide more details regarding their investigation into the disappearance of Pamela.

Police just refuted recent information on social media that the mobile money agent Pamela who is alleged to have been abducted has been found dead.

Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga recently said in a statement that police have not received such information.

Mr Hamoonga said if at all there is anyone with such information or any other information that may help in the ongoing investigations, they should report to the nearest police station.

He also warned persons that are in the habit of posting falsehoods on social media that the long arm of the law will catch up with them.

A march-past and prayers have been conducted in Ndola City on the Copperbelt against the reported case of abduction in the country.
A march-past and prayers have been conducted in Ndola City on the Copperbelt against the reported case of abduction in the country.
A march-past and prayers have been conducted in Ndola City on the Copperbelt against the reported case of abduction in the country.
A march-past and prayers have been conducted in Ndola City on the Copperbelt against the reported case of abduction in the country.

President Hichilema eulogises Chikwanda

President Hakainde Hichilema has described the late former Minister of Finance Alexander Chikwanda as a resilient and focused man who served the nation with perseverance.

Mr. Hichilema said the late Mr Chikwanda, with his many other colleagues, were among the young people at that time who fought for the independence of Zambia and later on worked to improve various sectors such as health, infrastructure and education.

He said this when he visited the late Mr. Chikwanda’s funeral house in State Lodge in Lusaka yesterday.

President Hichilema noted that the late Mr. Chikwanda and others implemented various policies such as the free education policy up to university level, which benefited many Zambians.

He observed that young people must emulate the life of the late Mr. Chikwanda and ensure that they serve the public with all their very best ability at all times.

“He obviously started early as a youth in the struggle for independence and then went on to do many things for the country which many of us benefited from. He occupied key positions during the infancy in the building of our nation. Because of that, we thank him and his other colleagues, some of whom are gone by now,’’ said President Hichilema.

The Head of State added that the late Mr. Chikwanda was known not just inside Zambia but also abroad.

President Hichilema further said he shared a personal relationship with the late Mr. Chikwanda for a long time and served together in the Barclay Bank board.

“I found him there with his friends. He had that commercial economic side which was extremely good but he also had the social side which I knew for a long time,’’ he said.

He has since urged the general citizenry to mourn the late Mr. Chikwanda in a peaceful and respectful way.

‘’We wish the family our sincere condolences on the sad loss of Mr. Chikwanda and obviously he did a lot for this country and because of that we thank him for his work,’’ said Mr. Hichilema.

Mr. Chikwanda, 84, died on Tuesday May 3, 2022 in Lusaka after an illness. He served in various ministerial positions including that of Minister of Finance from 2011 to 2016. He will be put to rest tomorrow at Leopards Hill Memorial Park in Lusaka.

Tristan Pascall becomes First Quantum CEO takes over from his Dad, Matt

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The board of First Quantum Minerals has appointed Tristan Pascall to the role of CEO, and added Alison Beckett as an independent director.

The company in November announced that Mr Pascall would take over the role of CEO from his father, co-founder Philip Pascall, who held the position since 1996.

Philip Pascall remains chairperson of the board of directors.

The appointment of Tristan Pascall represents the culmination of a succession planning process led by independent directors on the board’s nominating and governance committee.

“We believe Tristan’s combination of operational, strategic and capital markets experience is fundamental to the continuity of our unique core capabilities, namely industry-leading project execution and operational excellence,” said chairperson of the nominating and governance committee and lead independent director Robert Harding.

He also thanked co-founder Clive Newall for his contributions to the growth and development of the company. Newall on Thursday retired from the board of directors.

Meanwhile, Beckett has a career spanning industry and consulting, including procurement and strategy consulting. She is currently group talent director at Ardagh Group and was previously an adviser providing leadership advisory services at Egon Zehnder

President Hakainde Hichilema Fires High Court judge Joshua Banda for mischievous behavior

President Hakainde Hichilema has fired High Court judge Joshua Banda for mischievous behaviour in the execution of his mandate.

The President has also suspended judge Sunday Nkonde of the industrial relations division for gross misconduct.

According to a statement issued by special assistant to the President for press and public relations, Anthony Bwalya the firing and suspension of the two judges follow the recommendations in the report presented to the President by the Judicial Complaints Commission this afternoon May 6, 2022.

“The removal and suspension of the said puisne judges is in the exercise of the powers vested in the President in Articles 144(5)(b) and 144(3) of the Constitution,” read the statement.

This week the Anti-Corruption Commission recorded warning and caution statements from judge Banda and Charles Kafunda for interfering with witnesses during disciplinary hearings before the JCC.

The duo was also warned and cautioned in January this year for corrupt practices for allegedly soliciting for K130,000 and in turn received K63,000 from David Mwanza a former sheriff officer as an inducement or reward for them to have charges against him adjudicated in his favour.

Yesterday, President Hakainde Hichilema received two reports from the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC) at State House. The reports contain complaints the Commission received from citizens against some judicial officers.

In their submissions, the Commission led by Chairperson Vincent Malambo stated that their job as JCC is to ensure that the judiciary is beyond reproach and will therefore deal with public complaints expeditiously.

One of the reports involves a complaint regarding a high court Judge whom the JCC has been investigating for corruption allegations.

JCC Chairperson Vincent Malambo said the report is a culmination of the work which commenced on 19th January this year when the Commission received a complaint of alleged corruption against the judge.

Mr. Malambo said the investigations have revealed a clear failure of the judicial appointments system because the complaint against the Judge was already known.

Speaking when he submitted the report to the Head of State, Mr. Malambo, recommended that Zambia should introduce a merit based and transparent system on the appointment of Judges which will involve a broader public input.

He further said Judges must resist the temptation of corruption because their conduct and image are the only true foundation of public confidence in the judiciary.

And receiving the report from the JCC, President Hichilema said his administration will not interfere in the operations of the Judicial Complaints Commission and will allow it to operate professionally.

The Head of State has also called on the JCC to hear all complaints from Zambian citizens and ensure that they are expeditiously dealt in order to avoid delaying justice.

“We will act on the submitted reports within and in line with the constitution. We also call on the JCC to be dealing with complaints from the public expeditiously and in real-time because justice delayed is justice denied.”

He further appealed to Zambians to continue utilising bodies such as the JCC to ensure that the nation creates a fair and just society.

“These are institutions established to help us fight corruption, injustices even among members of the Executive, the Judiciary who in some way, society may treat as immune to Constitutional and public scrutiny. No one is above the law.”

“We will study the report and update you on the next course of action.”

Exposed: Why AFRICOM is in Lusaka as details of secret meeting emerge

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Investigations have revealed how President Hakainde Hichilema was forced to agree to set up the controversial AFRICOM office in Lusaka by the Brenthurst Foundation.

Highly placed diplomatic sources have revealed that President Hichilema had to agree to the AFRICOM proposal after persuasion from the Brenthurst Foundation.

The two-day meeting dubbed African Security Dialogue was attended by US Embassy Defence Attaché Tom Stibral and discussed ways to improve security and stability across Africa.

Others who attended the meeting were Ivor Ichikowitz, a well known arms dealer and head of the Paramount Group with strong links to African Presidents such as Ali Bongo, Denis Sassou-Nguesso and Cyril Ramaphosa.

The Brenthurst Foundation is based in Johannesburg, South Africa and was established in 2005 by the Oppenheimers, the wealth South African family with strong links to Anglo American Corporation.

The Oppenheimers through Brenthurst Fiundation has been financing the operations of the UPND since its formation in 1998 by late Anderson Mazoka, a former Anglo American senior Executive.

President Hichilema addressing secret meeting at Royal Zambezi Lodge which discussed AFRICOM organized by the Brenthurst Foundation
President Hichilema addressing secret meeting at Royal Zambezi Lodge which discussed AFRICOM organized by the Brenthurst Foundation

In late March, President Hichilema attended a secret meeting organized by the Brenthurst Foundation at Lower Zambezi Lodge at which it was agreed that the AFRICOM Cooperation desk be set up in Lusaka.

The high level meeting was not publicized and President Hichilema’s Media Team did not disclose the whereabouts of the Head of State March 27th and March 29th 2022, the period that the meeting took place.

The meeting agreed that Zambia should host AFRICOM and act as a strategic hub for US military operation in the region.

At the meeting, President Hichilema was only accompanied by his Senior Private Secretary Bradford Machila and State House intern Chipo Mwanawasa and addressed the gathering on the importance of investing in security.

Other key Zambian officials who attended the meeting were Chief of Intelligence Felix Nyambe, Zambia Army Chief of Staff Major General Geoffrey Zyeele and Zambia Army Director of Training Brigadier General Jethrow Chipili.

The meeting was convened by Brenthurst Foundation CEO Greg Mills and facilitated by Almquist Knopf who served as Director of the Africa Centre for Strategic Studiies, an academic institution with the US Department of Defence.

Ms. Knopf was until late last year heading the Department which was established by the US Congress for the study of security issues relating to Africa.

Dr Mills is Presidential Adviser to Rwanda President Paul Kagame who visited Zambia a few days before the secret security meeting.

Other key person who attended the meeting was Prof. Serge Tshibangu, a special envoy of President of the DRC Felix Tshisekedi.

Prof Tshibangu first met President Hichilema on August 23rd 2021 at Community House, a day before his inauguration and delivered a special message for President Hichilema.

Last week, President Tshisekedi was in Zambia for a two day special visit and signed a raft of agreements with Zambia including one of defence and security operation and the Zambia – DRC Cooperation Agreement on the Establishment of the Value Chain in the Electric Battery and Clean Energy.

Zambia and the DRC have the world’s mineral reserves for Cobalt, a key ingredient in the production of batteries for electric vehicles.

The meeting was hosted by Tristan Pascal, the new CEO for First Quantum Minerals, the owners of Lower Zambezi Lodge and a friend of Brenthurst Foundation with business interests in the DRC.

Others who attended the meeting were Retired General Vusi Masando from South Africa, Lieutenant General Jonah Mwandi from the Kenya Defence Force and John Githongo, a former anti corruption advocate from Kenya who now works with the Brenthurst Foundation.

President Hichilema surrounded by delegates to the African Security Dialogue held at Royal Zambezi Lodge which discussed AFRICOM
President Hichilema surrounded by delegates to the African Security Dialogue held at Royal Zambezi Lodge which discussed AFRICOM

 President Hichilema poses with staff at Royal Zambezi Lodge after he attended a meeting organized by the Brenthurst Foundation on AFRICOM.
President Hichilema poses with staff at Royal Zambezi Lodge after he attended a meeting organized by the Brenthurst Foundation on AFRICOM.

UNZA Vice Chancellor Prof Mumba and Deputy fired

The University of Zambia Caretaker Committee has terminated the contracts of Vice Chancellor Prof Luke Mumba and his Deputy Dr. Tamala Kambikambi.

In a news statement, UNZA Registar Theresa Chalwe said the termination of contracts is with effect from today, May 6th 2022.

“The termination are in line with the relevant clauses of their respective contacts of employment. The Caretaker Committee has thanked the Vice Chancellor and the Deputy Vice Chancellor for their immeasurable services to the University of Zambia and wish them the best in their future endeavors.”

FAZ AGM Set For Saturday

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All is set for Saturday’s Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) annual general meeting to be held in Lusaka.

FAZ spokesperson Sydney Mungala has confirmed that the 2022 FAZ AGM will take place at the Government Complex in Lusaka.

Mungala said FAZ has already circulated the agenda and financial reports to councilors ahead of the meeting.

“Notices for the annual general meeting were duly sent as per constitutional requirement with the membership fully aware of the finer details at this stage. Notably all the relevant documents including the touchy financials are sitting with the membership for easy deliberation at the AGM set for Govt Complex,” he said.

This is the first FAZ AGM since president Andrew Kamanga was re-elected on a new five year mandate last year.

Judges found to be corrupt will be dealt with-President Hichilema

The Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC) has called for reforms in the way Judges are appointed to the bench in the country.

JCC Chairperson, Vincent Malambo said there is a need for a transparent and merit-based system to appoint Judges in the country through broader participation to ensure equity in the delivery of justice that will give the public confidence in the system.

The JCC Chairperson said the general public has a critical role to play in the fight against corruption by ensuring that they resist and report it.

Mr Malambo said one of the cases it handled indicates a clear failure of the judicial appointment system where a complaint was already known before the ratification of a named judge.

Mr Malambo thanked the complainant for taking the matter to the JCC and appearing before the commission.

He said the hearing was held in camera as provided for by the constitution.

Mr Malambo said there is need to send a clear message that there is no place for corrupt judges in Zambia.

He said the general public can help by providing information during the verification stage in the appointment of judges so that people of integrity and credibility are appointed to the bench.

And receiving the reports at State House in Lusaka today, President Hakainde Hichilema said appropriate action will be taken in line with the provisions of the law.

The Head of State said no person in the country is above the law and that judges found to be corrupt will be dealt with in line with the constitutional provisions.

President Hichilema assured the JCC that his administration will not interfere with the operations of the Judiciary but will ensure that erring and compromised judges are appropriately dealt with by law.

“The Executive will continue to support your work. We will not interfere with your operations,” said President Hichilema.

The President noted that Judges are held in high esteem by society and viewed as infallible to corruption.

Mr Hichilema hoped that the work of the JCC would be able to foster public confidence in the judiciary with regards to appointment of judges and delivery of justice.

President Hichilema commended the JCC for the work done so far despite being new and urged the commission to expeditiously hear all reports and cases brought before it.

“We need to encourage ordinary citizens to come out and report” said President Hichilema.

Mr Hichilema urged the Judiciary through the JCC to exercise patience and allow the Executive leverage to act on the reports in the same way that government has not interfered in the operations of the commission.

He said his administration will consult the JCC as it looks to act on the reports stating that Zambians are expecting to see the next step over the reports.

Luapula Provincial Health Office sets a 70% Covid-19 vaccination target

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Luapula Province Permanent Secretary, Mighty Mumba has echoed the need to collectively reinvigorate efforts in the fight against COVID 19 if the province is to attain meaningful development within its communities.

And The Luapula Provincial Health office has set out to enhance COVID 19 vaccinations with a 70 percent target to capture the province’s population under its current COVID Vaccination campaign.

Opening the Luapula Adhoc Provincial Epidemic preparedness virtual meeting, Mr. Mumba said Government’s desire is to attain 70 to 80 percent of the eligible population vaccinated against COVID 19 in order to reduce the risk of severe disease, complications, hospital admissions as well as deaths.

Mr. Mumba said health is a resource and wealth which President Hakainde Hichilema has committed to ensuring is protected from Public Health threats such as COVID 19.

The Luapula PS said there is a need to collaborate among stakeholders in scaling up the vaccination campaign and meet the set provincial target because of the pandemic’s potential to negatively affect the social, emotional, psychological and health needs of society.

Mr. Mumba implored all stakeholders to ensure the message emphasising the safety and efficacy of vaccines as protection against the severe impact of COVID 19 is disseminated to all target communities.

Provincial Health Office Principal Planner, Alex Mbulo who is also acting Provincial Health Director, said Luapula Province is re-energising its vaccination campaign in order to build on the 30 percent COVID-19 vaccinations previously attained.

Speaking during the multi-stakeholder virtual meeting, Mr. Mbulo says in spite of a recently successful anti-Polio vaccination drive which recorded a 123 percent vaccination of under five years children in the province and ranked Luapula third in the provincial coverage statistics, more needs to be done to reach the target in the upcoming COVID 19 vaccinations.

“We still need to do more in order to achieve the 70 percent coverage, hence enhancing the planned upcoming COVID 19 vaccination campaigns,” he said.

The Ministry of Health has slated the commencement of nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaigns from the 14th to the 24th of May, 2022, which respective provinces are to undertake.

And during a presentation, Acting Public Health Specialist, Mateyo Moyo says Luapula Province has sufficient stock of vaccines which must be utilised during the vaccination campaigns and avoid making them go to waste under storage.

Government urges CSOs to supplement it in alleviating poverty – Nanjuwa

Central Province Minister, Credo Nanjuwa, says it is important that Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) join the government in quest of improving the livelihoods of the people.

Speaking when the Kwesu Kwilala Na Ba Swaka Trust Limited paid a courtesy call on him at his office this morning, Mr Nanjuwa said he was grateful with the organization’s objectives of engaging people in remote areas of the province with a view of improving their welfare.

The Minister said it is important that other organisations such as the ‘Kwesu Kwilala Na Ba Swaka Trust Limited’ join efforts with the government to serve the citizenry.

He said the government is there to serve the people and see to it that the citizenry receive the services that they require and improve their livelihood.

Mr Nanjuwa said the government deliberately increased the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) as a way of empowering the constituents.

He explained that the CDF has been categories in bursaries, projects, youths and women empowerment to allow the marginalized groups to benefit.

Meanwhile, Kwesu Kwilala Na Ba Swaka Trust Limited National Information and Publicity Secretary, Ivy Ndhlovu, said her organisation is looking for ways of empowering the poor of the poorest in remote areas in order to achieve sustainable development.

Mrs Ndhlovu said the organisation intends to reach out to the poorest by identifying the remotest areas of central Province.

She said the identification process started with Serenje district and soon will be in Chisomo area of Kapiri Mposhi District where people reportedly are lagging behind in almost everything.

And Kwesu Kwilala Na Ba Swaka Trust Limited Chairperson, Lewis Chisenga, said the organisation was registered into a company last year in order to support the government’s efforts of improving the welfare of the people.

Mr Chisenga said his organisation is supplementing the government’s efforts especially in far-flung areas where government presence may not be felt.

NRFA to fund road rehabilitation works in Ndola

The National Road Fund Agency- NRFA says it will soon be funding the construction and rehabilitation of trunk roads on the Copperbelt.

NRFA Chief Executive Officer, Wallece Mumba confirmed receiving numerous complaints from members of the public on the bad state of roads on the Copperbelt and assured that roads will be worked on.

Mr. Mumba said people will soon start seeing tangible results on the ground and able to realise the benefits of the money they spend on toll fees.

Mr. Mumba said in Ndola today during a stakeholder meeting called by the Committee on Transport, Works and Supply at Ndola City Council chambers.

And Ndola City Council has called for the introduction of a system that will allow allocation of a certain percentage of toll fees to local authorities to sustain their road maintenance programmes.

NCC Director of Engineering Services, Elias Mwalaba said the local authority has realised it is not meeting the much desired results for road maintenance from funds generated locally.

He said the introduction of the specific revolving fund will enhance the council’s road maintenance programmes.

“From the locally generated funds, we are not meeting the demands for road maintenance. We have the toll gate, but we need a certain percentage to be allocated to road maintenance at the local level,” he said.

And Petroleum Transporters Association of Zambia- PTAZ Secretary General, Benson Tembo called on government to consider suspending toll fees collection on the Copperbelt until such a time when roads are worked on.

” the state of the roads on the Copperbelt poses a danger to tankers besides compromising transportation of goods, so why collect fees when roads continue to be bad. Mr Tembo asked.

Provincial Minister, Elisha Matambo has told the Parliamentary Committee on transport, Works and Supply that called on him today in Ndola that the roads in the province need urgent attention.

Mr. Matambo said despite the province having five toll gates, nothing tangible is coming out to improve the road Infrastructure.

“We have about six toll gates, but several roads are in bad state. Copperbelt was given a raw deal when it comes to roads. Roads are terribly bad in Ndola and the Copperbelt at large,” Mr. Matambo said.

And Committee Chairperson, Mubika Mubika assured stakeholders that the concerns will be submitted to relevant offices for consideration.

Mr. Mubika said the committee is on the Copperbelt to check on the toll gates to see how they are operating and assured that the concerns will be attend to soon.

Meanwhile, Ndola Chamber of Commerce and Industry representative, Vernon Shone said the new dawn administration has inherited a mess in the road sector but should quickly rehabilitate them.

Mr. Shone has attributed the deteriorating of roads to overloading by many truckers and urging the road development agency to up its game where inspection is concerned.

President Hichilema appoints, swears in UPND Chairman Steven Katuka as High Commissioner to Namibia

President Hakainde Hichilema has appointed and sworn in five envoys into the foreign service among them UPND National Chairman Steven Katuka as High Commissioner to Namibia.

Also sworn in is late First President Kenneth Kaunda’s son, Panji Kaunda as High Commissioner to Malawi.

Others are Eunice Luambia as Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Duncan Mulima as Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Paulo Posita as Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Speaking after the swearing in ceremony, President Hichilema told the Diplomats to put the interests of the country first and ahead of their personal interests.

President Hichilema said acceptance to serve in government entails that a person must surrender their personal interests and prioritise national interests.

“Your personal interests are subservient to national interests. Our goal is to serve the people of Zambia,” said President Hichilema.

The Head of State said the Envoys deployed to the five jurisdictions comprise freedom fighters and career civil servants, carefully selected in order to serve the country through its diversity.

President Hichilema pointed out that most government officials have forgotten about serving the country and warned that he is monitoring and watching them.

Mr Hichilema said that as leaders, he expects High Commissioners and Ambassadors to unite their staff in the missions and not divide them as they serve the country.

President Hichilema implored the diplomats to familiarise themselves with the UPND manifesto and government’s development agenda in order to push the agenda of economic diplomacy.

The President directed the envoys to accelerate economic and social cooperation between the countries they have been accredited to and Zambia at large.

President Hichilema further challenged the diplomats to ensure that they market Zambia by promoting the country as a safe and best investment destination and creating opportunities for trade.

The Head of State said the Diplomats must ask themselves when they are in their missions as to how many investment opportunities they are creating for Zambia in their jurisdictions.

President Hichilema said he expects Zambia’s new envoys to actualize the many memoranda of understanding Zambia has signed with other countries.

The Head of State directed Mr Katuka to ensure that a memorandum of understanding is signed by June 2022 between Zambia and Namibia for Oil and Gas to lower the cost of energy in the country.

President Hichilema said the Kazungula Bridge must be utilised effectively to harness trade between Zambia and Namibia.

President Hichilema also directed Zambia’s new High Commissioner to Malawi, Panji Kaunda to ensure that the Mwami Border post is commissioned and operationalised to promote trade between the two countries.

The Head of State also directed Zambia’s new Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mr Mulima to follow up on the fuel and fertilizer deal.

The President told Mr Mulima to ensure that he makes calls to Saudi Arabia immediately after the swearing in ceremony and facilitate for a Zambian delegation to go to that country and begin to actualize the fuel and fertilizer deal.

Mr Hichilema advised Ambassador Mulima to follow up the investment and business opportunities discussed and identified on his recent trip to the Middle East.

President Hichilema told Ambassador Mulima that Zambia has to start export agro produce to Saudi Arabia as it is a viable market that has not been tapped into by the country.

The Head of State also directed Ambassador Posita to ensure that the MoUs Zambia recently signed with DRC are actualised for the benefit of Zambians.

President Hichilema urged Ambassador Luambia to ensure that she creates linkages with the UN agencies in Geneva such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and World Trade Organisation (WTO) to support Zambia in their respective mandates for the benefit of Zambians.

And Mr Kaunda said he will ensure that the Mwami Border post is operationalized to facilitate trade and access to Nacala Port.

High Commissioner Katuka said his appointment is a call to service and will ensure that linkages are established to enhance economic cooperation between Zambia and Namibia and that benefits trickle down to ordinary Zambians.

Ambassador Luambia said she will ensure that Zambia maximises benefits from Geneva-based UN agencies in supporting the country’s development agenda.

And Ambassador Mulima said he will ensure that Zambia maximises investment and trade opportunities in Saudi Arabia.

The swearing cin eremony was attended by Vice President Mutale Nalumango, Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Kakubo, Acting Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa and other senior government officials.

Zesco United Striker Winston Kalengo Set To Retire

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Zesco United coach Mumamba Numba has disclosed that Winston Kalengo is retiring and has also given the strongest indication that Kenyan forward Vincent Oburu’s stay at the Ndol club would be extended.

Kalengo is hanging up his boots after a 19-year career that started at Zanaco.

“Winston Kalengo will be retiring, and his focus will primarily be on getting his coaching badges,” Numba said.

Kalengo joined Zesco in 2010 from Zanaco and has gone on to win four league titles with the Ndola club.

Meanwhile, 23-year Oburu who joined in January on a half-a-season deal from AFC Leopards is likely to see his contract extended.

Oburu’s season was cut short weeks after joining Zesco when he sustained an injury in February.

“Oburu is in our plans especially because he did very well in the few games he featured before getting an injury,” Numba said.

And Numba also revealed that Zesco are targeting two areas in the off-season market.

“We will be in the market largely with high hopes of reinforcing the striking department and potentially our defence. The striking force is something we are very much concerned about,” Numba said.

Zesco finished second with a game in hand after losing their FAZ Super League title to Red Arrows.

They close their season this Sunday at home against fifth placed Zanaco who are making a final day push to finish at number four.

Govt cautions against corruption during recruitment of health workers

Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary Robert Kamalata has cautioned against engaging in corrupt activities during the recruitment of health workers.

Stressing that those found wanting will be dealt with severely, Mr. Kamalata says that the recruitment exercise should be free and fair regardless of race, religion, political affiliation among others.

ZANIS reports that the Permanent Secretary was speaking during the induction of the Human Resources management subcommittee in Lusaka.

Mr. Kamalata noted that the response from the applicants was overwhelming and the exercise should be treated with seriousness.

The team undertaking the selection of the successful applicants should avoid corruption practices adding that government will not protect offenders.

Mr Kamalata urged the team to be professional and treat every applicant equal regardless of where they belong in society:

And Lusaka Province Health Director Consity Mwale said that the recruitment exercise will address the low staffing levels in province.

Dr. Mwale said that rural health posts in the province have a minimum of one qualified health worker.

He said that the recruitment of the health workers will help cushion the low staff levels in the health facilities: