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The Press Conference, a Failed Delivery

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The Press Conference, a Failed Delivery


By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

When I saw the Minister of Health go live on Facebook at the launch of the Oral Polio Vaccination at the same time as the President’s Press Conference, I knew no one would be fired. In the past, a presidential press conference brought the country to a standstill and Ministers and other officials stood in trepidation fearing a possible reshuffle or dismissal.

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S PRESS CONFERENCE

It’s been eight months. The New Dawn Government started on shaky note, and now things seem to have gone south. A presser like the one on Monday could have given the President an opportunity to click on a restart button….as events of last week were a peek view of what has gone wrong in the last few months. But this turned out to be probably one of the least impactful and dreary press conferences that President Hakainde Hichilema has ever held.

The name-calling and derogatory labels uttered by the President put many people off as seen by social-media commentators.
Calling private citizens lunatics, a clique of thieves, crooks, and showing a highly disrespectful, contemptuous and scornful attitude towards one’s Opponents was clearly demeaning for a President.

Warning Bowman Lusambo over his wealth was petty.

“Someone saying to me $150,000 is nothing to me. Well a few years ago, you were a die-hard cadre. Where did you get the money from. The law is closing in”. he said.

Mr President, Lusambo became an MP and a Minister. He rose from nothing to something…like you did! To start with, no one has been convicted in a court of law yet, to earn such expletive names as thieves.

ON MILINGO LUNGU

The Milingo Saga was the trigger, and the reason the Press Conference was called as earlier disclosed by the Minister of Justice, Mulambo Haimbe. But on the matter of former KCM Liquidator, Milingo Lungu, the President chose to posture an evasive demeanor which pointed to his credibility or lack of it on the matter. He avoided answering direct questions which are in the minds of people. Did he meet Milingo?

He was circuitous but finally admitted to the meeting as a by-the-way issue when it was actually the main issue.

ON KAKUBO, MACHILA,MUNDIA AND OTHERS

The President chose the simplistic answers given to him and assumed his officials were telling him the truth, despite the seemingly contradictory evidence. On the Minister of Foreign Affairs, he conveniently ignored the presence of the Ambassador’s vehicle at the Sinoma plant during the Minister’s visit to allegedly buy cement.

He chose to believe the diary, calendar and pen story. He then dwelt on and blamed social media lies as the cause of the crisis. He literally praised and summoned the cyber laws that he had labelled as undemocratic and draconian whilst in Opposition.

It shows that he is being either; extremely naive, disingenuous or he is part of the debacle. In the end, no one has been held accountable. Except for the DPP where their entire gun arsenals are pointed at. Zambians will await the details of the court process in response to Milingo’s stated and sworn facts, as that matter will not go away.

IMMUNITY & THE DPP

The President claimed that there was no one that could grant immunity from prosecution including himself.
For starters, heads of state enjoy constitutional immunity. Others that enjoy immunity or indemnity from prosecutions include accused persons that accept to be witnesses that choose to cooperate and testify.

There are other provisions were indemnity against prosecution is given to persons if they meet the terms and conditions as provided for under the Plea Negotiations and Agreements Act of 2010. The ACC Act of 2012 also provides for immunity from prosecution as given to Faith Musonda in the K65 million saga.

The President also has powers to grant absolute pardons to convicted persons. All these are forms of immunity.

EMOTIONS & SELF PRAISE

In the emotional display seen at the press conference, one sensed the President still harbours anger and bitterness in the manner he was treated whilst he was in Opposition. He repeatedly said he would not use state power to revenge but spent a considerable amount of time discussing persons like Patriotic Front Member of the Central Committee, Raphael Mangani Nakacinda who has been arrested numerous times and coincidentally was earlier picked up by a battalion of Police officers and locked up.

He also disregarded the law by constantly talking about matters that are in court. But it is the self-praise by the President that has been elevated to worrying levels, almost to delusional levels.

ON LIES

“In my household, we don’t allow lies, lies can kill, we don’t lie, lies are illegal, the law will be enforced against liars,” President Hichilema said. My Answer; ” Look who is talking”.

THE ECONOMY

In the end, it’s the state of the economy, which is the greatest crisis facing Zambians that suffered in this press conference.
It received little attention and no tangible measures were demonstrated to arrest the rising cost of living. The President made reference to China joining the IMF driven Creditors’ Forum, the 41,200 recruited teachers and health workers and the proposed measures to unlock wealth from the mines.

CONCLUSION

After raising so many expectations, after last week’s rot, after the dire economic crisis facing the country, the press conference was an anticlimax, delivering hot air.

Zambia 7s Rugby Team Qualifies for Commonwealth Games, Misses out on World Cup 7s

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The Zambia Sevens Rugby Team has qualified for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games after finishing fourth at the Rugby Africa Cup in Uganda at the weekend.

Zambia lost to Kenya 19-12 in the third and fourth play-off on Sunday at Kyadondo Ground in Kampala to emerge fourth and qualify for the Birmingham Games.

“Congratulations to this fantastic Zambia Rugby Men’s team for qualifying for the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games in the just ended Africa Men’s Rugby 7s Competition in Kampala, Uganda,” Zambia Rugby Union president Clement Sinkamba reacted.

Zambia has, however, missed out on the 2022 Rugby World Cup in South Africa qualification.

The Musonda Kaminsa coached side had earlier in the semifinal lost to Zimbabwe 26-17 on Sunday.

Zambia advanced to the semifinal after recording two wins and a loss in the opening games on Saturday.

The team launched their campaign with a 33-7 win over Cameroon before beating Burkina Faso 28-10 and succumbed to a 40-7 loss to Uganda in their third round tie.

Meanwhile, hosts Uganda and Zimbabwe have qualified for both the 2022 Rugby World Cup in South Africa and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games by excelling at the qualifying competition in East Africa.

Copperbelt to hold a mining indaba next week

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Copperbelt to hold a mining indaba next week

The Emerald Production Watch of Zambia in collaboration with the Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) will next week hold a one day Mining indaba on the Copperbelt.

Emerald Product Watch of Zambia President Musa Kafimbwa said the indaba scheduled for April 27TH, 2022 in Kitwe is aimed at highlighting to government some of the challenges of the Industry and to put forward some possible solutions to ensure the survival of the industry.

Speaking to ZANIS in Kitwe yesterday, Mr. Kafimbwa observed that Zambia’s mineral resources management has been very poor especially in the past few years.

“In a long time, Zambia’s Emerald mineral mining Sector has been performing poorly and there are very few mining companies that come to the aid of the people, we hope more mining companies can come on board and bring hope to the host communities where they do their mining activities,” he said.

Mr. Kafimbwa said mining companies, government officials and other stakeholders in the sector have since been invited to attend the indaba.

He said the mineral watch group is ready to help the new dawn government find solutions for the sector as the vibrancy of the sector will enhance improved revenue collection for government.

He mentioned that the players in the Emerald sector have for a long time been struggling with financial capital and equipment to fully operationalize their mines.

He said most of the Emerald mines especially on the Copperbelt have remained dormant as owners hold their mining licenses for speculative purposes due to lack of capital.

Some mining companies had in the past regime called on government e to remove tax on importation of mining equipment for locals and to help link them up with foreign investors who have capital to form partnership to help them establish their mines though none of the calls were attended to .

People in a habit of propelling falsehoods risk facing the long arm of the law-HH

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People in a habit of propelling falsehoods risk facing the long arm of the law-HH

President Hakainde Hichilema has challenged the media fraternity in the country to regulate itself. President Hichilema encouraged the media to take advantage of the conducive environment created by the government by embracing self-regulation.

Mr Hichilema said this during the press conference held at state house yesterday in Lusaka, which has been held exactly eight months after assuming office as Head of State.

“We are thankful to the media and I hope that the media will take advantage of the self-regulation opportunity that we are offering,” he urged.

President Hichilema advised the media to get organized and seize the opportunity to regulate its conduct.

“Take advantage of self-regulation, it’s a side issue, comment on, organize yourselves, I am encouraging you,” he said.

He cautioned the media to refrain from publishing falsehoods as it has the potential to incite confusion.

President’s remarks follow a story published as a lead in one of the media alleging that He met Judges at the state house.

Mr Hichilema wondered why the formal media went ahead to publish falsehoods made by Patriotic Front Chairman for Information and Publicity Raphael Nakacinda.

The Head of State implored the media during his address to work closely with the government in curbing the spreading of falsehoods.

President Hichilema has since warned people in a habit of propelling falsehoods to desist or risk facing the long arm of the law.

Mr Hichilema said those who will come in conflict with the law should not complain when they are picked by law enforcement wings.

“We must work together to curb the issue, you are breaking the law when you misinform the nation, don’t complain when the law enforcement officers pick you. Because you are breaking the law,” he warned.

He explained that it is illegal in the Zambian statute for one to misinform or tell lies.

He urged the media to verify information before publishing articles so that falsehoods are not published as lead stories.

It’s falsehoods, Government has no plans of handing back KCM to Vedanta-HH

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It’s falsehoods, Government has no plans of handing back KCM to Vedanta-HH

President Hakainde Hichilema has disclosed plans to bring Mopani Copper Mines and Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) back to full production.

Speaking during a media briefing at State House yesterday, President Hichilema stated that government is determined to bring Mopani back to life.

Mr Hichilema however described the revival of KCM as complicated citing the appointment of Provisional Liquidator Milingo Lungu by the previous administration adding that such a situation should never have taken place.

He however stressed that no court processes will stop the government from resolving the matter.

He said the government will use the Public-Private Dialogue Forum for Development to address issues concerning the two mining firms.

“In this Public-Private Dialogue Forum for development, we are putting KCM and Mopani as workstreams. We have already been putting in a lot of measures. That’s why you hear the noise on the liquidator at KCM because he was sitting in the way of resolving the KCM problems. The rest I won’t say much but KCM, Mopani, to unlock them. Mopani we are very close,” he said.

Mr Hichilema also said that Kasenseli Gold Mine and First Quantum Minerals are additional mines whose issues will be resolved through the Public-Private Dialogue Forum for development.

“We are putting First Quantum in there (in the workstream) because we have to unlock the 1.5 billion dollar investment in there. We have to unlock Kasenseli,” he said.

The President further dismissed some social media reports suggesting that government wants to hand back KCM to Vedanta Resources, stating that such reports are falsehoods

He said once the mines are back in operation, the people on the Copperbelt and Zambians at large will benefit.

Mr Hichilema explained that the mines will bring revenue into the country as well as foreign exchange and vowed that his administration will never allow illegal mining in the country.

He admitted that it was a mistake for the government to allow illegal mining in Mumbwa where three people died in a mining accident in February this year.

Mr Hichilema also encouraged small scale miners to apply for licenses so that they can mine in a legitimate way.

“This government made a mistake to allow illegal mining to continue in Mumbwa until people died. I accept that mistake on behalf of the government. We should not encourage that to happen anymore. Get your license, that’s why we have shut the license office cadastral at mines to reorganize it for the people of Zambia so that licenses are given to the Zambian licenses,” he said.

Mopani is currently on care and maintenance while KCM is in liquidation.

China on board to help with Zambia’s debt -Hichilema

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China on board to help with Zambia’s debt -Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema has thanked China for coming on board to commit and join other creditors in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Zambia debt restructuring process.

President Hichilema announced that to this effect Zambia has recorded progress with the debt restructuring programme which is targeted at restoring and reviving the country’s economy.

Speaking during the first quarter of 2022 press conference at State house in Lusaka yesterday, President Hichilema, emphasized that it will be difficult for the government to record sustainable economic development with the current debt levels.

ZANIS reports that the President stated that the current debt levels are the reasons why government is committed to ensuring that all debt restructuring challenges are addressed before another development agenda.

He disclosed that Zambia has so far made remarkable progress with the IMF in its debt restructuring programme and is by June this year likely to progress to the second phase of negotiating under a common framework.

“Last year we reached the staff level agreement with the IMF on the debt restructuring, you can’t build the economy with huge debt mountains, and we undertook a decision to dismantle this debt and create room to release resources towards debt servicing in the economy to create jobs and grow the economy,” he said.

President Hichilema added that contrary to assertions by some sectors of the society that he was ignoring China in the IMF negotiation process, he personally engaged China, and was proud to announce that China is now part of the common framework committee.

“Am proud to announce to the nation that we engaged China, we engaged other creditors to negotiate a debt resolution package, I engaged China myself as President that’s my job, which you gave me, working together with the Ministry of Finance, Foreign Affairs we want to thank China for joining the common framework agreement to resolve the debt crisis,” he disclosed.

The Head of State explained that within the eight months that the UPND has been in office, Zambia is on course with the debt restructuring, adding that all the required components have already been put in place.

Mr. Hichilema said the value of the restructuring will result in resources made available for the economic expansion and the private sector who will in turn supplement governments in job creation.

Meanwhile, President Hichilema said government regards the private sector as the engine for economic development hence it will soon launch the Public Private Dialog Forum for Development aimed at unlocking all challenges that impede the growth of the sector.

He explained that the private sector has an important role to play to help government create more employment opportunities that are likely to benefit the citizens.

“The engine of economic growth is the private sector, after working hard looking at what we can do to unlock the private sector development , we will shortly be launching what we call the Public Private Dialogue Forum for Development as a way of unlocking all those issues that affect the growth of the private sector,” he added.

President Hichilema further stated that it’s not a coincidence that the country has continued to record reduced inflation rate and stable exchange rate but that it is because of the measures that government has continued to implement to bring stability in the country’s economy.

President Hakainde Hichilema labels his fierce critic Nakacinda as a Lunatic

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President Hakainde Hichilema labels his fierce critic Nakacinda as a Lunatic

President Hakainde Hichilema has called his fierce critic and Patriotic Front (PF) member of the Central Committee Raphael Nakacinda a lunatic.

President Hichilema has charged that Mr. Nakacinda was spreading hate speech that can put the nation on fire. The Head of State predicted that Mr. Nakacinda may get beaten for issuing statements bordering on tribal. Mr. Nakacinda was recently quoted in the media issuing tribal remarks against the Tongas. President Hichilema said Mr. Nakacinda’s tribal remarks are injuring many people.

“Lying is lying by any means. It must be stopped. It is illegal. It can inflame a country. I can tell you what Nakacinda is trying to do. Nakacinda want to pit one section of Zambians against another. That is what he wants to do. That is what he wants to do but we should not allow him to do that. We shouldn’t. If we fall in his trap then we are like him, I am not like him, you should not be like him. That is why he is trying to do what they did before the elections. ‘Oh a Tonga will never rule’. It is not a Tonga we want, it is a citizen we want who will work for the people of Zambia,” he said.

“Now what he wants is for people to rise, I have listened to an audio of someone called him, called Nakacinda and this guy says I am from Bweengwa, why are you insulting us from Bwengwa? Now, I am sure you can read what is going on in the minds of people. One day they will find him and attack him. We should not allow that to happen those who are injured to calm down. He is a lunatic trying to destroy a country. He is just a lunatic; we are bigger than that so Jonah (Journalist) let’s talk away from the press conference,” President Hichilema remarked.

Meanwhile, Police have arrested Mr. Nakacinda in connection with a complaint from Bruce Kanema against him on allegations that he promoted hate speech against the Tonga speaking people.

“Police have apprehended Raphael Nakachinda aged 43.This is in connection to a matter where we received a complaint from Bruce Kanema against him on allegations that he promoted hate speech against the Tonga speaking people and is further alleged to have defamed the Republican President in a video that has been widely circulated. Two dockets of the case have since been opened,” Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga confirmed in a media statement.

Meanwhile, PF acting Secretary General Nickson Chilangwa has condemned the arrest of Mr. Nakacinda, whom police have transferred from Kafue where he was picked to Solwezi.

“The arrest of Hon. Raphael Nakacinda for merely expressing himself is an assault on Zambia’s democracy and a wanton abuse of power by Mr. Hakainde Hichilema and his Government.This draconian abuse of power must be condemned by all well meaning Zambians who love and cherish our hard-fought democracy. Since coming into office, the UPND have been using the police and other law enforcement agencies to silence all opposing voices. They want to turn this country into a one-party dictatorship were all Zambians must be turned into praise singers for Mr. Hichilema,” Mr. Chilangwa stated.

“It is ironic that such intolerant behaviour is coming from a man who spent all his time insulting and demeaning heads of state while in opposition.We are calling upon the Church, Civil Society Organisations, Human Rights Groups as well as regional and international governance bodies to take this government to task before Zambia is lost into total dictatorship,” he said.

Justice Minister is Conflicted in the case Against the DPP filled before the Judicial Complaints Commission

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Justice Minister is Conflicted in the case Against the DPP filled before the Judicial Complaints Commission

By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

During his press conference held last week to defend the President on allegations that he was part of those that met former KCM Liquidator, Milingo Lungu, Minister of Justice Mulambo Hamakuni Haimbe expressed various views and positions.

He said in granting the immunity of prosecution to Mr Milingo, in matters related to the liquidation of Konkola Copper Mines, the Director of Public Prosecutions may have misconducted herself.

He also said there are various complaints against the DPP filed before the Judicial Complaints Commission. He urged (in my view he directed) the JCC to expedite the hearings. He has repeated this fact literally directing the JCC to hear and determine the complaints.

The JCC is chaired by renowned lawyer, Hon. Vincent Malambo SC. The role of the JCC is to receive any complaint or allegation of misconduct and investigate any complaint or allegation made against a judge or judicial officer provided that were and make recommendations upon its findings.

And Mr. Haimbe is a legal partner to Mr Malambo. Hon. Haimbe is a Managing Partner in the law firm; Malambo and Company.

This little detail is extremely important and Hon. Haimbe must declare this fact and if possible declare an interest.

And on immunity or indemnity granted against specific prosecution of certain persons by the DPP, Hon. Haimbe may have to familiarize himself with previous documents granted by other DPPs.

WEEKEND SCORECARD: Numba: Zesco Will Rebound From Title Loss

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Zesco United coach Mumamba Numba admits it is a blow to have relinquished their FAZ Super League title but they must take some positives for finishing runners-up.

Arrows snatched the FAZ Super League crown from Zesco on Sunday on the penultimate day of the 2021/2022 campaign after a 4-1 home win over Chambishi FC in Lusaka to open an unassailable seven-point lead.

“Of course as defending champions it is disappointing that we have failed to defend the championship,” Numba told Zesco Media.

“But it is good that we have confirmed our participation in the CAF games next season which is something that we are happy with.

“We should build on that so that next season we can perform better than we have performed this season.”

Zesco’s runners-up finish was also confirmed with a game to spare.

Their 0-0 away draw against Nkwazi in Lusaka, and third placed Green Eagles 3-1 away loss at 9th placed Prison Leopards in Kabwe, sealed the nine-time champions’ number two finish.

Zesco have 60 points while Eagles have 56 points.


FAZ SUPER LEAGUE
WEEK 33
23/04/2022
Power Dynamos 1(Derrick Mukombozi 52’og)- Nkana 0

24/04/2022
Nkwazi 0-Zesco United 0
Red Arrows 4(Ricky Banda 39’Saddam Phiri 45′, Fred Tshimenga 58′, George Mendu 87′)-Chambishi 1(Francis Kasaka 51′)

Kafue Celtic 0-Kabwe Warriors 1(Ocean Mushure 70’pen)

Prison Leopards 3(Conlyde Luchanga 5′, Wilmore Hatembo 45′, Damiano Kola 71′)-Green Eagles 1(Hosea Silwimba 82′)

Zanaco 1(Moses Phiri 12′)-Indeni 0

Buildcon 1(Christopher Chola 48′)-Green Buffaloes 2(Martin Njobvu 44′ 52′)

Forest Rangers 1(Clifford Mulenga 61′)-Konkola Blades 1 (Anthony Chiyuka 75′)

Lusaka Dynamos 0-Kansanshi Dynamos 1(Bruce Musakanya 70′)


FAZ NATIONAL DIVISION ONE
WEEK 33
23/04/2022

Nchanga Rangers 1-0 FC MUZA
(Angle Lubamba)

Trident 0-2 NAPSA Stars
(Bornwell Silengo 6′, Daniel Adoko 16′)

Quattro Kalumbila 1-1 Young Buffaloes

Livingstone Pirates 3-0 KYSA*
Walkover, KYSA did not travel

Police College 0-1 City of Lusaka
(Happy Nsofwa 27′)

Mufulira Wanderers 1-1 Kitwe United
(Manix Nengelwa 35’/Holy Songwe 44′)

Lumwana Radiants 3-0 Zesco Malaiti Rangers
(Joseph Chanda 23′ Phezzy Chibandika 53′, Abraham Kanyangala 76′)

Jumulo 2-0 Luapula Eagles
(Mike Musukuma 7′, Dickson Mwanza 46′)

Young Green Eagles FC 1-0 Gomes
(Ben Chengo 20’)

President Hichilema refuses to fire Minister of Foreign Affairs over corruption allegations

Chief Editor
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President Hichilema refuses to fire Minister of Foreign Affairs over corruption allegations

President Hakainde Hichilema has refused to fire Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Stanley Kakubo over allegations that he was involved in acts of bribery during his visit to Sinoma Cement recently.

Some people have called for the dismissal of Mr. Kakubo who was pictured receiving a bag from an unidentified Chinese national at Sinoma Cement in Lusaka almost two weeks ago.

At the time of the incident that went viral on social media, Mr Kakubo clarified that he visited Sinoma as a private citizen with a view to ordering some pockets of cement and they gave him a branded calendar and a pen as a souvenir.

At a press conference in Lusaka on Monday, President Hichilema said he had not found Mr. Kakubo guilty after hearing from him.

The Head of State said Mr. Kakubo has assured him that he never got any bribe from Sinoma Cement.

President Hichilema said if there are people with more information linking the minister to bribery, they must report to law enforcement agencies.

“I was questioned when I was away for a few days. I took four days off from your house. While I was away there was an issue with the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Stanley Kakubo). That the Minister of Foreign Affairs got a bribe from Sinoma Cement. I was away. I called the Minister of Finance… Minister of Foreign Affairs sorry . I got in touch with him. What is this I have heard? The first thing I did was not to read what was on social media and continue reading. Was to get in touch with the minister himself. Minister have you seen what is mix, pre-mix. I said continue, continue. He explained. He said he got an envelope with a calendar and a diary inside,” President Hichilema said.

“Maybe he should not have done that (accepting an envelope with a calendar and a diary). It is him talking to him. I said what were you carrying in that envelope? Because it is my duty, I am the supervisor to the vice president, in case you are not aware. I am the supervisor to the ministers. I am the direct supervisor I have to ask and I asked on behalf of the people of Zambia. And he gave me the answer and he said perhaps Mr. President I should not have taken a calendar and a diary. ‘I didn’t get paid anything’. What else am I supposed to do? I must fire him? No. If anyone knows an answer better than he gave me, follow the law. Let’s take the process but on your behalf I took the opportunity to ask him because we are clear none of us should take any bribe for anything. It is very clear but that includes none of you as citizens as you. If anyone has more information let us know because we are accountable to you but you said he got money to bring that hotline or tip somebody,” President Hichilema said.

When the Kakubo-Sinoma incident was fresh, former Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kabala said that it’s unprecedented for a Minister of Foreign Affairs to interact with an ambassador outside his office alone saying it is beneath his office.

In a post reacting to Mr Kakubo’s explanation, Mr Kalaba said that the minister should give a better explanation than the one he has given, wondering how was the Minister buying cement on a holiday and why should a company give a calendar to the Minister in mid-April.

Mr Kalaba also wondered why the Ambassador meet the Minister when he was doing private errands, before adding that he himself was minister of foreign affairs for 4 years, never did he meet Ambassadors privately outside his office, and that even when he met them at foreign affairs, it was in the presence of officials.

“And by the way, Calendars are never delivered in suitcases,” concluded Mr Kalaba’s statement

Lawyers call for competition and consumer law enforcement

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Lawyers call for competition and consumer law enforcement

Law Association of Zambia President Abyudi Shonga says legal practitioners have a duty to represent the interests of businesses on legal matters relating to competition and consumer protection

Mr. Shonga stressed that Lawyers have a duty to assist clients understand the specific details of consumer and competition law and measures that promote compliance with such laws

He has since called on Lawyers in the COMESA region to keep themselves abreast of emerging trends at regional and continental level with issues that may have an effect on the enforcement of laws at national level.

He urged legal practitioners to endeavour to put the interest of their clients first before regulators.

Mr. Shonga was speaking in Livingstone today when he officially opened a two days COMESA regional Competition Commission workshop.

And speaking earlier, COMESA Competition Commission Chief Executive Willard Mwemba said the objective of the workshop is to advocate for enforcement of both competition and consumer law enforcement at regional and national levels

Dr. Mwemba said countries would benefit economically if such laws are well enforced because consumers end up receiving value for their money.

Free education will bear long term benefits-President Hichilema

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Free education will bear long term benefits-President Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema says the massive recruitment of teachers is a clear testimony that government is committed to improving the education sector.

ZANIS reports that President Hichilema said government has created jobs for teachers in line with its policy on making sure that they create employment, thereby improving the living standards of the people.

Speaking during a press conference at State House in Lusaka today, President Hichilema said despite the massive recruitment exercise, a lot more needs to be done to improve the situation.

President Hichilema stated that the recruitment will also help in the actualisation of the free education which is already in effect.

He said the free education introduced by the new dawn administration is already bearing fruit, as many pupils across the country have enrolled for school places.

The Head of State said people must understand that free education did not just happen by chance but that it is a deliberate policy by government to ensure access to education by all.

President Hichilema further said with concerted efforts, the fruits of the free education policy will be achieved in the long run.

Meanwhile, President Hichilema disclosed that government has put in place measures that will have an immediate impact on the lives of the people across the country.

The President noted that the livelihoods of local communities are expected to improve following the increase in the allocation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

He said the increase in CDF allocation will also ensure that communities at grassroots level are also developed.

President Hichilema expressed hope that the funds will also help develop the country, through infrastructure development and job creation.

President Hichilema denies Meeting Milingo Lungu over Immunity and sternly warns the DPP

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President Hichilema denies Meeting Milingo Lungu over Immunity and sternly warns the DPP

President Hakainde Hichilema has denied meeting former Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) liquidator Milingo Lungu recently to negotiate his exit from the mining giant.

According to a petition Mr. Lungu has filed before Constitutional Court against the State and the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), the alleged meeting was meant to discuss how Mr Lungu can vacate his office in exchange for immunity from criminal prosecution and the return of his seized assets as they were legitimately earned.

But during his Press Conference at State House on Monday, President Hichilema said he has neither power nor right to give someone immunity from prosecution.

The Republic President said he has not met Milingo recently except soon after assuming office when getting a report from the former KCM Provisional Liquidator on the operations of the firm.

“No one has the legal mandate to give immunity to anybody. I cannot do that, no one at the State House, no one at ACC can do that. No one at the DPP can give immunity to anyone that is illegal. There is no law that allows that to happen. So if you are a clique of thieves and you think you can escape by abusing office bearers of institutions you have got it wrong. If you are a brother to HH and you stole from the people of Zambia HH will not help you. Even though he is a servant as President. I will not help you so don’t even try. So why are we debating a non issue? Because this is a non issue,” Mr. Hichilema said.

Mr. Milingo has since requested the Lusaka High Court to compel the DEC to uphold the immunity from prosecution granted by the DPP on matters related to his role as Provisional Liquidator of Konkola Copper Mines.

The Head of State branded the debate on whether or not Milingo negotiated his exit from KCM with the Government as trivial.

“No presidential assistance can give impunity to anybody. No Minister of Justice, no Attorney General, no Solicitor General, no DPP. Anything done along that line is a nullity. I never met anybody in this State House in the name of Milling (Lungu) to discuss immunity. We are to deal with the immunity issue; there is no immunity for anywhere. And the social media ran it, one of the colleagues sent me a message that HH you gave immunity to Milingo and I said no. I have no capacity to do that but the nation fed on this thing and it became the most important thing instead of fighting to create more jobs for the people of Zambia,” President Hichilema said.

President Hichilema further expressed his fury over Director of Public Prosecutions Lillian Siyuni’s decision to oppose the re-arrest of Mr. Lungu.

“First, I commented on this issue in a lengthy area. No one has a legal right to offer immunity to anybody. Not the DPP, she has no legal right. She hasn’t got let’s not abuse judicial processes here. She has no right. I said it. I am re-enforcing the point. I don’t like kidding around myself. I don’t kid around. Sometimes study the leaders you have chosen. Go back and look at this fellow called HH. I don’t play around with myself. I may not make much noise because in this country noise is supposed to be equivalent to ability. What should happen is that the law is clear here. If the DPP has transgressed her rights, you complain to the Judicial Complaints Commission and I think people have done that already if not more will be doing that. That is the law and then from there it will take its course,” Mr. Hichilema said.

The Head of State further okayed the advocacy by UPND cadres that the DPP resigns over the Milingo controversy.

“What a member UPND says is what any Zambian can say. Remember those UPND cadres are citizens. There are people already warning the UPND ‘don’t touch the DPP’. You haven’t heard that? There are people saying that, so that talk is equalised by the UPND cadres if it is true. So there is talk positive, talk negative but our duty is not to listen to those who are saying don’t touch the DPP. No one is going to touch the DPP, only the law will touch the DPP, the law that you put in place,” Mr. Hichilema said.

President Hichilema added:”So we will not listen to those people whether it’s civil society or it is anyone or the relatives of the DPP. It does not matter what you feel. It does not matter what the UPND members feel, they are citizens of Zambia they have freedom of speech but what matters to us is to follow the law. Anyone aggrieved about the conduct of the DPP is to complain to the Judicial Complaints Commission. I am sure many Zambians are going to do that (complain to the Judicial Complaints Commission) because what we have seen in the last 30 days is unacceptable, is not correct.”

“The DPP has no power to arrest. The DPP has the power to prosecute. That is the separation of powers. How can she stop people from arresting others? DEC has a right to arrest so is ACC so are the police. She has no power over the police and the DPP cannot tell the DEC doesn’t arrest Milingo. The DEC can arrest Milingo if they feel Milingo has broken the law. They can arrest Milingo 20 times if he has broken the law 20 times and I encourage them to do so. The DPP has no right to say don’t arrest Milingo. Who is she? Where has she drawn her powers from? She wrote a letter for Mary Chirwa (DEC boss) not to arrest Milingo. That is wrong. Somebody must complain, I am encouraging somebody to complain to the Judicial Complaints Commission. That is not victimisation,” President Hichilema said.

Live Press Conference By President Hakainde Hichilema

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Live Press Conference By President Hakainde Hichilema

 

PRO’S HIT LIST: Kabaso and Tandi March to CAF Confed Cup Semi’s

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Tandi Mwape and Kabaso Chongo‘s continental campaign continues but not so for Kennedy Mweene and Rally Bwalya after quarterfinal action in the weekends CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

=DENMARK
Horsens: Midfielder Lubambo Musonda played the full 90 minutes but was not on target on Sunday in third placed Horsens’ 3-2 home win over Nykobing.

=SOUTH AFRICA
-Mamelodi Sundowns: Goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene was on the bench in Saturdays’ 1-1 home draw against Petro Atletico of Angola that saw his side eliminated from the CAF Champions League quarterfinals 3-2 on aggregate.

-Sekhukhune United: Goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata and midfielder Roderick Kabwe played the full minutes in Sundays 0-0 away draw at Golden Arrows.
Striker Justin Shonga came on in the 81st minute.

-SuperSport United: Striker Gamphani Lungu played the full 90 minutes in Saturdays 0-0 away draw at Marumo Gallants.

-Amazulu: Midfielder Augustine Mulenga is still out with injury sustain in continental action in March and missed Sundays 0-0 away draw at Royal AM.

=DR CONGO
Defender’s Tandi Mwape and Kabaso Chongo played the full 90 minutes of TP Mazembe’s 2-0 home win over Pyramids FC of Egypt on Sunday to see the DR Congo giants advance to the CAF Confederation Cup semifinals by the same aggregate score line.

=TANZANIA
Midfielder Rally Bwalya was an unused substitute in Sundays CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinal elimination at the hands of South African club Orlando Pirates who beat them 4-3 on post-match penalties following a 1-1 aggregate result.

=SCOTLAND

-Rangers: Striker Fashion Sakala played the full 90 minutes for defending champions Rangers’ 3-1 away win over Motherwell on Saturday in which he contributed an assist but was not on target for the second placed side.

-Raith Rovers: Defender Frankie Musonda started in Saturdays 2-0 away win by the fifth placed side over Hamilton Academicals before being substituted in the 76th minute as the Championship side recorded their second straight league victory.


=RUSSIA
Bottom placed Arsenal Tula lost 1-0 on Sunday away to 11th positioned Rubin Kazan.
Midfielder Klings Kangwa is not yet back after serving his suspension while his big brother Evans Kangwa started but was substituted in the 58th minute.

=USA
Defender Aime Mabika played his third full successive game on Sunday to help Inter Miami to as many MLS wins following Sundays 2-1 home victory over Atlanta United.
Miami rise from the bottom two to 9th following their good run in the Eastern Conference.


=ENGLAND

-Leicester City: Striker Patson Daka started but was substituted in the 71st minute of Saturdays 0-0 home draw against Aston Villa.

-Brighton: Chipolopolo captain Enock Mwepu started for Brighton in Sundays 2-2 home draw against Southampton before making way in the 61st minute.

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