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Eastern Province Permanent Secretary, Veronica Mwiche has commended the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) for equipping 800 farmers with improved farming techniques.
Ms Mwiche commended ADRA for prioritizing women participation in its initiatives as this would contribute to improving livelihoods at household level.
She noted that women are the most affected by social ills that leave them vulnerable hence government welcomes the interventions that ADRA is undertaking.
“Effects of poverty are highly felt by women. So, I am happy that women are the majority participants in this project,” she said.
PS was speaking when she visited the training centre in Sinda where 50 farmers are currently undergoing training.
Ms Mwiche said government has provided a conducive environment for non-governmental organisations(NGO) to thrive and effectively contribute to the well-being of communities they serve.
“Government is ensuring the environment is conducive. And it is for this reason that organizations like ADRA, among others are able to function and help our people,” she said.
And ADRA Coordinator, Jonathan Zimuto said the project aims at ending household poverty by engaging improved farming techniques.
Mr Zimuto stated that the project which was launched in 2019, is currently working with 800 farmers, and intends to increase the number of direct beneficiaries to 2000.
“After these engagements at the training centre, people go out and replicate. Then we make follow ups to see how they are performing. Currently the training centre has 50 farmer trainees being trained to grow crops like cowpeas, ginger, garlic, tomatoes and cassava among others. These farmers are due to graduate this month to pave way for another intake,” he said.
He noted that high value crops such as ginger and garlic are being prioritised because they allow women, who are major beneficiaries to maximise on returns with minimum labour put into the farming process.
“These crops are being promoted because women are the main laborers and doing a lot of work. But with ginger, they are able to harvest more on a small piece of land,” he explained.
Mr Zimuto added that the training facility, will also be used as a bulking centre, where farmers will be taking their produce in readiness for sell.
The field day was also attended by District Commissioners from Sinda, Katete and Petauke districts.
ADRA has established an agriculture training centre in Sinda District where it is equipping farmers with hands on farming skills, financial literacy and livestock husbandry.
The centre is also recruiting and training farmers from other three districts of Katete, Petauke and Mambwe with a view of enhancing livelihoods through farming.
Former Kasempa District Commissioner, Goodson Sansakuwa has joined the race for candidates vying for the Kasempa parliamentary seat.
Speaking during the Patriotic Front (PF) Kasempa constituency interviews, Mr Sansakuwa disclosed that he decided to take part in running the morning affairs of the country through parliament.
“I have decided that I will participate in the governance of the country through the parliament,” He said.
Mr Sansakuwa added that he has vast Knowledge and experience which he gained during his time as the head of the district administration.
“I have worked in government before in the previous administration of Movement for Multi-party Democracy and the current government of the Patriotic Front,” He said.
Mr Sansakuwa disclosed that the vast experience he has gained as district commissioner puts him at a better place to deliver development to the constituency.
“I believe I am capable of steering development of this constituency to greater heights to add on what the PF government has done in the constituency so far,” He added.
Mr Sansakuwa further disclosed that he decided to vie for adoption on PF ticket as Member of Parliament because he wants to be part of the winning team.
Mpika District Commissioner, Sampa Muswema says there is need for concerted efforts to address devastating effects of climate change.
Mr Muswema said it is gratifying to note that stakeholders across the globe are fully aware of the negative effects of climate change.
“The widespread recognition to reduce devastating effects of climate change across the globe, is quite encouraging,” said Mr Muswema.
He said there is need to help promote clean energy and reduce carbon pollution as well as create capacity for communities to engage in sustainable livelihoods which are currently being addressed globally.
ZANIS reports that Mr Muswema said this in a speech read on his behalf by Mpika District Administrative Officer (DAO), Bwalya Kaniki during the Youth Global Climate Change sensitization meeting held at Chitulika Secondary School in Mpika.
Mr Muswema pointed out that Zambia for the past six years has been actively involved in the promotion of the use of clean energy and the reduction of carbon pollution.
He explained that more stakeholders are needed to invest in renewable energy as opposed to fossil fuels and other vices that are unfriendly to the climate.
And Mpika District Action for Nature Executive Officer, Chileshe Kanfwa has appealed to government to come up with policies that will help more youths to actively get involved in climate change programmes.
Mr Kangwa said youths have the zeal, and need to be equipped with knowledge and resources to enable them actively participate in climate change programmes.
“Swift actions are needed to address climate change issues so as to avoid irreversible devastating effects in future,” said Mr. Kangwa.
He explained that some of the devastating effects such as droughts and floods have been caused by over extraction and use of natural resources.
Government says it is encouraging the participation of the people in propelling the much-needed investment agenda in a number of sectors.
Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary said the local participation in development is indicated in several government policies including the 7th National development Plan.
He said this in a speech read on his behalf by Ministry of Finance Assistant Director Economic Management Sichizyuwe Musokotwana during the opening of the Canisius cooperative in Lusaka today.
Mr Chikuba said the establishment of the Canisius Cooperative can easily serve as a vehicle for investments which would in turn provide members and the country at large with necessary wealth for sustainable livelihoods.
He stated that the Cooperative will create the much-needed jobs as indicated by President Edgar Lungu in the job creation strategy that was launched a few years ago.
The Permanent Secretary said the Cooperative initiative will also aid the country to attain the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that Zambia has chosen to pursue.
Mr Chikuba added that the initiative will supplement government’s efforts and initiatives of providing access to affordable finance for the people to invest in different business spheres.
“The journey that famous billionaires took could not be different from the one you are embarking on with this Cooperative. I assure you that government will give you all the necessary support to assist you realize your dream,” he said.
He indicated that government has remained resolved to continue with the diversification of the Zambian economy to a broad based and sustainable economy.
He explained that a sustainable economy will be resilient to financial or economic shocks whether domestic or external.
“We see the establishment of initiatives like yours to be one of the answers to supporting the diversification agenda,” he said.
Mr Chikuba encouraged other alumni associations to emulate what the Canisius Savings and Credit Cooperative has done, saying it is an inspiring initiative that others should consider to follow.
And Canisuis Savings and Credit Cooperative Chairperson Victor Mapani said the initiative to start the Cooperative started as a WhatsApp group for business for the Canisuis Alumni last year.
Mr Mapani said the meeting to formulate the cooperative has been done virtually and no physical meeting has been conducted.
He explained that the Cooperative consists of former Canisius students, teachers and workers.
Mr Mapani added that a Cooperative started with only ten people but the numbers have increased as people have started to gain interest and confidence.
He thanked government for showing interest and for the support towards the launch of the Cooperative.
Health Minister Dr Jonas Chanda says available scientific evidence shows overwhelmingly that vaccine deployment is key in bringing the COVID-19 pandemic under control.
In a statement issued to the media today, the Minister stressed that Vaccine Programme will be done cautiously on a voluntary basis and in a phased manner and on Pilot basis.
This comes following Cabinet’s approval and adoption of the acquisition, deployment and financing of Covid-19 Vaccines in the country as an additional pillar of pandemic Strategy yesterday.
“There will be no mandatory vaccination. The available scientific evidence shows overwhelmingly that vaccine deployment is key in bringing the COVID-19 pandemic under control. Countries that have made progress in their vaccine roll-out have already shown significant reduction in transmission, severe illness and deaths reported,” the Minister explained.
And Dr Chanda disclosed that the first Pillar of initial vaccines to be rolled out under the COVAX mechanism will be AstraZeneca and subsequently the Johnson and Johnson vaccine which will be free.
“COVAX will cover 20% (3,676,791) of the eligible adult over the age of 18 years (18,383,955) population. The remaining 26% (4,761,327) of the eligible population will be covered through Pillar 2 and 3 below. The Second Pillar are vaccines that may be donated to the Country by other Governments and Cooperating Partners subject to approval of the Ministry of Health through ZAMRA, as long as they meet the criteria for efficacy and safety based on proven clinical trial , sustainability , source of manufacture and have been monitored to have been used safely in many countries. The Ministry of Health through Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) will check efficacy and safety for all vaccines,” he said.
The Minister added that the Third Pillar will cover the rest of the eligible adult population who may not be covered under Pillar one and two through Government making available funds for vaccines, and also the participation of the Private sector, with the approval of the Ministry and ZAMRA.
Dr Chanda said his Ministry will be providing key insights on the COVID-19 vaccine deployment during the daily briefings as he rolls out the programme.
He hoped that with the vaccine deployment the country can attain “herd immunity” and thus control the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the Minister called on the general public to not be swayed by myths, conspiracy theories and propaganda.
“We do, however, stress the importance of maintaining our adherence to all the other facets of the public health guidance including mask wearing, hand hygiene and physical distancing. Additionally, we cannot stress enough the importance of continued community interventions to avoid transmission particularly through super spreader events. We will continue to engage our communities through the various structures in order to sustain adherence and behaviour change efforts,” he said.
And the Minister said the country has recorded 265 new cases out of 5,876 tests conducted in the last 24 hours.
He added that three deaths have also been recorded in the mentioned period of time.
President Edgar Lungu has assented into law the Cyber Security and Cyber Bill of 2021. President Lungu signed the Bill into law on Tuesday, 23rd March, 202 1, and hoped the law will bring sanity to the way the internet is used in Zambia.
“This is purely to protect citizens from abuse by people who feel they can do or say whatever they want using the veil of cyberspace. This law is aimed at protecting all Zambians, including those who are against it,” President Lungu said.
The President said the Bill was brought to his office and he scrutinized it before he assented to it.
“l could not have signed it if I was not convinced it is for the good of all Zambians. I have read through and it is perfect, ” he noted.
The objects of the Bill are to; ensure the provision of cybersecurity in the Republic, provide for the protection of persons against cybercrime, provide for child online protection and facilitate identification, declaration, and protection of critical information infrastructure.
Others are to provide for the collection of and preservation of evidence of computer and network related crime, revise the admission, in criminal matters, of electronic evidence, provide for the registration of cybersecurity services providers; and provide for matters connected with, or incidental to, the foregoing.
The Bill is now earmarked for printing at Government Printers.
Meanwhile, President Lungu has noted politician Chishimba Kambwili’s apology and accepted it in the true Christian spirit. The President said what matters is someone’s actions and deeds after one apologizes for the wrongs they have done.
This is according to a statement made available to the media by Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Isaac Chipampe.
Ten-man Napsa Stars have rallied to edge Buildcon 2-1 at home in Lusaka in a delayed FAZ Super Division match played on Friday afternoon.
All the goals came in the last half after uneventful first 45 minutes at Woodlands Stadium.
Buildcon took a 51st minute lead when attacker Emmanuel Okutu converted a penalty after keeper Philip Banda fouled Musonda Kapembwa in the box.
The lead only lasted nine minutes as Napsa’s Doisy Soko leveled matters after being set up by Austin Banda.
Napsa sealed the win 21 minutes away from full time when substitute Bornwell Mwape shook the net a minute after replacing Emmanuel Mayuka.
Napsa had been reduced to ten earlier in the 55th minute when Captain Dickson Chapa saw red from referee Leonard Akapelwa for a second bookable offence.
Meanwhile, this victory shifts Napsa out of relegation after moving two places up to number 13 with 24 points from 19 matches played.
Buildcon, who have missed a chance to go third on the table, remain stuck in sixth place with 31 points after playing 21 matches.
Zambia Medicine Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) has arrested three businessmen of Chipata District in Eastern Province and charged for two counts of obtaining unapproved medicine (Ivermectin) from unauthorized suppliers.
This is contrary to Section 58 (2) (c) of the Medicines and Allied Substances Act (No.3) of 2013 of the laws of Zambia.
In a statement issued to the media by ZAMRA Senior Public Relations Officer Christabel Lliamupu, the suspects have been arrested for selling medicine (Ivermectin) without marketing authorization issued by the Authority contrary to Section 39 (1) of the Medicines and Allied Substances Act No.3 of 2013.
“Iqbal Mohamed Motala, male aged 32 years, Ismail Adam Suleman, male aged 68 years, and Manohar Kamble, male aged 33 years have since been arrested and will appear in court soon,” she said.
Mrs. Lliamupu stated that four more people have been arrested in Kalumbila District in North Western Province for operating Pharmacies without certificates of registration contrary to Section 14 (1) of the Medicines and Allied Substances Act No. 3 of 2013.
“These include, Kenneth Kandela, male aged 24 years, Kangwa Tambuzai, male aged 36 years, Manner Kayombo, male aged 23 years, and Elizabeth Kimpende, male aged 23years. The four have been detained at Kyawama Police Station and will appear in court soon,” she said.
She urged members of the public to refrain from obtaining and sale of unapproved medicines from unauthorized suppliers, including illegal operation of drug stores in order to ensure that public health and safety are safeguarded and protected.
Zambia coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic insists he did his homework on Algeria despite failing to beat them on Thursday night in a match that ultimately ended Chipolopolo’s 2021 AFCON qualification ambitions.
Chipolopolo rallied and laboured to a 3-3 home draw against the defending AFCON champions in their penultimate Group H qualifier played at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.
Two out of Zambia’s two equalizers both came from penalties that were converted by striker Patson Daka while midfielder Cletus Chama added the second goal with a 52nd minute header.
“I know each one of their (Algerian) player’s very well, those that have arrived and those that have not come here today,” Micho said.
“When you look at everything after give you their best, this is the best result that we could get and I believe we run out of time and we were supposed to win the game.”
An 88th minute goal by Patson was ruled out for offside to see Zambia denied a win that could have kept their 2021 AFCON dreams alive and pushed their hopes into the last day of the Group H qualifier on March 29 away to Zimbabwe.
Monday’s away date in Harare is now a dead-rubber against second placed Zimbabwe who have qualified alongside Algeria on 8 and 11 points respectively with a match to spare.
Zambia has now failed to qualify to the AFCON for a record third successive time.
The Ministry of Finance has announced that Zambia and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will resume virtual discussions on outstanding issues, on Tuesday 30 March 2021 and continue into the first two weeks of April 2021.
Zambia requested an Extended Credit Facility (ECF) from the IMF, in November 2020.
Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba in a statement made available to Smart Eagles says a team from the Ministry of Finance, Bank of Zambia as well as other relevant ministries and institutions will participate in the discussions with the IMF.
Mr. Yamba says the aim is to agree on an appropriate policy reform agenda to address the economic challenges that Zambia is encountering and support the country’s return to a sustainable macro-fiscal situation over the medium-term.
“A previous virtual mission took place between 11 February and 3 March 2021. During that mission, significant progress was made, with both parties agreeing on the causes of Zambia’s macro-economic imbalances and the current state of its public finances,” he said.
“Zambia requested for a formal IMF programme under the Extended Credit Facility window in November 2020 in order to stabilize the economy, severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
He recalled that in December 2020, Zambia launched its Economic Recovery Programme 2020 – 2023.
Mr. Yamba stated that the Ministry of Finance, with the assistance of its financial and legal advisors, continues to engage with all creditors.
“As of late January 2021, Zambia has requested a debt treatment under the Common Framework agreed by the G20 and Paris Club members, which is expected to contribute to restoring Zambia’s public debt sustainability,” he added.
Senior Chief Mukuni of Southern Province has been reported to the Human Rights Commission for championing tribal remarks.
Together Africa Without Orphans (TAWO), an organization that has formally lodged the complaint to the commission have noted with concern that the traditional leader risks putting the country on fire with such tribal sentiments.
TAWO country representative Chanda Nonde who disclosed the development to journalists said the last general election was marred with regional voting and violence which resulted in President Edgar Lungu setting up a commission of inquiry whose findings revealed that some traditional were heavily involved in promoting tribalism.
“We therefore want to inform the public that we have formally lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission (HRC) on the tribal sentiments Senior Chief Mukuni has continued to champion.We call upon the Commission and well meaning members of the public to begin calling out such traditional leaders like Senior Chief Mukuni to avoid going the same path of promoting tribalism in his talk”he disclosed.
He said in the letter to the Commission, many instances beginning in 2015 when Senior Chief Mukuni led Chiefs in Southern Province to conduct partisan campaigns for Mr Hichilema have been well documented.
Mr Nonde further recalled that in 2016 chief Mukuni openly told off some citizens to behave like a Lozi Princess by voting for Mr. Hichilema, which has equally been documented.
“We have followed the activities of Senior Chief Mukuni and we must confess that we agree with the Commission when they found that he had turned tribal in the manner he conducted himself while campaigning for Mr. Hakainde Hichilema” Mr Nonde observed.
He regretted however that the behaviour by the traditional leader has been overlooked for some time and has since called on the nation and institutions of government to take interest in the manner Chief Mukuni has continued to exhibit himself.
Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi is baffled over the two penalties referee Ali Adeliad of Comoros awarded hosts Zambia in Thursdays 3-3 draw at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.
The result was inconsequential to the defending AFCON champions and 2021 Group H qualifiers leaders who had already qualified with two games to spare.
But for Zambia, the draw in their penultimate Group H match meant the end of the of road for them for a third successive time that saw them fail to qualify to the AFCON.
Both penalties looked suspiciously weak when Patson Daka and Moses Phiri tumbled in the area in the 33rd and 81st minutes respectively.
Patson stepped up to dispatch both spot-kicks.
“In my personal opinion? Very hard to accept. It is already hard to accept when it is your mistakes, meaning when you can only blame yourself or blame your players,” Belmadi said.
“It is even harder when you cannot blame yourself and you cannot blame your players.”
Adelaid later ruled out Patson 88th minute goal for offside.
Zambia stay bottom of Group H with 4 points heading into their dead-rubber date away in Harare on Monday against Zimbabwe who have finished second and qualified with a game to spare on 8 points, three points behind leaders Algeria.
Lunatic Fringe, Illusory Riff-Raffs, Frauds, Chancers and Top Drawers
By Field Ruwe EdD
Few Sub-Sahara African countries receive as many kudos for their beauty as Zambia. Whether drawn by the picturesque landscape, rich soil, precious minerals, abundant wildlife, there’s something to fall in love with. Sadly, the “Gift from God” is an anathema to the lives and society of Zambians. The biggest threat to Zambia’s success is its presidents, most who have been clueless with deadly consequences. Every five years, Zambians eager to improve their lives, flock to polling stations to affirm the incumbent or pick a new one. Each five years they are taken on a roller-coaster that ends up crushing their hearts. Going by the abysmally poor quality of this year’s contenders, history is likely to repeat itself. In this series of articles, I examine each and every candidate from the lunatic fringe to top drawers, and show why mediocrity, rather than quality, is at the center of our failure as a people.
GROUP 1: THE LUNATIC FRINGE
In politics the lunatic fringe is a term used to characterize political leaders who have the most eccentric, extreme, or fanatical bizarre views, and foolish manifestos that a farsighted electoral commission would throw out.
Chilufya Tayali – Economic and Equity Party (EEP)
OPPOSITION Economic and Equity Party (EEP) president Chilufya Tayal
Politicians are not required to take a mental fitness-for-leadership test to form a party. I don’t need to be a psychoanalyst to tell you that as leader of the Economic and Equity Party (EEP), Chilufya Tayali urgently needs help. He is a witty and sprightly kamikaze rabble-rouser who is irrational and cracked like a rabid fox and temperamentally a danger to himself and others. As a leader, eyeing the presidency in his own frenzied way, he should undergo a capacity evaluation to access his mental fitness to lead his party, even if it comprises himself as a the sole member. Tayali’s state of mind should not be underestimated. He uses dangerous whistleblowing tactics—the act of exposing information or activity of his fellow politicians—as a prime tactical weapon in pursuing his “political” agenda. Perceived by beneficiaries of his tactics as dauntless, courageous, and daring, Tayali has emerged as the biggest and most vexatious litigant testifying while holding a bazooka to his own head and living on the edge of the edge. It is clear he has no manifesto and no followers. His so-called political life is not only a spasm of chaos, but a chaos syndrome. Those dear to him must persuade him to quit for his sake.
Savior Chishimba – United Progressive Party (UPP)
UPP’s Savior Chishimba
Short fused Savior Chishimba, leader of the dead “Bemba” political party UPP, thinks he is the incarnation of Simon Kapwepwe. A ranting, hysterical, mercurial character, with a notorious temper, Chishimba violates the essential rules of thinking rationally, and presents a belligerent persona that at times exhibits disinhibited symptoms and feckless disregard. He thinks his crazed vicious tantrum is a sign of strength. Clad in a UPP toga, and at times in an industrial overalls, addressing three people in Bemba and English, he viciously throws words like punches, spewing profanity all the while: “Kalya ka stupid minister ka Charles Banda ka welewele!” Gladly, no one pays attention to him. Perhaps the word “chiwelelwe” should be applied to him for his “useless” misplaced USA-type grandiose vision: “My vision is to tackle issues of disarmament, environment (global warming), human rights…human trafficking, child labour, human conflicts in various parts of the globe, large-scale displacements of civilian populations, cybercrime, contemporary forms of racism, crimes of honour against women, and the nexus of drug trafficking.” Clearly a load of baloney and a misplacement of vision. The vision of a true Zambian leader should be to educate the masses, fight poverty, hunger and disease, and I might add, to protect the treasures of our country. Like Chilufya Tayali, Chishimba too must be watched.
Peter Sinkamba – Green Party (GP)
Peter Sinkamba Green Party President
Peter Sinkamba’s Green Party is epitome of docile imbecility, and his presidential ambition is a stunt. Sinkamba’s concentration on the legalization of marijuana shows how he is possessed by illusions and delusions, at times noble to the point of utter selfishness and absurdity, and at other times to the point of amorality. His Green Party is not a political agenda, but a cannabis business plan for himself to grow marijuana and benefit financially from it, while the populous is left psychotic. While it is true marijuana has the potential to rake in millions of dollars in taxes, it still leads to criminality in all the jurisdictions where it is legalized as recreational or medicinal. In Zambia, once legalized, many “patients” will not afford to buy through legal channels. Also, the export benefit is a myth. Cannabis is the world’s most popular illicit substance that thrives in different climates around the world. In the U.S. there are enough cannabis farms to go round. Sikamba’s Green Party must be deregistered because it poses a danger to the health of our nation and is a sheer waste of time.
Please Note: Also included in this category are President of Democratic Assembly Maxwell Mwamba. To call him eccentric or weird is to put it mildly.Another is President of the United Poor People’s Party Alex Muliokela. Did I just add his name to the list?
GROUP 2: ILLUSORY RIFF-RAFFS
In politics illusory riff-raffs refer to hopeless presidential candidates that run with the full knowledge of their inability to win elections, and instead use their candidacy to advance non-mainstream political platforms, or take advantage of benefits afforded political candidates such as name recognition.
Edith Nawakwi – Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD)
Leading the group of shameless illusory riff-raffs is Edith Nawakwi. If arrogance has a face, it is the face of Nawakwi. A talentless crank and misogynist, Nawakwi who has been at the helm of FDD since the demise of Lieutenant General Christon Tembo has over the years reduced herself to a riff-raff. In the 2011 general elections Nawakwi received 0.2% of the vote, and 0.9% in 2015. Her political fallout has been so dramatic that it has helped to destroy her party. FDD members, some who are highly perspicacious like Zambia’s “Johnnie Cochran” Chifumu Banda have chosen to overlook the blindingly obvious fact that the ossified, vain, conceited and selfish Edith Nawakwi is taking them nowhere. Nawakwi’s profane demagoguery resurfaced late last year when, without providing tangible evidence, called her opposition counterpart Hakainde Hichilima (UPND) a criminal for personally benefiting from the Chiluba’s privatization program. Nawakwi, who as Minister of Finance was the custodian of all government revenue had the power to have Hichilima arrested and sent to jail, but waited for 22 years to use the allegation as a desperate attempt to seek public attention. Nawakwi who at the height of her political career, dug a ridge between herself and Zambian women has failed to build a bridge and crossover to them and present herself as their hope in the male-dominated social and political strata. But then, how can she? She hasn’t the strength of character or humility to request help from Zambian women who represent 60 percent of the electorate. Her typical modus operandi suggests she would rather languish in the political abyss. How about replacing her with the likes of Chifumu Banda?
Wynter Kabimba – Rainbow Party (RP)
Rainbow party president Winter Kabimba
Wynter Kabimba, the once darling of the Patriotic Front party is a tragic hero whose political providence plummeted as soon as President Michael Sata was put to rest, and it has since been all downhill. Hubris—the extreme pride and arrogance trait has completely consumed Kabimba and relegated him to riff-raff status where he rightly belongs. It was Sata who created the Frankenstein monstrosity persona of Kabimba to the extent his colossal egotism presupposed his political arrogance. The two met in the 1980s when Sata was Governor of Lusaka and Kabimba worked as Town Clerk. As PF Secretary General, Kabimba’s leadership trait was characterized by snobbatives, egotism, disagreeableness, and an inflated pride. He was not known to apologize on behalf of his party or on his own behalf. People around Kabimba were aware hubris blinded him to team work, and as soon as Sata was interred, they abandoned him and relegated him to a perennial riff-raff with no hope at the end of the rainbow.
Apostle Reverend Dan Pule – Christian Democratic Party (CDP)
Dan Pule with his supporters
One of the poster children for the creation of Zambia as a “Christian nation,” former Deputy Minister of Finance in the Chiluba government, the “apostle” Reverend Dan Pule, is president of a frivolous party called Christian Democratic Party. Dr. Pule is the worst notable opposition leader in the country who confuses Caesar for God. He mesmerizes the pulpit and pimps the PF party. He can best be described as a shameless perennial presidential candidate who, like a lazy stork bird, sits on the hippo’s back to remove ticks, fleas, and maggots from its hide, and when danger looms, alerts the hippo. He recently declared: “I’m ready to offer my services in the Patriotic Front administration as Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs.” For once Edith Nawakwi was right to call Reverend Dan Pule “a man without morals.”
Tilyenji Kaunda –United National Independence Party (UNIP)
UNIP leader Tilyenji Kaunda
In 1990, Zambians lowered into the grave the black coffin symbolizing UNIP. Tilyenji, son of President Kenneth Kaunda thought he could dig it out, polish it up and turn it into his throne just like Uhuru Kenyatta did in Kenya. But Tilyenji is no Uhuru but a permanent deadwood drifting at sea—incapable of any resolute action. Unlike Uhuru, Tilyenji thinks like Niccolo Machiavelli: “A Prince ought to be better loved, and will naturally be popular with his subjects unless outrageous vices make him odious…For one change always leaves a dovetail into which another will fit.” For three decades Tilyenji, who in his life-time has had less need to toil, has sat on his laurels, and for the three decades he has been on the ballot, voters have preferred a hyena to him. For Tilyenji, his short political career has long dissipated. No one knows who he is, and those who do, pretend they never met him.
Please note: President of the Patriots for Economic Progress (PEP) Sean Tembo is NOT a politician but an activist. For Sean, activism sits at the base of almost every utterance he makes, and every article he writes. As sharp as he is, he has failed to turn his activism into political power because he cannot distinguish between a policy changer (activist), and an agenda peddler (politician). That’s what makes him a riff-raff. Also under this category are newcomers, President of the New Heritage Party Chishala Kateka, and President of the National Alliance Party Steven Nyirenda, both who can be described as “dead on arrival.” Chishala and Steven are flogging a dead horse. I thought Chishala was a fair replacement of Nawakwi. The minute she uttered the name “Heritage Party” her acumen went down the drain.
The government has approved Zambia’s participation in the free COVAX facility program that targets to vaccinate 40 percent of the country’s population.
Chief Government Spokesperson Dora Siliya says the vaccination programme procured by UNICEF will not be mandatory but one which will be done voluntarily.
Ms. Siliya says the approval of the free vaccine pilot programme has been reached after expert advice that these vaccines should for now be targeted at persons aged 18 years and above.
She says cabinet has approved that the vaccine will priorities people above the age of 65, including those with chronic illnesses as they are at high risk of death.
Ms. Siliya says others that will be prioritized include health frontline workers, police, security traditional leaders, clergy and immigration officers as these are taken as the most essential to maintaining core societal functions.
She says marketeers, traders including bus and truck drivers involved in cross-border business, will also be prioritized in view of the environment they work through.
And Health Minister Jonas Chanda has assured Zambians that Government will priorities their safety and that NO harm will be allowed on them.
Meanwhile, Dr Chanda has disclosed that Zambia has recorded Four COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hours.
Dr. Chanda said among the deaths include former secretary to the cabinet Roland Msiska who died in Lusaka.
He told the media at the routine COVID-19 update that the country has also recorded 3 Hundred and 25 new COVID-19 cases out of the 7 Thousand 6 Hundred and 46 tests.
Government says it is determined to actualize the Shangombo-Rivungo canal project that will foster trade between Zambia and Angola.
The Shangombo-Rivungo canal is a joint venture project by the Republic of Zambia and Angola through their two border towns Shangombo and Rivungo.
ZANIS reports that Vice President Inonge Wina said that instead of Angola importing from far away countries it would divert its importation to Zambia next door.
Speaking when she inspected the proposed border facility site in Shangombo District Ms Wina said the government is working to ensure that intra trade Africa starts with Zambia.
“It’s very important for us to actually see physically what is pertaining on the ground, we will make sure that what the Minister of Finance has seen is realized,” She said.
And Minister of Finance Bwalya Ngandu said that the benefit of physically visiting the site clearly indicates the high prospective economic value of the Shangombo-Rivungo canal project.
He said the Ministry of Finance will work hand in hand with the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development to ensure that the project is actualized.
Vincent Mwale who is the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development said that his Ministry is up to speed saying that designs for the border facility infrastructure have already been put in place only remaining with financing of the project with about 80 Million Kwacha.
Meanwhile Shangombo District Commissioner, Max Kasabi said Shangombo-Rivungo corridor is significant to Zambia and Angola.
He revealed that the border facility in Angola is already completed; only the Zambian side is not done.
Mr Kasabi highlighted the potential that the canal once the Zambian side is completed can offer saying there won’t be a need for cargo to dork in Cape Town South Africa but that Shangombo will be a short route for goods that will dork in Angola.
Infrastructure Minister Vincent Mwale (r) assures Vice President Inonge Wina (l) that only about K200, 000 remaining to pay the contractor as Finance Minister Bwalya Ng’andu (c) take notes during assessing of the work progress for the new district administration block for Limulunga District
And Vice president, Inonge Wina has bemoaned the flood situation in Shangombo district which has affected food production in the area.
Mrs Wina has assured Shangombo residents of food relief support to cushion the impact of flood situation in the district.
Mrs Wina was speaking shortly after arrival at Shangombo Council grounds.
Mrs Wina stated that government was doing everything possible to ensure infrastructure development takes place in Shangombo district.
She implored people in the district to work with government if development was to be realized in the area.
Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development, Vincent Mwale said government was committed to boost trade between Zambia and Angola through the clearance of Shangombo- Rivungu canal.
Mr Mwale added that government remains committed towards developing every corner of the country without leaving anyone behind.
The Vice president who is in Shangombo district, is also accompanied by Minister of Finance Dr Bwalya Ngandu, Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit National Coordinator, Chanda Kabwe and other government officials.
Vice President Inonge Wina (r) after inspecting work progress for the new Limulunga District Hospital in Kate area in Western Province
