Wednesday, October 30, 2024
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Kapiri PF endorses Lungu for general conference

The ruling Patriotic Front ( PF) in Kapiri Mposhi district has endorsed President Edgar Lungu as a sole presidential candidate at the party’s forthcoming general conference.

And Kapiri Mposhi Constituency PF aspiring candidate

has urged members seeking to be adopted on the party’s ticket in the 2021 general elections to remain loyal to the party even when their applications are not positively considered.

Kapiri Mposhi constituency PF chairman Francis Katongo said President Lungu has shown exceptional leadership to run the country.

Mr. Katongo explained that President Lungu should be retained as the country’s President to continue with his development agenda which has benefited the Zambia during his tenure of office.

“As Kapiri Mposhi, we have endorsed President Lungu as a sole candidate to give him chance to complete his development agenda and the numerous developmental projects he has initiated,” Mr. Katongo said.

And nine aspiring candidates have applied to be adopted for candidacy as Member of Parliament (MP) on the ruling PF ticket in Kapiri Mposhi constituency.

Mr. Katongo said six others have applied seeking adoption on council chairperson position on the PF ticket in the district.

Meanwhile, Kapiri Mposhi constituency PF aspiring candidate Brian Nkolola has implored members seeking to be adopted on the party’s ticket in the 2021 general elections to remain loyal to the party even when they are left out.

Mr. Nkolola said party members should remain loyal to the party and support whoever would be adopted.

Speaking when he successfully filed in his application for adoption as MP, Mr. Nkolola pledged his loyalty to the ruling party and President Lungu even if he is not adopted to stand on the party’s ticket in the 2021 general elections.

Mr. Nkolola pledged to rally behind anyone who would be adopted and urged other aspiring candidates to do the same.

“I have been applying to be adopted as MP for sometime now… this is not the first time and I have remained loyal to the party,” Mr. Nkolola said.

And Kapiri Mposhi District PF Secretary, Austin Chisosa said the overwhelming number of applicants vying for adoption on MP, council chairperson and councillor positions is a sign that the ruling party was still preferable in the district.

Mr. Chisosa disclosed that on average, the party has received five applications seeking adoption on each seat for councillor in the area.

“We have an overwhelming number of applications on each seat and this goes to show how attractive and preferred the PF is in the district,” he said.

UN chief calls for forest conservation

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United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has called for concerted efforts in preserving and reversing the degradation of forests and other ecosystems globally.

Mr. Guterres said at least 1.6 billion people worldwide depend directly on forests for food, shelter, energy, medicines and income.

He said forests also provide habitat to 80 percent of all known terrestrial species, many of which are at risk.

ZANIS reports that the UN Secretary General said this in statement availed to ZANIS in Lusaka today.

“Forests filter the air we breathe and the water we drink. They regulate our climate, absorbing one-third of the global greenhouse gasses emitted each year. Today, more than one million of the planet’s estimated eight million plant and animals species are at risk of extinction,” he said.

The UN Secretary General pointed out that deforestation should be averted as it increases the risks of infectious disease outbreaks and pandemics.

He has since urged all governments to take quick steps by partnering with international and civil society organisations and individuals in addressing the environmental challenges facing the planet.

Mr. Guterres further called on all stakeholders in environmental protection to plant seeds for a sustainable future by committing to restore forests for the benefit of the people and the planet.

The International day of Forests is being commemorated today under the theme, ‘Forest restoration that will build a better future’.

Denounce politics of violence, UCZ urges Zambians

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The United Church of Zambia (UCZ) in Northern Province has urged Zambians to denounce politics of violence and division ahead of the August 12, 2021 general elections.

UCZ Northern Presbytery Bishop, Maybin Mulenga said the church will not support political parties and individual politicians that will perpetrate violent and divisive activities during the campaign period.

Bishop Mulenga made the remarks during the induction service of Reverend Agness Zimba at Kasama’s UCZ Emmanuel congregation.

He said Zambians are yearning for political leaders that will enhance socio-economic development while promoting peace and tolerance in the nation.

“As a church, we will not support political parties that will engage in politics of violence and division ahead of this year’s general elections. What we want to see is peace and development,” he said

He has since urged youths to reject politicians that want to use them for selfish reasons and violence.

He further appealed to government and those aspiring for political leadership to spearhead youth empowerment to help young people to become self-reliant.

Meanwhile, Bishop Mulenga has called for the critical scrutiny of beneficiaries of empowerment programmes if their intended purpose was to be achieved.

“To my dear youths, if they give you stones to throw at others, reject them and tell them to give you skills and empowerment. But for these programmes, the selection of beneficiaries should also be done in a proper way,” he said.

And Lukashya Member of Parliament George Chisanga said government will continue to work with the church to better the lives of people.

Mr. Chisanga said government remains committed to ensuring that Zambians, especially youths and women, benefit from its empowerment initiatives.

He reiterated the call for youths not to be used as tools of violence ahead of the August 12, general elections.

Mr. Chisanga has since pledged to work with the church to promote peace and political tolerance.

“The government shall always recognize the church as a key partner in the development process and promotion of peace and co-existence,” said Mr. Chisanga

Earlier, Reverend Zimba said she will strive to grow the congregation spiritually and numerically while imparting knowledge and skills that will help vulnerable members of the church to earn a living.

Good Covid-19 results, but let’s not relax-Chanda

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Zambia has continued to record a reduction in the number of Covid-19 cases in the past few disease surveillance weeks.

Minister of Health Jonas Chanda said only one Covid-19 related death has been recorded in the last 24 hours in the entire country and 176 new cases out of 4,764 tests conducted.

Dr. Chanda said this brings the cumulative number of confirmed cases recorded to date to 86,449 since the pandemic broke out in Zambia a year ago.

He disclosed that this brings the cumulative number of Covid-19 related deaths recorded to 1,179.

He has since advised members of the general public to remain adherent to the public health guidance of the country in order to maintain the gains made in halting community transmission of Covid-19 as indicated by the positivity rate.

Dr. Chanda has however warned that the reduction in the Covid-19 positive cases must be received with caution as there are still daily variations with some provinces consistently reporting positivity rates above the national average.

He noted that the surveillance teams continue to record clusters of cases around the country, some of whom are asymptomatic.

He explained that although scientific evidence suggests that asymptomatic case transmit the virus to significantly fewer people than those who are symptomatic, the fact that these infections tend to largely go undetected still pose a significant health risk.

Dr. Chanda said this is asymptomatic cases are more likely to remain within the community rather than isolated thus further spreading the virus.

‘’In order to maintain the gains made, we must continually adhere to public health guidelines at individual, household and community levels and strengthen our screening and testing capacity to ensure that we break the chains of coronavirus transmission and halt the spread of the virus,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Chanda commended the Zambia Immunisation Technical Advisory Group for its input and guidance regarding the planned Covid-19 vaccine acquisition and deployment programme.

The minister said the information provided by the team of experts has been crucial for further decision making by Cabinet as the country plans to integrate the vaccination pillar as a permanent feature of Zambia’s response strategy it is approved.

‘’As we continue to closely monitor the evolving epidemiology in the countries that have made progress in their vaccine roll-out, we note that attaining good vaccine coverage is essential for herd immunity,’’ said Dr. Chanda.

President congratulates new Tanzanian President

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President Edgar Lungu is confident that the new President of Tanzania Samia Hassan will continue with the socio-economic transformation agenda embarked upon by late President John Magufuli.

President Lungu expressed optimism that Mrs. Hassan will carry on the mantle of economic growth which has seen Tanzania graduate to a middle-income economy.

In a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka by Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Isaac Chipampe today, President reassured the new Tanzanian President of the Zambian government’s support and firm commitment to enhancing fraternal relations between the two countries.

“Your Excellency, as you assume the responsibilities of this higher office, I wish to reassure you of the Zambian government’s support and firm commitment to enhancing fraternal relations between the two countries,” said President Lungu.

He added that Zambia was committed to continuing interacting and exchanging common positions on issues of mutual interest at the regional and international for a with Tanzania.

Dr. Lungu has since congratulated President Hassan following her swearing-in ceremony as the first female president of that country on Friday, March 19th 2021.

Mrs. Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn-in as President of Tanzania on Friday, 19th March, 2021 following the passing on of President John Magufuli last week on Wednesday, 17th March, 2021.

Tanzania is currently observing 14 days of national mourning and flags are flying at half-mast in honour of the late President.

Born in 1959 in Chato, North-West Tanzania, late President Magufuli studied chemistry and maths at the University of Dar es Salaam and worked as a teacher.

He was first elected as an MP in 1995, became cabinet minister in 2000 and elected as President in 2015 and 2020 respectively.

Kambwili’s Apology Appropriate for this Period-Fube

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Chilubi Member of Parliament Mulenga Fube has commended opposition embattled National Democratic Congress (NDC) leader Chishimba Kambwili for unreservedly apologizing to President Edgar Lungu over unwarranted statements.

Mr. Fube observed that the apology from Dr. Kambwili should not be despised by people because it comes at a time when Christians across the world are in self-introspection and reflection ahead of the Easter period.

“Speaking as a Catholic, we are in Lent, which is a time of reflection and reconciliation leading to the commemoration of Easter. So what Dr. Kambwili has done resonates well with Christian principles,” he said.

Kasama that the decision by the opposition leader is also in line with the country’s national values that promote peace, forgiveness and co-existence.

The Chilubi lawmaker has since urged politicians in particular and the Zambian people in general not to debate Dr. Kambwili’s apology saying accepting it or not is a preserve of the President Lungu and Mr. Valden Findlay.

“This apology is directed to the President and Mr. Findlay, they are the only ones to approve or to disapprove, not anyone else. There is no desperation but only morals in line with our national values,” he said.

Last Thursday, Dr. Kambwili pleaded with both President Lungu and businessman Mr. Findlay to find space in their hearts to forgive him for insinuating that they were engaged in drug dealing.

Nathan Sinkala: Chipolopolo Must Deliver

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Midfielder Nathan Sinkala has joined the Zambia camp in Lusaka and declared they must defy the odds in their defining 2021 AFCON Group H qualifying dates this week against Algeria and Zimbabwe.

Chipolopolo are rock bottom of Group H on 3 points after winning one and losing three games.

Botswana is third on 4 points and Zimbabwe second with 5 points.

Defending AFCON champions Algeria lead on 10 points and just have a top-two Group H classification matter to take care of after qualifying with two games to spare.

“These two games are very important for us because we have missed the last two AFCONS so we have to give all that we have in these two games,” Sinkala said.

The first hurdle will be on March 25 in a penultimate Group H home game against Algeria at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

Algeria beat Chipolopolo 5-0 away in Blida on November 14, 2019 in their opening Group H game in which Sinkala played the full 90 minutes.

“I am ready and looking forward to the game,” Sinkala said.

“As you are aware, Algeria is a big team so we just have to remain focused and work as a team because when we went there in the first leg and they beat us.”

Thereafter, Zambia will visit Zimbabwe on March 29.

Davies Mwila invites Chishimba Kambwili to rejoin PF

The ruling Patriot Front (PF) has extended an olive branch to former Roan Member of Parliament Chishimba Kambwili to rejoin the Party.

PF Secretary General Hon Davies Mwila says the ruling party is more than ready to welcome Mr. Kambwili should he consider going back to the PF.

Speaking when he addressed Party officials and aspiring candidates at Moba Hotel in Kitwe today, Hon Mwila said it was the desire of the party that Hon. Kambwili goes back to the PF as he is one of it’s founding members that worked hard and suffered for the party.

“His brothers and sisters are in PF, we told him that were you are going they are not going to accommodate you because they are not part of you,” Hon. Mwila said.

The PF Secretary General said the ruling party will have no problem working with Mr. Kambwili as they know his strengths and weaknesses.

And Hon. Mwila has directed party officials and members to go out and ensure that they bring back those that left the part for various reasons to ensure that President Lungu and the PF win the August 12 general elections with a landslide victory.

He has further urged party members and those aspiring for various positions to concentrate on mobilizing the party to ensure that President Lungu retains his presidency.
He charged that the legacy of the party is with the president hence the need for members to ensure that they maximize on President Lungu’s votes.

The PF Secretary General has in the last two days been addressing Party officials and aspiring candidates in Lusaka, Central and Copperbelt provinces on the adoption guidelines.

Hon. Mwila has been accompanied by newly elected Lusaka Province PF Chairman Kennedy Kamba, national mobilization Secretary, Brian Mununka, PF Deputy Media Director Antonio Mwanza and Secretariat Director of Operations Alick Tembo.

Traditional leaders urged to make centres for GBV cases

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North-Western Province Permanent Secretary, Willies Mangimela has encouraged traditional leaders to establish one stop centers for Gender Based Violence (GBV) in their respective chiefdoms so as to enhance a coordinated multi-disciplinary management of cases.

Mr Mangimela said the establishment of the centers will enable services such as continued psychosocial support for the survivors which he said is paramount in reducing vulnerability of men, women, boys and girls to be provided at community level.

He said this in Solwezi today in a speech read on his behalf by the Deputy Permanent Secretary, Emmanuel Chihili during the official opening of the Start Awareness Support Action GBV multi-disciplinary training for traditional Leaders and service providers.

“It is also important that communities have some safeguards for prevention of child abuse through establishment of some committees such as Anti-GBV and child protection,” he said

Mr Mangimela said a community that tolerates GBV will affect the development of the nation as survivors my not realize their full potential and contribute positively to national growth.

He said government appreciates efforts by stakeholders of training traditional leaders in matters of addressing gender based violence in their respective chiefdoms.

Speaking earlier Zambia Centre for Communication Program (ZCCP) Regional Coordinator, Ian Kapongo said his organization considers traditional leaders as key partners in fighting GBV as cases are more pronounced in traditional setup.

“We are more interested to work with traditional leaders because they are custodians of tradition hence need to involve them as key partners to fight the scourge. We are aware that our royal highnesses are already doing something to end this bad vice,” he said.

Meanwhile, chief Mumena of the Kaonde speaking people of Kalumbila district has described the interventions by ZCCP and KWATU programmes of fighting GBV with involvement of traditional leaders and communities as timely.

Chief Mumena said there is still a lot of shame and stigma that goes with GBV in communities which needs to be addressed.

“We have also realized that early marriages are another concept of GBV,” he said.

Chief Mumena has called on police victim support unity and other organisations dealing in matters of GBV to make community sensitization an everyday routine by working with committees established at chiefdom levels.

ZESCO to set 330KV transmission in Western

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Zambia Electricity Supply Company (Zesco) says the company is scheduled to set up a biggest 330KV transmission line in Western province.

Speaking during a stakeholder’s engagement meeting in Senanga district, Zesco Senior Manager Dr Elestina Mwewa said the coming of the project to the province is a game changer as it will boost the power supply.

“The project is called Sesheke-Mongu-Shangombo 330 transmission line will also give an opportunity to those in rural areas to be part of the national grid.

Dr Mwewa said the project will generate power from the Ngonye Hydro power station then connect to the national grid.

“This project will facilitate the connection of the Ngonye hydro power station to the national grid,” She stated.

Dr Mwewa further noted that the country is no longer experiencing load shedding and the recent power blackout in the province was due to a technical fault.

“The power blackout that was experienced on Tuesday night to Wednesday morning this week affecting Senanga, Sioma, Mongu and other districts was due to a fault along the Sioma and Senanga route and our officers quickly attended to it. Until further notice we do not have load shedding,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Acting Senanga District Commissioner Dr Likambi Kambinda called for efficiency in the implementation of the project in the district.

“The coming of the project is an important undertaking and it is good that Zesco has started stakeholder’s engagement which is vital for the smooth implementation of the project,” Dr Kambinda said.

And Zesco Western Province Regional Manager, Silvester Chumanya said the current power demand is not sufficient hence this project will lessen the burden of power connections.

“We want to have power for everyone even those in rural areas will be connected,” Mr Chumanya said.

Meanwhile, Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) Induna Kalonga of the Limulunga Kuta called on the people in the district to support the project.

Induna Kalonga said the BRE working with government wants to ensure that people’s livelihoods are improved through various investments.

ZANIS reports that a team from Zesco is touring districts in Western province as part of the stakeholder’s engagement towards the implementation of the 330 KV transmission project.

Church Mother bodies Appeal to President Lungu Not to Sign the Cyber Security and Crimes Bill into Law

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The leaders of the Church Mother bodies namely the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ), and the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) have called on President Edgar Lungu not to sign the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Bill of 2021 into law.

In a statement released to the media addressing a number of issues patterning to the coming general elections, the church mother bodies said that although the overall objectives of the bill are noble, they are are concerned that this being an election year, when the atmosphere is politically charged, a number of stakeholders will be suspicious of the intentions of government and the possible abuse of the rights for those who already feel oppressed.

The statement further said that the Church mother body is equally aware that many Zambians and organisations, such as the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), political parties, and a number of CSOs have raised oncerns about this bill and demanded that it be withdrawn for further consultations.

The statement further added that the Parliamentary Committee that considered the bill also recommended its withdrawal and ss such, people are asking as to why the House
moved on without taking into account the concerns of all key stakeholders.

“Therefore, we appeal to the conscience of the President not to sign the bill into law,” the statement read.

Below is the full statement

STATEMENT BY THE THREE CHURCH MOTHER BODIES ON THE ELECTORAL PROCESS IN ZAMBIA

“A call for free, fair, credible and peaceful elections”

“Let your hearts be broken, not your garments torn, turn to Yahweh your God again, for he is all tenderness and compassion …” (Joel 2:13)

1.0. Preamble

We, the leaders of the Church Mother bodies namely the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) and the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We acknowledge the efforts that have been made by government, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and non-state actors, including private citizens, in preparing for the holding of the 12 th August 2021 elections in Zambia; We take note of the difficulties that the country is going through, economically and socially, worsened by the debt burden as well as the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on people’s daily lives;

We are aware that a good number of stakeholders are not satisfied with what is going on in the country; economically, politically and socially.

Having read and interpreted the signs of our time in these difficult days, we wish to once again share with you, our anxieties on the state of the nation as well as the hope and faith we have together in God. We pray that the Lord may guide us in overcoming the challenges that we face as a country.

As we move towards the August elections, there are issues currently affecting the country and others that may affect the credibility of the 2021 elections in August. We therefore wish to bring the following to the attention of the nation and call upon every Zambian to take every step possible to promote peace before, during and after elections.

2.0. 2021 Electoral Challenges

2.1. Politically Motivated Violence

We appreciate the concerns the Republican President raised during his Address to Parliament on 12 th February 2021 concerning politically motivated violence. He indicated that one of the root causes is the polarisation of the Zambian society according to regional and ethnic lines, promoted by politicians. The President requested all of us to condemn violence and tribalism. We are further aware that political violence is often committed by cadres belonging to the ruling party and also by cadres belonging to the opposition in the name of self-defense. Unfortunately, violence has sometimes been committed by the Zambia police, who are supposed to protect citizens and instead use lethal weapons leading to loss of lives. Regrettably, despite the available video evidence of well-known people who engage in acts of violence and utter sentiments of tribalism/regionalism, no action has been taken. Decisive action against any person engaging in electoral related violence must be reported to the ECZ for appropriate electoral sanctions and the police for criminal charges. At the same time, we strongly appeal to political leaders to prevail over their members and ensure that they engage in peaceful campaigns. This way, impunity will be curbed and violence related to the electoral process will be minimized.

2.2. Mobile Issuance of NRCs

While we commend the government for carrying out mobile issuance of National Registration Cards (NRCs), we are aware that the exercise did not provide equal opportunities to all the Zambians that needed the cards. We raised this issue with the Ministry of Home Affairs but no action was taken to improve the situation. In our view, all NRC registration centres are supposed to be so well equipped and staffed that mobile issuance of NRCs every five years would not be necessary. Zambians who turn of age or lose their NRCs should be able to walk to these centres and obtain theirs cards without problems. If by chance a mobile issuance is done, monitoring of the exercise should be allowed.

2.3. Mobile Voter Registration

We are aware that this exercise got off to a controversial start, because there was no consensus among key stakeholders as to whether to discard the old register and create a completely new register or to just update the 2006 one. Secondly, the period that was given for this exercise was clearly not enough and so many potential voters could not manage to register. Furthermore, we noted with concern that mobile registration was used instead of stationing officers in every polling district as was done in 2006. While we appreciate the work the ECZ

has done so far in having the current register, we are of the considered view that there was room for improvement in terms of capturing more voters if proposals for a longer extension in the registration period as well as the deployment of extra staff and more registration kits were adhered to.

2.4.Current Voter Register

We are grateful to the ECZ for releasing the provisional register which gives us an indication of the number of voters that have been captured. We have noted the obvious differences of the numbers between the provinces whose NRC issuance was restricted and those who had a longer period of obtaining their cards as well as those who experienced challenges during the registration of voters. We wish to inform the nation that we are currently studying the provisional register and analysing the data and will share our findings in due course. We are doing this because the Voter’s Roll is a very important document that determines the credibility of any election.

2.5. Public Order Act and Rule of Law

To protect the lives of people and their property, the country needs law and order. In this regard, any law that protects the people’s right to assemble and associate without breaking the rights of others is necessary. However, Zambia has experienced a situation where the Public Order Act (POA) has continued to be applied selectively to curtail the ability of opposition political parties to mobilise and publicize their manifestos and to shut up other players with contrary views from those of government and the party in power.

We appreciate the Republican President’s commitment and promise he made during the last Parliamentary Address on 12 th February 2021, to guarantee law and order before, during and after elections. By so doing, he acknowledged the fact that there is a problem on this matter. We hopefully await to see the concrete measures the President and his government will take to ensure that this is achieved.

We know that the burden of ensuring that law and order is observed in the country lies on all the people of Zambia, but the police carry a special mandate to enforce law and order where society fails to voluntarily regulate itself. Given the diverse interests there is in Zambia, especially during elections, the police service has to stand firm and remain impartial at all times, if it has to win the confidence and trust of the people.

We take this opportunity to remind the nation that the aim of rule of law is to limit and check the arbitrary, oppressive, and despotic tendencies of those in power, and to ensure equal treatment and protection of all citizens irrespective of race, tribe, class, status, religion, place of origin, or political persuasion. It means having a legal framework that is fair, impartial, particularly in regard to human rights, public security and safety. Authority is legitimate if there is an established legal and institutional framework, and if decisions are taken in accordance with the accepted institutional criteria, processes, and procedures. 1 The perception that law enforcement agents had been biased and only favouring individuals from the ruling party, is now a reality that is making non ruling party members take the law into their own hands. This is equally not right.

Incidents where police stand by and watch members of the ruling party destroying property belonging to citizens is dangerous because it has the potential to erode the reduced confidence people have in police protection.

2.6. Performance of the Media

Closely linked to the freedom of expression is press freedom. The media provides a platform for people to air their views and opinions, a right which is also provided for by the Zambian Constitution. However, the law also contains some provisions that the Government can use to restrict this freedom. Two of Zambia’s four most widely circulated newspapers are public media, i.e. published by Government. Public media also includes radio and television stations financed from public resources. However, the public media has failed to fairly provide a platform for all Zambians, regardless of their political affiliation, to air their views and express their opinions on them. According to Panos Institute of Southern Africa (PSAf) and MISA, coverage by these media houses has not been fair as they consistently fail to educate and inform citizens in an objective, balanced, and clear way. 2 On the other hand, we also strongly urge the private media to be balanced and factual in the presentation of information to the public.

The cracking down of the private independent media that took place before and after the elections in 2016 sent a clear message to all private media that criticizing Government decisions and actions could put them in trouble. The once vibrant Post Newspaper, on 24 th April 2017 had its property, which included printing press, radio equipment, trucks, and other vehicles, auctioned despite the case still being heard in the High Court. In addition, some journalists from private stations that broadcast call-in and other talk show programs on which diverse and critical viewpoints were expressed freely, received threats from senior government and ruling party officials and politicians. MUVI TV and Komboni radio were temporarily shut down just after the 2011 elections. Prime TV, has become the latest private media house to be closed down and there seem to be no hope it will ever be broadcasting again. All these actions are a direct attack on the freedom of expression that Zambians are entitled to enjoy.
If there are administrative issues where media houses are found wanting, these should be dealt with in a fair and just manner and all media houses should be treated in the same way when found not compliant with statutory obligations.

Furthermore, the President during his Address to Parliament on 12 th February 2021, indicated that his government recognises the importance of the Media and to show this, a media policy was launched in November 2020. The policy aims at promoting freedom of expression and guarantees press freedom. The said policy is also anchored on media freedom, media pluralism, media independence and safety of journalists. On the other hand, media houses have continued to be harassed and closed while some of the radio stations continue to be attacked by political cadres who are intolerant of divergent views. Once more, we await to see the concrete measures that will be taken to guarantee media freedoms during the forthcoming elections.

We also hereby appeal to the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) to show that they are truly independent, effective and act in a manner that is fair and protective of all the media.

Above all, we wish to appeal to all media houses to exercise journalism for peace. This means avoiding sensational journalism and always aspiring to be truthful, fair and ethical in their reporting.

2.7. Shrinking Democratic Space

The civic and political space that Zambians possess under the constitution is a hard-won product of anti-colonial struggle, and has been key to the progress made since then towards overcoming poverty and exclusion in our country. We are disheartened to see the country moving backwards by using the same exclusion political strategies that the colonialists used such as the POA, restriction in the use of the public media, use of violence and arbitrary arrest to scare political opponents and members of the public. In addition to this, media platform restriction has now extended to social media as government has taken to parliament the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Bill of 2021. We are aware that this has passed the third reading and is awaiting the assent of the President.

Though the overall objectives of the bill are noble, we are concerned that this being an election year, when the atmosphere is politically charged, a number of stakeholders will be suspicious of the intentions of government and the possible abuse of the rights for those who already feel oppressed.

We are equally aware that many Zambians and organisations, such as the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), political parties and a number of CSOs have raised
concerns about this bill and demanded that it be withdrawn for further consultations. The Parliamentary Committee that considered the bill also recommended its withdrawal. As such, people are asking as to why the House moved on without taking into account the concerns of all key stakeholders? Therefore, we appeal to the conscience of the President not to sign the bill into law.

2.8.Elections Amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic

We are aware, as your church leaders that the COVID-19 pandemic is bringing great fear and grief to our people, including the majority of our believers. Some are asking, “Where is God in all this?” Others are asking, “Why has God allowed us to suffer so much, literally disrupting our normal life?”

Well, as your pastors and shepherds, we encourage you to seek and find God in this time of crisis. God in his mercy has intervened before in such occasions as these, and God will intervene again. We draw your attention to the story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:35-41. When the boat in which Jesus and his disciples were was rocked by the storm and it was about to sink, the disciples exclaimed, “Master don’t you care that we are about to die?” Jesus commanded the storm to stop and calmed the anxieties of the disciples.

In times such as these, we are called to have strong faith in God.

As we move closer to the August 12 elections, we call upon all stakeholders to religiously abide by the public health regulations in order to safeguard the lives of the people. In addition, we urge those in authority not to use the observance of COVID-19 protocols to stifle the efforts of those seeking to be elected, especially those in opposition. A level playing field must be created in order to avoid a disputed election even before we cast a vote.

3.0. An Appeal to the Church and the Clergy

The Church plays a critical role in advocating for social justice, stewardship of national resources and good governance in the country. We call upon the clergy to continue preaching peace, unity and tolerance before, during and after the elections. Remember that if we want peace, we must work for justice.

As a conscience of the nation, the Church must be non-partisan and avoid receiving gifts that have the potential to make it lose its prophetic voice. In the run up towards the elections, the Church remains committed to play a reconciliatory and peacebuilding role.

4.0. Conclusion

Zambians desire to hold free, fair, credible and peaceful 2021 elections. The President in his recent address to parliament said, “I, therefore, call upon every Zambian, every political party and player, the church and the civil society to join me in assuring our people of peace and unity before, during and after the 2021 general elections. We are one Zambia, and indeed we are one nation” (President Speech #168). We welcome the above-mentioned call. In addition, we call upon government and all stakeholders in the nation to take concrete steps and actions that are necessary to restore confidence in the electoral processes and rule of law.

Moving forward, the Church remains committed to engaging with the Republican President, relevant government ministries and institutions, leaders of political parties, ECZ, Zambia Police, the Media, traditional leaders, other faith leaders and CSOs in a meaningful dialogue that will yield results, so that we guarantee for our people, free, fair, credible and peaceful elections.

Once more, we reiterate the call to conversion of heart we find in Joel 2:13 – “Let your hearts be broken, not your garments torn, turn to Yahweh your God again, for he is all tenderness and compassion …” On its part, the Church has set its eyes on its desire for a conversion of hearts and minds, leading to a united, reconciled and peaceful Zambia where all citizens freely participate in governance within a thriving social and economic environment. This will continue to guide all dialogue processes and engagements that the Church will carry out, now and in the future.

Issued to the Press on 19 th March 2021 – LUSAKA.
Signed:
_______________________
Bishop Sauros Phaika
(CCZ PRESIDENT)

____________________
Bishop Paul Mususu
(EFZ CHAIRPERSON)
____________________
Bishop George C. Z. Lungu
(ZCCB PRESIDENT)

References

1.Adapted from Prof. Muna Ndulo. (2016) Paper on “Rule of Law, Peace, Security and Development”; available at
https://worldjusticeproject.org/sites/default/files/think_piece_ndulo.pdf
2. MISA-Zambia, (2016) State of Media in Zambia-Report

Zambia has continued to have a lot of critically COVID- 19 ill patients in health facilities-Health Minister

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Minister of Health Jonas Chanda says the country has continued to have a lot of critically COVID- 19 ill patients in health facilities. Dr. Chanda has urged Zambians to remain on guard against a possible third wave locally in the coming cold months.

He said mitigation of the third wave will be possible by strict adherence to public health guidelines.

“Given that we live in an interconnected and globalized world with travel into and out of Zambia, it is crucial that we remain on guard against a possible third wave locally in the coming cold months and which can only be mitigated by strict adherence to public health guidelines to prevent transmission,” he has noted.

And the Minister has further noted that most countries in Europe and some in Africa including Kenya have declared a third wave of the pandemic and are preparing to head into further lockdowns.

In a statement issued to the media in Lusaka yesterdday, the Minister further indicated that government remains committed to being guided by science and empirical evidence to inform the country’s planned voluntary vaccination programme, vaccine choices and deployment strategies.

“In addition, we have also constituted a team of experts to evaluate the lessons learnt globally on the evolution of the COVID-19 outbreak following the initiation of vaccination campaigns,” he said.

Dr. Chanda explained that the team is comparing the country’s COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and uptake levels as well as the impact on transmission rates, severity of disease, death rates and the socioeconomic status of countries.

And the Minister has announced that 214 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded out of 5,495 tests conducted in the last 24 hours representing 4% positivity thereby bringing the cumulative number of confirmed cases recorded to date to 86, 273.

Dr. Chanda indicated that North – Western Province recorded 43 cases, Copperbelt and Luapula provinces 37 cases each, Lusaka 26, Northern 18, Muchinga 17, Central and Eastern 14 each, while Southern province recorded 6 and Western 2 cases.

“Of the 214 positive samples, 183 were collected within the last 24-72 hours whereas 31 were older than 72 hours. The provinces with the highest positivity rates were North-Western with 13%, Luapula and Muchinga 9% each, while Lusaka 2%, Southern and Western had the lowest rates of 1% each,” stressed the Minister.

Meanwhile, the Minister said the cumulative number of COVID-19 related deaths recorded remains at 1,178 classified as 648 COVID-19 deaths and 530 COVID- related deaths.

He explained that a combined 396 discharges were recorded from both the COVID-19 isolation facilities and home management bringing the cumulative number of recoveries to 83,110 representing 96%.

“We currently have 1,985 active cases of whom 1,851 representing 19% are under community management and 134 representing 7% are admitted to our COVID-19 isolation facilities with 88 on oxygen therapy and 24 in critical condition,” he pointed out.

Power Dynamos Go Fifth After Beating Prison Leopards

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Power Dynamos have jumped into the top five of the FAZ Super Division following a 1-0 home win over Prison Leopards at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.

A sleek Power efficiently went about their business at Arthur Davies to collect back-to-back league wins for the second time this season since early December when they beat Lumwana Radiants in Kitwe and Nkwazi away in Lusaka.

Striker Kennedy Musonda scored a fantastic looping volley from outside the box in the 18th minute to hand Power their second successive league.

But Prison goalkeeper Charles Kalumba was in outstanding form and made two fantastic save to keep the score line respectable.

Kalumba made a spectacular diving stop to deny Musonda a brace in the 37th minute.

His second great save came in the 78th minute when he parried Godfrey Ngwenya’s shot that later hit the beam on its way out for a corner that came to nothing.

The victory sees Power jump from ninth to fifth on 31 points, one point outside the continental slots where Forest Rangers are fourth and occupy one of the two CAF Confederation Cup slots.

Power are five points outside the CAF Champions League berths where Zanaco sit at number two and are further nine points adrift of Zesco United.

Meanwhile, promoted Prison have now lost three successive league defeats and the loss comes a week after they were eliminated from the 2021 ABSA Cup in the quarterfinals last Sunday by Lusaka Dynamos.

North Western scales up tree planting

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North-Western province Permanent Secretary, Willies Mangimela has called for concerted efforts by all stakeholders to find resources and ensure that trees are not only protected but also planted in needy areas in the region.

Mr Mangimela who noted with concern the indiscriminate cutting of trees for charcoal production, timber production and clearance of big pieces of land for cultivation said if left unchecked the acts have the potential to cause deforestation, poor agriculture production and climate change.

Mr Mangimela said this in Solwezi today in a speech read on his behalf by the deputy Permanent Secretary, Emmanuel Chihili during the 2020-2021 tree planting ceremony at Solwezi General Hospital.

Mr Mangimela has since called on the forestry department to scale up patrols, community sensitization and tree planting and ensure all illegal acts are curbed.

“I would like to also call upon cooperating partners, the private sector and civil society organisations to continue partnering with government for sustainable forest management,” he said.

Mr Mangimela further called on the Ministry of Agriculture to sensitize farmers on sustainable farming without massive clearance of trees in order to protect the environment for the betterment of the current and future generations.

“Let us all remember that without trees there will be no healthy population, no cleaner air and poor environment will be the order of the day,” he said.

Mr Mangimela disclosed that government through the department of forestry has so far planted in excess of 40,000 assorted trees in various districts in the province during the 2020-2021 tree planting season.

“I am happy that we are here at Solwezi general hospital to establish a fruit orchard for the hospital where 500 assorted fruit trees shall be planted. This will improve the nutrition status of patients”, he said.

Meanwhile, Solwezi general hospital Medical Superintendent, Namwaka Mukunyandela expressed hope that the 500 fruit trees that will be planted will help the health facility to improve the nutrition status of the patients and thanked the cooperating partners for the gesture.

And Youth for Tomorrow Zambia Public Relations Officer, Ernest Chinjamba said his organization has partnered with the department of Forestry and Ministry of Health to promote afforestation after realizing that the rate at which trees are being indiscriminately cut is very worrying.

“What is happening here at Solwezi general hospital is just one of the things that we are doing to promote afforestation through establishment of fruit orchards. So these 500 trees is just a beginning,” Mr Chinjamba said.

He said the organization will be going round the whole country to plant trees in schools and hospitals to help increase the population of trees in the country.

Nevers Mumba Declared MMD President

The New Hope Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) has declared Nevers Mumba as party president despite the injunction filed against the party.

And Dr. Mumba has described the injunction as invalid.

He says for an injunction to be genuine, it should come with all accompanying documents, seal from the court and a cause for it.

Dr. Mumba told ZNBC News that the convention was earlier this morning abandoned at Bonanza because the party wanted to protect its members.

He however says all the business that needed to be done was achieved as the party constitution was followed.

But Senior MMD Member Webby Chipili said his group put in an injunction to restrain Dr. Mumba and his team from going ahead with the convention because the party has not had any intra party elections from which delegates for the convention are picked.

Mr. Chipili, who is a former Deputy Minister of Information said Dr. MUMBA’s going ahead with the convention means disfranchising a large part of the former ruling party membership.

He charged that the move is unacceptable because the MMD introduced democracy in Zambia.

Mr. Chipili further noted that no one is against Dr. Mumba but they are against the deliberate distortion of the party constitution.