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Christian Colleges and Universities Association Launched

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Christian Colleges and Universities Association Launched

National Guidance and Religious Affairs Minister Godfridah Sumaili says the participation of the Church in the development of human capital is a key ingredient for economic development.

Rev. Sumaili said the Church’s involvement in higher Education is an assurance that human development is valued and placed as an aspect which will help with the attainment of the National Development Plan.

Rev Sumali said this in a speech read on her behalf by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Howard Sikwela, during the launch of Christian Colleges and Universities Association (CCUA).

Rev. Sumaili indicated that Tertiary institutions run by Churches should inculcate Christian values in their learners in order to inspire good morals and principles which are also National values enshrined in the constitution.

She explained that government supports the newly launched association as it will contribute to self-regulation and enhance best practices among the church-run higher institutions of learning.

And CCUA Chairperson Lazarus Phiri said the association is aimed at advancing a biblical worldview in higher education in Zambia and unifying member institutions that seek to create an environment for Christ transformed lives by offering excellence in education.

He explained that the main purpose of the association is to provide relevant information and advocacy for Christian colleges and universities in Zambia.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Higher Education Permanent Secretary Kayula Siame expressed happiness with the rate at which the number of government and private Universities and colleges is increasing in Zambia.

Mrs Siame said it is overwhelming to realize that most young people in the country have access to higher education and are able to acquire knowledge for self-sustainability.

ZRA impounds 74 Vehicles illegally imported into Zambia

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ZRA impounds 74 Vehicles illegally imported into Zambia

The Zambia Revenue Authority has impounded 74 vehicles which were imported into the country without being cleared.
This follows an operation conducted in Kitwe, Ndola and Lusaka targeting vehicles that have not been registered and those on temporal importation basis but their permits have expired.

ZRA Commissioner General Kingsley Chanda said the operation was conducted in order to show the people that have continued to smuggle vehicles that the Authority’s focus on voluntary compliance does not mean it does not have the power to enforce.

“It is Very sad that under three hours of operation in the three cities we have impounded 74 vehicles. 19 on the copperbelt and 54 in Lusaka,” he said.

And Mr Chanda said the Authority has given those whose vehicles have not been cleared up to 26th May in order to regularize matters.
The Commissioner General has since waived penalties and interests on all the vehicles that have entered the country illegally as a form of an incentive until the grace period elapses.

“ We will not charge you, and we will not ask you questions. Do not be scared, come forward. This amnesty will also apply to vehicles we have impounded today,” he said.

Mr Chanda however warned that any vehicle that will be found wanting beyond 26th May will be impounded and forfeited.

Measures in place to control locusts-Katambo

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Measures in place to control locusts-Katambo

Government has put all the necessary mitigation measures to control the deadly African migratory locusts in the country.

Minister of Agriculture Michael Katambo said mitigation measures such as procurement of chemicals both for aerial and ground spraying to contain and control the ravaging field crop pest have been done.

Mr. Katambo said government used a multi-sectoral approach to put in place these measures.

He expressed happiness that motorised ground sprayers have been procured with the support of the International Red Locust for Central and Southern Africa.

These motorised sprayer are meant to intensify spraying of affected areas in Kazungula district.

The minister was speaking in an exclusive interview with the National Agricultural Information Services (NAIS) in Sikaunzwe agriculture camp in Kazungula district when he visited the area to monitor the spraying of affected areas.

Mr. Katambo was gratified to see members of the community that includes farmers participating in wiping out the African migratory locusts.

He explained that the pest is a great threat to Zambia’s food security hence it was important for farmers to work side by side with Ministry of Agriculture specialists in eradicating the locusts.

He noted that had government not worked in a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach and if agriculture staff had not quickly notified the ministry about the presence of the locusts the pests could have spread to other areas thereby threatening food security.

Mr. Katambo has since called for further multi-sectoral approach in fighting the pest with neighbouring countries such as Botswana and Namibia.

He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been engaged to see to it that once Botswana and Namibia do the spraying, Zambia should equally be spraying at the same time to eradicate the pest completely.

The minister said he has been briefed by agriculture experts that there are also red locusts in Kazungula, which breed once a year and the African migratory locusts which breed four to five times in a year.

Mr. Katambo has meanwhile commended President Edgar Lungu for putting in place all the mitigation measures.

The Zambia Airforce (ZAF), the International Red Locust for Central and Southern Africa and the Ministry of Agriculture staff are working together to contain and control the devastating pest.

The minister disclosed that government has procured enough chemicals which are in storage facilities in Southern Province both for aerial and ground spraying.

And Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary Songowayo Zyambo commended his staff in Southern and Western provinces for working tirelessly in controlling and containing the pest.

Mr. Zyambo said officers in Kazungula district are waking up at 04 AM every day to go in the field to spray locusts in a bid to keep the pest at a level that cannot cause damage to field crops.

He said it is critical is to keep the pest at a level that is not damaging to crop fields by carrying out a continuous monitoring, surveillance, and spraying regime on the ravaging pest.

Mr. Zyambo said a robust spraying regime will be put in place throughout the year so that the pest does not create a threat on national food security.

He revealed that government will procure another consignment of pesticides and store them so that immediately there is an outbreak, experts can quickly move in to spray against the pest.

The Permanent Secretary said this is owing to the demand for the chemical by a number of countries experiencing the problem of African migratory locusts.

He said the demand has culminated in delayed supply from the suppliers once an order for chemicals has been placed.

NAQEZ appeals to Government to close schools on August 6 before the General Elections

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NAQEZ appeals to Government to close schools on August 6 before the General Elections

The National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ) has appealed to the Ministry of General Education to consider shifting the date of closing schools in term two from 13th to 6th August, 2021 before August 12th, the day for the 2021 general elections.

NAQEZ Executive Director Aaron Chansa said closing schools a day after voting in a general election would not be ideal for teachers and learners, especially for those pupils in boarding schools.

Mr. Chansa said it will be very difficult for learners in boarding schools to travel back home immediately after an election on 12th August 2021.

He said in a statement to ZANIS in Lusaka today that it is in public domain that most teachers in Zambia play a role in the electoral process before, during and after voting.

He added that schools are also used as polling centres hence the environment will be unfriendly for learning a few days before and after the polls.

“NAQEZ is still waiting for the General Education Ministry to call for a stakeholders’ indaba to deal with the nature of 2021 national examinations, considering the fact that learners in examination classes did not complete the academic work for 2020,” he said.

Mr. Chansa explained that this indaba should also deal with educational fundamentals such as the more than 60,000 unemployed teachers and the lack of guidance and counselling services in schools, the state of newly upgraded secondary schools, relying too much on academics at the expense of vocational skills, state of early childhood education (ECE) and other matters currently affecting teachers and learners.

Installation of Presidential Solar Milling plants countrywide has now Completed

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Installation of Presidential Solar Milling plants countrywide has now Completed

The Zambia Corporative Federation has completed the installation of all the Presidential Solar Milling plants countrywide.

ZCF Director General James Chirwa says the installation of the 1683 solar mills is a launch pad for rural industrialization and economic growth.

The installed plants, 30 are for rice processing while the rest are for maize.

Mr Chirwa explained that his federation is working on the challenge of few non-operational mills in the country at a supersonic speed.

He explained that people in the rural areas are benefiting from the plants through maize grinding and will soon have their houses connected to power from the panels.

“We have installed on the 1,683 plants and 30 are for rice, then the rest for maize. We have heard some sections of society saying those plants are white elephants, they are speaking from an ignorant point of view because they need to visit the rural areas where these plants are dotted to appreciate how much people are using them. Yes, we may have some challenges here and there but were addressing those challenges so fast and we call on the general citizenry to support this agenda,” he said.

Mr Chirwa recollected that his federation is working with Rural Electrification Authority (REA) to connect 50 houses in Chongwe to the electricity from the solar panels of the milling plants.

And a team from ZCF team yesterday inspected selected solar milling plants in Rufunsa district.

Director of Projects Derrick Sokoni explained that of the 11 Solar Milling plants dotted around Rufunsa district only two are temporarily not operating a thing which was being addressed.

Mr Sokoni called on the primary cooperatives to guide the solar milling plants jealously as they are key to the social and economic development of the country.

“This is a routine inspection and we are here in Rufunsa to appreciate how the solar milling plants are operating as you can see people are grinding from here and all is well. My call top the primary cooperatives is to take care of these plants and to the community, I urge them to utilize these services fully,” he explained.

And beneficiaries of the solar milling plants in Rufunsa district have confirmed grinding their maize at the cheap price.

Fackson Phiri and Catherine Phiri both praised President Edgar Lungu for the initiative which enables them to have quality mealie meal at a cheap price.

Miles Sampa abandons Lusaka Mayoral race

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Miles Sampa abandons Lusaka Mayoral race

Lusaka Mayor Miles Sampa has announced that he is withdrawing from the race to recontest the position of Lusaka Mayor.

In a letter addressed to the Lusaka PF District Committee and copied to PF Secretary General, Mr Sampa said he has decided to abandon the Mayoral race.

Mr Sampa said this was done after consultations with his wife, his mother, his children, his sisters, his brothers, the extended family and friends.

“On the 12th and 16th March, 2021, I lodged in my application with Lusaka PF District and Provincial offices to re-contest as Mayor of the City of Lusaka in the upcoming 12th August General Elections. I attach herewith a copies of the said application letter for your ease of reference. After further consultations with my wife, my mother, my children, my sisters, my brothers, my extended family and my friends, I wish to withdraw the aforementioned application forthwith,” Mr Sampa said.

“Accordingly, please consider the application Null and Void hereon,” he said.

Fans Troop Back to Stadiums As Zambia Rugby Season Kicks Off

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Spectators will be allowed as the 2021 local rugby season starts on Saturday with traditional opening matches in the new normal.

Zambia Rugby Union spokesperson Tom Chaloba said clubs and fans are expected to consistently follow the Covid-19 guidelines in the best interest of the sport.

Zambian rugby has been inactive for over a year owing to the impact of Covid-19.

“The onus is on fans to ensure that they follow Covid-19 guidelines so that the games are not postponed again,” Chaloba said.

“Fans will be there to watch the games except that people should mask up, sanitize while maintain that physical distance as expected by the Ministry of Health,” Chaloba said.

League champions Red Arrows opens the season with an encounter against Nkwazi in the traditional matches in the Lusaka Show Grounds.

Former league champions Diggers “Men at Work” will visit the Rampant Lions of Nchanga in Chingola with Konkola hosting Kansanshi.

Traditional Games Full Fixtures

20/03/ 2021

Lusaka Vs Green Eagles (Lusaka)

Red Arrows Vs Nkwazi (Lusaka)

Nchanga Vs Diggers (Chingola)

Ndola Wanderers Vs Roan (Ndola)

KPF Vs Mufulira Leopards (Kitwe)

Konkola Vs Kansanshi (Chililabombwe)

Chibuluma Vs Mufulira Hunters (Kalulushi)

Women’s Rugby

Green Eagles Women Club Vs Red Arrows (Lusaka)

Power Dynamos Host Prison Leopards in Top 5 Chase

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A top five spot beckons this Saturday when Power Dynamos and Prison Leopards meet in a rescheduled FAZ Super Division Week 19 fixture at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.

The fixture sees Prison’s return to fully focus on the league for the remainder of this season following 2021 ABSA Cup quarterfinal elimination last Sunday by Lusaka Dynamos on post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka.

Promoted Prison are currently seventh on the log on 29 points, one point more than Power who are ninth but trail the top two by a gap of at least seven points where second positioned Zanaco have 36 points and leaders Zesco United are on 40 points after twenty games played.

Fifth placed Buildcon who have 31 points are the benchmark both Power and Prison must supersede heading into Saturday’s game.

Victory for Prison will see them replace Buildcon and will have just goal difference separating them fourth positioned Forest Rangers.

A home win for Power will obviously see the Kitwe side leap over Prison and join Buildcon and number six side Kabwe Warriors on 31 points before the league resumes at the end of three-week international and Cup break on April 3.
Meanwhile, the first leg Week 2 meeting between Power and Prison on November 4 ended 0-0 in Kabwe.

But Power head into their home game without their international call-ups with defender Zachariah Chilongoshi, midfielders Benson Sakala and Spencer Sautu who are all away on AFCON 2021 qualifying duty with Chipolopolo.

Prison’s on the other hand have no such stress with the same strong side that featured in the ABSA quarterfinals at their disposal.

ECL honours promise on bicycles for headmen

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ECL honours promise on bicycles for headmen

President Edgar Lungu has honoured his pledge to provide bicycles for village headmen in Chitambo, Mkushi and Serenje districts in Central province to help them move around to monitor development projects in their chiefdoms.

Central Province Permanent Secretary Bernard Chomba, who presented the first consignment of the distribution on behalf of President Lungu to the headmen, said the bicycles must not be personalised but should help everyone to benefit the community.

Mr. Chomba said there is need to continue maintaining the bicycles and treasuring them as though they were bought using own money.

He added that village headmen will now be able to execute their duties effectively as their mobility to respective villages have been eased.

And Edgar Chagwa Lungu Multi-Purpose Empowerment Cooperative Coordinator Fuli Musumuko has disclosed that over 6,000 bicycles have already been distributed to four provinces.

Mr. Musumuko warned that the bicycles must not be sold to any one as they were a special gift from the President and the first of its kind in the history of the country.

He added that previously, only chiefs were empowered with mobility but now the exercise has covered headmen as well.

And one of the beneficiaries, headman Muchinda, thanked the Mr. Lungu saying this is the first time ever when a sitting President has assisted headmen.

Zambia partner with EU to foster renewable energy

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Zambia partner with EU to foster renewable energy

The Ministry of Energy in partnership with European Union (EU) is developing a renewable energy resources strategy that will create awareness on the different sources of energy.

Ministry of Energy Principal Power Officer Michael Mulasikwanda announced the partnership with the EU that will spearhead the demonstration of alternative energy sources in the country.

Mr. Mulasikwanda noted that the focus will be on making demonstrations on alternatives energy such as wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass energy.

Mr. Mulasikwanda was speaking during a stakeholder’s meeting organized by Fast-Fold Energy Solutions in Lusaka today.

“The biggest challenge the ministry has encountered is lack of knowledge and awareness of different energy sources,” he observed

Mr. Mulasilkwanda further said the government has demonstrated interest in the use of other sources of energy by reducing energy products to zero-rate prices on all imports.

He called for more use of solar technology, especially in rural areas.

And First Aid Africa Chief Executive officer Luck Abraham commended Zambia for being the first country to have the largest mobile solar panel produced by the Scottish government on the African continent.

Mr. Abraham noted that such demonstrates that Zambia is transitioning towards solar electricity to generate power for its people

“ am proud that Zambia is the first to have a mobile solar panel, the largest solar panel on the African continent this could not be possible if it was not for the progressive policies of the Zambian government,’’ he noted.

He expressed happiness that his organization will work with government departments to demonstrate alternatives sources of energy

Lamba Association endorse Stardy Mwale for Masaiti Central seat

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Lamba Association endorse Stardy Mwale for Masaiti Central seat

THE Lamba Lima Swaka Association of Zambia (LLASWAZ) has endorsed the candidature of Former Defence Permanent Secretary Stardy Mwale as Member Paliament for Masaiti Central Constituency.

The Association says they are supporting the candidacy of Mr Mwale on the Patriotic Front (PF) ticket because they believe he would represent the pipo of Masaiti well.

At a press briefing held in Ndola, Association President Jimmy Katanga Musuka said Mr Mwale has a heart and respect for the people of Masaiti.

Mr Musuka said Mr Mwale has demonstrated that he can lead and help the people of Masaiti in development.

“Stardy Mwale is a suitable man for Masaiti which is PF stronghold. He visits the people of Masaiti and helps them in so many ways,We want here in Masaiti,” he said.

He said Mr Mwale was born and bred in Masaiti and that his current investments in Masaiti had created jobs for the locals.

Other aspiring Members of Parliament endorsed for the forthcoming general elections by the association include Emmanuel Kasambo for Mpongwe Constituency on the PF ticket, Leonard Fungulwe as MP for Lufwanyama under the UPND.

The others are Stabiso Tshili as MP for Ngambwe in central province, Ellen Gregolack for Luanshya mayor and Diana Mosi for Masaiti District Chairperson.

Mr Musuku however urged party officials from both the opposition and ruling party to adopt candidates that were capable of representing the people and not on a monetary basis.

CSPR speaks against adoption fees

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CSPR speaks against adoption fees

The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) in Eastern Province has described as exorbitant the adoption fees that some political parties are charging for this year elections.

ZANIS reports that CSPR Provincial Coordinator Samson Mbewe said the high application fees that political parties are charging those applying to be adopted as candidates has the potential to discriminate the youth and women from contesting in this year’s general elections.

Mr Mbewe noted that the fees do not promote youth and women participation in politics as majority of them have no financial capacity to afford what they are being asked to pay for applications in their various political parties.

He mentioned with the foregoing, the country will disadvantage itself from benefiting from the good leadership that the young and energetic possess.

Mr Mbewe has urged political parties to provide a conducive-environment for the young people and women to aspire for political office by reducing or completely removing the application fees.

‘’As CSPR, we are concerned with the high application fees charged to aspiring candidates by political parties. This will surely disadvantage youths and women who may want to vie for political office during the August general election,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, Youth Development Foundation (YDF) Executive Director Chinoya Muyeye has described the high fees being charged on candidacy applicants as a mockery on democracy as well as an impediment to youth participation in the political processes of the country.

Mr Muyeye has reiterated that the fees are not affordable to the young people considering the economic downturn that the country is passing through.

He has warned that if political parties do not rescind their decision, youth participation in the August polls will be affected as majority of cannot afford to pay the high fees.

Some political parties are charging as much as K5 000 for those applying to be adopted as candidates in the forthcoming parliamentary polls.

Father in custody for beating son

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Father in custody for beating son

A 33-year old man is appearing in the Kapiri Mposhi Magistrate court for assaulting his 13 year old child.

Before Kapiri Mposhi Magistrate, Edward Banda, was Brian Mwape of Soweto Compound in Kapiri Mposhi district who stood charged with one count of Assault on a Child contrary to section 248 A Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offence are that on February 4, 2021, Mwape assaulted his son occasioning him with bodily harm by whipping the minor with a fresh mulberry stick after he suspected him of stealing money. Mwape was arrested by the Zambia Police after his wife reported the incident.

Mwape has entered a plea of not guilty and Magistrate Banda has since adjourned the matter to March 24, 2021 for trial.The prosecution has lined up five witnesses including the minor and his mother to testify against Mwape while the accused is in police custody.

Meanwhile, a 34-year-old man has been sentenced to one year imprisonment with hard labour for assaulting his 34 year old wife. Brian Chola of Soweto Compound was in court for assaulting his wife Martha Mulima, 34 occasioning her actual bodily harm contrary to Section 248 Cap 87 of the Penal Code of the Laws of Zambia.

Chola readily pleaded guilty to the offence. Facts before court were that on March 5, 2021, around 20:00 hours Chola assaulted his wife by lashing her with metal chain and punching her with his fists after suspecting her of infidelity. The victim sustained cuts on the face and around her body from the beating.

In mitigation Chola pleaded with the court to exercise leniency on him as he was on Ant Retroviral Therapy (ART).He further claimed that he still loved his wife as they had a covenant not to separate stating that sending him to jail would break their covenant.

But in passing judgement Magistrate Banda noted that the offence of Gender Based Violence (GBV) that Chola had committed was very serious and needed a custodial sentence for him to reform.

“You can’t claim to love someone and still beat them like you did, I hope you will learn something from the custodial sentence and change to a better person when you come out,” Magistrate Banda said.

Zambia’s External stands at $ 12.74 billion, and not $ 27 billion-Ministry of Finance

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Zambia’s External stands at $ 12.74 billion, and not $ 27 billion-Ministry of Finance

The government has said that Zambia’s external debt remains at 12.74 billion dollars, contrary to claims that the debt was 27 billion dollars as of 2019.

The Ministry of Finance said that the 12.7 billion dollars was as of end of December 2020.

A statement availed to to the media by the Ministry in Lusaka today said that some media reports made the 27 billion dollars debt claim, following a misrepresentation by the World Bank’s International Debt Statistics published in October 2020.

The statement noted that the 27-billion dollars debt refers to all external debt including debt held by the private sector such as mining companies, banks, and other corporates which government is not in charge.

The Ministry notes that government has no liability for debt held by the private sector, adding that the World Bank’s report makes it clear that government external debt was around 11-billion dollars in 2019 similar to what the government reported.

The Ministry further noted that Zambia engaged in positive and constructive virtual talks with the International Monetary Fund earlier this month, making clear progress towards an agreement on a policy package and path to fiscal and debt sustainability.

The statement further stated that the country hoped the current engagements with various multilateral stakeholders will contribute to its goal of restoring public debt sustainability.

Meanwhile. ZCCM-IH Chief Investments Officer Brian Musonda has said that Mopani Copper Mine (MCM) will significantly contribute to Zambia’s economic revenue, now that the mine is in the hands of Zambians, adding that the mine will have something to show to the nation as positive things will be actualized.

Speaking during Radio Icengelo programme in Kitwe yesterday, Mr. Musonda said that ZCCM-IH working with Mopani management have worked on a strategy to turnaround the mine and make it profitable and that ZCCM-IH financials show that under Glencore the mine has been recording losses since privatisation.

Mr Musonda said that Zambians who have been operating the mine since April last year are upbeat about growing the company and will ensure it is run professionally.

Mr Musonda said that ZCCM-IH management is optimistic that things will be handled well by the Zambians.

“We are very sure that something positive will come out from Mopani because Zambians will ensure that the mine contributes something to the country,” Mr. Musonda said.

“Mopani will continue to produce results and we will give them support as shareholders, the performance of Mopani has improved and the financial status of the mine is encouraging,” he said

The acquisition will result in ZCCM-IH taking full ownership of Mopani. The transaction is scheduled to be fully consummated by 31 March 2021 after the ZCCM-IH Extraordinary general meeting on 30 March 2021 in which ZCCM-IH shareholders will vote on the transaction.

PF will follow ECZ guidelines on Grade 12 Certificate-Davies Mwila

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PF will follow ECZ guidelines on Grade 12 Certificate-Davies Mwila

The ruling Patriotic Front (PF) party Secretary General Davies Mwila has said that the party will follow the guidelines of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) requiring everyone standing for elective office to be in possession of a Grade 12 certificate or its equivalent.

Speaking at the party’s Lusaka Provincial Conference at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre yesterday, Mr Mwila said that only those who have the Grade 12 certificate.

Mr Mwila further said that the adoption of candidates to stand on the PF ticket will purely be on merit and that no one must be adopted on the basis of friendship, adding that those who were close to him and were using their proximity as a means for adoption will be disappointed as he does not want anyone to come to him and try to lure him to make a decision that will favour them.

Mr Mwila said all those who want to recontest their various positions on the party ticket will undergo a rigorous selection process as the party will not entertain those who did not work to the expectations of the people in their previous term.

He said those who did nothing in the previous five years will bid their positions farewell but that those who delivered will have nothing to worry about as they will still be re-adopted.

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