Wednesday, October 30, 2024
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HH nominates Guy Scott to UPND’s highest decision making body

United Party for National Development(UPND) President Hakainde Hichilema has nominated former Republican Vice President Guy Scott to the National Management Committee (NMC), the party’s highest decision-making body.

Speaking at a press conference where Mr HIchilema announced the full management team, Dr. Scott was also appointed as a Chief Consultant of the party.

Mr Hichilema also appointed Bakute Imenda as party Secretary General, Stephen Chikota and Trevor Mwiinde as deputy youth chairpersons for Administration and Politics, respectively and Brian Ndumba as Deputy Elections Chairperson. A number of portfolios that remained vacant after the first announcements have also been filled.

Mr Imenda takes over from Stephen Katuka who was appointed as National Chairperson recently. The moves settle the dust surrounding the role, which has been vacant since the UPND held its intra-party elections on 14th February 2021.

Making the announcement at the party secretariat in Lusaka yesterday morning, Mr Hichilema stated appointed Sesheke MP, Romeo Kang’ombe as deputy Chairperson for Mobilization while Grace Chibwa has been moved from Finance and Economics to Rural Development.

Percy Chanda is Mines Chairperson while Joseph Mphuka is head of Cooperatives. Joseph Lungu is head of Policy and Research. Others are Daniel Chisala who will head Water Development while Dr Bob Sakahilu has been retained as head of Health. Frank Tayali will head the Governance Committee while Chirundu MP, Douglas Syakalima has been retained as the Special Advisor to the President.

According to the UPND Media team, a number of portfolios have been created to mirror the UPND’s emphasis on the various sectors of the economy.

Below are the posts:

1. Communication-Felix Ngoma;
2. Technical Education-John Chinyanta;
3. Education-Dr Choolwe Beyani;
4. Mines-Percy Chanda;
5. Arts-Pastor Kangwa Chileshe;
6. Home Land Security-Hon. Elijah Muchima;
7. Technological Development-Hon. Brian Kambita.
8. Deputy Chairperson for Legal and Constitution-Mulambo Haimbe,
9. Planning-Ambrose Lufuma, deputized by Mutinta Mazoka,
10. Gender-Clarissa Chikamba,
11. Technical Education-John Mupusha,
12. Fisheries- Daniel Chishala,
13. Labour- Godfrey Beene,
14. Culture – Sibote Sibote,
15. -Livestock-Credo Nanjuwa,
16. Water Development-Rodrick Chewe,
17. Housing-George Sinkala,
18. Social Security-Dr Moono Mapani,
19. Youth and Sport-Prudence Chinama,
20. Child and Nutrition-Salome Mwanakatwe,
21. Entrepreneurship-Ellen Mulenga Banda,
22. Deputy Education-Isaac Mukuka,
23. Deputy Cooperatives-Jairos Simbeye,
24. Deputy Youth and Sport-Isidor Tetamshimba,
25. Deputy Livestock-Harris Phiri,
26. Deputy Community Development-Elina Sakala,
27. Homeland Security-Brig. General-Gershom Chungu,
28. Deputy Youth Chairperson-Keith Ng’onga,
29. Legal-Milner Katolo.

Those that have been nominated to the NMC include:

1. Major Foloshi,
2. Sydney Chisanga,
3. Mulondwe Muzungu,
4. Moono Mapani,
5. Ephraim Belemu,
6. Joseph Lungu,
7. Godfrey Beene,
8. Suresh Desai
9. Dr Choolwe Beyani,
10. Mr Shaputu,
11. Costa Mwape,
12. Ackson Sejani,
13. Dr Kulye Kulye,
14. Dr Guy Scott.

Chikankata DC warns illegal miners

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Chikankata District Commissioner, Peter Mwiinde has warned people conducting illegal mining of different minerals in the area to stop the illicit act with immediate effect.

Mr. Mwiinde said any one who will be found mining illegally will be arrested by the Zambia police and prosecuted in courts of law.

He sounded the warning during the Mwenda Rural Development Trust and stakeholders meeting held at Chikankata mission today.

Mr. Mwiinde said it is unfortunate that some people have been carrying out illegal mining of different minerals in some parts of Chikankata district.

He said anyone who wants to do mining in the district should follow the rightful procedures in accordance with the mineral act of Zambia.

He has further stressed that anyone who will not follow the timely warning, their freedom will be curtailed without compromise.

Mr. Mwiinde said he has been receiving disturbing reports that some people have been indiscriminately extracting various minerals without following the law.

Serenje man kills barman for refusing to serve him

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A 35-year-old man of Serenje district in Central Province has been murdered after he refused to sell beer to a customer. Richard Shupa, a farmer and barman of Fitebo area, was murdered on Monday by a client he declined to sell beer to.

Central Province Police Commissioner Chola Katanga confirmed the incident to ZANIS in an interview.

Mr. Katanga said the deceased was murdered by Gift Mwape aged 32, also of Fitebo area.

He explained that on Sunday around 21:00hrs, Mwape went to a bar where Shupa was a barman and demanded that the latter sells some beer to him even after the place had been closed.

Mr. Katanga said since the bar had closed, Shupa declined to sell beer to his client and on Monday morning, Mwape returned to the bar to ask why Shupa could not attend to his demands the previous night.

The Central Province Police Commissioner explained that in the process of asking, Mwape pushed Shupa who fell to the ground and died.

“I can confirm the death of Richard Shupa 35, a farmer of Fitebo. He was pushed, fell to the ground and died by Gift Mwape 32, of the same area,” Mr. Katanga said.

He added that Mwape is in police custody while Shupa’s body is laying in Serenje district hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem.

Mr. Katanga has since advised members of the public to learn to resolve issues amicably by either seeking help from police or other people.

Religious Affairs Minister reacts to video where Dora Siliya was being insulted

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Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili has expressed disappointment with the unpalatable language being peddled in the country to advance political mileage.

Reverend Sumaili has expressed concern over a video circulating on social media where a woman alleged to be at a political party meeting in Petauke district in Eastern province took to the floor to insult Petauke Member of Parliament Dora Siliya, who is also Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services.

She has since appealed to all aspiring candidates in the opposition and the ruling party to be civil as they carry out their political campaigns.

She said in a statement to the media that mudslinging, name-calling, and character assassination should not be used as a basis of convincing voters to vote for a particular candidate.

Rev. Sumaili said it was unacceptable and uncultured for any person to insult a leader because of their political interest.

“Zambians are looking forward to issue-based campaign messages and strategies that give them confidence in their leaders and a better Zambia,” she said.

She explained that the Zambian people aspire to see a nation full of love and respect for one another as well as leaders that are advancing development-oriented politics and not parading people to insult national leaders.

Billions of Kwacha Donated by PF is Taxpayers’ Money being Pilfered from the Treasury

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By Sean Tembo

1. As Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP), we have noted with regret the efforts by the ruling PF party in general and President Edgar Lungu in particular to buy votes ahead of the 12th August general elections.

Almost on a daily basis, President Lungu is donating millions to certain privileged individuals in the name of empowerment, the latest being 52 fuel tankers worth more than K200 million that were donated to selected youths a few days ago. These disparate gestures on the part of President Lungu are not only a violation of the Electoral Process Act No.35 of 2016 and the Republican Constitution, but are an insult to the dignity of the citizens of this Republic.

2. As Patriots for Economic Progress, we wish to advise Mr Lungu that if Zambians were a gullible type of people that could sell their votes in return for gifts and donations, then the MMD Government would still be in power today. However, the majority of Zambians are upright individuals who care deeply about their future and that of their children and who will only give a vote to a political grouping that has the potential to take this country to greater heights of national development.

President Edgar Lungu and his PF party should further be reminded that the Zambian people have been very gracious with them. Despite not showing any tangible signs of potential, the Zambian people gave Mr Lungu a vote in 2015 and made him President. A year later in 2016, despite very poor performance in the intervening period, the Zambian people were again very gracious and decided to give Mr Lungu the benefit of doubt that perhaps the one year period that he had been President was too short to judge him fairly.

3. However, after a full five year period that has been characterized by haphazard economic policies, blatant corruption, total disregard for the rule of law and ceaseless political violence, there is now no doubt in the minds of all reasonable Zambians that Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu has dismally failed to properly discharge the duties and functions of the office of Republican President and should therefore be retired in the national interest, while this country still has a chance to make a full recovery.

Should the Zambian people make the mistake of re-electing President Lungu and his PF party, there will not be any Zambia left to talk about at the end of his additional 5 year tenure.

4. By 2026 under a continued Lungu presidency, the economy would have completely collapsed such that we shall be carrying money in wheelbarrows to go and buy a loaf of bread at a nearby grocery shop. Zambia would have produced its first dollar billionaire being one of the PF Ministers, due to incessant corruption. and Any opposition leader with a dissenting voice will either be in prison or in exile.

And PF cadres will be managing police stations on a full time basis, in the same manner and fashion that they are currently managing bus stations and markets. The future of Zambia will be very dark and gloomy.

5. As Patriots for Economic Progress, we wish to take this opportunity to remind all well-meaning citizens of this Republic to remain steadfast in their resolution to retire President Lungu and his PF party in the national interest. They should not be swayed by the donations and gifts that the President and his party officials dish out on a daily basis. We all know that President Lungu has no personal financial resources to talk home about, and neither does his party, the Patriotic Front.

Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that the billions of Kwacha which the ruling PF party has so far donated is ostensibly taxpayers’ money that is being pilfered from the treasury. The Zambian people would be so naive to allow their votes to be bought with stolen money. Money which belongs to the people themselves in the first place. And money which will be recovered by the PF through additional theft of public funds, should they be re-elected into office. Let us think critically and vote wisely in the upcoming general elections.

Reply to Sishuwa Sishuwa: You are right, President Lungu will win 2021 but for good reasons!

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The prediction by Political Analyst Sishuwa Sishuwa that President Edgar Lungu will stay in office after August polls is extremely correct but not because of the reasons he mentioned but because the numbers themselves say it all, says Governance Activist Isaac Mwanza.

Politics is a game of heart played by mind. It all depends on what people feel about the leaders. Public perception matters the most in deciding the fate of any political leader. As the general elections are closing in, political circles are abuzz with speculations about the outcome.

“While Mr Hichilema is sees himself as having already won the August 2021 election, despite biting the dust for five times in a row, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s popularity has steadily been raising over the last seven years he has kept a grip on the Presidency within and outside his party,” said Mwanza

He said the UNZA don may need to remember when President Lungu stood first became President in 2015, people did not know him very well back then. He was still adopted as the PF candidate, with great majority by the Patriotic Front. President Lungu’s popularity has been only growing. The phenomenal infrastructure work he has done in the country and the transformation he brought about speaks for itself. It does not need any publicity.

“If we look at the growth trajectory of President Lungu’s popularity, the picture gets crystal clear. There is a definite and consistent upward trend in the popularity of President Lungu. Today he is a household name in Zambia. He is so popular that every child knows him. The popularity will have an impact on the voters when they go to polling booths in August,” he said.

The voting trend in the country since 2015 shows a clear inclination towards Edgar Lungu. Despite being relatively unknown and being adopted by party as Presidential candidate, he managed to win by 20,000 votes and shortly thereafter, when people got to know the man who was adopted as President in 2015, by the ruling party, he won by 100,000 votes in 2016.

“In 2021, given the increase in the number of votes and his popularity, he is bound to increase his margin win to around 400,0000 votes. Going by the voting trend so far, August elections would be an easy walk for Edgar Chagwa Lungu,” said Mwanza

Current practice of detaining persons with immigration offences in correctional facilities will soon end

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Home Affairs Minister Hon. Stephen Kampyongo says detaining of persons with immigration offences in correctional facilities will soon be a thing of a past once the National Migration Policy is finalized and approved by the cabinet.

Speaking when he officiated at the opening of the Senior and Regional Immigration Officers’ annual conference at Golden Peacock Hotel in Lusaka today, Hon Kampyongo said the detention of persons with immigration offenses in correctional facilities goes against international best practices.

“I am aware that the development of the National Migration Policy has advanced. I look forward to supporting the adoption of the policy once the documents have been submitted to cabinet for approval,” Hon. Kampyongo said.

Hon. Kampyongo said the National Migration Policy will provide a well-coordinated framework that will enhance the positive contributions of migrants to national development.

“It will also provide for better integration of migration in development plans, improve data collection on migration and remittance flows, improve recruitment mechanisms, and facilitate international Labour mobility through safe and legal channels,” he said.

And Hon.Kampyongo reiterated Government’s commitment to ensuring the continued modernization of operations in the Immigration Department and commended Immigration officers for embracing new digital platforms being implemented.

“The ministry will prioritize recruitment, the procurement of water transport and will continue with the planned construction of decent housing units,” He said.

Department of Immigration Director General, Dr Denny Lungu
Department of Immigration Director General, Dr Denny Lungu

Meanwhile, Department of Immigration Director General, Dr Denny Lungu thanked the Government for the support rendered.
“For the very first time in the history of the department, all the 98 stations have motor vehicles. This gesture has boosted morale among officers,” he said.

And Dr Lungu disclosed that the draft migration policy has been finalized and will soon be presented to cabinet for approval.
“The policy once finalized will contribute to a well-managed migration which contributes to improved national security and socio-economic development,” Dr. Lungu said.

The opening of the Senior and Regional Immigration Officers’ annual conference at Golden Peacock Hotel in Lusaka
The opening of the Senior and Regional Immigration Officers’ annual conference at Golden Peacock Hotel in Lusaka
Immigration Officer
Immigration Officer
The opening of the Senior and Regional Immigration Officers’ annual conference at Golden Peacock Hotel in Lusaka
The opening of the Senior and Regional Immigration Officers’ annual conference at Golden Peacock Hotel in Lusaka
Immigration Officer
Immigration Officer

John Sangwa does not understand the law, he is misleading people-Tutwa

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Government Chief Whip Tutwa Ngulube says Zambians should ignore UPND aligned lawyer John Sangwa because he does not understand the law.

And Mr Ngulube who is a renowned lawyer has clarified on the grade 12 clause.

He told the Smart Eagles in an interview in Lusaka today, that Mr. Sangwa should know that President Edgar Lungu was legally sworn in, in 2016 after the presidential petition was thrown out.

Mr. Ngulube who is also Kabwe Central Constituency lawmaker says when a petition is thrown out, the President elect is automatically sworn in.
Mr. Ngulube says it is important that Zambians ignore Mr. Sangwa because he is hallucinating over the issue of the Presidency.

The aligned UPND lawyer is quoted in some section of the media saying that President Lungu was illegally sworn in 2016 because the High Court did not declare him as Republican President after the 2016 presidential petition was thrown out.

But Mr Ngulube says Mr Sangwa does not understand the law that is why he has been losing all court cases for his clients.

Mr Ngulube says Mr Sangwa has been misleading Zambians for sometime now, and should never be taken serious.

Meanwhile Mr Ngulube clarified on the Grade 12 clause that those who intend to contest political positions need to present before Electoral Commisaion of Zambia the grade twelve certificate or a GCE certificate with five O’levels which is equivalent to the grade twelve.
He says the Commission will not accept any tertiary qualifications when filing in for nominations.

KCM warns the public over fake commercial document

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Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) seeks to warn its commercial partners and members of the public over a document circulated by unscrupulous people purporting that the Company has issued a tender for some mining equipment.

At no time has KCM issued any tenders for procurement of the listed heavy-duty pumps and underground rock drill. The document being circulated through social media is the work of criminally-minded characters who are hell-bent on causing panic in the market, financial harm to KCM partners and bring our Company’s name into disrepute and public ridicule, and hence should be dismissed with the contempt its deserves.

Konkola Copper Mines and its subsidiaries, the KCM SmelterCo Limited and Konkola Mineral Resources Limited, have established and systematic ways of procuring goods and services from old or new business partners through recognized channels and not via social media.

The Company encourages those seeking to do business with KCM to contact our Commercial department and not engage unauthorized third parties as doing so would be to the detriment of their business interests and KCM will not held liable for any losses that may be incurred in such “dubious transactions.”

KCM’s Security Department has launched investigations in the matter to ascertain the origins of the fake document. KCM will also engage the Zambia Police in trying to track down the originators of the dubious document for the law to take its course. Needless to state that KCM reserves its rights under the circumstances and wishes to state that it will protect and enforce its rights to their fullest extent.

EU appoints Trevor Simumba as Senior Trade Expert to the EU

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The European Union (EU) has appointed renowned trade specialist and advisor, Trevor Simumba as Senior Expert on Trade attached to the African Union (AU) Headquarters based in Addis Ababa.

Mr Simumba who was until now Chairperson for Finance and Economics in the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) led by Former Finance Minister Felix Mutati will now be based in Addis Ababa.

In his new role, Mr Simumba will interact with various Governments across the African Continent on issues surrounding commerce, trade and industry.

He joins other Zambians in Addis Ababa flying the Zambian flag high at the Continental body such as Amb. Albert Muchanga who was recently elected Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Industry and Mining at the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU.

Mr Simumba has since tendered in his resignation and best wishes to the MDC leader Felix Mutati and the entire MDC membership as he takes up his new role in Addis Ababa.

This is according to a statement released by the MDC Media Team

Mumbi Phiri wants Bowman and Brian Mushimba arrested

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Patriotic Front Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri has called for the arrest of Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo and Higher Education Minister Brian Mushimba for breaching Covid-19 prevention measures by mobilizing huge crowds for campaigns on the Copperbelt.

Mrs. Phiri has described the conduct of the Kabushi and Kankoyo lawmakers as irresponsible considering the outbreak of the pandemic with no respect for social distancing and other measures outlined.

Addressing the media in Lusaka today, Mrs. Phiri condemned the two ministers saying nobody is above the law and has called on the police to take charge and not spare anyone so that the covid-19 prevention measures are adhered to by all.

“I don’t know why the Police is letting people when we have Covid and we have the guidelines, even me when holding a press briefing I call Ichitintangombe (multitudes), come and arrest me,” Mrs Phiri said

“We saw with dismay the crowds that our Honourable Member of Parliament and Provincial Minister for Lusaka Bowman Lusambo pulled on the Copperbelt, that is not under the new normal. You as Police, what are you doing? Are you scared of arresting us as leaders?”

“We saw the same with our Minister of Education when we have a high number people dying of Covid in Mufulira and you go and have such a crowd,” she said.

Efforts to get both Mr. Lusambo and Dr. Mushimba on the matter proved futile by broadcast time as their mobile phones went unanswered.

Kabushi Member of Parliament Bowman Lusambo arrives at Musa Kasonka stadium for the filing in of application to contest the Kabushi seat
Kabushi Member of Parliament Bowman Lusambo arrives at Musa Kasonka stadium for the filing in of application to contest the Kabushi seat

Copperbelt DIV 1: Mutundo Stars Beat Jumulo in Kitwe Derby to Go Top

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Mutondo Stars have shot to the top of the FAZ Copperbelt Division 1 table after edging Kitwe rivals Jumulo FC 1-0 in a Kitwe derby played on Sunday at Garden Park Stadium.

Striker Chataba Kabole came off the substitute bench to score the solitary goal that ended Jumulo’s 17-match unbeaten run in the season.

Chataba, the son of veteran coach Fordson Kabole, scored a thumping header in the 65th minute, 19 minutes after replacing injured John Katalayi.

Friendship was also put aside in this derby that pitted coaches Zeddy Saileti of Mutondo and his Jumulo counterpart Linos Makwaza.

Both teams have 23 points but Mutondo Stars have a superior goal difference of two over Jumulo.

Meanwhile, the two teams will clash again on Wednesday in a rescheduled game at Garden Park Stadium in Kitwe.

“Today our boys performed against a very good team but it’s now in the past we look forward to Wednesday,” Saileti told reporters in a post-match interview.

FAZ Copperbelt Division One – Week 18 Results

Young Power 0-0 Copperbelt Buffaloes

Kalulushi Modern Stars 1-1 Zambezi Portland

Mufulira Blackpool 2-0 Chingola Police

Young Nkana 1-0 Ndola United

Miseshi Blue Stars 2-0 Mufulira United

Chingola Leopards 2-1 Mufulira Police

Konkola Mine Police 1-0 Luanshya United

Police Blues Eagles 1-1 Roan United

Mutondo Stars 1-0 Jumulo

Zambia’s Empowerment Projects Only Favours Patriotic Front Members-UPND Vice President

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United Party for National Development, Vice President Mutale Nalumango says developmental and empowerment projects have been shared with a bias of political affiliation because Zambia has a political Party government and not a National government.

Ms Nalumango said this when she featured on ‘Frank on “Capital Talk programme” on Capital Talk Radio yesterday morning.

“President Lungu must stand up as a Republican President, and not a Political Party President that is why he moved to be Republican President, he should sometimes be blind to his political affiliation and be national because if you go down, you will find that projects like youth empowerment favour Patriotic Front members, this is what is happening, PF members are favoured ” said Ms Nalumango.

She said a National Programme should not be affiliated to a political Party like what is happening were PF officials are managing national programmes earmarked to improve people’s welfare.

She also appealed to the nation at large especially the Civil Society Organisations to partner with people and advocate for the legislation that protects women because the numbers for women in politics has remained low.

She appealed to women across the country to participate in politics however called for advocacy against political violence which she said has contributed to low numbers of women participating in politics.

Ms Nalumango said women love peace and caring for one another meaning that more women in parliament and government will lead to a peaceful nation with better lives.

Some of the youths that have been empowered with fuel tankers listening to President Edgar Lungu's speech at Mulungushi Conference centre.Picture by SUNDAY BWALYA/ZANIS
Some of the youths that have been empowered with fuel tankers listening to President Edgar Lungu’s speech at Mulungushi Conference centre.Picture by SUNDAY BWALYA/ZANIS
President Edgar Lungu presents keys of tanker to Moses Musonda of  Logmus Multipurpose Cooperatives of the Copperbelt during this year's youth day celebrations at Mulungushi Conference centre.Picture by SUNDAY BWALYA/ZANIS
President Edgar Lungu presents keys of tanker to Moses Musonda of Logmus Multipurpose Cooperatives of the Copperbelt during this year’s youth day celebrations at Mulungushi Conference centre.Picture by SUNDAY BWALYA/ZANIS
 Government through the Ministry of youth and sports has purchased fuel tankers to empower youths, in the picture above, are the fuel tankers ready for distribution.Picture by SUNDAY BWALYA/ZANIS
Government through the Ministry of youth and sports has purchased fuel tankers to empower youths, in the picture above, are the fuel tankers ready for distribution.Picture by SUNDAY BWALYA/ZANIS
Minister of youth and sports Emmanuel Mulenga (left) explains how the fuel tankers the Government has bought for youths will be operated during  this year's youth day commemorations at Mulungushi conference centre in Lusaka. Picture by SUNDAY BWALYA/ZANIS
Minister of youth and sports Emmanuel Mulenga (left) explains how the fuel tankers the Government has bought for youths will be operated during this year’s youth day commemorations at Mulungushi conference centre in Lusaka. Picture by SUNDAY BWALYA/ZANIS
President Edgar Lungu samples one of the purchased Rosa Buses Government has bought for the youths during this year's youth day celebrations at Mulungushi Conference centre in Lusaka. Picture by SUNDAY BWALYA/ZANIS
President Edgar Lungu samples one of the purchased Rosa Buses Government has bought for the youths during this year’s youth day celebrations at Mulungushi Conference centre in Lusaka. Picture by SUNDAY BWALYA/ZANIS

Political alliances impossible without coalition clause-Hamududu

The opposition Party of National Unity and Progress (PNUP) has called for the inclusion of the coalition clause in the constitution if political alliances are to work in Zambia.

PNUP president Highvie Hamududu said at a press briefing in Solwezi that alliances can only work in Zambia if there is a coalition clause included in the constitution.

Mr. Hamududu, who is also former Bweengwa constituency Member of Parliament under the United Party for National Development (UPND) ticket, said Zambia’s first coalition government was made in 1962 because there was a coalition clause in the constitution.

“Why do you support anyone without a binding agreement? That is criminality, then you start complaining that this guy betrayed me, how can he not betray you when there are no constitutional safeguards?” he asked.

Mr. Hamududu said alliances must be founded on agreed principles bound by law.

He said political alliances are not possible now because the constitution does not provide coalition.

He further stated that the current alliances are basically there to create a horse and a rider type of a relationship.

“So for us, we advocate that we should have a coalition clause. Next time we have a constitutional review, our submission is that we must have coalition clause so that things are binding by law not just you meet behind a tree, agree and grab power, after grabbing power you start fighting then the country suffers,” he said.

Mr. Hamududu explained that alliances that are not founded on principles are bound to collapse as they are not based on fundamentals.

He said his party is ready to go into an alliance with any political party as long as they agree on policy such as exportation of maize and allowing millers to export mealie meal as his party believes in a free market economy, public private partnership (ppp) and investment.

And Mr. Hamududu has disclosed that his party will participate in the August, 2021 general elections.

Stakeholders discuss revamping tourism in Livingstone

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Destination Livingstone, an Initiative comprising of public and private sector players, has embarked on a campaign to revive domestic tourism, to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Livingstone City.

Destination Livingstone Initiative Chairperson, Peter Jones says, the marketing campaign which was launched virtually yesterday, is aimed at reviving the local economy by enhancing domestic tourism.

Mr Jones observed that most tourism dependent businesses have shut down or are operating at a loss due to a drastic reduction in international tourists.

Mr. Jones said tourism services and packages for local people had always been there but needed to be highlighted to attract domestic tourists.

He said numerous investments had been made in Livingstone, not just through construction of hotels, but with the upgrading of Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport by government.

“A lot of investors put in a lot of money in the area, not just in the hotels but government also put in a lot of money in upgrading our airport and needs a return on its investment,” he said.

Mr. Jones said this in Livingstone during a meeting held at the River Club under the theme: The Re-emergence of Zambia’s tourism capital; A Cooperation between the private sector, Livingstone City Council and Local Government Departments.

He stressed the need for tourism stakeholders to adapt to new trends in the sector to attract increased numbers of domestic tourists.

“We need to adapt to new trends; tourists do not just want to see things, they want to engage with local people,” he said.

Mr. Jones said it was time to reposition the city to attract more local tourists and in readiness for the opening up of the world in the post COVID-19 era.

And speaking in an interview, Livingstone Tourism Association (LTA) Acting Chairman Hillary Kashempa said he was hopeful the marketing campaign was the first step in helping tour operators reopen their businesses, and for those which were open to record some profit.

Mr. Kashempa said if implemented effectively, local people would buy into the campaign and visit Livingstone.

“Once that happens, we are hopeful that our businesses will thrive and be sustained,” he said.

He said LTA would continue supporting all viable projects that would help make Livingstone a destination of choice for local and international clientele.

“It is a priority to market Livingstone as a preferred tourism destination, during and after the COVID-19 period. This campaign is an additional force that we need to reach out to the masses, as part of efforts to save tourism enterprises,” he said.

Destination Livingstone Initiative’s long term goal is to increase social and economic benefits that tourism can bring to the people, businesses and the local economy of Livingstone.

Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary Patrick Lungu sits on the Destination Livingstone Board, alongside Livingstone Acting Town Clerk George Mulenga, Livingstone Mayor Eugene Mapuwo and officials from the Zambia Tourism Agency, among others.