Emmanuel Mwamba has taken up his appointment as Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa consequently counting himself out of the forthcoming Kasama Central by-election where he was an emerging front runner on the Patriotic Front ticket.

Mwamba, a former spokesperson for second Republican president, has issued a lengthy statement detailing events of his association with President Edgar Lungu’s government, how he was shuffled from Malaysia to South Africa, and also addressed reports online media reports as well as explained his position on the Kasama Central seat.

The Evelyn Hone journalism product states, “Shortly after the January 2015 Presidential By-Election, President Edgar Lungu appointed me as Zambia’s High Commissioner to Malaysia.

“I promptly accepted my appointment and proceeded to start a 5-week Diplomatic Course. Many colleagues, some senior members of the party and ministers, and many of our supporters and well-wishers called me to express disquiet proposing that I go back to President Lungu and attempt to persuade him that I be given a local position because they felt that I was probably more useful in the country.

“My views were however consistent. ‘All appointments come from God. It is God who appoints, promotes, and establishes us’. I insisted that President Edgar Lungu was gracious enough to choose me among many deserving colleagues, patriots and many hard working workers of the party to afford me this opportunity and it was wise that I promptly accepted and took up the position as given,” he says.

Mwamba says he is always guided by Jeremiah 29:11 which reads; “For I know the plans I have for you, plans NOT to harm you, but to prosper you and to give you hope and a future.”

He says following the PF Media, Publicity&Strategic Committee’s report on the postmortem and review of the January 2015 Presidential By-Election which was submitted President Edgar Lungu, a transfer was effected in his favour to go to South Africa.

“I thanked him for the honour and trust he had shown in me and in my capability to undertake such a senior assignment. Because of this transfer (from Malaysia to South Africa) and many other factors that have been beyond my control, the time and period to take up my appointment was delayed. Unfortunately and because of this I was a subject of numerous speculations and malicious innuendoes by online media and social media blogs,” Mwamba complains.

He says despite being privy to exact and correct information about his delay, he chose to remain quiet and suffered the humiliating but false reports.

Mwamba says the Kasama by-election had come earlier than he had anticipated.

“My reflections were that GBM would attempt to lock the seat in the courts of law until probably 2016. I told myself that I would take my appointment in South Africa and come and consider running for the seat whenever it was declared vacant.

“However, the seat has suddenly become vacant following the decision by GBM to accept the position of Vice-President (Administration) in the UPND. Following this development the seat became vacant probably faster than we had all anticipated,” he says.

Mwamba says he had to make a decision on whether to stand or not consulting among others Paramount Chief Chitimukulu Kanyanta Manga II and various members of the party and senior officials and colleagues.

“After wide consultation, I have chosen to honour the appointment given to me by President Edgar Lungu and carry out my duties as expected with due diligence and commitment as I have displayed in the past, when I have been given such an opportunity. I also pledge to support which ever candidate the party will choose to be our candidate for Kasama Central,” he says.

Mwamba has since urged the PF candidate to emerge out of Kasama to take up the serious development issues and needs affecting Kasama Central and the country.

The post Mwamba Takes Up Pretoria Posting, says; “Count Me Out of Kasama Race for Now” appeared first on Zambia Reports.

It seems Kalusha’s selfishness is now cutting through all sectors of society. Why? When he played football we cheered him, but he never did anything for Zambia apart from kicking the ball. And whatever he did to craft the name we so much cheered on, he never could have done it alone. He needed the likes of Charles ‘Charlie Cool’ Musonda, Wisdom Chansa, Eston Mulenga, John Soko, Derby Makinka, Johnstone Bwalya, Timothy “Teacher” Mwitwa, Ashious Melu and many others.

That aside, let’s look at Kalusha’s contemporaries on the continent. George Weah – the man who would hire a plane to fly his country’s national team – to fulfill international friendly games abroad as part of Nations Cup preparations. The likes of Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha are big investors in Nigeria employing people in thousands, the Nwankoh Kanus, Daniel Amokachi, Sunday Olisehs are involved in projects that have benefited their people. In Ghana, Abedi Ayew Pele runs a Premier League Club, and built a 30 000 seater stadium. The big and strong Yeboah owns some estates with more than 300 mansions employing so many top managers and a thousand country men and women on his books. In Cameroun, the story is the same. Samuel E’to, Rodger Millas, Patrick Mboma etc have done what an ordinary eye can satisfactorily call wonders. These are men with huge academies with more than 5000 players, building community hospitals worthy more 2 million USA dollars.

In Ivory Coast haven’t we heard of the Didier Drogbas, Yaya and Kolo Toure brothers involved in big projects. These great players played great football abroad and for their nation just like Kalusha Bwalya, but have gone extra miles to put a big smile on their compatriots. They even recruited countrymen into playing football abroad. How many did Kalusha recruit or even recommended abroad and play professional football like him or even better than him? Need we ask Maybin Mugaiwa and his experience with our great son of the soil. How many teams does Kalu run in this country apart from a tattered Division 2 outfit called K-Stars, formerly Eagle Stars, playing on a rough surface just like any other team in the lower ranks?

Kalusha is said to have bought a house abroad, lost another and even married in a South Africa woman after the Holland experience. The only house he invested in Zambia, he has lost it to another crooked boy called Haruperi. Kalusha has since his return to Zambia stayed at a a hotel, and refuses to stay with us even in residential areas like kabulonga, Woodlands etc saying they are too dirt for him. This has made him to be a burden on FAZ confers. FAZ is perpertually broke because it has to pay for Kalusha’s upkeep at a FIVE STAR HOTEL.

Ladies and gentlemen, let’s not be fooled around that Kalu has done a lot for Zambia. If anything, it is actually Zambia that has done a lot for this man. Zambia paid Kalu in full to play for us, Zambia flew Kalu from abroad and back to play for us, Zambia gave Kalu all the equipment to play for us, Zambians cheered Kalu all the way to play for us, Zambia fed Kalu to play for us.

When Kalu had no job after his playing days, Zambia employed Kalu as a national team coach and paid him without nkongole and he even ended up taking two other roles at FAZ in his usual selfish style. What has Kalu paid back to Zambia? Am yet to see it! Rise up Zambia, rise up FAZ councillors and abash selfishness. Abash Kalu.

The post FAZ Elections 2016: Kalusha Must Go; Enough of His Selfishness appeared first on Zambia Reports.

SENIOR Chief Kasempa of the Kaonde people of North-Western Province has thanked President Lungu for the various development projects Government is implementing in the area.

Speaking when special assistant to the President for projects implementation and monitoring Lucky Mulusa and chief analyst for projects implementation and monitoring Joseph Mukupa visited him at his palace, Chief Kasempa said he is impressed with President Lungu’s style of leadership.

He said Government has embarked on various infrastructure development projects in Kasempa such as the construction of township roads and health posts.

Chief Kasempa commended President Lungu for his efforts in ensuring that development is taken to all parts of the country.

“This is happening for the first time – the people of Kasempa will have tarred roads and for that, we really know that we have a President who cares for us, not just one region,” he said.

He said the road projects being implemented countrywide will accelerate development, especially in rural areas.

“What the people are crying for is the major road, the Kasempa-Mumbwa road, because this road is very important as it provides a shorter route to Lusaka.

“Once it is done, Kasempa will be a transit district and this will enhance economic activities and bring development,” Chief Kasempa said.

He said construction of health posts in the district has started and the project is on course.

And Chief Mumena of Solwezi appealed to Government to ensure the construction of the 168km Solwezi-Chingola road is expedited.

Chief Mumena said the two contractors engaged to work on the road should speed up works before the rains start.

“We also would like to appreciate the government for giving us this road because that has been an issue for some time, but finally we have contractors doing that road. And I am told, currently they are just doing the deviations and we hope actual works will start as soon as
possible,” he said.

Mulusa assured the chiefs that Government would complete all the road projects it has embarked on in the province.

He also said funds have already been sourced for tarring the Kasempa-Mumbwa road.
“The tenders for this road will soon be advertised so that contractors can start bidding for the project,” he said.

He also appealed to the chiefs to help unite the country by discouraging the hate speech which some politicians are preaching in the country.

Source: Zambia Daily Mail

The post President Lungu is A Caring Leader – Chief Kasempa appeared first on Zambia Reports.

PATRIOTIC Front deputy secretary-general Mumbi Phiri says the party has information that former Kasama Central member of Parliament (MP) Geoffrey Mwamba will not contest the Kasama Central by-election because he is allegedly scared of losing.

But the United Party for National Development (UPND) has dismissed the assertion, saying the adoption process has not even started.

Phiri said the UPND vice-president is aware that he has lost popularity in Kasama and that he would embarrass himself if he recontests the seat because he would lose by a large margin.

She said this at Southern Sun in Lusaka yesterday at the launch of ticket sales for the ‘Meet the President dinner dance’, which has been slated for August 19.

“We have information that Mr Mwamba will not contest the Kasama by-election because he knows that he will be greatly embarrassed,” Phiri said.

She also said the party has received numerous applications from PF members who want to contest the Kasama Central seat, which was declared vacant by Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini last week.

When contacted, UPND deputy spokesperson Cornelius Mwelwa could not state whether Mr Mwamba would stand, saying the party has not started the adoption process yet.

Party spokesperson Charles Kakoma said Mwamba has not given him any indications to suggest that he would not contest the Kasama by-election.

Kakoma added that Mwamba had been giving strong indications that he would contest the Kasama seat.

“I do not know where Mrs Phiri is getting this information. Those are just rumours and she should not be basing her statements on rumours,” he said.

He said the UPND is confident of winning the Kasama seat and visits have already been conducted in some wards where the response is overwhelming. And Mrs Phiri said the dinner dance tickets have been pegged at K2,000 for VVIP, K1,500 VIP and K1,000 for ordinary tickets.

She said the money will be used for party mobilisation and preparing for next year’s general elections.

“This dinner dance is open to all Zambians who want to come and meet the President. He is not
just the President for the PF, but the entire country,” Mumbi said.

She said the PF would not take the people of Zambia for granted but would work hard to ensure that it remains the party of choice.

She said the party remains committed and united and would admit errors with a view to correcting them before they become mistakes.

The post GBM Grows Cold Feet, May Not Re-contest Kasama appeared first on Zambia Reports.

A RODENT hunting expedition ended tragically when a bush fire spread across the community, killing two siblings in Kitwe’s Mukuba-Matanki area.

Copperbelt Province deputy commissioner of police Byemba Musole said the victims, aged three years and 20 months, died on Saturday in an inferno that was ignited by hunters.

Musole said the children, identified as Peter and Ilunga Saineti, were playing outside while their mother, Delia Saineti, 35, was grinding her maize at a neighbour’s hammer mill within the community on the banks of the Kafue River when they were engulfed in the fire.

“Ms Saineti saw the fire whilst she was at the neighbour’s house, and so she rushed back home to try and rescue her children. But the fire had already spread and her children had been burnt to death,” he said.

Musole said Saineti sustained serious burns and is currently admitted to Kitwe Central Hospital.

He said police suspect that the fire was started by people who were digging the ground for rodents.

The post Bush Fire Claims 2 Infants in Kitwe appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Following threats by information minister Chishimba Kambwili, ZNBC workers’ union leader Martin Maseka has been served with suspension for advocating a petition to remove Director General Richards Mwanza.

Maseka says the corporation’s management has abused its authority by illegally suspending him and has vowed to fight on until their demands are met.

He has questioned why management delivered a letter of suspension to his house in the middle of the night.

Maseka laughed at the manoeuvre, describing it as vague. “I want to confirm that yes, I have been served with a suspension letter. It was absurd to learn about this because it was vague and procedure was not followed because it does not state the offence I have committed for me to be suspended from duty by a Mr Evans Nachilobe, the Radio One manager,” he said.

“Let me make it also very clear that when I am quoted to have responded to The Post newspaper article dated 29th July 2015, I was speaking in my capacity as general secretary for and on behalf of the union and not on behalf of Radio One or the corporation, ZNBC. So I am wondering how the Radio One manager, Mr Nachilobe, can suspend me or suspend a union official. This is total abuse of authority, it is very unprocedural and incorrect for him to suspend me for exercising my rights as provided for in the industrial and labour relations Act Cap 269 subsection 5 (a), (c) and (e) of the Laws of Zambia.”

He said suspending him from work constituted a violation of the recognition of agreement between ZNBC and ZUBID (Union of Broadcasters and other Information Disseminators secretary).

“This is because when I gave the union’s position on the threats to have all my members fired, I was literally speaking and doing so in my capacity as general secretary of ZUBID as provided for also in our ZUBID constitution that among other functions I shall be the chief executive and spokesperson of the union,” Maseka said.

“So I am very flabbergasted to be suspended for standing and protecting the interests of my members, whom I have sworn to defend. I know that ZNBC director general Mr Richard Mwanza decided to mislead information minister Chishimba Kambwili by falsely reporting to him that my members were protesting when it was not the case.”

Maseka said he would challenged his suspension in court.

The post On Kambwili’s Orders, ZNBC Suspend Unionist appeared first on Zambia Reports.

ATLEAST 7,000 jobs, of which 1,000 will be direct, will be created after the Dangote Industries cement plant commissioned by President Lungu yesterday becomes fully operational.

And President Lungu has directed Masaiti District Council to reserve more land to create an industrial cluster with the opening of the cement-manufacturing plant.
Speaking at the commissioning of the US$420 million cement-manufacturing plant and a 30 megawatts coal-fired plant, President Lungu said the Dangote Group is the largest ever investment into Zambia by a Nigerian company with an investment outline which translates to over K2 billion.

“This investment is expected to create at least 1,000 direct and 6,000 indirect jobs for Zambians when fully operational. Besides employment creation, the project is already greatly benefiting the local people of Masaiti and the surrounding districts through the transfer of skills, technology and business linkages,” he said.

“In this regard, I hereby direct the Masaiti District Council to reserve land around Dangote cement plant for us to create related industrial clusters whose purpose will be to solely depend on this timely project.”

President Lungu is confident that management at the cement plant will flow with the Government’s intention to ensure Zambians feel part and parcel of the investment.

He noted that for years, Zambians have been subjected to high monopolistic pricing structure for cement but was glad that since Dangote came on the market, the prices of the product had been dropping.

“This implies that the cost of construction is now becoming more reasonable and affordable by the majority of our people. This is what it should be,” the President said.

He said the principles of the Patriotic Front (PF) Government are to achieve pro-poor inclusive growth aimed at creating real wealth and jobs for the people.

Government, he said, also wants to rehabilitate and upgrade the country’s infrastructure and ultimately restore the pride and dignity of Zambians.

Lungu said he considers the private sector as an engine for economic growth and development.

The post Dangote Creates 7,000 Jobs in Ndola appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Seven months before I was born, my father’s plane went down. Though my dad made a name for himself playing football for R.S.C. Anderlecht in Belgium, he grew up in Zambia, so he was proud to play for the Zambian national team.

In 1993, the team was scheduled to have a World Cup qualification match against Senegal. It was a long journey, and the team plane had to stop for refueling in Gabon. Shortly after takeoff, an engine fire caused the plane to crash, killing everyone on board.

My father should have been one of them. But he happened to be suffering from a knee injury at the time, and his manager at Anderlecht forbid him from traveling with the national team.

For some reason, knees have defined our family. Last spring, I was practicing with Chelsea’s first team, following in my father’s footsteps, when one of my teammates slid in to tackle me. The second I fell to the ground, I instantly knew what had happened, and I knew I would never get that moment back. I dislocated my knee, and tore my ACL, MCL, and PCL.

But things got even worse. A few days later, one of the trainers told me that I would have to go to central London to get some tests done.

The tests revealed that I had blood clots in my arteries. If the blood continued to not get through, my leg would have to be amputated. But you know what? It never phased me.

If I learned anything from my dad, it’s that sometimes a knee injury is a blessing in disguise. If he could gather the strength to return to the pitch after losing his friends, then I could overcome this.

When I was laying in the hospital bed after surgery, I thought about how much different my life would be if my dad had been on that plane. Without him, I wouldn’t have football. I think he taught my two brothers and me to kick a ball before he taught us how to walk.

That turned out to be a good thing, because in Europe, the professional teams start scouting from the crib. Seriously. In Africa, when you’re younger, you just play in parks with your friends.

There’s not really organized team trainings like in Europe. Someone from Anderlecht told my dad that he should bring us to train with the team. We were just babies. My dad thought it was a joke at first. But we went and tried out for their youth system.
I ended up getting picked up by the club when I was four years old, along with my older brother, who was a practically ancient six years old. My younger brother wasn’t even two at the time, but even he joined the club.

You might think that starting my career so young, I got sick of football at some point, or considered doing something else. It never even crossed my mind. From the age of four, I started my proper training, two sessions a week with Anderlecht. As a family though, we were playing every day really.

After school, before school, during holidays, just playing football in the park with my dad and my two brothers. Competing every day. There’s no doubt in my mind that growing up in that environment made me the player I am today.

First off, you can’t understate being raised by a professional football player. My dad knew the ins and outs of the game—how to train, how to rest, what to eat, what to drink—and taught us the fundamentals.

Constantly playing side by side with my brothers though, that was so important for me. I really respect both of their games immensely. I could never think about anything but football, growing up beside them.

If they had chosen different careers—firefighting or law or something—it wouldn’t have been the same. We would’ve come home and talked about different things. They make me think more about football. They made me train harder, because I knew they were doing the same.

We’ve always come as a package deal. When I was 15 years old, we were all playing for the Anderlecht youth system and for the Belgian national youth teams.
That’s around the time international clubs were starting to notice us. Eventually, Chelsea came to my parents in 2012, wanting to sign all three of us. When a club like Chelsea knocks on your door, you just have to say yes.

I probably should have been sad to leave Brussels, where I had lived all my life. Still, this was my dream, and getting signed by a club like Chelsea was what I had worked for since before I could remember. Plus, I was with my brothers.

We arrived right after Chelsea won the Champions League. We actually got signed right at the same time as Eden Hazard and his brother, and Kevin De Bruyne as well.

They put us all up in a hotel in central London, and I remember the six of us all sitting together at the dinner table—six Belgian players, all experiencing this new country and this new club at the same time.

Coming to Chelsea from Anderlecht was an indescribable experience. Anderlecht is the top club in Belgium and one of the top clubs in Europe, but you just can’t compare to Chelsea.

Anderlecht has a few players who are very good, but at Chelsea, every player on the team is very, very good, wherever you look. The preparation is at such a different level, because you get to be among those world-class players day-in and day-out, training with them and constantly learning from them.

That first time I got to train with the first team, back when Roberto Di Matteo was the manager, I was in awe, really. I was wide-eyed and just looking around. I couldn’t believe where I was. I was doing sprints with Juan Mata, who had just won a World Cup with Spain, and I was kicking around the ball with Florent Malouda, who had played in the World Cup Final with France.

You would think being world-class players, these guys have world-class egos to go along, but nothing could be further from the truth. Even though we never knew Eden in Belgium—he was a little older than us, and left for France when he was young—he still invites us over to have dinner with his family, and to play video games and stuff. Also, as you would expect, John Terry is really the heart of the team.

He’s such an example for the young guys, the way he works. Just the way he communicates with the young players is so humble. When I got injured, he was one of the main guys who was always checking up on me to see how I was doing.

When I went down last spring, I was playing for Chelsea’s Under-21 team and hoping to play first team football the next season. I was preparing to make the leap. Then with one tackle, everything changed. I could no longer focus on my future, and only on the long rehab process.

But it never scared me, even when they told me that they might have to amputate my leg. It’s stupid, I know, but I always knew that I was going to come back. I knew it was all on me.

I had to put every ounce of energy into getting better, and not waste anything on doubt. I’d worked so hard to get to that level that I wasn’t going to let the injury define me. I was going to define it.

Now that I’m almost through with the process and only about a month away from rejoining the team, I realize how lucky I am. Not only because I was about a centimeter away from losing my leg, but the injury really was a blessing in disguise.

When you work so hard in rehab, you appreciate the game so much more. This beautiful game is all I’ve ever known, and it was taken away from me in a flash.

Over the past 16 months, I had to gain so much mental strength, just being without football and working my way back. At this level, the difference between a world-class player and an average one is that mental 1%. I’ve never been more ready to play. Now every moment back on the pitch feels like a gift.

Source: The Player Tribune

The post Charles Musonda’s Second-Born Son, Tika, Gives Moving Account of Dark Patch in His Football Career appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Opposition United Party for National Development vice president Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba and Patriotic Front deputy secretary general Mumbi Phiri have taken their feud to their ‘bedrooms’ with each accusing the other of being on drugs.

Phiri crossed Mwamba’s path when she suggested that he had grown cold feet and will not re-contest his Kasama Central seat on the UPND ticket forcing the former defence minister to say the former was on drugs.

An irate Mwamba said he could prove it in a court of law while Phiri hit back saying GBM had failed to manage his children who indulged in drugs.

“Ask him where his first born is? What does he do? Why don’t we see him in public? It is him who knows that drugs story and it is public knowledge,” Phiri said.

“Me I am a well respected woman and not like him who even beats his wife.”

Mwamba had cast doubt on whether he will re-contest his seat given the marginal UPND presence in the area.

The post GBM, Mumbi Phiri Trade Drugs Accusation appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Police will drag two Evelyn Hone College students to court after they were caught up in the riot that rocked the institution over load shedding and poor sanitation.

The duo has been accused of having spearheaded the demonstration and have remained in custody while others were released.

Police spokesperson Charity Chanda said the duo will be appearing in court on a charge of proposing violence.

She said that the move was meant to send warning signals to students against vandalizing public property or encouraging riotous behavi

The post Police Arrest 2 Evelyn Hone Students appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Dora Siliya has kept on taking pot shots at the Hakainde Hichilema and his new found partner Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba.

Siliya satirically labelled the duo the two rich men and poked fun at their inability to stand in a gesture of respect when President Edgar Lungu was called up to give his speech during the installation of Paramount Chief Chitimukulu.

Below is her full posting:

The curious case of two ‘rich men’.

“You cannot stop an idea whose time has come”, Victor Hugo.

The above quote sprang at me as I observed the proceedings of the coronation of the 38th Chitimukulu, Kanyata Manga in Luwingu recently. Many dignitaries were in attendance including his grace Archbishop Ignatius Chama and leaders of various opposition parties. Here is what struck me though.

When calling upon his Excellency, President Edgar Lungu to speak, the MC requested all to be upstanding. And all did stand including Edith Nawakwi of the FDD, Nevers Mumba of the MMD and various Diplomats. But what I really found curious was that GBM, the newly appointed VP of the UPND, remained seated while his wife, Chama stood up. Mr Hakainde did not bother standing up either. My curiosity peaked. Does that mean experienced politicians like Nawakwi and former Republican Vice President Nevers Mumba, in the eyes of GBM and HH, are lesser opposition leaders than the two ‘rich men’?

The expected behaviour of any gentleman is that he will stand up whenever his lady does so, especially in public. It seemed almost funny seeing Ba GBM seated while Madam observed the traditional etiquette of such gatherings. Secondly, I recalled the simple teaching, do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I wondered how HH can be so oblivious, if not as a Christian, of this simple political etiquette, observed by the poor and ordinary he wishes to lead. I wish to reiterate that it is common sense and not wealth that makes good leaders.

In our democracy, it is possible for anyone to become President of Zambia. But the citizens, the poor and ordinary, expect humility from leaders especially before they get into Statehouse. As a people, we hate boastfulness.

And so I watched the curious case of the two ‘rich men’ defy common decency at a very public gathering of the poor and ordinary they wish to lead. My conclusion was that they totally missed the very basic tenet of democracy, which is accepting the leadership in office until it is your turn. That does not mean you agree with them but one can disagree without any demeaning public display, much more so at that level of leadership. Secondly, in a democracy, one must accept that the power to chose a President lies with the poor and ordinary, the very people GBM and HH were revealing their intolerance and disrespect to. Democratic politics, especially at Presidential level must be done with a certain decency to each other. If not, then the whole purpose of multiple party politics is lost.

In his book, The Wisdom of Crowds, James Surowiecki explores the idea that large groups of people are smarter than an elite few, no matter how brilliant the elite may think they are. The idea is very similar to Proverbs 11:4, “where there is no counsel, the People fall; but in the multitude of Counsellors there is safety.”

The ideas of democracy are here to stay. We would all do well as Politicians never to forget that unity, peace and respect for one another is the least Zambians expect.

Former German Chancellor, Willy Brandt put it well too when he said….”claims to absolutes threaten Man.” None of us is good enough until the people; the poor and ordinary, say so.

The post Opinion: A Curious Case of the “Two Rich Men” appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Chongwe Member of Parliament Sylvia Masebo has pleaded not guilty to two counts of corruption.

Masebo who is a ruling Patriotic Front lawmaker thanks to a court action is alleged to have illegally cancelled hunting licences and unilaterally fired senior directors at the Zambia Wildlife Authority.

Magistrate Ireen Mushimanga has set up August, 20th and September, 14, 15 and 18 as trial dates.

The Chongwe lawmaker was escorted to court by scores of United Party for National Development cadres.

Masebo has jumped in bed with the UPND whose leader Hakainde Hichilema he campaigned for in the January, 20 presidential election.

The post Masebo Pleads Not Guilty appeared first on Zambia Reports.

The remains of the four miners have been laid to rest with issues about safety taking centre stage.

Mines Minister Christopher Yaluma led hundreds of Kitwe residents in the send off that took place at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.

Yaluma urged the miners to be more proactive in bringing to the fore safety risks or alerts.

Meanwhile, Mopani Copper Mines has offered to employ at least one family member from each of the bereaved families to help ease the financial loss caused by the deaths.

The post 4 Miners Put to Rest appeared first on Zambia Reports.

MISA Zambia chairperson Hellen Mwale is shocked by the suspension of ZNBC union leader Martin Maseka.

MISA has demands the reinstatement of Maseka saying, “he was speaking on behalf of the workers. It is important that the worker’s demands are treated with the seriousness and sobriety they deserve as opposed to suspensions and dismissals which will only worsen the situation.

“For journalists to adequately perform their duty, it is important that good working conditions are created in order to prevent their independence from being brought into conflict or compromise.”

Statement on the ZNBC Impasse

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia is shocked with the suspension of Zambia Union of Broadcasters and other Information Disseminators (ZUBID) General-Secretary, Martin Maseka.

We deem the suspension as a confirmation that the ZNBC board is not operating independently as is supposed to be the case.

This is further evidenced by the Information Minister’s threats to dismiss striking ZNBC workers which has proved our suspicions on the continued interference in the operations of public media in Zambia.

It is for this reason that we have been campaigning for ZNBC to be fully transformed into an effective and sustainable public service broadcaster that lives up to the mandate provided in the ZNBC (amendment) act number 20 of 2002, which we believe was a progressive law before the 2010 amendment.

This amendment returned the power to appoint the ZNBC board back to the minister and consequently means that the minister can direct or order the board to make certain decisions as shown by the minister’s remarks.

MISA demands for the re-instatement of the appointments committee in the ZNBC act.

We therefore demand that government should stay away from interfering in the operations of ZNBC and allow for its independent management. This is the only way the institution will live up to the tenets of a public service broadcaster.

Government should allow ZNBC to operate with the required autonomy even in the editorial mandate which should equitably cover all sectors of society without any impartiality and undue political, government or commercial influence.

MISA demands the reinstatement of Martin Maseka as he was speaking on behalf of the workers. It is important that the worker’s demands are treated with the seriousness and sobriety they deserve as opposed to suspensions and dismissals which will only worsen the situation.

For journalists to adequately perform their duty, it is important that good working conditions are created in order to prevent their independence from being brought into conflict or compromise.

Issued By:
Hellen Mwale-Chairperson-Zambia Chapter, Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA

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Police in Isoka district of Muchinga province have arrested and charged three members of the opposition Rainbow party with conduct likely to cause the breach of peace, according to a report by ZANIS.

The trio were arrested after being reported of pelting a vehicle belonging to Eastern province minister, Malozo Sichone, who is also Isoka Member of Parliament.

Mr Sichone is in the district on a campaign trail for a Patriotic Front candidate in the Kapililonga ward by-election due tomorrow on August 6.

Muchinga province Deputy Commissioner of Police Peter Bubenshi has confirmed the arrest of the trio whom he named as Elvis Simwanza, 42; Patrick Siwila,32 and Moses Siame 36 all of the same village and are expected to appear in court tomorrow.

Mr Bubenshi told a press briefing in his office that election violence will not be condoned saying despite the election campaign period ending at 18:00 hours today, police are very alert to the happenings in the area and are sending reinforcement.

The Kapililonga ward by-election fell vacant after the then councilor from the Patriotic Front ( PF) resigned to join the opposition Rainball Party and is re-contesting the seat along with candidates from the United Party for National Development (UPND), the MMD and PF.

Source: ZANIS

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The Patriotic Front (PF) Chadiza district party elections have been marred with confusion after some candidates were allegedly denied their right to vote while the constituency committee has been accused of bribing the delegates, according to a report by ZANIS.

The District party elections have since been deferred to August 7, 2015 awaiting police clearance of some candidates who are being investigated .

According to the Constituency Information and Publicity Secretary Emmanuel Banda, the elections were supposed to take place on 29th July 2015.

Mr Banda said the district officials however rejected some eligible 24 member committee from each ward to vote and opted for only 12 hence bringing confusion as it was against the PF electoral guidelines.

Mr. Banda said the district officials also accused the constituency committee of having bribed the delegates with chitenge materials and salt and also that the they did not allow delegates who came from far away wards to vote adding that they were not eligible because they were allegedly ferried by an aspiring candidate.

He said three district officials allegedly broke into the house of the constituency chairperson and stole 178 pieces of chitenge materials and 4 by 50 Kg bags of salt which they said were being used as bribes when in fact it was meant for the chairperson’s own business.

Mr. Banda said the matter was reported to the police and that the elections will only be held after the trio is cleared.

He said one of the aspiring candidates has been sponsored by some opposition political parties to bring confusion to the PF party so that it loses popularity.

Mr. Banda said the ward committees have since expressed disappointment with the district committee and have threatened to pass a vote of no confidence if the confusion continues.

Source: ZANIS

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Prominent Livingstone Lawyer Saul Muzyamba has died in a road traffic accident after the vehicle he was driving lost control due to speeding, according to a report by ZANIS.

Mr Muzyamba, 61, lost control of his Toyota Prado registration number ABM 1984 which overturned at a curve on the Zimba-Livingstone road yesterday.

ZANIS reports that Mr Muzyamba died on the spot due to head injuries.

Southern Province Police Commissioner Mary Chinkwanda confirmed the development and said the accident happened between 04:00 and 06:00 hours yesterday about 8 kilo metres South of Zimba district.

Ms Chikwanda said the accident left Mr. Muzyamba’s vehicle extensively damaged and the body of the deceased is currently in Zimba Hospital Mortuary.

Apart from his law practice, Mr. Muzyamba also engaged in politics and once served as MMD Southern Province chairman.

Source: ZANIS

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After been exposed for alleged double dealings to use his ambassadorial post for Rainbow Party promotion activities, Palan Mulonda has been called on and warned by Zambia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba.

Mulonda, who was appointed by his family relative the late President Michael Sata to represent Zambia’s diplomatic mission to Washington DC, was reportedly discovered using the Embassy facilities to organize on behalf of the former Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba, forcing embassy staff to become members of Rainbow Party.

According to sources close to State House, Mr. Kalaba called Mr. Mulonda and sharply rebuked him on these activities, telling him that he has a duty to serve his duties of office and the public interest, and that he must avoid these partisan activities during working hours because they are civil servants.

Since the publication of Mulonda’s abuses by Zambia Reports, the intelligence wings have reportedly opened an investigation into possible abuses of office taking place at the Zambia’s U.S. embassy.

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The Kitwe Magistrate Court has acquitted Former Kitwe Mayor Divo Katete on a defilement charge.

Principle Resident Magistrate Ikechukwu Iduma said in his judgment that the prosecution team failed to prove their case against the accused beyond any reasonable doubt.

Particulars of the offence are that Divo Katete, 41, a businessman of House Number 5, 16th Street Nkana East in Kitwe district of the Copperbelt Province on dates unknown but in the month of December 2012 allegedly had unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl below the age of 16 contrary to Section 138 sub-section 1 of the Penal Code chapter 87 as amended by Act Number 15 of 2005 and Act Number 2 of 2011 of the laws of Zambia.

Magistrate Iduma also contended that it was strange the alleged victim failed to confide in anyone in the two-years period after the alleged defilement.

“I find it strange that the juvenile failed to confide in anyone in the period of two years after the alleged defilement,” he said.

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President Edgar Lungu says importing about 45, 000 metric tonnes of fish from China every year amounted to a national scandal.

The Head of State was speaking during his tour of Palabana Fisheries plant and wondered why despite the rich water resource, Zambians still imported fish.

President Lungu said the country had contracted a US$50 million dollars loan from the Africa Development Bank to reverse the situation.

He challenged Agriculture Minister Given Lubinda to ensure that the situation was reversed within two years.

President Lungu said it was unacceptable that Zambia that had the capacity to fend itself on the available fish stocks had to rely on fish imports.

Meanwhile, President Lungu has been invited by French President Francois Holland to visit that country later this year.

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