PRESS STATEMENT

For immediate release

Ankara, Friday, July 20, 2018-A Turkish solar panel manufacturing company, Thor Incorporated, has expressed interest to invest in Zambia to help address the energy deficit that the country and the entire Southern African Development Community (SADC) region is facing.

Thor Inc. chief executive officer, Hakan Genis said his company has identified Zambia as an investment destination of choice because of its conducive investment climate, growing economy and political stability.

Mr Genis said his company wants to establish a solar panel manufacturing factory in the short-term and later a truck and trailer manufacturing and assembly plant.

“Our second home will be Zambia because of the available investment opportunities in the country, it is a perfect location in the southern African region and the most secure and politically stable African country,” Mr Genis said.

He said this today when he paid a courtesy call on Zambia’s Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Turkey, Mr Joseph Chilengi at the Zambian Chancery in Ankara.

And Mr Chilengi said President Edgar Lungu was working hard to industrialise the country and to improve the welfare of Zambians.

“We are in a hurry to support that Presidential direction to transform the country in terms of its industrial development process and at the same time ensuring that we attract as much as possible, private sector investment,” Ambassador Chilengi said.

He said Government believes that the private sector is the engine for economic growth and has put in place the necessary laws to support private sector investment.

“We are politically stable and centrally located in the region and therefore investing in Zambia is the same as investing in a population of over 400 million people,” Mr Chilengi said.

Issued by:

Jerry Munthali

First Secretary (Press)

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA, ANKARA, TURKEY

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The dark horse in the July 26 mayoral race Mundia Mukubesa’s chief campaigner Andyford Mayele Banda has noted with satisfaction the success of their door to door campaign. With a candidate that resonates with ordinary Zambians, Mukubesa whose stage name is Petersen is hoping to spring a surprise outside the two lead horses in the Patriotic Front and UPND.

Below is the PAC Campaign Message:

AC PRESIDENT SATISFIED WITH DOOR TO DOOR VOTER ENGAGEMENTPeople’s Alliance for Change (PAC) President Andyford Banda has described the door to door campaigns code named as “Nyansi Nyansi” as a game changer and most effective way of engaging the voters. PAC President Andyford Banda, PAC Mayoral candidate Mukubesa Mundia, PAC Secretary General Gerald Mulao, Lusaka Province Chairman Felix Limande and PAC leadership have been conducting the “Nyansi Nyansi” (door to door) campaigns by visiting tax ranks, markets, homes, bus stations etc.

PAC President Andyford Banda also added that the campaign has done its best to educate various people of Lusaka on Mukubesa Mundia’s vision 7 strategy for Lusaka which includes:

1. Increase revenue base for Lusaka City Council by venturing into other income generating ventures such as the direct running of billboards under the department to be created called CBU (Council Business Unit) which will look at the running of council business on a professional level.

2. Facilitate the building of modern markets and create alternative trading places for the people chased from the streets.

3.Remove political interference in the running of council business especially in markets and bus stations.

4.Enhance the clean Lusaka campaign through a proper waste management system.

5.Rejuvenate council police to supplement state police in improving security in compounds and residential areas.

6.Empower the youths through entrepreneurship from council projects and revamp Lusaka City Council football club.

7. Fight corruption and enhance efficiency.

The PAC leadership has been conducting door to door campaign while other teams conduct roadshows as per campaign schedule.

#Tiikosesa #MunthuWathu

#MukubesaMundia #Petersen #VivaNewZambia

PAC Secretariat

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The opposition UPND has been conducting campaign road shows around Lusaka Townships unimpeded with its leader Hakainde Hichilema at the head of it.

Hichilema and the UPND candidate Kangwa Chileshe has touched base with possible voters in Lusaka without anyone stopping them and are bubbling with confidence.

Below is what Hichilema has written as part of his campaign message:

We have a task to take care of civil servants, all security wings including the Zambia Police who are working under very depressing conditions.

We will better their lives by improving their conditions of services and this will be done by de-politcising these vital security wings.

To our men and women in uniform and all civil servants, we say; do not lose hope because help is on the way. When in government, we will not only ensure your independence but also empower you with life and family supporting necessities.

Pastor Kangwa Chileshe is our torchbearer and we stated this to our brothers and sisters in Kabwata and parts of Chawama Constituencies when we conducted a road show ahead of the Lusaka Mayoral election on 26th July, 2018. Through him, our journey for a better Lusaka and Zambia as a whole has just been ignited.

Together with those willing to move our Country forward, we say; the time is now. And to those in the habit of attacking citizens, we say; meet the citizens as they defend themselves as it is their constitutional and fundamental human right.

Citizens have the power to decide who should run their affairs correctly and fix our country’s broken economy.

In fact no one should abuse citizens nor even stop them from following the law which gives them such powers.

The UPND will be attacking poverty, broken economy and other detrimental effects of bad leadership but again defend itself from unwarranted attacks.

May God Bless our Country!

HH.

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Images of Patriotic Front (PF) and opposition United Party for National Development leaders (UPND) mingling freely and exchanging pleasantries made very heartening reading. It is not often that the green and red shades of our political specie sit together and bask in light-heartedness. Things are so bad that the PF and UPND have become the single-most threat to political stability in the country. Even when the already dominant bigger brother in PF enjoys some measure of popular support in Lusaka and the UPND has been on the mountain top claiming newer dominance it has not been easy to just leave it to the electorates to make their final verdict.

The UPND has been playing the victim card in the violence shenanigans while the PF has also played ignorant to its members instigating violence. Sadly in all this the Zambian mass have not been given a say to determine who is at fault. Both political parties have ruthlessly played the blame game. The real victims in this equation are ordinary Zambians. It is the poor bystanders who have been on the brunt of this senseless political violence. The ordinary people that these two political parties are trying to coax into voting for them. To finally see some light in the PFs Stephen Kampyongo and the UPND’s Obvious Mwaliteta among others warmly interacting could be an opportunity to consolidate some semblance of normalcy in our politics. After all both parties have repeatedly preached peace whilst being the purveyors of violence.

President Edgar Lungu and his UPND counterpart Hakainde Hichilema have often times rendered the signal to their disciples by embracing each other publicly but that has not subbed off on their supporters. Why do the ordinary political party cadres have to be the ones desperate to clobber each other in the name of Hichilema and President Lungu? President Lungu and Hichilema have no problem dropping by each other and exchange pleasantries while lowly placed cadres preach and practice violence on each other. How much more signals do they need before they can embrace politics of civility? Even the pretence of a truce seen on Friday could bear some fruit of both political parties are sincere in their dealings.

Our appeal is that this commitment to peach and nonviolence should transcend cosmetic boundaries. No one needs those commanders that wield so much power and influence in propelling violence among political party youths. Are people not tired of seeing fallen former violence vessels like William Tekere Banda, Scorpion Kadobi and Chris Chalwe among others? Let there be politics of civility as everyone gears to prop up their candidates in the July 26 mayoral election and beyond. May the best candidate win!

The post OPINION: Bravo ECZ but PF& UPND Truce Must go Beyond Lip Service appeared first on Zambia Reports.

The National Restoration Party (NAREP) has taken issue with the July 26 public holiday declared by President Edgar Lungu to allow electorates cast their votes during the mayoral election.

NAREP has advised President Lungu to rescind the decision on acciount that the country is already swarmed with too many holidays.

FULL STATEMENT:

Narep Press Statement on Declaration of 26th July as A Public Holiday

As Narep we ar e very dissapointed that because of a bye election for a mayor in Lusaka and a few other places, the President of Zambia has decided to declare 26th July as a public holiday.

Do not misunderstand us. Much as we are encouraging more people to go and vote on this day and exercise their democratic right by voting  for our candidate Bwalya Denis Nondo for Lusaka Mayor, we feel declaring this day as a public holiday is an abuse of authority by the Republican President as the nation can not come to a stand still because of these bye elections.

We therefore ask the President to rescind his decision and only ask employers in Lusaka and places where bye elections are taking place to give time to their employees to go and vote. In reality many people are already on forced holiday created by this same government as they dont even have jobs and we wonder what kind of a holiday this is.

The nation is in an economic crisis and the President has shown no concern on the seriousness and losses the nation will incur on this day.

If the President does not reverse this pronouncement we will ask all bussineses to remain open and not make any losses as this PF government has made enough money for themselves toto allow them  to go on holidays. The production wheel cannot be shut down for simple bye election in Lusaka when the nation is experiencing economic crisis. May businesses are struggling and this is very retrogressive.

People are curently living on hand to mouth and shutting down the economic wheel will do more harm than good. This PF government is busy creating more bye elections and holidays which are causing serious damage to our economy. We ask all Zambians to reject this offer. People are ready to vote and go back to toil as they can’t afford to go on a holiday. Remember 6th August is another holiday.

Why should children not go to school in Mkushi and many other places just because people in Lusaka are voting for a mayor? Does this make sense to anyone who cares more for this nation?

This is a sign of how unserious this government is and we condemn this decision.

Issued by:

Frank Sichone

IPS Central Province

20th July, 2018.

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Leading food outlet Pizza Hut has been shut down for using expired ingredients.

Pizza Hut that operates from some top end shopping outlets like East Park, Kabulonga and Cosmopolitan Mall has fallen foul with inspectors from the Lusaka City Council.

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE USE

LCC CLOSES PIZZA HUT OUTLETS IN LUSAKA

Lusaka, Saturday 21st July, 2018.

The Lusaka City Council (LCC) has with immediate effect closed all the three  Pizza Hut outlets in Lusaka for using expired ingredients in food production.

The closure follows the inspection conducted by a team of Public Health Inspectors from LCC on 19th July 2018.

The inspection revealed that Pizza Hut was in possession of expired food products at their premises and evidence of use of expired food stuffs and ingredients in food production.

Pizza Hut officials also gave false and misleading information to authorised officers and also attempted to obstruct them from inspecting the distribution point.

In one of the outlets, workers went to an extent of concealing expired food items and ingredients in the ceiling of the shop.

The above mentioned findings contravene the provisions of Food and Drugs Act Cap 303, Section 4,6 and Section 24(3)(4) of the Laws of Zambia.

Pizza Hut has been given  24 hours in which to show cause why legal action should not be taken against them for put the lives of consumers at risk.

The three Pizza Hut outlets closed are located at Kabulonga Shopping Complex, Cosmopolitan Mall and East Park Mall.

The Council also seized all the expired food stuffs and ingredients which included Hot Jalapeno slices, Mild piquante peppers diced, Indulgent choc sauce and Regular chip scoops.

Others were Vegi wash, Halaal peri peri sauce, Halaal sweet chili sauce, Halaal dough and Halaal Macon sliced.

The local authority wishes unscrupulous business houses to think twice about their actions as their days are numbered as the Council now has a reasonable number of Public Health Inspectors to do the job.

The council has also advised consumers to develop a habit of checking for expired dates before buying food items.

Any food items that are expired or suspected to be in questionable state must be immediately reported to Council for further investigations.

Issued by:

George Sichimba

Public Relations Manager

0977824039/0955925503

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The peace pact between the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) and United Party for National Development (UPND) on 20th July 2018 in Lusaka represents one of the most significant developments in the country’s quest to civilize political competition.

The undiscerning eye may not see the magnitude of this seemingly one-off political event between two arch competitors focussing on the Lusaka Mayoral poll.

But if the two parties and other political players genuinely ascribe to the ideals of civil political exchange, this event will pass off as a milestone in the country’s political and electoral dispensation.

President Lungu has unequivocally openly called for peaceful campaigns and condemned all acts of violence in political mobilization, stressing that this behaviour is at variance with Zambia’s generally acclaimed civil culture.

But other political leaders have been lukewarm as they speak on violence, often conditioning their peace messages on such improbable factors as self-defence and vote rigging.

It is therefore, impressive that the opposition UPND has now publicly signed up to the peace initiative through their National Youth Chairman Obvious Mwaliteta who signed with his PF counterpart Hon. Stephen Kampyongo.

This is an important building block towards stronger commitment perhaps at the higher level of party presidents in the foreseeable future.

It is also important to note that the commitment to peace was made from the point where violence emanate from, the youth wings of the two main political parties, PF and UPND.

It is also significant to note that the Youth Chairman of the ruling party is also the minister responsible for the police who are charged with duty to maintain law and order and preserve national peace.

This is a huge responsibility on the shoulders of Hon Kampyongo, that, if the voluntary ascension to this peace pact does not hold, he has inescapable responsibility to decisively enforce law and order through the lawfully mandates organs of the state. Police cannot be negotiating law enforcement with law breakers! If the police are constrained from enforcing the law by the burden of nomenclature of “service” we might as well rename them as a “force.” How can the police be spending more time explaining which party started the fight and which one responded? Police are supposed to arrest law breakers. Period. It matters less if these criminals are red, green or yellow!

Zambians are generally averse to this now rampant sub-culture of political violence.

All other facets of Zambian society are generally peaceful and tolerant with one another but in the political space, it seems some rogue elements are trying to condition Zambians to accept that violence is the currency of political exchange. This is an unacceptable!

The post OPINION: PF/UPND CAUCUS A MILESTONE appeared first on Zambia Reports.

The U.N. Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council have sent a strong message to Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila to respect the country’s constitution and vacate office.

In an apparent response to Kabila’s defiant posture during a national address on Thursday in which he indirectly put himself in the race for re-election when he is constitutionally barred, the U.N has cautioned the Congolese leader not to dare his people.

The Council expressed concern about challenges that should foster greater confidence in the electoral process.

In a joint statement, the two councils “called upon all political parties, their supporters, and other political actors to remain committed to the 31 December 2016 Agreement, which is the only viable path out of the current political situation.”

Under an accord struck on Dec. 31 between Kabila’s representatives and opposition leaders, Kabila is barred from trying to change the constitution to seek a third term.

“The members of the Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council expressed concern at the continued deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” the statement read.

“The members of the United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council urged all political parties to continue to reject violence of any kind, exercise maximum restraint in their actions and statements, so as not to further inflame the situation and to address their differences peacefully.”

The U.N and African Council asked the Congolese government to reject violence and violent statements urging them to ensure the respect for fundamental rights and the electoral timeline to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process, a democratic transition of power and the peace and stability of the country.

Further, the U.N and the African Council say they will not hesitate to take action against any Congolese actors whose actions and statements impede the implementation of the agreement and the holding of a credible election.

The two key global institutions reminded Kabila that the that it is essential the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and all Democratic Republic of the Congo actors fulfil the commitments in the Agreement of 31 December 2016, and underscored the need to do everything possible to ensure that the elections take place with the requisite conditions of transparency, credibility and inclusivity, including the full and effective participation of women at all stages, as well as the importance of youth engagement. .

The members of the United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council urged the Government of Democratic Republic of the Congo to urgently implement confidence-building measures as per the Political Agreement of 31 December 2016 and ensure that elections are held on 23 December 2018 as per the electoral calendar.

They noted the progress made in preparation for the elections with the support of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), while acknowledging the remaining challenges still to be addressed.

They called on the electoral body known as CENI to continue their cooperation with MONUSCO throughout the electoral process. They further welcomed the commitment by the United Nations, the African Union, Southern African Development Community (SADC), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), International Conference on the Great Lakes, European Union and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie to support the electoral process.

The members the United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council called for enhanced coordination between the United Nations, the African Union, the International Conference on the Great Lakes, the SADC, the European Union and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie in their support to the implementation of the 31 December 2016 Agreement and the electoral process.

The post UN Security Council Warn Kabila; “Respect Constitution & Vacate” appeared first on Zambia Reports.

The Zambia Under-20 national team face Burundi in a crucial Niger 2019 final round, second leg qualifier Ukukundo Stadium in Ngozi.

Defending champions Zambia lead 1-0 from the first leg through a Lameck Banda goal scored at home last week at Nkoloma Stadium.

Coach Charles Bwale will be without Banda who is suspended after having red carded for accumulating two yellow cards in the last match.

However, the team will not be short of options with Francesco Mwepu, Kings Kangwa and Martin Njobvu expected to lead Zambian hopes upfront.

In midfield Thomas Zulu will be expected to hold things down while a central defence partnership of Kingsley Hakwiya and Christopher Katongo is expected to shut out Burundi.

Left back Benson Kolala and Justin Mwanza will complete the cover for Prince Bwalya in goal.

The team is lodged at Ruhuka Hotel in Ngozi.

Kickoff is at 15:00 hours.

Winner over two legs qualifies to the 2019 Niger Africa Cup of Nations.

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The fast growing city of Chipata has got a new Shopping Mall named Shunfend Feng Shopping City.

Chipata Mayor Sinoya Mwale officially opened the Mall on Friday that locals refer simply as China Mall and is located along the Chipata/Lundazi road.

Mwale said building shopping centres or malls for a young developing city is an immense and complex undertaking.

He said the construction of the SF shopping mall marks an important milestone of the economic growth of the city.

The post Chipata Gets New Shopping Mall appeared first on Zambia Reports.

President Edgar Lungu took advantage of his campaigns in Eastern Province to preach against political violence ahead of the July 26 round of local government polls.

Addressing a rally at Kasenengwa Primary School on Friday afternoon, President Lungu said he was disappointed with the violence which was recorded in Lusangazi District and wondered what the people were fighting for.

“I know the Ngonis are known for their nature, they are warriors, but you are very peaceful. Continue being peaceful, don’t be like Nsengas in Lusangazi who are fighting, I had a rally there and have told them that I am embarrassed because I have heard that you are fighting, what are you fighting for?” he said.

“Lungu will remain in Lusaka and will be peaceful, HH will be in Lusaka peaceful, Chishimba Kambwili will be in Lusaka peaceful, why should we kill ourselves here?” he asked.

President Lungu made the proclamation of the July 26 national holiday at this public rally.

He urged the people to vote for PF Kasenengwa candidate Saul Zulu.

President Lungu also took time to address matters relating to the e-voucher and other agricultural related matters.

President Lungu started his campaign trail of Eastern Province on Friday with a rally in Lusangazi, Kasenengwa with more meetings lineup up in Chasefu and Lumezi on Saturday before concluding with Chipangali on Sunday.

Eastern Province PF chairperson Andrew Lubusha informed the head of state that the people of Kasenengwa would vote for a PF candidate as a way of thanking him for giving the area a district status.

The post Pres. Lungu Preaches Peace on East Campaign Trail appeared first on Zambia Reports.

The Patriotic Front (PF) has continued dismantling the opposition UPND base in the area with Vice President Inonge Wina receiving over 130 defectors.

Wina received defectors on her tour of duty in Mufumbwe and Solwezi Districts.

The UPND has seen the departure of Mufumbwe District Secretary Chrispin Lupembe, Constituency Chairman Paul Kanyembo and Mobilization Chairlady Priscilla Kalwizhi.

Others that have jumped in the boat include MMD’s Mufumbwe District Chairlady Getrude Katutu and former MMD Kamalamba Ward Councillor Lackson Mulumbi Snr, father to Mushindamo District UPND Council Chairperson Luckson Mulumbu Jnr.

And speaking on behalf of other defectors, Mulumbi said the opposition has nothing to offer to the people and regretted his time in the opposition.

And receiving defectors, Vice President Inonge Wina said unlike other political parties, the PF is a party of choice and that is why people are joining.

She called on old members to embrace new members in order to grow the party.

Wins added that the PF government is committed to taking development to all parts of the country, North Western Province inclusive.

The Vice President held rallies in Kangwena Ward in Mushindamo ahead of the by election before traveling to Mwinilunga were she met Senior Chief Kanongesha and drummed up support in the Kanyama ward by election.

Wina was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Malanji, Provincial Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu, PF provincial Chairman Jackson Kungo among other party officials.

The post Wina Dismantles UPND Structures in North Western appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Former Finance Minister Ng’andu Magande may have opened a Pandora’s Box by damning revelations on the Gabon disaster.

Magande in a teaser note on his forthcoming book from the Depth of my Footprints alleges that government never undertook to retrieve the remains of the plane that killed the entire national team in 1993 in Gabon despite having gotten from Zanaco for that undertaking.

Below is his full Write Up:

By Ng’andu Peter Magande

In April 1993, the ZANACO gave an advance to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) for the national team’s trip to Mozambique. While the team was away, FAZ Chairman Michael Mwape came to see me and asked for some further financial assistance for the team’s trip to Senegal in West Africa. I demanded that they must first pay back the money they’d borrowed before we could consider another advance. From his passionate and detailed explanation, there was not enough time, as the team was just passing through Zambia on their way to West Africa.

As an ardent supporter of the national football team and as I had consulted my chairman on the first request, which was approved, I approved another advance. The team connected through Lusaka, where more players and officials including FAZ Chairman Mwape joined on the journey to Senegal via Gabon by a Zambia Air Force military plane.

A few days later on 27 April 1993, I left for the USA at the invitation of the NCR Corporation, the suppliers of computers to our bank. On our first day, we had to leave Washington DC very early in the morning for a visit to one of the computer warehousing facilities. As we were having our early breakfast, one of our hosts came over to me and whispered that the plane carrying the Zambia National Team had crashed in West Africa. He continued to say that from the reports received, all on board had perished.

I could not hold back my tears as I dropped my utensils and started sobbing publicly.

We abandoned our breakfast and I retired to my room with a sense of guilt. I concluded that it was our bank’s financial assistance that enabled the team to undertake the fateful journey. I vividly recalled my conversation with FAZ Chairman Mwape, as he’d pleaded with me that without our financial support the team would not make it to Senegal for the match. He was not aware that even with our bank’s financial assistance, the match was not going to be played.

We cancelled the day’s tour programme and the delegation remained at the hotel in mourning for the sporting heroes. As I was now on hypertension treatment, I prescribed to myself another dose of medicine after six hours due to the sad news. Our three weeks’ trip, both in the USA and Scotland was a sorrowful one as we had to answer many questions, everywhere we went, about the accident from so many people, who spoke highly of the departed football players.

On our return to Zambia, I brought the matter of the FAZ advance to our board with a recommendation to have the amounts for the two trips written off. The situation was that the cash drowned with the footballers and no one alive was to be held accountable. The board accepted my recommendation, although the chairman made some comments apportioning some blame on my management.

A few weeks later, the Zambian Government requested the bank for a loan to be used for the salvaging of the ZAF plane off the coast of Gabon. As I was aware that the Zambian Government had no capacity to undertake such a task, I requested for a copy of a contract signed with an organization that was competent in salvaging operations. I insisted on such documentation in view of the large loan amount requested. When no such documentation was presented, I declined to take the government’s request to the Board. This raised a lot of resentment against me within the Government circles.

I learnt later that the loan was approved by the ZANACO Board, a few weeks after I had left the bank. During a trip to Gabon in 1997, I visited the accident site and was informed that no salvaging work was ever undertaken by the Zambian Government and the plane wreckage was still at the bottom of the deep ocean.

The report on the plane accident has not been released to the chagrin of the living relatives of the accident victims. Consultations on the compensation to the thirty affected families were protracted and only concluded and the families paid in 2004 after I became Minister of Finance in President Mwanawasa’s administration.

After our trip to the USA and Scotland in 1993, I was eager and confident to implement the computerization of the bank. We had become acquainted with the latest equipment, which we were shown during our tour of the NCR installations in Dundee, the “City of Discovery” and the home of the first automated teller machine (ATM) in 1967.

One of the computerization milestones achieved by my management was the installation of the first ATM in Zambia’s banking industry. I recall the exuberant mood of the ZANACO staff and guests, as the ATM, dubbed ‘ZANACO 24’, located at the entrance to the head office building, was inaugurated. The bank’s popularity rose resulting in an increased clientele and the bank’s profit before taxation, which went up from K1,884 million for the year ended March 1992 to K4,072 million for the year ended March 1994”, from “The Depth of My Footprints”.

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Angola President João Lourenço and his Democratic Republic of Congo counterpart Joseph Kabila will meet Monday in Lobito, Benguela to discuss preparations of the upcoming December 23 elections.

According to local media in Angola, the two statesmen will review the prevailing situation in DRC with the elections top on the agenda.

The post Angolan President, Kabila Set To Meet Monday Over DRC Polls appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Defending champions Zambia will not be in Niger to defend their crown after a visibly over-aged Burundi side dumped them out of the Niger 2019 with a 3-0 result.

Zambia had gone into the first leg trailing 1-0 but the Burundi side steamrolled over Zambia via a 3-0 result.

The African champions will miss out on the Niger party but will rue missed opportunities at home.

Zambia won the Under-20 crown on home soil in 2013.

Meanwhile the Under-17 national team beat Lesotho 1-0 at the ongoing Cosafa Castle Cup in Mauritius to amass four points and set a crunch encounter against South Africa on Tuesday.

Benson Simwanda scored an 89^th minute goal to dump the Lesotho side out of the competition but will play the final formality match against Mozambique on Tuesday.

The post Zambia U20 Fail to Qualify for 2019 AFCON appeared first on Zambia Reports.

The Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) has belatedly taken a dig at the K65 floor price announced by the Food Reserve Agency (ZNFU).

ZNFU has hardly stood for any tangible cause for farmers in the recent past and become better known for reasons outside the grain business.

In a lengthy statement ZNFU has offered no solution but whined about not being party to pre-price announcement proceedings.

FULL STATEMEMT:

ZNFU REACTION TO THE FRA ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE2018 CROP MARKETING ARRANGEMENTS

AND PRICES

The ZNFU engages with Government to provide a voice for farmers but ultimately, Government makes the decisions and bears the consequences. Zambia’s biggest challenge lies in trying to address rural poverty where most of the people depend on farming and addressing the escalating rural urban migration.

Against this background, the ZNFU reaction seeks to address first the farmers and secondly Government.

To the Farmers, now that the FRA has announced its price for maize, farmers should target to sell their maize at a profit.

The Union has produced production costs to guide farmers as they sell their crops. Furthermore, bulking and selling consolidated volumes is bound to attract a better price as opposed to selling individually. To realise this, Zamace is a good platform for posting parcels of maize to sell.

Finally, consider making use of the warehouse receipts arrangements because if all farmers try to sell maize at once, prices will drop even further.

To Government, the Union has absorbed the policy direction loud and clear because the maize prices offered in 2017 and now in 2018 are not an incentive to grow maize.

Last year, the Union forewarned that maize production will drop and the 2018 production confirms this fact, production dropped by 33.6% from 3.6 million tonnes in 2017 to 2.3 million tonnes expected production in 2018 but stocks have remained at seemingly comfortable levels for food security because of carryover stocks.

The Union finds the K65 per 50kg Market price offered by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) absurd and horrendously low and in response to this we call for un-tampered functioning of market conditions and open borders.

We urge government to maintain consistency in the export of agriculture commodities as the food balance sheet figures declared that a surplus of 341, 313 MT could potentially be exported.

This will motivate private sector participation in maize marketing when Government restates that Zambia is open for maize exports.

On Friday 13th July 2018 the ZNFU Board led by the ZNFU president Mr. Jervis Zimba held a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture Honourable Michael Katambo and officials at the Ministry, including the Permanent Secretary Mr. Julius Shawa. The Union provided the production costs for various agriculture commodities, including maize and soya beans to sensitize Government on costs that farmers incur in producing the maize.

At no time was the setting of MAIZE PRICES discussed and the Minister had just issued a statement in Parliament that Government is not involved in the setting of maize prices.

The Union has not met the FRA to discuss maize prices after last years’ efforts yielded a blank because FRA told the Union it was Government that set the K60/50KG with no consultation and

Government insisted it was FRA.

As a Union that represents all farmers in this country, we have been informed that the issue of producer prices has been left to the whims of market forces.

Therefore, Government should yield to these dictates but offer an economic price to far flung areas.

We find the statement that the Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU) was consulted at a stakeholders’ meeting to arrive at the K65 for a 50kg bag of maize by the FRA disingenuous as the ZNFU did not attend such a meeting.

A formal complaint will be launched with Government because the Union stands ready to dialogue with Government if called upon to do so but not engaging in spin media tactics.

The ZNFU wishes to disassociate itself from being party to the announced FRA price which farmers have been offered. We also refuse to be used to legitimize a price that the Union has had no input in determining hence advice farmers to find better markets and employ prudent ways of selling their maize.

The ZNFU also calls on the Ministry of Agriculture to expedite the issuance of Export Permits for the surplus crop so that farmers can find alternative markets.

For Zambia National Farmers’ Union

Jervis Zimba

PRESIDENT

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Lusaka, Sunday, 22 July 2018

The 30 youths who were shortlisted from the Kitwe and Lusaka trials for the Shield-Chelsea #BetheNextChampion talent search will enter into a one week football camp where they will get the opportunity to hone their football skills. The boys will be in camp from Tuesday 24 July to 28 July 2018 while training at Fallsway Arena. The final selection will be done on the 29th of July where one player will be selected to represent Zambia joining the Africa select team that will play with Chelsea legends in London

While in Camp, the three local coaches, namely Christopher Katongo, Kalililo Kakonje and Kampamba Chintu will take the youths through their football paces.

The local coaches will be joined by three Chelsea coaches who will arrive on Friday 27th July evening and will conduct training sessions and select the winner from Zambia who will join the Africa select team that will play with Chelsea legends in London.

The Chelsea Coaches’ delegation consists of Head coach Laurence Griffin, Steve O’ Reilly and Freddie Myers. The three have so far toured Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

“The boot camp is an important phase of the #Bethenextchampion campaign. Not only is it about picking a representative from Zambia for the Africa XI team, but it is also about inspiring confidence, hard work and teaching dedication to all the participants. This is the embodiment of Shield deodorant.” said Susan Luneta, Shield Brand Manager.

“We want all the players attending the boot camp to leave with the memorable experience of having gained valuable football skills that will take their football aspirations a step further as they continue to pursue their dreams. The camp will also teach the participants to be exemplary members of society as they interact with each other,” Luneta said.

Christopher Katongo, Kalililo Kakonje and Kampamba Chintu have worked hand in hand with Shield as brand ambassadors to recruit the 30 youngsters who will enter the boot camp.

“This boot camp will be an intensive program that will give the youngsters the training and skills set they will need to impress the Chelsea delegation. We know they already have the talent, this time it will be about building on their raw talents and counselling them on pursuing their goals.” said Christopher Katongo.

The #BeTheNextChampion talent search, a journey which began in April, is a grassroots football initiative that stems from a partnership between Chelsea and Unilever’s Shield brand. The program has had the endorsement of football stakeholders and has been commended for providing a platform for youths to showcase their football talent.

From an overwhelming response of hundreds of entrants that came for trials held in Lusaka and Kitwe, 30 were shortlisted for the boot camp to compete for the one slot to represent Zambia in the Africa XI select team that will fly to London to play with Chelsea legends in September.

The post Zambian Shield-Chelsea Team Goes into Boot camp appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Workers at Malawian born Shepherd Bushiri, Bushiri Mining Limited in Lufwanyama District on the Copperbelt Province have gone three months without pay.

And the workers have expressed fear they may not get their gratuity as their one year contract come to and on the 31st of this month.

The workers who are not unionised have since reported their grievance to the labour office in Kitwe to mediate as they demand for their three months salary arrears.

Representative Simon Katimba said have been giving excuses when ever approached on their outstanding salary arrears.

He said managed had assured that they would be paid in two weeks but has gone mute and that all offices have remained closed on site.

“We are worried because when we went to check we discovered that the offices were locked, so we are not sure if we will be paid because even when we call they are not taking our calls, yes we reported the matter to the labour office so they help us get our money,” He stated.

When contacted Board of Directors Secretary Douglas Moyo said management is aware of the salaries it owes to employees and is still sourcing for funds.

However, Mr Moyo was quick to mention that the matter was before the labour office and it was being attended to.

“Yes I am aware of that challenge, just to let you know how bad the situation is we have also suspended operations..we are attending to the matter I can’t say much on this issue because we are addressing it through the labour office,” Mr Moyo said.

The post Bushiri Mines Workers Go 3 Months Without Pay appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Chipolopolo coach Sven Vandenbroek has summoned 23 players to a three-day training camp in Lusaka.

During a media briefing at Football House, Vandenbroek said that his selection was based on his having watched local matches since taking up his Chipolopolo appointment on July 10.

Vandenbroek said that he had watched 13 Super League teams stressing that he would watch all the teams in the coming days.

“It is not a definitive list, because I will have more than one camp. I will try to make a pool of 30 to 35 players. From there we will go to 23,” he said.

The Belgian said the camp was aimed at helping him know the players better and appreciate their strengths and weaknesses.

He said that more players would be called up in upcoming camps as he narrows the numbers to those required for Chipolopolo duty.

The coach said that he had excluded Zesco United players that had a continental engagement over the weekend.

The Chipolopolo have crucial Africa Cup of Nations engagements in September when they play Namibia and Guinea Bissau.

SQUAD

(GOALKEEPERS)

Charles       Muntanga   (Nkwazi), Lawrence       Mulenga      (Power Dynamos),           Mangani     Banda         (Zanaco)

(DEFENDERS)

Gideon Sichone (Green Buffaloes), Gift Zulu (Nkana), Benson Sakala, Allan Kamwanga (Power Dynamos), Lawrence Chungu, Isaac Shamujompa (Buildcon), Mwila Phiri (Lusaka Dynamos), Laison Thole (Kabwe Warriors),

(MIDFIELDERS)

Linos Makwaza, Larry Bwalya (Power Dynamos), Mike Katiba, Fellon Sitonya, Jack Chirwa (Green Buffaloes), Kelvin Kampamba, Jacob Ngulube (Nkana), Collins Sikombe (Lusaka Dynamos), Charles Zulu (Zanaco)

(STRIKERS)

Brian Mwila         (Buildcon), Alex Ng’onga (Power Dynamos)

BENCH

Sven  Vandenbroeck (Head Coach), Dayle Solomon (Assistant coach), Chintu Kampamba (Physical Trainer), Steven Mwansa (Goalkeeper trainer), Ephraim Mphanza, Hensley Chilimboyi (both physiotherapists), Gerard Sakala (Kit), Hastings Ndovi (Team Manager), Nathan Phiri (Team Security)

The post Ng’onga Bounces Back Under Vandenbroek appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo has sent a strong message to late coming civil servants by turning away those that came late for work.

Lusaka made an impromptu visit to the Lusaka Provincial administration office and turned away late comers at the gate.

Lusambo has since revealed that the late comers will get a deduction from their salaries for a day’s worth of pay.

Below is his full statement:

REPORTING LATE FOR WORK IS TANTAMOUNT TO THEFT OF PUBLIC FUNDS

This morning I sent away around 45 civil servants at the Lusaka Provincial administration for reporting late for work. I personally closed the main gate exactly 08:00 hrs and chased everyone who reported after that.

Since I was transferred to Lusaka from Ndola, I have observed a bad culture of reporting late for work among the civil servants at my office.

Civil service guidelines stipulate that work starts at 08:00 Hrs but it is worrying that some civil servants report for late around 09:00 Hours which frustrates the delivery of public services to our people and for me this is tantamount to stealing public funds.

I will now write to the Ministry of Finance to dock a day’s wage from the salaries of the 45 public service workers whom I sent home today.

As long as I remain Minister, I will ensure that civil servants deliver for the work they are paid for. His Excellency Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the great leader has demonstrated hard work as he reports for work way before 08:00 Hrs and as such, we should emulate his example.

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