PURSUING JUSTICE AND EQUITY WITH INTEGRITY
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Clearing company senior officials D jailed
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Mr Kambwili said he was not against the alliance but was opposed to contest elections on a single party ticket called UPND Alliance.
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PURSUING JUSTICE AND EQUITY WITH INTEGRITY
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Vol. 6. Issue 2727
MILITARISE ANGRY DISARRAY GOLD PRESS
‘Commission of inquiry justified’ P3 ‘UPND MPs
By SIMON MUNTEMBA
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PAGE 3
By PETER SICHALI
Dr Kambwili
A
POWER crisis has erupted in the National Democratic Congress (NDC), where Vol “expelled” party president Chishimba Kambwili has disowned senior officials he delegated to attend the Opposition Alliance meeting which voted to name Mr Hakainde Hichilema as Presidential candidate and agreed that all candidates would stand under the UPND umbrella.
PU
...in another m
By AARON CHIYANZO
shun bill debates to hide inability’
BADLY managed privatisation has led to the death and destitution of many pensioners while making a few very rich, time has come to redress the situation, a pensioner has said.
Vo D
Former Archbishop TELESPHORE MPUNDU
THERE is need for a serious marshall plan to exploit Gold reserves because Zambia is losing millions to illegal mining and exports of the mineral resource, a mining expert Edward Simukonda has said. Mr Simukonda said disciplined Zambia National Service (ZNS) officers and thousands of unemployed youth cadets already trained to defend national interests should be employed to replace illegal miners, most of them By SIMON MUNTEMBA funded by foreigners. To Page 3 T is unacceptable for former Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu to think he holds
…as Kambwili is expelled (Page 3)
No one Christian however powerfu or educated can stop other Christi from dedicating the country to the creator in honour of Gospel values
1, 000 FOREIGNERS VITAMIN C RECALL …no market I ...utilise resource to FLUSHEDmilitary OUT FROM UNDER PROBE, implement KASENSELIa ‘Marshall Plan’SAYS ZAMRA (P2)
Recapitilise PARLIAMENT yesterday heard that the UPND MemTAZARA bers of Parliament (MPs) urgently, are in the habit of shunning or walking out of Parpleads union liament whenever a progressive bill was debated to hide their inability.
Story on Pag
Mr Simukonda
PAGE 3
...after conducting an operation at Kasenseli, most of the illegal miners were PAGE 9 found to be foreigners.
Take care of Catholic Procure oxygen from mines, says-Sinkamba priests Lungu
Woodlands residents protest over abandoned road works
the monopoly of wisdom try to stop Christian from icating Zambia to Christi says Bishops Council of Za secretary-general Bishop Kaela.
‘CONSTITUTE COMMISSI ‘UPND banking Govt bans movement TO PROBE A on ghost voters’ OFofINQUIRY pigs in Isoka INVESTIGATIONS into the supply of defective Cetiva tablets (Vitamin C) by Shalina PharmaThe two trucks the Scania from South Africa ceuticals Zambia are still active, the Zambia Medand the Freightliner (right), Zimbabwean icines regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) hasPAGE said. 3 registered where found laden with Mukula tree logs. [Pictures Linda Tembo Soko]
See story on Page 4
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NAT N NATION OIL F NDC IN RAID JUSTICE OVER FOREST 27 MUST PREVAIL, SAYS HARRINGTON
Friday 26 February, 2021
HOME NEWS
VITAMIN C RECALL UNDER PROBE - ZAMRA By KETRA KALUNGA
I
N V E S T I G AT I O N S into the supply of defective Cetiva tablets (Vitamin C) by Shalina Pharmaceuticals Zambia are still active, the Zambia Medicines regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) has said. ZAMRA was monitoring and following up with the ongoing recall of the drug. Early this year, the supplier, Shalina Pharmaceuticals Zambia issued a voluntary recall of the product bearing batch numbers 0371572 and 0372251, citing some change of colour in some tablets to brown. ZAMRA senior public relations officer, Christabel Illiamupu, said in an interview that Shalina Pharmaceuticals was instructed to establish what could have led to the change in colour in the Cetiva tables.
Ms Illiamupu said the investigations were ongoing and ZAMRA was in constant touch with the supplier in order to establish what could have led to the change in colour of the product. “We are yet to know what could have led to that because it could be that when they placed the product on the
Lungu warns against violence on scribes By AARON CHIYANZO ANYONE engaging in violence against journalists whether PF or opposition will be arrested, President Edgar Lungu has warned. President Lungu said the State would not allow anyone to harass journalists during the course of their duties. He said he would not countenance violence on journalists and that those in the habit of attacking scribes risked being prosecuted. The President said this
during a virtual meeting with members of the Zambia Union of Journalists (ZUJ) yesterday. President Lungu said the space was not shrinking for journalists but that there were just some bad eggs in society. “Violence against journalists is not part of the PF policy and anyone engaging in violence, whether PF or opposition will be arrested,” he said. Meanwhile, President Lungu has allayed fears among journalists that there would be mass redundancies as a result of the merger of Times PrintPak Zambia Limited
market, it was just okay,” she said. And Ms Iliamupu explained a recall of a product did not necessarily mean that the product failed to meet the three elements of quality, safety and efficacy. This was because, while on the market, there were factors like heat and moisture that
might affect its efficiency. “We need to understand what a recall is, we need to understand that when we recall a product, it does not mean that a product was placed in the market in bad faith, so when products go on the market there are factors like hit, moisture, those affect issues of efficiency,” she said.
By GRACE CHAILE-LESOETSA
Copper producers urged to increase output SMALL and large scale mining players should take advantage of the attractive prices of copper on the international market by increasing production, The Small Scale Miners Association of Zambia has advised. Association president, Kunda Chani, said the current price of the copper of over $9,000 per tonne on the international market was the highest since May 2012. Mr. Kunda said the spring of electric vehicles had contributed to the adjustment of copper prices, hence the need for giant copper producing firms as well as small miners to increase production in
order for them to benefit from rising copper prices. He said in an interview that it was surprising that as the
demand for the commodity was going up, copper production had remained low. Mr Kunda appealed to
ONE person has been arrested at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) for illegally collecting money from patients for Covid-19 tests, Health Minister, Jonas Chanda has said. A MUVI Television undercover reporter unearthed a scam in which some emplyees were charging K250 for a Covid-19 test, when the procedure is supposed to be free. Dr Chanda said in Lusaka yesterday that one person was already in police custody. He explained that internal investigations had been instituted extending to several departments to identify the full extent of dishonest dealings. Dr Chanda said Government had been working tirelessly to restore
the confidence in the public health system, but regretted that some unscrupulous individuals were still taking advantage of people who were seeking health care services. The Minister said he would not allow the image of the health sector to be tarnished by a few individuals. He said the happenings at the UTH should serve as a stern warning to all would be offenders across the country.SMART EAGLES
Carnival Furnishers ordered to K19m employees’ benefits
and the Zambia Daily Mail Limited. He said the two companies were under restructuring and that in an event some redundancies happen, affected employees would be paid their dues. This followed concerns by ZUJ president, Samuel Lukhanda, that there was anxiety at Times Printpak arising from the rumoured merger of the two companies. Mr Lukhanda said journalists would like to be considered among the first people to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
By SILUMESI MALUMO
Worker nabbed in UTH Covid-19 test scam
DAILY
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members of his association to focus on increasing copper production, stating that the current copper prices on the market were attractive. “We are excited to see that copper prices have kept increasing on the international market. This should give our giant copper producing companies the impetus to increase production so that we benefit as a country,” he said. Mr. Kunda said key mining players should actively increase their production, urging his members to also participate in the production of copper ore. The association president said there was no need for the mining firms to be reluctant when they could benefit massively from soaring prices.
THE Lusaka High Court has ordered Carnival Furnishers Zambia Limited to pay 210 former workers their last December salaries and terminal benefits amounting to more than K19 million. This is according to a judgement in default of appearance and defence rendered by High Court Judge Gertrude Chawatama on February 16, this year. Carnival Furnishers Zambia limited, a furniture company, has since closed down its outlets across the Country. “The defendant not having entered appearance or filled a defence herein. It is this day adjudged that judgement in default of appearance and defence be and is hereby entered in favour of the plaintiff and against the defendant for the following liquidated demand endorsed on the writ of summons:” read the judgement. “Outstanding salaries for December, 2020 in the sum of ZMW1,611,980.11,outstanding leave pay in the sum of ZMW6,191,430,07,redundancy pay equivalent to two months’ basic pay for each completed year service in the sum of ZMW10,308,942.52,gratuity equivalent to 20 percent of annual basic pay in the sum of ZMW1,288,617.12, costs,” further read the judgement. Mr Mukena Mulonda and 209 others who were then employees of Carnival Furnishers, sued their employer claimed gratuity equivalent to 25 percent of annul basic pay in the sum of K1, 288, 617.12. They were also claiming redundancy pay equivalent to two months’ basic pay for each completed year of service amounting to K10, 308, 942, 52 and outstanding leave pay in the sum of K6, 191, 430.07. The workers were claiming outstanding salaries for December, last year of K1, 611, 980.11 plus commission calculated at three percent of sales on electronic goods and five percent on furniture. They also sought an order of injunction restraining the company from transferring, mortgaging, charging, using, disposing of or creating an interest in property and assets in Zambia before the determination of the case. Mr Mulonda and others also sought an order to restrain Carnival Furnishers’ landlords in all sites in Zambia from levying distress for rent or disposing of property. The workers also wanted the Lusaka High Court to declare that they have been made redundant and that costs be borne by the defendant. In their statement of claim, Mr Mulonda and others stated that in March last year, Carnival Furnishers stopped remitting gratuity contributions. They stated that from September, 2019, the company had been closing down its shops without notifying them and that they would report for work only to be told that the shops are being closed.
DAILY
Friday February 26, 2021
NDC IN DISARRAY FROM PAGE 1
Two proposals were put to a vote in the meeting and the majority won the day, defeating the objection raised by the NDC. “Mr. Kambwili delegated us to attend the meeting where the majority won the day. We had no choice but abide by the majority decision of the meeting, thereby committing to the alliance,” Mr. Edward Mumbi, Mr. Kambwili’s spokesman explained. “Upon being briefed of the meeting outcome Mr. Kambwili threw a tantrum, declaring that he would not be party to the agreement. We were sent to the meeting to represent the NDC and all decisions made in the meeting were by majority vote binding us as a party. “After the briefing, Mr. Kambwili told the meeting to go ahead with the agreement but that he would personally not be party to it. He told us we could go ahead but he would not be party to the decision that was made by a collective vote of a properly constituted meeting,” Mr Mumbi said. “We did not expel him, he expelled himself and we were doing his bidding,” Mr Mumbi said. As a result Vice President Joseph Akafumba announced the expulsion of Mr Kambwili in line with his wish not to abide by a collective decision. However, Mr. Kambwili
countered the decision, warning that they themselves risked being expelled as their decision to expel him was illegal. “I will not allow NDC to be swallowed by UPND and those that want to go, can go,” Mr Kambwili said. Mr Kambwili said Mr Akafumba, Mr Mumbi and the secretary-general Ms Bridgette Atanga had no authority to unilaterally expel him, saying it was only the central committee that could expel the party’s president. He said the party vice president and the secretary-general have no authority to convene a meeting without his authority. Mr Kambwili said he was not against the alliance but was opposed to contest elections on a single party ticket called UPND Alliance. Earlier, Mr Akafumba wondered why Mr Kambwili could waste the party's time to be in an alliance for the last three years “all for nothing.” Mr Akafumba said the NDC had decided to be in an alliance even without its president, Mr Kambwili and that he was expelled. The Opposition Alliance has now transformed into the UPND Alliance with Mr Hichilema as presidential candidate and all Parliamentary and civic candidates will contest under the UPND umbrella. The UPND Alliance has rejected a proposal by Mr Kambwili that each party should field its own candidates.
HOME NEWS
1, 000 FOREIGNERS FLUSHED OUT FROM KASENSELII By SILUMESI MALUMO
O
VER 1, 000 foreigners who have been illegally exploiting gold at Kasenseli Gold Mine in Mwinilunga have been flushed out, Mines and Mineral Development Minister Richard Musukwa has said. Mr Musukwa confirmed in an interview that, after conducting an operation at Kasenseli, most of the illegal miners were found to be foreigners. He said the same foreigners were persuading Zambians to illegally buy the lucra-
THERE is need to use local production plants to optimise oxygen and cushion the shortage in various health facilities, Green Party president Peter Sinkamba has said. Mr Sinkamba said a number of mining firms on the Copperbelt and North-Western provinces had oxygen plants which they use to produce industrial oxygen. He said such companies could be compelled to produce oxygen at optimal cost to supply hospitals in times of emergency need like now. Mr Sinkamba said it was important that the country thought out of the box instead of relying on procuring it out of the country. He said that even if the country would be able to receive sufficient vaccines to immunise all citizens, it was still certain that a number of patients requiring oxygen therapy would be on the rise. "And it may continue to be on this exponential trajectory for a very long time to come," he said. Mr Sinkamba however said before the mining firms could be compelled to produce oxygen, Government should enact enabling legislation to establish a system of priorities and allocations in time of emergency. Such an Act, he said, could be used to authorise the requisitioning of emergency supplies and for Government to
provide financial assistance for expansion of productive capacity and supply as well as provide for price and wage stabilisation during emergency production time. Mr Sinkamba said such a law would also provide for the settlement of labour disputes, strengthening controls over credit during the production of goods and services necessary for the
tive resource. Mr Musukwa said: “Government in the process has lost millions of dollars through unprecedented illegal activities mainly perpetuated by foreigners.” He said Government would not relent in ensuring that gold deposits were protected and that any illegal activities would be met by law. “You will be surprised that when we did an operation at Kasenseli for the first time, in excess of over 1, 000 were foreigners. This also include Rufunsa and all other gold areas.
“We have had a lot of resistance in terms of formalisation of gold and manganese because there are a lot of people who have been benefitting from this illegal practice,” he said. Mr Musukwa said: “These are the people who have been fighting government when we have been trying to formalise this process.” Mr Musukwa there had been rampant illegal exploitation of gold across the country which needed to be averted. “As you know the exploitation of gold especially alluvial is simple, that is why
Mr Musukwa
ordinary people across our country are involved in illegalities. “Government remains resolute at engaging communities, engaging our people because it is the best way to avert this crisis,” he said.
‘UPND MPs shun bill debates to hide inability’ From Page 1 Minister of Justice, Given Lubinda advised the UPND Parliamentarians not to shun debating the Cyber Security and Crimes Bill for the benefits of the people who elected them. This came to light after
Procure oxygen from mines - Sinkamba By SILUMESI MALUMO
3
national security including health emergency purposes. Last week, the Minister of Health, Dr Jonas Chanda, said that major hospitals in cities such as Kitwe were experiencing oxygen deficit and cost constraints due to increased Covid-19 patients requiring oxygen support. He said $1 million was secured to assist with oxygen procurement.
Vice President, Inonge Wina moved a motion to suspend the Standing Order 100 which forbids the consideration of all stages of the bill at one sitting. According to the 2016 Standing Order 100 of the National Assembly, not more than one stage of a bill can be taken at the same sitting without the permission of the House. Ms Wina asked Parliamentarians to vote against it to enable the House consider more than one stage of a bill at the same Sitting. “Mr Speaker, I beg to move a motion that Standing Order 100 of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2016, be suspended from Friday, 26th February to Friday, 5th March, 2021, to enable the House consider more than one stage of a Bill at the same Sitting,” Ms Wina said. In opposing the motion, UPND Monze Central MP, Jack Mwiimbu said his party
members would not debate or be part of those debating it. Mr Mwiimbu who is leader of the opposition claimed that the proposed suspension of Standing Order 100 was aimed at rushing the Cyber Security and Crimes Bill which he said affects the rights of Zambian. “This particular bill that will affect a lot of Zambians should not be rushed. And Zambian people should know that we will not be part of those debating it. As UPND, we shall not support this particular motion,” he said. But Mr Lubinda challenged Mr Mwiimbu and other MPs that had issues with any bill to debate it in the House than shunning away. “Let us not try and use this motion to hide our inability to come and debate on the floor. I say this with a very clear conscious because even the bill that he has been referring to, it is not as though we will pass it without him being allowed to debate it,” Mr Lubinda said.
As usual, he said, they like to speak from anthills and when the matter comes on the floor of the House, they shy away or walk out. The bill is for you to debate, show your fluency, and show your intellect on the floor. Don’t show it outside Parliament,” he said. He challenged the UPND MPs to prepare themselves for debate on the Cyber Security and Crimes Bill if they had any different views about it. And Ms Wina wondered why Mr Mwiimbu was worried about the Cyber Security and Crimes Bill which was meant to protect the rights of the people. Ms Mwape also asked the minister on the time frame for the completion of the project is. In response, Mr Mwale said “Government completed the construction of Masansa Health Facility into a Mini Hospital in 2019, “ Mr Mwale said.
Friday February 26, 2021
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CYBER LAW NEEDS DEBATE NOT POLITICS CYBERBULLYING and cybercrimes are rampant globally and a growing worry in this country. Examples of cybercrimes abound. Not long ago, scores of civil servants were conned out of their money through a cyber extortion in which they were made to believe that their bank, the Zambia National Commercial Bank, was changing security codes. Of course the bank did not have any such programme and in fact had been running adverts and alerts warning against the very same thing. Unfortunately, not every customer saw the alert or if they did, they never thought much of it. Many people do not think they can be conned until they are actually conned. Conmen or women do not carry labels. They act stealthily and are devious. In as far as cyberbullying is concerned, some countries have recorded cases of children and adults committing suicide as a result of being stalked and shamed. This unfortunately, is a worrying trend that is creeping into the Zambian culture, which is why the Cyber Security and Crimes Bill is an important introduction in Parliament. We therefore do not think our honourable men and women in Parliament should play politics over this bill. This is one issue which should be treated and debated in a nonpartisan manner because this proposed law is meant to protect everyone’s interest. If you are not committing any crime on the internet, as Patriotic Front Deputy Media Director, Antonion Mwanza said the other day, why should one be worried. Members of Parliament have the duty to debate as elected representatives of the very people who are vulnerable and susceptible to manipulation through the cyber space. This bill ensures to provide some protection to all Zambians. Like most countries, while Zambia has been embracing the internet and other cyber innovations, including such features as banking and mobile money transactions, there has been little regard to protect people from the adverse effects of the same technological advancement. Social media for instance has been a free for all to the extent where anyone with a smart phone is a publisher regardless of the content. In more recent times, pornographic materials have been circulated regardless of the fact that some of the recipients might be minors with smart phones. It is therefore incumbent upon Government and in this case, all members of Parliament, to ensure that the public is given some protection from being abused or robbed through use of cyber space. Minister of Justice, Given Lubinda yesterday rightly advised the UPND parliamentarians not to shun debating the Cyber Security and Crimes Bill for the benefit of the people who elected them. This came to light after Vice President Inonge Wina moved a motion to suspend the Standing Order 100 which forbids the consideration of all stages of the bill at one sitting. Mr Lubinda was reacting to UPND Monze Central MP, Jack Mwiimbu, who said his party members would not debate or be part of those debating it (Cyber Security and Crimes Bill). Mr Mwiimbu who is leader of the opposition claimed that the proposed suspension of Standing Order 100 was aimed at rushing the Cyber Security and Crimes Bill which he said affects the rights of Zambians. But Mr Lubinda challenged Mr Mwiimbu and other MPs that had issues with any bill to debate it in the House than shunning away. He is right to advise that whatever objections the UPND MPS may have should be debated within the House. That is why they are elected to the National Assembly.
DAILY
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JUSTICE OVER FOREST 27 MUST PREVAIL, SAYS HARRINGTON By KALOBWE BWALYA
T
HE fight for justice over the ‘unfair’ sharing of Forest 27 has not been abandoned, former Communication minister William Harrington has said. Mr Harrington said he only decided to discontinue the judicial review process in the high Court on forest 27 following the refusal by the deputy chief Justice to appoint a tribunal to look into the matter. He however said in an interview that lawyers had been engaged to find another plan of ensuring that justice prevailed over the matter.
“We have proposed some options for our consideration on the way forward,” Mr Harrington said. Mr. Harrington alleged that some senior officials at the judiciary were beneficiaries of the illegalities surrounding forest 27, adding it was the reason justice was being suppressed. “Our lawyers have however proposed some options for our consideration on the way forward, a sort of "Plan B". So be rest assured that the matter is still very active. “As far as evidence shows, the whole forest farm 27 development is an illegality. It is an illegal settlement and must be treated as such now
and in the future,” Mr Harrington added. He however said developers must not cry foul if any action was taken because they had been warned many times. Mr. Harrington commended President Edgar Lungu’s state of the nation address in parliament, that there was need to protect the environment and natural resources for present and future generations. . “That is exactly what we are trying to do through the courts of law. Forest 27 is a national property but it has been butchered for selfish interest,” he said.
Clearing company senior officials jailed By BUUMBA CHIMBULU TWO senior officials of a clearing company have been sentenced to nine months imprisonment for false declaration by the Nakonde Magistrate. Maybin Leo Mukuma a Director of Kinsman Clearing and Forwarding Limited 51, and Mabvuto Phiri, 28, the Branch Manager of the same company were on Tuesday sent to Isoka Correctional Facility to serve the sentences. Magistrate George Banda jailed the two officials. The facts of the case were that Mukuma and Phiri in September 1, 2018 registered and declared with the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) three bills of entry on their
company profile. This is according to the ZRA Corporate Communications Manager, Topsy Sikalinda. Mr Sikalinda said the two used three forged commercial invoices which provided that three motor vehicles had been imported into Zambia by Salesians of Don Bosco, a Public Benefit Organisation exempted from paying taxes on certain categories of motor vehicles, when in fact not. He named the vehicles as Toyota Alphard with chassis number ANH10-0032276, Mitsubishi Pajero with chassis number V73W-0401299 and Nissan Vanette with chassis number VM20002749 “The falsification of the invoices in the name of Sale-
_____________________ The facts of the case were that Mukuma and Phiri in September 1, 2018 registered and declared with the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) three bills of entry on their company profile. sians of Don Bosco would have led to the Government of Zambia losing revenue in the sum of K132, 873.62. Mr Sikalinda said the now convicts were fined and in default serve nine months simple imprisonment on 27th October last year. They were given up to November 30 last year, but failed to pay the fines.
Magistrate’s petition over retired officers dismissed By GRACE CHAILELESOETSA THE Constitutional Court has dismissed a petition in which Livingstone Magistrate Benjamin Mwelwa was challenging the retaining of retired judicial officers as unconstitutional. According to the court, the petition lacked merit. Mr Mwelwa petitioned the Constitutional Court to order that contracts given to retired judicial officers must be terminated and all salaries and allowances drawn from Government be paid back. He cited Attorney General, Likando Kalaluka as the respondent. Mr Mwelwa argued that the retaining of retired judicial officers was not only demotivating but also unconstitutional, according to Article 1(3) of the constitution. In his witness statement, he argued that the Judiciary had continued retaining retired employees as can be seen in a memorandum dated April 21 2020 issued by a chief administrator.
He stated that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has continued to promote retired officers at the expense of officers who have not retired and qualified to take up positions. Mr Mwelwa stated that there were many magistrates who after they are called to the bar had not been appointed to the position of resident magistrate for a long time on the basis that there were no vacancies and yet positions were being occupied by retired officers. But the court said Mr Mwelwa had not shown which constitutional or statutory provision, whether under the current or previous constitutional regimes, prohibited the granting of the contracts. Constitutional Court judge Mungeni Mulenga delivered the judgement on behalf of other judges, Professor Margaret Munalula and Martin Musaluke, on Tuesday. The court ruled that Article 145 of the Constitution which applies to judicial officers, does not contain a provision prohibiting the retention or
reappointment of retired judicial officers. The Court said that unlike the restriction placed on judges under Article 142 (4) of the Constitution regarding their eligibility for reappointment as judges after retirement, no such restriction exists for judicial officers. Justice Mulenga said Mr Mwelwa could not prove that the memorandum of April 24, 2020 prescribed or advanced either a different retirement age for judicial officers or 55 years as the retirement age for judicial officers. The judgement stated that Article 145(3) and (4) of the Constitution provides for the retirement age of a judicial officer as 65 years with an option to retire at 55 years. The Court however said that the Constitution has put a distinction between judges and judicial officers in terms of retirement age. “Article 145 of the Constitution which applies to judicial officers does contain a provision prohibiting the retention or reappointment of retired judicial officers,”
Mr. Harrington
Suspected UPND cadres slap PF parley aspirant By ANDREW MUKOMA A PATRIOTIC Front (PF) aspiring candidate for Bweengwa constituency in Monze, Mr Hendrix Chiluma Moobelela was on Monday attacked by suspected United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres. Mr Moobelela explained that he was walking from his home to town around 10:00 hours and that as he passed through Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula Stadium, some UPND cadres attacked him and slapped him repeatedly on the face. He said the cadres had earlier asked him to rescind his decision to stand on the PF ticket, accusing him of fanning confusion in Bweengwa. Mr Moobelela who has since reported the matter to police, said he would not cow down, as every Zambians had the constitutional right to belong to any political party of their choice. He said Zambia was a democratic country and that no one has powers to stop people from choosing, supporting or belonging to a political party of their choice. He urged the UPND top leadership to educate its members on the need to refrain from violence as it was against the democratic tenets. Mr Moobelela also implored the police to ensure that a peaceful environment was created for all political players. And Bweengwa Constituency PF chairperson, Mainza Kabwata, complained that their members live in fear as they were under constant verbal and physical attacks from the UPND cadres in Monze.
DAILY
Friday 26 February 2021
Veep launches Zamtel call centre By BUUMBA CHIMBULU VICE president, Inonge Wina, has encouraged stakeholders to support local businesses to flourish in order to foster development in Zambia. The Vice-President said this when she launched the Client Care Solutions Zambia Limited call centre in Lusaka owned by for Zamtel employees. Ms Wina said it was Government’s desire to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, more especially those owned by Zambians. “We all need to contribute to building the Zambia we want. Let us build this together by supporting local businesses to thrive,” she said. Ms Wina called upon business entities not to spend huge sums of money to set up call centres but instead utilise the one which had already been set up. She explained that doing so would support the young entrepreneurs by using the call
centre. “I also wish to call on other companies in Zambia that wish to outsource services to emulate Zamtel and consider giving such opportunities to our young Zambian entrepreneurs,” Ms Wina said. The Vice-President however regretted that rampant vandalism of installations and other infrastructure by unscrupulous people in the infrastructure industry. Ms Wina said this was unacceptable and retrogressive. “Damage to public infrastructure is a serious offence which warrants severe punishment. “I want to take this opportunity to call on all fellow citizens to desist from engaging in this scourge, as the perpetrators will surely be prosecuted with full force,” she said. Speaking at the same function, Zamtel Chief Executive Officer, Sydney Mupeta, encouraged business houses to support the call centre.
150, 000 Chinsali residents to benefit from new water project By NATION REPORTER
THE construction of Chinsali Water project in Muchinga Province has been completed and is expected to be commissioned next month. Minister of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection, Raphael Nakacinda, says the project which is expected to benefit over 150, 000 residents, is also expected to create jobs for locals. Mr. Nakachinda said this yesterday in Chinsali after inspecting the water project that access to clean and safe drinking water will significantly contribute to reducing the diarrheal diseases. "The completion of the water project is clear proof of President Edgar Lungu's aspirations to ensure that people have access to clean and safe drinking water," Mr Nakachinda said.
Meanwhile, Mr Nakachinda announced that plans to establish a water utility company in Muchinga Province have reached advanced stage. Currently, the province is serviced by Chambeshi Water Supply and Sanitation Company, which is also running Northern Province. Mr. Nakacinda notes that there is need to establish a utility company for Muchinga Province to ensure effective and efficient service delivery of water and sanitation services to the people. He urged the utility company to safeguard water infrastructure because provision of water supply is a cost undertaking. Mr. Nakachinda says utility companies should also come up rehabilitation programs of water infrastructure especially boreholes because repairing is equally a huge cost.
Kabwata schools get 1, 000 chicks empowerment By KALOBWE BWALYA
KABWATA aspirant Clement Tembo has handed over 1, 000 chicks and poultry supplies to Kabwata Constituency Based Schools as empowerment Initiative. Last week Mr Tembo promised various schools that he would empower them with poultry supplies and has fulfilled his promise through their Parent Teachers Association ( PTA). Various PTA committees submitted proposals weeks ago in which they requested for empowerment. Mr Tembo, said he would ensure that he bought all the feed for the chickens and and yesterday ensured that the committees left his offices with the chicks and feed.. Mr Tembo also said he un-
derstood the challenges that schools faced in Kabwata constituency and he would help them raise funding to ease some of their pressures. He said, teachers played a pivotal role ensuring that learners get the best education. Mr Tembo said, his doors remained open to anyone who needed help , because not every person may have everything in life. " I was born in Kabwata and did my education in Kabwata, therefore I understand when it comes to running of schools," said Mr Tembo. Among the items donated were day old chicks, stock feeds and chemicals for the projects. It’s expected that PTAs would be from now be able to raise funds from within their chicken business for their operations.
HOME NEWS
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Kazungula Bridge launch awaits pact singing By PETER SICHALI
T Mr Mfune
HE bilateral agreement between Zambia and Botswana on the operationalization of One Stop Border Post has to be signed before the commissioning the Kazungula Bridge, Housing and Infrastructure Permanent Secretary Danny Mfune has said. He said the commissioning of the bridge whose construction has been completed would be done as soon as a bilateral
agreement was concluded. "The two Governments are at the stage of discussing and signing of the bilateral agreement on the operationalisation of the one stop border post. Once that is concluded, commissioning will follow," Mr Mfune said. Mr Mfune said the bilateral meetings between the two countries on the running of the affairs of the Kazungula Bridge have reached an advanced stage. Recently, Housing and Infrastructure Development Min-
ister, Vincent Mwale, together with his Botswana counterpart Thulangano Segokgo, in October last year inspected the 923m long Kazungula Bridge. The final inspection signified that the Kazungula Bridge was now ready to be commissioned by the Presidents of Zambia and Botswana. The state-of-the-art bridge will reduce the transit time for heavy duty vehicles between Zambia and Botswana from more than 3 days to only 2 hours.
Aviation industry key, says Emirates 6
Friday 26 February, 2021
ZAMBIA POSTS TRADE SURPLUS
By BUUMBA CHIMBULU
Z
AMBIA has recorded over K9 billion worth of trade surplus while February inflation rate has increased to 22.2percent from 21.5percent in January. The trade surplus valued at K9.3 billion in January was due to increased export earnings from intermediate goods. This is according to the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats) Statistician General, Mulenga Musepa. Mr Musepa said the improvement was from K6.5 billion which was recorded in the previous month. He said during a virtual monthly briefing yesterday that the trade surplus meant that Zambia exported more than it imported. "Exports mainly comprising domestically produced goods, increased by 5.4 percent to K17.5 billion in January from K K16.6 billion in December. “This [rise in exports] was
…as inflation rises to 22p.c.
Mr Musepa
mainly on account of a 10.1 percent increase in export earnings from intermediate goods,” Mr Musepa said. Mr Musepa, however, said imports decreased by 18.8 percent to K8.2billion in January 2021 from K10.1 billion in December 2020. Meanwhile, Mr Musepa said the annual inflation rate for February increased to 22.2per-
cent from 21.5percent in January. Mr Musepa said the increase in the annual rate of inflation was mainly attributed to price increases in food items. "Goods and services increased by 22.2 percent between February 2020 and February 2021. This was a change of 0.7 percentage points compared to 2.3 percentage points
change in January," he said. He said the annual food inflation rate for this month increased to 27.3 percent compared to 25.6 percent recorded in January due to the rise in prices of cereals [rice, millet, sorghum],meats, fish ,fruits, vegetables ,fats , oils , milk and eggs. On the other hand, the annual non-food inflation rate declined to 16.2 percent from 16.7 percent . “The food and non-alcoholic beverages group contributed 14.7 percentage points, while non-food items accounted for 7.5 percentage points to the overall inflation rate of 22.2 percent. “Of the 7.5 percentage points, the transport group contributed the highest at 2.2 percentage points, followed by housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels at 1.7 percentage points. The rest of the non-food groups accounted for the remaining 3.6 percent,” Mr Musepa said.
Mr Hafiz
By BUUMBA CHIMBULU THE aviation industry remains one of the key sectors to drive economic recovery in the world and Zambia despite being disrupted by Covid-19. Covid-19 outbreak has disrupted the aviation industry and economies at large, says Mohammed Bin Hafiz, Country Manager for Emirates in Zambia. Despite this, Mr Hafiz said, the industry remained one of the key sectors to drive economic recovery. "While signs of recovery abound, for this recovery to last, we all need to adhere to health guidelines and protect our customers. "We must all pull together airlines, the hospitality industry, airports, and regulators – to ensure we get through this time and are prepared for better times ahead," he said his OP-ED. Mr Hafiz acknowledged that
ZANACO, Health Insurance ink digital payment deal By BUUMBA CHIMBULU
Fed Chair Jerome Powell has called exploring a digital dollar a “high priority project”
US central bank payment system down for 'hours' The system the US central bank uses to process more than $3tn (£2.1tn) each day crashed on Wednesday. The Federal Reserve said the disruption was caused by an "operational error". It started restoring services within hours. The Fed handled over 184 million transactions last year, from bank transfers to electronic payroll deposits. The crash adds to pressure the bank is facing to keep up with tech disruptors. "Let's work together to ensure we have a faster, more reliable way to send payments," Senator Cynthia Lummis wrote on Twitter. At hearings in Washington this week, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell was also pressed on the bank’s plans
to explore digital currencies, pointing to steps by central banks in China and elsewhere, as well as Bitcoin and other private payment systems. The project is “vital to American competitiveness”, Congressman Patrick McHenry said. Mr Powell said the bank planned to spend this year doing extensive research and public outreach about the idea of a digital dollar, describing it as a “high priority project”. But he added that the bank was also wary of doing anything that might have unintended negative consequences for the existing system. “We have a responsibility to do this right,” he said. “We don’t have to be the first.” -BBC
IN an effort to digitalise payment solutions especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, a partnership has been formed to enhance electronic transactions between Zanaco and the National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA). In this partnership, Zanaco will provide a payment platform supporting NHIMA collection of insurance premium. Through the strategic partnership, about 40 percent of payments are expected to be made using the eNHIMA platform. Zanaco Managing Director, Mukwandi Chibesakunda, said the partnership resonated well with her institution’s digital agenda. Ms Chibesakunda said during the signing ceremony yesterday in Lusaka that Zanaco was committed to growing Zambia leveraging on its digital agenda. Ms Chibesakunda said partnership with NHIMA was a demonstration of Zzanaco's commitment to fostering growth in the health and banking sectors. She said the collaboration would supplement financial inclusion efforts in the health sector through digital payment platforms.
Ms Chibesakunda
"The partnership is in line with Zanaco's digitalisation agenda and Wil contribute to the wellbeing of the Zambian people. "With this robust digital agenda platform, Zanaco is well placed to carter for the need of mandatory payment of obligations to the national health scheme," she said. NHIMA Board Vice-Chairperson, Kingsley Chanda, said the coming on board of Zanaco would enhance NHIMA's
efficiency in the administration of the national health insurance scheme. Mr Chanda said the partnership would help in mobilisation of resources needed to achieve universal health coverage. "This project is important in the development of the social economic agenda. Seamless payments are therefore vital to this projects they will strengthen the social and economic development," he said.
travel had not been the same since the Covid-19 pandemic started over a year ago, with relentless daily rise in new cases coupled with varying levels of restrictions for travel. However, he said, some countries and many travellers were already looking forward to a recovery period. Vaccines, he said, would also play an important role in restarting travel and the tourism sector. "We know people are yearning to fly, as borders around the world gradually reopen and news of the vaccine slowly brings a ray of hope on the horizon. "After months of tight restrictions and uncertainty brought on by Covid-19, what most people are really looking for is some semblance of normality returning in their lives; some flexibility in their daily lives without compromising safety," Mr Hafiz said.
Global equity funds see jump in inflows despite inflation concerns GLOBAL equity funds witnessed higher inflows in the week ended Feb. 24, on optimism that global central banks would keep interest rates lower to prop up their economies, undeterred by rising inflation concerns. Investors purchased $31.4 billion in global equity funds in the week ended Feb.24, which was 17% higher than last week, Lipper data showed. On the other hand, global bond funds saw their lowest inflow in eight weeks on worries over higher inflation levels. The bond funds had a net buying of $7.36 billion in the week ended Feb. 24, with money flowing mainly into inflation-protection bond funds and shorter-tenor bond funds. Investors bought about $4.7 billion worth of funds that invest in U.S. short-term and medium-term bonds, while funds focused on bonds structured to provide protection against inflation, attracted about $1.5 billion, according to the data. Among equities, tech funds had their lowest inflow in four weeks, hit by rising U.S. yields. Higher yields lower the present value of future cash flows of growth stocks, making them less attractive. - REUTERS
Friday 26 February, 2021
Kenyan firms get 12 years to shape up under UK deal NAIROBI - Kenyan manufacturers will get 12 years to grow their capacities to match their UK counterparts once parliaments of the two countries ratify their Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the Ministry of Trade has said. This follows revelation that the trade pact between Kenya and UK will allow the latter to export goods to Kenya duty-free for 25 years in a memorandum accompanying the agreement by Trade Cabinet Secretry Betty Maina to the National Assembly. But in a statement on Monday, the ministry says goods that will be granted free access into the country are those, which currently attract duty of 25 percent or more, and make up 2.6 percent of the total imports into Kenya and East African Community. The duty-free access, the ministry says, will take place 12 years after the deal is ratified. Agricultural and industrial goods are excluded from freeaccess pact to protect local producers who are limited by the economies of scale.
“It is instructive that goods that attract 25 percent or more duty when being imported into Kenya and other EAC partner States account for only 2.6 percent of total trade that was subject to liberalisation under the EPA. Liberalisation of these products commences 12 years after the Kenya-UK EPA enters into force and takes place gradually over 13-year period,” the ministry said. “These are finished products that are considered to have minimal negative impact on Kenya and other EAC Partner States. Any industries that may be producing similar goods in Kenya and other EAC partners, will have 12 years before liberalisation starts to adjust. “Requisite capacity and trade defence measures have been anticipated in the EAC-UK EPA for use to mitigate any negative effects to local industries producing similar intermediate products,” it said. In the EPA, Kenya will liberalise 82.6 percent of its trade with the UK over a 25-year period, but with a moratorium of seven years, after which the free access of UK goods will gradually kick in. The two countries are top trading partners with over Sh200 billion worth of goods exchanged between them in a year, with machinery, pharmaceuticals, clothing and liquor among the top imports Kenya receives from the UK. – DAILY NATION, Kenya.
Mid-term policy review to clear mining misconception HARARE - Government says the legal clarity needed to clear the misconception created as a result of an amendment to the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act (Chapter 14:33) (IEE Act), will be effected when treasury issues the midterm budget review statement later in the year. The misconception, which led some quarters into concluding that Government was reneging on President Mnangagwa’s “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” mantra, came about when Government gazetted the Finance (No 2) Act, 2020 (section 36). The amendment appeared to have caused a misconception among investors and stakeholders who thought the Government had brought back the 51 percent local ownership threshold for the mining sector. The misconception has even persisted despite Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube, issuing a statement earlier in the month clarifying Government position that the sector was open for investors regardless of their nationalities. Ncube even highlighted that Government will delete the insertion that caused the misconception in a bid to enhance certainty and consistent with Government policy. To further buttress Government position, Finance and Economic Development Deputy Minister Clemence Chiduwa, said the legal effect to this will be effected when Ncube presents the midterm budget review statement later in the year. . – THE HERALD, Zimbabwe.
WE ARE NOT MADE OF MONEY, MBOWENI WARNS MPS ON DEBT
J
OHANNESBURG Minister of Finance Tito Mboweni said in as strong terms as ever that South Africa will have to come to grips with its debt in the coming years as he tabled his 2021 Budget Speech in Parliament on Wednesday afternoon. The Budget Review said debt-service costs were higher than the 2020 Budget estimates by R3.6 billion in the 2020-21 financial year, R11.3 billion in the 2021-22 financial year and R17.9 billion in the 2022-23 financial year. Mboweni urged that while there were discernible improvement in the fiscal outlook, it would be a fatal mistake for the government to allow complacency to set in. “An incorrect notion has taken hold that government is
JOHANNESBURG One of the only shocks in South Africa’s 2021 national Budget was the unexpected abolishment of so-called Section 12J tax breaks. Section 12J of the Income Tax Act affords South Africans a tax rebate if their investments are made through an approved venture-capital company. The idea was to encourage investments in small businesses and riskier ventures that can help to create jobs and economic growth. The scheme was introduced in 2008, and was set to expire on June 30, 2021. Experts expected it would be extended. Instead, Treasury canned it. In its Budget 2021
‘swimming in cash’. Certainly, compared to last October, we are in a better place. But our assessment from the Supplementary Budget in June last year still stands: our public finances are dangerously overstretched,” said Mboweni. Mboweni said South Africa’s borrowing requirement will remain well above R500 billion in each year of the medium term despite the modest improvements in our fiscal position. “Consequently, gross loan debt will increase from R3.95 trillion in the current fiscal year to R5.2 trillion in 2023/24. We owe a lot of people a lot of money. “These include foreign investors, pension funds, local and foreign banks, unit trusts, financial corporations, insurance companies, the Public
In a shock move, govt just killed Section 12J tax breaks for venture capital
statement, Treasury said it had not “sufficiently” achieved its objectives of developing small business, generating economic activity, and creating jobs. “Instead, it provided a significant tax deduction to wealthy taxpayers.” Far from investing in small businesses and riskier ventures, Treasury found that the
Indiscipline rife in Zim forex market HARARE – There is worrying level of indiscipline by business in the domestic market, leaving authorities with little option but to intervene to forestall costly market failures if the flagrant disregard of rules continues. Authorities have already started working on legal provisions to counter the potential risks that may arise out of market indiscipline relating to use or abuse of the auction. Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor John Mangudya and Secretary for Finance and
Investment Corporation and ordinary South African bondholders,” Mboweni said. It expects debt-service costs to continue their increase at an annual average rate of 13.3 percent, reaching R338.6 billion in the 2023-24 financial year.“Due to the higher budget deficit, coupled with fluctuations in interest, inflation and exchange rates, debt-service costs will continue to rise over the medium term,” the Budget Review said. The Budget Review said gross national debt was projected to grow continuously over the long term, despite 2020 budget proposals to reduce expenditure growth. – FIN24.
Economic Development George Guvamatanga, said this during a 2021 monetary policy review webinar. Dr Mangudya said given that there now is discipline in the execution of monetary and fiscal policies, what was lacking to sustain and improve prevailing stability and ensure growth was market discipline. The indiscipline mostly involves abuse and misuse of forex obtained from the auction market, which has helped bring about exchange rate and inflation stability since its inception in June
majority of the S12J investments were “low risk,” and offered guaranteed returns “that would have attracted funding without the venture.” Treasury found that more than R11 billion was invested in some 360 S12J venture companies, but only 37 percent of these companies added new jobs after receiving funding.
Many of the companies offered property investments. It also noted that 12J industry body’s survey was “more optimistic than the actual responses” when it came to job creation. While the Section 12j tax incentives are coming to an end, Treasury has extended tax breaks for property developers of buildings in city centres. These had been due to end in March, but have been extended with another two years. Treasury is currently reviewing the tax incentives for research and development. – BUSINESS INSIDER, SA.
last year. “Market discipline is about attitude, is about self-discipline. This attitude, self-discipline is very critical to ensure that we overcome our challenges as a country. “Under market discipline, we are talking about compliance, we are talking about pricing discipline; including the administrative pricing discipline,” Mangudya said. “I think we have done very well on monetary discipline and fiscal discipline, but we have not done very well on market discipline, which is compliance, attitude and self-discipline; these are soft skills. “Why is it difficult to comply
with an exchange rate of between $83 and $89 (Zimbabwe dollars) to (US$1), which is a big band? “Our auction bid band is between $82 and $89-$90, but you find that some people have propensity to always do above that,” the central bank governor said. Secretary for Finance, Guvamatanga, said there had been significant improvement in the conduct of the fiscal policy since the coming to power of the new administration. He said when the Government took over, the old dispensation had accessed just over US$3 billion through the RBZ window, which contributed to inflation build up. – THE HERALD, Zimbabwe.
Friday 26 February, 2021
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UPND/NDC ALLIANCE WAS DOOMED, ECL IS THE ANNOINTED ONE Dear editor,
T
HE recent revelation that the UPND led alliance has collapsed is not shocking as it was clear from the
outs e t .
We have always denounced the chronic greediness by the UPND who did not value the importance of other partners. We had observed a number of irreconcilable differences that had engulfed the political players that had come together to wage rivalry against President E d g a r Chagwa Lungu. Just like the bible clearly put it; touch not the anointed one, President E d g a r Chagwa Lungu’s is the anointed one. Without malice or spite, we have been consistent in our commentaries that any alliance that
United Party for National Development (UPND) especially with long time opposition leader Hakahinde Hichilema at its helm is helm is destined for doom. The reason for the collapse of the alliance we predicated is simple; Hakahinde Hichilema only believe that he has the monopoly of the alternatives and the views of other partners did not matter. We know how desperate HH was to have any user friendly non tribesman as a catalyst to dilute his tribal tag so long total allegiance was pledged to him. With this apparent ego, the alliance between UPND and anyone is not based on mutual respect. The alliance partners were engulfed in deep rooted irreconcilable differences which made them tilt towards different directions. We appreciate National Democratic President Chishimba Kambwili for having exercised excessive restraint even if it was apparently clear that his lead alliance partner HH was aimed at undermining other opposition partners. We also predicted that with the typical dictatorial tendencies by HH, it was possible that his priority could
be disbanding the opposition political parties which would have helped him ascending to power and eliminate a possible reintroduction of one party participatory democracy. It is sad, our unsolicited counsel was misconstrued as dislike for the leader who is about to attempt the sixth Presidential bid. We would like to repeat our observation, a fractured and failed UPND led alliance is not ready to govern. The association has always had the ideological differences which remained unresolved for 2 years. We believe the UPND former alliance partners have the eye witness perspective on the true character of HH and Zambians should believe them. Mr Hichilema is inadvisable and we have always seen how he disregarded the expert advice from Zambia Airforce (ZAF) with regard to his intention to sell the Presidential jet. Zambians should be forewarned on the dangers of trusting such ill-advised tyrants masquerading as the messiahs and liberating figures for the Zambian people. MARVIN CHANDA MBERI, Lusaka
LAND TITLING PROJECT Dear editor, LAND titling project was launched by the Government through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in October 2018 as a pilot project which ran through to January 2019. The main objective of this project is to issue title deeds to landlords and landladies of houses and plots. The plots under consideration for land titling are those falling under state land. The plots under customary land are not included in this project. As alluded earlier, the land titling project was pioneered as a pilot one covering the period from October 2018 to January 2019. This was done by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to assess its effectiveness within a short period of time before the second phase could be launched. The first phase of the project was targeted to capture 50,000 property owners and issue them with title deeds. The good news is that this was achieved. The areas captured during the first phase of the project included Kamwala South, Libala, Mtendere, Kalingalinga, Kanyama, Garden House, Mandevu, Matero and Kamanga. The aftermath of the initial project of the land titling resulted in more than 50,000 property owners to obtain title deeds. The titled properties will be entered in the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources database. This will assist the Ministry assess the amount of revenue to be collected in ground rates. This task proved to be too difficult to undertake. This will no longer be the case. However, this project will not only benefit the Government by having the correct data regarding the number of landed properties with title deeds but, will also assist the property owners access loans from the commercial banks and the microfinance institutions. The acquired loans can be utilized in commencing the business and improve the already existing enterprises. This is because the said assets can be pledged as collateral in that they have title deeds. The property owners will not face the hurdles when they decide to sell their properties for the simple reason that the properties earmarked for sell have
title deeds. It has proven cumbersome and costly when it comes to dispose of the house or the plot owing to the bureaucracy involved. The vendor of the asset being sold has to legalise the property being sold in order to acquire the title deed and settle all the outstanding ground rates. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources launched the second phase of the land titling project in October 2019 and it will run up to December 2027. This project is targeting to issue 4 million title deeds to the property owners across the country. This will be a milestone achievement for the country and the property owners in particular. However, this is the first time that most if not all properties are being formalized in terms of legalizing them in our country. The recent research revealed that most property owners don’t have title deeds for their properties. Given this scenario, it becomes a common feature where two people claim ownership of the same property due to absence of the title deed. Wrangles surrounding the ownership of the landed properties have been rampant in the recent past. Worse still, some people particularly the political cadres have been embroiled in clandestine activities in the land allocation for instance. The illegality in land allocation will be nipped in the bud. This is very encouraging as a matter of fact. It is a well-known fact that to undertake the land titling project requires colossal sums of money of which the Government cannot afford. To facilitate for this project, the World Bank came on board as the major funder. The World Bank is doing a commendable job towards this project by providing all the logistical support so that the project succeeds. In conclusion, the land titling project came at the right time in that the property owners will be issued with title deeds as a guarantee for ownership of their properties. Ultimately, this will mitigate wrangles arising from property ownership where two people or more claim ownership of the same property. On the other hand, the Government through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources will in the near future be able to raise enough revenue from ground rates unlike the current situation where most properties in the high density areas such as Kanyama, Misisi, John Laing and Kalikiliki, among others don’t have title deeds. ELEMIYA PHIRI Lusaka. +260979188020
In the end, education and hardwork win Dear editor, IN the recent past, the Mizinga Melu, Margaret Mwanakatwe, Prof. Nkandu Luo type of woman was beginning to look like a dying breed. Young ladies had stopped posting pictures in graduation gowns or academic achievements. It has been lunches, dinners and trips to fancy luxurious places and presents captioned "am blessed". Leading expensive lifestyles that their entire clan and ancestors cannot afford. Ironically, their companions would not be in the pictures. Obviously, the "role models" had made it clear there is nothing wrong with this easy-come lifestyle. And as they say, easy come-easy go. Just like that, with one crack of a whip, your life gets turned upside down. You realise, you were actually not in control of your life. Why? Your lifestyle is not dependent on you but others who finance it. Your so called success was just an illusion. But with education hardwork, nobody can take that away from you. Let's get back to the basics and remind our daughters, sisters, aunties that education is still the sexiest key to success. That temporary Slay Queen life has an extremely short lifespan because the real owners can take it away at any given time. KHALILILO EUGINE PHIRI
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PF youths caution parley aspirants By ANDREW MUKOMA
S
OME PF youths in Livingstone have called on aspiring candidates to conduct their campaign in an appropriate
manner. Apparently, youths are not happy with the way some aspiring candidates were dishing out money to members at the district level. The party will tomorrow hold interviews and also conduct pri-
mary elections for aspiring candidates. However, the youth’s have told the Daily Nation that some aspiring candidates were buying off party officials for them to be voted. They have charged that if what happened at Constituency level will happen at the district, then the process would be sham. "We are aware that one of these aspiring candidates quarantined some constituency officials and booked them some rooms at one
of lodges the night before voting. The same person is also dishing out money so that he can be voted as the winner of the election," one of the youths said. He added that the district officials should not allow themselves to be used but allow for a transparent process to take place. The youths have warned that, if the exercise would be manipulated by an individual, then they would demand for process to be cancelled.
Mr Sialubalo
MP aids vulnerable pupil By ANDREW MUKOMA
RFGS 67005/66989/65428: INVITATION FOR BIDS SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF 4 CHEMISTRY ANALYZERS, 4 HEMATOLOGY ANALYZERS, 75,000 BIOHAZARD BAGS AND 75,000 NON-BIOHAZARD BAGS Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is a non-governmental organization that supports community-based development programs in partnership with local organizations and the Catholic Dioceses. Inspired by its mandate to collaborate with both religious and non-sectarian NGO’s as well as local government, CRS is committed to organization development and strengthening of these partners in order to promote sustainability and development and high impact programs that target the most vulnerable of the society. CRS, under CDC Epic 3-90 project, invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders from reputable companies to submit their bids for supply and delivery of 4 Chemistry Analyzers, 4 Hematology Analyzers, 75,000 Biohazard Bags and 75,000 Non -Biohazard Bags. CRS now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders from reputable companies to submit their bids for supply and delivery of 4 Chemistry analyzers, 4 Hematology analyzers, 75,000 Biohazard bags and 75,000 Non -Biohazard bags as indicated below. No. 1. 2 3 4
DESCRIPTION Chemistry Analyzer Hematology Analyzer Biohazard Bags Non-Biohazard Bags
QUANTITY 4 4 75,000 75,000
1) All interested bidders are advised to collect a complete set of bidding documents at Catholic Relief Services Offices on Plot No 377 A/43/C/2, Ibex Hill Road, Lusaka from 08:00Hrs to 13:00Hrs, Monday to Thursday and 08:00Hrs to 10:00Hrs on Friday. 2) This invitation to bid serves only as a definition of requirements and does not legally obligate CRS to accept any of the submitted bids in whole or in part, nor is CRS obligated to select the lowest priced bids. CRS reserves the right to negotiate with any or all bidders. 3) Bids must be deposited in the Tender Box at CRS at Plot No. 377/43C/2C Ibex Hill Road, at the Reception in Building 2 on or before Wednesday, 3rd March 2020 at 10:30hrs local time. Late bids will be rejected. Bids should be clearly labelled RFGS 67005/66989/65428: INVITATION FOR BIDS – SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF 4 CHEMISTRY ANALYZERS, 4 HEMATOLOGY ANALYZERS, 75,000 BIOHAZARD BAGS AND 75,000 NON -BIOHAZARD BAGS. 4) CRS may extend the deadline for submission of bids by issuing an amendment to the invitation to bid, if necessary. In such case, all the rights and obligations of CRS and Bidders previously subject to the initial deadline will be governed by the new deadline. 5) Bidders are responsible for ensuring that their offers are submitted in accordance with the instructions stated herein. Any bids received after the deadline date will not be accepted. Telegraphic and/or electronic bids will not be accepted. All bids should be addressed to: The Country Representative Catholic Relief Services-Zambia Plot 377A/43/2C, Ibex Hill Road P.O. Box 38086 LUSAKA
SINAZONGWE Member of Parliament Gift Sialubalo has come to the aid of a 19-yearold boy who was in need of financial support to continue his education. Mr Sialubalo has contributed of K 5, 000 towards Titus Siamungunga Siampaka who has been struggling with support to continue with education. The boy from Munzuma, has been failing to proceed to Grade 8 even after passing the Grade 7 exams with flying colours. Due to lack of financial support, Siampaka was made to rewrite Grade 7 twice despite passing with excellent results but could not go to grade eight at Maamba Secondary School. The boy's predicament was discovered by journalists last year during the independence
cerebrations held in Munzuma. Since then, a few individuals had been promising to help while others had not fulfilled their promises. However, Mr Sialubalo has stepped in to ensure the boy attains his education. Siampaka has been enrolled at Nkandabbwe Basic School in Sinazeze. Gwembe Valley Must Develop advocate Winter Muvombo confirmed the development to the Daily Nation in Livingstone. "Early this month the boy lost the step-father by the name of Alex Siampaka leaving the boy and the widow without hope of getting back to class. “We are thankful to the office of the councillor Charles Ntiiti, Council Chairperson Alick Muleya and the Gift Sialubalo for the gesture, this is how it should be in the Christian Nation," Mr Muvombo said.
Monze council repairs boreholes By ANDREW MUKOMA MONZE Town Council (MTC) has commenced the rehabilitation of boreholes in two constituencies using the 2020 Constituency Development Funds (CDF). The council is repairing boreholes in Monze Central and Moomba parliamentary constituencies. Monze Town Council spokesperson, Kanchele Kanchele, said the local authority procured the materials to repair the boreholes last month. The materials, he said, had been delivered to 12 wards out of the 15 wards. Mr Kanchele explained to the Daily Nation that the council would rehabilitate at least 25 boreholes in four wards of Moomba constituency. "Work has already started in three wards out of the four wards in Moomba. We can confirm that pump minders are working on the boreholes in Mwanza East and West wards. “In Mwanza East we have so far done at least three boreholes out of the five while in Mwanza West, work has started and in Choona, material was delivered and work will start. “In Monze Central Constituency materials have been delivered to eight wards and we are yet to deliver to the remaining three wards. The wards awaiting delivery of materials are
Katimba, Bbombo and Hantotola which will be delivering within the course of the week," Mr Kanchele said. Mr Kanchele added that work has already started in the other six wards where materials have delivered. He said that the local authority had earmarked work on 44 boreholes in all the 11 wards of Monze Central constituency. The total cost of rehabilitation was K150,000. Mr Kanchele has called on communities to guide the rehabilitated boreholes jealously and ensure that the equipment stands the test of time. "We would like to appeal to users of these boreholes to ensure that they protect these water infrastructures once they are rehabilitated because we can only make progress if we do not continue to work on the same Infrastructure every time we receive CDF. "We urge Ward Development Committees to ensure that they set up structures which will not only protect such infrastructure but also ensure that a system to ensure that they are repaired without waiting for allocations such as the CDF to have them repaired," he said. Over 15, 000 people who have been sharing water sources with animals will have access to clean water after the completion of the rehabilitations.
DAILY
Friday February 26, 2021
‘CBU donated bus intact’
PF grassroots urged to coordinate effectively
C
OPPERBELT University Students Union (COBUSU) president, Lawrence Kasonde, says some media reports that the bus President Edgar Lungu donated to the institution is damaged are false. Mr Kasonde explained that the driver of the bus stopped to check if the height of the bridge was high enough for it to pass and in the process it caused alarm among the
By ROGERS KALERO
PATRIOTIC Front (PF) leaders at various levels must coordinate well and work towards convincing the electorate to continue supporting the ruling party, PF Kamfinsa constituency aspiring candidate Kelvin Chipili has said. Mr Chipili said in Kitwe yesterday that the party at grass root level should create a system to maintain the membership and give hope to members so that they could help sell the party ahead of the August 12 elections. During an interaction meeting with the PF Kamfinsa ward chairmen at Zambia Compound Mashula Hall, Mr Chipili said the general elections were near, hence the need to start moving in areas where the party was behind and coordinate effectively. "The most important thing is for us to remain united and focused. The general elections is near hence we need to start moving in areas where we're behind and coordinate well. It is to this effect that we create a system to maintain our members and give hope to them,'' Mr Chipili said. Mr Chipili urged the ward chairmen and their leadership to continue with their tireless efforts and ensure that they walked the talk so that their works could be evidence enough to the PF critics. He reminded the officials to create more branches so that all the loopholes for the opposition were sealed to set a firm ground for victory in the August elections. Mr Chipili said the PF would not waste time on UPND social media tantrums, but actively engage people on the grounds on various challenges and problems they were facing. He said, while the PF cannot solve every problem which the people were facing, it was trying its best despite that the UPND using propaganda and lies to mislead the people Mr Chipili said the government averted job losses at Mopani Copper Mines by taking over the mine from Glencore, but the opposition UPND had continued to criticize moves aimed at saving job losses "But when President Edgar Lungu decided that we should take over MCM to avert job losses, they started saying all sorts of things criticizing the government. So UPND wanted miners to lose jobs so that they could rejoice in the sufferings of the miners,'' he said.
KOPALA NEWS
Mr Kasonde
students who started chanting and screaming that the newly-acquired bus had been damaged. "Contrary to the video that is circulating on social media, I'm here to report that the bus is 100 percent in perfect condition. I'm also appealing to students to use social media in a positive manner. Because if we are not careful, social media can destroy our country," he said. Mr Kasonde said this in
Ndola yesterday when his team met Copperbelt Permanent Secretary, Bright Nundwe. Mr Nundwe had requested for a report on the video circulating on social media purporting that the bus was damaged barely days after it was donated by the Head of State. And COBUSU vice president Mutale Mumba pledged dialogue whenever students were faced with
11
any challenges at the university. “The university will not engage in riotous behaviour, but will always seek dialogue as a means to resolve the challenges at the institution,” he stated. Meanwhile, Mr Nundwe commended the students for exhibiting exemplary behaviour at the institution. He said Government was excited about the manner in which the students at the university were exhibiting maturity and urged them to keep up the good attitude. - ZANIS
USAID/PEPFAR SAFE
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST – VENDOR REGISTRATION Reference No: VH.ZSAFE.2021 EOI Issuance Date: February 23, 2021 Deadline for Receipt of EOI Applications: March 9, 2021 JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. and John Snow, Inc (JSI) is an international public health firm based in Boston, USA and is currently implementing USAID/PEPFAR Supporting an AIDS-Free Era (SAFE) and USAID supported DISCOVER-Health Project, with the mandate to provide quality integrated health services to the Zambian people. JSI is soliciting Expressions of Interest (EOI) applications from qualified local specialized vendors interested in supply and delivery of services for the following categories: No.
Category Provision of Truck Hire – SAFE 1 PROJECT ONLY 2 Supply of Tyres – BOTH PROJECTS
In case of any clarifications, please contact Procurement Unit by Close of Business on Friday February 26th, 2021 via email on safeprocurementus@jsi.com. Responses to questions will be posted on JSI.com. All correspondence pertaining to this solicitation must clearly reference EOI: VH.ZSAFE.2021 in the subject line, and be addressed to the aforementioned email. JSI will issue the Request for Proposals (RFQ) only to shortlisted firms upon completion of EOI solicitation process. Please submit your applications by email only, in accordance with the instructions mentioned in the EOI document. JSI reserves the right not to consider applications received after the submission deadline.
EOI Request Details: EOI application submission requirements and selection criteria for prequalification are stated in the EOI document. The full EOI document can be obtained by emailing safeprocurementus@jsi.com or by downloading at www.jsi.com. If emailing please include the following:
Closing date for receipt of application is March 9th, 2021 at 17:00hrs. This procurement is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development and is subject to all applicable Federal regulations and provisions.
1. Email Subject: EOI – Category Type (No. and Category) 2. Email Body: Please include your company name, contact information office location and a request for the full EOI and attachments.
Please note that if your organization submitted an application and entered into the vendor database in response to any EOI previously, if interested, you will need to apply once again as this is for the period 2021-2022, with the possibility of extension.
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Friday February 26, 2021
DAILY
12
Road Safety With DAILY
Frederick Mubanga
Friday February 26, 2021
- Road Transport and Safety Agency -
DRIVING SPEED AND ACCIDENT RISK
D
RIVING speed is an important factor in road safety. Speed not only affects the severity of a crash, but is also related to the risk of being involved in a crash. The higher the speed, the greater the stopping distance required, and hence the increased risk of a crash. According to a Road Safety Manual on Speed produced by the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is clear that as more kinetic energy must be absorbed during a high-speed impact, there is a higher risk of injury should a crash occur. Speeding is one of the major causes of road traffic crashes in Zambia. A baseline survey on speeding conducted by the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR) on behalf of the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) in 2016, revealed that over 39 percent of vehicles sampled in Central, Lusaka, Southern and Copperbelt provinces were speeding on public roads. This entails that most of the
an over-speeding vehicle. The frequency of speeding vehicles is so prominent along the major highways in Zambia. Accidents statistics also reveal that road traffic crashes involving speeding drivers are prominent on the Great North Road (Livingstone to Nakonde). Research has shown that drivers driving at high speed have the greatest risk of being involved in a road crash than drivers driving at lower speed. Additionally, the impact, chances of sustaining serious injuries and death are very high as compared to a driver moving at slow speed. Additionally, the extent of the damage to the vehicle, property and road furniture is equally extensive in a road crash involving a vehicle moving at high speed. Apart from the trauma and human suffering associated with road traffic crashes, the impact on the economy is enormous. Speeding has many disadvantages than advantages on the road. The following are some of the disadvantages of
on the road which is characterised by a trend of speeding especially along the major highways, a situation which has been cited as one of the major causes of accidents on the Zambian roads. Motorists should therefore follow appropriate speed limits. Those that will be found wanting will have their Driving Licences suspended or cancelled as provided for under the Road Traffic Act No. 11 of 2002. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Road Traffic Crashes contributory factors vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists is especially important and should be followed by all motorists. Excessive and inappropriate speed is causing a serious and worsening road safety problem in Zambia, and a call for change in bad driver behaviour in this regard cannot be over emphasised. A number of research projects conducted globally have clearly identified inappropriate speed as being a particular problem. Thus, as a country we will equally have a portion of this problem which need to be addressed immediately. As a country, we have started drawing lessons from successful and non-successful initiatives used to illustrate the advice provided, and put in place practical speed management strategies such as speed zooning, speed culming, and speed limit measures including the installation of Global Position Systems (GPS) devices on long distance public transport such as buses and trucks. RTSA is ensuring that all bus operators implement the Road Safety Fleet Management Policy of 2017 which is underpinned by the following five factors namely: (i) Driver Management; (ii) Vehicle Management; (iii) Journey Management (including installation of the Global Positioning System – GPS); (iv) Health and Safety at the Workplace; and (v) Organisational Management. This is in a bid to manage speed related factors.
Speeding Public Service Vehicle killing over 21 Speeding Public Vehicle killing over passengers along the KabweService – Lusaka road in 2017 21 passengers along the Kabwe – Lusaka drivers on the Zambian roads over-speeding: are driving above the pre- a. Reduced reaction time, road in 2017 scribed speed limit, a situation b. Poor judgement of distance, that has contributed to road crashes, resulting into deaths and injuries. Speeding is ranked as the second cause of road traffic accidents in Zambia. If motorists observe appropriate speed limits, the country is projected to reduce the number of road traffic accidents by 35 percent. Further, it was established that speeding prevalence was high among male motorists with 58 percent of them being observed as over-speeding than their female counterparts. The speeding prevalence among female motorists was 42 percent. The 2020 road accident statistics reveal that 50 percent of road traffic fatalities involve passengers and cyclists. Passengers and motorists are equally at risk of being involved in a road traffic crash involving
and c. Increased severity of injury.
Therefore, motorists and passengers have the responsibility to ensure that vehicles move at appropriate speed. Speed management is a very important tool for improving road safety. However, improving compliance with speed limits and reducing unsafe driving speed are not easy tasks as many drivers do not recognise the risks involved and often the perceived benefits of speeding outweigh the perceived problems that can result. Thus, the management of speed calls for a concerted, long-term, multi-disciplinary response by all stakeholders. Reducing motor vehicle speed where the road user mix includes a high volume of
Additionally, there is need to consider the potential role of measures involving engineering and enforcement, as well as using education to change speed related behaviour. To actualise this personal responsibility of road safety, all stakeholders are encouraged to participate in road safety matters. Public and private institutions, Public Service Vehicle
Operators and drivers, the media, policy makers and all stakeholders should take up initiatives to promote road safety
at all levels. Finally, there is urgent need for motorists to change the bad driver attitude being exhibited
The author is Head – Public Relations Road Transport and Safety Agency fmubanga@rtsa.org.zm – Website: www.rtsa.org.zm
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Friday 26 February, 2021
NEWS OF THE WORLD
CONGO WANTS DETAILS OF FOREIGN ENVOYS’ TRAVEL AFTER AMBUSH K INSHASA Democratic Republic of Congo’s government has required foreign diplomats to inform it of their movements outside the capital Kinshasa following the killing of the Italian ambassador. Ambassador Luca Attanasio, his bodyguard Vittorio Iacovacci and World Food Programme driver Mustapha Milambo were killed by armed men on Monday while travelling in a WFP convoy in the east of the country. President Felix Tshisekedi met his top security advisors on Tuesday to discuss responses to the attack. “Ambassadors and other heads of missions can no longer leave Kinshasa for the interior of the country without informing the head of Congolese diplomacy and the competent services,” his office said late on Tuesday. It also said a commitment was made to strengthening
security in high-risk zones. Two foreign diplomats, who asked not to be named, said the notification requirement may violate the Vienna Convention, an international treaty governing diplomatic relations between states. One called the response “an inappropriate solution posed to a badly assessed problem,” especially since segments of the Congolese security forces have ties to criminal networks, as documented in U.N. reports.
products to some patients. They have faced opposition from some developed nations, but the backing of the African Union may give renewed impetus for the push to relax IP rules. John Nkengasong, director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told a news conference IP transfers were a “winwin for everybody” that would address huge inequalities in global public health. He gave two examples where the developing world had suffered from restricted access
Attanasio and Iacovacci’s bodies were flown to Rome on Tuesday, while Milambo was buried in the eastern Congo city of Goma. A state funeral was held yesterday in Rome of the slain ambassador. Italy's new Prime Minister, Mario Draghi, was among the mourners at the funeral service at Santa Maria Degli Angeli church in Rome. Italy’s Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said he had asked WFP and the United Nations to provide a detailed
report on the attack. The U.N. said on Tuesday it would conduct an investigation. Congo’s interior ministry has blamed a Rwandan Hutu militia called the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) for the attack. The FDLR, one of over 100 armed groups operating in eastern Congo’s borderlands with Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi, denied responsibility for what it called a “cowardly assassination. – REUTERS.
to medicines: the swine flu pandemic in the late 2000s and HIV/AIDS in the 1990s. “In 1996, HIV drugs were available, and we saw how mortality in the developed world decreased drastically. But it would take 10 years before those drugs were accessible in Africa in any meaningful way,” he said. “In between, 12 million Africans died, so I just use those numbers to say: any IP transfer will be beneficial to everybody, because nobody wants to sit back and be proud of that sad event. ... We want to be on the right side of history.” Separately, the WHO’s Africa director Matshidiso Moeti urged pharmaceutical
companies to be flexible with their IP to facilitate access to medicines. She expressed hope that discussions over waiving IP rights would “turn into action at some point in the future.” Nkengasong added the Africa CDC’s regulatory taskforce had approved AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use, a day after Ghana received its first AstraZeneca doses from global vaccine distribution facility COVAX. He said the developers of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine had submitted data dossiers to the Africa CDC and an expert panel would review it. – REUTERS.
Zim praises China for vaccine supplies HARARE - Zimbabwe is set to receive a further 800, 000 doses of the Covid-19 jab from China, indicating the "excellent relationship" between the two nations and the Asian giant's willingness to give the southern African state "preferential treatment" amidst a global "stampede" for vaccines, Zimbabwe's presidential spokesman George Charamba is quoted by the state-owned Herald newspaper as saying. Zimbabwe bought 600, 000 of the doses from Chinese firm Sinopharm, while the other 200, 000
Tanzanian MP acquitted of insulting Magufuli DAR ES SALAAM - A Tanzanian court has acquitted an opposition MP Halima Mdee who had been charged with insulting President John Magufuli. It said it did not find any evidence to support the charge. She was charged in 2017 for reportedly saying in Swahili that “the president is talking aimlessly, he needs to be stopped.” – BBC.
US has no right to ‘lecture’ Uganda over elections
KAMPALA - The US should to “fix its own elections” rather than give “lectures” to Uganda about its elections, Ugandan government spokesman Ofwono Opondo has been quoted by the state-linked New Vision as saying. His comments came after the US said it was considering “targeted options” following elections in Uganda that were marred by “irregularities” and “abuses” by the security forces. – BBC.
CAR retakes rebel stronghold in north
AU backs call to waive intellectual property rights on Covid-19 drugs JOHANNESBURG - The African Union is backing calls for drugmakers to waive some intellectual property rights on Covid-19 medicines and vaccines to speed up their rollout to poor countries, the head of its disease control body said yesterday. South Africa and India, which both manufacture drugs and vaccines, made the proposal at the World Trade Organisation last year, saying intellectual property (IP) rules were hindering the urgent scale-up of vaccine production and provision of medical
DAILY
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were a donation, bringing to 400, 000 the total donated by the Chinese government, the Herald reported. The vaccines would be enough for all front line workers, and a large percentage of the elderly and those with chronic health conditions, the report added.
Zimbabwe plans to inoculate about 10 million people. The vaccination programme was launched last week, with Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga taking the first jab in a bid to boost public confidence. Meanwhile, the European Union said that Zimbabwe
would soon receive 1.152 million doses under Covax, a scheme spearheaded by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to make vaccines more accessible to poorer countries. India has also announced that it will donate 75,000 doses to Zimbabwe. Mozambique has meanwhile received the first batch of 200, 000 Covid-19 vaccine doses from the Chinese government. The vaccines by Sinopharm were received on Wednesday by Prime Minister Carlos Agostinho do Rosario at the Maputo International Airport. – BBC.
DAKAR - Central African Republic’s army, backed by Russian and Rwandan allies, regained control on Wednesday of the rebel stronghold of Bossangoa, extending a series of victories over an insurgency that had recently overrun the town, the government said. Rebels aligned with former President Francois Bozize seized Bossangoa, his hometown 260 km northwest of the capital Bangui, and several other towns after the constitutional court barred his candidacy in December. – REUTERS.
Portugal to share Covid-19 shots with former colonies
LISBON - Portugal will send five percent of its Covid-19 vaccine shots to a group of Portuguese-speaking African countries and to the tiny nation of East Timor in the second half of the year, Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva said on Wednesday. With a population of just over 10 million people, Portugal is entitled to 35 million vaccine doses this year under an EUcoordinated purchasing scheme, mostly for double-dose inoculation, leaving it with millions of extra shots. The five percent share would make up 1.75 million doses. – REUTERS.
Niger opposition leader alleges election fraud, declares victory NIAMEY - Niger opposition leader Mahamane Ousmane has claimed that he narrowly won the country’s presidential election, as fresh violence erupted a day after official results gave victory to his rival by a wide margin. “The compilation of results… which we have in our possession through our representatives in the various polling stations give us victory with 50.3 percent of the vote,” Ousmane said on Wednesday, according to a video of a speech he made in the south-eastern town of Zinder. According to provisional results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), former Interior Minister Mohamed Bazoum picked up 55.75 percent of the vote in Sunday’s runoff and Ousmane 44.25 percent. Police clashed with Ousmane supporters in the capital, Niamey, after CENI’s announcement on Tuesday, AFP news agency reported. Sources in the city said at least one police station and shops owned by people perceived as being close to the government had been
pillaged. In Dosso, 100km south of Niamey, the offices of a pro-government party were damaged by fire, residents said. Further violence erupted on Wednesday morning in Niamey’s central market area. Protesters threw stones and police responded with tear gas, and at least one petrol station was attacked, according to AFP. In the afternoon, protesters confronted security forces in the southwestern town of Kollo, residents said. Internet access was severely reduced on Wednesday in Niamey and Zinder. Also on Wednesday, Moumouni Boureima, a former chief of staff of the armed forces, was arrested at his home, a security source said. He was accused of leading the disturbances after the election result was announced, the source told AFP. Boureima is reportedly close to Hama Amadou, the man who had been expected to be the most formidable opposition candidate in the election. But Amadou was banned from running because of a conviction for baby trafficking - a charge he says was politically motivated - and threw his support behind Ousmane. – ALJAZEERA.
COVID-19 Realities
Thursday 10 Friday 26 December 2020 February 2021
15
By DR MBUYI MASUWA Frontline doctor working at Levy Covid Centre
Send your comments and questions to masuwambuyi1118@gmail.com
WE ARE NO THE FRONTLINERS COVID-19 ANDLONGER VACCINATION
IO
REALLY want to thank all of you that gave feedback SECTION A:article on to the previous THE“Long INTRODUCTION Haulers.” From your comments and questions, it is clear that N December 8. 2020 manythe people are affected and United Kingdom that there areoff many experienckicked mass vacciing the nation ofdebilitating its citizensphenomeagainst non. Covid-19 with global teleMost were able lady to revising of ofa you 90-year-old late to it, it is either you the one being the first to receive the experiencing the “long Covid shot. syndrome” or you know a loved “Yes, finally the one experiencing it. Covid-19 vaccine here, we were are free Sadlyis some of you even atable last,”toornarrate are we? howOh youwait lost minute does thisothers evenand affect your significant you us,think yes,they howmay does this affect have died from you herecondolences in Zambia, the and same.I My for here Africa? yourinloss. I would havethe lovedcurrent to have No matter continuedinwith topic on situation ourthe country, Long haulers even today, and howCovid-19 is still around ever, like I said in still its introducstill a pandemic, claimtion thelocally topic is and a series and so ing lives globally. the coverage willin continue Most countries Europein thethe coming publications. and Americas are facing there will be feedthe Definitely, second wave, with the back to all the comments and United States of America bequestions. But also like I said ing the worst over 14 the series willhit bewith interchanging million infections andwill over with other topics that be 280, 000 deaths. coming up along the way. Those of you that are following,CONCERNS you know there is still the series on “Vaccinology” that is running of which we are yet to discuss other vaccines, like the I consider Modena Vaccine,peoSputnik V and ples’ fears, the others. concerns, Today being anxthe last artigenucleieties in the as month of February, I thought it wise remind ourine and fortothis selves of something reason though very important, something I’m no expert that on has to dothis withfield the change of roles in but will the fight against Covid-19. The endeavour to give change is between You and Us. asFRONTLINERS: much basicONE THE
information as
YEAR AT THE BATTLE currently scien- FRONT For it was in February 2020 tifically agreed (last year) that Zambia offiupon. cially recorded its first case of Covid-19. It was this same month last year that areported team was Recently, it was assembled by the government that almost every minute a through the Ministry of Health person dies of Covid-19 in to go and face this new invisible the US and looking at the enemy head-on. wayZambia things are going Public that National side, the situation is just goHealth Institute (ZNPHI) uning to the get leadership worse before it gets der of Professor better. Mukonka in conjunction with It’s Infectious sad thatDisease despite the Unit all unthis, most Americans still der Professor Mulenga working think is fake,Departthat with Covid-19 Nursing Chiefs, of Environmental Health, it’sment nothing but a big hoax, a The Lab, The Departments scam. It seems nothing re-of Pharmacy all at theall. necessary ally moves and them Even including the Police etc, if players they show those that have trained andand assembled special succumbed those grievteams to face the ones, challenge. ing their loved most Thesesuch teamsvideos called thetoFrontbelieve be liners consisting of Doctors, fake and that the mourners Nurses, Lab techs, Pharmacists, are just paid actors. EHTs, Radiographers, Drivers, I wonder how theseCleaners, family Engineers, Catering, members Maids etcreally have feel, been Ionemthe pathise with last them. Someground since year February how I wish those who say it is to date. a hoax for once workto We would are always indebted inthe thegreat Covid centres sacrifice ofand the refirst
ally see and experience that
“hoax” for themselves. Unfortunately, most Zambians also think Covid is fake and a hoax, feel it’s really not our problem as we don’t have as much cases and deaths as the West. Yes, we may feel safe at the moment but because this being a global village, any pocket of this virus on this earth can be easily spread anywhere else, so we are not that safe after all. Viruses are such complex pathogens that to date there are very few viral diseases that have a cure. The best groups, the pioneers that faced way to treat a viral infection the enemy not knowing if they iswould to prevent the themselves infection. get infected And is so to with and this succumb theCovid-I9. disease or Scientists not. I personallyhave salute all been these spending all theirunfortunately time in the Pathfinders, race towon’t find an effective vacspace allow me to mencine. Russia’s President Vladtion all of you. A year on Isomir Vladmiroch Putin was lation Centres have increased fromfirst justto being at Levy SputMwathe announce nawasa, aresomewhere many more nik V forthere Russia others in different parts of UK the in August, then now the country. with Pfizer BIOTECH while THEUS, SAME MESSAGE the China and THE many other are working SAMEcountries SONG. on From theirsthat as well. time last year to Thistheprogress should be date message has been the good forfamiliar everyone, same. Itnews is a very mesbut of sage alas that Isome think pockets has reached everyone by are now,against one I believe civilisation this even the deaf have heardhave and development, there the blind have seen. in some even been protests The there message is lot no hard scicities, is a distrust entific it is as simple for themystery, governments and as ABC. It is the crycompafor the the pharmaceutical you and to observe the Public nies, so Imany believe there measures just by simply ishealth a hidden agenda with this masking up, socially distancing, Covid-19, there are just too observing hand hygiene and many questions. encouraging others to do the For this virus to really same. be Sadly brought under over time it iscontrol like we aarehuge has to living population in two different times, be and There we are twovaccinated different worlds. are talking ofobey billions of meapeothose that the public ple globally and there millions in sures and clearly are the Zambia. But do with much majority that not.soI always wonder whenever I amgeneral driving negativity from the from theit’s isolation public hard centres to see going how home so many we willatget there people if everwho we are not wearing masks in pubwill. lic. I consider peoples’ fears, It really anxieties hurts myas being, concerns, gensometimes wish theyreason could uine and Ifor this see what we see, touch what we though I’m no expert on this touch, smell what we smell, feel field but will endeavour to what we feel, even taste what give as much we taste whenbasic insideinformathe walls tion as centres. currently scientifiof these cally agreed I willmeatry It is weird upon. how these in the seem simplest help sures only of to ways be obeyed clear someplaces. of theseAt for youI in specific times who feel likewise. thinkmay people think it is only So in the next the problem of articles us whoI will are fighting against the disease, try to discuss vaccines - what the Frontvaccination, liners. What? The isusa vaccine, the Frontliners..?Who really are the Covid-19 vaccines, how safe, Frontliners? should we be vaccinated or of you do not not,What are most governments up reto alise is that we are no longer the something fishy with these Frontliners,isno anymore.for It vaccines, it not necessary is either we are in the middle of Africans etc? the fight or behind but mostly at Please to appreciate the
explanation kindly get all the articles on this topic as they are one, you’ll be needing one to understand the other. Knowledge is power. For any questions, comments and feedback, please contact me at masuwambuyi1118@ gmail.com. DISCLAIMER: As pertaining the way forward and actual implementation of the vaccination process in Zambia, I believe the government will definitely advise through the Ministry of Health (MoH) and this shall the last part of the line with ICU be well communicated on being the last phase right before all media the horizonplatforms. that leads to anoth-
er dimension. VACCINOLOGY We are no longer The101 FrontToday we will have liners because we mainly do not meet an introduction to Vaccithe Enemy SARSCOV2 first, nology: What is ahevaccine, we meet him when has alwhere, how,the why this ready invaded bodydid and has caused damage. concept come from, How Sometimes meet when he did it save we lives etc? Allow has already left the victim me even to call this VACCINOLOleaving GY 101.us to deal with the effects of him having been there. Yes, we got so people that WHAT IS many A VACCINE, are very sick right now both in WHAT IS VACCINATION? Covid Centress and at Home The word “vaccine” who are now already Negative comes from “vacca” which and unfortunately many of means “cow” in Latin. It was them die in spite being Negacoined in 1796 by the man I tive.
nothing “small” about this disease. It used to start with a fever, vomiting, mouth sores then progress into fluid filled blisters… those who were sick were best left alone because the care givers then had no PPEs and this meant that all close contacts got infected as it spread via airborne, skin to skin, blood products etc and depending on the form killed from 30 to up to 90 percent. It killed up to 500 million people in the last 100 years of its existence and just in 20th Century alone killed about 300 ally in front of the line knowing million people.
that there are many lives that depend you, for what To the on survivors, it leftyou a do there at the front permanent deformitydirectly even affects what we do here at the blindness as a reminder it at the back of the line, whether
had been there. Had it not been stopped the world population would have been wiped out.
we win or lose has everything to do with you for you are the real Frontliners. UNTIL THEN, ALUTA CONTINUA, THE STRUGGLE CONonly hope then. The Doctors TINUES,cut SOsome KINDLY PLEASE would blisters of
the sick, dry the content in the sun and then introduce it in the healthy to protect
BA FRONTLINER. *MASK UP! *OBSERVE HAND HYGIENE! *SOCIALISE WISELY! BECAUSE CARE, ofAND Russia even YOU named the PLEASE KINDLY SHARE. first child to receive the vac-
cine Vaccincov.
SMALL POX ERADICTED.
believed to have saved more
THE livesNEW thanFRONTLINERS any other human Clearly, box being thatthe haspandoras ever existed, has been Dr opened, SARSCOV2 the man Edward Jenner. is everywhere, the community spread is alarming. We need to SMALL POX , EDWARD engage the community and reJENNER (ADD THOMAS mind them of their role for they JEFFERSON 1806 are the key players in this. LETTER), THEthe They are the AND ones with VACCINE. real power to fight this enereally myTo head on, appreciate their attitudewhat will vaccination is and determine thereally altitude of how this it hasAmong saved them, so many wave. theselives, are I will briefly the pagespecially thoserevisit in high densies of history and talk about ty neighbourhoods (mukomSmall Pox, Edward Jenner boni). Then the markeand the we Firsthave Vaccine. teers, the patrons at night clubs, the political gatherings, SMALL POX it is the duty of the political leaders to educate their followers on the importance of adhering to the public health measures during their rallies. YOU ARE THE FRONTLINERS Please you have to help protect all of us by protecting yourselves, you are the ones we are counting on, you are the ones with the shields against the virus, you are the one that can decide to let it enter in or stay without. You are the ones that can directly affect how much the hospitals fill up or empty down. You are the ones that can take us back to the old normal, you are called “small” pox theThough real heroes. toPlease differentiate from Syphwe beg it you to kindly ilis and which waslike known as rethe act behave you are
“great” pox, there was really
DR EDWARD JENNER (MAY 17, 1749 T0 JANUARY 26, 1823) AND THE FIRST VACCINE. Of him Thomas Jefferson wrote in 1806 when Edward Jenner was sick…mankind can never forget that you have lived …future nations will know by history only that the loathsome small pox has existed and by you has been extirpated, fervent wishes for health.” Considered the father of Immunology and Vaccinology, the man said to have saved more lives than any other human ever existed. He grew up at a time when small pox was wiping out about 10 percent of the population and mostly the children. As a teenager he was VARIOLATED against small pox. Variolation was the
them against chicken pox. Later he went on to study medicine and became a Doctor. THE VACCINE Remembering those words he heard in childhood from one lady who said she never needed variolation because she had cow pox and it was known then if one had cow pox they couldn’t catch small pox. In 1796 he saw a lady who had signs of cow pox. He then “infected ”a young boy James Phipps with cow pox virus then tried to violate him, no reaction, then did it on his children. Vaccination was born, he named it so because the protection against Small Pox came from Cow pox virus. This spread throughout the world. Catherine the great
Global unity was needed even Russia and the USA who were at war - cold war - joined hands to fight the greatest threat to humanity then. In today’s time this is like North Korea, the US, Iran and Israel all team up to eradicate Covid-19. From 1958 WHO promoted global vaccination against Small pox and by the 1980s Small pox was eradicated marking the only disease that humans have eradicated YES, THE VACCINES ARE HERE AND WE ARE YET TO SEE HOW ALL THIS TURNS OUT BUT PLEASE THIS DOESN’T MEAN WE LOOSEN UP, NO ALUTA CONTINUA, THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES, SO PLEASE *MASK UP *OBSERVE HAND HYGIENE *SOCIALISE WISELY.
NATION
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Kenya bars runners from Tanzania marathon over virus fears
Under-17 AFCON draws fair- Chilufya
KENYA has denied its athletes clearance to compete at the Kilimanjaro Marathon in Tanzania over concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic. The IAAF-recognised race will be held early on Sunday morning at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa. Kenyan athletes have dominated previous editions of the race. In a statement, Athletics Kenya urged "all athletes not to travel to Tanzania for the event." Tanzania has not been sharing data on the coronavirus situation in the country and until recently had been downplaying the pandemic. The World Health Organisation early this week urged Tanzania to start reporting coronavirus cases and share its data. – BBC.
Golfers aim for honours at Reliant Mining Classic tourney By MUKWIMA CHILALA
THE 2021 Zambian professional golfing season tees off today at the Nkana Golf Club in Kitwe with up to 50 players fighting it out in the two-day Reliant Mining Classic championship. Organisers, the Professional
By SPORTS REPORTER
Golfers Association of Zambia (PGAZ) are all excited about getting the season back despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. PGAZ Media and Publicity chairperson Alfred Tamba said the teeing-off of the season was a win on two fronts, adding this was good for the game and mission to improve its standards in the country. The first front on which the PGAZ feels this is a win is that they were granted permission to get the games underway amidst the coronavirus pandemic but has to be under maximum adherence to Covid-19 preventive measures.
“And to make sure we exercise this, all participants will be tested before the event. Then social distancing will be at two clublengths on the course and no caddies. This means players will carry their own bags or push trolley themselves,” said Tamba before adding there would be no spectators. The other front the PGAZ is seeing this as a victory is the ability to secure sponsorship at a time when most companies were folding their arms in light of the biting figures in the balance sheets because of the Covid pandemic. He commended Reliant Mining for being a good friend to golf
and for coming in to be the main sponsors of the event. Reliant Mining Administrator Andrew Chunga said they were excited to help golf as they have been doing over the last few years. “We like what Nkana Golf Club is doing with kids from Kandabwe Township where the club gives them a chance for a big shot at life through golf,” Chunga said. Among the entries are favourite Madalitso Muthiya, Sydney Wemba, Beza Daka, Mwalikwa Sondashi, Mukuka Mwango, Gabriel Chibale, Morton Muwowo, Kelvin Phiri as well as amateurs led by the dominant Dominic Musonda.
PRISON ‘DESERTER’ CHIPEPO SPEAKS OUT …as he embarks on a new mission to save Indeni
By MICHAEL MIYOBA
M
WENYA Chipepo, who has received a lot of backlash after his shocking move to ditch Prison Leopards after qualifying them to the ABSA Cup to join struggling Indeni FC says he will succeed with his plans to help the Ndola outfit avoid relegation in the FAZ Super Division. Chipepo, who joined the “Oil men” on a one-year contract from Prison Leopards said he did not run away from Prisons as alleged by some individuals. He said his move to Indeni had the blessing of the Prison Leopards Command which allowed him to switch from Kabwe to Ndola.
“I know people are asking a lot of questions and they are still complaining and a lot of people have condemned me but I know this wasn’t an easy decision to make for me, it’s a personal issue. “It is not that Prison Leopards is a bad team or someone wronged me there, no. it was a very big decision for me to make and also as a man you have to face challenges,” Chipepo said. Chipepo is confident he will be able to help Indeni avoid relegation from the Super Division. He said he has found a new family at Indeni, a club with talented young players determined to compete in the Super Division. “Indeni is not a bad team and I know I’m going to do well here. The objective is to make
sure that we remain in the Super Division and if something comes up then it will be a bonus,” Chipepo said. “I have very good players, very skillful, young and energetic and if you look at the technical bench Chanda Mwape and I played together at Under20 so I’m not a new person here I have found a family,” said the gaffer who started his reign as Indeni FC coach with a 3-1 bashing by ZANACO. Indeni will play Green Buffaloes in tomorrow’s Week-19 Super Division fixture and Chipepo is confident his boys will bounce back from their loss to Zanaco. Indeni are 15th on the 18 team Super Division table with 18 points collected from three wins, nine draws and six loses.
ZAMBIA Under-17 national team coach George Chilufya has described Group A of the 2021 TOTAL Africa Under-17 Cup of Nations as a fair draw. The Young Chipolopolo will face hosts Morocco, Uganda and Ivory Coast in Group A at the tournament starting on March 13 in Casablanca. Chilufya said the Junior Chipolopolo will have to do their best to prepare adequately for the youth championship after knowing who they will meet. “It’s a balanced group having teams from almost all major regions in Africa. We just have to do our best in the preparations and during the tournament,” said Chilufya, who guided Zambia to their second continental appearance at Under-17 level. “Football is a competition and if you have to become champions, you have to compete against other teams in the tournament so whichever team comes your way, you should be ready for battle.” On meeting hosts Morocco, Chilufya said the fixture will offer the technical bench and players an opportunity to showcase the amount of hard work that has been put in preparing for the tournament. “Morocco will be one of the teams at the tournament so we are not looking at names apart from participants so we just have to believe in our abilities and make sure that the boys are psyched so that they believe that they are capable of upsetting hosts,” he said. Zambia will be making their second appearance at the continental showpiece, having made their debut at the 2015 edition in Niger. The tournament will run from March 13-31 with Group B having Nigeria, Tanzania, Algeria and Congo while defending champions Cameroon are in Group C with Senegal, Mali and South Africa.