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UNZA students thank President Hichilema for reinstating meal allowances

01/05/2023

The University of Zambia (UNZA) students have expressed their appreciation to the recently elected Republican President, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, for fulfilling his campaign promise to reinstate their meal allowances. The previous government had scrapped off the allowances, and students had suffered from hunger as a result. The announcement was made by Mr. Trevor Mwiinde, the UPND Deputy National Youth Chairman. He revealed that the students rejoiced and celebrated the news at the famous “Monk Square” by cooking meals, sharing food, and singing songs of praises to President Hichilema.

The reinstatement of meal allowances has enabled the students to afford three-course meals with T-bone, beef, chicken, and fish. The news was met with jubilation, with students dancing and whistling using pots, spoons, and pans. The reintroduction of meal allowances has also had a positive impact on the Zambian economy. The students have also been able to spend their money on foods and other assorted items, resulting in a boost for local businesses.

Several students expressed their gratitude, with one stating that they could now afford nice food, clothes, and had more money for academic use without burdening their parents. President Hichilema’s decision to reinstate the meal allowances has been widely welcomed by students, and it is a significant boost to the welfare of the student community. This news was sourced from Lusaka Times.

Sistah Sistah Foundation event attracts Zambia Police Attention

08/03/2023

Zambia Police have summoned the organizers of Sistah Sistah Foundation Zambia’s march-past event, which was held on March 4, 2023, at the Rugby Club in the Show Grounds. The foundation had applied for a permit to hold the event to raise awareness against women and girls’ sexual and gender-based violence.

“The Sistah Sistah Foundation Zambia applied for a permit to hold a March-past within Lusaka District to raise awareness against women and girls sexual and Gender-Based Violence,” said Deputy Police Public Relations Officer Danny Mwale. “The permit was granted considering that issues of sexual and GBV are on the increase as detected by the Police Victim Support Unit. As such, this was deemed to be a noble cause by the Police.”

Who runs the motherfucking world? #womensmarchZambia pic.twitter.com/Cbbfpi1uJN
— Feminist Witch (@DonCorleANN) March 4, 2023

However, during the march-past event, the conveners exhibited a different agenda from the one for which they sought a permit. The agenda seemed to highlight issues of LGBTQ (homosexuality). This goes against the laws of Zambia, where practicing homosexuality is a crime punishable by law under Sections 155 and 157 of the Penal Code Chapter 87.

“In addition, Zambia is a Christian nation, and the government does not champion homosexuality,” added Mwale. “It is in this vain that the Zambia Police Service has summoned the conveners of the March-past in order to ascertain why the event was turned into a forum for championing homosexuality.”

The conveners of the event have been summoned by the police to explain their actions. “We want to know why they decided to use the event to promote homosexuality, which is against our laws and culture,” said Mwale. “We also want to remind the public that freedom of expression and assembly does not mean that they can break the law.”

The incident has sparked a debate in the country, with some people supporting the conveners’ right to freedom of expression and assembly, while others argue that they should have adhered to the original agenda for which they sought a permit.

“Everyone has the right to freedom of expression and assembly, but this does not mean that they can break the law,” said Lusaka resident Jane Banda. “The organizers of the march-past should have stuck to their original agenda, which was to raise awareness against women and girls’ sexual and gender-based violence.”

Others, however, feel that the conveners had a right to express their views on LGBTQ issues. “We live in a democracy, and everyone has the right to express their views, even if they are not popular,” said human rights activist David Mwila. “We should not be afraid to have conversations about LGBTQ issues, and the organizers of the march-past should be commended for starting this conversation.”

It is unclear at this time what the consequences for the conveners of the event may be. The police have warned members of the public not to deliberately flout the law by taking advantage of the prevailing environment that allows for freedom of expression and assembly. The debate around the incident is likely to continue in the coming days and weeks.

[Lusaka Times]

CHILANGA CEMENT SPONSORS CHEF 187’S ALBUM LAUNCH

14/02/2023

L-R, Makondo, Chef 187’s manager, Chef 187, Mrs. Ngulube- Chilanga Cement Legal Counsel and Company Secretary, Gift Danga, Chilanga Cement Corporate Affairs and Communications Manage and James C

hilanga Cement Plc is delighted to headline sponsor the upcoming ‘Broke Nolunkumbwa’ Album Launch by renowned Zambian Artist, Chef 187, slated for February 25, 2023.

As a company, we are honored to be part of the launch of a brilliantly created 24-track album that is purely indigenous and pays homage to the different reverberations of Zambian music.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, today, Mrs. Chibuye Ngulube, the Legal Counsel and Company Secretary said, creating shared value in the communities is one of Chilanga Cement’s core values.

“Therefore, we believe that we can create shared value through the support and promotion of creative arts in the country, as the creative industry provides a livelihood for many, in addition to contributing to the country’s cultural and artistic exports,” she said.

Mrs. Ngulube further said that Chilanga Cement understands the importance of preserving arts and cultural heritage in Zambia.

“It is only through arts and culture that we pass down our country’s unique character and traditions to future generations. And Chilanga cement’s contribution to the development of art, culture, and iconic buildings in Zambia is a statement that we will continue to build for tomorrow today,” she said.

Meanwhile, Chef 187, thanked Chilanga cement for sponsoring the album launch as well as for the continued support of the music industry in the country.

“I’m very excited about this partnership because I worked with Chilanga cement on some projects and you coming to sponsor my album is a dream come true,” said Chef.

To further promote the Album launch, Chilanga Cement in partnership with BOSSO, Zambia’s first online hardware, will run a promotion that will see all fans that buy tickets to the album launch have access to buy cement at a discounted price on the Bosso Application (Terms and Conditions Apply). The Bosso application can be downloaded on both android and IOS or by visiting the website www.shop.thebosso.com.

As the country’s leading Cement Company, Chilanga Cement will continue to play a major role in the development of the economy and communities in Zambia. We will endeavor to not only contribute to the country’s development through cement manufacturing, but through the support of other sectors such as creative arts, culture, and tourism.

Gift Danga

Corporate Affairs and Communications Manager

Zambian releases K12.4 billion January budget

07/02/2023

Summary:

Zambia’s Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, has stated that the government will focus on public resource management and economic governance in 2023 to ensure that the citizens of Zambia reap the benefits of economic transformation. The Minister highlighted the need for commitment to implementing government programs and maintaining strong budget performance. He also urged relevant government agencies and ministries to prepare for the launch of projects following the rainy season.

In January 2023, K12.4 billion was released by the Treasury to finance public service delivery, with a majority of the funds going towards the public service wage bill and debt service. K2.4 billion was released for the implementation of government programs and operations, including the land titling project and the procurement of drugs and medical supplies. K524.8 million was released for capital projects and K3 billion was used for debt payment. Dr. Musokotwane emphasized that all government agencies and entities must use the funds efficiently and effectively to meet the economic transformational goals in the budget and the Eighth National Development Plan.

Full report from Lusaka Times follows:

The Finance and National Planning Minister of Zambia, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, has announced that the government will continue to prioritize public resource management and economic governance in 2023 to ensure the benefits of economic transformation reach the citizens of Zambia.

In a statement made on Friday, Dr. Musokotwane emphasized the importance of committing to the implementation of government programs and ensuring that budget performance remains strong.

“We all need to be diligent and steadfast in executing our tasks, as delays in program implementation have a significant impact on our transformation agenda. We must tackle this issue in 2023 to achieve substantial developmental progress and reach our budget targets.” said Dr. Musokotwane.

The minister also called on all relevant government agencies and ministries to prepare for the implementation of projects set to commence after the rain season.

“It is imperative that administrative preparations are made ahead of time, so that as soon as the rain ceases, project implementation can commence on schedule,” Dr. Musokotwane added.

According to the statement, in January 2023, the Treasury released K12.4 billion to finance public service delivery. The majority of this amount, K3.6 billion, went towards the public service wage bill, while K3.5 billion was spent on debt service and other liabilities.

Releases to transfers, subsidies and social benefits amounted to K2.4 billion, with notable expenditures including K635.6 million for the Public Service Pension Fund, K427.7 million for grants to schools, K342.1 million for the operations of public hospitals and other grant-aided institutions, K217.9 million for secondary schools and skills development bursaries, K209.9 million for the Social Cash Transfer Program, and K115.1 million for the operations of public universities.

K2.4 billion was also released for the implementation of various government programs and general operations. Notable expenditures included K4 million for the land titling project, K436.7 million for the procurement of drugs, medical supplies, and equipment, and K1.8 billion for the general operations of government agencies, provinces, and ministries.

In addition, K524.8 million was released towards capital projects, with K303.6 million spent on road infrastructure, K221.2 million on water, education, and health infrastructure projects. K3 billion was also released for the payment of domestic and external debt, and K464 million was used to dismantle arrears to suppliers of goods, services, and fuel.

Dr. Musokotwane emphasized that all government agencies and entities must utilize the funds released by the Treasury in an efficient, effective, and timely manner to achieve the economic transformational objectives outlined in the budget and the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP).

“We have a duty to the people of Zambia to achieve the goals set forth in the budget and the 8NDP. To do this, the timely and efficient implementation of budgeted programs is critical,” stated Dr. Musokotwane. “We must work together to ensure that the funds released by the Treasury are used for the betterment of our citizens and the country as a whole.”

Chilufya Tayali and Christopher Kapita arrested

01/02/2023

Chilufya Tayali and Christopher Kapita were arrested by the police in Lusaka, Zambia for hate speech and giving false information to a public officer, respectively. Tayali was arrested for making targeted remarks on social media towards traditional chiefs and security officers. Kapita was arrested for giving false information to a public officer. Both suspects are in police custody and await formal charges. The police stated they are committed to enforcing the law and holding those who break it accountable.

Patriotic Front-PF has suspended Miles Sampa

01/02/2023

The Patriotic Front-PF has suspended its Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa from the party’s Central Committee and from participating in party activities for 6 weeks. This is due to a press briefing Mr Sampa held last week that was deemed to be in poor taste and highly condemned as it disparaged his fellow party presidential aspirants.

The decision was made after a meeting by the central committee. During the suspension, Mr Sampa is banned from attending party meetings and making public statements on behalf of the party. The party has also ordered a stop to all campaigns by presidential candidates until new rules of engagement are agreed upon and voted by the party. Speaking about the party’s achievements, Acting Party President Given Lubinda said the Patriotic Front wanted to regulate the mining sector, increase Zambian ownership of mines, and increase ZCCM-IH’s shareholding in mines on behalf of Zambians.

Zambia abolishes death penalty

24/12/2022

Fellow citizens,

Please be informed that this afternoon, we assented to the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill number 25 of 2022, abolishing the imposition of the death penalty, and the offence of Criminal Defamation of the President, in the Republic of Zambia.

The Penal Code Act Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia by the President’s assent have been ammended to repeal all provisions of the Penal Code Act which provided for the imposition of mandatory death sentence in the absence of extenuating circumstances.

Similarly, by the President’s assent, the provisions of Section 69 of Penal Code Act Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia which provide for the offence of Criminal Defamation of the President have since been repealed.

Fellow Zambians, during our campaigns for the Presidency, we promised to amend all laws that inhibit the growth of democracy and good governance, impede human rights and basic freedoms. Today we have delivered.

Hakainde Hichilema,

President of the Republic of Zambia.

President Hichilema talks death penalty, defamation of the President Act

21/12/2022

President Hakainde Hichilema says the government will dedicate 2023 to accelerating development through transparency and stakeholder engagement in all sectors of the economy.

The Head of State indicated that the government will ensure that development in the country is unlocked in the public procurement process.

Speaking when he addressed the media at State House in Lusaka yesterday the President said that the government will ensure that past mistakes of misuse of public resources is corrected by taking measures to address the challenges which cause declines in the economy.

‘’All arms of government such as the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary will be involved in ensuring prudent procurement of government resources. “said President Hichilema added

He stated that in the agriculture sector the government is on the right truck in cleaning up any forms of corrupt activities in the procurement process of fertilizer which has resulted in the securing of 150 million United Stated Dollars.

The President acknowledged that work to curb corruption in the procurement of fertilizer is one of the causes of the delays in the distribution of the commodity to the farmers.

‘’The agenda was to clean up contracts that were meant to take away money from the citizens which can be directed to the improvement of the education sector and keeping the children in school by providing free education to them,’ he said.

The Head of State indicated that in 2023 the government will shift from FISP to other agriculture programs which will help which allow farmers to explore other alternatives.

He further added that the media should be allowed to conduct their duties of informing the public on free and fair environment without any harassment and abuse from anybody.

President Hichilema said that he has engaged the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security to ensure that Journalists are not harassment but are allowed to access information which of the public interest.

The Head of State also disclosed that the government is committed to addressing legal reforms which protects the rights of citizens, such as dropping of the death penalty to protect the right to life.

‘’If the government is afraid to exercise the death penalty then why keep it, it is better to remove it and just sentence the offender to live in imprisonment,’’ he said.

President Hichilema also indicated that other legal reforms to consider are the removal of the defamation of the President Act in order to allow citizens exercise their freedom of expression.

He indicated that the government is committed to receiving the views of the people which will allow the government to operate in a transparent way and work hard in delivering developmental programs.

[lusakatimes]