No387 K10 www.diggers.news Friday March 8, 2019 WE’RE NATURALLY I allowed accused to DICTATORIAL have sex with me, ...ZNBC is expected to side juvenile tells court Story page 3 with govt of the day - KasoloStory page 7 Kambwili U-turns, challenges Speaker in court over Roan Parliamentary seat By Zondiwe Mbewe NDC leader Chishimba Kambwili has petitioned the Constitutional Court for a declaration that his Roan parliamentary seat did not fall vacant as ruled by the Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Patrick Matibini because the latter violated various provisions of the Constitution. Kambwili who has cited the Attorney General as the respondent in this matter, is further seeking a declaration and order that the President Lungu (c) poses with new High Court judges: Evaristo Pengele, Koreen Etambuyu Mwenda - Zimba, Kenneth Mulife, Speaker’s ruling is null and void. To page 5 Wilfred Muma, Ruth Hachitapika Chibbabbuka, Abha Nayar Patel, SC, Bonaventure Chakwawa Mbewe and Kazimbe Chenda. Govt offers 4% pay rise to civil Private media viewed as opposition in Zambia, servants, leaving unions divided observes US Embassy By Mirriam Chabala workers’ unions have rejected not to be named, told News formation of two camps of By Stuart Lisulo Government has offeredthe proposal, describing it as Diggers! that the proposed workers unions - one for those Zambia has a lot of work to do in embracing divergent views unionised public servants a a disservice to the suffering salary increment has spurred that want to accept the offer because the private news media are still being viewed as a four percent salary increase workers. tension within the public and move one and those that across the board, but the Union leaders, who sought service, leading to the want to declare a dispute. proponent of the opposition political fraternity, says the US The unions are afraid that Embassy’s public affairs director Sean McIntosh. To page 4 being the largest employer, Mutati asks govt to postpone government’s fashion of increasing salaries for public C/Belt cops nab Chinese workers by such small amounts April sales tax implementation would inspire the private man in Copper theft scam Story page 4 sector to follow suit. To page 5 Story page 4 2. Local News www.diggers.news Friday March 8,, 2019

By Stuart Lisulo The Millers Association of Zambia (MAZ) says the new policy lifting the ban of mealie meal exports Millers want new mealie needs to be revised because some millers who accessed subsidized Food Reserve Agency (FRA) maize are restricted meal export policy revised from participating. permits for mealie meal. market. For me, what is FRA maize who I feel of the local market and look at the issue of that Commenting on “This is actually meant to cardinal in dealing with should also be brought the export market,” restriction. I feel we should Agriculture Minister assist us on so many fronts: the exports is the issue on board in the sense explained Chintala. concentrate more on the Michael Katambo’s recent 1) There’s a condition of capacity; does miller that they may have the “So, it is, indeed, a capacity side and insist policy pronouncement given in the Minister’s B have the capacity to financial capacity as well positive move, but we will that FRA maize remains where he announced statement with regards be able to uptake from as the crushing capacity engage the Ministry (of in the country for our own the lifting on the ban to who participates in the private sector; to to be able to take care Agriculture) to try and domestic consumption.” of mealie meal exports, the exports, that some of be able to produce for MAZ president Andrew those who accessed the local consumption, Chintala said the FRA maize may not be export and maximize Association plans on able to participate, a thing the profits from the Department of National Parks’ engaging government that I’d like to engage the outside market compared in a bid to revise the Minister to find a win- to the local market.” policy because millers win situation for all those He explained that as many negative perception worries PS who accessed FRA maize that have got the capacity different millers ought By Stuart Lisulo to improve and correct wrong will be excluded from to be able to participate to be able to participate Tourism and Arts Permanent perceptions held by stakeholders. participating in the because we are looking in the export market, Secretary Reverend Howard Rev Sikwela explained that lucrative export market. at two markets,” Chintala which usually sees a 25Kg Sikwela has urged the Department in 2019, his office would not One of the conditions said in an interview. breakfast bag of mealie of National Parks (DNPW) to entertain inertia and mediocre Katambo announced as “It’s not just the exports; meal priced at around correct the impression of under- approach towards work that had part of the major policy we need to look at the double the price compared performance seen by outsiders. dented the image of the Ministry. pronouncement was domestic market. So, I to Zambian prices. Speaking during a meeting with This is contained in a statement that millers, particularly wouldn’t want to foresee “We need to be extra Copperbelt-based millers a situation where people careful as we deal with this staff at the DNPW offices in availed by Tourism Ministry who accessed subsidized start concentrating on issue of exports because Chilanga, Wednesday, the PS said public relations officer, Sakabilo FRA grain, will not be the export market when there are millers that may there was always room for staff Kalembwe. allowed to get import neglecting the domestic have participated in the HRC pleads with govt to reverse Prime TV ‘closure’ By Mirriam Chabala to seriously undermine the the decision made by IBA. economic development of the the rights, freedoms and broadcasting industry as The Human Rightsgrowth of the privately- As a national human rights country and on the general reputation of others from a hallmark of deepening Commission (HRC) has owned television station as institution, the Commission welfare of the citizens at large. unprofessional broadcasting, democracy, respect for asked government to review well as deprive millions of its wishes to advise that Therefore, the common good it is the Commission’s human rights and good Independent Broadcasting viewers of their democratic freedom of expression and must override any sectional strong view that IBA governance,” stated Muleya. Authority (IBA)’s decision to right to access divergent media freedom are common interests in resolving the should continue executing “Finally, the Commission suspend Prime Television’s information and views as parameters of assessing a complaints against Prime TV.” its legislative mandate in further wishes to call upon broadcasting license required in a democratic state. country’s human rights and HRC advised the IBA to focus a manner consistent with all stakeholders, particularly for 30 days over alleged Zambia has a relatively good good governance record. on building capacity for all the fundamental human human rights defenders unprofessional conduct. record of having established It is, therefore, in the broadcasting institutions in rights principles of non- and the media fraternity, to In a statement, HRC a robust liberalised media national interest that the Zambia in order to contribute discrimination and equal effectively claim their right spokesperson Mweelwa industry in the quest to government must look at a to a professional, pluralistic protection and benefit of to a robust pluralistic and Muleya expressed concern promote free expression of, broader governance picture and diverse broadcasting the law. To this effect, IBA diverse media industry in that the consequences of and access to divergent views, in resolving this matter. The industry as a hallmark of is encouraged to be seen to Zambia that will fearlessly, Zambia being viewed as a information and opinions consequences of a country deepening democracy, be building the capacity of but factually, and fairly mirror human rights violator had as a matter of human rights being viewed as a human respect for human rights all broadcasting institutions the diverse socio-economic, a far-reaching negative and good governance. rights violator, whether true and good governance. in Zambia in order to cultural and political heritage impact on the socio- It would be extremely or not, has far-reaching “While appreciating IBA’s contribute to a professional, of the country for sustainable economic development unfortunate if such a record negative impact on the socio- mandate of safeguarding pluralistic and diverse inclusive development.” of the country and on of human rights and good citizens’ general welfare. governance was undermined “After engaging variousby a decision such as stakeholders, the Human suspending the broadcasting Rights Commission strongly license of the privately-run recommends that the television station when the Independent Broadcasting matter could easily have Authority (IBA) should been amicably resolved in consider lifting the suspension better way,” Muleya stated. of the broadcasting license “The Commission is, for Prime Television Station. therefore, confident that the The suspension of the government will listen to broadcasting license of Prime numerous voices pleading for TV for 30 days is excessive its public interest intervention punishment that is likely and will accordingly review Friday March 8 , 2019 www.diggers.news Local News .3

By Thomas Mulenga Senga Hill PF member of parliament Kapembwa Simbao Simbao withdraws motion after opposition on Wednesday moved a private member’s motion that was seeking to urge government to phase out gasoline driven shoots down his technology motion vehicles and replace them the way we do business in in my time in this country level it becomes extremely needles at the moment. oil exploration in a country with electric ones by 2030. the future. Before our own and so the warming up of difficult to support it. Let me “I am concerned with the whose Parliament has just said However, Choma UPND eyes, we are witnessing a shift the world could be true. This state that from where I am timing Mr Speaker. This motion in the next 10 years we are member of parliament from fossil, diesel and petrol situation is said to be so due to standing that this motion is unrealistic. To borrow the phasing out gasoline propelled Cornelius Mweetwa said the driven vehicles to electric the amount of carbon dioxide appears to be derived from words of our colleagues there vehicles? Mr Speaker isn’t motion was unrealistic as driven vehicles. Mr Speaker, emotions into the atmosphere the realm of conjecture and when they are debating, like this a joke? Sir, this is a joke!” Zambia could not afford to do honourable Kampyongo, At this point, Speaker Matibini away with gasoline and diesel this is a colossal shift which by petrol and diesel vehicles human’s adventure. And this motion is mischievous! guided Mweetwa to remember driven vehicles in 11 years. those who will be left behind and industries that burn fossil divorced from the reality of This motion, Mr Speaker, is that Simbao had the right to And when debate resumed on will have trouble providing fuel. It is therefore imperative what Zambia is today and what frivolous and vexatious. I am move a motion, regardless Thursday, Simbao asked the physical services to the people. that in order to save the it can attain in the next ten, Speaker to grant him leave to It is no secret that in 50 years’ world, burning of fossil fuel eleven, 12 years from now, in finding it extremely difficult of the fact that he was a withdraw the motion in order time, oil will run out, the oil in any form must be stopped. relation to the time limit that to support such a motion sir, member of the ruling party. for him to consult further. reserves as known today are That being the case therefore, has been given, 2030. To rid which has good intentions but “Let me advise you honourable, “I beg to move that this at 1,688 billion barrels which the ready substitution is this country of gasoline and it is unrealistic, it’s like telling the member who has moved a House urges government to is a 2013 figure,” Simbao said. electric energy from clean diesel by 2030, what a big joke someone in this House that motion is entitled, he is a back phase out gasoline and diesel “Mr Speaker, it is not only the sources such as hydro, I have never heard since I came in the next 2 minutes, I will bencher, he is not a minister. propelled motor vehicles and running out of oil but also the solar, wind and hydrogen.” to this House!” Mweetwa said. be in Livingstone but I am in He is urging his government, replace them with electric issue of clean energy, as you However, Mweetwa said Mweetwa said Zambia had this House, it doesn’t make he is entitled to urge his ones starting in the year 2030. know, Mr Speaker, the world the motion was unrealistic. no technological influence to sense. Mr Speaker, we cannot government as a back bencher.. This motion is driven by the is said to be warming up. For “Mr Speaker I must hasten think of replacing gasoline begin talking about phasing you yourself ealier on pointed fact that there has been a example, the heat wave that we to state that this motion has driven vehicles, arguing out gasoline driven vehicles out that this house should be paradigm shift in the transport have experienced this year, has come at a very critical time of that the country could not in the next 11 years, and as engaged in forecasts, elsewhere sector that will seriously affect never been experienced before our country where at personal even afford to produce a matter of reality beyond people are planning in terms partisan politics, when this of 50nyears, 100 years and House passes a motion, it is the so forth, that’s what they do government that undertakes it. elsewhere, they are thinking Is the government, to which generations ahead. Now you I allowed accused to have sex I belong, ready to commit to want to use very parochial itself to an undertaking that in terms,” said Dr Matibini. the next 11 years we are going But Mweetwa accused Speaker to undertake the phasing of Matibini of debating in favour with me, juvenile tells court gasoline driven vehicles in of the motion, forcing the Zambia? Who in Zambia can latter to curtail his debate. By Daniel Chansa to serve my people destroy “At the moment, we are Roan. The man is so popular agree that in the next 11 years And when debate resumed on Copperbelt PF Chairman what others have achieved. looking for the owner of and has a serious following. we are going to phase out all Thursday, Simbao asked the Nathan Bwalya Chanda’s I will not put my interest Wada Chovu buses, for now We are in panic as at now.” these vehicles in Zambia that Speaker to grant him leave to elder brother, Mathias first, but to seeing others maybe that guy can stand a Speaker of the National are driven by gasoline? Of withdraw the motion in order Bwalya, has pulled out of smile is my prime objective. chance to win, he is known Assembly Dr Patrick Matibini what technological influence is for him to consult further. the Roan Parliamentary I also pledge to continue in Luanshya because of his declared the Roan seat vacant Zambia to this process, when “Mr Speaker, with leave of the by-election race. serving my community business. These jokers of when he concluded that you can’t even produce a tooth House, I wish to withdraw Bwalya was among the in my individual capacity Javen Kamanga, the DC Chishimba Kambwili was a pick, you can’t even produce the motion in order for me 11 applicants, who had and always,” wrote Bwalya. bena Joel Chibuye, can’t beat leader and a member of the a needle?” asked Mweetwa. to consult on the matter,” applied to contest the Roan Meanwhile, the number of Kambwili in Roan. Ba mudala opposition NDC, meaning he “Which serious investor would said Simbao before Speaker Parliamentary by-election applicants is expected to ba Kambwili has worked in had crossed the floor. want to come and invest into Matibini granted his request. seat on the ruling party ticket. increase as other ‘big fish’ But after declaring his have expressed interest. intentions and application, According to PF sources, Bwalya came under serious none of the current attacks from party members. applicants can win the Roan Currently, the Chanda seat for the ruling party. Lusaka man gets 9 months family including his father “This is a serious by election. It and mother are serving in is more like this is the election Luanshya PF structures. that will determine the future “After a wide range of of PF on the Copperbelt. for stealing mattress consideration, I have decided I can tell you that none of to pull out of the race in those who applied among By Zondiwe Mbewe K600 for his personal use, to entered the house, he only was later apprehended. interest of my family. Allow the 11 will be picked. That The Lusaka Magistrates’ nine months imprisonment stole the mattress which Asked whether the facts me to thank all of you who is just an academic exercise Court has sentenced a with hard labour. was on the bed and left. were true and correct, gave me the support but I won’t to look like the process is 42-year-old general worker, This is the matter in He told the court that the accused responded allow my ambition and desire transparent,” the source said. who stole a mattress worth which Chrispine Chembo after getting the mattress, in the affirmative. of Chiyaba village in he took it to his house so In mitigation, Chembo Nampundwe, was facing that he could start using it. asked for forgiveness one count of burglary and The matter came upfrom the court, saying theft contrary to Section before magistrate Victoria what he did was wrong. 301(a) and 272 of the Chitulangoma, Thursday,He added that he was looking Penal Code Chapter 87 for facts and sentencing. after his three children, of the Laws of Zambia. Brief facts were that wife and two orphans. Particulars of the offence on February 12, the “I have three children were that during the night complainant, Lister Nkausu and a wife. I also keep of February 12 and 13, 2019, left his house locked and two orphans,” he said. in Lusaka, Chembo broke every property secured However, Magistrate and entered into Lister around 18:00 hours and went Chitulangoma sentenced Nkausu’s house and stole to sleep at his sisters place. him to nine months a mattress valued at K600. When Nkausu went back to imprisonment with hard Chembo had pleaded his house the following day labour to deter others from guilty to the charge saying around 06:00 hours, he found committing similar offences. he entered the said house that the lock to the door “I have heard what you have around 20:00 hours by had been tampered with. said in mitigation and that forcing the door open. And when he entered the you are the first offender. He added that he managed house, he found that his However, there’s need to to break the lock to mattress had been stolen. deter others. I sentence International Women’s Day, some Lusaka-based female police officers cleaned wards the house because it The matter was reported you to nine months at Sikanze Police Hospital in Lusaka yesterday - picture courtesy of Zambia Police PR wasn’t strong enough. to Shibuyunji police imprisonment with hard Unit Chembo said when he station and the accused labour,” she ruled. 4. Local News www.diggers.news Friday March 8, 2019

By Thomas Mulenga to deal with the debt servicing Former finance minister Felix which unfortunately is growing Mutati says government should greater than the reserves. So you postpone the implementation of Mutati asks govt to postpone get a situation where unless you the Sales and Goods tax to allow do certain practical measures, for more consultation, warning you will fail to balance the 2019 that the new tax regime might budget. Now, what options are cause more problems than the available? The first option that is Value Added Tax (VAT) that sales tax implementation available is for you to drastically government wants to do away into the inflation, you will have a to use because it will require And Mutati said sales and goods sales tax, you are distorting curtail expenditure, is for you with effective 1st April, 2019. critical impact on your monetary even the alteration of accounting tax had many risks such as your competitive ability, your to implement those austerity And Mutati says government must policy because monetary policy systems. And given the limitation compromising the competitive goods externally will be less measures that have already implement austerity measures in controls inflation. So this will of time, the implementation must ability of goods that are exported. competitive and therefore it will been pronounced, particularly order to avoid the possible failure those measures that are around to balance the 2019 national be inflation that will be induced be deferred because if we don’t “When the private sector buys hurt the economy. So whilst you the energy sector,” Mutati said. budget due to debt servicing. through a revenue measure. So do that, we are going to endanger something, they are going to want to generate tax revenue, And Mutati said government In a statement, Thursday, that question remains totally the revenue potential that will be claim it, input and output. So that you are eroding that generation should re-engage the IMF in order Mutati further expressed unanswered, how are we going raised from what was VAT, now is self-enforcing. Sales tax has because you have eroded to build the confidence of foreign concern that the debt to ensure that the inflation sales tax and more so that sales no self-enforcing and therefore competitiveness,” Mutati said. investors to invest in the country. servicing was growing greater impact of the sales tax are tax is much more vulnerable the potential for leakages are a And Mutati urged government to “There must be a reverted than the country’s reserves. managed?” Mutati wondered. to leakages. So our revenue lot higher in sales tax compared implement austerity measures in “As you know there was a “It is not clear how you are going targets may be compromised. to VAT, so what frame works order to avoid the possible failure effort to re-engage the IMF, to pronouncement that from the 1st to address some of those items So what government should are going to be put in place to balance the 2019 national build confidence, particularly of April, we are going to migrate which you have zero rated and think about is ‘let’s defer, so to ensure that these leakages budget due to debt servicing. foreign investors’ confidence, from VAT to sales and goods tax. exempted; for example, mealie that we think through this new are minimised? And the other “For this year, the amount that particularly as a mechanism to Now, from where we sit, there has meal, flour and other basic regime properly.’ Otherwise, we challenge is the competitiveness is required for debt servicing boost international reserves. We been no consultation particularly commodities. Are you going to are going to have a new regime of products, particularly the is colossal, now debt servicing need those practical actions in with the private sector as to a put a sales tax there or not? If that will be more problematic exports, if you are going to have takes a primary chunk from the order to enable ourselves finance framework that we are going to you do, it will have an impact on than what we have, VAT.” exports that have a content of budget and therefore you have the 2019 budget,” Mutati said. use as of the 1st of April. So you an ordinary person. So all these have a lot of questions that remain things are actually totally unclear. unanswered. Number one critical So for me the next steps will be question is that one of the central that let’s address the leakages that features of sales tax is that; you are there in the VAT refunds, as manufacturers, you as private there are certain leakages. C/Belt Police nab Chinese sector, will pass on the cost to the Let’s have a consultative space, final consumer who will pay a lot particularly with the private more and that invaluably feeds sector so that they understand into inflation. And when it feeds the framework that they are going man in copper theft scam By Daniel Chansa Police in Chingola have Private media still arrested a Chinese national in connection with the attempted theft of copper concentrates viewed as opposition in valued at US$100,000. Copperbelt Police Commissioner Charity Zambia – US Embassy Katanga disclosed that the By Stuart Lisulo being the voice or proponent attempted theft of goods in Zambia has a lot of work to or advocate or even bank- transit happened on March 5, do in embracing divergent rolled by the opposition. It’s between 13:00hrs and 22:00hrs along Chingola-Kitwe Road. views because the private kind of a hard nut to crack Katanga said a Volvo truck news media are still being in that regard,” McIntosh Registration number ACX 2439 viewed as a proponent of told journalists in Lusaka. and trailer ACM 2321 with a the opposition political “But I think there is a lot totalweight of 36 tonnes was fraternity, says the US of work to be done here, carrying copper concentrate Embassy’s public affairsthere’s a lot of things that from Kisenda town in the director Sean McIntosh. are possible. And if the Democratic Republic of Congo And McIntosh says the US Information Ministry and to Ndola when the truck driver government remains hopeful other authorities are really working together with his that Prime Television will be genuinely worried and unknown friends attempted given back its broadcasting looking at the revision of to steal the contraband. Mine area Chililabombwe. road. Zhang Lianan 42, of She said Daka and his helper license by the Independent the IBA Act and the ZNBC She said the truck being driven “Daka deviated the truck from Chingola light industrial are on the run and police have Broadcasting Authority Act, then, I am optimistic by David Daka 34, of unknown Kalulushi road near Sabina area a Chinese national is instituted a manhunt for the duo. (IBA) in due course. that there are some great fixed abode was being escorted in Kitwe to Chingola light detained at Chingola Central “The truck is safely parked at by a Panorama Security Guard Commenting on the ongoing things are in-store and that, industrial area near Status Hitech police to help the police with Chingola Central police station,” Laston Makungu 27, of B 144 30-day suspension the there will be a much more off Chingola-Chililabombweinvestigation,” Katanga said. said Katanga. IBA slapped on Prime TV, level playing field for the McIntosh bemoaned that media here in Zambia.” private news media outlets in He reiterated that the the country are continuously suspension of Prime TV’s being misconstrued as being broadcasting license was a Solwezi immigration officer members of the opposition threat to freedom of speech. political fraternity rather than “We would like an urgent a platform for divergent views. reconsideration of the Asked if the IBA applies the suspension because gets 2 years for corruption same treatment to the Zambia the act in itself shows a National Broadcasting very strong signal that By Thomas Mulenga charge of Zambezi District in Solwezi of money by false pretense are that Sokoni, on Corporation (ZNBC), the threatens press freedoms. The Solwezi Magistrates’ Court has house no.A26 Ndeke Compound, guilty dates unknown but between 1st November country’s national public We believe in inherent sentenced an Immigration Assistant on 13 counts of obtaining money by 2012 and 31st 2014 in Zambezi District broadcaster, as it gives to fundamental freedoms, such Officer of Zambezi District to two false pretenses and two counts of theft of Northwestern Province, Zambia, being private entities, McIntosh as freedom of expression years imprisonment with hard labour, by public servant contrary to section an Immigration Assistant Officer, did by noted that the latter tended and the press. So, with this for corruption involving K116,600. 3019 and 277 as read with section 265 false pretenses and with intent to defraud, to be perceived as part of suspension, it’s of grave In a statement, Thursday, Anti-Corruption respectively, of the Penal Code Cap 87 obtain K106, 100.00, purporting that he the broader opposition concern,” McIntosh noted. Commission Corporate Affairs Officer of the Laws of Zambia,” Siame stated. would facilitate the extension of Temporal political fraternity. But he maintained that the Jonathan Siame said Solwezi Principle “Sokoni has been sentenced to 2 years Employment Permits for employees of “I believe your premise is a US government remained Magistrate Davies Chibwili found Ben imprisonment with hard labour on Stefanutti Stocks Constructions Limited Mpundu Sokoni, 44, guilty on 13 counts each of the 13 counts, and two years’ Company, when in fact not,” stated Siame. fair assessment, not just from hopeful that Prime TV of obtaining money by false pretenses imprisonment with on each of the other 2 “Particulars of the two counts of the theft my point of view, but I think would eventually be given and two counts of theft by Public Servant. counts. The sentences will run concurrently by Public Servant are that on date unknown any rational person can see back its broadcasting license “The Solwezi Magistrate has sentenced with effect from 28th May 2017.” but between 1st January and 2012 and 31st that, State-owned media are by the IBA in due course. an Immigration Assistant Officer to 2 Siyame stated that Sokoni used his December 2014, Soko being a public officer, under different rules than “So, it is our hope that the years imprisonment with hard labour for position to obtain money on false namely Immigration Assistant Officer independent media. And, IBA make a quick, immediate obtaining money by false pretenses by theft pretenses that he was going to extend in Zambezi District of Northwestern often times, as in many re-consideration of the action by public servant involving K116, 600. the temporal employment permits Province, did steal K10, 500.00 which countries around the world, because, ultimately, we want Principle Resident Magistrate Hon. Davies for employees of Stefanutti stocks came into his possession by virtue of his if you are an independent freedom of the press; we want Chibwili found Ben Mpundu Sokoni, construction company, when in fact not. employment. The convict was arrested by outlet, you are painted as fundamental freedoms to be 44, an Immigration Assistant Officer in “Particulars of the 13 counts of obtaining the Anti-Corruption Commission in 2017.” Friday March 8, 2019 www.diggers.news Local News .5

By Daniel Chansa Copperbelt PF Chairman Nathan Bwalya Chanda's elder brother, Mathias Bwalya, Outcry forces Nathan Chanda's has pulled out of the Roan Parliamentary by-election race. Bwalya was among the 11 applicants, who had applied to brother to pull out of Roan race contest the Roan Parliamentary by-election seat on the ruling Currently, the Chanda family to pull out of the race in what others have achieved. I capacity and always," wrote According to PF sources, party ticket. including his father and interest of my family. Allow me will not put my interest first, Bwalya. none of the current applicants But after declaring hismother are serving in Luanshya to thank all of you who gave but to seeing others smile is Meanwhile, the number of can win the Roan seat for the intentions and application, PF structures. me the support but I won't my prime objective. I also applicants is expected to ruling party. Bwalya came under serious "After a wide range of allow my ambition and desire pledge to continue serving my increase as other 'big fish' have "This is a serious by election. It attacks from party members. consideration, I have decided to serve my people destroy community in my individual expressed interest. is more like this is the election that will determine the future of PF on the Copperbelt. I can tell you that none of those who applied among the 11 will be picked. That is just an academic exercise to look like the process Work independently, Lungu is transparent," the source said. "At the moment, we are looking for the owner of Wada Chovu buses, for now maybe that guy can stand a chance to win, he is known in Luanshya because tells new High Court judges of his business. These jokers By Mukosha Funga good number of you are quite President Lungu explained the judicial service, the public Those sworn in are Evaristo of Javen Kamanga, the DC As judges, you should carry out youthful. My government that he had appointed more service and the private sector. Pengele, Koreen Etambuyu bena Joel Chibuye, can't beat your functions independently is passionate about creating men than women in order to I have no doubt that this Mwenda - Zimba, Kenneth Kambwili in Roan. Ba mudala and should never be swayed by opportunities for the youths balance numbers. combination of knowledge Mulife, Wilfred Godfrey Kopa ba Kambwili has worked in outside influences, President and building their capacity "Further, I am informed that and experience will enhance Muma, Ruth Hachitapika Roan. The man is so popular Edgar Lungu told newly as they form the majority of the 37 High Court judges, the speedy administration of Chibbabbuka, Abha Nayar and has a serious following. We sworn-in High Court judges, of our population. It is a 21 are female and only 16 are justice. Let me emphasise that, Patel, SC, Bonaventure are in panic as at now." Thursday. constitutional requirement male. The appointment of as umpires of justice, you are Chakwawa Mbewe and Speaker of the National Speaking after swearing in as prescribed in Article 259, more male judges is meant to expected to discharge your Kazimbe Chenda. Assembly Dr Patrick Matibini eight High Court judges at that appointments to public balance the numbers in the duties with independence, The ceremony was witnessed declared the Roan seat vacant State House, President Lungu office should, among other court," said President Lungu. good judgement, competence by Chief Justice Ireen when he concluded that also asked them to expedite things, take into account "It is also worth noting that and accountability. You Mambilima, Minister of Justice Chishimba Kambwili was a disposal of cases. equitable representation of you are bringing a broad should, at all times, bear in Given Lubinda and Attorney leader and a member of the "Let me start by congratulating the youth, gender balance, and diversity of knowledge and mind that judicial power and General Likando Kalaluka opposition NDC, meaning he each one of you honourable reflects the country’s regional experience to the bench as authority is derived from the among other Government had crossed the floor. judges on your respective diversity." you have been drawn from people of Zambia." Officials. appointments to serve as judges of the High Court of By Mirriam Chabala Zambia. The positions you Government has offered have been appointed to, are unionised public servants a not only of great honour, four percent salary increase Govt offers 4% pay rise to civil but also come with immense across the board, but the responsibility. As you join workers’ unions have rejected the bench, your first task is proposal, describing it as a to address one of the biggest disservice to the suffering servants, leaving unions divided concerns by members of workers who toil so hard to the public, relating to the “Government is offering four service workers, looking at doing. Government is the children to school on meagre produce goods and services delay in the disposal of court per cent salary increase to how the economy is biting. biggest employer and they salaries; they have to pay for this country. cases. I expect that with your public workers under the How does the government are sending a message to electricity; they have to pay Union leaders, who sought appointments which has current negotiations that are offer four per cent?” the union private sector employers to rentals and their bank loans! substantially increased the not to be named, told News going on. But the unions are official wondered. emulate what government is So, all those should be taken number of High Court judges Diggers! that the proposed not happy with this increment “And they are saying this doing! They will simply say ‘if into consideration by this will improve the time taken to salary increment has spurred because if you look at it, it’s four per cent should go up government can offer four per government as an employer dispose of cases. This therefore, tension within the public clearly nothing to write home to 2020 and it looks like they cent to its workers, who are and offer a meaningful calls for a lot of hard work from service, leading to the about! The unions are not are breaking through with we to offer anything bigger increment. Anything above you honourable judges. You formation of two camps of happy! But again, it appears that. But this is something the than that? So, government 10 per cent could have made a are also expected to deliver workers unions - one for there is a clique within the unions should sit down and should lead by example and lot of sense, not what they are quality and fair justice. As those that want to accept the unions, which seems to be critically consider because it’s offer something meaningful offering. People know that the judges, you should carry out offer and move one and those supporting government a disservice to the members. to the workers to enable them government is claiming to be your functions independently that want to declare a dispute. on this. They are saying The members are toiling so meet the high cost of goods broke, but should that be the and should never be swayed The unions are afraid that 'government has no money, hard to produce goods and and services in this country.” fault of the workers? There by outside influences. As the being the largest employer, it’s broke!' But whose fault is services for this country. The unions insisted that should be prudence in the way executive, we will continue government's fashion of that? And since when did the And the government, as an public workers had a lot government also manages its to uphold and respect the increasing salaries for public unions become spokespersons employer, should come up of challenges they were resources and ensure that the doctrine of separation of workers by such small for government? So, those are with a four per cent increase? grappling with, and that workers are given a good share powers and the independence amounts would inspire the the unions that are going to This is unfair and by doing the four per cent proposed of the national cake. The four of the Judiciary," President private sector to follow suit retard progress on this matter. this, they are sending a increment would not meet all per cent, which government Lungu said. and start giving their workers Otherwise, the four per cent is message to other employers of them. has offered and which it has "I am delighted to note that a negligible salaries. clearly not sufficient for public to emulate what they are “They have to send their stuck to, is just unacceptable!” sources insisted. Asked if the unions would take any action if government did not meet their demands, Kambwili u-turns, sues Speaker over Roan seat the source that the next By Zondiwe Mbewe Kambwili had told journalists reports that the Speaker was of the ruling by the Speaker through various course of action would be NDC leader Chishimba Kambwili immediately after his seat was declared view that he was offering consultancy media platforms, he had equally learnt advised after the negotiations has petitioned the Constitutional vacant that he would not contest the services to the said NDC,” read the of the impending by-election in Roan between government and the Court for a declaration that his Roan decision but in a petition filed in the petition. Constituency. unions had been concluded. parliamentary seat did not fall vacant Constitutional Court, Wednesday, “The petitioner is equally aware that Kambwili lamented that his rights as “At this particular juncture, as ruled by the Speaker of the National Kambwili explained that he was until even if he had joined the NDC at a duly elected member of parliament since it’s not official yet and Assembly Dr Patrick Matibini because February 27, this year, serving his third the material time, a fact denied, the had been severely infringed on by the processions are still going on, the latter violated various provisions of consecutive term as Roan PF member Speaker of the National Assembly acted Speaker, adding that the said Speaker I don’t think we will take any the Constitution. of parliament. on provisions in any event that do not violated various provisions of the action as unions. What it is Kambwili who has cited the Attorney He added that on the said date, he was provide for alleged floor crossing as Constitution of Zambia. that government has offered General as the respondent in this made aware of a ruling by the Speaker provided for by the law in the 2016 He is now praying for a declaration and the four per cent increase and matter, is further seeking a declaration of the National Assembly, declaring his amendments of the Constitution of order that the Speakers ruling dated unions are still negotiating and order that the Speaker’s ruling is Roan seat vacant. Z ambi a .” February 27, is null and void, as well as, and discussing the way null and void. Kambwili stated that he came to learn Kambwili however, stated that he had to a declaration that he did not cross the forward. So, for now, no action Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission that the reason for the said declaration date not received any correspondence floor as ruled by the Speaker. has been suggested. However, of Zambia has announced that the of the seat as vacant, was on account of from the Speaker nor his subordinates Kambwili further wants a declaration I would like to appeal to the Bahati and Roan constituencies his alleged ‘floor crossing’ from being a in the usual manner of written and order that his seat did not fall unions to exercise maximum Parliamentary and Local-Government member of PF to NDC. communication whenever a need for vacant as ruled by the Speaker, costs unity in the negotiations for by-elections will be held on April 11, “The petitioner equally came to learn communication had arisen. and any other remedies the court may better pay for our workers,” 2019. through various but verified news He added that since learning of the deem fit. said the unions. 6. Article www.diggers.news Friday March 8, 2019

Women’s day and Media Freedom ! By Andyford Mayele Banda engineers, women journalists and all women who of bringing in-formation and opinion into Today is International Women’s Day. The theme are positive-ly contributing to any sector in our the public arena. It provides a platform for for this year’s celebration is ‘Think Equal, Build nation. discus-sion across a range of issues pertaining Smart, Innovate for Change.’ As People’s Alliance Admittedly, freedom of the Press is an integral to development, such as environment, science, for Change, we wish the hard working women of element in advancing women’s rights and gender, youth, peace, poverty and participation. Zambia, a very happy celebra-tion of this day – participation in our democratic dispensation. Only when journal-ists are free to monitor, your day. On this day, we urge all men out there Hence, cases like the one which happened in investigate and criticise a society’s policies and to take time and appreciate the role women play the Mukomba local government by-elections in actions can good governance take hold. in our lives. You may not be married, but you Lundazi, where a lady journalist from Breeze FM The closure of Prime TV by the Independent have a mother, an aunt, a grandmother, a sister called Grace Lungu was har-assed, beaten and her Broadcasting Authority is another of many dents – please take time to ap-preciate and honour our money stolen by suspected PF cadres must not that the Patriotic Front government continue women. Not only are our women family but also be en-tertained. These and many other tortures to score. A gov-ernment or an individual that is they are equal partners in the development of are what our women journalists go through every scared of the truth must know that it is on a de- this country. So today we celebrate Mama Betty day. This takes us to another important issue that structive path. The Bible, in the book of John 8:32 Kaunda, Mama Kankasa, Mama Inonge Wina, we want to tackle today which is urgent and that says that “Then you will know the truth and the Mama Esther Lun-gu, Mama Christine Kaseba- is freedom of the Press. truth shall set you free”. It is clear from this book Sata, Mama Thandiwe Banda, Mama Maureen that the PF government would rather continue Mwanawasa, Mama Vera Tembo-Chiluba and As a country, we need to know that we need a living a lie not knowing that they are al-ready many other women out there that have served as government that is tolerant to critical voices. imprisoned. Indeed this act by the evidently not mothers to not only their biological children but This we must not just look in the face of those so Independent Broad-casting Authority is a clear to the na-tion at large. in government but the opposition, too. Any sign of how much the PF government wants to In order for the women to Think Equal, Build opposition political establishment that does not muz-zle free voices. Smart, Innovate for Change, we must create a toler-ate criticism and has a huge structure of platform for them. We must put in deliberate propaganda machine to lie about their opponents Just on the legacy of PF when it comes to the systems that will advance their lives in society. and also insult those that criticise them, are no media, we should remember that they closed We must put in deliberate policies that will better than the PF government that is closing down the Post Newspaper, a business that ran ad-vantage women and close the wide gap down critical media houses. Once given the in- for about 25 years employing many Zambians in our social and economic set-up with men. struments of power they would do the same, they just because they can’t handle critical think- This day is a global day celebrating the social, would also come and shut down media houses, ing. Despite all these threats, we would like to economic, cultural and political achievements of they would also come and arrest those that encourage all independent me-dia houses such women. The day also marks a call to action for criticise them, they would also come and cripple as News Diggers to be courageous and brave and accelerating gender parity. International Women's those that compete with them. not lose focus. You are not your own voices, you Day is all about unity, cele-bration, reflection, are the people’s voices, you are our voices and advocacy and action. Zambia still has a long The United Nations' 1948 Universal Declaration no one said it was going to be easy. There is no way to go be-fore the celebration of women can of Human Rights states: "Every-one has the doubt the closure of Prime TV was politically make meaningful sense to our womenfolk. The right to freedom of opinion and expression; this motivated. violence we see against women today is rising at right includes freedom to hold opinions without such alarming rates that celebrating women on a interference, and to seek, receive, and im-part As PAC we believe that the biggest problem we day like today is insignificant. How many women information and ideas through any media are facing as a country is not laws or legislation have been killed at the hands of rogue husbands? regardless of frontiers". but leadership. Hence, as PAC we believe the Why does it continue to happen? Where is our only solution to all these challenges is a complete Government in all of this? We must remember that freedom of the press leadership overhaul. We need a new breed of Women are also an equal partner in the political is important because it guaran-tees the rule leaders who will tolerate divergent views and treat dispensation. However, most women are of law, free speech and open and accountable the media as an equal partner in development discouraged to participate in politics due to government. In turn, freedom of expression is and information dissemination. Freedom of the the violence and in-sults that take place in our an essential pillar of governance more broadly, press or freedom of the media is the principle politics. In some instances, they are outrightly because this right enables as many citizens as that communication and ex-pression through vilified for even thinking about contesting for any possible to contribute to, as well as monitor and various media, including printed and electronic political position. Institutions such as the Police implement, public decisions on development. media espe-cially published materials, should must do more to ensure that we stamp out cases The importance of press freedom in promoting be considered a right to be exercised freely. Such of violence in elections and political activities in good governance is underlined by the increas- freedom implies the absence of interference from order to encourage more women participa-tion ing numbers of people who have access to an an overreaching state. in our politics. The Government has a major role expanded realm of media platforms. to play in ensuring that women are respected As PAC not only are we promising a guaranteed and celebrated. PAC believes that a prosperous In particular, a free, pluralistic and independent freedom of the Press but we sincerely believe it is na-tion is one that can respect and honour its news media, on all platforms, is important for an integral part of the democratic dispensation. womenfolk. A nation that treasures women is a facilitating good governance and transparency. nation that prospers. As PAC we look forward to Within the much-broadened media landscape, LIFT PRIME TV SUSPENSION! a day when equality and equity for women will news media still remain central conduits for no longer be just a slogan, but a reality in the ongoing public assessments of the activities of Andyford Mayele Banda lives of our women farmers, women marketeers, government and other insti-tutions that have President women teachers, women lawyers, women developmental impact. Journalism is the act People’s Alliance for Change (PAC) Friday March 8, 2019 www.diggers.news Article/ Local News .7 Women key to food systems, healthy & sustainable diets ACCORDING to the 2018 State of food and agriculture report security for all people, food assistance policies and programs Poverty Reduction, Civil Society Organizations-Scaling up published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), must create conditions that advance, rather than undermine, Nutrition (CSO-SUN), Consumer Unity Trust Society (CUTS) globally women make up about 43 percent of the agricultural gender equality and women’s empowerment. To achieve this, and Alliance for Zambia Informal Economy Association labour force worldwide, and in some countries like Zambia, women need the same access to land, education, and inputs (AZIEA). These partners together work to promote production women make up 80 percent of all farmers. that men currently are offered. According to FAO, globally, if and consumption of sustainable diets as it is a multiform In addition to participating in farming, most women particularly resources were available, women’s food production capacity phenomenon. in rural areas in Zambia are also major actors in seed saving, would be increased by 20 to 30 percent and lift as many as 150 Ms. Chimya, the Executive Director of the Zambia Alliance animal husbandry, grain processing, and other tasks related million people out of hunger and food insecurity. With about of Women (ZAW) acknowledges the important role played to growing food. This is in addition to cooking, cleaning, and 815 million people going hungry worldwide, that’s no small by various actors but suggests that policymakers, community taking care of sick elders and children. It is women farmers number. leaders, and elders need to value the work of women and who produce the food that families eat. While male farmers HIVOS Southern Africa is working with women in Zambia youth as priority. Not only are the women farmers and food often focus on growing commodity crops like maize, rice, and through various initiatives and making monumental change in producers but they are nutritional gatekeepers, caretakers of rich soybeans, women raise, vegetables, and small livestock that the food system. An important aspect that has been taken by agricultural traditions, and stewards of the land and biodiversity. nourish families each day. the Sustainable Diets for All (S4ALL) program is to promote Thus, the empowerment of women makes policy interventions Thus, women make significant contributions to agricultural production and consumption of traditional foods. This is more nutrition sensitive. production, rural economies, food security and nutrition, land because food is as important to a culture as language. Not only is For Ms. Chimya, the process of women’s empowerment must and natural resource management; and building resilience to it a tool for communication, and a source of social engagement, be supported more vigorously adding that gender equality is climate change. Beyond their contribution to food production it is a platform for human expression. It embodies our Zambian fundamental to justice, and it is fundamental to nutrition. and nutrition for their families, women engaged in agriculture culture and ought to be preserved for future generations to Recognizing the role of women in agriculture and providing use it not only as a source of livelihood but also contribute not only enjoy its nutrition but to understand our rich culture. concrete solutions to eliminating hunger and malnutrition, towards a healthier and more resilient environment. Examples Understanding the culture of our traditional food means equally stopping food loss and food waste, promoting nutrient-dense range from of women in Chongwe District engaging in crop understanding Zambia’s culture around women’s role in food and indigenous crops, and realizing the vision of a more diversity through climate-adaptive irrigation strategies, to systems in Zambia. equitable food system will all lead to a healthy nation. women dairy farmers in Kafue district starting a co-operative to Thus, the HIVOS SD4ALL program in collaboration with Therefore, creating a more sustainable food system means not pay for their children’s healthcare and education. International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) only acknowledging women’s pivotal role in nourishing the While women are the majority of the Zambia’s smallholder published a Food Values Book themed: Celebrating local food planet, but also uplifting women in their current efforts and farmers, their contributions are at best largely unnoticed and value and diversity. The book celebrates Zambian traditional potential to be pioneers of change. at worst almost universally ignored. Women do not have equal foods and adds knowledge of the nutritional value contained in access to resources land, credit, education, extension services these foods. Additionally, the crops celebrated are crops that are The author: Sustainable Diets For All (SD4ALL) Program etc. This lack of women’s empowerment increases maternal adapted to the Zambian climate and therefore can be used as in Team, Hivos Southern Africa. SD4ALL is a lobby and advocacy under-nutrition, and limits women’s ability to practice positive climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. program that is currently working on policies and plans that care behaviors, such as providing sufficient and nutritious HIVOs works with like-minded Civil Society Organizations support diverse food production and consumption while complementary foods. Therefore, to achieve food and nutrition such as the Zambia Alliance of Women, Civil Society for acknowledging the role of women in the food system.

By Sipilisiwe Ncube Honourable Mwanakatwe or We are a naturally a dictatorial Siliya interviewed by Gravazio society and bringing in the on Sunday, and then the foreign system of democracy Zambia is naturally dictatorial, following week we get one of is a real challenge, says the opposition, whichever it Ministry of Information is, and bring them on and they and Broadcasting Services also get interviewed. I think Permanent Secretary Chanda democracy is a challenge - Kasolo that is the good way forward. So, I will make sure that this Kasolo. expect ZNBC, as a national of opposition rallies and so on. IBA are PF. We have got almost it’s a religious issue and they starts happening. I don’t want And Kasolo says putting broadcaster to give equal Being a government leading all political parties represented didn’t say anything! Now this ZNBC to be seen as a biased pressure on his team to rescind coverage to government and media, you have to do a little bit under IBA. Prime TV can one, which is fairly a political media. I want it to be a truly the Independent Broadcasting the opposition, saying Zambia of balance. But even BBC is not come back, and can come back issue, they come out. I wonder Zambian, nationalistic media Authority's (IBA) decision of was a dictatorial society. in the middle; they are leaning stronger by just doing what if the three [church] mother house. They should promote suspending Prime TV will not “One of my passions is to try towards the government of the they have been asked to. This bodies are semi-politicians. I everything that deals with work under his reign. and turn ZNBC into what it day, but they still give coverage issue of trying to put pressure am not a politician and so they moving Zambia forward Meanwhile, Kasolo says the was before. Everybody wished on my team to say: ‘reinstate or shouldn’t come with politics to to the opposition. So, this is and includes bringing some IBA is toothless when it comes to work for ZNBC. I know we me,” he said. something that we can achieve change what’ will not happen, opposition so as to bring a little to regulating ZNBC because He also argued that some NGOs have put in quite a lot of money over time. It is difficult in our not under my clock! So, I bit of balance or views that are the national broadcaster does into ZNBC's digital migration society because democracy proposed that we concentrate lashed out at government expressed. So, we are going not operate under the same Act US $273 million, and all does not come easy. We are a on retraining their staff and put because they only wanted to to encourage them to start as other electronic media. sorts of things coming up naturally dictatorial society in things like cleaning up and please their pay masters. covering opposition events,” The Permanent Secretary still under ZNBC under that [and] so to bring in this foreign so on so that when they come “Some of these NGOs, I know Kasolo said. has further warned that digital migration. However, system of democracy is a real back, they will be very strong they are paid money for Meanwhile, Kasolo said his his Ministry will soon start the quality of reporting, challenge,” Kasolo said. and will have a lot of sympathy speaking [and] maybe that’s Ministry would soon start regulating journalists in the quality of reading, the He added that IBA had no because of what has happened why they are speaking so that regulating journalists. Zambia because a lot of media quality of dressing during TV mandate to regulate ZNBC. to them,” Kasolo said. they can get more money “We need an association’ just practitioners are unqualified. presentation must all come "IBA goes back a long way, as “If they (Prime TV) want to from their sponsors, but don’t like LAZ is for the lawyers, just Speaking when he featured out. We have got to be the best far back as 2002. The first Act test it (the 30-day suspension) interfere in IBA work [because] like CIMA, ACCA, etc. I cannot on 5Fm’s Burning Issue and we have got to take the regulated all media houses in the court of law, they are this is government work done go and call myself a chartered programme, Thursday,lead. But again, ZNBC must but during the MMD rule, welcome. But what will happen professionally. If you want to accountant if I am not a Kasolo complained that it allow the opposition space. they amended the IBA Act to most likely is that they'll say question it, come to us, have a member of that association was unrealistic for people to They must even take pictures move out ZNBC. So now what ‘look, the statute gives it' and look at what we have done and of chartered accountants; I happens is that we can’t go to so I am not breaking any law. then comment. Commenting cannot call myself a lawyer ZNBC and say ‘come on, we If the statute says ‘I cannot be without information is a fool's unless I am registered with are monitoring you and we [IBA] chair, then they have game! They don’t even know LAZ as such. So, this is what don’t like what you said here a point. So, they have the that we were very lenient on the I have decided with my and you are biased on this’ we freedom to go to the court if 30 days' [suspension] because Honourable Minister; that we can’t because they are not in the they wish, but my advice is I others wanted six months, but want to regulate because the Act. That is a fact... in fact, IBA think they will be wasting their I, as chairman, ruled the 30 journalists themselves have is absolutely toothless when it money.” days,” Kasolo argued. failed! So, we have written a comes to ZNBC. The only way He also charged that the three The Permanent Secretarydraft of how this should be and we can go and look at ZNBC Church mother bodies namely further said as the chief we have the guidelines and we is if an individual or groups the ZCCB, EFC, and CCZ had executive of the Ministry, are still working on that. It will of individuals complain about turned into "semi politicians." he would grant permission give guidelines as to who can be a particular programme or a “The three mother bodies, I am to ZNBC to start covering called a journalist? It will give particular news bulletin. When shocked! And I am Catholic! I opposition leaders. guidelines to the minimum they complain then we can ask am shocked that they actually “I was just discussing with my qualifications of a journalist. them to give us the data for 90 kept quiet on some of the Honourable Minister (Dora We will legislate it into law days and we can look at it and relevant issues that have been Siliya) that, everybody thinks so that when anyone outside make a decision," he said. happening of late, for example, that ZNBC is government says: 'I am a journalist' and And Kasolo said no amount there was an outcry on the because maybe the staff they are not, this association of public pressure would push Lusaka Hustle (TV show) [as ZNBC] are scared of can prosecute them and make his Ministry to lift Prime TV’s about issues of homosexuality, bringing the opposition on them stop passing off as a suspension, saying if Prime TV not a word, not even a whisper the programmes. So, I, as the journalist! I want journalists goes to court it will waste it's from the three mother bodies, chief executive of the Ministry, to be highly qualified in this money. quiet! I thought that that will have to write to them to country and compete with “Please! Distinguish is really in their heart and give them permission to bring those we see on CNN, BBC, between IBA and PF, not all they must comment on this these people on! I don’t see the Times in England and so professionals working under [because] it’s a morality issue, why we can’t have, for instance, on,” argued Kasolo. 8. Opinion www.diggers.news Friday March 8, 2019

Revelations that government procured a toxic Chinese- manufactured drug and supplied it to Supplying toxic drugs is hospitals across the country is enough scandal for someone in the system to, not only lose a job, but also face prosecution. This is a pure govt witchcraft! serious indication of they described as complete incompetence ‘speculation.’ and negligence of But today, they are duty by a group of panicking for allowing government leaders. what they could have And to imagine prevented if they that the Ministry in did their jobs. Let’s charge of public health not make jokes with could only realise that people’s lives. This is they were giving toxic pure witchcraft and medicine to patients Zambians must stand after they started up to protest against vomiting and wallowing this negligence. in excruciating pain is And talking about just pure evil! This is protesting, we are government witchcraft, seriously concerned nothing else! Surely, the Ministry of Health contracted to supply the supply scandals in 2017, Ministry of Health. with the citizens’ someone must be made on such a large scale? drugs, they know the we learnt that when Someone is not doing reaction to this to pay for endangering People should have President of Zambia; bidders win contracts their job, and if they development. What is the lives of citizens in shame when practising the man he appointed as to supply fuel, their oil are doing it, then they going on in Zambia? this manner. hypocrisy. Being in Minister of Health and is sampled at the point are doing it to fatten Where are the gallant The Ministry ofgovernment doesn’t give his Permanent Secretary. of loading and it is also their pockets and not to men and women of our Health cannot hide you any licence to kill. If there is any negligence, sampled at the point of serve the public. These generation to explore behind a finger and We have noted that the or in this case, evil offloading in Dar-es- scandals are too much legal channels and save say they have initiated Pharmaceutical Society practice in the delivery salaam before the crude at the Ministry of Health the country from this efforts to recall the of Zambia is blaming the of health services, is pumped into Indeni and it’s time heads deterioration? drug from all hospitals supplier for delivering these people must be Refinery. They don’trolled! Zambia is, indeed, across the country. This drugs, which did not answerable, not the just assume that what Last year, we a country of docile, is not a scandal that can match with the samples Chinese manufacturer is on the bill of lading reported about all these gullible people! This be resolved by such a presented at the time of or whoever supplied the is the actual content illegalities in the drug is a country of press remedial measure. If bidding, but that doesn’t drugs. being supplied, no! The supply at the Ministry statements and political this scandal involved hold water. Mr Jerome You cannot say, since reason they do this is of Health, and we rhetoric. We have any private hospital in Kanyika says: “What the samples that the not because they suspect remember being blasted counted that since Zambia, their operating happens when someone supplier brought during that sharks may have for ‘rumour mongering' this news of toxic licence was going to be is bringing their samples the bidding process urinated in the crude by the Minister medicine was reported revoked! to be registered in this passed the tests, then we oil and contaminated it and his Permanent to the public, only one We have not country, they bring the should fold our hands during the voyage, it’s Secretary. Our report politician has raised forgotten that this same best of their samples. But and entrust citizens’ because, in this million- revealed that there is unsolicited questions government, through in the long-run, as they lives in the hands of dollar business of a Chinese company around the supply of the Health Professions win tenders or contracts, businessmen who are supply, there is no room that was providing toxic medicine – and Council, shut down they change and bring here to make profit. for error. There is so medical supplies that’s Mr Chishimba Fairview Hospital a tablet that does not That kind of negligence much at stake and a little without subjecting Kambwili. If this is in Lusaka, among consist the amount of cannot be acceptable. negligence can cause a the commodities to how vigilant citizens other private health drugs that they talked It’s government’s life-long catastrophe! quality examinations. operate, then we must facilities, for “stocking about when registering." responsibility to verify Government can lose We further revealed forget about anything and dispensing We have a huge that what it procured is millions of dollars and the Ministry’s awarding good coming for those expired drugs.” How problem with that what has been supplied. people can die. of supply contracts to who are not benefiting is that offence any explanation. Zambians Some time back So, stop pointing companies of interest, from all these different from thedon’t know and don’t during an investigation fingers at the supplier, and they didn’t like us government scandals. one committed by care whom government we carried out in the oil point fingers at the for publishing what We are doomed!

Crossword puzzle 309 “Success is most often Solutions to puzzle 308 achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable.” - Coco Chanel Friday March 8, 2019 www.diggers.news Reader’s Feedback. 9 Reader’s feedback ‘Sven’s right on Zambian Ineffective running of schools: a case of Kenneth Kaunda Secondary School Dear Editor, sector. football being too political’ Allow me space in your widely-read newspaper to air out my One is, however, likely to be concerns on the manner in which Kenneth Kaunda Secondary dismayed with the state in Editor, football coaches!” - Mazabuka Mwanakalando School is being managed. which the school is today. Kenneth Kaunda Secondary School is the biggest school in Despite the rich background “He is right!” - Banda “You resigned because you failed to reach your target, Muchinga Province. It is situated west of Chinsali near Lubwa and high profile of the school, Greyson Sven! I would do the same. Losses kept coming. I didn’t Mission, the birth place of the first Republican President of Kenneth Kaunda Secondary see any improvement in the team performance, but Zambia Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda in whose name and honour School remains the dirtiest “True, Sven. This I kept on paying taxes and you continued enjoying. the school was built. The school has over the years produced and most dilapidated in the country’s football is on Bwana, go back! We need good results!” - Mwamba great men, some of whom are high-ranking government officials, province at the moment. auto-pilot. Even Renard Mulindwa others in civil service and high profile men in the informal Paint is peeling off some of was insulted!” - Duce the buildings, a sign that they Elijah Mwansa have not been attended to in a long time. Walls of the inside “I think he may be right.” and outside of the hostels are – Mugala Allan extremely dirty. Most of the windows do not have glass “He is right, Zambia is just panes. They are merely frames too political!” - Richard leaving pupils exposed to Limbikane Phiri mosquito bites and vulnerable to diseases such as malaria. “True. Kamanga was at Questions that beg serious one point beat up by PF answers are: “where and what cadres at a certain church is the school management in Kabwata.” – Harry and the Parents Teachers’ Muzandu Association doing even before Government funding “Great, Sven. We all need and help from other stake to protect our integrity holders is solicited? Do simple and our reputation. Well maintenance works such as explained.” - Jonathan replacing broken glass panes, Mulaisho painting infrastructure and lighting up the school require “It’s not politics; Zambian funding from government?” soccer fans are just It is such attitudes of observant and critical of depending on central coaches. I wish we would government that has have been dealing with robbed this country of the the politicians the same development that is greatly way we deal with the desired. Running of schools in this manner is not only conflicting and frustrating government’s efforts in the provision of quality education, PF youths’ but also eroding the standards “What sort of youths are these? Do they understand the meaning of democracy?” – of education. warning to MPs Editor, Besides being the dirtiest, the school is now the most “If they are positioning themselves,Muche I think Mambwe it means they are seeing something wrong expensive public boarding positioning school in the province! What needs to be done for with the President.” - Moses Tlc Raphaels now in order to save the face themselves for “I have a lot of friends in PF and they say it is hell! They are scared of moving out of the school is to change the management of the because they fear for their businesses. They haven’t known how we survive in the 2021 opposition. They say whether Lungu stands or not, he’s going.” - Samuel Kertis school. Many head teachers in secondary schools in Muchinga have overstayed. Some have stayed as long as Sikalongo eight years at the same school! This has led to familiarity and ineffectiveness. The school further needs Nathan Chanda’s decision not to contest Roan forensic auditing as there are possibilities that public funds have gone into pockets of Editor, individuals. Other than this, “The guy knows he can’t win Roan, even the school needs an overhaul if it was to be against Mulyokela. Now rehabilitation in order to “Roan people are loyal; I still remember the mighty MMD losing restore it to its former glory he claims CK caused the by-election.” – and befit the name it bears. Joseph Chisenga to Mr Pwele of UNIP - a man who had no money for campaign Unless this is done, the school only his words made people vote for him.” – Vic McKay bearing the name of our founding father of this nation “Ba Chanda, you cannot face CK and win! will continue to lose its beauty Otherwise, deep down your heart, you in the public’s eye. The school have been wanting that seat for a long EDITOR’S NOTE: might in few years to come be devoid of pupils as most time. In fact, CK would have stood in Go to our News Diggers! Facebook page, parents would prefer send Nchanga, Chingola, because even there, select a story you like and jot down your their children to better and people love him! And he lived in Chingola; affordable boarding schools he actually has a house he bought the time comment. We will pick that as your feedback in the province, such as Isoka Boys; Mpika Boys; Chama he worked for the mines. Otherwise, you and get you published on this page. The Boarding, to mention but a made a wise decision because it was going shorter the comment the higher the chance few. to be very embarrassing for you and the of getting published. Concerned citizen party.” - Haggai Mandala

Kenneth Kaunda Secondary “He’s just scared to contest!” – Musonda Note that we block Facebook users who use School, Banda abusive language. P. O Box 480096. Chinsali 10. International/Lifestye www.diggers.news Friday March 8, 2019

Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg has said he believes secure, private messaging services will become more popular than open platforms. Zuckerberg outlines plan for In a blog, Mr Zuckerberg outlined his vision to transform Facebook into a “privacy-focused platform.” Facebook owns Messenger and WhatsApp, but message encryption limits its ability to ‘privacy-focused’ Facebook make money through targeted political consultancy. more private and temporary, he interests in the digital equivalent of social media network into one like privacy and freedom of adverts. Some critics see the proposed says, it may be harder to hold the a town square,” said the billionaire focused around privacy, reducing expression.” The social media giant has come changes as a way of Facebook site accountable for any perceived founder of Facebook. permanence, and secure data “Upholding this principle may under fire for a series of privacy perhaps abandoning its misdeeds. “But people increasingly also want storage. mean that our services will get scandals. responsibilities, says the BBC’s What did Mr Zuckerberg say? to connect privately in the digital As part of his privacy goals, he blocked in some countries, or In 2018, it emerged that the data North America technology “Facebook and Instagram have equivalent of the living room.” said Facebook would not “store that we won’t be able to enter of about 50 million users had reporter Dave Lee. helped people connect with In response, Mr Zuckerberg sensitive data in countries with others anytime soon. That’s a been harvested and passed on to a If what happens on Facebook is friends, communities, and said he wanted to develop the weak records on human rights tradeoff we’re willing to make,” he continued. Mr Zuckerberg added that encrypted messaging will also create scope for new business tools, especially ones around R Kelly back in jail in child support case online payments and commerce. He did not offer a firm timeline for Embattled US R&B singer R Kelly “How stupid would it be for R his vision, but said changes would has been taken into custody for Kelly, with all I’ve been through take place “over the next few years”. failing to pay child support. to hold somebody? How stupid “I believe we should be working A judge in Chicago said he would would I be to do that?” towards a world where people be held until he paid $161,000 “Use your common sense,” he can speak privately and live freely (£122,000) owed to his ex-wife and continued, raising his voice and knowing that their information their children. turning to address the camera. will only be seen by who they want “Forget the blogs, forget how you It comes hours after R Kelly to see it and won’t all stick around feel about me. Hate me if you want tearfully and angrily denied forever. “ to; love me if you want. But just use allegations of sexual abuse in a TV “If we can help move the world your common sense.” interview. in this direction, I will be proud “How stupid would it be for me Last month, he was charged with of the difference we’ve made,” Mr with my crazy past and what I’ve 10 counts of aggravated criminal Zuckerberg wrote. been through [to say], ‘Oh right sexual abuse, involving four What we are seeing is potentially a now, I just think I need to be a alleged victims, three of whom very new direction for Facebook. monster and hold girls against were minors. You could argue that it is finally their will and chain them up in my He pleaded not guilty to all the listening to what its users want basement?” charges and was released on bail and responding to their changing “Quit playing, quit playing,” he after spending three nights in jail. habits, rather than introducing its said, becoming tearful. “This is not If convicted, he faces three to seven He was prepared to pay up to “I didn’t do this stuff. This is not held women against their will, own ideas and then responding to m e .” years in prison on each charge. $60,000 of what he owed to his me,” he said, adding that he is confiscating their phones, the influx of feedback afterwards At this point, Kelly stood up, What is the child support case? former wife, Andrea Kelly, and “fighting for my life”. restricting their food, and denying - seeking forgiveness rather than pounding his fist and beating his R Kelly, 52, was detained after their three children, but the judge The star also denied accusations, them access to their families. permission is not uncommon in chest as he declared: “Are you all a court hearing in Chicago on required the full amount. raised in the recent documentary Becoming emotional, he asked the tech sector.BBC Wednesday. The singer’s next court hearing is Surviving R Kelly, that he CBS news reporter Gayle King: trying to kill me?”Channel The singer’s defence attorney said scheduled for 13 March. he was having financial difficulties What about the emotional TV - his finances were a “mess”. interview? R Kelly has been a target of R Kelly was speaking to CBS This a boycott campaign, and his Morning - his first interview since recording contract has been his arrest last month in the sexual Brazil leader criticised cancelled. abuse case. over obscene video Tanzania Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro has provoked controversy by posting an obscene video of two revellers at Carnival, saying he teacher to wanted to reveal the truth about the festival. The clip posted on Twitter shows two men engaging in sex acts hang for killing on top of a taxi shelter during a street party. The far-right leader suggested such scenes were becoming pupil normal. Mr Bolsonaro, a deeply divisive A court in Tanzania has sentenced to death by hanging a figure who has made racist, 51-year-old school teacher who beat to death a 14-year-old homophobic and misogynistic pupil. remarks but was a clear winner Respicius Mtazangira caned and hit Sperius Eradius with a in last year’s election, was the blunt object at their school in Bukoba town in north-western focus of much criticism in many Tanzania last August after accusing the boy of a stealing a Carnival celebrations across handbag that had gone missing. Brazil. Sperius denied the allegation, but Mtazangira still proceeded The footage was shared by the to assault him. president late on Tuesday - when In his ruling on Wednesday, High Court Judge Lameck the festivities were still under Mlacha convicted Mtazangira of murder, but acquitted way - and includes one man fellow teacher Heriet Gerald. urinating on another person in Some 35,000 comments supported the president - Opposition lawmakers said Nine witnesses - including pupils - testified during their front of a crowd of revellers in followed. They included critics of elected with strong support of they would ask prosecutors to trial. A medical report presented to court showed that the what appears to be downtown the president, personalities and conservative and evangelical investigate whether the president beating had caused the child’s death. São Paulo. even people who said were his voters - condemning what they had broken privacy laws by Mtazangira’s lawyer was quoted by local media as saying that “I don’t feel comfortable showing supporters and condemned his called “indecent” behaviour. posting the video. he did not rule out an appeal against the verdict. it, but we have to expose the truth decision to post the video. The video was recorded on Mr Bolsonaro, who likes to Tanzania last carried out the death sentence in 1994. so the population are aware,” said Others said they would report Monday during a street party compare himself to US President President John Magufuli indicated in 2017 that he opposed the president to his 3.46 million the president’s post for offensive known as a “bloco”, Folha de Donald Trump, took office in executions. followers. content. Hours later, a message S.Paulo newspaper reports, and January and often uses Twitter “I know there are people who convicted of murder and “This is what many street parties of sensitive material was added it had sparked controversy even to engage with supporters and waiting for death penalty, but please don’t bring the list to in the Brazilian Carnival have to the video but it was not clear if before the president’s tweet. make official announcements. me for decision because I know how difficult it is to execute,” turned into,” he added, inviting it was an initiative by Twitter or Some witnesses said the scene The president’s office did not he said.BBC people to “comment and reach Mr Bolsonaro himself. was an isolated event, the immediately respond to a request their conclusions”. Some users, however, have newspaper adds. for comment.BBC Friday March 8, 2019 www.diggers.news Sports .11

For all the money spent, it is the same old story -- another year, another Champions League horror show for Paris Saint-Germain. Where now for PSG after The bold, brash French giants talk a good game, and their Qatari owners have thrown vast sums over nearly a decade now in an attempt to build the best side latest European horror show? in Europe. Yet for the third year running they are out of Europe's elite club competition in the first knockout round after Wednesday's stunning defeat on away goals against Manchester United. Coaches have come and gone, superstars have been signed, but in the Champions League all PSG seem able to achieve is to invent new and improbable ways to be eliminated. In 2017, after the promise of four successive quarter-final appearances, there was the capitulation in Barcelona, a 6-1 defeat wiping out a 4-0 first-leg win. Since then, Qatar Sports Investments have spent over 500 million euros ($565 million) in transfer fees on - Serial bottlers - Abroad, PSG, founded in 50 million euros annually. With hindsight, Tuchel Neymar's future will again new signings, including the It feels like Goundhog day, 1970, are often derided as President Nasser al-Khelaifi may wish he had started now be called into question. two most expensive players but this time it is somehow having no history, seen as will come under scrutiny, Alphonse Areola in goal The Brazilian's two in the world, Neymar and different. a club with vast amounts of and one of either sporting rather than a 41-year-old years in Paris have been Kylian Mbappe. "Even worse" read the front money, but no substance. director Antero Henrique or Gianluigi Buffon, at fault for overshadowed by injuries at There has been no progress, page of leading sports daily They are now the serial coach Tuchel will probably United's second goal. key moments. His chances and there must be some L'Equipe on Thursday,Champions League bottlers. have to go. It is more likely Tuchel can still win a league of winning the Ballon d'Or uncertainty as to the long- with a nod to that night in - 'Believe in this project' - to be the former. and cup double, but winning are surely over for another term viability of the Qatari Barcelona. So what comes next at the "We are here because we a domestic treble was not year. project, especially with Inside, renowned Parc des Princes? believe in this project and in good enough for Unai In the meantime, the the danger of punishment commentator Vincent Financially, PSG will still the direction in which it is Emery last year. hangover will be long and still looming for possible Duluc said PSG "owe much have made an estimated heading," insisted Brazilian "We must not say the season painful. breaches of UEFA's of their celebrity to these 85 million euros from defender Marquinhos. is finished," said Al-Khelaifi, "I need some time to rest. I Financial Fair Play rules. collapses that make them their European run this He played in midfield although he admitted "it's want to be at home and not Last year, there was an look ridiculous in the eyes season, and they recently against United, with French difficult to come back from talk, not think. I just can't underwhelming defeat of the world." announced a lucrative, new international Adrien Rabiot this." believe that this is possible," against Real Madrid, with Against United, seven shirt sponsorship deal with frozen out after refusing to As long as the current admitted a shattered Tuchel. Neymar injured for the survivors from the Barcelona Accor reportedly worth over sign a new deal. owners stay, they will try, but AFP second leg. This time, with debacle either started or Neymar again injured and came off the bench. Was that Mbappe off form, PSG game on their minds? were ousted by a seriously "I don't agree that we have depleted United. a problem from losing at Crotch-grabbing Simeone The visitors had two untried Barcelona that you could teenagers on as substitutes see," said coach Thomas when Marcus Rashford Tuchel. "This is for me too scored the last-gasp easy and I don't want to step escapes UEFA touchline ban penalty -- awarded after a into this trap." controversial VAR review -- However, even their exit to Diego Simeone has been Madrid's Champions League a touchline ban. was feeling. that gave them a 3-1 win on Chelsea in the 2014 quarter- fined €20,000 for hislast-16 first-leg win over The 48-year-old was charged "I can only apologise if the night. finals was similar in nature. celebration in Atletico Juventus, but he has escaped with improper conduct by anyone was offended, but I UEFA after celebrating Jose did it from the heart. Gimenez's opening goal in Simeone has now been the 2-0 win by grabbing his sanctioned by UEFA's crotch. Control, Ethics and Simeone attracted criticism Disciplinary Body, but he Don't rule us out yet, says for the gesture but he will be free to be in the apologised after the match, dugout for the second leg explaining it was directed at at the Allianz Stadium on Atletico fans to show them Tuesday. that the team "have cojones". The Argentine tactician has bottom placed Maestro He told reporters: "It means said of a return date with By Abraham Kalito rule us out. Even though we haven’t help us fight. We are now confident that we have balls, a lot of balls. Juve: “The tie is not over yet, Super division side Maestro United performed better in the previous games we will be performing better than we "To start [Diego] Costa and there is still a game to play. FC communications manager Ignitius and the fact that we are newcomers, started earlier in the league, that’s for Koke after they hadn't played "For sure we will have Habeene says the club will not be you still cannot rule us out. We are still sure starting with the game on Saturday. for a month takes balls." to suffer against a great relegated inspite of a dismal start in the very much in the game and we are still We will win that game. We just started Simeone added: "I did it as a opponent, with great league following promotion. fighting. We will not be booted out. I can badly, we started with problem of our player in Lazio-Bologna and players.” Habeene told Goal Diggers! in an assure you that we will not be relegated players not being cleared early, and I did it again to show our On top of Simeone's interview, Thursday, that the club has at least not this season. We will put up a that brought in confusion in our set- fans that we have cojones. sanctions, Atletico have been brought in some new players and re- good fight just wait and see. For sure we up. But going forward, you know after "It wasn't aimed at the other fined €38,000 for breaching inforced the squad ahead of the game are surviving,” he said. the re-enforcements, I think this is the team, I was turning towards regulations relating to against Lumwana Radiant at Nakambala “Yeah, we have done the re- first game that we will play as a team our own supporters. blocking stairways and stadium on Saturday. inforcements, we have brought in the with cleared players. So, starting with "It's not a nice gesture, I'll throwing objects. He said the club faced some challenges players on loan. We have midfielders this coming game, we are assured of a admit, but I felt the need to Juve have been ordered to that made it difficult to settle in the from Nkwazi FC Chitungu Mutukuma. v i c t or y.” do it. It was such a tough pay €30,000, while head league and consequently resulted into We also have Kennedy Lungu from the Maestro United FC is currently at the game, we fought so hard and coach Massimiliano Allegri the team's poor performances in the same club. We also brought in a couple bottom of the log in stream B. The club Diego Costa worked really has been warned, because first five games. of players. We have brought in Lambart currently has one point from five games hard when he wasn't 100 per of the game's late kick-off. “So, what I can say is it’s too early to from Cameroon. And many others to having lost four and drawn one. cent fit. I had to show what I Goal.com Crotch-grabbing Simeone avoids

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Left: Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, makes a save against PSG forward Kylian Mbappe. Right: Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku scores his side's first goal on Wednesday night as PSG went on to concede 3 goals to be eliminated from the UEFA Champions League after starting the game with a 2 goal advantage from the first leg

By Abraham Kalito Out-going Zambia national soccer team coach Sven Vendenbroeck has expressed gratitude to fans in an apparently goodbye message posted on his Facebook account, Wednesday. The coach fell out with the VANDENBROEK Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) following conflicting statements regarding his contract. The FA had announced early last month that it would not renew his contract, but Vendenbroeck revealed that he had in fact resigned two months early and was just waiting for the initial 8 THANKS FANS months contract to elapse. The revelation seeming infuriated the FA ...after force leave ends his tenure prompting the association his contract expires later social media following the fans. and most importantly a message on his social to send the Belgian on this month. the development to thank “I would like to thank the the fans for the chance to media account. administrative leave until Vendenbroeck took to government, the FA and federation, the ministry coach the country,” read Vendenbroeack was appointed Chipolopolo coach in just last year and handed an eight months contract subject to renewal if the national team La Liga's Tebas 'very happy' qualified to this year’s AFCON schedule for June. He constantly expressed his desire to coach the national side but having with Premier League link missed the target, La Liga president Javier Tebas told who announced his departure last said: "No comment." Scudamore, generating a record £5.5 implications were that his AFP he was flattered to be linked with year. The Premier League is still searching billion ($7.3 billion) in the 2016/17 contract was jeopardised. the English Premier League's chief "I'm very happy that a competition for its next chief executive after season, according to analysts Deloitte His last game as coach was executive position as speculation like the Premier League thinks of me Scudamore's announced successor, -- 86 percent more than La Liga. scheduled to be Zambia swirls over the role. to be their CEO," Tebas said at the TV executive Susanna Dinnage, Tebas also said La Liga was working against Namibia but Tebas, Spanish league chief since Sportel sport-business convention in rejected the appointment in to schedule Espanyol games at Vendenbroeck won’t be on 2013, said he was "very happy" after Macau. December. suitable times for Chinese audiences, the bench for that match reports named him as a possible When asked if he intended to quit The Premier League grew to become following the arrival of China star as he will be on a forced successor to Richard Scudamore, La Liga for England, the 56-year-old a global phenomenon under Wu Lei. AFP leave.