1747-23-07/07/24

No 1772 K15 www.diggers.news Monday July 8, 2024

I hear the call from RCZ to unite

I’LL REACH OUT
Zambians
are being
agitated

TO LUNGU - HH
to
emulate
Kenya
protests
P
By Angela Muchinshi Speaking when he officiated at the unity and tolerance. taken, and we will do our part to reach

– Mwiimbu RESIDENT Hakainde

Hichilema says he will reach
out to his predecessor, Edgar
Story on Page 2 Lungu, so that they can talk.
celebration of 125 years of the existence
of the Reformed Church in Zambia,
Sunday, President Hichilema said a lot
could be achieved on a platform of love,
“We ask the Reformed Church of
Zambia to continue uniting our people.
I heard your message loud and clear,
out to our colleagues, including ECL
himself, so that we can talk to each
other.
you can take it that your message is Story on Page 2

No by-elections, I’m
confident court will do the
right thing – Kang’ombe

F
By Precious Daka parliament from the party in
ORMER Kamfinsa PF December 2023.
member of parliament Story on Page 7
Christopher Kang’ombe
has expressed confidence that
the country will not hold nine
by-elections because the court
We spent
will overturn the Speaker’s
“illegal” decision. K13.8bn on
debt in June
Last Wednesday, the Speaker
of the National Assembly
declared nine Patriotic Front

– MoF Page 2
seats vacant, following the Story on
expulsion of members of

D/Speaker’s actions a
1744-14-31/07/24

travesty to democracy
– Catholic Church Story on
Page 5
1744-23-31/07/2
2. Local News www.diggers.news Monday July 8, 2024

Zambians are being agitated to emulate

H
Precious Daka of the Constitutional Court
OME Affairs and where there was anarchy at
Internal Security the court premises. Court

Kenya protests – Mwiimbu

Minister Jack
Mwiimbu has disclosed
that members of the public
are being agitated to be
violent and emulate what is
happening in Kenya.
And Mwiimbu says ahead
of the Constitutional Court’s
ruling on former president
Edgar Lungu’s eligibility case
today, a series of security
measures have been put in
place, including the closure of
selected roads and deployment
of police officers in Lusaka.
Meanwhile, Mwiimbu
says the Cyber Security and
Cybercrimes Act of 2021 shall
be applied to the fullest going
forward to ensure that those
who abuse the cyber space are
brought to book.
Addressing the media,
Sunday, Mwiimbu said some
unscrupulous individuals
had been inciting people to
rise and disturb order in the
country.
“Countrymen and women,
you may have noted that in
the last few days, a number
of unscrupulous individuals
have been sending messages
to members of the public to
raise and disturb order in the
country on this particular
day. Members of the public
are being agitated to be
violent and emulate what is
happening in Kenya. On
behalf of the government, I
would like to state that we will
not allow anarchy to rain in
this country,” he said.
Mwiimbu said public
security would be enhanced
as the court ruling was being
made.
“Law and order is the
bedrock of peace and stability
in any society and Zambia is
not an exception. As a ministry
charged with the responsibility
of maintaining law and order,
we will ensure that at all times,
Jack Mwiimbu
citizens and the general public Lungu. In view of the above,
enjoy peace and tranquility. the government will employ
You will note that tomorrow, measures to maximise public
the 8th day of July 2024, security among other measures
the Constitutional Court is that will be taken will be that
expected to pass judgement of temporarily closing some
in the eligibility case of the public roads so as to deter
former head of state Mr Edgar some individuals, particularly
political cadres who may
wish to disturb public peace
and order. I therefore caution
members of the public who are
fond of being paraded during
high profile court proceedings
to ensure that they don’t show
up tomorrow,” he said.
“Please stay away. The
Zambia police service
will deploy personnel to
ensure that law and order is
maintained to the highest
standard. I am aware that
court cases and court
proceedings are supposed
to be free to members of the
public. However, arising from
the intelligence reports we
have, it will be imprudent on
the government’s part if we
don’t take appropriate action
to take interest in the nation.
We are aware of the last sitting
premises are supposed to be
respected. Court premises
are premises where issues,
disputes are settled amicably
without resorting to disorder.
It is therefore in the interest of
the nation and the judiciary,
and the parties concerned
that on that day on the 8th of
July, there is tranquility at the
courts”.
He urged citizens to
cooperate with government
and ensure that the country
continues to enjoy peace.
“May I hasten to mention
that lawlessness and any
behaviour that is inimical to
public order and peace will
not be entertained around
the court premises and other
public places. I want to appeal
to members of the public that
Zambia has been enjoying
peace and stability for a long
time. It is therefore incumbent
upon all of us as citizens to
ensure that the peace we have
been enjoying is maintained.
May I take this opportunity

I’ll reach out to Lungu so that we can talk – HH

to inform the nation at large
that the government is aware
of some individuals and
groupings that are hell bent to
create anarchy in the country. I

P
By Angela Muchinshi
RESIDENT Hakainde
Hichilema says he
will reach out to his
predecessor, Edgar Lungu, so
that they can talk.
Speaking when he
officiated at the celebration
of 125 years of the existence
of the Reformed Church in
Zambia, Sunday, President
Hichilema said a lot could be
achieved on a platform of love,
unity and tolerance.
“We ask the Reformed
Church of Zambia to continue
uniting our people. I heard
your message loud and clear,
you can take it that your
message is taken, and we will
do our part to reach out to
our colleagues, including ECL
himself, so that we can talk to
each other. Our upbringing is
very clear, on the platform of
love, on the platform of unity,
on the platform of tolerance,
not violence, we can achieve
a lot. On a platform of mutual
respect, we can achieve a lot.
Conflict does not help anyone
in society, we have seen what’s
happening in other countries,
we don’t want Zambia to go
in that direction,” President
Hichilema said.
“No leader must visualise
a Zambia where there’s smoke
in Cairo Road, where there’s
smoke in Chipata, no, that’s
not our role. Our role is to be
able to get our people to go
through even the most difficult
times in peace, love, and
extend our hands to each other.
And I think that’s important.
And I know why you raised
this matter, I do understand
the psychology around this
matter. So you can count on
us, as we count on you. So
what Zambia must always be is
to be peaceful, loving, respect
the rule of law so that we can
all co-exist; unity in diversity
and reaching out to each other
is very important”.
The President said friction
could not solve any problem.
“Partnership is the way to
do things. Friction, disunity,
shouting over each other
is not the way we resolve
problems, it is not the way
we work together to serve the
people in times like this. And
thank you for mentioning that
drought is not an instigation
of an individual, whether
that individual is a leader in
politics, in government, in the
church or otherwise, children
of Israel experienced hunger
in those days but they always
worked together, God gathered
them together so that they
could protect the vulnerable
during such times,” President
Hichilema said.
“We also know as
Christians that God will never
give us a burden we cannot
carry. He has given you a
burden to run the Reformed
Church of Zambia, God knows
you’re equal to the task, he will
be there to support you, to
continue running this church.
We also know that God has
allowed us to run this country,
under these difficult times
because he will be with us to
carry through these difficulties
until we get better times ahead
of us”.
And President Hichilema
commended the Reformed
Church in Zambia for the
work they were doing, saying
he understood how difficult it
was to lead people.
“I’m aware that some
people take leadership, the
skills that leaders bring to
communities, to our churches,
for granted, I don’t take it for
granted. I know how difficult it
is, I know how challenging it is
to lead people. Yes, in politics
now, but in the family, in the
community, in the businesses,
in the churches. It requires
a lot of patience, big heart.
Reverend Ackson Banda and
your team, the Reformed
Church in Zambia, Fr Chikoya,
the Christian family, you’re
doing a good job collectively,
Thank you. We should never
take this for granted because
when leadership is not there,
God’s people perish,” he said.
He called on the church
to continue working with
government, especially
in implementing drought
mitigation measures.
“I did indicate to you that
we should continue working
together in the drought
mitigation measures, we
should fight this drought,
we should provide support,
two areas I must say, support
to feed our people in the
84 districts that have been
afflicted by the drought, and I
therefore call upon citizens of
this country to cooperate with
the government and ensure
that we continue enjoying the
peace which we have been
enjoying,” he said.
Mwiimbu said
government expects police
to act professionally as they
discharge their duties.
“I would like to state
clearly here as we make these
measures to ensure that there
is peace and stability and
that there is law and order. I
expect that the police will be
professional as they undertake
this serious assignment. We do
not want to go to the old days
of police brutality in a situation
seemingly to the one that is
going to occur tomorrow.
And that is one of the reasons
why I am appealing to the
members of the public and
political cadres to refrain from
engaging in hooliganism,” he
said.

We spent K13.8bn on debt in June – MoF

Meanwhile, Mwiimbu said
did explain to you that we are those who abuse cyber space
most food insecure because would be brought to book
drought areas are largely the going forward.

T
By Ulande Nkomesha
HE Ministry of Finance and
National Planning released K22.7
billion for public service delivery
and developmental programmes in
June.
And the Ministry says out of the
K22.7 billion released, K13.8 billion was
spent on debt servicing.
In a statement, Secretary to Treasury
Felix Nkulukusa said out of the K22.7
billion released, K3.5 billion went to
transfers, subsidies and social benefits,
while K1.1 billion was channelled to the
implementation of various programmes
and general operations, among others.
“In June 2024, the Ministry of Finance
and National Planning released K22.7
billion for public service delivery and
developmental programmes. Of the total
amount released, K3.5 billion went to
transfers, subsidies and social benefits,
K1.1 billion to implementation of various
programmes and general operations, and
K288.6 million to capital expenditure
for ongoing infrastructure works.
Furthermore, the Treasury released K4
billion for the public service wage bill and
an additional K13.8 billion for servicing
arrears, and both the domestic and
external debt,” he said.
“Transfers and Subsidies: The Ministry
of Finance and National Planning released
a total of K3.5 billion for transfers and
subsidies. Notable expenditure items
under this category, included: K1.8 billion
for smooth operation of the Social Cash
Transfer Programme; K573.4 million
given to the Public Service Pension Fund
to help clear pension dues and facilitate the
efficient management and administration
of the institution; and, K508.5 million
released for the operations of hospitals
and other Grant Aided Institutions (GAIs)
in various Ministries. The Treasury also
released other funds under the transfers
and subsidies category, these being,
K290.8 million for operation of public
universities and for the student loan and
scholarship scheme; K120.8 million went
to the Local Government Equalisation
Fund; and, K209.1 million was released
as a grant to Zambia Revenue Authority
to support operations and resource
mobilisation”.
He said the Ministry released K288.6
million towards capital expenditure of
which K200 million was directed to
water infrastructure projects while K36.2
million went to local authorities for road
infrastructure.
“General Operations: The Treasury
also released K1.1 billion to facilitate
implementation of programmes and
other general operations under various
public institutions. Notable items under
this category, included: K400 million for
procurement of drugs and other medicals
supplies; and, K182.7 million for ongoing
works under various programmes
supported by development partners.
Capital Expenditure: In the month under
review, the Ministry released K288.6
million towards capital expenditure. Of
this amount, K200 million was directed
to water infrastructure projects, K36.2
million went to local authorities for road
infrastructure and K52.4 million was
released for infrastructure programmes
in various ministries, provinces and
agencies,” Nkulukusa said.
Nkulukusa said out of the K13.8
billion channelled for debt servicing, K7.7
billion was released towards the payment
of external debt service and K6.1 billion to
domestic service.
“Wage Bill: The government spent
a total of K4 billion on costs relating to
the Public Service Wage Bill for various
public service workers, including health,
teaching, and overseas allowances for
Zambian diplomats in missions abroad.
Debt and Other Liabilities: In line with the
Government’s commitment to reducing
indebtedness, a total sum of K13.8 billion
was released. Of this amount, K7.7 billion
was released towards the payment of
external debt service and K6.1 billion to
domestic service,” said Nkulukusa.
farming areas of our country.
The Eastern Province, where
the church started from, the
Southern Province, Lusaka
Province, Central Province
and parts of the Copperbelt,
the most productive parts
of this country. Of course
Western Province is affected,
but I’m talking of the farming
areas which were affected and
hence the negative effect in
terms of the drought,” said
President Hichilema.
“And what we want,
working with our churches
is to support feeding people
affected by this hunger.
Number two is to increase the
resilience so that when we are
affected by such an incident in
future, we have enough food
to feed our people and that
includes irrigation farming,
water harvesting for irrigation,
but also better farming so
that we can produce more in
a limited piece of land that
we have. One hectare should
give us more food than ever
before. We are partners with
the church, we are not in
competition”.
“I also want to state
that the Cyber Security and
Cybercrimes Act of 2021 shall
be applied to the fullest to
ensure that those who abuse
the cyber space are brought to
book. It is for the good of all of
us. Peace can be lost very easily,
to regain peace is hard. You
have noted where peace has
been in other countries, where
there has been a breakdown
of law and order, to regain the
peace that used to be enjoyed
in those countries has been
difficult. Very few countries
in Africa after losing the peace
have regained the peace. It
is therefore incumbent upon
all of us to ensure that we
maintain peace and law and
order,” said Mwiimbu.
“There are so many ways
of reducing grievances, you do
not resolve to anarchy. I wish
to reiterate the position of the
new dawn administration to
respect democracy and uphold
the rule of law. Therefore, we
will do everything possible
within the law to ensure that
peace is maintained in the
country”.
Monday July 8, 2024
S Lungu is free to lead
By Mwiche Nalwimba
TATE House
Communications
Specialist Clayson
Hamasaka says Edgar Lungu is
free to lead a public procession
to State House as long as he
follows the law.
On Friday, Lungu, who
is former president, said he
would soon lead demonstrations
to State House, demanding
President Hakainde Hichilema’s
resignation.
In an interview, Saturday,
Hamasaka said Lungu was
welcome to march anywhere,
including to the bush.
“Well, he is free. Let him
follow the law. He is free to march
as long as he complies with the
law. He is free to march as long
as he complies with the law,
with public procession. There is
a law around public procession.
You can be marching in support
of a cause that other people are
opposed to. You went marching
in support of this, other people
A
By Precious Daka
48-YEAR-OLD
man of Lusaka’s
Meanwood Chamba
Valley has been burnt to
death inside a car he was
driving after it caught fire.
Nkowani Nhtinkani was
with his wife and 16-year-old
son along PHI road near the
Hybrid roundabout when the
vehicle caught fire around
20:00 hours on July 6.
The 16-year-old escaped
without injuries and some
well wishers helped him save
his mother but unfortunately,
all efforts to save his father
failed and he burnt to death.
This is according to a
statement issued by Police
deputy public relations officer
Danny Mwale, Sunday.
“A man of Lusaka’s
Meanwood Chamba Valley
might have a different view
over the same issue, not so. So
other people who might have
a different view over the same
issue might also march on the
same day or whatever, then you
crash, that’s why I am saying
people should follow the law.
If he wants, he is welcome. He
can march and go anywhere,
he can march anywhere in the
bush or whatever it is, as long as
he complies with the law,” said
Hamasaka.
Commenting on the same
issue in a separate interview,
Sports Minister Elvis Nkandu
said Lungu can’t be taken
seriously.
“So, you take that man
seriously? That man is a joker,
and he confirmed himself that
he is a joker. So, we can’t take
him seriously. Processions I
think are also regulated, so
if someone wants to lead a
procession, as long as he follows
Everyone will be taken
the laid down procedures, the
rules and regulations pertaining
Lsk man burns to death in his car care of, it’s just a
was burnt and died inside the
motor vehicle he was driving
matter of time – HH
after it caught fire along PHI
road near Hybrid roundabout.
The incident happened on July
6, 2024, around 20:00 hours.
Police officers investigating the
incident revealed that Nkowani
Nhtinkani, aged 48, was driving
a Toyota Runx with his wife and
their 16-year-old son on board
when the vehicle caught fire
while in motion,” he stated.
“Their son escaped without
injuries leaving his parents
inside the burning vehicle.
Members of the public who
responded to the incident
only managed to rescue his
wife while efforts to help
Mr. Nhtinkani out proved
www.diggers.news
demonstration to State
House – Hamasaka
to processions. We don’t have an
issue with that when someone
follows [the regulations]. But
again, we need to know what
it is that he wants to do. We
should not also be involved in
their confusion. That’s their
confusion. President Miles
Sampa expelled the members
of Parliament. The process was
started by the UPND or by
futile. The motor vehicle was
completely destroyed by fire
with the victim inside. His
remains were picked by Police
officers who rushed to the
scene and deposited at the
University Teaching Hospital
mortuary awaiting postmortem
while his wife, who sustained
severe burns all over her body,
is receiving treatment at Levy
Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital.
Investigations to establish the
actual cause of fire have been
instituted.”
Meanwhile, Mwale said a
66-year–old man of Lusaka’s
Barlastone park had been
detained for the offence of
failing to secure a firearm.
“A Security guard deployed
the PF? So, now they want to
involve innocent [people],” said
Nkandu.
“Our President is an orderly
President. He wants things to
be done in an orderly manner.
He also wants to promote the
rule of law and he doesn’t even
want these by-elections but at
the end of the day, PF is not our
party and if people think we are
at East Park Mall informed
Police officers on patrol that
there was a motor vehicle, a
Nissan Fuga, which had its
front window open with a Pistol
on the passenger’s seat. Police
officers picked and secured the
firearm while the motor vehicle
was clamped. Around 21:00
hours, Paul Moonga presented
himself to Police officers and
claimed ownership of the
firearm and motor vehicle. He
was detained as investigations
to establish the actual owner of
the firearm and motor vehicle
are ongoing. The motor vehicle,
bearing registration number
BAX 7809, is parked at the
Police Station for safe custody,”
stated Mwale.
Local News/ Advert .3
going to sympathise with them, are talking about today wouldn’t
for me, we can’t sympathise be talked about, is it? So, how
with them. Why should we? do we come in because there
After all, we didn’t start the are some accusations that the
process of expelling members UPND are the ones…how do we
of parliament. They are the ones come in? Let them carry their
that started that process. If they own cross. We have nothing to
didn’t start that process, what we do with their problem”.
P
By Chamuka Shalubala
RESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says government is
committed to improving the lives of every citizen.
And President Hichilema says politics should be
uplifting the people, and not making noise anyhow.
Speaking when he officiated at the launch of the Muchila
Smart Village project in Namwala District, Friday, President
Hichilema said he had always visualised a better life for all
Zambians.
“You just heard that there is something called electricity,
today it’s here. This government is committed, it wants to
better the lives of the rural people because all the citizens
of Zambia are equal, all of them. 10 provinces, 116 districts,
156 constituencies. Every Zambian is equal to another in any
part of this country. This is how this government sees its own
citizens. I am saying that in opposition, we dreamt about what
is happening in kwa Muchila. Before we took public office, we
visualised what is happening here today,” he said.
Continues on P7
3886-01-08/07/24
4. Advert www.diggers.news Monday July 8, 2024

3756-01-08/07/24
Monday July 8, 2024
C D/Speaker’s actions a travesty to
By Mwiche Nalwimba
ARITAS Integral
Human Development
(IHD) Commission
says the expulsion of nine PF
MPs is clear evidence of legal
lawlessness.
And IHD says it is
disturbed by the manner in
which government has handled
the case involving Petauke
Independent MP Emmanuel
Jay Banda, making reference
to a leaked audio in which two
permanent secretaries were
heard asking him to withdraw
some statements.
In a statement issued
on behalf of 11 other IHD
members, Sunday, Chairperson
Archbishop Alick Banda also
commented on the high cost of
living and load shedding among
other things.
Archbishop Banda said
the Second Deputy Speaker of
the National Assembly Moses
Moyo’s actions are travesty on the
country’s democratic trajectory.
“The recent case of expulsion
of the nine PF Members of
Parliament from the National
Assembly by the Second Deputy
Speaker, Honourable Moses
Moyo, MPs, is clear evidence
of legal lawlessness. The said
Second Deputy Speaker’s actions
are a travesty on the country’s
democratic trajectory. Sadly, this
act of duress on the legislature
by the executive will reverse
the democratic gains that the
country was steadily making.
That the concupiscence between
the executive, legislature and
judiciary militates against
the norm of separation of
government. That the feverish
speed with which the nine
opposition members of
parliament were expelled is a
brazen violation of procedural
standing orders of the house.
That the remote-type instruction
to the Second Deputy Speaker
of Parliament to expel the nine
PF Members of Parliament
constitutes an abuse of authority.
Never before in the history of
this country has parliament been
involved in handling the internal
affairs of a political party,” he
said.
“Further, with the current
fiscal challenges that the country
is facing, the government has
the ill-will to wilfully cause nine
by elections if not 10 in due
course. We urge the executive
and legislature to be reasonable
and level headed on this matter.
This culture of impunity and
utter disregard to the laws of the
land must be held in check. We
are calling on all the institutions
mandated with the duty and
responsibility of ensuring justice
and fairness to the people,
to operate with integrity and
goodness. As scripture tells us,
‘Keep watch and pray, so that you
will not give in to temptation.
For the spirit is willing, but the
body is weak’ (Mt. 26:41-42).
We are therefore keen to see that
the Human Rights Commission
is defending human rights, we
are anxious to see that the Anti-
Corruption Commission and
Drug Enforcement Commission
are dismantled without duress
and fear the windmill of
corruption in totality, we are
impatient to see the Judiciary”.
He also demanded that
justice must be seen to be done
in Banda’s case.
“We are disturbed with
the manner in which the case
of the Honourable member
of parliament for Petauke has
been handled. The information
which is in the public domain
on the social media in an audio
recording involving Mr. Thabo
Kawana PS for the Ministry of
Information and his Ministry
of Home Affairs counterpart
Mr. Dickson Matembo is a
great cause for worry. The duo
democracy – Catholic Church
is heard in this audio recording
urging Hon. Emmanuel J Banda
to retract, deny and refute his
earlier statement he gave to the
Police concerning his abduction
and the two specific and named
individuals with close links to
State House in exchange for his
freedom. We demand that justice
should not only be done but
seen to be done on this matter,”
Archbishop Banda said.
“We, therefore, urge the
government officials to stop these
vindictive tendencies, and that
the UPND officials must desist
from using the police and other
instruments of state violence to
doctor cases for innocent people
to enjoy their inalienable rights”.
He said the arbitrary arrests
of citizens with dissenting
and opposing voices was
solely intended to intimidate
citizens who stand against the
government.
“We have further observed
with dissatisfaction the growing
trend of police brutality in
the nation at the pretext of
maintaining law and order. The
arbitrary arrests of citizens with
dissenting and opposing voices
is solely intended to intimidate
citizens who stand against the
Government. This abuse by the
Police should not be entertained.
We appeal to the Zambia Police
Service to be professional and
desist from acting on political
instructions from the executive,
as government come and go.
Thus, we urge the Government
to be democratic and be able
to apply the law with some
semblance of impartiality on
I never sent anyone to negotiate with Jay Jay – Levy
P
By Angela Muchinshi
RESIDENT Hakainde
Hichilema’s Political
Advisor Levy Ngoma
says he has never sent anyone
to negotiate with Emmanuel
Jay Banda after the Petauke
central independent MP
named him as a suspect in the
abduction case.
Recently, a conversation
leaked in which two senior
government officials were heard
asking Banda to refute ever
naming anyone involved in his
abduction.
In the said audio, Ministry
of Information and Media
Permanent Secretary Thabo
Kawana and his Home Affairs
counterpart Dickson Matembo,
were heard asking Banda to say
that his statement to the police
did not mention any of his
abductors and that the whole
experience was a figment of his
imagination.
As the conversation
progressed, however, Kawana
was heard quizzing Banda
on whether it is factual that
Ngoma and State House Chief
Communications Specialist
Levy Ngoma
www.diggers.news
all citizens regardless of their
political, religious, social and
or ethnic affiliation, of concern
to us has been the conduct of
police towards ecclesiastical
institutions. Never before has
the Zambia Police in post-
independence Zambia been used
to disrupt church services or
Church meetings,” he said.
“But with the ascendance
of the UPND to government,
what ought to be an exception is
slowly becoming the norm. The
recent occurrences in Kabwe,
Lusaka and Ndola, in which
Zambia Police had the audacity
to disrupt church services and
meetings constitutes abuse of
authority. It is our prayer that
this government will come to
its senses regarding the sacred
During my time, Judiciary was independent – Lungu
F
By Precious Daka
ORMER president
Edgar Lungu says
during his time in
office, the Judiciary was fully
independent and that is why
the courts declared that it
was illegal for his ministers
to remain in office after the
dissolution of Parliament in
2016.
In a Facebook post Sunday,
Lungu said by virtue of his
upbringing, he always tried to
be politically honest, factual and
respectful in his engagements.
“I will patiently wait to
hear if the Chief Government
Spokesperson or President
Clayson Hamasaka had a hand
in his abduction, which the
Petauke MP confirmed.
But commenting on that in
an interview, Sunday, Ngoma
said he had never sent anyone
to negotiate on his behalf as he
was not part of the purported
abduction.
“I’m not part of that fake
purported abduction, that thing
doesn’t exist! So I’m not part of
that purported abduction, zero!
And I did not send anyone to
negotiate over this matter, and
you might need to find out from
the purported negotiators. My
position is nothing to hide, this
matter is in court and if you
want to get the details about
the full position of this matter,
the court documents are public
documents,” he said.
Asked why the two
Permanent Secretaries were
negotiating for them, he said
they were in a better position to
respond to the question.
“Ask them, I didn’t send
somebody so why should I start
thinking on their behalf? Why
should I do such a thing? Ask
the purported negotiators, go
nature of places of worship”.
He urged government to
find real and pragmatic solutions
to the prevailing dire economic
situation, instead of engaging
itself in blame games and
politicking.
Archbishop Banda
bemoaned the continued
shrinking of the democratic
space in the country.
“We note with great concern
and sadness the continued
shrinking of the democratic
space in our nation. It is clear
that the UPND government has
deliberately chosen to suppress
dissenting and opposing voices.
This is evidenced, inter alia, in
the government denying the
opposition political parties from
holding their political rallies
Hakainde Hichilema are still
disputing my commitment
to respecting our Republican
Constitution as well as the
principle of Separation of
Powers. By virtue of my
upbringing and as a former
president, I am not a person
of empty rhetoric, open lies
and hot false stories, l always
try to be politically honest
and factually respectful in my
engagements. As you all may
remember, in 2016 after the
dissolution of Parliament, all
cabinet and deputy ministers
remained in office as the new
law was ambiguous. We were
heavily criticised and after a legal
and find out from them. There’s
nothing which has changed, the
matter is still in court. I’ve said I
didn’t send anyone to negotiate.
Secondly, if you’ve got issues,
ask the so-called negotiators if
at all that is the position. Ask
them the way you’ve asked, I
did not send somebody, that’s
the position, ask the so called
UPND commends Vedanta for
pledging to disburse $250m to
KCM creditors
U
By Angela Muchinshi
PND Secretary General
Batuke Imenda has
commended Vedanta
Resources over its intention
to disburse $250 million to
Konkola Copper Mines (KCM)
creditors.
In a statement, Sunday,
Imenda said the move would give
Zambia’s economic development
some impetus.
“The announcement
by Vedanta that it has
arranged US$250 million for
disbursement to Konkola
Copper Mines (KCM) creditors
is commendable, not only
because it is a huge injection
into the economy but adds
impetus to the overall economic
development of the country.
It is also a confirmation that
the United Party for National
Development (UPND)
government is on course to
fulfilling its party manifesto for
economic development, partly
through the revitalisation of
the mines. As pledged by our
through the misapplication of
the Public Order Act. We appeal
to the government to welcome
and accommodate divergent
views from citizens and to open
up space for dissenting voices in
the public media such as ZNBC.
We note with deep concern the
despair that is briskly setting
in our country because of the
inability to find lasting solutions
to people’s lamentations on
the ghostly manifestations of
tribalism and regionalism in
Zambia,” said Archbishop Banda.
“We have allowed the
dragon of ethnic practices and
tendencies to pull us down to
the point where we are passively
accepting it to be our way of
life. People occupying public
leadership positions are not doing
battle, the Courts of Law made a
ruling that the stay was illegal,
and all allowances and salaries
accrued during the stay were
to be paid back. This December
2016 judgment is testimony
to the effect that, during my
time, the judiciary was fully
independent and operated
freely even by making decisions
against my own government.
We never interfered with them
but simply respected them as a
separate wing of government
in a functional democracy. As
sitting president then, I ordered
my former cabinet and deputy
ministers to respect the courts
and pay back all allowances and
negotiators. If it were you, how
would you explain it? You want
me to start giving opinions?
Go ahead and ask them. I don’t
know why they did that, go and
ask them,” said Ngoma.
Meanwhile, Kawana said
he would hold a press briefing
today, declining to give any
further comment on the matter.
party President Mr Hakainde
Hichilema, who is also
Republican President, we remain
steadfast on ensuring that
Zambians get the full benefits of
their natural resources,” Imenda
said.
“The disbursement of
the US$250m is a reassuring
statement that the UPND is
fully committed not only to the
people of the Copperbelt but the
nation at large. This liquidation
of this legacy debt underlines
our unwavering commitment
to ensuring that the county’s
economy left comatose by the
previous government, gets a
new lease of life. The US$250m
is in addition to the over US$1.2
billion pumped into Mopani over
three months ago. Copperbelt is
on the move”.
He said the future of the
people was secured with the
sound economic policies which
government was implementing
Local News .5
enough to change the trajectory
of tribalism. The fear and anxiety
of long-term repercussions due
to these ethnic divisions is very
real, especially that the examples
of scotching consequences
are extremely vivid within the
region and beyond. No one is
born hating another person.
People only learn how to hate,
and similarly they can also learn
how to love. Christ commands
us to love one another. ‘This is
my commandment, that you
love one another as I have loved’
(Jn15:12). Imbued by this Gospel
command, we are therefore
calling on all public leaders to
stop pretending that the problem
is not serious. Let us urgently nip
the problem in the bud before it
astronomically escalates”.
salaries accrued as directed by
our judges,” said Lungu.
“To prove my position
respect for the principle of
Separation of Powers, rule of law
and defend our constitutional
democracy. Below is what l
said on 8th December 2016 on
this same Facebook page and
other official documents after
the Constitutional Court made
the aforementioned judgment.
Following the Constitutional
Court’s decision, I expect
Cabinet Ministers and Deputy
Ministers who remained in
Office after Parliament was
dissolved in 2016 to pay
back salaries and allowances.
Decisions of the courts of law
must be respected regardless
of positions taken by different
parties hence my position that
the affected individuals must
pay. We must all respect the
law because no one is above
the law. Therefore, the ruling
of the Constitutional Court
must be complied with. My
administration will always
uphold the Separation of Powers
in respect of the Executive, the
Judiciary and the Legislature”.
across the country through
various empowerment
programmes.
“Our fellow citizens, the
UPND government, has got your
back. Your future is well secure
with the sound economic policies
being implemented across
the country through various
empowerment programs.
The increased Constituency
Development Fund (CDF)
of a whopping K31.6m and
expanded FISP are but just
two of the many programmes
lifting people out of poverty
amidst many national and global
challenges. We urge everyone to
remain resolute as we navigate
ourselves as a country out of
drought-induced challenges of
power. Once again, we commend
the Republican President for
initiating the importation of over
650,000 metric tonnes of maize
as well as over 600 megawatts of
electricity,” said Imenda.
6. Article
CTPD’S M O N D A Y
This is a weekly column aimed at sharing CTPD’s perspective and steering public debate on
various issues pertaining to Trade & Investments Law, Public Finance Managment, Extractives
and Human Development.
Exploring Nuclear Energy: Is Zambia Ready for Nuclear Power? - Part 1
Z
Introduction
AMBIA’S energy mix is
predominantly hydropower-
based, making up over 83% of the
total capacity, followed by coal, diesel,
heavy fuel oil, and solar. However,
this reliance on hydropower poses
significant risks due to the country’s
susceptibility to extreme climatic events,
such as droughts and floods. These
challenges, coupled with increasing
electricity demand growing at about 3%
annually, underscore the urgent need for
diversification. Efforts to address these
issues have included signing multiple
Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and
encouraging greater Independent Power
Producers (IPPs) participation. However,
low electricity tariffs have hindered
new investments, highlighting the
“
need for tariff reforms to attract more
private sector participation.
Given these challenges, it
is imperative to explore
alternative energy sources
to ensure a reliable and
Zambia’s
sustainable power supply. reliance on
One such possible source
is nuclear power which has hydropower—
been in existence since the
1940s and is now utilized accounting
by over 50 countries across
the world. In this week’s
for about 83%
Monday Opinion, we explore
nuclear energy and Zambia’s
of national
readiness for a lip towards electricity,
nuclear power plants.
Zambia’s Energy Sector makes it
vulnerable
The energy sector in
Zambia is a cornerstone
of the nation’s economy,
driving production across to extreme
all industries. The sector
has notable key players:
climatic events
Zambia Electricity Supply like droughts.
Corporation (ZESCO) Limited
is the dominant player
managing both generation
and distribution of power in the country.
The Energy Regulation Board (ERB)
www.diggers.news
OPINION
T O D AY S T O P I C
regulates the sector and Independent
Power Producers (IPPs) produce and
supply electricity to ZESCO, feeding the
national grid about 20% of the electricity.
The sector has, however, been hit by
several challenges which have affected
the supply of electricity in the country.
To begin with, Zambia’s reliance on
hydropower— accounting for about 83%
of national electricity, makes it vulnerable
to extreme climatic events like droughts.
This has become a reality in 2024, pushing
ZESCO to electricity rationing due to
lower generation capacity resulting from
the low water levels in the Kariba dam
which generates most of the power. In
addition, ZESCO has often found itself
in financial distress pushing it to acquire
significant debt amounts. Partly because
of the huge electricity imports acquired
through emergency power contracts
making the company pay higher prices
than it will supply the
electricity for in the
country. Furthermore,
with the demand for
electricity growing
at 3% annually
according to the
Zambia Development
Agency (ZDA), the gap
between demand and
supply will only keep
widening.
The Case for
Nuclear Energy in
Zambia
With hydropower
facing climate change
related risks, countries
”
dependent on this
form of energy must
look towards other
sources of energy
if the increasing
demand for energy
is to be met. Nuclear
energy can provide
this alternative. currently, only one
country in Africa utilises nuclear form of
Monday July 8, 2024
Dr.
Mr. Simon
IbrahimManda
Kamara
Senior Researcher
CTPD - Head of Research
energy— south Africa. However, recently,
a few other African countries have shown
interest in adopting nuclear energy: These
countries include Ghana, Egypt, Uganda
and Burkina Faso among others. The shift
towards nuclear power in Africa has been
driven by several factors: The population
of the continent is rising while access to
electricity has been limited to only about
half of the population. In addition, the
forms of energy utilised such as fossil
fuels and renewable energy are not very
efficient and do not generate more power
compared to nuclear energy.
For many years, Zambia has sought
to diversify its energy sources. Despite
substantial investment in hydroelectricity,
it is evident that relying solely on this
source is unsustainable. The Government,
in the recent years, has indicated
interest in exploring nuclear energy as
an alternative. In 2020, the National
Nuclear Policy was launched. The policy
recognises that the country’s growing
electricity demand, which necessitates
an additional 2,500 megawatts by
the year 2030, cannot be met by the
current hydro-dominated sources alone.
According to the policy, “Therefore,
nuclear power plants offer an alternative
source of sustainable renewable energy
for production of electricity in Zambia”.
However, little notable progress in
this regard has been made since the
introduction of the Policy.
Join me next week as we delve deeper
into the concerns surrounding nuclear
energy in Zambia, including the technical
and economic feasibility of setting up
nuclear power plants
About the Author.
Ibrahim Kamara serves as the Head of
Research at the Centre for Trade Policy
and Development. He holds a bachelor’s
degree in economics and finance as well
as a master’s degree in public finance
and taxation from the University of
Lusaka. Ibrahim also served as the
Coordinator for the Zambia Tax Platform
until 2023.
Monday July 8, 2024 www.diggers.news Local News .7

H There’ll be stiffer punishment for those

By Precious Daka responsibility pillar which
EALTH Minister prioritises the extending of
Sylvia Masebo says support to health causes. Since

involved in theft of drugs – Masebo

Parliament will
soon pass a law which stiffens
the punishment meted out
against those involved in
theft of drugs.
And Masebo says the
government intends to reduce
the under-five mortality rate
from 61 per 1000 live births
to 25 per 1000 live births by
2026.
Speaking when Copperbelt
Energy Corporation Plc
(CEC) handed over the
Refurbished Luntembwe
Children’s Ward and the
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
(NICU) at Kitwe Teaching
to use the opportunity, please
let’s guard the drugs that the
government and our partners
are supporting us with. These
drugs and the equipment are
very, very costly. We continue
to hear stories and now there
are a number of arrests that
are being made in the country
of drug theft. I want to use this
opportunity and advise those
that are in the habit of stealing
drugs that the law has now
that are stealing drugs that
your days of going to court
and being given five years are
over. You will be there forever”.
Masebo also said
government targeted to reduce
the under-five mortality rate
by 2026.
“This occasion marks a
significant milestone in our
ongoing commitment to
the provision of the highest
standards of care for our
Masebo reiterated that
government would continue
with the recruitment of more
health workers this year.
“I would also like to assure
the members of staff and
population of the Copperbelt
that the government will
this year continue with the
recruitment of more health
workers. And even for the new
children’s ICU, we should be
2018, CEC has contributed
over K37 million towards
various health care initiatives.
We are particularly proud that
this development aligns with
able to support Kitwe teaching sustainable development goal
hospital with more staff this number three which focuses
year itself,” said Masebo. on ensuring healthy lives and
And CEC Board promoting the wellbeing for
Chairperson London all ages,” said Mwafulilwa.
Mwafulilwa said since Meanwhile, Kitwe
2018, the corporation had Teaching Hospital Senior
contributed over K37 million Medical Superintendent, Seke
towards various health care Kazuma said CEC’s gesture
initiatives. was in response to some of the
“This initiative reflects challenges which the hospital
CEC’s corporate social was facing.

Everyone will be taken care of,

Hospital to the Ministry of changed, and we have a new youngest and most vulnerable
Health, Saturday, Masebo said law,” she said. patients and our children. Our
those who were in the habit “And this new law that is national target as the ministry

it’s just a matter of time - HH

of stealing drugs would be in
prison for decades, rather than
only five years.
“I am also happy to note
that having gone round to
some of the facilities within
this hospital, I am happy to
see that generally, there is an
improvement in our drug
stocks and so I just want to
commend all of you and of
course the government for
this milestone. But also, just
coming but yet to be passed
by Parliament has made the
penalties for those that steal
drugs is very, very unfriendly.
Meaning you will be jailed for
many, many years. And if you
are jailed for many, many years
for stealing drugs, it means
that you will not be happy
with your family because you
won’t be with your family for
decades. So, I just thought I
could caution and advise those
is to reduce under five
mortality from 61 per 1000
live births to 25 per 1000 live
births by 2026. And also, to
reduce neonatal deaths from
27 per 1000 live births to less
than 12 per 1000 live births by
2026. Our general and tertiary
hospitals receive patients,
including children from
low level facilities in need
of advanced and specialised
health care services,” she said.
From P3
“We visualised that every child
of Zambia, irrespective of the
parentage, irrespective of the
income status, they should be
able to go to school because
God gave them a brain. Today,
there is free education. We
dreamt of a Zambia where
every child, a Zambia mwana
ngunasi, when it employs
teachers, it will employ from
all provinces of the country.
Like never before, today we
are doing it, nurses, teachers,
policemen, soldiers…were
just graduating from all the
10 provinces of Zambia. That
is One Zambia, One Nation.
That is why we sought public
support, their partnership
with us. We are delighted
about this partnership, it is
delivering results, these are
the results, practical results
and that’s what we want as we
run this country”.
And President Hichilema
said politics shouldn’t be
about making noise anyhow.
“This government, your

No by-elections, I’m confident court office to do justice to all

citizens of Zambia. What
any child goes through, what
government, is committed
to delivering development
here kwa Muchila, here in

will do the right thing – Kang’ombe

opportunity exists for all the
children of Zambia, we shall
make it possible, it doesn’t
matter. All these are our
children and we will look
Namwala, in this province,
in all the 10 provinces of
Zambia. This government,
your government, is
committed to developing the

F
By Precious Daka
ORMER Kamfinsa PF
member of parliament
C h r i s t o p h e r
Kang’ombe has expressed
confidence that the country
will not hold nine by-
elections because the court
will overturn the Speaker’s
“illegal” decision.
Last Wednesday, the
Speaker of the National
Assembly declared nine
Patriotic Front seats vacant,
following the expulsion of
members of parliament from
the party in December 2023.
But speaking when he
featured on Radio Christian
Voice, Friday, Kang’ombe
said the decision was illegal
because National Assembly
standing orders do not allow a
ruling to be made on an item
which is not on the agenda.
“Is there going to be nine
by-elections in Zambia? I
don’t see us having nine by-
elections. Do I see four by-
elections? I don’t see us having
four by-elections. Do I see any
by-elections taking place in
the nine consistencies? Why
was the declaration by the
deputy speaker illegal? Article
57 of the standing order of
Parliament does not allow a
ruling to be made on an item
which is not on the agenda.
Do we have an active matter
in court? Yes, the court hasn’t
yet ruled on our issues and I
believe that once the courts
rule, then we can come here
and discuss whether there will
be by elections or not. So, I am
confident that we will return
to Parliament very soon so
that I can continue working
for the people of Kamfinsa,”
he said.
“I doubt if there will be a
by-election. I am confident
that the court will do the
correct thing. I am confident
that the courts will pronounce
itself, because the courts
have not pronounced itself
on the vacancy in Kamfinsa
constituency. There is no
court document; go to the
ConCourt, go to the High
finish that court process, the
after them, we will look after country as a whole without
public will be made aware. As
the parents, we will look after exception. Leadership is a
things stand, we may only take
their fathers as it were. Every rare opportunity to better the
court action,” he said.
Zambian will be taken care of, lives of the people. Leadership
He said the confusion
it’s a matter of time”. means we who are in these
in PF, which resulted in the
The Head of State said the positions are servants of the
expulsion of the nine MPs, was
partnership between Zambia people. We are servants of
orchestrated by state organs
and China was bearing the people indeed and the
“Let me give an example,
results. servants must show how they
and I have stated, I hope
“You have heard already are working for the people
everyone is not emotional
that the project which is and today, here in Kwamujila,
about this issue, let us all
happening here, which has this is an example of how we
just sober up and let’s point
happened here is going to are working for you,” said
to specific examples. So,
happen like this in 100 other President Hichilema.
honourable Miles Sampa
places across the country. “Politics must not just
writes to Mulungushi
This is wonderful, really, be about noise, everyday,
University, through Morgan
this is wonderful. Let me Tik Tok, Tik Tok, Tik. Let
Ng’ona that we are going to
acknowledge that this is a politics be a competition
have a retreat at Mulungushi,
bad year because of hunger to deliver for the people of
that is why we are going to have
instigated by drought. Because Zambia full stop. So today, I
lunch as party members and
of this drought, we now also appeal to the people of bana
later on the retreat is moved
have an energy insecurity, and Muchila, Namwala, Southern

8 criminals attack, injure

Court. We are not having by-
elections. There are no by-
elections taking place. I am
to Mulungushi Conference
this installation, this off grid Province, all other provinces,
[Centre] here in Lusaka. You
energy is part of the answer to let us work together to fight
have over 250 police officers,

Yango driver, his client

quite confident because there
is pronouncement by the
courts. What was pronounced
the drought situation we are hunger, to fight this drought,
where in the history of Zambia,
facing,” he said. to feed the people. One, that
I am 39 years old, turning 40, I
“We want to thank our is why we are delivering maize
have never seen state police, I
colleagues from Huawei in the depots where we used

A
By Mwiche Nalwimba was the ruling by the deputy
23-YEAR-OLD Yango driver and one of his clients
speaker who is a member
have sustained some injuries after being attacked by
of parliament in Luangeni,
some criminals in Lusaka’s Kamwala South area.
[Moses] Moyo. He knows very
According to a statement issued by Police deputy spokesperson
well that it is only the court
Danny Mwale, Sunday, the Yango driver was attacked as he was
that can actually pronounce
dropping off three clients along Esther Lungu Road around 01:00
that now, this sit is vacant.
hours on July 7.
That pronouncement has not
Mwale said while two of the clients did not sustain any
been made by the court. That is
injuries, one of them sustained cuts on the right leg, hands and
why we are taking court action
bruises on the body.
against the deputy speaker”.
“A 23-year-old Yango driver has been attacked by a group of
Kang’ombe insisted that
eight suspected criminals in Lusaka’s Kamwala South area around
Moyo disregarded the law.
01:00 hours. The Yango driver was attacked as he was dropping off “We are taking court action
his three clients along Esther Lungu Road. Police investigations against the deputy speaker
indicate that the suspects, armed with machetes, appeared from because the deputy speaker
the Railway line opposite Kuku compound. The driver and one ignored the substantive
of the passengers, aged 31, were hacked with machetes before regulation, the deputy speaker
robbing them of their money and cellular phones. The driver ignored that there is already a
sustained a deep cut on the face while the passenger sustained ruling. When a matter relating
cuts on the right leg, hands and bruises on the body. The other to expulsion is before a court,
two passengers managed to escape without injuries while their you can’t make a ruling. What
phones are reported to have been stolen,” stated Mwale. he did on Wednesday was to
“Police officers who rushed to the scene quickly rushed disregard the law and we are
the victims to the hospital where they are receiving treatment. taking court action. To those
Their condition is said to be stable. The money and value of their that are tuned in, residents
cellular phones stolen is yet to be established as investigations of Kamfinsa, we have a court
have intensified. A manhunt has been launched for the suspects”.
process to finish. After we
am not talking about private
for the wonderful job they to buy the maize, now we are
police because you can hire a
have done on this project. taking it back. Number two,
private company to pay them
We talked about this project to increase our resilience so
and then they can come and
when I was in China. I visited that we can grow more food
police your event. We have had
Huawei headquarters and we even under drought through
so many conferences. UPND
decided that the first project irrigation and that is why this
has had so many conferences
will come here. We want to electricity, this connectivity is
in the opposition, PF, and
thank our colleagues from important for all of us. This is
Socialist Party. We have never
Huawei, we want to thank how we understand politics.
had [that],” said Kang’ombe.
the Chinese government, Let us work together, let us
“Example number two
President Xi Jinping and the not make too much noise. Let
and I will be very quick, how
people of China for their us work, let us work”.
do you get the Registrar of
Societies to amend names of
office bearers when you know
that this matter is subject
of litigation? A matter is in
court, one group is saying no
Miles was not properly elected
but the Registrar of Societies
makes those changes, she
is forced out of that office.
That is, people should just
sober up. Let us just call a
spade a spade…That is why I
am saying all this confusion
is being facilitated by state
President Hichilema
organs”.
8. Opinion www.diggers.news Monday July 8, 2024

W The climax of the PF downfall and

HEN the
Patriotic
Front lost

Chabinga’s big-headedness; Part 1

power in 2021, many
feared that the party
would disintegrate,
disappear into
oblivion and lose
its relevance. The
ministers are useless”. stands out as the most in PF has been party. It doesn’t take the Judiciary, the
defeated leaders of
The useless ministers unstable, directionless between the Edgar a genius to figure Registrar of Societies
the party claimed that
he was referring to politician of this era), Lungu camp, led out that he and his and whoever was
they would rebrand
are the same people equally claims to be by acting president friend Morgan Ng’ona working with him
and bounce back,
who are today tearing the legitimate leader. Given Lubinda, and were used as pawns from State House.
but that was never
the Patriotic Front We don’t understand Mr Sampa who is in the Miles Sampa
going to be possible
into pieces. True to how this particular widely believed to plot to take over PF. We wonder how
because what united
Mr Sata’s words, his politician manages have been sponsored They were appointed PF MPs feel; those
those leaders was the
“useless ministers” to convince people to or influenced by the Secretary General and MPs who stood with
abuse of power, which
have completely lost follow him. UPND to take over leader of opposition Mr Lungu when Mr
they no longer had
direction. They are up the former ruling in Parliament for a Sampa jumped ship
and the money stolen
in arms fighting for We even have party. To be fair mischievous purpose. to cohabit with the
from public coffers,
the party presidency, rascals like the though, Honourable If they truly believed UPND. We wonder
which they also didn’t
instead of uniting Mafinga member of Sampa did have in the legitimacy of how foolish Mr
have anymore. The
to remain relevant. parliament Robert the courage and their appointments, Sampa’s handlers
only problem for
A simple process of Chabinga also ambition to vie for then there is something in UPND feel now
democracy was that
holding a convention jumping on the fray, the PF presidency. fundamentally wrong that their horse has
the Patriotic Front
has failed because of claiming to be PF He was among those in their reasoning. gone berserk. We
was supposed to be
greed and selfishness. president. In the case candidates who paid As they can see, their wonder how smart
the biggest opposition
When we thought of this Honourable K200,000 nomination own president has the Speaker still
in Parliament, given
that Given Lubinda MP, delusion has fee and never got the fired them because it thinks she is now
the number of MPs
was the president creeped in, making money back after the was all a joke in the that her insistence to
the party retained. It
to lead the party to him so big headed that convention fell off. first place. Sampa recognise a leader of
was the more suitable
the elective general instead of focusing on fooled them, and they opposition on mere
challenger of the
conference, Mr Edgar his political battles, But this Chabinga fell for it. In fact, the instruction from Mr
party in power – to
Lungu resurfaced, he is now unleashing guy has come out of Matero member of Sampa has been met
provide checks and
saying he is the one threats on the media. nowhere. He wasn’t parliament has made with a fresh directive
balances. We needed
and only leader of the Where has he even among the interested a fool out of everyone; which doesn’t sit well
the party to survive
former ruling party. come from, this candidates. He was Edgar Lungu, the with the one who
for the sustenance of
On the other hand, guy? From what just a little known PF, the UPND, the pays the piper. We
democracy. But who
Honourable Miles we remember, the MP with no control Speaker and her can only imagine
was going to lead it?
Sampa (who also leadership dispute of any faction of the National Assembly, the confusion at the
Late president Registrar of Societies
Michael Sata, as where their every
founder of the move exposes the
Patriotic Front, once Executive. How about
said without him, at State House where
the PF would die. the command has to
After being voted come from for the
into power in 2011, police to redeploy
Mr Sata was quick their security from
to observe that he Mr Sampa to Mr
did not have a high- Chabinga? Maybe this
calibre group of is what has made this
people around him. Chabinga man grow
In his own admission, big-headed.
he said “all my
To be continued…

Crossword puzzle No 1740 “The only reason Solutions to puzzle No 1739

for time is so that
everything doesn’t
happen at once.”
— Albert Einstein
Monday July 8, 2024 www.diggers.news Readers’ Feedback .9

Readers’ Feedback
Is it in the interest of the country to have Kampyongo
and eight others kicked out of parliament?
Dear editor,

“It will be a litmus test

for UPND. If the nine win know where the votes are tilting without consulting the central “There is hunger in the
again then UPND must to .. Either they start packing committee. How do you have country, the high cost of “Miles Sampa saw this
their bags or pull up their socks”. a political party president living is high then someone coming and he was trying

It’s better tariffs are increased - WATERTIGHT REPORTERS that fires the SG, leader of
the opposition, opposition
wants to create bye-
elections. Umungulu”. -
to avoid the damage but it
was too late for him. He has

than have no electricity

Editor,
“So in short it’s not about the water
levels but the cost of production -
selling electricity to other countries is
more profitable for Zesco than selling
it to your fellow Zambians, at least
ba Zesco has come out honestly over
the issue. It’s okay if we pay higher
tariffs and we have power 24/7 so that
business operations are not disrupted,
“Mmmmm mwebantu sure. All the
money the government is receiving
from well-wishers, billions of dollars.
You can’t get some funds and mitigate
the effect of drought so that can have
a breathing space until such a time the
economy picks then we can revert to
increasing tariffs. Mwakatako noluse
bantu bamudima”. - Hendrix Mulopwe
“The problem isn’t with the
Deputy Speaker but more within
the PF whose party constitution is
vague on cardinal issues of party
Administration and discipline.
It’s not even clear as to WHO
EXPELS WHO. It’s like watching
a football game without a
referee”. - Christopher Kalima
“Miles Sampa can’t just be
waking up and do as he wishes
chief whip, etc at any time
he feels like? He shouldn’t
just be making changes
anyhow as if we are doing
comedy”. - Eugene Ngosa
“Terrible decision on the part
of the D/Speaker - do these
people think things through
for the interest of the
country?” - Kwa Mwamba
Ngandwe Babz Mulenga
“Never take constitutional
matters lightly... This is the
end result...” - Kenneth
Chamata
“Let the games begin”. -
Mwansa J Kaunda
“Rules must be followed”. -
Vernon Kalopa
come back to his senses after
costing his party and the
nation. More resources will
now go to nine bye elections
at the expense of hunger
stricken people of Zambia”.
- Paul W Banda
“We play too much in this
kantri”. - Billy William
Chabalenge

The expeller (Miles) has been expelled

better than what we are currently “Better increase tariffs and have
experiencing”. - Gift Kashimani no load-shedding at all”. - Chabwela
Mwanza
“The audacity to justify their

from the party by the expellee (Ng’ona)

incompetence is simply out of this
world... What baffles me is that these
people are getting paid for doing
nothing... Zesco should be closed
for clean up I guess.... We can still
survive without them if anything”. - Ian
Malekhanie
“I would rather pay slightly higher
and have electricity, than the current
nonsense. Don’t prioritize external
commercial interests at the expense of
compromising/undermining domestic
needs!” - Tunji Namaiko
Everyone should stop over-
spiritualising things
Editor,
“Avoid over-politicking also. Has
“Better increase tariffs than not having
electricity”. - Jeremy Lwesha
“Continue exporting but also take care
of the citizens”. - Tholosi Mike
“You want to import electricity from
Editor, expelled by PF”. - Kan Lilanda
Mozambique and Tanzania, meanwhile
the little that you have you’re exporting Goo
it. Meaning your first priority is to
punish your own to impress outsiders”.
“Even Sampa “The confuser confuses
- Allajah Allajah should lose his seat “Chabinga is being the confusee”. - Chiba
“Increase wee”. - Joe Bwalya because he was mischievous and Nkumbula
disrespectful. Mbappe
made him what he
is today”. - Chileshe
“The expeller (Miles)
has been expelled
Chileshe BAcc CA from the party by
the expellee(Ng’ona)
the church become an opposition “Which means the and has also become
to government? I thought they
party has remained the expellee”. - Lucky
played an advisory role through
mutual direct engagement with alone”. - Mwiinga Norris Muwowo
government. It has become
fashionable to use the pulpit
to openly criticize government
through preaching politics.

EDITOR’S Akabwali!” - Edgar Kayesa

“Does this father (Chikoya)

NOTE:
Go to our News Diggers!
Facebook or X (Twitter)
page, select a story you like
and jot down your comment.
We will pick that as your
feedback and get you
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chance of
getting published.
that we block Facebook
users who use
abusive language.
mean he has never read a
chapter about famine in the
bible or he doesn’t know the
meaning of the term biblical or
he is playing it the PF way”. -
Bubala Rosemary
“Keep on praying for the battle
belongs to God”. - Michael
Mbewe
“This one also... if the bible has
failed him. Let him join politics.
Note He is always offside”. - John
Smiler
“Stop being a cadre please”. -
Rose Chikola Mwenda

“Isn’t it the truth”. = Lister

Mwiinga
10. Advert www.diggers.news Monday July 8, 2024

ZICB SHINES AT ZITF 2024

A glimpse of the award-winning exhibit. ZICB awarded Best Exhibit in the Banking Institutions category at the Zambia International
Trade Fair in Ndola, Copperbelt Province. In picture focus, The Minister of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, Hon. Chipoka Mulenga,
MP, (left) presented the award to ZICB’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Luke Njovu (right), who was accompanied by the ZICB team.

ZICB team pose with the award trophy. ZICB team at the Bank’s pavilion. ZICB Acting CEO Dr. Louis Kabula
delivering speech at the Minister’s
Welcome Cocktail.

Interior design of the ZICB pavilion. Customer lounge at the ZICB pavilion. ZITF Board Chairperson Dr. Elizabeth
Nkumbula delivering speech at the
Minister’s Welcome Cocktail.

1748-01-08/07/24
Monday July 8, 2024 www.diggers.news Sports .11

Hamilton wins British GP for ninth time

L
EWIS Hamilton won
a race-long fight with
Max Verstappen and
Lando Norris at a gripping,
wet-dry British Grand Prix
to take his first victory since
December 2021.
Hamilton had just enough
to hold off a late charge from
Verstappen’s Red Bull to take
his 104th career win, and his
ninth at home to become the
record-holder for victories at a
single circuit.
Verstappen, who had
struggled for pace through
much of a race that was hit
by two separate periods of
rain, came alive in the closing
laps to take second place from
Norris, who grabbed the final
position on the podium.
Hamilton, who was driving
Piastri, who was also in the
lead fight for the first half of
the race, took fourth place
ahead of Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.
In front of a crowd of
164,000 people cheering the
British drivers - and especially
Hamilton - to the rafters
despite the inclement weather,
the top drivers and three
leading teams put on a superb
show throughout.
Mercedes drivers George
Russell and Lewis Hamilton
led the early laps after locking
out the front row of the grid
for the team, while Verstappen
passed Norris around the
outside of Turn Four on the
opening lap to run third.
But the Red Bull did
not initially show its usually
formidable race pace and
Norris was able to reclaim
third place on lap 15 with a
pass into Stowe corner.
Piastri followed the
Briton through two laps
later just as the first shower
of rain started, bringing the
McLarens, who had chosen a
higher-downforce set-up than
Mercedes and Red Bull, into
their own.
Hamilton made the first
move, though, passing Russell
into Stowe on lap 18.
A few corners later, both
Mercedes drivers slid off the
track at Turn Two at the start
of lap 19 as they wrestled for
grip on the slippery track
and Norris pounced, passing
Russell at Turn Four before
closing on Hamilton and
passing him at Turn One on
lap 20.
Piastri moved up into
second behind him and the
McLarens ran one-two for five
laps as the track began to dry.
The lead cars all stayed
out on slick tyres through the
first period of rain, but the
teams knew more rain was
coming and as it came down Lewis Hamilton
more heavily Verstappen
benefited from an early stop Verstappen up to third behind a single camera shot on the
for intermediates on lap 26. Norris and Hamilton, with Hangar Straight for the entire
Norris, Hamilton and Russell fourth. climactic period of the race.
Russell followed him in a lap But four laps later Russell Hamilton always looked
later, Piastri suffering badly for was out of the running when to have Norris under control,
staying out a further lap on the he was told to retire his but the it was soon clear that
slicks and losing 10 seconds to Mercedes because of a water Verstappen was now the
the lead pack. system problem. major threat, the Red Bull
The stop timing vaulted By lap 38, with 14 to go, transformed by the decision to
the track was almost dry, and switch to hard tyres.

We are ready for the

in his last British GP for Verstappen again jumped early Verstappen swept by
Mercedes before his move to for a tyre change. Norris on lap 48 down the
Ferrari next year, appeared to He and Hamilton stopped Hangar Straight, and went into
be in tears in the car as he told together, Mercedes choosing the final four laps 3.2 seconds
his team: “This means so much soft tyres and Verstappen hard, behind Hamilton and closing

Olympics - Mwape
to me,” as they congratulated while Norris stayed out a lap in.
later before taking softs. But Hamilton had enough
him over the radio.
The earlier stop vaulted to hold him off, crossing the
“This one means a lot
Hamilton ahead of Norris into line 1.4secs adrift, before
to us all,” his engineer Peter
the lead,. Hamilton fought back tears
Bonnington said. “I love you,
It set up a grandstand after climbing out of the car.
Bono,” Hamilton replied.
finish, with the three cars in BBC

A
Mercedes team principal By Ngosa Chalwe calling on the team to the players should give it their
Toto Wolff described the win NUMBER of Copper represent the country well. best for the nation.

as “a fairytale” for them and
Hamilton.
Norris’ team-mate Oscar
Queens players have Football Association
left for the Olympic of Zambia (FAZ) president
Games with Football House Andrew Kamanga has said
Bayern confirm
“Finally you are making
your trip to the Olympics. On
behalf of the FAZ executive,
we look forward to this

Zambian fighters set for £60m signing of

outing. The competition will
start on July 23rd but you
are going early. You have a
12 days of camping which

EFC 115 in South Africa

we hope you will be able to
utilize. We have arranged the
first game on the 13th we
should finalize on the second
Olise from Palace
B
one so we can only wish you AYERN Munich have signed winger Michael Olise from

Z
By Chongo Sampa
AMBIA mixed
martial arts fighters
Ken Sekuletu and
Humphrey Mulenga are set
to compete at EFC 115 in
South Africa.
The event, taking place on
Thursday, July 11th, marks yet
another significant milestone
for the fighting sport in
Zambia.
Mulenga will make history
as the first Zambian to compete
for the EFC lightweight title,
facing the formidable Igue
Kabesa.
In a press release issued
ready to go the five rounds and
make Zambia proud,” stated
Mulenga .
Mulenga also known as
“Kobra Dante” serves as head
coach and instructor at the
Lusaka based Ulemu Fight
Academy.
Riding a record seven-
fight winning streak, Mulenga
has emerged as Africa’s
most formidable lightweight
contender. His lethal striking
power and unwavering resolve
has made him a dominant
force in recent bouts.
In another bout at the
same event, Zambia’s Ken
Sekeletu, boasting a well and remember that you
professional record of 3-0, will
face off against South African
Nkosi “The Disaster” Doyisa,
further highlighting the
burgeoning talent in Zambian
combat sports.
“I’m going to put on a
show. I’m looking forward to
this fight. From here, I will
move up the ranks fast,” said
Sekuletu.
Meanwhile, BigTree’s
Wildcat Energy Drink has
joined the athletes as a sponsor,
supporting their journey to
South Africa in the EFC.
Other sponsors include
are carrying the hopes of 20
Million Zambians,” Kamanga
said.
Meanwhile, Coach Bruce
Mwape said the team is ready
for the games.
“I can say the team is
ready for the Olympics
although we are yet to meet
the professionals. I am sure by
Wednesday all the players will
be with the team so the first
game I think we will be able
to assess all of them,” Mwape
said.
Crystal Palace on a five-year deal after paying a release
clause of about £60m.
The 22-year-old English-born France Under-21 forward
made 90 appearances in all competitions over three seasons with
Palace.
He joined the Eagles from Reading for £8m in July 2021.
Chelsea and Newcastle United registered their interest in
Olise earlier this summer but the winger has chosen to move
to Germany, where he will work under Bayern’s new manager
Vincent Kompany.
“I’m very happy to now be playing for such a big club - it’s
a great challenge and that’s exactly what I was looking for,” said
Olise.
“I want to prove myself at this level and play my part in
ensuring we win as many titles as possible in the coming years.”
BBC

BB11 continues impressive

by MMA Zambia, Mulenga Sekuletu, a rising star in the Zambezi Expeditions,
expressed confidence in his sport, will be closing out the Bonaventure Butchery, and
preparation. undercard against a highly MicMar. The Ulemu Fight
“I respect my opponent, regarded opponent who was Academy, where both fighters

form ahead of Olympics

but I’m ready to fight a full an MFC champion as an train, expressed gratitude to
MMA fight. I’ll take the fight amateur. Big Tree Beverages for their
anywhere it needs to go. I’m Ken “The Take Over” invaluable support.

B
By Ngosa Chalwe
ARBRA Banda’s promising form
ahead of the Olympic Games has
continued with the striker scoring
her 12th goal of the season with her new
club Orlando Pride in their 2-1 win over
Kansas City.
Banda has been in form for her USA club
and she is showing signs as Zambia prepares
to make an appearance at the Paris Olympic
Games that kick of this month.
The Copper Queens captain is leading
the scoring charts in the United States of
America alongside Malawian star Temwa
Chawinga.
Banda powered Pride into the lead in the
36th minute, a goal that meant she takes her
tally to 12th in the League. This was after she
connected an Adriana pass.
Zambia Mixed Martial Arts fighters Ken ‘the takeover’ Sekeletu (l) and Humphrey ‘Cobra Dante’ Mulenga However, Chawinga put her name on the
(r) poised for EFC bouts in South Africa pose for a photo during a sponsor announcement ceremony in
Lusaka on Sunday 7th July 2024 - Picture by MMA Zambia
score sheet to give her team the equalizer two
minutes after Banda’s opener.
Pride were given a chance to take the
lead when they were awarded the penalty
which was eventually converted by Brazillian
legend Marta.
Banda described the match against City
as tough.
“The match wasn’t very easy but I think
the determination of the team, we really
worked hard. The match was tough we were
down by one player but I think with the
words from our coaches we maintained and
we were defending,’’ said Banda.
“We really worked as a team, we
coordinated very well. We were not
discouraged because we were playing with
a player who was red carded but we just
focused and we knew that we were going to
win because we came here to win”.
 R T I SE
AD V E
H E R E

BARBRA STRIKES
No 1772 K15 www.diggers.news Monday July 8, 2024

AGAIN B
By Ngosa Chalwe
ARBRA Banda’s promising
form ahead of the Olympic
Games has continued with the
striker scoring her 12th goal of the
The Copper Queens captain is leading the scoring
charts in the United States of America alongside Malawian
star Temwa Chawinga.
Story on P11

We are ready for the

season with her new club Orlando
Pride in their 2-1 win over Kansas
City.

Olympics - Mwape
…Queens skipper
Banda has been in form for her USA
club and she is showing signs as Zambia
prepares to make an appearance at the
Paris Olympic Games that kick of this Story on P11
month.

in superb form as Olympics draw closer

1751-01-08/07/2024