About 500 retired miners at Konkola Copper Mine have petitioned the Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ) demanding that they are paid their KCM scheme fund in full.

The retired miners who stormed MUZ Head Offices in Kitwe spoke through their representative, Edward Mwape, that they should be paid their money in full and not installments as suggested.

Mwape said the proposal to pay them in installment is not sustainable and will result in the majority of them failing to invest in viable businesses.

He wondered how retirees will manage to settle down if MUZ begins to shift goal posts on payment while they continue to struggle to provide for their families.

And MUZ president Joseph Chewe, who received the petition, said his office will engage relevant authorities to ensure the matter is addressed urgently.

Chewe said his office will stand with the people, further urging them to continue being peaceful as their matter was going to receive “utmost attention”.

The post 500 Retired KCM Miners Demand Scheme Fund from MUZ appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Advocacy for Human Development has demanded that Mulonga Water and Sewerage Company makes public results of water samples collected in Mufulira recently.

Organization coordinator Chris Mwemba said the community had petitioned Mulonga Water to explain the brownish water that was being supplied to the community in Mufulira.

He said the community had raised concerns on whether or not the water was fit for human consumption.

Mwemba said since the outcome of results, Mulonga Water and Sewerage Company has not shared the findings with the community to address their concerns.

He said the failure by Mulonga Water and Sewerage Company to make public the results is creating a lot of speculation among the residents of Mufulira.

Mwemba alleged that to day, the water being supplied to communities in Mufulira is not fit for human consumption.

But Mulonga Water and Sewerage Company has maintained that the water being supplied is safe for human consumption.

Acting Public Relations Manager Bright Mtonga said the action by the CSO to mobilize and petition the company is unfortunate and not in the best interest of the community since water supply in Zambia is a regulated sector.

The post CSO Demands Results for Mufulira Water Samples appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Elias Chipimo Jr has resigned as president of the opposition National Restoration Party (NAREP).

Chipimo is having a press briefing in Lusaka today, where he has announced his decision to step down.

His vice-president, Charles Maboshe, will take over in a an acting capacity.

The post CHIPIMO RESIGNS AS NAREP LEADER appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Leading African Furniture outlet Orca Deco has opened its third store in Zambia.

The Senegalese founded firm opened its store on Thursday at the Edgar Chagwa Lungu Mall in Kitwe with hundreds of shoppers treated to promotional prices.

Kitwe Mayor Christopher Kang’ombe welcomed the opening of one of Africa’s leading furniture giants.

“Kitwe is undergoing some major transformation. The city as we all know is undergoing major road works. If you came into Kitwe five years ago and you come into Kitwe in the next four months, you will find a totally different Kitwe,” he said.

“The outlook of the city is changing and when we change the outlook of the city, there are other things we need to do. And obviously the other things include attracting companies such as Orca Deco to invest into the city, provide furniture which obviously people will be very excited to see. I saw the excitement out there, which shows that a strong brand like Orca Deco wants to do business in the city.”

And Orca Deco Managing Partner Rayan Sharara expressed delight at the company’s new investment on the Copperbelt.

“We are excited to be answering the numerous calls by the Copperbelt people who have for years been asking us to open a store  here. We are happy to be contributing to employment in Zambia through our expansion drive,” Sharara said.

“We love Zambia. As soon as we came, one year after, we invested a few million dollars in a new store. And today, five years later, we have continued to invest and creating jobs for Zambians. Why Zambia? I think Zambia has always given us a good environment for business.”

Founded in Senegal in 2001, Orca Deco is today present in 20 countries on the African continent and has established itself as the leading store for all modern furniture and other home goods.

Orca Deco announced that it had partnered with the public service through the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA).

The company currently employees over 200 Zambians and plans to double this figure in a couple of years. For the Kitwe store alone, 60 jobs have been created.

The Kitwe opening event featured celebrities like Cleo Ice Queen, Macky II, Mampi, EL Mukuka, among others. The shoppers were later treated to a surprise performance by Mampi and Macky II.

The post Top Furniture Firm Orca Deco Opens in Kitwe appeared first on Zambia Reports.

A Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Lieutenant who was retired from the regular force for allegedly aligning himself to a political party during the August 13, 2016 general elections has challenged his former employer to prove the political party he belonged to, his membership number, branch and position, among other things.

In his appeal letter addressed to the ZAF Commander, Lt Chripine Muchindu, who was retired from the force, has denied having actively participated in politics during the 2016 general elections.

He stated that he swore to protect and defend the Zambian Constitution as a commissioned officer and cognizant of the defence regulations 92 (a) of the defence Act CAP 106 of the Laws of Zambia.

Lt Muchindu has asked his former employer to immediately reinstate him in the regular service as his retirement was maliciously done and caused him and his family great trauma.

” Since powers that be submitted that I be retired on mere perception that I was politically aligned…I challenge them to prove their allegations against me ,” stated Lt Muchindu who added that he has neither reached retirement age nor written to go on voluntary separation.

The post ZAF Officer Appeals Retirement appeared first on Zambia Reports.

The third edition of the Zambia International Sevens rugby tournament is back in Lusaka, Zambia.

The hosts who have been defending the trophy since inception in 2016, will be hoping to continue their fine run at this year’s event.

Coach Andrew Kaminsa, who has been keenly watching the local 7s played so far (Muf 7s and Roan 7s), will definitely keep his options open as he edges closer to announce his final list in the next few days before kick off in the two-day tournament to be played from September 6-7, 2019.

The organizers have also invited nine performing artists to grace the much anticipated after party to be hosted at the Arena in the outskirts of Lusaka, Zambia, Zambia Rugby Union communications manager Tom Chaloba has stated.

Below are some of the teams expected to feature at the 2019 tournament:

1. Zambia Nkwazi
2. Zambia Lechwe
3. Zimbabwe Cheeters

4. Namibia

5. Lesotho
6. Botswana
7. Malawi
8. Blue Bulls
9. JHB Bobbies
10. President’s Select
11. Spartans Rugby
12. Sherminators

The post Rugby International 7s back in Zambia appeared first on Zambia Reports.

The Constitutional Court has adjourned hearing of an application for an injunction to stop Parliament from holding proceedings on the Constitution Amendment Bill No. 10.

This is a matter in which the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) petitioned the Presidency, the Attorney General and the National Assembly over the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 10 which passed first reading in Parliament, saying that was in contravention of the current Constitution.

Justice Annie Sitali has adjourned hearing to next week Wednesday to allow the Attorney General, Likando Kalaluka, to file his affidavit in opposition.

Justice Sitali has also directed LAZ to file its arguments by Thursday this week.

LAZ petitioned in the Constitutional Court to challenge the decisions of President Edgar Lungu, the Attorney General and the National Assembly in relation to the Constitution of Zambia (amendment) Bill no. 10 of 2019, pursuant to article 128 (3) (b) of the constitution of Zambia, chapter 1 of the laws of Zambia.

But the Attorney General asked the Court to dismiss with costs the petition filed by LAZ that Parliament must not hold proceedings on the Constitution Amendment Bill No. 10.

Kalaluka argued that the initiation of the Bill by the President and its tabling for first reading by the Speaker of the National Assembly do not amount to the amendment of the Constitution.

He stated that the petitioner cannot argue that the signing of the Bill by the Attorney General, as required by Article 177, is an amendment of the constitution.

“Therefore, the petitioner cannot allege that by virtue of a decision by the respondents to do what is required of them by the constitution which may lead to the amendment of the constitution, the constitution has been abrogated. This is because the actions of the respondents do not amount to an amendment in itself,” Kalaluka stated.

In the said petition, LAZ challenged the decision of the President with regard to his function of initiating bills for submission to, and consideration by the Speaker of the National Assembly as provided in Article 92 and the decision of the Attorney General as Chief Legal Advisor to the government to sign the bill presented to the National Assembly as provided in Article 177 (5) (b) of the constitution.

LAZ further petitioned the decision of the Speaker of the National Assembly to publish the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill, No. 10 of 2019 in the government Gazette pursuant to Article 79 (2) of the Constitution, and to table the bill for first reading on 2nd August, 2019.

The lawyers’ body is therefore seeking a declaration that the respondents’ decision in  relation to the Bill is illegal and contravenes Articles 89, 61, 79, 90, 92, and 79 of the Constitution.

But Kalaluka stated that LAZ makes reference to what is now being called ‘Decisions’ which are in fact steps which ought to be taken in proposing amendments to the Constitution and “it is those steps that the Petitioner has presented to the Court as contraventions without pleading expressly how these acts amount to contraventions of the Constitution”.

Meanwhile, the parliamentary Committee begins to hear submissions tomorrow from those lined up to submit and will complete its work by the 10th of September.

The post ConCourt Adjourns Hearing in Bill 10 Injunction Matter appeared first on Zambia Reports.

National Restoration Party (NAREP) president Elias Chipimo has stepped down as the party president and quit active politics with immediate effect, saying his decision is meant to allow fresh ideas in politics.

Chipimo made the announcement at press briefing in Lusaka on Monday and later issued a statement saying he had decided to leave active politics to leave room for fresh perspective in NAREP and allow fresh ideas that will help the party to grow.

Party vice-president Charles Maboshe will be president in the interim until new leadership is put in place.

He said the search for the NAREP president has started and was being supported by all.

The former NAREP leader said he will not join any political party and those planning to offer him jobs in their political parties will be wasting their time.

He said he will now concentrate on developing opportunities in the private sector, particularly agriculture, energy, technology and supporting development of entrepreneurship in the country,  sectors which will help him create employment opportunities for all Zambians.

Mr Chipimo thanked those that walked the journey with him in politics, including those that abandoned him to join other parties.

He said he does not not regret having joined politics and his hope in the nation is not lost.

Meanwhile, Chipimo has acknowledged that he was too rigid with his principles which denied the party the boost that was required to grow.

He feels he would have allowed new ideas and managed the defections better, which during his time weakened the party structures.

Meanwhile, commenting on  the constitution reform process, Chipimo has advised Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Patrick Matibini not to allow the NDF to be debated in Parliament.

He warned that history will judge him harshly as he could have prevented the assault being done on the Constitution through the proposed NDF.

Chipimo said he is troubled that the Speaker has failed to play his part as the gatekeeper against the injustice being done to the Zambian Constitution by the PF government.

And Chipimo said the decision on whether or not to continue in the opposition alliance will be made by the party leadership.

He said NAREP still remains a member of the opposition Alliance.

And Maboshe applauded Mr Chipimo for steering the party in the right direction.

He said NAREP will rise to the occasion and provide credible checks and balances to the party in government.

Maboshe said he will now concentrate on mentoring young people to take up leadership positions in the party.

The post I’ve Left Active Politics To Allow Fresh Ideas – Chipimo appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Eastern Province recorded eight deaths in separate accidents that occurred over the weekend.

Provincial deputy police commissioner Geoffrey Kunda said the accidents were recorded in Nyimba, Katete and Chipata.

Mr Kunda said two people died at Chipata Central hospital on Saturday following an accident which occurred at CAMCO equipment office along Great East Road, a few kilometres from the Central Business District.

He said the accident which involved a Dyna light truck occurred when the driver attempted to avoid a head on collision with an on coming vehicle and careered off the road.

Mr Kunda said 18 people who were on the vehicle which was heading for Kulamba traditional ceremony of the Chewa people in Katete sustained injuries and were admitted to Chipata Central Hospital.

He further said a person died in Katete in what he termed a hit and run accident while another was hit by a vehicle near Fort Jameson Hotel in Chipata and died on the spot on Saturday.

In Nyimba, four people died on Saturday after they were hit by a vehicle, Mr Kunda said.

He said the accidents were caused mainly by over-speeding.

The post 8 Die In East Accidents appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Golden Party President Jackson Silavwe has urged government to protect its citizens against exorbitant price increases of basic goods such as mealie meal.

Silavwe has stated that the demand for maize grain and mealie meal locally and in the region has skyrocketed, making millers and traders to cash in by raising the price of the commodity.

He said smuggling to the neighboring countries has now become attractive for supper profits, leading to a shortage of the commodity on the market.

“Meeting the regional demand for maize meal will bring in foreign currency to strengthen the Kwacha and perhaps offset some debts,” he stated.

Silavwe has called on government to immediately set up a national milling company through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) for steady supply of mealie meal to curb price distortions of the staple food on the local market.

He stated that government must as well immediately set up a task force on agriculture to maximize maize cultivation in provinces and districts expected to receive normal rainfall in the 2019/2020 farming season.

“Immediately upgrade small scale local farmers to medium scale farmers in identified provinces and districts by providing basic machinery such as tractors, harvesters and a robust support system of extension services,” Silavwe added.

He stated that government needed to command the Zambia National Service (ZNS) to increase maize production in the 2019/2020 farming season.

Silavwe stated that ZNS should also build strategic storage facilities for local food security so that private millers and traders can supply the regional market and beyond.

The post Golden Party Asks Govt to Intervene In Mealie Meal Pricing appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Kitwe Mayor Christopher Kang’ombe has asked different public institutions to officially apply to the Kitwe City Council to regularise their respective institutional land.

Kang’ombe, who is concerned with daily reports of institutional land being encroanched upon due to its vulnerability, said the initiative will help address the challenge.

He said the move will lead to most institutional land that is not on title to be regularised through surveying and numbering for eventual titling.

“We have asked different public institutions in Kitwe such as Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Zambia Police, Nkana Water and Sewerage Company, ZESCO and CEC to officially apply to the Planning Authority of the Kitwe City Council to regularise their respective institutional land, have them numbered and surveyed for eventual titling,” Kang’ombe said .

He said the move will prevent any future encroachment and boundary disputes on public institutional land.

Kang’ombe stated that the exercise is necessary in line with the Urban and Regional Planning Act.

“Institutions that already have surveyed diagrams of the facilities will be required to submit them to the local authority for filing purposes and shared knowledge,” he added.

Kang’ombe reiterated that it is the responsibility of the owners of land to safeguard their facilities from trespass, adding that the council does not police private property but implements planning and development controls.

“We hope to receive maximum support and cooperation from all public, private and quasi government institutions,”  said Kang’ombe.

The post Kitwe Mayor Advises Public Bodies to Obtain Title to Their Land appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Patriotic Front Secretary General Davies Mwila has written South Africa’s ruling African National Congress Secretary General Ace Magashule to use every means possible to end xenophobic attacks in that country.

Mr Mwila, in a statement issued by party Media Director Sunday Chanda, urged the South African against xenophobic oppression.

“In the letter dated 3rd September 2019, Hon Mwila recalled that  Africans across the continent in general and Zambia in particular, provided refuge and solace to their exiled South African brothers and sisters, as they stood shoulder to shoulder with them in very trying circumstances during the Apartheid era.  He recalled that Zambians and other Africans sacrificed their lives to liberate South Africa from the shackles of the Apartheid Regime. ‘A significant multitude of Zambians and other Africans paid the ultimate price as their blood inter-mingled in death with the blood of their South African comrades’,” the statement read.

“The PF Secretary General said it was against this background that the Patriotic Front had followed ‘with deep concern and great trepidation’ reports of increasing xenophobic violence by South African nationals on Zambians and other African nationals in South Africa. Mr Mwila further said that the xenophobic acts were against the spirit of the liberation struggle and the values of a liberated South Africa, adding that xenophobia was against universal African value system of ‘Ubuntu’.”

Mr Mwila, who made reference to the values and legacy of Nelson Mandela, added that “xenophobia was diametrically opposed to the values of the Patriarch of the ANC and the founding father of a democratic South Africa”.

“The PF Secretary General also  emphasised that  although PF and Zambians in general appreciated that the shared historical tragedies of Apartheid did not place Zambians and other Africans above the law in a modern day South Africa, and that while  ‘their common history with their South Africans counterparts did not compromise the status of RSA citizens in their own country’,  it was very important that ‘the basic Human Rights of Zambians and other Africans, and their very humanity need to be protected- no matter how foreign they may be’,” the statement read.

“Hon Mwila concluded his moral call to the ANC by appealing to the oldest liberation movement in Africa to use all means within its influence and power ‘to lead the people of Mzansi in the struggle against xenophobia’.  He signed off expressing confidence that the ANC and the people of South Africa would prevail over xenophobia.”

The post PF Writes ANC To Help End Xenophobic Attacks appeared first on Zambia Reports.

The past two weeks have seen Zambians from every aspect of society complaining bitterly about the rising cost of mealie meal on the market. A 25 kilogramme bag of breakfast that we not so long ago used at buy at an average price of K85 has now skyrocketed to an average of K150 in Lusaka, and in some areas like Livingstone, it is being sold at around K170 in Spar.

About two to three months ago, a 25kg bag of Pembe breakfast mealie meal was being sold at around K85 to K90 in Woodlands area but today, it is K145 to K150! This is quite an astronomical increase ever seen in this country.

This is how bad it has gotten. Mealie meal is our staple food and touches the very core of any Zambian’s needs. Mess with mealie meal and you are almost messing with the entire nation! That is how it works in this country and that is how it used to be even during first president Dr Kenneth Kaunda’s days. Maize and mealie meal are highly political commodities that require careful handling by whoever is in the government. It is the same issue in South Africa where the price of a 25 kilogramme bag is now almost K200.

What has gone wrong now for us to be where we are? Through the Vice-President Ms Inonge Wina, Minister of Agriculture Mr Michael Katambo and Home Affairs Minister Mr Stephen Kampyongo, the government, over a week ago, made mention of some of the measures it was going to put in place to ensure reduced mealie meal prices. The government said it is unacceptable that millers can be selling mealie meal at exorbitant prices when maize is readily available on the market. But how much is this maize being sold at to the millers? A 50 kilogramme of maize is being bought for as high as K170, way above the Food Reserve Agency price for the same quantity. Because of this, farmers have opted selling their maize to private buyers to get a reasonable return on their investment. To us, this is what has contributed greatly to the rising prices of mealie meal, with other factors such as climate change that affected maize production in areas that are key producers.

If we look at prices of farming inputs currently prevailing on the market, we will see that the price at which a 50 kilogramme bag of maize is being sold is actually reflective of the cost of producing that maize. Right now, a bag of fertilizer is going for around K400. And some farmers require need not less than 40 bags of this fertilizer (basal and top dressing) to produce a reasonable amount of crop for sale to the Food Reserve Agency and probably private buyers. Don’t forget the seed, plus other labour costs for tilling the land until cultivation of the crops! At that cost of inputs and other labour that goes into producing crops, do we expect our farmers to walk away with peanuts? Of course not! They will sell their produce at whatever price is attractive for them to get a return on their investment. Remember that farming is a business and Zambia is a free market economy, meaning whoever offers the best price will take it all. And right now, the private sector has offered the best price for the maize, which is giving the farmers a reasonable return on their investments.

And the government has reaffirmed its policy position on maize and mealie meal marketing that it will not interfere with this sector and let the market dictate the price. Therefore, there is only one way to get the price of mealie meal down – reduce the cost of producing maize! Zambia has more than enough capacity to produce fertilizer from our Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia. What is happening there? Secondly, Kabwe has a fertilizer plant established by the Chinese? How can we utilize that to reduce prices of the commodity? These are things we need to begin to look at and address as a matter of urgency if we want to see the price of mealie meal reduced.

Lastly, diversification is another answer. Over-reliance on maize is not doing the agriculture sector any good. We need to begin to look at ways of increasing production of rice, cassava, millet and other crops, which we can adopt as our main foods.

The post OPINION: Nkhani Ya Ka Unga appeared first on Zambia Reports.

President Edgar Lungu has fired mines permanent secretary Paul Chanda and two others whose contracts end in October.

The Head of State has announced these changes in a statement issued by his Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations Isaac Chipampe.

“The President has appointed Director General at the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) Danies Chisenda as Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of National Development Planning with immediate effect. The President has also promoted Labour Commissioner Chanda Kaziya as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Services. The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Labour and Social Services Barnaby Mulenga has been transferred to the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, while the contract of his counterpart in the same Ministry, Paul Chanda has been terminated,” the statement read.

“At the Provincial Administration in Western Province, the President has promoted Deputy Permanent Secretary Danny Bukali to the position of Permanent Secretary for Western Province. On contracts at Permanent Secretary level, the President will not renew the contract of employment of Dr. David Shamulenge as Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock which comes to an end on 5th October, 2019. The contract of Brigadier General Emeldah Chola, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Energy will not be renewed when it comes to an end on 12th October, 2019, and her counterpart Mr Trevor Kaunda, Permanent Secretary at Cabinet Office in charge of Management Development Division has since been transferred to the Ministry of Energy.”

And President Lungu has transferred Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environment Protection, Bishop Edward Chomba to the Ministry of Local Government, while his counterpart at the same Ministry, Mr Amos Malupenga, moves to the Ministry of Tourism and Arts in the same capacity.

Higher Education Permanent Secretary Mr Mabvuto Sakala has been transferred to the Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environment Protection.

The post Lungu fires 3 Permanent Secretaries appeared first on Zambia Reports.

A 10-year-old girl has died while another child is admitted to hospital after being struck by lightning in Mwinilunga District of North Western Province.

North Western Province Police Commissioner Hudson Namachila has confirmed the death of the 10-year-old identified as Mimi Kayambila.

Namachila said the deceased met her fate after being struck by lightning over the weekend following some heavy rains in Mwinilunga District.

He stated that a five-year-old boy identified as Elias Kaputula escaped with injuries and is currently admitted to Mwinilunga Hospital.

The body of the deceased has since been deposited in the Hospital mortuary awaiting burial.

The post Lightning Kills 10-Year-Old Mwinilunga Girl appeared first on Zambia Reports.

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned a wave of looting and violence that has mostly targeted foreign nationals.

“There can be no justification for any South African to attack people from other countries,” he said on Tuesday.

Dozens of people were arrested in Johannesburg on Monday. At least five people have been killed in the unrest.

Other African governments have issued warnings to their citizens over the violence.

Attacks on businesses run by “foreign nationals is something totally unacceptable, something that we cannot allow to happen in South Africa,” Mr Ramaphosa said in a video posted to Twitter.

“I want it to stop immediately,” he added.

Separately, the African Union (AU) issued a statement condemning the “despicable acts” of violence “in the strongest terms”.

Police fired tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades in an attempt to quell the unrest on Monday. The surge in violence also saw mobs loot shops, torch vehicles, and target lorries that were being driven by foreign nationals.

Violence continued on Tuesday in Johannesburg’s Alexandra township.

Some angry residents in the city are calling on the government to deport undocumented migrants, the BBC’s Nomsa Maseko says.

But one Nigerian businessman, whose shop was targeted by looters, told the BBC that foreign nationals in South Africa were subjected to “a lot of allegations [and] lies”.

“This is not a criminal attack. This is a [xenophobic] attack,” he said.

A branch of the South African supermarket Shoprite has been vandalised in the Lagos neighbourhood of Lekki, an eyewitness has told the BBC.

One eyewitness reported seeing two bodies lying on the road outside the shopping centre where the supermarket is based.

Cars stuck in nearby traffic were also vandalised as their passengers fled. The authorities have not confirmed the reports of casualties.

What has the reaction been?

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari sent an envoy to South Africa on Tuesday to “express Nigeria’s displeasure over the treatment of her citizens”.

In a statement, the country’s high commission in South Africa described the situation as “anarchy”. The government alleges that Nigerian-owned businesses were targeted in Johannesburg and it has called on Nigerians to come forward to report what has happened to them.

Ethiopia’s embassy in South Africa has advised its citizens to close their businesses during the ongoing tension, according to Ethiopia’s state-linked Fana Broadcasting Corporate (FBC).

It also says that Ethiopians are advised to “distance themselves from any confrontation and conflict” and not go out wearing expensive jewellery.

Meanwhile, Zambia’s transport ministry has said that lorry drivers should “avoid travelling to South Africa until the security situation improves”.

The statement refers to reported attacks on foreign lorry drivers. The South African IOL news site says that there have been “numerous incidents” of vehicles being looted.

But South Africa’s police minister, Bheki Cele, said on Monday that “criminality rather than xenophobia” was to blame for the “senseless violence”.

“[Xenophobia] is used as an excuse,” he told reporters after visiting Johannesburg’s Central Business District, where much of the unrest has been taking place. “Nothing… has sparked any form of conflict between the South Africans and foreign nationals.”

(Source: BBC)

The post Ramaphosa Condemns ‘Anti-Foreigner Violence’ appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (CSAWUZ) president Davy Chiyobe has disclosed that North Western Province topped the list of civil servants being retired in national interest due to alleged involvement in active politics.

Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on North Western Province Permanent Secretary Willies Mangimela, Chiyobe advised civil servants in the province to stay away from partisan politics.

He said civil servants need to focus on their core business of providing services to the people on behalf of government.

Chiyobe has since called on public service workers to change their attitude towards work if the public is to regain confidence they had in the civil service.

“It is sad that the civil service has lost credibility because of civil servants’ attitude towards work. Time has come for the civil service to regain its position,” he said.

Chiyobe said civil servants must help government improve the lives of its people by ensuring that quality services are delivered on its behalf.

“It is unfortunate that the province topped the list of civil servants being retired in national interest due to their involvement in partisan politics, especially during election time,” he added

Meanwhile, Mangimela said there is need to have a committed and disciplined civil service ready to serve the people with utmost dedication.

He said trade unions and government must work together in ensuring that discipline is instilled in officers for effective service delivery.

The post N/Western Tops List Of Civil Servants Retired In National Interest appeared first on Zambia Reports.

AVIC International Zambia Limited has signed a $17 million deal that will see local contractors take part in the ongoing construction of the Copperbelt International Airport.

This move is in compliance to 20 per cent sub contracting policy directed by President Edgar Lungu aimed at empowering local contractors both financially and with capacity.

AVIC International Public Relations Officer Justina Mukuka said the local contractors to be engaged will undertake various projects at the Airport.

She has named some of the contractors engaged as Chawe Investment Limited, M&N Industrial Merchants Limited, Base Building Maintenance Construction Limited and Talo Investment Limited.

Others are Davisam Zambia Limited, DH Engineering Consultants, M&E Trading and Construction Limited, Lobe contractors and mining service Limited CODECO Construction Limited and Jotech Mining Logistics among others.

Mukuka stated that the signing of the deal follows several engagements with the local contractors to ensure they benefit from the ongoing projects.

AVIC is hopeful local contractors will do a better job to meet its standards, Mukuka stated.

The post AVIC signs $17m Deal with Local Contractors appeared first on Zambia Reports.

President Edgar Lungu has condemned the ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa in all its forms and manifestations.

President Lungu has said attacks of this nature targeted at foreigners call for urgent concerted measures by the South African Government and the regional bodies.

“I call on all Zambians both locally and abroad to remain calm and disengage from acts of violence as they voice out their grievance.  I wish to assure you all that together, we are working on solutions to combat xenophobia and bring back the spirit of Ubuntu. Let us continue praying for peace and unity across the region,” stated President Lungu in a message posted on his Facebook page.

The post Lungu Calls For Urgent Measures To End S.A Xenophobia appeared first on Zambia Reports.

The Journalists International Forum for Migration (JIFORM), a network of journalists from different countries, has called on the African Union to intervene in the ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa which are giving the continent a bad image.

JIFORM president Ajibola Abayomi stated on Tuesday that the prestige of the AU and its leaders were at stake and therefore called for immediate intervention.

The body also demanded sanctions against perpetrators of the attack and full compensation for the victims.

Abayomi described the xenophobic attacks as “one too many”, adding they negated the fundamental rights of people to movement.

“Migration is not a crime. It is as old as man. The level of hatred being harboured against fellow African in South Africa is strange. This is not who we are on the continent as a people” Abayomi lamented.

He, however, cautioned against reprisal attacks believing that the matter could be resolved between South Africa and affected countries.

The post Journalists for Migration Condemn Xenophobic Attacks in S.A appeared first on Zambia Reports.