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PURSUING JUSTICE AND EQUITY WITH INTEGRITY
DONOR AID ROLLS IN Price K10
Vol. 6. Issue 2587
Friday May 1, 2020
By BUUMBA CHIMBULU
O
VER K2.7 billion support has been approved for Zambia to fight Covid-19 by bilateral and multilateral cooperating partners under different facilities which have been made available to combat the pandemic. And former deputy finance minister, Dan Pule and the Economic Association of Zambia have said the K2.7 billion Zambia has received from multimateral partners is a clear endorsement of government efforts in fighting the covid 19. STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 3
… as World Bank, AfDB, US and UK provide relief package.
Cabinet nods repeal of FIC Act By AARON CHIYANZO
P.3 Ex-North west chief, Namachila sacked
P.2 We want attractive P.6 Inflation leaps maize price - farmers to 15.7 percent
CABINET has approved the introduction of a bill to Parliament to facilitate the enactment, amendment or repeal of the Financial Intelligence Act No. 46 of 20IO in compliance with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations. Chief Government spokesperson, Dora Siliya said the 12th Special Cabinet held at State House yesterday also allowed the tabling of bill in the House that would facilitate the enactment, amendment or repeal of Anti- Terrorism and non-Proliferation Act No. 6 of 2018; Banking and Financial Services Act No. 7 of STORY ON PAGE 3
106 Cases
110 10 0 95 90 85 80 75
Covid-19 update
70 60 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20
Cases
Covid-19 positive cases by days
65
Deaths
Discharged
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106 total cases recorded 307 tested in the last 24 hours 55 patients discharged 9 new case in the last 24hours 48 active cases 3 deaths recorded
15 10 5 0 Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Ministry of Health briefing by days
INDEX Home News P. 2,4 & 5
President Edgar Lungu praying shortly before Cabinet meeting at State House yesterday. - Picture by EDDIE MWANALEZA
Business P. 6
Extra Business P. 7
Letters P. 8
Sports News P.16
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Friday 1, May 2020
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NURTURE FOOD SECURITY THAT Zambia’s maize harvest will peak over three million tonnes this marketing season will guarantee national food security and perhaps stimulate export of the grain through the trade agreement signed with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Small holder farmers will contribute more than 80 percent of the output while the rest will come from commercial growers. It is hoped, therefore, that the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) will be expeditious in buying and paying for the grain for strategic reserves. As President Edgar Lungu indicated on Wednesday, the FRA will buy more than one million tonnes of maize from the small holder farmers to guarantee food security. This means that the Grain Traders Association of Zambia (GTAZ) and the millers will weigh in to mop up the rest of the grain from the open market. Thus Zambia is food secure considering that the total maize requirement is 1.9 million tonnes out of which 1.6 million is for human consumption while 409, 018 is for industrial use. The country’s population is about 17.6 million people. For ease of understanding, it will be ideal to examine the maize production levels in the last two seasons. During the 2018-19 season Zambia recorded a harvest of 2, 004, 389 tonnes, a drop from the 2, 394, 907 harvested in the 2017-18 season. This shows a reduction in output chiefly because of the drought and infestation of the crop by the fall armyworm. The Ministry of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organisation separately projected an above-average production level of three million tonnes for this marketing season, translating into a rise by about 800, 000 tonnes. The FAO yield brief indicates that the harvest this season could have been better had it not been for the fall armyworm infestation which affected 15 percent in Southern and Central provinces. Secondly, some parts of the country experienced heavy floods that washed away the crops. However, the Zambia National Farmers Union pioneered early maize planting in September last year which has contributed to a better harvest. That said, there will be need for a well-coordinated approach in the maize marketing system to ensure all the grain is mopped up while farmers should be paid without any inordinate delays. The depressing scenario in the previous season of farmers spending nights in the cold while waiting for the money must never happen again. Small holder farmers toil to produce the bulk of the maize for the country and should not be subjected to inhuman treatment. It is demotivating to the farmers to line-up for days at the banks without getting their dues; they end up spending more money on upkeep as they wait for their cash. The Ministry of Finance must work steadfastly to remit their required money so that farmers could get their dues and start preparing for the 2020-21 farming season. On the other hand, Government should take a leap in exporting the maize to DRC through the agreement signed in October last year. Surely, the export deal to haul 600, 000 tonnes of maize to the neighbouring DRC should be consolidated. Once the commercial deal is operationalised, smuggling will be placated once and for all as trade will be on a Government-to-Government basis to get the maize into Katanga province of DRC. Greedy dealers will automatically be eliminated in the process. There has been rampant smuggling of maize into the neighbouring country, which invariably triggers a shortage and ultimately price hikes. This must come to an end!
PURSUING JUSTICE AND EQUITY WITH INTERGRITY
By PETER SICHALI GOVERNMENT should offer attractive prices if the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) is to meet the intended one million metric tonnes of maize target, says the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU). And the ZNFU has said President Edgar Lungu’s announcement that Government through the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) will buy one million tonnes of maize this marketing season is a positive development that will guarantee the country’s food security amidst Covid-19. ZNFU public relations officer, Calvin Kaleyi said the maize floor price for this season should be cost reflective. Mr Kaleyi said the 2020 maize floor price should reflect the cost of production including cost of fertiliser, seed, transport and packaging among others.
WE WANT ATTRACTIVE MAIZE PRICE - FARMERS
Mr Kaleyi said the maize floor price for the forthcoming crop marketing season will determine whether FRA will meet the targeted one million tonnes of maize. “We expect Government to announce prices that are attractive and cost reflective because the price for this season will determine whether the announced target will be met. Farmers want prices that will reflect full cost recovery such as cost of fertiliser, seed, transport, packaging among other costs,” Mr Kaleyi said. Mr Kaleyi has urged farmers to be patient and wait for maize
moisture content to drop before selling their commodity. He said farmers especially those in the border towns are selling their maize cheaply due to high moisture content and buyers offer lower prices. Mr Kaleyi said the announcement by President Lungu will provide a ready market for the farmers. He said the announcement by the President that government will double maize purchase will guarantee the country’s found security amidst Covid-19 period. He said the increase in the amount of maize to be bought by government will provide a ready market for farmers who are
No bail for gassing accused By CHINTU MALAMBO THE Lusaka High Court has refused to grant bail to 12 people linked to a spate of chemical gassing incidences that the country recently experienced. This is in a matter where Destin Mwanza and 11 others of Chikankata, Kafue and Chingola are alleged to have aided, abetted, concealed, procured, incited or solicited the commission of a terrorist act or proliferation in February this year. The accused applied for bail pending trial in the Lusaka High Court after Chief Resident Magistrate Lameck Mwale denied them bail. They argued that the charges they were facing were bailable and that due to overcrowding in prison they feared contracting coronavirus. However, High Court judge Catherine Phiri
dismissed the bail application. Justice Phiri said while the freedom of the accused persons could be desirable, it was her considered opinion that the safety of the general populace and preservation of public order and security far outweigh the prejudice that the accused persons would suffer by remaining in custody. “While the freedom of the accused persons would be desirable, it is my considered opinion that the safety of the general populace and preservation of public order and security far outweigh the prejudice that the accused persons would suffer by remaining in custody,” Justice Phiri said. Justice Phiri has since directed the State to ensure that the case is cause listed for trial at the earliest opportunity in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Nine more new covid-19 cases recorded By AARON CHIYANZO NINE cases of Covid-19 have been recorded in Zambia in the last 24 hours from 307 tests conducted. Health minister, Chitalu Chilufya said the 9 included three truck drivers and an Asian national who recently came into the country as a consultant for some works. Dr Chilufya said others were contacts to already recorded cases, from Chawama, Kanyama, Chipata compounds from the ongoing community screening and targeted testing and 1 from the health care facility based surveillance. He also said the 10-year-old Covid-19 patient from Kabwe had recovered after testing negative twice, bringing the total number of recoveries to 55. Dr Chilufya said during the Covid-19 update yesterday that with new cases, the cumulative number of cases now stood at
Dr Chilufya 106 cases, with three 3 deaths. “The 9 cases include 3 truck drivers, one from Namibia, one from South Africa and 1 from Zimbabwe and an Asian national. Others were contacts to already recorded cases, from Chawama, Kanyama , Chipata compound, from the ongoing community screening and targeted testing and 1 from the health care facility based surveillance,” he said. Dr Chilufya said there were 48 active cases in Zambia, 42 in Lusaka and 6 on the Copperbelt and that all were stable. He also said a cumulative total of 1780 tests had been
conducted countrywide. And Dr Chilufya has rubbished assertions that resident doctors were being threatened over their demands that frontline health workers in the Covid-19 fight be provided with adequate personal protective equipment and incentives. He said Government and the resident doctors through their association were enjoying a cordial relationship and ironing out issues professionally. Dr Chilufya said health workers were being prioritised in the distribution of protective equipment. Meanwhile, Dr Chilufya has advised citizens who suspect to have contracted Covid-19 not to rush to health facilities but call provided phone numbers for the response teams. He said not all health facilities were designated as Covid-19 centres except for those selected were battle ready. Dr Chilufya also said, in response to concerns why Zambia was not closing its borders despite still recording some imported cases of Covid-19 that Government was implementing well thought out measures which struck a balance between saving lives and livelihoods.
experiencing a bumper harvest this season. “This is a very positive development because it is double the number the agency has been buying for the past few years which has been about 500 metric tonnes,” Mr Kaleyi said. He said smallscale farmers are assured of up takers and will give them comfort. “This statement by the head of State is futuristic looking at the post Covid-19 because we need to ensure that we are food secured as a country,” Mr Kaleyi said. He said there was need to put certain resilient measures to ensure food security in the wake of Covid-19.
268 apply for public gatherings in Lusaka By KALOBWE BWALYA Churches applying for overnight prayers and those who congregate in classrooms would not be given permission. The Lusaka City Council (LCC) made this clear when it received 268 applications for public gatherings as of yesterday. Out the 268 applications, 240 were from churches, 23 for weddings, two from golf clubs and three for funeral gatherings. And so far 24 churches, golf clubs and funerals have been cleared. LCC public relations manager George Sichimba however disclosed that, Public Health Inspectors were in the field checking the suitability of the remaining 216 churches and 23 wedding venues. Mr Sichimba, however said churches would also not be allowed to conduct more than one service because to disinfect objects such as chairs and tables was not easy to do between services. “For overnight prayers, it is difficult to monitor compliance with public health guidelines while classrooms are too small for observance of social distancing of at least one metre apart,” he said. And Mr Sichimba said that however, Public Health Inspectors were doing everything possible and by the end of today, all applicants would have received their results. He said a mere application did not mean that they have been cleared but they should instead wait for results to know whether or not they have been cleared. He stated that a team of Public Health, Zambia Police and council Police would be going round to monitor compliance.
Lungu pledges to save jobs By AARON CHIYANZO GOVERNMENT will continue to act decisively to save jobs and enterprises to ensure business continuity amid the Covid-19 outbreak, President Edgar Lungu has said. President Lungu has also expressed regret over the cancellation of Labour Day Celebrations due to the Covid-19 outbreak. He said the pandemic had robbed both workers and employers an opportunity to celebrate this year’s Labour Day by way of public gathering.
This is according to a statement issued by Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Isaac Chipampe. “I can assure the nation that government will continue to act decisively to save jobs and enterprises to ensure business continuity,” Mr Lungu said. President Lungu also assured Zambians that the measures Government was taking today was for the betterment of the future. In his written address to the workers and employers to mark Labour Day which falls today May 1, President LUNGU notes that government had since cancelled
celebrations to mark the Labour Day events at national, provincial and district levels due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr Lungu advised that this year’s Labour Day award presentation should be undertaken at institutional or company level subject to complying with health regulations. President Lungu said this was necessary in order to recognize and award deserving employees. He also paid glowing tribute to all frontline workers in the fight against the coronavirus describing them as the true heroes and heroines “of our times”.
DAILY
Friday 1, May 2020
Work with locals, ZCCM-IH urged By SILUMESI MALUMO ZCCM-IH has been encouraged to work with artisanal miners to quarry for gold in secured areas to empower locals, a mining expert has said. Mr Edward Simukonda said it was imperative that ZCCM-IH works with locals to mine gold to stop the continued illegal mining which is denying Zambians to benefit from the resource. Mr Simukonda said delays were abetting illegal gold mining and foreigners rapidly taking advantage of the resource. He said in an interview yesterday, it was prudent for ZCCM-IH to move in as quickly as possible before the mineral was depleted. Mr Simukonda said revelations by North-Western
Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu and Mwinilunga District Commissioner Arnot Mapulanga that foreigners had invaded Kasenseli and new discovered gold areas was evidence enough that the mineral was being depleted. This lucrative mineral is supposed to be mined in a transparent manner so that Zambians can benefit, he said. Mr Simukonda said if the mineral continued to be exploited illegally and smuggled out of the country, then the nation would be denied much needed revenue. “What is really happening in these gold mining areas is very worrying and cannot be overlooked. This must draw serious attention of ZCCM-IH because by the time they will be moving in, they will find that most of this mineral is taken. “Our aim as a country must be the issue of safeguarding this lucrative mineral because it is our hope to improve the wellbeing of the country,” he said. Mr Simukonda said seriousness was needed in ensuring that the mineral was properly mined.
Greedy mealie meal traders face chop By SANFROSSA MANYINDA WE will continue monitoring mealie-meal traders to ensure that they do not cheat over prices and make residents queue for a long time, says Chingola Mayor Titus Tembo. Mr Tembo said in an interview the authorities would not spare traders hiking mealie meal prices and make the local people suffer. He said that the price of the staple good had been reduced following intervention by the central government to ensure compliance. "The prices of mealie meal has been reduced to between K137 and K140 per 25kg bag of breakfast mealie meal. We send our inspectors on the ground all the time to see to it that the directives on this particular matter are adhered to," the mayor said. He said the local leadership was also engaging the Zambia Police to provide law and order. Mr Tembo said it was unfortunate that unscrupulous dealers were taking advantage FROM PAGE 1
2017; and the Casino Act, Cap 1 57; Companies Act No. 1O of 2017. She said in a statement that others were the Lands (Perpetual Succession) Act, Cap 186; Non- Governmental Organisation Act No. 16 of 2009 ; and Securities Act No. 41 of 2016. Ms Siliya said reviews were also being done to implement the necessary legislative and institutional reforms within the required timelines in order to avoid Zambia facing restrictions and sanctions on the
of the reduction of the prices to buy in bulk.
Mr Tembo “The trend of buying the commodity in bulk has in the recent past resulted into the shortage of mealie meal, leading to residents queuing up for the commodity each time it is available that is why we want the trend to stop,” "The trend of buying the commodity in bulk has in the recent past resulted into the shortage of mealie meal, leading to residents queuing up for the commodity each time it is available that is why we want the trend to stop," he said. And some residents interviewed expressed happiness over the price reduction of the commodity. The residents said that it was encouraging to see shops in the district fully stocked with mealie meal.
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… as World Bank, Afdb, US and UK provide relief packages FROM PAGE 1
The bilateral and multilateral cooperating partners who have made this money available to Zambia include the World Bank (WB), African Development Bank (AfDB), United Kingdom and United States of America. The WB has made available US$57.60 million (about K1.05 billion) under its Rapid Response Facility, according to a statement from Ministry of Finance Spokesperson, Chileshe Kandeta. In addition, the Zambian government has applied for a further US$20 million (about K372 million) under the Banks Covid-19 Fast Track Facility. The AfDB has committed US$37.5 million (about K697.5 million) to Covid-19 as part of the Bank Groups’ Covid-19 Rapid Response Facility. According to the statement, the AfDB will provide support to high density areas through the provision of hand sanitisers, soap, water bowsers,
By SILUMESI MALUMO THE contract of Commissioner of Police at the Zambia Police Headquarters, Hudson Namachila has been terminated with immediate effect. The President recently transferred Mr Namachila, who was North Western province police commissioner for failing to curtail illegal gold mining in the area. According to a statement issued by Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, Isaac Chipampe, President Lungu thanked Mr. Namachila for services rendered to Government and wished him well in his future endeavors. Meanwhile North Western Province Police Commissioner Elias Chushi says investigations regarding the illegal mining of gold in Mwinilunga
hand washing facilities and supply of clean and safe water to fight Covid-19. On the other hand, the United Kingdom has pledged support towards up scaling social cash transfer under its Gross Domestic Product 30 million (about K705 million) social cash transfer grant assistance. “The United Kingdom has to this effect pledged to frontload its support in view of the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure that the vulnerable are cushioned,” read the statement. Still on the support, the United States government has approved a grant of US$14.5 million (about K270 million) towards the fight against covid-19 in Zambia. The funding is an addition to the technical support that the United States Centre for Disease Control (US-CDC) is providing to the Ministry of Health and the Zambia National Public Health Institute. “The US technical support will involve preparedness and response training, assistance on emergency operations, laboratory operations and screening, and training of field epidemiologists,” read the statement.
Responding to this overwhelming support, Finance Minister, Bwalya Ng’andu, pledged Government’s commitment to ensuring that the resources are used prudently, and accountability exist in their use. With respect to the support received from the WB, Dr Ng’andu said it is an affirmation of their commitment to walk with Zambia during these difficult times. He said the gesture strengthen development cooperation with Zambia, in the quest to overcome the challenges posed by Covid-19. The minister also acknowledged that the support from AfDB is a confirmation of its commitment to deepening development cooperation with Zambia now and in future. “We are pleased that the AfDB has assured us that its doors will remain open for further assistance as the situation evolves,” Dr Ng’andu said. And Dr Ng’andu said the support from the United Kingdom demonstrates its (resilience in fighting Covid-19 at its doorsteps while remaining committed to the long-standing development cooperation with Zambia, in a true show of
are underway and his office will keep the nation informed once arrests are made. Mr Chushi says his office will soon give a comprehensive statement on arrests regarding the illegal mining of gold in the province. Recently, President Edgar Lungu removed Hudson Namachila from his position as North Western Province Police Commissioner for failure to provide security in illegal mining of gold in Mwinilunga. The head of state also gave a directive to the new provincial Police Commissioner Mr Chushi to arrest all those selling and buying gold in Mwinilunga. Mr Chushi says police are on the ground and a comprehensive statement will be issued in due course over the matter. “Police in Northwestern Province are still investigating the cases of those who were arrested over illegal gold mining
Ms Siliya “Cabinet also approved in principle to introduce a Bill in Parliament to repeal and replace “The Chiefs Act of 1965, Cap 287 and the Registration and Development of Villages Act of 1971, Cap 289 of the Laws of Zambia,” Act, Cap. 34 in order to enhance the provision of legal aid services to citizens.
commonwealth brotherhood. Former Deputy Minister of Finance Danny Pule has said this support clearly shows that they have confidence in government and in the leadership of President Edgar. And Economic Association of Zambia president Lubinda Habazooka said the aid had shamed the doomsayers who alleged that partners had lost confidence in Zambian government. Dr Pule said the cooperation partners still believed that the Zambian government was the right friend to deal with. He said in an interview that it was now prudent that the money was used for its intended purpose. Dr Pule who is also Christian Democratic Party president, said the funds should be timely used and not continue to sit in the government confers. He said that the aid which had been provide was an indication that Zambians government was trusted by the international community and other cooperative partners. Dr Habazooka said the funds made available must give confidence to investors that Zambia remains an attractive partner to do business with.
Ex-North west chief, Namachila sacked activities in Kasenseli and in newly discovered gold areas in Mwinilunga district. We however cannot give you names because it will jeopardize investigations,” he said. He said the names of those arrested would be availed after investigations were concluded. And The Republican Progressive Party RPP is elated that the new police command in North Western Province is doing well in efforts aimed at bringing sanity over the illegal mining activities. RPP Vice President Leslie Chikuse says President Lungu’s decision to replace the police leadership in the province is already proving to produce tangible results in bringing sanity regarding the illegal activities. EarlythisweekNorthwestern Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu police ordered all illegal gold mining activities at Kasenseli including at newly discovered sites to stop and
Cabinet nods repeal of FIC Act international financial market. “Cabinet approved, in principle, the introduction of bills in Parliament to facilitate the implementation of Zambia's Second Round Mutual Evaluation of its Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Regime,” she said. Ms Siliya said Cabinet also approved the introduction of a bill to amend the Legal Aid
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“Cabinet also approved in principle to introduce a Bill in Parliament to repeal
and replace "The Chiefs Act of 1965, Cap 287 and the Registration and Development of Villages Act of 1971, Cap 289 of the Laws of Zambia," in order to strengthen the legal and policy framework of the roles and functions of the institution of chieftaincy,” she said. Ms Siliya said Cabinet had also committed itself to fighting the Coronavirus by continuously sensitizing the
directed them to arrest all gold invaders found at the sites. The minister revealed that several illegal miners who had invaded Kasenseli gold sites in the area had been apprehended after security wings conducted an operation in the area.
Mr Namachila people on measures and living a healthy life under the circumstances on what was said to be the ‘The New Normal – Living with COVID-19’. Meanwhile, Ms Siliya said Cabinet had approved the appointment of a 9-member National Institute for Public Administration (NIPA) Board and approved the final appointment of the Zambia Law Development Commission Board. She also said Cabinet approved the granting of diplomatic status at the level of an international organisation, to the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT).
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Friday 1, May 2020
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STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY DR EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA ON THE EVE OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR DAY WHICH FALLS ON FRIDAY 1ST MAY, 2020
STATE HOUSE 30TH APRIL, 2020 COUNTRY MEN AND WOMEN, It is my honour and privilege to address the nation on the eve of International Labour Day scheduled for tomorrow 1st May, 2020. This day is a very important day to the workers of this great nation. Labour Day provides a good opportunitity for employers to recognise and appreciate the remarkable efforts and contribution of workers to their business operations. My Government is fully aware that workers effectively contribute to the social and economic development of our country. as we celebrate Labour Day, we should always remember that labour provides a service needed to transform raw materials into finished products and services. My fellow workers, countrymen and women, This year, we commemorate Labour Day under the theme,“reducing developmental inequalities through sustainable job creation”. the theme reflects Zambia’s aspiration and commitment to delivering development to the people through various Interventions spelt out in the vision 2030 and Seventh national Development Plan. The theme also calls upon all stakeholders to ensure challenges of sustainable job creation by investing in agriculture, mining and other productive sectors as well as ensuring value addition in the manufacturing sector. In addition, this will ensure that inequalities are fully addressed by working towards a society that thrives on fairness, social justice, human dignity, equality and non-disrimination.
STATEMENT BY
abate within an agreed timeframe. the mitigating action would include exemptions contained under section 2 of the employment code act no. 3 of 2019. However, companies applying for exemptions will be expected to submit certain documents for verifications and assessment.The conditions under which this will be entertained will be subject to discussions by the tripartite consultative Labour Council which is expected to be convened in a few days time. the meeting will be held under strict health guidelines and will be attended by 21 delegates, seven repreprentives each, from Government, employers and workers.
HIS EXCELLENCY DR EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA
COUNTRY MEN AND WOMEN, It is indeed regrettable that the Coronavirus or Covid- 19 pandemic has robbed both the workers and employers the opportunity to celebrate this year’s Labour Day in the usual manner by way of public gatherings, where they turn up in huge numbers to celebrate their day. unfortunately, this is not possible This year due to restrictions on gatherings such as conferences, weddings, funerals, and festivals. To this effect government announced the cancellation of labour day events at national, provincial and district levels. this means that there will be no public gatherings to commemorate the 1st May 2020 Labour Day celebrations countrywide. all outdoor preparations such as marching for the event will not be allowed. However, this year’s Labour Day award presentations should be undertaken at institutional or company level subject to complying with health regulations. this measure is necessary in order to recognise and award deserving employees.
ON THE EVE OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR DAY President Lungu
employees as redundant and non-payment of employees’ salaries compared to last year. This is indeed unacceptable and is punishable by law.
WHICH FALLS ON FRIDAY 1ST MAY, 2020 COUNTRY MEN AND WOMEN, In order to regulate the employment and labour market during the Covid-19 pandemic, Government convened a meeting with its social partners namely, the Zambia Federation of Employers, and the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions. the measures adopted by the tripartite
MY FELLOW WORKERS, COUNTRYMEN It is indeed regrettable AND WOMEN, that the Coronavirus or Zambia like many other African countries has Covid- 19 pandemic has not been spared by the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. the impact of the pandemic on the robbed both the workers economy has been very visible. and employers the As of 25th march, 2020, the first quarter opportunity to celebrate national growth rate reduced by 2 percent this year’s Labour Day in the from the 3.2 percent projected growth in the 2020 budget presentation. the most hit of the usual manner by way of public economic sectors have been tourism, mining, gatherings, where they turn up manufacturing, construction, wholesale and in huge numbers to celebrate their day. unfortunately, this is retail trade sectors. The impact of Covid-19 on the labour and not possible employment sector of the Zambian economy is very significant and serious indeed. included placement of employees on paid annual leave; placement of employees on forced leave in There is a general slowdown in businesses instances where an employer is unable to sustain with most operating at below capacity or closed employees on full pay, and this will be done in down altogether. My Government has received consultation with the Ministry of Labour and Social numerous requests from companies to reduce Security. In addition. the meeting resolved to staff or exempting them from the provisions of the avoid, as employment code act pertaining to redundancy Much as possible, resorting to undertaking requirements, payment of gratuity, forced leave redundancy exercises. and other relief. It was further agreed that should the pandemic Further, there has been a rise in a number of prolong, Government in consultation with the cases involving illegal termination of contract tripartite consultative Labour Council shall of employment, unauthorised sending of consider further mitigating action permissible at employees on forced leave, declaring of law if public health threat deteriorates or fails to
TATE HOUSE 0THAPRIL, 2020
MY FELLOW WORKERS, COUNTRYMEN AND WOMEN, Government will continue to act decisively to save jobs and enterprises and ensure business continuity, prevent layoffs and protect vulnerable workers. citizens of this nation should have no doubt that the measures that the government is taking today are for the betterment of the country. COUNTRYMEN AND WOMEN, As i conclude, i wish to take this opportunity to pay special tribute to all frontline workers in the fight against coronavirus. You are the true heroes of our time. it is clear that yours is not only a decent profession, it is also a calling. Zambia will forever remain indebted to you. To the workers, I say solidarity forever. to the employers, i say solidarity forever. May the good Lord almighty bless the nation I thank you.
DAILY
Friday 1, May 2020
Chalimbana switches to e-learning By PETER SICHALI CHALIMBANA University has introduced online platform following closure of schools due to the outbreak of Coronavirus, Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr Geoffrey Tambulukani has said. Dr Tambulukani said the university had developed an eLearning platforms so that academic progression could not be completely disturbed He said move was aimed at continued interaction between students and lecturers. He said the eLearning had been running for the past two weeks and woulsd continue until schools open. Students, he said, had been oriented on how to
access the online material and lectures. Dr Tambulukani said the lectures run for four hours daily from Monday to Friday. “This has been going on smoothly, we started with trial runs with samples of students and it was successful now it is full time learning,” he said. Dr Tambulukani however said the academic calendar had been affected by the coronavirus. He said the residential school for distance student which was supposed to run for two weeks had been postponed indefinitely. Dr Tambulukani said students were expected to continue paying tuition fees to make it easy for the university to continue providing eLearning lectures and other facilities. “We expect our students to ignore all misinformation on the payment of tuition fees because learning has continued using eLearning,” Dr Tambulukani said.
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FUEL MOVEMENT SLOWS DOWN By PETER SICHALI
T
RANSPORTATION of petroleum products has slowed down due to corona virus outbreak, Petroleum Transporters Association of Zambia (PTAZ) Secretary General, Benson Tembo has said. Mr Tembo told the Daily Nation in an interview that yesterday that the slowdown in business was as result of low production by most companies due to covid-19. “Transportation of petroleum products is going on though it has slowed down because of low demand due to slow down of production by most companies,” Mr Tembo said.
He said he was impressed that drivers had complied with regulation put in place in various countries to curb the spread of Covid-19. “As an association we are impressed that there is total compliance by our drivers with various regulations put in place by governments across the countries they transverse,”
By NATION REPORTER THE inclusion of people with special needs in the Covid-19 sensitisation programmes is major step towards ensuring that all the people are taken on board in the fight against the global pandemic, a Copperbelt-based foundation has observed. Andrew Mustard Kalima Foundation said it was gratifying that plans were underway to print Covid-19 awareness material in braille for visually impaired members of society. Foundation chairman, Andrew Kalima, noted in Ndola that the government had facilitated for sign language in the awareness programmes, a demonstration that the state was committed to an all-inclusive sensitisation campaign. “It is gratifying that the government through the Ministry of Health is up-scaling desired measures to generate coordinated public awareness without living anyone behind. “The government should be commended for assuring the nation that no one will be left behind in the sensitisation programmes to ensure that the spread of the virus is prevented ahead of plans to print braille materials for visually impaired members of society,” he said. Mr Kalima, however, encouraged all citizens to ensure that they adhered to the set guidelines so that the global pandemic could be eliminated soon. He said Government had set all issues in motion and that it was now up the citizens to reciprocate by following the guidelines as laid down by the Ministry of Health. If citizens continue going against the set regulation, he noted, they would be reversing the gains that had so far been recorded.
Korea bolsters Zambia’s fight against Covid-19 By KALOBWE BWALYA THE Korea Food for the Hungry International (KFHI) has donated items worth US$40, 000 to assist Zambia combat the Covid -19 pandemic. Receiving the donation, Zambia’s ambassador to Korea Wylbur Simuusa, thanked South Korea for the continued assistance to Zambia in capacity building, infrastructure development, agriculture, trade, investment and health, among others. Mr Simuusa noted that the Republic of Korea was one of the first countries to tackle the COVID-19 crisis and had been acknowledged by the World Health Organisation and other countries as being a model for infectious disease surveillance and response capacity. The ambassador noted that many countries around the world, including Zambia, were learning and adapting Korea’s experience. He congratulated Korea for this significant achievement in these very difficult times. The Zambian Government, he added, had adopted a multi-sectoral robust response against the pandemic and that the donated equipment would supplement the efforts these response. He said the nation was hopeful that together with the support of partners like KFHI, the disease would soon be contained in Zambia. And presenting the donation, the president of the KFHI, Mr Won-SikYoo, extolled the strong relations between Zambia and Korea and his organisation. He explained that no-one could predict COVID-19 would
he said. Mr Tembo said petroleum transporters were essential in the economic activities, hence they should remain compliant with regulation and measures put in place to curb the spread of Covid-19. He said drivers had been advised to observe Covid-19preventive measures so that they do not ‘import’ the disease into the
country. “We are working to ensure that drivers observe the guidelines by wearing the mask, using sanitizer and other measures put in place to prevent the spread of the pandemic,” Mr Tembo said. Mr Tembo said petroleum drivers had also been advised against stopping anyhow so that they do contract the virus.
Minister sues radio station for defamation By CHINTU MALAMBO
Covid-19 fight all-inclusive - foundation
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PRESIDENTIAL Affairs Minister, Freedom Sikazwe has sued a Mpulungu resident Victor Sinkala and a radio station in the Lusaka High Court for defamation of character after they alleged that he stole Constituency Development Funds (CDF). Mr Sikazwe who is Member of Parliament for Mpulungu in wants the court to order Walamo Radio Limited and Sinkala to award him damages for slander and libel. He also wants aggravated and exemplary damages for the same. Mr Sikazwe wants the court to restrain Walamo Radio Limited and Sinkala from repeating the alleged defamatory statements until final determination of the matter. He also wants the court to order the defendants to award him interest on any sums awarded from the date of writ to the date of full settlement and any other reliefs plus costs for the proceedings of the matter. In his statement of claim filed in court, Mr Sikazwe stated that on or about April 21 2020 Walamo Radio Limited and Sinkala in contumelious disregard of his reputation or professional standing uttered and caused to be published during the 13 hours news briefing programme
on radio through an audio recording the alleged defamatory words. Mr Sikazwe stated that the radio station and Sinkala alleged that he stole money from the CDF and bought himself a Hino truck and taxis that were parked by the taxi rank, among other allegations. He claimed that the defendants had since the first airing of the slanderous audio continued to play the audio bit in English and local Zambian languages. He stated that the said audio was in circulation on social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp which have a wide readership and were accessible to millions of Zambians and abroad. Mr Sikazwe alleged that the defendants had no intention or desire to cease defaming him and causing his reputation to be rediculed and questioned by the public and the Government he serves. He stated that from the release of the audio recording, he has been hauled with insults , harassment and threats by the Mpulungu constituency residents and members of the United Party for National Development . “That the defendants continue to defame me, which defamation has extended to other parties in the general public and has since caused damage to my reputation over falsehoods that have not been substantiated,” Mr Sikazwe stated. He claimed that that the defendants
communicated and published the words complained of with full knowledge that they were slanderous and libelous. He stated that the words complained of by ear of innuendo meant and are understood to mean that he is corrupt. Mr Sikazwe stated that the allegations complained of were false and untrue and that at no time did he abuse CDF funds.
Mr Sikazwe
Open Mansa Batteries, says Chanda By AARON CHIYANZO THE abundance of manganese in Zambia, which is used in making batteries, should trigger the resuscitation of Mansa Batteries, New Congress Party (NCP) president Peter Chanda has said. Mr Chanda said the Covid-19 outbreak must motivate Zambians to identify opportunities and become innovative and productive. “Youths can come together, lobby for financial support and capacity empowerment to start mining manganese then appeal to the government to resuscitate Mansa Batteries that can create jobs
and contribute positively to the development of our economy as a country,” he said. Mr Chanda said in a statement that it was high time citizens started thinking of industrialization because doing trade alone cannot develop the economy. He said the abundance of manganese wealth in Zambia should trigger the resuscitation of Mansa Batteries and many other dormant industries. “That is why the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) which looks into government stakes in companies must re-position Kapiri Grass to start fully functioning so that the country starts
exporting to enhance government’s treasury,” he said. Mr Chanda said the country must come up with measures and policies to stop importing things that could be produced locally. “We have trees that can be used to make matches but it’s sad that these trees can only be sold by vendors who cut them into pieces without value addition and sold on the streets for people use to quicken lighting up of fire. Technocrats can mobilise and create an industry,” he said.
Mr Chanda said Zambia had the best water and the largest water bodies in the whole lot of Southern African which should be utilised for agriculture purposes. He urged people to embrace agriculture by growing more food to make Zambia a food basket in the region. He also urged the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to set up more storage facilities to ensure there was no wastage of maize for the country to enhance food security.