Ex-Miners on the Copperbelt yet to receive farm land, one year after retrenchment

Ex Miners In Kitwe

By Clinton Masumba in Kitwe

It’s been exactly one year since Miners were retrenched from various Mining Companies in Zambia.

In this edition The Reporter looks at how the miners have been surviving after being laid off with no meaningful packages to sustain their livelihoods.

When news broke out that Mining Companies were going to cut down on their work force due to Global Economic Recessions that saw a decline in Copper Prices on the London Metal Exchange, there was panic among the stakeholders in Zambia.

Mine Unions and other stakeholders held various consultative meetings to understand the intentions of Mining Companies. Meetings were held, decisions were made but not to the satisfaction of the Unions.

Zambia’s President Edgar Lungu developed interest and shifted to Kitwe to hold consultative meetings with the Mining Investors to see how best the issues of cutting down employment would be addressed considering economic hardships that had hit the nation.

President Edgar Lungu with NFMC Mine Management

President Edgar Lungu had shifted to the Kitwe Presidential Guest house and for over a week, the Head of State met various stakeholders, among them Chief Executive Officers of various Mining Companies and Union Leaders to find a solution to the looming job losses then in the mining industry.

Now, after all consultations were held, decisions were made and the disturbing news was broken out. Thousands of miners had already received redundancy letters and a package of K 18,000 was already waiting to see them off the mines.

Mining Companies on the Copperbelt and North Western Province had effected the Job Cuts.

The Mine Unions in Zambia negotiated for K 18,000 ex-gratia package for each of the retrenched miner, which they asked to be a stand-alone payment apart from the pension money pay by the number of years of service.

Some relief reached the ears of those who had interest to get into the Agriculture Sector as Republican President Edgar Lungu directed that all Ex Miners be allocated with farm land to help them sustain their living standards after being retrenched.

The News was received with mixed feelings with others excited while others objected the move and called it political considering that General Elections were just 9 months away.

Meetings were held among the stakeholders with an Association that was formed to oversee the welfare of Ex Miners.

Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary Reverend Howard Sikwela called for a meeting with all Town Clerks and District Commissioners to ascertain how much farm land was available in the Province to implement President Edgar Lungu’s directive.

Lufwanyama had the biggest chunk of farm land to a tune of 20,000 hectares along the Lusuwishi River; Chingola had 4,000 Hectares in Mutimpi area while Kitwe offered Residential plots across the Kafue River.

Now, The Reporter took time to find out what has happened one year down the line, on how life has been after losing employment.

The National Ex Miners and Allied Workers Union of Zambia was formed and registered to help capture and identify Ex Miners in all the affected towns.

Association President Taulo Chewe told The Reporter that there are about 11,000 ex miners that have been captured so far.

However, the issue of farm land is still a burning issue to the Ex Miners as no single person on the Copperbelt has been allocated with land one year after the promise was made.

“We have been cheated for too long, they are just playing politics and trying to portray a wrong picture to the nation that we are well taken care of when the opposite is the fact. They don’t seem to care and we have come to a realisation that we are dealing with people that are not serious” one of the ex miners Donald Kabashila said.

“Life has been hard you can’t imagine it, some of us had acquired loans from various Banks and the K 18,000 package made no meaningful impact as am telling you some of us are in serious debts and we have no idea of how we are going to survive with the current hardships” another Ex Miners lamented.

National Ex Miners and Allied Workers Union said “On farm land on the Copperbelt people should get accurate information from us as an Association and the office of the District Commissioner, No single person has been allocated with farm land on the Copperbelt but I can confirm that the surveys are on the ground, people must understand that surveying and demarcating over 20,000 hectares cannot be done in an overnight. For Lufwanyama there is a lot of work you know that is virgin land and it is almost a forest, ZNS is opening up roads, so our members must understand the cost implications for they may not understand the challenges the surveyors are facing” he explained

“Our job as an Association is to continue pushing so that Ex Miners can start cultivating, there is need for resources, enough man power and this is being financed by central government, those we have taken on the ground to see what is happening, they are appreciating. In Solwezi over 50 have been given farm land and like in next week we will soon start showing some members pieces of land Solwezi.

“Chingola is next, about the 300 Ex Miners may be shown plots. We are waiting for a report from the surveyors”

 “102 ex miners who opted to apply for residential plots in Kitwe have been allocated with plots and have started developing. The issue of residential plots is quicker because it was done at the local level as compared to the farm land that has to be handled under the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit in Lusaka” The Association President Mr Taulo Chewe gave an update.

Mr Chewe has assured the Ex Miners not to lose hope as efforts are being made to ensure that all ex miners are empowered with land.

A Mining Expert Joseph Mwale said it was wrong for government to keep people waiting especially after assuring them that their Jobs were secure after the Head of state visited the Copperbelt.

“On the issue of them suffering, I think it’s a lesson to those still working that it is important to invest while work, most those were living luxury lives and forgot that one day they will lose employment, it’s not mockery but people must be responsible with their earnings, you find people getting loans to buy cars, that is not investment, had they invested most of the would be stable by now”. Definitely they can’t lose hope let them keep knocking on the doors of government and see if the promise made by the president can be fulfilled” he added.

Freelance Journalist Chanda Chimba III convicted and jailed for two years

Chanda Chimba III

The Lusaka Magistrate Court has convicted and jailed to two years Lusaka Veteran Broadcaster Chanda Chimba III over his role in the production of the controversial television documentaries “Stand up for Zambia”.

Magistrate Obbyster Musukwa also established that the business trading name Phibajo Productions has been found to have been operating without any formal registration of the business at the National Archives.

Delivering the verdict yesterday afternoon, Magistrate Musukwa said the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that Mr. Chimba’s firm had no capacity to pay for documentaries aired on public and private media outlets.

Mr Chimba was producing a controversial TV Series called Stand up for Zambia which aired on ZNBC and was notorious for propaganda against then opposition PF leader Michael Sata.

His co-accused former Information Minster Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha and former Information Permanent Secretary Sam Phiri have been acquitted on charges of abuse of authority of office.

In 2011 Patriotic Front (PF) leader Michael Sata sued the publisher of Stand Up for Zambia (SUFZ) News, Chanda Chimba III for allegedly publishing defamatory articles about him, including his sickness.

The late Micheal Sata claimed he had been seriously injured in his character, credit and reputation and was demanding damages and an injunction restraining Mr Chimba and his servant or agents from distributing, circulating or selling the said tabloid until determination of the matter.

Chanda Chimba III is set to appeal against his conviction by the Lusaka magistrate.

Land illegalities in Zambia a threat to integrated planning in meeting present and future needs for housing and infrastructure

By Clinton Masumba in Kitwe

Governing Political Party officials have continued to grab land illegally denying ordinary people access to affordable land and housing which is affecting integrated planning to meet present and future needs for land, housing and infrastructure in Zambia.

Zambia like many other countries has committed to the Habitat III agenda on urbanization and Development but with the current trend, 20 years from now the commitment may not be attained should planning authorities allow governing party officials to take the role of planning cities.

The Central African Country has two tenures of land systems being customary and state, according to the land audit conducted in 1974, 6% of land was under state while 94% still under customary, and that is land administered by traditional leasers.

Zambia has three land deliveries systems which is Customary, Public institutions (Local Authorities, Ministry of Lands, and Ministry of Agriculture) and private formal systems.

Access to land has become a commodity in Zambia making it inaccessible to the vulnerable.

Elected Civic Leaders have several times been caught up in illegal land allocations especially those coming from the governing political parties.

Some of those interacted with reveals why they engage in illegal land activities that have led to an increase in informal settlements in the country.

“We are elected officers but our work is more of volunteerism because we are not entitled to salary, we are not entitled to gratuity even after serving for five years, but how do we survive? We only get allowances of $70 USD in a month where do you take such an amount? One of the civic leaders asked.

“Our supporters are not empowered and giving them land is the only way of empowering them, and such is deemed illegal. Our work is not appreciated and this forces some of us to engage in such activities because not everyone among us has a permanent job”

In January, 2016 The Ministry of Local Government suspended three major Councils in Zambia to pave way for investigations in illegal land allocations.

The suspended Councils were Ndola City Council, Livingstone City Council and Kitwe City Council.

Archie Mulunda - Land Activist 

And Land Activist Archie Mulunda is worried that Zambia’s Developmental Agenda is under threat due to poor land administration in the country.

He said Zambia has seen an increase in the number of informal settlements that have come as a result of poor planning from the local authorities and giving room to governing party official to allocate themselves pieces of land.

“Governing political party officials must allow professionals to plan for better cities, remember Zambia has agreed in the Habitat III agenda and among other things is to make cities better places to live in, so nations are looking at Zambia, but what will this country report after participating in Quito Eduardo were they agreed to urbanization and Development” Mr. Mulunda said.

He has challenged governments to take responsibility and correct the current situation if the nation is to attain the agreed commitments.

“He says Zambia is experiencing serious problems in land delivery channels and this has resulted in the over 1.3 million Shortages of habitable houses, 80 percent of Zambia’s settlements are informal that have no proper services despite them being prime land”

Meanwhile, local Government Minister Vincent Mwale said it is unfortunate to note that the country has experienced a lot of illegal developments which is as result of poor enforcement of the existing laws.

He said it was sad that people masquerading as governing party officials have engaged in illegal allocations of plots even on planned land and those tasked with the responsibility are often intimidated when confronted by the law breakers.

“The Ministry will ensure that no one will use their political influence to distort well developed plans in the name of being a supporter of this or that political party. It is unfortunate to note that the country has experienced a lot of illegal land developments as a result of poor enforcement of existing law” Mr. Mwale said.

Chisokone Market not ideal for trading - Kitwe Mayor

Kitwe Mayor Christopher Kang'ombe (L) and kitwe District Commissioner Chanda Kabwe (R)
touring Chisokone Market

By Clinton Masumba in Kitwe

Kitwe Mayor Christopher Kang’ombe has said Chisokone Market in Kitwe is no longer habitable for trading due to the deteriorating infrastructure coupled with poor sanitation.

Mr Kang’ombe undertook his first tour of Zambia’s arguably second largest Market in the Company of Kitwe District Commissioner Chanda Kabwe to appreciate the challenges being faced by the marketeers.

As usual bad state of the toilets, poor drainage systems and deteriorating infrastructure are among the major challenges that welcomed the two Youthful leaders.

Mr Kang’ombe said the levels of sanitation are very poor and there is need to urgently move in and arrest the situation to make the environment habitable for doing business.

The Local government Association President said the Council will soon move in to provide drainages and make sure that toilets have adequate water supply.

“We have established that the levels of sanitation are very poor, we urgently need to find a way in which we can provide drainages, were water can easily flow. We need to ensure that toilets have adequate water supply.  We want to assure marketeers that the local authority which is collecting money will provide a service to their satisfaction” His Worship the Mayor said.

“We are going to continue collecting garbage; we are going to continue cleaning the facilities so that they are ideal for trading. The office of the District Commissioner and The office of the Mayor is planning an indaba to come up with solutions that will address the challenges being faced by marketeers.

Mr Kang’ombe has appealed to the Marketeers to continue trading despite the market facility not being ideal for doing business.

 “We have discovered that this facility is not ideal for trading, it’s just that people are suffering but in my view we need to improve the state of the market” He added.

“My anticipation is that there is a lot of money which is not reaching the Council, if our cashiers are collecting money and it’s not reaching the council then we have to address that, it is the reason we are calling for an indaba and establish the actual money which is supposed to come out of Chisokone”

Meanwhile, Kitwe District Commissioner Chanda Kabwe said his office will urgently move in to provide security market and address the issue of Foreigners that have invaded the markets.

“Government will move in to provide security in the market;  we will protect our marketeers, because the informal sector is what government is looking at to contribute to the country’s economical development, we need to protect the sector, there is too much money that can add value to national development” He said

Kitwe Mayor Christopher Kang'ombe and Kitwe DC Chanda Kabwe

And the two District leaders have issued a joint statement regarding superiority in the district.

Kitwe District Commissioner Chanda Kabwe said “we are not interested in who is senior and who has more authority, we are interested in providing services, but we are going to work as a team, anything to do within the district we will work as a team”

And His Worship the Mayor Christopher Kang’ombe said “His Excellency is not interested in politics of seniority, who should report to who, who should sit in which office and drive which vehicle, our purpose is to provide a service”

Zambia records 13,092 GBV cases between January and September 2016, as the Country observes 16 days of Activism against Gender Based Violence

Kampamba Mulenga - Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services

As the Country entered the 16 days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, Government is in shock that cases of such nature continue to be on the rise in the country.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Kampamba Mulenga has disclosed that Zambia has recorded 13,092 cases of Gender Based Violence between January and September, 2016.

Ms Mulenga said of the recorded cases, 1,634 are defilement cases while 41 are Gender Based Violence related murder cases, in which 12 are adult male victims, 21 Female victims and 8 Juvenile cases.

“It brings tears to us in government to learn that from January to the end of September, 2016, the Country has recorded 13,092 Gender Based Violence cases. Out of which 1,634 were defilement cases while 41 were GBV related murder cases and out of the 41 cases 12 are adult male victims, 21 female victims and 8 juvenile cases” Ms Mulenga said.

She said men who have been perpetrators of Gender Based Violence have now become victims of such bad vices.

Ms Mulenga who is Chief Government Spokesperson has called on Non Governmental Organisations in the country to work closely with government and soldier on in fighting the vice.

She has stated that advocacy alone is not working out to end the vice and there is need to explore other strategies to help end Gender Based Violence related cases.

The Kalulushi Parliamentarian has expressed concern at the alarming levels of women killing their spouses in the country saying there is need to change the approach in fighting the scourge.  

Poverty among Children a threat to Zambia’s future

By Clinton Masumba in Kitwe.

A Non Governmental Organisation Charity Centre for Child and Youth Development has proposed the need to introduce household empowerment programs to alleviate poverty levels among children.

Organisation Executive Director Alex Bwaluka has noted with great concern the impact of child poverty in most rural parts of Zambia.

Mr Bwaluka said child poverty is greatly affecting the next generation and there is need for government working closely with Civil Society Organisations to intervene and help improve the wellbeing of households in rural parts of Zambia.

He has stated that most children are unable to access health and education services due to the poverty levels being experienced in their respective homes.

Mr Bwaluka has further said sponsoring a child in school who is coming from a poverty stricken home is not producing results as most children decide to stay away from school activities hence hindering their progress in life.

“For instance, you cannot be paying school fees for a child who is coming from a poor family as most cases they may not even manage to get to school due to high poverty levels, so it is important that households are empowered first if the Zambia is to secure the future of the next generation” Mr Bwaluka said.

“As an organisation we identified a few individuals in various schools and we were paying school fees now we realised that the children we were paying school fees for, needs food but this was not sustainable so we have embarked on household empowerment programs aimed at education families on how to save and sustain their livelihoods”

He has expressed concern that the future is threatened with high poverty levels affecting mostly children, whose success is unpredictable.

“When there is poverty at household level even the growth of the child is compromised, poverty has a very big impact on the development of a child, access to health care and other services are issues that must be addressed. Child education sponsorship has failed to work and we have now adopted the household empowerment which is benefiting children” He added

He said children don’t just need books and school uniforms; they need food, education and health care. “Once families are empowered with financial management, you now reduce poverty at household and children will have a chance to attain other services.” Mr Bwaluka stated.

Mr Bwaluka has further commended government on the introduction of Social Cash Transfer and Village banking concepts under the Ministry of Community development which is helping improve the living standards of the people especially those in the rural communities.

He said government and other stakeholders need to do more to secure the future of Children.

Poverty is the most profound challenge that Zambia faces today. It is a social crisis with the majority of people denied a minimum decent living standard. The latest Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) Monthly Food Basket Survey shows that it is becoming more and more difficult for the majority to meet basic needs, because food costs have been rising while wages remain static and too far below the food cost. 

The Sustainable Development Goals underscore the global commitment of “leaving no one behind” in development. Considering young people’s participation is an integral part of implementation of Agenda 2030, UNFPA is fostering effective youth participation and inclusion to ensure young people play an important role in their development as well as that of their communities.

Subject Police Officers to refresher Courses to allow them understand Human Rights related issues - DEGHA

The behaviour of the Zambia Police Service recently has shocked various stakeholders in the country.
After UPND Leader Hakainde Hichilema and his Vice President Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba were arrested in Luanshya, emotions from Party supporters characterized the Police station.
As expected it was confrontational attacks between the Police and the UPND supporters that saw people being beaten up by the armed police officers.
Due to the behaviour of Party cadres, Police did not relent but used force and descended on unarmed citizens that included women.
The action by the Zambia Police in Luanshya cannot go without a comment, with the Democratic Governance for Human Rights Advocacy (DEGHA) President Gerald Mutelo calling for refresher Courses for Police Officers to allow them understand Human Rights related issues
"There is need for the police to respect Human Rights, I think the police now need refresher courses especially that it’s a Police Service, there is need for police officers to go for  refresher course to understand Human Rights related issues" Mr. Mutelo said.
He said whenever there was something happening both the political parties and the police must not use emotions but ensure that things are done in a peaceful manner.
"The police need to improve, they need to do more to see that they are a service and not a force, their behaviour and mannerism are still that of the police force" he added.
"political parties and the police are not enemies but partners in a democratic society, so there is need for all the stake holders to respect the rule of law and democracy, we expect the police to be professional in the manner they handle various political party cadres both the ruling and opposition" he pointed out.
However, in an interview, Police spokesperson Esther Katongo defended the Police Officers' conduct saying the action was as a result of the alleged unruly attitude of the UPND supporters
"If a person proves to be naughty and make the work of Police Officers difficult, it is imperative that some promotional force is used to discipline such a person" she said.
She further said Police officers had ground for such action, "the approach by officers was necessary because they cadres became unruly"
There is need however, for both the Police and party cadres to avoid confrontations during such activities to avoid being in conflict with the law.
Police officers will indeed need refresher course because the ongoing violation of Human Rights have repercussions in future.
Political Party leaders must take interest in educating their members to avoid engaging in confrontations with the state police.

K 400,000 in the Coffers to Develop Kankoyo Constituency - Mushimba

Brian Mushimba - PF Kankoyo Member of Parliament

41-year-Old Brian Mushimba was elected Member of Parliament for Kankoyo Constituency in Mufulira District under the Patriotic Front Ticket on the 11^th August 2016.

He is among the few that would resign from the position of Regional Director for Africa for the Norwegian State owned electricity utility, Statkraft overseeing their growth agenda in the hydro-power generating business assets on the African continent and the expansion efforts in the greater Africa (Hydro power electricity generation) just to join politics.

Before his election, Brian a father of two handsome boys, and husband to Brenda since 1997 spent time to interact with the people in the constituency and promised among them improved infrastructure and empowerment programs.

Before stepping into Parliament, Brain has kicked of a program aimed at fulfilling his campaign promises before he gets to Parliament building.

Off a rare kind, Brian has procured a 1.5 tonnes canter at a total cost of US$16,000 about K 160,000 for community services in the constituency from his pockets.

He says the initiative is meant to help farmers transport their farm produce to the nearby FRA depots or other destinations, the canter is also expected to respond to emergency needs in the constituency that includes funerals.

Hummer Mill

Not only that, the Holder of a Bachelor’s of Science Degree (BSc) in Mining Engineering from the University of Arizona in the United States of America, a Master’s Degree in Engineering Management and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA), both from Salem International University in the USA, has gone ahead to procure three hummer mills to empower women groups in the constituency and sustain their living.

Having been brought up in Kankoyo Constituency, Brian understands the challenges faced in the areas of water reticulation systems, to this effect, Brian is spending US$15,000 about K 150,000 towards the drilling of 6 boreholes in various parts the constituency.

The initiative is aimed at making sure that clean and safe water is made available to the people in the constituency.

In the area of infrastructure, Brian has already engaged the local authority to have a look at approved projects for the constituency and ensure that funds are sourced to commence works.

His priority is the road infrastructure, Brian Believes that the C400 will do wonders once fully implemented and will ensure that people have a better road network.

It is with hope that such efforts will receive the support from central government and ensure that the people are given better services in the Communities.

The experience of losing a Voter's Card and why the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) must invest in the Finger Print Voting System

She arrived at the Kitwe Civic Center with hope of acquiring a new Voter’s Card even after the exercise closed months ago.
After finding out from relevant authorities, she was advised nothing could be done with her case despite having hope that a letter would be written for her to be recognized as a Registered Voter.

Finger Print Voting Machine

The story of Agness Mulenga of Kitwe left me thinking whether there were no options to allow individuals that had lost their voters cards few days to elections to take part in the elections as the 25 year old looked helplessly.

After receiving the unfortunate news, she removed her glasses looking teary after realizing that she had no chance to take part in the Zambian elections slated for August, 11th 2016.
She wept as I drew closer to get her side of the story, despite her emotional appearance; she opened up explaining her unfortunate fate.
"Our house was gutted last night and my Voter’s Card was among other important documents that I have lost following the unfortunate event, we don't know how the fire started and property has been lost but losing my Voter’s Card is the most painful one. You know these elections are crucial and being denied a chance to vote due to lack of technology hurts a lot" she narrated as tears run down her face.
"You know the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has money, why don't they invest in technological equipment to handle problems like mine"? She questioned as she looked frustrated.

“Life is quiet unfair, I have always wanted to vote, my time came and it’s all lost” she broke down.

Her experience was one of those moments that many people are going through currently yet there is nothing that can be done according to those given the authority. It is still shocking that so many people have no opportunities because they lost their documents to allow them vote under unclear circumstances.

The process of voter registration only comes into effect prior to elections and the system seems more tedious as people are forced to queue for long hours to get their voters cards. In 2015 President Edgar Lungu was quoted as saying, He was discussing with some funders to finance the electronic voting in Zambia.

The current system works in a way that the user has to show his/her 'voter’s card’ where he/she goes to the polling booth to poll his/her 'vote. The process is however time consuming as the person has to check the 'voters card’ with the list he/her has, confirm it as an authorised card and then allow the person to poll his/her 'vote. 

 

Electronic Finer Print Voting Machine

In the Finger print based electronic voting the person at the polling booth will only have to place his/her thumb and the date will be captured the be allowed to vote. If a person is not a registered voter the system will be able to detect then the person will not be allowed to vote.

Referring to Agness’ scenario, her case is no different from what many Zambians are experiencing and it is important that the electoral Commission of Zambia takes time to serious look at this issue and help as many people to take part in the elections as they try to fight Voter Apathy that continues to characterize Zambian elections.

Is Zambia ready to implement the Finger Print Based Electronic Voting Machine? Well that’s a topic for another day, but looking how the voting process has been since multiparty system, the process has been so involving.

This move if you ask me has contributed to an increase in voter apathy as most people have had problems to queue up for longer hours just to cast their votes while it would only take a minute with the Finger Print Based Electronic Voting.

The case of Agness is a reality and many people will be affected in the forthcoming general elections in Zambia, while the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) shall continue to depend on their voter register without knowing how many people still have their voter’s cards after registration.

The Zambian Government must show political will in helping top addressing the pertinent issues as opposed to making rhetoric statements that have not yielded any results due to lack of seriousness.

With such interest and passion from people like Agness, it is important that their efforts are supplemented with improved systems that will make their contribution easier and help in reducing voter apathy.

Who is behind Political Violence, Political Party Leaders, Cadres?

First Republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda

Since Independence Zambia has held about 12 elections at national level with an exception of the pre-independence election in 1964 that saw Dr Kenneth Kaunda becoming the prime minister, and President when Zambia became independent on 24 October 1964.

Despite Zambia going under the one party state in 1973, elections have been held with no serious reports of political violence, a trade mark that Zambia has attained of being a peaceful.

Dr Kenneth Kaunda led through to 1990 with all elections held under a one party state, Zambia never rose up with violence to get into multi-party, and it was all through a democratic process that saw late President Dr Fredrick Chiluba winning the 1991 General Elections under MMD beating UNIP the only political party that contest the elections at presidential level.

Late Dr Fredrick Chiluba - Second Republican President

However, all this time there were political party cadres but the situation was different as all political parties viewed each other as competitors in the political field and those that lost power accepted defeat.

In 1996, Late President Dr Fredrick Chiluba won his second term under the MMD beating other four political parties that took part in the elections with campaigns prior to elections being peaceful as usual, five years later another elections were held but this time marred with intra party wrangles that saw the split of the MMD and the formation of other political parties such as PF, HP, FDD, ZRP among other getting on the political field.

Late Dr Levy Patrick Mwanawasa - Third Republican President

It was a tightly contested in 2001, with new comers claiming a good share of votes that saw the MMD getting back to power under Dr Levy Patrick Mwanawasa with a partly 29% beating his closest rival late Anderson Mazoka of the UPND who managed 27% and other nine political parties that took part in the Elections.

With divisions in the MMD prior to the General Elections it was expected that there could be some pockets of violence after the results were announced alas it all went quiet and defeat was accepted. Late Levy Patrick Mwanawasa was re-elected in 2006 with Michael Sata of the Patriotic Front coming second while other political parties merged to form the United Democratic Alliance that come third under its leader Hakainde Hichilema.

The unfortunate happened in 2008 when Zambia lost its leader Dr levy Patrick Mwanawasa but all the same elections were held and Rupiah Banda emerged victorious, the results that Patriotic Front Leader Michael Sata disputed.

Rupiah Banda - Fourth Republican President Rupiah 

With tensions in various parts of the country especially Lusaka and Copperbelt, there were reports of looming violence but thank God Michael Sata stood and told his members not to engage in violence but accept results as they came. 

The Political Party Cadres heeded to the call and the nation was back to its usual peace.

Michael Sata - Fifth Republican President

In 2011, Michael Chilufya Sata of the Patriotic Front emerged victorious unseating the incumbent Rupiah Banda of the MMD.  In 2012 By Elections were held in Mufumbwe constituency at parliamentary level with reports of violence making headlines in most media organisation. 

Reports then were that some political party cadres from Copperbelt alleged to be from the Patriotic Front were ferried to the constituency to cause havoc before elections.

Then MMD leader Dr Nevers Mumba said in the past 15 years he had been in politics, he had never seen such a corrupt and immoral election like the one that happened in Mufumbwe.

However, the situation was contained as police were equal to the task.

At the death of President Michael Sata in 2014, Zambia experienced intra party wrangles with a few pockets of violence reported among the different camps that were formed. However, elections came and they were peaceful usual with losing candidates accepting defeat.

Edgar Chagwa Lungu - Sixth Republican President 

In the 2015 Presidential Elections, Edgar Chagwa Lungu won the elections, pockets of violence were minimal as most political parties were carried away with intra party wrangles.

Zambia head to polls in less than one month, many political parties’ cadres have involved themselves in acts of political violence, due to the rising reports of political violence the Church called for an indaba but all is yielding nothing.

It used to be political parties against each other, now the situation has changed, now its political parties against the Zambia Police Service.

The loss of lives during campaigns is one thing political party cadres must learn from and refrain from acts of violence, Political party leaders Nevers fight, why should political party cadres fight! That’s the question each person should ask themselves.

But who is behind this political violence?

Political Party leaders have been preaching about putting an end to political violence, the mood in the background is a different story, Lusaka and southern Provinces have so far recorded the highest number of political violence.

Political Party Cadres are on the loose to engage themselves in bad vices and the move could lead to voter apathy in the forth coming elections.

Political party leaders needs to stamp Authority and stop violence, there mere statements and condemning the vice is not helping as the vice keeps rising in most parts of the country.

For Now both political party leaders and their cadres have not done enough to stop the vice, Copperbelt Province is a good example at provincial and Kitwe District various initiatives have been held and acts of violence have gone down.

Zambian politicians see violence both as an offensive weapon and as a component of personal security as a necessary part of any political campaign.

With the Electoral Commission of Zambia moving in to suspend campaigns, political parties must learn something and conduct themselves in befitting manner.

The shooting of a female youth by the Zambia Police makes sad reading and must serve as a lesson to political party cadres to refrain from engaging in confrontations with the police, not justifying the action by the Police it’s just not right. Don’t take the law in your hands! One died many were safe with others injured lets learn from our leaders who don’t fight.

Police Acts professionally please!!!!!

President Edgar Lungu

Hakainde Hichilema - UPND Leader

It’s not a secret, violence is between the UPND and the PF, therefore the two must take responsibility and stop the ugly activities before many lives are lost.

Stop violence; speak through the Ballot Box and save lives!!!!!!

Safeguard your Residential Plots, Kitwe District Commissioner Chanda Kabwe Tells ex-miners as they receive letters of offer from Government

Some Ex-Miners in kitwe

After loosing their jobs in the Mining Industry, life was in a mess especially for those that had acquired loans from different financial institutions.

The quickest response from government was that they would be offered farm land after being re-trenched a move that brought smiles on many of the ex-miners.

Walking away with a partly K 18,000 that was publicized to the dislike of many, life was never the same as most of them had no starting point due to loans acquired.

Various stake holders have raised concerns as to the delays that have taken place from November last year as to when the farm land will be made available to the ex-miners.

Some good news has come through!

Chanda Kabwe - Kitwe District Commissioner

Government has started giving out letters of offer for residential plots to ex-miners in Kitwe and other towns on the Copperbelt.

Kitwe District Commissioner Chanda Kabwe who handed over the letters of offer to the ex-miners said government had yet scored an another achievement by fulfilling its promise.

"The opposition political parties are ashamed because they thought government under the leadership of President Edgar Lungu would not fulfill its promise, but here we are witnessing this exercise"

"The head of state is walking the talk, today you are getting your plots with all the conditions waved with an exception of service charges, its a first of its kind in so many yes" the excited District Commissioner said.

Mr Kabwe however warned the ex-miners not to sale the residential plots but safeguard them jealously and make them a starting point in life.

Some miners could not hide their joy and thanked government for gesture saying it would ease the burden.

"I have been struggling to get a plot from the council for years, now I can say being re-trenched from the mine was a blessing in disguise I now own a plot" one of the ex-miners said.

The district had more good news, saying in the next few weeks government will start giving out farm land to the ex-miners.

"Land is under demarcation in Luswishi farm bloc in Lufwanyama District and sooner than later u will start getting the land the process is almost complete" he revealed

The hope is that the ex-miners will act responsibly with the land given to them in the new Kitwe which is prime land and will avoid the temptation of selling plots.

Over 4,000 Miners last year in November were retrenched from various Mining Houses on the Copperbelt and Government promised that Miners will be given farm land.

Solwezi - Chingola Road Neglected?

Traveling through the Solwezi – Chingola Road now has become a terrible option to those that have used the road recently.

With three major mines in Solwezi and Kalumbila Districts, one still wonders why the road still remains unattended to despite having three contractors on the same project.

Road Pave, China Geo and Buildcon are the three contractors trying out their muscles to make the road more useful than it is now. However it is disappointing to note that 4 years down the line after the project started, the developments taking place on the road are at a snails pace.

What is more shocking is that a journey to Solwezi from Chingola that took a maximum of 2hour 30 minutes now takes a maximum of 5 hours using public transport.

What is shocking is that despite Lucky Mulusa hailing from the Province, he has not taken advantage of his position to help speed up the works like he has done in other districts.

It was under Steven Masumba, Nathaniel Mubukwanu, Dawson Kafwaya and now Danny Chingimbu as provincial Ministers, there is still nothing to write home about.

Despite the claims of the town being the New Copperbelt! There is nothing close to that as the actual Copperbelt that has massively benefited from government’s road projects.

The Mines in the two Districts are the largest Copper Producers in the country but still no one bothers to have the road improved to better standards.

“It is a death trap, driving through the road put me under serious fear as to whether I would be home alive or not, the road is too bumpy” one of the travelers said.

“Its the issue of commitment, the Kitwe-Ndola dual carriage way and Kitwe-Chingola dual carriage way, how long have they taken? You can still see progress within 2 years, but for Solwezi after four years,the only difference is creation of detour roads and drainages and what is that!” He added.

Economic Activities in Solwezi have been delayed due to the slow pace at which the contractors are working on the road.

Politicizing the construction of the Solwezi-Chingola Road will be the worst thing government would be making as the current situation puts the ruling party at a risk of losing votes.

Lucky Mulusa the former Solwezi Central Member of Parliament protested in 2012 by taking a walk from Chingola to Solwezi accompanied by Former Transport and Communications Minister Sarah Sayifwanda due to the poor state of the road.

However, what is shocking is that despite Mulusa hailing from the Province, he has not taken advantage of his position to help speed up the works like he has done in other districts.

Government needs to urgently wake up and sort the Solwezi Chingola Road to maximize economic benefits to the national treasury.