Current Issue
Transcription
Current Issue
Zambia Weekly ... for busy people Week 12 │ 20 March 2015 │ Issue 224 │ Volume 6 │ w w w.zambia-week ly.com │ FREE DStv prices to increase Multichoice has announced that prices of DStv will increase (see table) – causing a public outcry. There were talks of boycotting the digital TV provider, complete with an online petition calling for rates to be Kwachanised in Zambia: “The company needs to find a way to prepare their books of accounts in Kwacha, and find ways to hedge against foreign exchange losses. There is a need for them to understand the unstable environment and deal with it in a proper manner,” the petition read. Exactly, retorted Multichoice: “Every year in April we revise our rates due to escalating cost of doing business, the rising cost of purchasing new content and rental of channels. We also have to pay for satellite space, and all our partners have increased the cost,” MultiChoice Zambia Spokesperson Mwika Malindima said. Nevertheless, Information and Broadcasting Minister Chishimba Kambwili said government had summoned Multichoice “to address the complaints”. Multichoice General Manager Simon Bota was unfazed. He told ZNBC that the weakening Kwacha was to blame as the company’s operating costs are largely in foreign denomination. When asked whether Multichoice would reduce its prices in the event of an appreciation of the Kwacha, he hesitated according to the Post. Bota also dismissed an allegation that Zambia had the highest prices in the region, explaining that Multichoice has three markets, including South Africa, Nigeria and the general market into which Zambia falls. That prices are lower in South Africa is due to “issues of taxation, law enforcement levels and piracy”. In the general market, however, Zambia is fairly priced. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission pointed out the obvious: that Multichoice is enjoying a near-monopoly in the digital TV market in Zambia. This week in 10 1. U-turn on constitution? Government is now planning to hold a referendum on the new constitution alongside next year’s general elections Page 5 2. Lungu undergoes medical procedure President Lungu has returned to office after undergoing an unspecified “medical procedure in theatre” for his Achalasia Page 3 3. Fuel shortage: Who’s to blame? President Lungu is considering a criminal inquiry into the current fuel shortage Page 5 4. ZAWA is no more The Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) will be turned into the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Page 8 5. Nchito tribunal to go ahead Judge Mwila Chitabo has lifted his own stay on the tribunal set to investigate Director of Public Prosecutions Mutembo Nchito Page 9 6. DStv prices to increase Petition: https://www.change.org/p/multichoice-zambia-standardise-subscription-ratesin-zambia - 2,600 signatures Multichoice has announced that prices of DStv will increase – causing a public outcry Page 1 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zambians-Against-high-DSTVrates/423448054487441 - 10,500 likes 7. The media’s political allegiances Subscription price April April April July 2014* April Latest increase Latest increase in 2012 2013 2014 2015 in Kwacha USD (@ K7.6 / USD) Premium $77 $79 $82 K521 ($82) K631 21% 1% Compact Plus $50 $50 $53 K337 ($53) K413 23% 2% Compact $30 $30 $32 K203 ($32) K248 22% 3% Family $20 $20 $20 K127 ($20) K158 24% 5% Access $10 $10 $10 K64 ($10) K83 30% 10% PVR/ Xtra view Access fee $10 $10 $10 K64 ($10) K79 21% 0% * In July 2014, Multichoice changed from quoting its prices in USD to Kwacha, using an exchange rate at the time of K6.35 per USD Mealie meal prices drop again Government has announced a further reduction in the maximum wholesale price for mealie meal from K61 to K56 per 25 kg bag of breakfast meal, and from K44 to K37 for roller meal. Last month, government reduced the prices by about K4 per bag. Agriculture and Livestock Minister Given Lubinda told parliament that the latest reduction has been made possible by the Food Reserve Agency offloading maize to millers at a subsidised price of K65 per 50 kg bag (FRA bought the maize at K70 per bag). He also appealed to retailers across the country to stick to the recommended retail margin of K3 per 25 kg bag to ensure that retail prices will stay below K59 for breakfast meal and K40 for roller meal. An overview of the current positions of the political stand of the main players in the press (printed and online) Page 8 8. Fitch revises outlook to stable The international rating agency has downgraded its economic outlook for Zambia from ‘positive’ to ‘stable’ Page 2 9. Zambians to run Collum? A Zambian consortium is planning to put in a bid for the mothballed Collum Coal Mine in Sinazongwe Page 6 10. Mulungushi Rock is not in Kabwe Authorities have pointed out that the famous Mulungushi Rock of Authority is placed in Kapiri Mposhi Page 10 2 │ News Editor’s note Fitch revises outlook from positive to stable It says something about our dependency on TV that one of this week’s main stories was that Multichoice is hiking its prices (see front page). I am still to make up my mind on whether to laugh or cry in response to the strong reactions. Even government felt the need to threaten to intervene. Honestly! We are talking TV subscriptions. Not mealie meal. Not electricity. Satellite TV is not a necessity. It is a luxury beyond the means of most people. If the price is too high, don’t pay. Perhaps it will even make us happier? I have just read about an American study which showed that teenagers are two-and-a-half times more likely to experience elevated enjoyment when engaged in a hobby than when watching TV, and three times more likely when playing a sport. Yet, these teenagers spend four times as many hours watching TV as they do engaging in sports or hobbies. Maybe Multichoice is doing us a favour by giving us an excuse to spend less time slouching on the sofa watching TV? The international rating agency, Fitch Ratings, has affirmed its sovereign credit rating for Zambia, maintaining a ‘B’ for the country’s long-term foreign and local currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDR) – but has downgraded its economic outlook from ‘positive’ to ‘stable’. The agency noted that “policy coherence and credibility are weak”, referring to changes to the VAT regime and mining taxes in particular. “Although the government has committed to negotiate with mining companies, changing the tax regime without adequate consultation has resulted in significant uncertainty in the sector and contributed towards a delay in foreign investment”. Fitch also pointed out that “Zambia’s vulnerability to external shocks has increased” due to falling copper prices and declining foreign exchange reserves. “With the current account recording a deficit for the second consecutive year in 2015, Fitch expects the authorities to seek between $600 million and $1 billion in external concessional funding”. Yet, the agency pointed out that government debt is low at 30.5% of GDP, against 46.8% of its B-rated peers. Zambia is also rated by Standard and Poor’s (B+ negative) and Moody’s (B1 stable). MMD MP duly elected The Supreme Court has declared MMD Chitambo MP Mushili Malama duly elected in the 2011 general elections. PF’s losing candidate Chanda Mutale had petitioned the election. MMD to renew its policies The MMD has held a Policy Conference aimed at renewing the party’s policies in line with changing times to culminate in the 2016 MMD Manifesto. Allegedly the conference had 300 participants, which submitted its resolutions to the party’s National Executive Committee for approval. No more RB T-shirts! The Kwacha continues to slide The Kwacha has continued to set new records for how low it can go. Currently, it is trading above K7.6 per US dollar, and some commentators predicted that the Kwacha will drop to K8 per US dollar, while others said it will strengthen towards the end of the month on the back of dollar inflow. President Lungu swore in new Bank of Zambia Governor Denny Kalyalya, directing him to stabilise the depreciating Kwacha. Lavish birthday present for GBM PF Kasama MP and former Defence Minister Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba (GBM) has been given a $260,000 Mercedes Benz for his 56th birthday by his wife and children. The car will be based in South Africa, as GBM (picture) has allegedly moved his major businesses to that country. Last week, the ruling PF expelled GBM for refusing to campaign for President Lungu ahead of the presidential by-election in January. GBM has gone to court to block his expulsion. Last year, GBM bought his wife a $200,000 Range Rover for Valentine’s Day. GBM is a successful businessman running local companies such as Germins Motorways (buses), GBM Milling (milling) and Arizona Marketing and Distribution (transport). The MMD has allegedly banned its members from wearing T-shirts, chitenge and other party materials bearing the portrait of former Rupiah Banda in an attempt at consolidating the power of party president Nevers Mumba. Expelled MMD Lusaka Province Chairman Watson Mtonga warned Mumba that the MMD would perish under his leadership, reported the Daily Nation. The party is gripped by an internal power struggle since before the presidential byelection in January. No food security in Zambia Zambia has recorded a slight improvement of 1.7 points on the 2014 Global Food Security Index to 32.6 points out of 100, but maintained its 98th position out of 109 countries. The index is released by the Economist Intelligence Unit. . Where one smile starts another 3 │ L u n g u ’s h e a l t h Lungu undergoes medical procedure President Lungu upon arrival from South Africa. He told the media that he was “very fit” and/or “much better now”, depending on reports ! Quotes President Lungu has returned to office after undergoing an unspecified “medical procedure in theatre” for his Achalasia (see Fact Box) at an unspecified hospital in Pretoria, South Africa. The procedure was carried out on 13 March, and Lungu was discharged the following day, suggesting that it was a simple procedure. The reoccurrence of the condition resulted in Lungu collapsing on Women’s Day on 8 March, leading to all sorts of speculations about his health. Government has however been proactive in providing regular updates on his condition. Lungu is supposed to return for a medical review in a few weeks’ time. “ Zambia does not have a problem with voter apathy; it has a challenge with voter fatigue. Show me a country that has over 32 by-elections in 3 years and I will show you a fatigued electorate. UPND Deputy Secretary General for Politics Kuchunga Simusamba on the ongoing debate about holding a referendum on the constitution (statement). Achalasia Achalasia is a rare disease in which the muscles of the lower oesophagus (food pipe) are unable to open. As a result, patients find it difficult to swallow food, drinks and even saliva. Complications include lung infections and weight loss. Treatments include oral medications (short-term relief), forceful dilation or tearing of the oesophagus by suddenly inflating a balloon placed in the throat (quick but less successful than surgery), surgery to cut the muscles (more successful than dilation, but still risk of recurrence – and risk of subsequent acid reflux) and injection of muscle-relaxing medicines such as Botox into the oesophagus (quick and non-surgical but effects last only for months). $8,000 bounty on robber caught on camera South Africa is still to capture the last of the four men involved in the mugging of South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) contributing editor Vuyo Mvoko – recorded on live camera (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDCrp5wjr1s). Mvoko’s news team was waiting for President Lungu outside Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg, when the assailants struck. Three of the robbers have been arrested, while police have issued a R100,000 (about $8,000) reward for information leading to the capture of the fourth. HO M E I S W H E R E T H E I R H E A RT S A R E The president did not collapse. It was the narrowing of the food pipe that led to a low sugar condition that made him feel sick, he didn’t faint, he felt sick. The sugar level was so low, and he was unable to proceed with the procession, and he felt dizzy and weak. President Lungu’s spokesman Amos Chanda telling the BBC that Lungu did not collapse on Women’s Day (Lusaka Times 13). Until our economy improves significantly, it will remain a huge challenge for government to provide free education up to tertiary levels. Education Minister Michael Kaingu calling off any plans for provision of free higher education (Lusaka Times 14). Africa is a piece of art pinned on the minds and consciences of art lovers. Those with money and capacity to buy the paint and pay the painters are the ones who have presented today’s image of Africa to the world. Whoever writes your introduction defines you and limits you according to the introduction; Africa has been introduced by others. It is time that Africa printed her own business cards. It is time Africa wrote her own books. It is time for Africa to sing her own songs and paint her own picture. Opposition MMD President Nevers Mumba speaking at Global Business Roundtable annual conference in Johannesburg (Lusaka Times 14). Thousands of skilled Africans living overseas want to return home. Hundreds of businesses in Africa have vacancies and opportunities. By bridging the gap, Homecoming Revolution plays a major role in the Africa success story. In fact, in South Africa alone, for every skilled person that returns home, 9 new jobs are created. That’s something worth supporting, don’t you think? Pam Golding Properties proudly announces our exclusive real estate partnership with Homecoming Revolution. We will accordingly be presenting our Zambian and African Property Portfolios at Speed Meet Africa, taking place in London on Friday 20th andSaturday 21st March 2015 at Olympia. This interactive two-day event will facilitate the introduction of ourselves to over 1000 attendees, many of them UK-based Africans, and will include presentations and workshops on ‘Buying property in Africa’. Please contact us on 0211 253 420 for more details on this prestigious event. RICA SPEED MEET AFRICA ia Confer n C n r | 20 21 LONDON | Olympia Conference Centre | 20 21 Ma ch 2015 What comes into your mind when you hear or see the name #Team7500? o Is it a rugby team? o Or is it a political party? o Why are youths so excited about #Team7500. o o o o Who is behind it ? And who runs it ? Too many unanswered questions. Someone has to explain ! Well here are the ANSWERS! #Team7500 is A NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATION AND Charity Registered in Zambia. #Team7500’s main agenda is to spearhead development in Zambia; led by the youths but our benefits are for all age groups. Currently we are involved in the following developmental projects county-wide o o o o o o o o o o The Clean Zambia 150 Campaign, where we sweep clean all the 150 constituencies. The Educate Zambia 150 Free Tuition Programme, where we provide free tuitions to selected grades. The Empowerment Fund, where we provide loans to our members. The Computerise Zambia 150 Fund, tizens where we give computer literacy to our citizens. The Reforestation Programme, where we plant trees to bring back our forests. The Economic Redirection Programme to boost Agriculture and Tourism. The Elevation of the Female Gender Campaign. The Diaspora Remember Mother Zambia 150 Campaign, where we call for all Zambians living abroad to bring back their skill. The anti-Voter Apathy Campaign: to educate all Zambians on the importance of voting. The Fight against Tribalism and Regionalism: The One Zambia, One Nation campaign. MEMBERSHIP TO #Team7500 We have two types of membership; Paid and Non Paid. All our leaders must be paid-up members and leaders’ subscriptions differ depending on the level of leadership that one is at. General and ordinary membership is standard at K100 per person per annum (year). #Team7500 is a charity headed by a NATIONAL Directorate. The most senior leader of #Team7500 is the National Director who is also the International President of #Team7500 International. We have global offices in USA, UK, Australia, Botswana, South Africa, Canada, China, Thailand, DR Congo and Namibia. In Zambia we have representation in all the 10 Provinces headed by Provincial Directors who are paired into two and they fall under Regional Directors. Then we have District and Constituency Directorates, all headed by a Director with 65 management members. #Team7500 is everywhere, growing FAST and FURIOUS ! #Team7500 is the world’s fastest growing Youth Led charity and development organization set to change and impact lifestyle in ZAMBIA and Africa. For anyone to enjoy the benefits associated, they must be a registered and paid-up member | akuna_KULAMBWAZA ! Please, Join Today Plot No. 2709 Sheki Sheki Road | Light Industrial Area off Great North Road Emmasdale. Cell: 0966 969 851 | Email: [email protected] Web: www.team7500.com 5 │ News Fuel shortage: Who’s to blame? Image: Zambia Voice President Lungu has “taken charge” of the current fuel shortage, ordering “a short-term intervention to secure immediate supply”, while he examines other options, “including a criminal inquiry” , read an overview of resolutions from a cabinet meeting. The short-term intervention allegedly referred to Lungu ordering the Finance and Energy Ministries to devise a financing plan to allow a ship in Dar es Salaam to immediately off-load its crude oil. Last week, Indeni Petroleum Refinery shut down due to lack of feedstock, as Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda had not authorised a letter of credit to be issued to the supplier. Meanwhile Energy Minister Christopher Yaluma reiterated that there was enough fuel in Zambia, accusing some oil marketing companies of hoarding fuel. The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) was therefore ordered to assess the quantity of fuel available at oil marketing companies and filling stations to flush out any suspected hoarders. In addition, the Energy Ministry was ordered to examine the current fuel supply contract, and ensure that it is terminated if breaches are discovered. The fuel supply contracts (see Fact Box) are shrouded in secrecy, as pointed out by the Daily Nation, which keeps on being sent back and forth between the Energy Ministry and the ERB in its attempts at getting some answers. The story got more muddled when it came to the criminal inquiry. According to the resolutions, Lungu had expressed dissatisfaction with the explanations given by a “range of stakeholders” in the fuel supply chain. He had noted that some individuals “have deliberately worked to sabotage fuel supply for purposes of financial and political gain”, but would “involve all the necessary government departments and agencies to bring about a definitive end to the recurrent fuel shortage”. Lungu also regretted that “some individuals conspired” to fix the price of fuel at excessive levels after the death of President Sata, but ensured the public that “criminal and administrative proceedings will take effect accordingly”. In addition, he warned that he had taken note of “schemes by some people to disrupt the supply chain of essential commodities so that they can profit from the ensuing crisis”. Government did not specify the “range of stakeholders”, the “some individuals” or the “some people”, but opposition Rainbow party president Wynter Kabimba accused the PF of being as corrupt as the MMD when buying oil (see Fact Box). Government shot back: “If Mr Kabimba has information and knows the people who are corrupt, the best he can do is to report them to the police or come to us. Maybe he is talking from experience? I remember very well that he was mentioned in some oil deal when he was a minister. It seems he has a lot of experience in that area of corruption,” stated Chief Government Spokesman Chishimba Kambwili. The fuel shortage first spread from Lusaka to other parts of the country, resulting in the brief upsurge of a lucrative black market, before the shortage started easing off. ! Fuel supply contracts One of the first things President Sata did in office was to set up a commission of inquiry to look into fuel supply in Zambia. The commission found that the previous MMD government had lost K2 billion to “malpractices” in petroleum supply contracts from 2007 and 2011, reportedly caused by middlemen. The MMD had single-sourced several companies, including Dalbit Petroleum of Kenya, Addax Energy of Switzerland and Independent Petroleum Group of Kuwait. Yet, the PF government soon got bogged down in its own malpractices. In 2012, it awarded a one-year contract for supply of crude oil to Gunvor of Singapore and another for supply of petrol and diesel to Trafigura of South Africa. Several of the losing bidders complained, pointing out that Trafigura was not the cheapest bidder. Rumours had it that then PF Secretary General and Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba’s company, Midlands Oil Marketing Company, had benefitted, which led to the Anti-Corruption Commission considering – but dropping – investigating Kabimba: “The position really is that the allegations did not establish... were not substantiated, and as such the inquiries were discontinued. The issue is closed,” stated ACC spokesman Timothy Moono in April 2013. In 2013, government awarded the supply of diesel to Dalbit, despite having blacklisted Dalbit upon the recommendation of the commission of inquiry. Under Dalbit’s last contract with MMD, a 2-year contract signed in April 2009, and brokered by former President Banda’s son Henry, the company was contracted to supply 84,000 cubic metres of diesel annually, despite being more expensive than the lowest bidder, but later the volume increased to 155,000 cubic metres without lawful justification, and Dalbit was overpaid $101.4 million. In addition, Kabimba claimed that Dalbit had tried to bribe him when awarding contracts in 2012. The Post suggested that “the short-term intervention” referred to by President Lungu is to give more contracts to Dalbit to get rid of Trafigura. Government u-turns on Constitution? Government has seemingly u-turned on the Constitution after cabinet decided to amend Section 3 (1) of the Referendum Act of 1967 to align it with Article 79 (3) of the Constitution. “The inconsistency is that the Constitution requires 50% of persons entitled to be registered as voters to vote in a referendum, while the Referendum Act provides for all persons registered as voters in a Referendum to vote,” stated acting Government Spokesman Vincent Mwale. The aim is to pave the way for holding a referendum alongside next year’s general elections, Chief Government Spokesman Chishimba Kambwili stated. Despite promising a new constitution within 90 days of assuming office in 2011, the PF government has been dilly-dallying ever since, including claims to not have money for a promised referendum on the new Constitution. The opposition UPND party warned people not to get excited, pointing out that the PF has broken many of its promises when it comes to the Constitution. Section 3 (1) of the Referendum Act: All persons who at the time of a referendum are registered as voters and entitled to vote at elections to the National Assembly shall be entitled to vote in the referendum. Article 79 (3) of the Constitution: A bill for the alteration of Part III of this Constitution or of this Article shall not be passed unless before the first reading of the bill in the National Assembly it has been put to a National referendum with or without amendment by not less than 50% of persons entitled to be registered as voters for the purposes of presidential and parliamentary elections. Police car stoned in Barotseland A police car has been stoned after three Barotse activists appeared in the High Court in Mongu for publication of false news with intent to cause fear or alarm to the public. Western Province Chief Stanwell Lungu said the car was stoned by the activists’ alleged supporters. In August 2014, the three activists (Nayoto Mwenda, Boris Muziba and Sikwibele Wasilota) were sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, but appealed to the High Court. They were advocating for secession of Barotseland. The High Court in Lusaka recently declared the ‘publication of false news’ charge unconstitutional. 17 PSs in 17 years Luapula Province has had 17 Permanent Secretaries (PSs) since 1998, when Senior Chief Mwata Kazembe of the Lunda People came to the province. He appealed to government to allow the PSs to complete their terms in order to foster meaningful development in the impoverished province. Luapula Province is not unique. PSs, ministers and their deputies are being regularly re-shuffled in most portfolios. 6 │ Business Zambians to run Collum? Nakonde closed Civilstrust Consortium Limited has teamed up with 10 Zambian experts to put in a bid for Nkandabwe Coal Mines (formerly Collum Coal Mine) in Sinazongwe, reported the Post. Government closed down the mine in February 2013, after cancelling the former owners’ three mining licences due to “a poor safety, health and environmental record”. The former owners, a group of Chinese investors, sued government, which in the meantime had handed over the mine to ZCCM-IH. Last year, following a prolonged argument over the value of the mine’s assets, the former owners were allowed to remove core assets. Since the mine closed down, it has struggled with flooding in some shafts and fires in others, while ZCCM-IH has had to retain all workers on the payroll at a reported cost of K1 2 million per month. Civilstrust Chairman Peter Kapala explained that the consortium is also partnering with Civilstrust Consulting Engineers of Zambia, RSV Enco of South Africa and Tetra Tech of UK. Sun International disposes of African assets Minor International of Thailand has bought key stakes in eight properties owned by Sun International, including 80% of its interests in Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland (Gaborone Sun, Kalahari Sands, Lesotho Sun, Maseru Sun, Royal Swazi and Ezulwini Sun) and 50% of its Zambian interests (Royal Livingstone and Zambezi Sun). The collective net purchase consideration amounts to 664 million Rand (about $54 million), as well as the face value of any shareholder loans. Sun International would like more room to consider capital investment opportunities elsewhere. Minor International operates more than 110 hotels, resorts and serviced suites in 19 countries, including Anantara, AVANI, Per AQUUM, Oaks, Elewana, Four Seasons, Marriott, St. Regis and Minor International. Dangote to start up this month Dangote Industries will commission its $400 million cement plant in Masaiti on the Copperbelt by the end of March. The start-up of operations has been delayed by flooding and by an outstanding permit from the Zambia Environmental Management Agency. Meanwhile, Dangote is on track to commence the construction of an identical plant in Chilanga on the outskirts of Lusaka. Nakonde Border Post in Muchinga Province has been temporarily closed following unrest in Tanzania, where supporters of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party and the main opposition Chadema party clashed over a piece of land in Tunduma. Tanzanian police fought running battles with the warring factions for the best part of a day before the unrest was under control. The closed border resulted in a temporary halt in fuel supply, as all fuel tankers were stopped about 10 kilometres before Tunduma to prevent them from being gutted. According to the Times of Zambia, about 500 trucks and 100 cars were marooned in Tanzania, in a queue stretching for more than eight kilometres. Zambia to become a major coffee producer again? Northern Coffee Corporation Limited is slowly revamping one of Zambia’s old coffee estates, Kasama Coffee. The company has invested over $30 million in four coffee estates (Kateshi, Ngoli, Luombe and Insanya) in Northern Province, involving a total of 1,300 hectares of coffee, and is looking for more land to expand – and a more stable ZESCO supply. This came to light during a visit by government officials at the Kateshi Estate. ! Kasama Coffee Kasama Coffee was set up by the UNIP government in 1978 as a World Bank-funded project. It was managed by the parastatal RUCOM (Rural Community) Industries until 1984, when another parastatal, Zambia Coffee Company Limited (ZCCL), took over. Initially comprising Ngoli and Kateshi estates north of Kasama, ZCCL added Isanya in Mbala. In 1997, ZCCL was privatised and became part of African Plantations Company (APC). In 2002, APC was sold to Rift Valley Holdings, which changed the name to Kasama Coffee Company. The company went into receivership in the aftermath of the global recession in 2008. In 2013, Olam International Limited of Singapore bought Kasama Coffee Company, changing its name to Northern Coffee Corporation Limited. At its peak, in 2004, Kasama Coffee produced one-third of Zambia’s 6,000 tonnes of coffee. In 2010, Zambia produced 1,250 tonnes of coffee. Zambia is generally considered to be one of the most overlooked countries in the specialty coffee industry. No more compensation to pig farmers Swine fever has re-emerged in Lusaka and Chilanga Districts, but government will not compensate farmers whose pigs are slaughtered as a result of being infected, stated the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. The current outbreak of swine fever was first detected in Lusaka Province in November 2013. Government had to “depopulate” over 12,000 pigs and clamp down on the slaughter and movement of pigs and pork products. Despite this, the outbreak spread to Southern Province (contained) and later to Northwestern Province (not contained). Initially, government went to great lengths to compensate farmers affected by depopulation. This is the third major outbreak of swine fever in Zambia. The disease also hit the country in 1994 and 2004. tŚŽ ŝƐ ŚŝƌŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ƚŚĂƚ zKh ŶĞĞĚ͍ WƌĞĐŝƐŝŽŶ ZĞĐƌƵŝƚŵĞŶƚ /ŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů ;W͘Z͘/Ϳ ƉƌŝĚĞƐ ŝƚƐĞůĨ ŝŶ ŽīĞƌŝŶŐ Ă ƐƵƉĞƌŝŽƌ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƚƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĂůŝƐƚ ƚĂůĞŶƚ ǁŝƚŚ ůĞĂĚŝŶŐ ĞŵƉůŽLJĞƌƐ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ Ăůů ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ͘ KƵƌ ƚĞĂŵ ƉŽƐƐĞƐƐĞƐ Ă ĚĞƚĞƌŵŝŶĂƟŽŶ ƚŽ ďĞ ƚŚĞ ďĞƐƚ ĂŶĚ ĂďŽǀĞ Ăůů ƚŽ ŽďƚĂŝŶ Ă ƉƌŽǀĞŶ ƚƌĂĐŬ ƌĞĐŽƌĚ ŽĨ ƐƵĐĐĞƐƐ͘ KƵƌ ƌĞĐƌƵŝƚŵĞŶƚ ĞdžƉĞƌƟƐĞ ƐƉĂŶƐ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ Ăůů ŝŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĞƐ ĂŶĚ ǁĞ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ ĞdžĐĞƉƟŽŶĂů ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƟĞƐ ĨŽƌ ĐĂƌĞĞƌ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ƉƌŽƐƉĞƌŝƚLJ͘ tĞ ŚĂǀĞ ĐŽŶƐŝƐƚĞŶƚ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ ǁŝƚŚ ŐƌŽǁŝŶŐ ŝŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĞƐ ŝŶ ĂŵďŝĂ ĂŶĚ ƚŚŝƐ ƉƵƚƐ W͘Z͘/ ŝŶ Ă ƉŽƐŝƟŽŶ ŽĨ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚ ƚŽ ĂĚǀŝƐĞ͕ ĞŶĐŽƵƌĂŐĞ ĂŶĚ ĨĂĐŝůŝƚĂƚĞ ƚŚĞ ĞŵƉůŽLJŵĞŶƚ ƉƌŽĐĞƐƐ ĨŽƌ ĐĂŶĚŝĚĂƚĞƐ ĂŶĚ ĐůŝĞŶƚƐ ĂůŝŬĞ͘ WĞŽƉůĞ ĂƌĞ Ă ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ Ɛ ŵŽƐƚ ǀĂůƵĂďůĞ ĂƐƐĞƚ ƐŽ ůĞƚ ƵƐ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ LJŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ƚŚĞ ^d ƉĞŽƉůĞ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ LJŽƵ͊ ͙͘͘ůů LJŽƵ ŶĞĞĚ ƚŽ ĚŽ ŝƐ ƚŚĞ ŝŶƚĞƌǀŝĞǁ͊ tĞď͗ ǁǁǁ͘ƉƌŝĐŽŶƐƵůƚĂŶƚƐ͘ĐŽŵ ൟ ŵĂŝů͗ ƌƚŚŽƌŶĞΛƉƌŝĐŽŶƐƵůƚĂŶƚƐ͘ĐŽŵ | DŽďŝůĞ͗ нϮϲϬ ϵϲϴ ϵϳϱ ϵϲϰ Harare | Lusaka | Maputo 8 │ News ZAWA is no more The Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) has been abolished in the face of operational challenges. ZAWA will instead revert to becoming the Department of National Parks and Wildlife under the Ministry of Tourism and Arts, not the Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. The transformation will be effected through an Act of Parliament, with the Zambia Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2015 to be tabled in parliament in June 2015, according to a statement from the Ministry of Tourism and Arts. In the transitional period, ZAWA will remain a body corporate with powers and functions under the Zambia Wildlife Act of 1998. Minister of Tourism and Arts Jean Kapata told parliament that the ZAWA’s operational challenges were driven by lack of funds. Allegedly, ZAWA owes statutory institutions such as the Zambia Revenue Authority and the National Pension Scheme Authority K8.1 billion and has failed to pay salaries for months. “The limited revenue generation capacity of the institution implies that even if government was to assist ZAWA to pay off its statutory debt, the institution would still fall back into a debt trap,” Kapata stated. ZAWA has also failed to pay communities their share of wildlife revenue, meaning that it has lost the confidence of its key partners in wildlife management, Kapata added. With the transformation into a government department, government is supposed to assist funding ZAWA, while a plan to dismantle ZAWA’s debt is being implemented. ! ZAWA The Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) was established in 1998 under the Zambia Wildlife Act of 1998. It replaced the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in the Ministry of Tourism. The NPWS had been in existence since 1970, but was faced with the same financial and operational challenges as many other government departments. Accordingly, the European Union (EU) pushed for the establishment of ZAWA. It was believed that an autonomous body would be able to efficiently, effectively and sustainably manage Zambia’s wildlife estate for the benefit of communities in particular. The EU promised to provide 12 million Euros annually until sustainability was achieved, but it pulled out after Zambia disagreed with some aid conditions, and government failed to fill the void. As a result, ZAWA has been crippled financially. Instead of improving wildlife management, stories of ineptitude, nepotism and tender irregularities surfaced. ZAWA manages 20 national parks, 36 game management areas, 2 wildlife sanctuaries and 1 bird sanctuary. However, only parks with some private involvement are seemingly functioning, and South Luangwa is the only park which is self-sustaining – after more than 25 years of consistent funding from cooperating partners. Most of the national parks are completely abandoned with no wildlife or trees. Currently there are 1,250 wildlife scouts against a requirement of 3,500. A lot of ivory! The Zambia Wildlife Authority is sitting on “8,585 pieces of ivory weighing 34.8 tonnes as of September 2009 to September 2010”, and “11,220 pieces weighing 46.4 tonnes as of October 2010 to December 2014”, according to Deputy Tourism Minister Patrick Ngoma, quoted in the Times of Zambia. Australia bans lion trophies Australia has banned the import and export of lion trophies from hunting in a protest against “canned” hunting mostly taking place in South Africa, where “hunters” can shoot lions in enclosures, reported the Livingstone bi-Weekly. OVERVIEW: The media’s political allegiances The shifting political stand of the press can be confusing at the best of times. Here is an overview of the current positions of the main players (printed and online): Daily Mail and Times of Zambia are as ever faithful to government, irrespective of whichever party is in power. Villains turn to heroes, and vice versa, in these two newspapers whenever Zambia elects a new government. Despite government again and again ensuring that the public media is free to publish what they want, the two government-owned newspapers find it safer to tow the line most of the time. The Post started out as an anti-government newspaper, which initially meant anti-MMD. When its patron, PF’s Michael Sata, assumed power in 2011, Zambia all of a sudden stood without an opposition newspaper, as the Post joined the Daily Mail and Times of Zambia in praise of government. Things began to sour when then Justice and Defence Minister Wynter Kabimba was fired in August 2014, and the Post stuck with Kabimba through the power struggle in the PF, opposing Edgar Lungu, who won the struggle and proceeded to become Zambia’s current president. The Post is therefore back where it begun: rabidly opposing government. It has been owned by Fred M’membe since its beginning in 1991. The Daily Nation was started in 2012 in the vacuum left by the Post turning pro-government. Initially it was against the PF government, but a few law suits later, and the newspaper mellowed into a relatively balanced source of news. Today its editorial content is mostly coloured by its stand against the Cartel (see Fact Box), in effect making it pro-government in some aspects and pro-UPND in others. It is owned by Richard Sakala with a political background in MMD. The online Zambian Watchdog is continuing its crusade to cause as much damage to government as possible. Not stepping back from using one-source rumours and hearsay, the online publication is sometimes publishing false allegations, sometimes the first with the news such as when it kept us up to date on the ups and mostly downs of the health of the late President Sata. It was started in 2009 by Lloyd Himaambo, allegedly funded by UPND’s Hakainde Hichilema, and remains staunchly anti-government, which also gives the impression that it has taken a liking to at least some members of the Cartel. The Zambia Reports, which together with the Zambian Watchdog used to constitute two peas in a pod always criticising government, has now divorced its former partner. The Zambia Reports is now passionately against the UPND, and has in the process become pro-government. In addition, it has maintained a strong stand against the Cartel and Finance Bank Chairman Rajan Mahtani in particular. Lusaka Times is one of the most reliable online sources of news in Zambia. It was started with donor money in 1999 in the form of Lusaka Information Dispatch, but operations were suspended in 2002, only to restart as www.lusakatimes.com in 2007. It is run by “a number of people distributed around the world”. ! The Cartel There is a lot of talk about a so-called Cartel these days. Politicians, political commentators and the media are all referring to it. The Cartel is allegedly in opposition to PF President Edgar Lungu. The following people have all been accused of having connections to the Cartel, including former Vice-President Guy Scott, Former PF Defence/ Justice Minister and Secretary General and current opposition Rainbow Party President Wynter Kabimba, owner of the Post Newspapers Fred M’membe, Director of Public Prosecutions Mutembo Nchito, his brother State Counsel Nchima Nchito, and Finance Bank Chairman Rajan Mahtani. We hasten to add that this does not mean that these people belong to the Cartel, or that the Cartel actually exists. 9 │ Nchito Nchito tribunal to go ahead ! The tribunal appointed by President Lungu to investigate Director of Public Prosecutions Mutembo Nchito has been sworn in, after High Court Judge Mwila Chitabo u-turned on his earlier decision to stay the tribunal. Last week, President Lungu Chief Justice Irene Mambilima (centre) flanked by what she suspended Nchito and appointed deemed “the best and most experienced legal brains” in the form a tribunal to inquire into his alof tribunal members Justices Enerst Sakala, Annel Silungwe, Matthew Ngulube and Matthews Zulu leged misconduct (see Fact Box). However, Judge Chitabo stayed both the suspension and the tribunal, granting Nchito leave to apply for judicial review to determine the constitutionality of the tribunal. yet, he changed his mind after hearing the State: “I wish to state that the ex-parte order has been vacated as indicated above, not because of threats and intimidation by the PF Secretary General but on the binding doctrine of stare decisis,” Judge Chitabo said, using the Latin term to refer to a precedent set by the Supreme Court that judicial review cannot be used to curtail proceedings of a tribunal because they are investigative in nature. The tribunal was duly sworn in. It includes three former chief justices, namely Annel Silungwe (chair), Mathew Ngulube and Ernest Sakala, and is aided by Secretary Mathew Zulu. Lungu has appointed Lillian Shawa Siyuni as acting Director of Public Prosecutions. UPND MP Cornelius Mweetwa wondered whether Nchito would get a fair hearing, claiming that both Matthews Ngulube and Ernest Sakala should have declared interest in the matter due to “unfinished business” with Nchito. Initially, government announced that the tribunal would be closed to the media and members of the public, but later changed its mind. Hearings will take place at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka. They will commence on 1 April. Did she also steal the properties? The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has apparently asked Tanzania to extradite former Deputy High Commissioner to the UK Eva Fundafunda for alleged theft of title deeds for three of Zambia’s properties in London. Fundafunda had reportedly removed the title deeds from the safe at the high commission and taken them home, but they were stolen when Fundafunda was recalled in 2013 to be posted as ambassador to China. Instead, Fundafunda sought asylum in Tanzania for fear of being prosecuted in Zambia over the lost title deeds, stated Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary George Zulu. It was unclear why government was making such a fuss about the title deeds, if they had in fact been stolen, but further details were not provided. Fundafunda was appointed by the late President Sata. , What will the tribunal investigate? 1. Investigate allegations that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has repeatedly abused the authority of his office by indiscriminately entering nolle prosequi in cases in which he is alleged to have an interest of his own to serve, namely: (a) The People versus Shubert Sinkala, despite not seeing the evidence from the complainant; (b) The People versus Hakainde Hichilema, despite knowing that the Attorney General had advised that the state had appealed (in a similar case against the Daily Nation Newspaper) against the judgment of the High Court that declared Section 67 of the Penal Code unconstitutional; (c) The People versus Lameck Phiri; (d) The People versus Rajan Mahtani and John Peter Sangwa (Mahtani’s lawyer). 2. Investigate alleged misconduct or misbehaviour of the DPP whereby on 20 February 2015 the DPP purportedly took over prosecution of a matter before Senior Resident Magistrate Lameck Mwale where the DPP was personally an accused person and proceeded to enter a nolle prosequi in his own case thereby defeating the ends of justice (the Ng’uni case – see left column). 3. Investigate the DPP’s alleged uttering of a false document procured by means of false and fraudulent representation to Supreme Court Judge Gregory Phiri, under Case Number 1998/HP/2097, whereby he inserted and sneaked in two extraneous paragraphs in an order of court, thereby misleading the court. 4. Investigate the DPP’s act of intentional disrespect to judicial proceedings and to High Court Judge Nigel Kalonde Mutuna in particular, between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2012, by walking away from the court. 5. Investigate the allegation that the DPP has taken over matters in which he has a conflict of interest relating to his business partners (Fred M’membe and the Post Newspaper) and Rajan Mahtani (creditor), thereby going against his statement made before the Parliamentary Select Committee of the National Assembly that he would not take over such matters. 6. Investigate allegations that the DPP connived with the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) to plant illicit drugs on Brebner Changala and Agness Kawandami, whereby the DEC swapped de-worming Vermox tablets found in Agness Kawandami’s belongings at Changala’s residence with what was said to be Ecstacy. 7. Investigate the alleged misbehaviour of the DPP whereby on or about 8 May 2013 he purportedly took over the prosecution of his known business allies Fred M’membe and the Post Newspaper without declaring conflict of interest in a matter where a complaint was laid by a private citizen (former President Rupiah Banda) against the duo for contempt of court. 8. Recommend to the president whether the DPP ought to be removed from office for above allegations. 10 │ Background HISTORY: Mulungushi Rock is located in Kapiri Mposhi! Local authorities have pointed out that the famous Mulungushi Rock of Authority is not located in Kabwe District, as widely believed, but in Kapiri Mposhi District. District Commissioner in Kapiri Image: Lowdown Mposhi Beatrice Sikazwe told the Daily Mail that the boundary between Kabwe and Kapiri Mposhi is defined by the Mulungushi River, and Mulungushi Rock of Authority, Mulungushi University and King George VI National College are, therefore, located in Kapiri Mposhi District, as they are north of the river. To be exact, they are located in Mpunde Ward of Kapiri Mposhi. This was confirmed by Kabwe District Commissioner Patrick Chishala, who speculated that the continued misplacement is caused by the site’s political importance (see Fact Box). The general public is however confused by the fact that the rock, university and college were located in Kabwe Rural until 1994, when Kapiri Mposhi District was created. In addition, the institutions are located closer to Kabwe than Kapiri Mposhi, and Mulungushi University still uses a postal address in Kabwe and has a campus in Highridge in Kabwe. ! History Mulungushi Rock of Authority invokes a lot of feelings, as many see it as the birthplace of Zambia. In 1960, the United National Independence Party (UNIP) held its first party conference at Mulungushi Rock. The site north of Broken Hill (today Kabwe) was chosen for its isolation (to avoid the colonial authorities), for its space (to accommodate temporary shelters of about 2,000 participants) and for its closeness to Mulungushi River (to ensure water supply). The conference was an important step towards Zambia attaining independence under the leadership of UNIP. Due to its significance, UNIP continued to use the site for party activities, including significant policy speeches such as the Mulungushi Declaration in 1968. Later the site became known as Mulungushi Rock of Authority, and was used by other parties as well, although most conferences these days take place indoors at the commercial centre of the nearby Mulungushi University. FIGURES: Water permits The Water Resources Management Authority (WRMA) has Province Number of permits publicised an overview of water permits (formerly water Central 150 rights) in Zambia, in the process giving an insight into how Copperbelt 29 development is distributed (see table). All persons who use Eastern 0 water for agricultural purposes or for bulk supply in Zambia 0 require a water permit under the Water Resources Manage- Luapula Lusaka 83 ment Act of 2011. Its predecessor, the Water Act of 1949, Muchinga 0 did not apply to Western Province, Zambezi River, Luapula River, and the part of Luangwa River which constitutes the Northwestern 13 boundary between Zambia and Mozambique. In 2014, the Northern 13 WRMA asked to be notified by all holders of water rights Southern 112 under the 1949 Act to allow the authority to convert them Western 0 into water permits under the 2011 Act. The publicised overview includes the notifications of water rights received by the authority so far. The permits range in volume from 5 m3/day to 230,000 m3/day for individuals, not including water utilities such as Lusaka Water and Sewerage (110,000 m3/ day), large corporations such as Zambia Sugar (888,000 m3/day) and hydropower schemes such as Itezhi Tezhi Power Corporation (18.1 million m3/day). Football in brief Power thrashed in Gabon Power Dynamos has lost 0-4 away to CF Mounana of Gabon in the first leg, first round match of the Confederation Cup, and will have to score five unanswered goals in the return leg in Zambia on 4 April to qualify to the second round. Coach Tenant Chilumba remained confident: “This fixture is not yet over. I know we can still score five goals at home, and sometimes there is an element of luck in football,” he said. To reach the first round, Power eliminated AL Khartoum 2-1 on aggregate. Power won 2-0 in Kitwe but lost 0-1 in Sudan. U20 thrashed in Senegal The U20 Chipolopolo have been kicked out of the 2015 African Youth Championship in Senegal after losing 0-1 to Mali, 1-2 to Ghana and 2-5 to South Africa in Group B. The championship served as a qualifier to the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand. Coach Hector Chilombo said the team would now turn its attention to the 2017 tournament, but commentators were up in arms. They pointed out that the U17 Chipolopolo last month were booted out of the 2015 CAF U17 Cup, while the senior Chipolopolo have been on a downhill slide ever since they won the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. General Kanene leaves jail to sing Musician Clifford Dimba, known as General Kanene, who is serving 18 years for defilement of a 14-year-old girl, performed at this year’s Women’s Day celebrations on 8 March. The Non-Governmental Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) was insulted, pointing out that it went against the day’s theme of ‘Gender is my Agenda; Make it happen’. NGOCC Chairlady Sarak Longwe said: “Instead they didn’t make it happen, they just went the opposite”. The Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM) saw it in another light: ZAM President Njoya Tembo argued that Dimba had reformed, and thanked government for allowing the musician to conduct sensitisation programmes. Dimba was jailed in April 2014. He has appealed to the Supreme Court, but was denied bail. Zambia Weekly Editor-in-chief: Camilla Hebo Buus [email protected] Mobile +260 977 461 877 Advertising Kabili Branding [email protected] Mobile +260 968 469 012 / 969 272 948