The Zambia Land Alliance (ZLA) has expressed concern over the alleged allocation of 10,000 hectares of land to Rwanda by President Hakainde Hichilema.

Alliance Executive Director, Patrick Musole, noted that while the President was legally empowered to allocate land to foreigners, ZLA was troubled by this move given the ongoing challenges Zambians face in acquiring and securing land, as well as issues of land tenure insecurity.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, Musole suggested that the President’s priority should be to ensure all Zambians have secure access and ownership of land.

Read more: Zambia Land Alliance raises concerns over proposed 99 years land lease to Vietnamese investor

“We believe the timing of such actions is particularly problematic when the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has stated that no more statutory land is available in the country,” he pointed out.

He recalled that in May, the President advised chiefs in North Western Province to preserve some land for future generations, rather than allocating it all.

“However, now the President is allocating land to a foreign country, which contradicts his earlier advice,” Musole claimed.

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University of Zambia lecturers have expressed dissatisfaction with government’s release of K206 million Kwacha as partial payment towards the K1.385 billion owed to staff, stating that it is insufficient to address their current situation.

President of the University of Zambia Professional Staff Union (UNZAPROSU), Likezo Pumulo, affirmed that protests would persist until all outstanding payments were settled.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka on Monday, Pumulo stated that intimidation tactics would not silence the voices of the UNZA community. “We shall maintain the status quo,” he asserted.

Read More: UNZA trade unions insist on settlement of K200 million debt before resumption of classes by students

Pumulo also called on the government to present a clear roadmap for clearing the remaining debts.

“We need a clear roadmap on how these debts are going to be cleared,” he insisted.

Pumulo reiterated the urgent need for all lecturers owed money to receive their dues. “We need our money,” he added.

Additionally, he criticised the government’s approach to debt payment, stating, “UNZA dances then others get, let them dance as well.”

Meanwhile, University of Zambia Students Union (UNZASU) Minister of Justice, Layson Lungu, expressed concern over the disruption caused by the protests.

“As students, we are adversely affected by this protest and it should not continue,” he said.

Lungu urged UNZA management and the government to swiftly resolve the issue.

“UNZA management and government should resolve this issue because if we continue being inconvenienced, we will take necessary action as well,” he cautioned.

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Sudanese giants Al Hilal have defeated Zambian Super League Champions, Red Arrows, 5-0 at the ongoing CECAFA Invitational Tournament.

A hat-trick from Adama Coulibaly and a double by Mohamed Abdel Raman gave the Sudanese side a resounding victory.

Read more: Red Arrows set for clash against Nyasa Big Bullets in CAF Champions league preliminary round

The win secures Al Hilal’s place in the next phase of the competition, following their 2-0 win over Djibouti Telkom in their opening game.

Red Arrows, who registered a win over Kenyan side Gor Mahia in their first game, will now face scrutiny ahead of the CAF Champions League after this setback.

Despite the heavy defeat, Red Arrows remain in second position in their group with 3 points.

Red Arrows will conclude the group fixtures on Tuesday, 16 July against Djibouti Telkom at the KMC stadium.

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Publish What You Pay (PWYP) national chairperson, Joseph Chewe, has expressed the civil society consortium’s desire for further debate on the recalled Mineral Authority Bill by President Hakainde Hichilema.

President Hichilema had reportedly sent the Mineral Regulations Commission Bill back to Parliament for reconsideration, refusing to assent to it.

“We received with keen interest the news of the decision by the Head of State to refuse to assent to the Mineral Resources Regulations Commission Bill, which by implication means sending it back to the committee stage in the National Assembly of Zambia,” Chewe said.

In a statement on Thursday, Chewe observed that while this development is provided for in the legal review processes, it presented a bittersweet situation for PWYP.

“It is sweet because the fact that there are a lot of submissions that key stakeholders such as civil society organizations made that were not considered in the final bill is testament to the unsatisfactory nature of consultations that were made,” Chewe noted.

He further pointed out that even where such consultations were made, many submissions were not taken on board without any communication explaining why.

Chewe said the decision presented an opportunity to re-engage and agree on provisions that would truly benefit the Zambian people, such as the role of traditional leaders in mining licensing and the composition of the commission.

Other provisions included the disclosure of beneficial ownership and strengthening measures to ensure there was free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) with the communities.

Read more:illegal-mining-revenue-leakages-to-come-under-check-as-minerals-commission-reaches-implementation-stage

However, he highlighted areas of concern regarding the development.

“The process protects content. For us to get different results, we need to do something different. We therefore call upon the National Assembly, the Ministries of Justice and Mines and Minerals Development to consult on the best way to get stakeholder submissions,” Chewe said.

He regretted that a total of K25 million was allocated to the establishment of the commission in the 2024 national budget.

With this development, Chewe said it was unlikely that this process would be completed before October 2024, as the National Assembly would shift its focus to debating the budget for 2025 by then.

“On opportunity costs, the mining sector is in intensive care, and the commission once established would have helped to bring it to life again. This development means that the challenges the sector has been grappling with have been extended,” he said.

Chewe lamented that this delay meant Zambians will have to wait even longer before they can experience real benefits from mining.

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Award-winning online newspaper, Zambia Monitor, is set to host a discussion on the potential impacts of social media regulations on free speech and digital rights on X Open Spaces this Thursday.

The discussion is sponsored by USAID, in collaboration with FHI 360, and Internews.

The panel will feature Current Affairs Analyst and Media Consultant, Mike Sichula, United Party for National Development (UPND) Deputy Youth Information Chairperson, Charles Kabwita, and Patriotic Front Information Publicity Secretary, Munalula Moola.

Read More: Zambia Monitor named winner of Advothon pitch targeting media freedom, digital rights

Participants would have the chance to engage directly with the speakers, ensuring a dynamic and interactive session.

This event provides the public with an opportunity to gain insights into one of the most pressing issues, aiming to offer a comprehensive understanding of the implications of social media regulations.

Zambia Monitor, a pan-African online multimedia newspaper, was named the winner of a $10,000 pitch for an Advothon project aimed at enhancing the ability of human rights defenders and media associations to advocate for digital rights, freedom of expression, and media freedom in Zambia.

The Advothon is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under its Open Spaces Zambia (OSZ) activity.

“The project aims to build independent and new media, safeguard a space for activists, Human Rights Defenders (HRDs), and contending voices to protect the democratic space in Zambia,” the sponsors had noted.

“We believe every voice counts and every voice should be amplified to advocate for media freedom in the country,” the Zambia Monitor leadership had outlined in its original submissions to the organizers.

The award represents a major milestone for the young news platform, as it was won in its first year of existence.

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In case you missed them, here are our top 10 stories of the week:

1. The Edgar Lungu-led Patriotic Front (PF) has demanded the suspension of State House aides, Clayson Hamasaka, and Levy Ngoma, who have been implicated in the abduction case of Petauke Central lawmaker, Emmanuel Banda. Read more.

2. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has confirmed reports that it broke into the residence of former Lusaka Province Minister, Bowman Lusambo, in Chamba Valley. Read more…

3. Christian Democratic Party leader, Dan Pule, has requested that Lusaka Magistrate Sylvia Munyinya recuse herself from his case, citing potential bias. Read more…

4. The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has reported robust growth despite economic challenges, registering US$2.6 billion in gross revenue for the year ended 31 December 2023. Read more…

Read more: Zambia searches for 2 million metric tonnes of food, as IMF boosts country with $388. See our top 10 stories of the week

5. The Government has announced the completion of the first Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) aimed at providing sustainable solutions to Zambia’s electricity sub-sector challenges. Read more..

6. The Cabinet has approved the 2024 revised National Budget, designed to protect vulnerable households from the effects of the ongoing drought in the country. Read more..

7. Eastern Province has reported 85 suspected cholera cases since May 29, 2024, authorities have revealed..Read more

8. The government will ensure that each and every body of the remaining miners buried at the Sensele mine tragedy site in Chingola is recovered, Chingola District Commissioner, Rapphael Chimupi, assured, as two more bodies were interred on Thursday..Read more

9. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has paid tribute to the victims of the 1993 air crash involving the Zambia National team during his first visit to the southern African nation..Read more 

10. The Copper Queens have achieved their highest-ever FIFA ranking in the latest Coca-Cola FIFA rankings, moving up to 64th place globally…Read more

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In case you missed them, here are our top 10 stories of the week:

1. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved an additional US$388 million in support for Zambia to address the impacts of the ongoing drought. Read more…

2. The World Bank and Zambia have signed two agreements: the National Energy Advancement and Transformation (NEAT) Programme as well as the financing agreement for the Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods for Human Capital Project (GEWEL 2).Read more…

3. Zambia is in a an acute food deficit of over two million metric tonnes, according to Agriculture Minister, Mtolo Phiri, in an official announcement. Read more…

4. The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has approved 207 projects with a total investment value of approximately US$965 million. Read more…

Read more: Travails of Lungu’s family, diesel to cost more, as inflation surges. See our top 10 stories of the week

5. The Lusaka Magistrate’s Court has granted bail to Maureen Mabonga, the Member of Parliament for Mfuwe constituency. Read more…

6.The Zambia Police Service has reportedly canceled a political rally for the Socialist Party (SP) that was scheduled to take place at Kitwe’s Changanamai Grounds on the Copperbelt. Read more…

7. President Hakainde Hichilema has announced that former President Edgar Lungu no longer has immunity from prosecution and risks arrest if he continues breaking the law. Read more…

8. The State has declined a plea bargain offer from Francis Muchemwa and his co-accused in a case involving the possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime. Read more…

9. Isaac Mwanza, a governance activist, has taken a bold step by filing a petition at the Constitutional Court of Zambia, urging the decriminalization of homosexuality in the country. Read more…

10. Real Madrid scored two goals to secure the 2023-2024 UEFA Champions League trophy against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. Read more…

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Three Cabinet Ministers are set to tour ZESCO’s hydropower stations on Friday to assess the impact of reduced water levels on electricity generation at these facilities.

The Board and Management of ZESCO Limited announced that the ministers visiting are Minister of Energy Peter Kapala, Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Mike Mposha, and Minister of Information and Media Cornelius Mweetwa.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, ZESCO stated that the tour would focus on two key hydropower stations: the Kafue Gorge Power Station in Namalundu, with an installed 990 megawatts generation capacity, and the Kariba North Bank Complex in Siavonga, with an installed generation capacity of 1080 megawatts.

Read More: ZESCO insists hike in electricity tariffs would be implemented as approved by ERB

“This visit comes amid Zambia’s current power deficit, caused by critically low water levels in hydropower generation reservoirs,” ZESCO stated.

The corporation indicated that severe drought, attributed to El Nino, had significantly impacted electricity generation.

“As of 19 May 2024, the country’s power deficit stands at 750 megawatts as announced by the government,” the statement revealed.

The Minister of Energy was expected to update the nation about the hydropower situation and the mitigation steps the government was taking to address energy sufficiency and reliability in the immediate, short, medium and long term.

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Former President, Edgar Lungu, has called on the government to take drastic economic measures that will ensure Zambian lives were made more bearable.

Lungu noted that the prices of commodities in the local market had become very high for ordinary Zambians.

The former president said this on his official Facebook posting after touring Lusaka’s Central Business District on Thursday morning.

“This morning, I along with a few of my colleagues went into our Lusaka Central Business District (CBD) just to have a feel of how our traders were fairing with this apparent high cost of doing business,” he stated.

Lungu added that while touring the CBD, he came across a woman trader selling tomatoes, onions by the roadside and stopped to buy some for his homes.

Read More: Ex-President Lungu’s surprise public stroll in Central Business District triggers police caution

He expressed amazement by how high the prices of commodities had become under the current regime led by President Hakainde Hichilema.

“When I asked the woman why one tomato was costing not less than K5 she replied, ” Daddy vintu vonse vadula, ma order nayo Ku Soweto uku mitengo bana lunda (Sir, prices of everything have gone up),” Lungu stated.

He said he was challenged to find time to go through the town centre and Soweto Market by some traders who indicated that he would be shocked.

“Taking up her challenge, I decided to pass through Soweto Market and Lusaka’s Central Business District (CBD) to see for myself,” Lungu stated.

He said true to the trader’s words, the cost of living was high and that something drastic had to be done by those in authority to ensure that people’s lives were made much more bearable than the prevailing situation.

Lungu further encouraged all entrepreneurs, small, medium, not to lose hope but continue working hard.

“As I reflect on my visit to the CBD today I urge all fellow citizens to continue to support all local businesses, no matter how small or big they may be, because that’s how we will impact our country’s economic growth by empowering each other,” he advised.

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The United States government has committed US$1.16 million for education infrastructure in Zambia.

The $1.16 million, according to a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, would facilitate expansion of the Lubuto Model Library for youths and establishment of a center for training and administration.

The statement indicated that the initiative aimed to train Zambians in library science and offer professionally-guided library services for young people.

Read More: Zambia Library Service, CEIR partner to drive digital literacy

“The Lubuto Model Library is equipped with a reading room, early childhood education center, technology hub, and teen center in addition to the training and administration building,” the statement read.

US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, Linnisa Wahid, acknowledged the significance of the library to the Garden City Community, drawing on her own experience as a child who benefited from the Washington D.C. library, emphasizing that it served as a place of hope for the future.

“This library and associated training center will support the training of Zambians in all aspects of children’s library services and represents a critical next step in our partnership to ensure Zambians have access to the valuable services libraries provide to help develop future leaders who can participate more fully in their communities,” Wahid said.

The U.S. government had partnered with Lubuto Library Partners since 2014 to improve access to educational resources and construct libraries modeled after American libraries.

The funds were committed by U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) program.

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