By Bishop John H. Mambo Founding President Chikondi Foundation/Nyamphande Orphanage 13 April, 2017 Lusaka, Zambia Members of the press, ladies and gentlemen: I wish to give my response to the news headline that appeared in The Zambia Daily Mail of 8 April, 2017 titled, “John Mambo defrocked – Church of God revokes title of Bishop”. I was quite all this while because I was waiting for the National Overseer’s response to the matter. Members of the press, you may wish to take note of the following: 1. Church Administrative protocols It is only the National Overseer of the Church of...

By Public Affairs Officer The U.S. Embassy remains concerned over heightened political tension in Zambia, specifically noting the April 10 police raid of opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema’s Lusaka residence and his subsequent arrest for treason. Recent events underscore the need for peaceful dialogue between the opposition and ruling party on matters of national concern. The U.S. government urges all actors to exercise restraint in addressing differences, to respect the rule of law and electoral proceedings, and to follow the due process Zambians expect from a country with a reputation for political pluralism and peaceful conflict resolution. NR/1155/04/13/17 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE...

By Charles Chulu Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) has for the last quarter of January to March been following government’s commitment to the fight against corruption in the country. TIZ would like to note that there have been many positive pronouncements coming from government which if implemented could have seen the country record tremendous progress in recovering a lot of stolen assets which were unlawfully acquired using public funds and many arrests made of controlling officers and other government officials cited in the Auditor general’s report of 2015, including recovery of resources. As an organization that supports the government’s pronouncements committing...

By Derrick Sinjela ZESCO Managing Director Victor Mulenga Mundende says the company is constructing interconnectors to enable it trade in electricity with other countries and make revenue. And Mundende has appealed to the business fraternity to support the tariff increment that will enable ZESCO complete the projects and increase reliability of power supply to improve the economy. Addressing various stakeholders in Chinsali yesterday, Mundende said ZESCO is going to construct a double circuit line from Kafue West into Livingstone so that there are three lines going South, all the way into South Africa. “So then we can trade with Zimbabwe,...

Interests of the Poor should guide/centre final decision on proposed electricity tariff hike JCTR Press Statement Thursday 13th April, 2017 In August 2015, ZESCO made an application to the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) for an average tariff hike of 187% which was approved but later suspended in January 2016. Following various consultations, ZESCO has again made an application to ERB announced on 26th March 2017 of a reduced percentage of 75%. This is in an effort to ensure cost reflective tariffs that attract the required revenue for adequate service provision as well as investment in the energy sector. The effects...

The 2017 World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) Organising Committee would like to invite all media houses to participate in this year’s planned Press Freedom Day activities; As you are aware, World Press Freedom Day is commemorated annually on May 3. This year’s theme is “Critical Minds for Critical Times: Media’s role in Advancing peaceful, just and inclusive societies”. The Organising Committee Secretariat, which this year is being hosted by Panos Institute Southern Africa, has already started convening preparatory meetings for the 2017 WPFD celebrations every Thursdays at 10:00hrs. Planned activities include: Prison Visit on April 21 Inter-company Sport Tournament on...