THE Lusaka High Court has sentenced defilement convict Clifford Dimba, commonly known as General Kanene to 18 years with hard Labour for defiling an underage girl.

On February 4, 2014, Lusaka magistrate Rodgers Kaoma convicted Kanene after finding him guilty of defilement and committed him to the High Court for sentencing.

In his judgment, Lusaka High Court Judge, Chalwe Muchenga contends that the sentencing is meant to deter would be offenders because the scourge is escalating.

This was in a matter in which the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court convicted Kanene for allegedly defiling a 14-year-old schoolgirl contrary to the Laws of Zambia.

It was alleged that Kanene on unknown dates but between January 31 and February 1, 2012 in Lusaka had unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of 16 but he had denied committing the offence.

FORMER President Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda is this afternoon scheduled to leave for Tanzania to attend the 50th anniversary of the Union between the Republic of Tanganyika and the People’s Republic of Zanzibar, to be held in Dar es Salaam tomorrow.

Mr. Banda’s participation is at the invitation of His Excellency Mr Jakaya Mrisho Kiwkete, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, and he will be accompanied by his administrative assistant Mikatazo Wakumelo.

This is according to a press statement issued by Deputy Administrative Assistant in the Office of the Fourth President, Mr. Kennedy Limwanya.

The former President has expressed gratitude to His Excellency Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, the President of the Republic of Zambia, for allowing him to travel.

Meanwhile, Mr Rupiah Banda, says he is proud to have benefited from the mentorship of His Excellency Dr Kenneth David Kaunda, the First President of the Republic of Zambia.

In a letter to Dr Kaunda, whose 90th birthday anniversary falls on 28th April, 2014, President Banda observed that the Zambian Golden Jubilee, to be celebrated this year, is also befitting recognition of the contributions and sacrifices that the founding head of State made for Zambia.

“I am very proud to be among those that are privileged to have benefited from your mentorship during the independence struggle to the present day. My ascendancy to the Presidency of this great land would not have been possible without your wise counsel,” reads the letter in part.

The former head of State is, therefore, greatly honoured to join 13 million other Zambians in sending best wishes on the occasion of Dr Kaunda’s 90th birthday anniversary.

POLICE in Lusaka have arrested three people in connection with the theft of an undisclosed amount of money which happened at Manda Hill Shopping Centre on 23rd April, 2014 around 1530 hours.

Police say that Group Four Security employees were collecting money from different companies for banking around Lusaka. When the crew commander went to collect some more money from Multi Choice Manda Hill branch, the driver sped away with the money.

A manhunt for the criminals was immediately launched and the trio was apprehended in three different places and part of the money recovered. Officers in the company of stakeholders are currently counting the recovered money to ascertain how much is still missing.

The suspects have been identified as Peter Kabaso 40, Gift Ntalasha 41 and Luckson Kachampa 42 of Mandevu, John laing and Kuku Compounds respectively are believed to have been working with a witch doctor only identified as Mbewe who is currently on the run.

The suspects will be charged with Theft by Servant Contrary to section 278 of the penal code of the Laws of Zambia.

GROUP Four Security, the cash-in-transit company has offered US$ 83,000 (K 500,000) for information that will lead to a successful arrest and conviction of offender/s and recovery of the money stolen.

“ G4S Zambia Secure Solutions Ltd (G4S) has today offered a reward in connection with the theft of money involving a Cash in Transit in the Manda Hill Area of Lusaka on 23rd April 2014. G4S will pay a reward of up to ZMW 500,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the offender/s and the recovery of the money stolen” the statement reads in part

Last week on thursday, 24th April, 2014, police arrested three people in connection with the theft of an undisclosed amount of money which happened at Manda Hill Shopping Centre on 23rd April, 2014 around 1530 hours.
Police disclosed that Group Four Security employees were collecting money from different companies for banking around Lusaka. When the crew commander went to collect some more money from Multi Choice Manda Hill branch, the driver sped away with the money.

A manhunt for the criminals was immediately launched and the trio was apprehended in three different places and part of the money recovered. Officers in the company of stakeholders are currently counting the recovered money to ascertain how much is still missing.

The suspects have been identified as Peter Kabaso 40, Gift Ntalasha 41 and Luckson Kachampa 42 of Mandevu, John laing and Kuku Compounds respectively are believed to have been working with a witch doctor only identified as Mbewe who is currently on the run.

The suspects will be charged with Theft by Servant Contrary to section 278 of the penal code of the Laws of Zambia.

THE opposition MMD has elected Muhabi Lungu as its new National Secretary.

The National Executive Committee meeting held this afternoon elected Mr. Lungu as National Secretary after going through unopposed during a meeting held at Kapingila House.

Before his election, Mr Lungu was a member of the NEC and doubled as party Director of Communications and Spokesperson for party President Nevers Mumba.

The meeting proceeded after a quorum was forced with over 40 NEC members attending out the 62 that make up the committee.

TWO people have died on the spot while five others sustained injuries after the Toyota Spacio Reg No.ATB 43 they were traveling in over turned along Kisasa –Masele Road in Solwezi at around 14:00 hours on 27th April,2014.

Among the deceased is the mother of the children identified as Fumpa Charity aged 26 and Joyce Kanyungula aged 17.Three of the injured are biological children to the deceased while the two are family members aged 14 and 17.

The driver who is the father of the children identified as Fordson Kang’asa is on the run.

All the casualties are admitted in Solwezi General Hospital and the deceased bodies are lying in the same Hospital Mortuary awaiting Postmortem.

Police have appealed to members of the public in Solwezi who may know the way about of the driver to report to any nearest Police Station or Post.

THE Zambia Air Force (ZAF) is allegedly to have signed a deal for six L-15 Falcon jet trainers made by Hongdu Aviation Industry of China. These come hot after the delivery of 16 K-8 Karakorum jet trainers and seven Z-9 light attack helicopter both made in China.

In 1999 Zambia received eight K-8s in kit form and in March, 2012, ZAF officially took delivery of another eight K-8P jet trainers from the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC), bringing the number in service to 15. The aircraft were delivered to Mumbwa air base in Zambia on March 21,2012 and officially accepted during a ceremony. According to the Jane’s information group, ZAF’s is hampered by a lack of spares and a shortage of flying hours. Although it has sufficient capacity to transport troops and cargo, its combat capability is very limited. Transport capacity was boosted by the delivery of five Y-12 and two MA60 aircraft from China in 2006.

Indeed, China has a close relationship with Zambia, especially after signing a military cooperation protocol in 1998 regarding training of the Zambian Army. The Chinese and Zambian defence ministers met in Beijing in July 2005, agreeing to continue military co-operation

The Hongdu L-15 Falcon made it’s maiden flight in 2006. This advanced trainer is competing for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF)’s next generation advanced trainer aircraft programme against the Guizhou JL-9.

Development of this aircraft was assisted by Russian Yakovlev design bureau, hence it’s resemblance to the Yak-130. These trainers were accepted to enter service with Chinese air force in 2013 under the JL-10 name. The L-15 is intended to train pilots to fly high-performance fourth-generation aircraft, such as the J-10 and Su-27. It is also suitable to complete all basic jet flight training courses. Aircraft is fitted with two Ukrainian Progress AL-222K-25F turbofan engines with afterburners.

It is worth noting, that China signed a contract with Ukraine for delivery of 1 920 of these engines for the L-15 trainer. Delivery is scheduled until 2041. The L-15 has secondary light attack capability. It has four underwing and two wingtip hardpoints to carry various weapons, including short-range air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, bombs and rocket pods. This aircraft features a number of advanced technologies such as digital fly-by-wire, hands on throttle and stick controls. It also has good aerodynamic performance. The L-15 Falcon is more advanced in terms of technology comparing with the JL-9, however it is also more expensive to produce.

If this aircraft is chosen by the PLAAF, first operational trainers will become available as early as 2008. The L-15 is also proposed for the export customers.

Meanwhile, quietly, and over the past few years, some of states in SADC have either ordered or taken delivery of new fighter aircraft to re-equip their air forces to stay abreast of new trends in military aviation.

The Mozambican Air Force is set to get eight refurbished MiG-21 aircraft from Aerostar, a Romanian company, along with an overhauled Aero Vodochody L-39ZO jet trainer. This will give back the Mozambican Air Force air supremacy jet capability it had long lost.

The discussions between Botswana and South Korea for the acquisition of new aircraft are at a very advanced stage. The Botswana Air Force is set to place an order for 16 T-50 advanced jet trainers and the FA-50 Golden Eagle fighter aircraft. The FA-50, built jointly by Korea Aerospace Industries (KIA) and United States aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, is largely derived from the F-16 Fighting Falcon and they have many similarities.

Perhaps the most significant order for new military aircraft was signed by South Africa, which took delivery of 28 Saab JAS-39 Gripen fighters from Sweden, 24 BAE Hawk-120 fighter trainers from Britain and a whopping 30 Augusta A-109 helicopters from Italy. With an order of this magnitude, the South African Air Force elevated itself to become, arguably, one of the best air forces in Africa.

With no imminent aerial threat from any quarter at the moment, Zimbabwe still has the luxury of waiting until she checks out the capabilities of the aircraft to be delivered to Mumbwa, Grootfortein, Thebephatswa and Nampula, together with what is already available at Makhado Air Force bases. (4 photos)

IMPRISONED Lusaka based musician Clifford Dimba, popularly known as ‘General’ Kanene has appealed to the Supreme Court against both his conviction and 18 years jail sentence with hard labour for defiling a 14-year-old girl.

On 25th April, 2014, Lusaka High Court Judge Chalwe Mchenga confirmed Dimba’s conviction and said that that he was sending him to prison because he broke the law by having unlawful sex with a girl under the age of 16.

Mr Justice Mchenga said Dimba’s defilement of the girl was premeditated seeing that he had asked the girl to carry clothes with her so that after school he could meet her and have sex with her.

“On the day when you wanted to have sex with her you knew it, you planned for it because you told the girl to come with clothes and not in her uniform,” Mr Justice Mchenga said.

Mr Justice Mchenga said the offence of defilement has become prevalent and as such he was going to impose a sentence that would deter would-be offenders.

“I sentence you to 18 years imprisonment with hard labour effective February 4th, 2014 the date when you were convicted,” Mr Justice Mchenga said.

Dimba, 27, of house number B/02 Misisi Township, was charged with the defilement of the girl on January 31, 2012 and later Lusaka magistrate Rodgers Kaoma found him guilty of defiling the girl who was a grade seven pupil of Kamwala South Township.

Mr Justice Mchenga said he was satisfied with Lusaka magistrate Rodgers Kaoma’s conviction of Dimba and that the lower court could not be faulted because it was true that Kanene had sex with the girl.

He said that some prosecution witnesses presented to the court an enrollment form for 2007 which showed that the girl was born on March 25, 1998.

Mr Justice Mchenga ruled that the birth certificate and under-five card which Kanene had wanted to be presented to the court to confirm the age of the girl were secondary evidence.

But Dimba has through one of his defence lawyers, Nicholas Chanda appealed against the conviction and sentence saying both Mr Justice Mchenga and Mr Kaoma erred in law and fact when they convicted and later sentenced his client.

Mr Chanda said it was wrong for the court to convict his client in an event that there was a lacuna of evidence in terms of lack of birth record of the girl.

” The learned trial magistrate in the court below as confirmed by the sentencing court both erred in law and fact when they convicted and later on confirmed the offence of defilement on the ground that there was a lacuna of evidence in terms of lack of birth record of the prosecution and/or failure to adduce in Magnetic Image Renaissance. (RMI scan),” Mr Chanda stated.

He said that the court should not have sentenced Dimba on the basis that there was an enrolment register produced to court by the girl’s parents when it should have been the school authorities who should have done so.

THE Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) is in the process of automating its revenue collection and licensing system which will soon be rolled out to National Parks countrywide.

This is according to a press statement issued by ZAWA Communications & Public Relations Officer,Mwila Readith Muliyunda
‘ZAWA has spent about $300,000 to secure and implement the system aimed at ensuring transparency, efficiency and effective communication. The system will provide a data and voice network to all the National Parks.” She said.

She added that the Authority had Friday, 25th April,2014, concluded the two weeks training of members of staff on how to use the system, which is currently installed at Head Office in Chilanga in readiness for its implementation.

She disclosed that through the system, the Authority will be able to conduct e-payments for all entries to National Parks as well as enhance communication and security in all its operations.

A LAW allowing men in Kenya to marry as many women as they want has been signed into law by President Uhuru Kenyatta, despite criticism from women’s groups.

A statement from the presidency confirmed that the bill “consolidates various laws relating to marriage.”

The bill, which amended existing legislation, was passed by parliament last month to formalise traditional practice regarding marrying more than one person.

“Marriage is the voluntary union of a man and a woman, whether in a monogamous or polygamous union,” the presidential statement added.

The initial bill had given a wife the right to veto the husband’s choice. But male members of parliament overcame party divisions to push through a text that dropped this clause.

When the bill was passed last month, female members of parliament stormed out of the session in fury after a heated debate.
The National Council of Churches in Kenya (NCCK), which represents more than 40 church and Christian organisations from across the east African nation, has also spoken out against the bill.

The national Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Kenya) has said it will mount a legal challenge against the law.
“We know that men are afraid of women’s tongues more than anything else,” female legislator Soipan Tuya told fellow MPs when the bill was passed.

As in many parts of Africa, polygamy is common among traditional communities in Kenya, as well as in the country’s Muslim community, which accounts for up to a fifth of the population.

Many have said the legislation merely acknowledges something that is already widespread.

“When you marry an African woman, she must know the second one is on the way, and a third wife… this is Africa,” MP Junet Mohammed told the house during debate on the bill.

Women are not allowed to marry more than one man.

Source: http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/04/29/kenyan-president-signs-polygamy-law

OPPOSITION Alliance for Better Zambia (ABZ) president Frank Bwalya has fired Patricia Mwashingwele from the position of Vice president.

In a letter to Ms. Mwashingwele dated Tuesday, April 29, 2014, Fr. Bwalya said he had taken the step in line with ABZ Constitution Article 46 clause (1) which states that the Founding President shall appoint or remove the first office bearers for the party at all levels.

BELOW IS A COPY OF THE LETTER

Patricia C. Mwashingwele
Village Mwashingwele
13 Miles, Mungule
CHIBOMBO

Dear Ms. Mwashingwele,

RE: DROPPING YOU AS VICE PRESIDENT OF ABZ

In line with ABZ Constitution Article 46 clause (1) which states and I quote; “The first office bearers for ABZ at all levels shall be appointed directly by the Founding President (FP) of the party and may be disappointed in the same manner of appointment”, end of quote, I regret to inform you that I have decided to drop you as Vice President of Alliance for Better Zambia (ABZ) with immediate effect.

You are free to remain an ordinary member of our fast growing party.

I wish to commend you for the work you have done for the party and for the support you gave me during the time you served as my deputy.

I wish you well.
Yours sincerely,
Frank Bwalya
ABZ LEADER

CC: The Party National Chairperson – Mr. Dexter Zemba Moono
CC: The Chairperson of the Team of Trustees Mrs. Janet Chileshe
CC: The Secretary General – Ms. Mulenga Shula

MMD President Nevers Mumba has appealed to all Zambians to promote peace and national unity.

Dr Mumba said Zambians should use every occasion to unite and show love to each other.

Dr Mumba was speaking in Kitwe during the funeral service for his sister in law Chisenga Mwila Onesi.

He said peace and harmony is essential for national development hence the need for people to show love to each other.

Dr Mumba said every emotional occurrence such as funerals creates opportunity for the devil to create acrimony and disturb the peace.

He said just like in families, nations should also strive to resist situations that are conducive for confusion to prevail.

And speaking to journalist shortly after the funeral service, when asked about the infighting in the party, Dr Mumba said he will not be drawn into discussion such issues as he is in mourning.

Dr Mumba requested that he and his family be given the opportunity to mourn the late Mrs Mwila Onesi in peace.
He said he will not dwell on the issue of the MMD infighting as it has been exhausted

PRESIDENT Michael Sata says government attaches great importance to employment creation as the top most strategy for ensuring the stability of society and overall growth of the economy in all sectors.

In a post on his Facebook page, the Head of State, said that in this vein between October 2011 and April 2014, a total of 377,470 jobs have been created in the economy as follows: tourism 218,663; service, finance & banking 74,487; electricity, gas and water 28,618; construction 16, 175; transport and communication 14,549; education 10,099; community, social & personal 4,998; health 3,640; agriculture, forestry and fishing 3,153; and others 3,088.

“As you may be aware, our country is endowed with an abundance of natural resources and human capital. It is the intention of our Government through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to fully promote value addition and diversification of our economy for the benefit of our people.” the president said.

He said the Government will accelerate the development of adequate infrastructure in energy, transport, communication and the construction of one stop border posts in line with our national development agenda of industrialization and job creation.

THE PUBLIC Service Micro-Finance-Company [PSMFC] Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mubanga Mwiko has revealed that Government has through the Public Service Micro-Finance-Company disbursed K70 Million at 5% interest rate, to 4, 000 Civil Servants spread in 74 districts across all the 10 provinces of Zambia.

He said this in press statement issued to the media and made available to Mwebantu New Media.

“I wish to announce that the available funds for the public service loan scheme in 2014 is K107 Million of which K100 Million is the budget provision for the year and K7 Million are carry-over funds from 2013 and for the first quarter, the PSMFC has so far received K25 Million from the Ministry of Finance, of which K21 million has already been disbursed.” Mr Mwiko said.

Mr Mwiko also disclosed that the Board of the PSMFC has approved the Business Strategic Plan for the company for the period 2014 to 2016.

“The Strategic Plan is targeted at developing public service friendly products and customer service innovations. The plan will also aim at developing systems and procedures which will ensure that there is efficiency, effectiveness and monitoring in the loan empowerment process, for the benefit of civil servants in all the provinces of Zambia.” He said.

THE Anti-Corruption Commission in Choma has arrested four employees of Zambia Sugar Company PLC for alleged corrupt practices involving K 40, 000.

The four, Alexander Han’gombe, 51, a Maintenance Foreman of House number 316 Apollo Compound, Hikanyemu Hanguwa, 45, a Service Superintendent of house number 18 Mwanachingwala Road, Felix Mubita, 42, a Liaison officer of House number 1287 West villa, and Harold Shilukukwa, 43, a Maintenance Foreman of house number 608 Kaonga Compound yard, all employees of Zambia Sugar Company PLC have been jointly charged with one count of corrupt practices by Private Bodies contrary to Section 20 (1) as read with section 41 of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012 of the Laws of Zambia.

Details are that on dates unknown but between 1st January and 26th April 2014 in Mazabuka, Han’gombe, Hanguwa, Mubita and Shilukukwa, being Employees of Zambia Sugar Company, by themselves or in conjunction with other unknown persons, corruptly solicited for K 40, 000 and actually received K 10, 000 cash gratification from Malaria Crispin Kabwenda, A Director a Lazpine Engineering Company, as an inducement or reward for themselves, for having facilitated the award of contract for Maintaining Rollers at Zambia Sugar Company PLC to Lazpine Engineering Contractor.

The four have since been released on bond and will appear in Court soon

TRANSPORT, Communications Works and Supply Minister Yamfwa Mukanga has unveiled a new Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) Board of Directors which will be headed by former PF Lusaka Province Chairman Davies Chama.

Other board members are former PF Ndola Central Member of Parliament Max Mushili, UNZA Vice Chancellor Professor Stephen Simukanga, Engineer Famous Kabwe, Ms Violent Kabwe, Moonde Jane Limbali, Attorney General Mumba Malila, Finance Permanent Secretary Pamela Chibonga Kabamba and Transport Permanent Secretary Charles Sipanje.

Mr Mukanga said Government has seen an improvement in the performance of Zambia Railways since Government took over the firm.

“Therefore with your appointment, we expect Zambia Railways to perform even better than it is now doing because you will provide leadership to the management.

On 21st April, 2013, the Zambia Railways Limited Board was with dissolved by Government. Then Minister of Transport, Communications Works and Supply Christopher Yaluma, said the decision is not linked in any way to the wrangles between the board and former ZRL Company Chief Executive Officer, Professor Clive Chirwa.

THE most advanced communications technology in the world was showcased in Lusaka this week as Chinese communications equipment giant Huawei Technologies welcomed its “Connected Possibilities – Make it Possible” demonstration truck to Zambia.

This is according to a press statement issued by Gillian Langmead at Langmead & Baker Ltd.

Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Hon. Yamfwa Mukanga officially launched the Zambia leg of the company’s roadshow, which sees the truck covering thousands of miles across the continent to exhibit the latest state-of-the art information and communications technology (ICT) equipment.

“By harnessing this technology – and encouraging others to do so – my government knows that it will help Zambia achieve the middle-income status by 2030. And that in turn will bring prosperity, employment and transform the quality of life for all citizens. We need to turn these possibilities into reality in order to; we need to be ahead of the game. Technology is changing fast, we need to be ahead of it; we need to be faster than it. For this reason it is vital that we all learn from the latest technology trend brought to us by Huawei,” said Mr Mukanga.

The theme of the roadshow at the Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka is “Connected Possibilities” and the truck features some of the latest ICT equipment and ideas that will enable Zambia to stay at the forefront of telecommunications developments.

Topics in the demonstration truck include ICT solutions, soft mobile strategies, depth network optimisation, LTE backhaul convergence, IP microwave, green work, smart devices and enterprise solutions.

The roadshow was also supported by Chinese Ambassador H.E. Zhou Yuxiao, who told assembled dignitaries: “Thanks to Huawei for brining science and technology to the Zambian people. In this information age we cannot do without science and technology as it can connect possibilities with reality.”

Huawei is the world’s largest telecommunication and ICT solutions provider, serving 45 of world’s top 50 telecom operators. Its products and solutions are benefiting one third of the world’s population.

With the joint effort of 150,000 employees in more than 140 countries, Huawei is ranked 315th of the Fortune 500 companies. It has 14 regional headquarters, 23 R&D centres, 32 joint innovation centres and 45 training centres worldwide, creating maximum value for telecom operators, enterprises and consumers by providing competitive solutions and services.

“Our aim is to connect Zambia to the incredible possibilities that Huawei has developed through this international experience and research. Huawei is bridging the digital divide with its technologies and solutions for telecommunications networks, consumer devices, and cloud computing,” said Huawei Technologies Zambia Country Director Stanley Chyn.

The demonstration truck comes just a few weeks after Vice President Dr Guy Scott officially made the first call to launch the first of a series of 169 base stations to be constructed by Huawei that will connect rural communities in Zambia to the mobile phone network.

The development will bring the latest mobile voice and data technology to thousands of people in remote locations across the country, enabling them to keep in touch with family and friends, find out what is happening elsewhere in the nation, and become integrated into the global community.

MINISTER of Defence Edgar Lungu has announced that government has with immediate effect taken over the operation of Kamowa Airstrip in Luangwa District that was being run by a civilian company Yexley Zambia Limited.

Hon Edgar Lungu told a press briefing that Yexley’s license to operate the airstrip came to end on 31st December 2011.

He revealed that license issued to Yexley expired in June 2011, after the Ministry of Defence that had been operating the Airstrip from the 1970s during the liberation struggle of neighboring countries could no longer use the airstrip.
Mr. Lungu says arising from non-renewal of the license, Yexley sublet the operation of the airstrip to third parties an act that was also a violation of the regulation of civil aviation as it did not consult the Department of Civil Aviation before subletting the airstrip.

He says this has led to the recommendation that Luangwa District Council takes full responsibility of management and operations of the airstrip and should apply for a license from the Department of Civil Aviation.

Mr Lungu added that the other recommendation is that due to the sensitivity of the area, no private tour operator should be issued with an operating license to manage the airstrip.

The status and existence of the Kamowa Airstrip in Luangwa District can be traced back to the year 1954 during the time it was being managed by the Council before the Ministry of Defence took charge of its operations in the late 1970s.

Recently, during a tour of Luangwa, the Minister of Defence said that Zambia’s security had been put at risk by allowing a foreign national operate an airstrip in Luangwa.

He said it is scandalous and a threat to national security to allow a foreigner run a sensitive facility like an airstrip.

The minister wondered where and how the Mozambican got authority to operate the airstrip.

“Who signed the concession for him to be operating our airstrip and who is he accountable to.” Mr Lungu asked.

MTN Zambia concerned about internet penetration as the company launches Phase 2 of Appathon “Internet penetration in Zambia is still low,” leading communications solutions provider MTN Zambia has observed.

In a statement issued from Lusaka shortly after announcing Phase Two of the MTN Appathon application developers, MTN Zambia Chief Sales and Distribution Officer Amon Jere said there is a wrong perception that data services are a preserve of the elite adding that MTN Zambia as a provider is challenged to make it a mass market service to enrich people’s lives and in accordance with “our mission to make our customers’ lives a whole lot brighter”.

He said Data is critical for social and economic development of every country. Mr. Jere also said there is need to remove barriers for penetration saying MTN is already doing this through various initiatives including the provision the country’s fastest internet through 3G and 4GLTE networks as well as affordable and relevant devices and propositions.

We are optimistic about our proposition as people will have easy access to information and improved communication between consumers, business and consumers and businesses to businesses as well as a tool for enhancing quality education,” he said. As you can tell from our vision to lead the delivery of bold new digital world, we have strategically focused on the development of data in Zambia and we are continuously developing innovative and affordable ways to drive data.

Meanwhile, MTN Zambia today announced the second phase of the ongoing Appathon. The MTN Appathon is a competition that challenges young Zambians to develop their own computer applications and submit them to MTN Zambia. Successful applications will be uploaded on the MTN platform (Appstore) for public use.

Mr. Jere said MTN Zambia launched the Appathon to encourage innovation and give people a platform to showcase their talent. “Because these apps are home grown and data related, we are confident that data uptake will increase among our customers.”

“Over the years, we have noted with interest that Zambia has massive young talent that needs support and exposure in order to realise its potential. We will continue to receive brilliant and inspiring proposals from Zambia’s young talent and we feel this is the best way we can support and expose them. The exposure for the developers, highlights the high demand and interest in open source solutions as we embrace the new world. As a leader in the digital space, we are optimistic about the possibilities which the MTN Appathon will bring,” he said.

The Appathon is running in two phases. Phase One: was the period for participants to develop and submit their apps to MTN for two months. Phase Two, will be the public judging period for one month where submitted apps will compete for downloads to qualify for the initial shortlist.

The shortlisted applications will be submitted to experts for confirmation of originality of concept, market relevance and commercial viability among other tests before being officially adopted.

The Appathon has been set in five categories: Entertainment & Lifestyle, Productivity, Games, Education and Health & Wellness.

The best applications in the each of the 5 categories will get a percentage of revenue from the application, K5,000 prize money, Samsung Galaxy S5 and free promotion of the application on MTN Play.

THE Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) director general Andrew Chipwende has been relieved of his duties. Mwebantu New Media has learnt. Mr. Chipwende said yesterday that he was stepping down as ZDA Director General (DG)

Mr. Chipwende sent a memo to his staff , in which he said “ I wish to convey my heartfelt thanks to all of you for having been very supportive to me during my tenure as Director General. I urge all of you to continue working hard and diligently as you have done during my stay and always remember that working for ZDA is a privilege which should be appreciated. I enjoyed your different viewpoints on various complex and simple matters and I have left ZDA feeling fulfilled in terms of new knowledge and experience gained.”

The latest Auditor General’s report on accounts for Parastatal bodies for the financial year 2012 by the Auditor General Anna Chifungula revealed that ZDA DG erroneously drew US$60, 000 (K360, 000) from Government funding apportioned to the Agency as additional monthly earnings from May 2011 to October 2013.
Ms Chifungula said a scrutiny of the contract for the ZDA director general stipulated that he was to receive donor funded monthly income amounting to US$2, 000 in addition to his salary.

Ms Chifungula further said that clause 5.2 of the director general’s contract exempted the additional monthly income from Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax.

A break-down of the earnings showed that the ZDA boss was paid $16, 000 for eight months from May to December in 2011, US$24, 000 was paid from January to December 2012 and another 10 months from January to October 2013 covered a total payment of US$20, 000.

She revealed that although the contract stated that the director general was to be paid the additional monthly income from donor funds, there were no donor funds received during the period May 2011 to October 2013.
“Consequently, the Director General was paid from the ZDA funding received from Government and no taxes were deducted and paid to ZRA,” the report added.

The report said the ZDA owed the ZRA in unremitted statutory obligations totalling K11.8 million as of December 2012, while K48, 576 was owed to the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA).

It added that contrary to financial regulation number 52, 42 payments involving K749, 400 made during the period under review were not supported by relevant documents such as receipts and invoices.

Here’s his farewell email to employees at ZDA

From: Andrew Chipwende
Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2014 9:01 PM
To: ZDA Staff
Cc: Directors
Subject: Farewell to All

Dear Directors, Managers and staff

I wish to convey my heartfelt thanks to all of you for having been very supportive to me during my tenure as Director General. I urge all of you to continue working hard and diligently as you have done during my stay and always remember that working for ZDA is a privilege which should be appreciated.

I enjoyed your different viewpoints on various complex and simple matters and I have left ZDA feeling fulfilled in terms of new knowledge and experience gained.

Wishing you all the best!!!

Andrew Chipwende
Director General | Zambia Development Agency |
Privatisation House, Nasser Road, P.O. Box 30819, Lusaka. ZAMBIA |
Tel: +260-211-222358 | +260-211-220177 | Fax +260-211-225270 |
Email: achipwende@zda.org.zm | Website: http://www.zda.org.zm