ZAMBIA HAS APPROVED THE PROPOSED TAKEOVER OF EQUINOX MINERALS BY BARRICK GOLD ON CONDITION THAT GOVERNMENT KEEPS ITS 2.2 PERCENT STAKE

ZAMBIA HAS APPROVED THE PROPOSED TAKEOVER OF EQUINOX MINERALS BY BARRICK GOLD ON CONDITION  THAT   GOVERNMENT KEEPS ITS 2.2 PERCENT STAKE IN EQUINOX.

THE ZAMBIA COMPETITION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION COMMISSION HAS SAID IN A NEWS STATEMENT THAT IT HAS GRANTED FINAL CONDITIONAL AUTHORISATION OF THE ACQUISITION AS THE DEAL DID NOT RAISE ANY COMPETITION CONCERNS.

THE ZAMBIA  COMPETITION  AND CONSUMER  PROTECTION  COMMISSION HAS AUTHORIZED THE TRANSACTION ON CONDITION THAT BARRICK GOLD DOES NOT ACQUIRE 2.2 PERCENT SHARES IN EQUINOX THAT ZAMBIA CONSOLIDATED COPPER MINES - INVESTMENT HOLDINGS HOLDS.

AUSTRALIAN EQUINOX, WHICH OPERATES ITS WHOLLY-OWNED LUMWANA MINE IN ZAMBIA, AGREED IN APRIL TO BE BOUGHT BY CANADA'S BARRICK FOR MORE THAN SEVEN BILLION CANADIAN DOLLARS.

THE REGULATORY BODY SAYS  BARRICK WILL  ALSO BE ASKED TO HONOUR EXISTING AGREEMENTS LUMWANA MINE HAD ENTERED INTO WITH LOCAL COMPANIES AND ENSURE THERE WERE NO JOB LOSSES.

THE COMMISSION ALSO PLACED A CONDITION ON ENSURING GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES THAT WILL  PROTECT  PEOPLE FROM RADIOACTIVE HAZARDS POSED BY URANIUM MINING AT LUMWANA.

LUMWANA COPPER AND URANIUM MINE IS AFRICA'S THIRD-LARGEST COPPER MINE BY PRODUCTION.

ACCORDING TO STATISTICS FROM THE REGULATORY BODY, ZAMBIA'S LUMWANA MINE ACCOUNTS FOR APPROXIMATELY 19 PERCENT OF THE COUNTRY'S TOTAL COPPER OUTPUT.

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Zambian public servants urged to develop strategic plans that will position the ministry of finance and national planning to be more responsive

SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY  LIKOLO NDALAMEI HAS CHALLENGED  WORKERS AT THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND NATIONAL PLANNING TO DEVELOP A STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE PERIOD 2011-2016 THAT WILL POSITION THE MINISTRY TO BE MORE RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF THE GOVERNMENT AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS.

SPEAKING WHEN HE OPENED A TEN- DAYS STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP FOR THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND NATIONAL PLANNING TODAY, MR. NDALAMEI SAID THE FOCUS OF THE PLAN SHOULD BE  TO ENSURE THAT THE GAINS MADE IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS ARE CONSOLIDATED FOR EVEN GREATER ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT.

HE SAYS  THE ROLE OF THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND NATIONAL PLANNING WILL BECOME EVEN MORE CRITICAL GIVEN THE VARIOUS NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES PLANNED UNDER THE SIXTH NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN.

MR. NDALAMEI FURTHER CALLED ON PUBLIC SERVANTS TO ENSURE THAT THEY COME UP WITH A  STRATEGIC PLAN THAT PLACES THE MINISTRY IN A  POSITION TO EFFECTIVELY IMPLEMENT THE SNDP IN A MORE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE MANNER.

IN A SPEECH READ ON HIS BEHALF BY  FINANCE AND NATIONAL PLANNING PERMANENT SECRETARY ANTHONY UNDI, THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY SAID STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR ANY ORGANIZATION IS VITAL AS IT DEFINES THE VISION, GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES OF ANY INSTITUTION FOR THE MEDIUM TERM.

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CHINA’S DIVERSIFIED MINER PLANS TO OPEN MORE OPERATIONS IN ZAMBIA

ZHONGHUI MINING GROUP LIMITED, CHINA’S DIVERSIFIED MINER PLANS TO OPEN MORE OPERATIONS IN ZAMBIA IN ADDITION TO ITS  EARLIER INTERESTS TO START A COPPER MINE OPERATION NEAR THE BORDER WITH ANGOLA.
ZHONGUI LAST YEAR STAKED MORE THAN USD 3.5 BILLION TO START A NEW DIVERSIFIED COPPER, COAL, ZINC, LEAD AND ALUMINIUM MINE IN MWINILUNGA SHARING THE BORDER WITH NEIGHBORING ANGOLA.

ACCORDING TO AVAILABLE , TO DATE CHINA HAS INVESTED MORE THAN USD 4 BILLION IN THE MINING SECTOR ALONE WITH MORE THAN USD 3 BILLION BEING PLOUGHED INTO OTHER SECTORS INCLUDING AGRICULTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND RETAIL BUSINESS.
ZHONGHUI MINING LIMITED IS PRESENTLY IN NORTH WESTERN PROVINCE, UNDERTAKING LARGE SCALE EXPLORATION FOR MINERALS THAT INCLUDE COPPER, GOLD, ZINC AND OTHER BASE METALS.
CHINA NON FERROUS METALS AFRICA CORPORATION IS ONE OF THE COMPANIES THAT HAVE OPENED UP INVESTMENT IN THE ZAMBIAN MINING INDUSTRY OPERATING LUANSHYA COPPER MINE AND CHAMBISHI UNDERGROUND MINE AS WELL AS THE COPPER SMELTER WITH INVESTMENT IN EXCESS OF US$300 MILLION.

THE PLANNED OPENING OF THE CHINESE MINE IN MWINILUNGA, NEAR ANGOLA WILL OPEN MORE TRADE RELATIONS WITH THE OIL RICH COUNTRY AND NEIGHBORING ZIMBABWE, NAMIBIA, SOUTH AFRICA, BOTSWANA, SWAZILAND AND OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY WITH THE PLANNED CONSTRUCTION OF THE RAILWAY LINE TO BE FUNDED BY THE AFRICA DEVELOPMENT BANK AND EXPECTED TO BE OPERATIONAL BY 2012.
THE PROJECT IS BEING UNDERTAKEN UNDER THE PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME IN WHICH THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT SEEKS TO ENCOURAGE THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO DRIVE THE ECONOMY.

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ZAMBIA'S LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND HOUSING MINISTER DR BRIAN CHITUWO SAYS HE IS WAITING FOR THE FINAL LAND AUDIT FOR ALL THE COUNCILS

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND HOUSING  MINISTER DR BRIAN CHITUWO SAYS HE  IS WAITING FOR THE MINISTRY OF LANDS TO GIVE THEM THE FINAL LAND AUDIT FOR ALL THE COUNCILS IN THE COUNTRY.

AND DR CHITUWO SAYS HIS MINISTRY WILL NOT BE DETERRED BY ANY ONE FROM UNDERTAKING INVESTIGATIONS IN ALL COUNCILS BE IT THE  RULING OR OPPOSITION LED COUNCIL.

HE SAYS ONCE THE AUDITS ARE CONCLUDED PUNITIVE ACTION WILL BE INSTITUTED AND ANY ONE FOUND WANTING WILL BE BROUGHT TO BOOK.

THE LIVINGSTONE CITY COUNCIL SAYS IT HAS UNEARTHED A SCAM IN WHICH SOME UNSCRUPULOUS PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SWINDLING SOME UNSUSPECTING RESIDENTS THROUGH ILLEGAL SALE OF UNSURVEYED RESIDENTIAL PLOTS.
LIVINGSTONE CITY ACTING TOWN CLERK CLEMENT CHISANGA SAYS  THE LOCAL AUTHORITY WILL  CONSIDER SUCH TRANSACTIONS AS NULL AND VOID AS THEY WERE BEING CONDUCTED OUTSIDE THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT CAP 283 AND THE HOUSING OF THE LAWS OF ZAMBIA.
THIS WAS CONTAINED IN A NOTICE AVAILED TO ZANIS IN LIVINGSTONE.
MR. CHISANGA SAID THE LIVINGSTONE CITY COUNCIL WILL DEMOLISH ANY STRUCTURES CONSTRUCTED ON THE ILLEGALLY ACQUIRED PLOTS.
HE HAS SINCE WARNED RESIDENTS THAT HAVE BOUGHT PLOTS ILLEGALLY TO IMMEDIATELY STOP ANY WORKS THEY ARE CARRYING OUT ON THE PLOTS.
AREAS THAT HAVE RECORDED AN INCREASE IN ILLEGAL SELLING AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOME PLOTS INCLUDE ‘B’ AND ‘D’ SECTION IN LIBUYU COMPOUND AND THE AREA NEAR FORMER NAMBOARD DEPOT IN ZAMBEZI WARD.

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CARITAS ZAMBIA ACCUSATIONS PURPORTING THAT IT IS IN AN ALLIANCE WITH THE OPPOSITION PATRIOTIC FRONT ARE FALSE AND MISLEADING

CARITAS ZAMBIA SAYS THE RECENT ACCUSATIONS PURPORTING THAT IT IS IN AN ALLIANCE WITH THE OPPOSITION  PATRIOTIC FRONT (PF) AND IS PLANNING TO REMOVE THE MMD GOVERNMENT FROM POWER IN THIS YEAR’S ELECTIONS ARE  FALSE AND MISLEADING MEANT TO DISCREDIT AND EMBARRASS NOT ONLY CARITAS ZAMBIA BUT CATHOLIC CHURCH AS A WHOLE.

CARITAS ZAMBIA ACTING DIRECTO MILIMO MWIBA SAYS HER ORGANISATION IS A CREDIBLE AND NON PARTISAN ONE HENCE THE ACCUSATIONS SHOULD BE DISMISSED WITH THE CONTEMPT THEY DESERVE.

SPEAKING IN AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX TODAY MS MWIBA SAID THE ACCUSATIONS ARE TOTALLY UNTRUE AS CARITAS ZAMBIA CANNOT FORM ALLIANCES WITH POLITICAL PARTIES AS IT  BELIEVES IN A MULTI PARTY DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM WHERE VARIOUS POLITICAL PARTIES COMPETE FAIRLY TO ASSUME POLITICAL LEADERSHIP.

SHE SAYS THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IS COMPOSED OF MEMBERS WHO BELONG TO DIFFERENT POLITICAL PARTIES AND HENCE IT WOULD  BE UNFAIR FOR CARITAS ZAMBIA TO BE ALIGNED TO ONE POLITICAL PARTY.

SHE HAS SINCE CALLED ON THE ORGANISATION`S  COOPERATING PARTNERS THAT THEY SHOULD NOT BE HOODWINKED BY THE ACCUSATIONS, AS CARITAS ZAMBIA IS A TRANSPARENT ORGANIZATION.     

AND ZAMBIA EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE  PRESIDENT BISHOP GEORGE LUNGU OF CHIPATA SAYS IT HAS BECOME CLEAR THAT  ATTACKS ON THE CHURCH ARE CO-ORDINATED AND PLANNED CITING THE LIKES OF CHANDA CHIMBA III WHOM HE SAYS  WOULD NEVER ON HIS OWN ACCORD HAVE THE OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL ABILITY TO CARRY ON THE KIND OF ATTACKS BEING WAGED AGAINST CATHOLICS.

BISHOP LUNGU ALSO NOTED THE GROWING BUT STEADY STREAM OF INDIVIDUALS, JOURNALISTS AND QUESTIONABLE ORGANISATIONS THAT ARE READY TO PARADE THEMSELVES BEFORE THE PUBLIC MEDIA VILIFYING INNOCENT CITIZENS AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH STATING THAT THESE INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS ARE GIVEN SUCH PUZZLING AND UNFETTERED ACCESS TO THE PUBLIC MEDIA.

HE STATES THAT THE GIST OF THE ATTACKS, CLEARLY, ARE MEANT TO DISCREDIT AND CAST ASPERSIONS AGAINST THE LEADERSHIP AND GENERAL MEMBERSHIP OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN ZAMBIA AND IN THE PROCESS, THIS IS MEANT TO CREATE DESPONDENCY, DIVISION AND CONFUSION AMONG CATHOLICS.

AND ON THE ASPECT OF HOMOSEXUALITY, BISHOP LUNGU SAYS THE CATHOLIC TEACHING DOES NOT PROMOTE HOMOSEXUALITY STATING THAT HOMOSEXUAL ACTS ARE SERIOUSLY WRONG AND SINFUL AND UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES CAN HOMOSEXUAL ACTS BE APPROVED.

THIS IS CONTAINED IN A LETTER ADDRESSED TO CATHOLICS IN ZAMBIA ON CONSTANT ATTACKS DIRECTED AT CATHOLICS IN THE PUBLIC MEDIA AND TO BE READ IN ALL CATHOLIC CHURCHES ON ASCENSION SUNDAY ON 5^TH JUNE 2011.

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ZAMBIA WILL CONTINUE EXPERIENCING LOW ELECTRICITY SUPPLY FOR AT LEAST ANOTHER 7 DAYS

THE COUNTRY WILL CONTINUE EXPERIENCING LOW ELECTRICITY SUPPLY FOR AT LEAST ANOTHER 7 DAYS BECAUSE THE STATE UTILITY OWNED AND PROVIDER EXTENDED THE POWER LOAD SHEDDING TO FACILITATE MAINTENANCE OF EQUIPMENT.

THE SHUTTING DOWN OF THE 180 MW GENERATORS AT THE KARIBA NORTH BANK POWER HYDRO STATION IS INTENDED TO FACILITATE MAINTENANCE AND ENSURE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE EQUIPMENT AS PART OF THE COUNTRY’S REHABILITATION OF AGEING EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO BOOST POWER OUTPUT, CURRENTLY ON THE INCREASE IN THE COUNTRY.
COMPANY SPOKESPERSON MR. ANDRE MAKULU SAID THAT THE STATE RUN POWER COMPANY EXTENDED THE LOAD SHEDDING PERIOD OR ANOTHER 7 DAYS UNTIL MAY 22ND 2011 TO ALLOW FOR POST COMMISSIONING WORKS BY A CONTRACTOR AT THE PLANT.

THE EXTENSION OF THE OUTAGE OF GENERATOR NUMBER THREE AT KARIBA NORTH BANK POWER STATION FOR COMMISSIONING WORKS BY THE CONTRACTOR HAD BEEN EXTENDED BECAUSE WORKS HAD NOT BEEN COMPLETED AS SCHEDULED BY MAY 15.
MR. MAKULU SAID THAT THE CONTRACTOR’S ENGINEERS HAVE BEEN WORKING AROUND THE CLOCK TO COMPLETE THE WORKS BUT THAT HAVE BEEN DELAYED DUE TO TECHNICAL CHALLENGES.

HE SAID THAT THE SHUTTING OF A KEY GENERATOR UNIT AT KARIBA NORTH BANK HYDRO POWER PLANT DEPRIVED THE COUNTRY OF 180 MW FROM THE NATIONAL GRID.

THE POST COMMISSIONING WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY MAY 21ST 2011 AND THE COUNTRY HAS SINCE SUSPENDING 180 MW AT KARIBA NORTH BANK BEEN IMPORTING 125 MW OF POWER DAILY FROM SOUTH AFRICA AND NAMIBIA TO MITIGATE THE SHORTFALL.
POWER IS HOWEVER SUSTAINED AT THE MINES BECAUSE OF THEIR ECONOMIC VALUE TO THE GROWTH OF THE COUNTRY AND THERE HAS BEEN NO EFFECT ON THE SUPPLY TO THE MINES DESPITE THE EXTENSION OF OUTAGE OF THE GENERATOR.

AND THE MINES HAVE SINCE THE SHUTDOWN OF THE GENERATOR AVOIDED EXCESS USE OF NON ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT TO ALLOW THE POWER COMPANY UNDERTAKES REPAIRS TO THE EQUIPMENT.

AND COMMENTING ON THE PLANS BY ZESCO LIMITED TO REVIEW TARIFFS TO COST REFLECTIVE LEVELS TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE WITH OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE REGION, ECONOMIC CONSULTANT BOB SICHINGA SAID ANY ADJUSTMENTS IN THE ELECTRICITY SHOULD BE IN A WAY THE IT DOES NOT AFFECT THE ECONOMY OF THE COUNTRY.

MR SICHINGA TOLD RADIO PHOENIX THAT THE ECONOMIC STABILITY WHICH THE COUNTRY HAS REGISTERED SHOULD NOT JEOPARDIZE WITH THE GAINS THAT THE COUNTRY HAS MADE IN THE RECENT PAST.

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UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSION FOR REFUGEES SETSSEPTEMBER 2011 AS DEADLINE FOR ANGOLAN REFUGEES IN ZAMBIA TO BE VOLUNTARILY REPATRIATED

THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSION FOR REFUGEES HAS SET A DEADLINE OF THE END OF SEPTEMBER 2011 FOR ANGOLAN REFUGEES IN ZAMBIA TO BE VOLUNTARILY REPATRIATED.

UNHCR REPRESENTATIVE IN ZAMBIA JOYCE MENDS-COLE HAS ANNOUNCED THIS DEVELOPMENT IN A STATEMENT TO RADIO PHOENIX.

MS MENDS- COLE SAYS ANGOLAN REFUGEES IN ZAMBIA WISHING TO REPATRIATE WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF UNHCR HAVE ONLY UNTIL END OF SEPTEMBER 2011 TO DO SO, FOLLOWING THE RECOMMENCEMENT OF THE ORGANIZED ANGOLAN REPATRIATION.

MS COLE SAYS THE NEED FOR CLARIFICATION HAD ARISEN DUE TO A MISINTERPRETATION OF THE TIMELINES FOR CESSATION OF REFUGEE STATUS FOR ANGOLANS – 31 DECEMBER, 2011 - AND VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION – END SEPTEMBER 2011

THE UNHCR HEAD IN ZAMBIA SAID THE ANGOLAN VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION WHICH RECOMMENCES ON 1 JUNE WILL ONLY BE FOR FOUR MONTHS UP TO THE END SEPTEMBER 2011 DUE TO WEATHER CIRCUMSTANCES.

SHE ADDS THAT REFUGEES PARTICIPATING IN THE REPATRIATION WILL BENEFIT FROM TRANSPORT ASSISTANCE AND A REINTEGRATION PACKAGE PROVIDED BY THE ANGOLAN EXECUTIVE.

THE FIFTH TRIPARTITE MEETING BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF ZAMBIA, THE EXECUTIVE OF ANGOLA AND UNHCR WAS HELD IN LIVINGSTONE FROM 1 TO 2 APRIL 2011 ON THE REPATRIATION OF ANGOLAN REFUGEES.

AS A RESULT, THE ORGANIZED REPATRIATION OF ANGOLAN REFUGEES FROM ZAMBIA STARTS ON 1 JUNE 2011 AND ENDS ON 30 SEPTEMBER 2011.

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NGOCC IN ZAMBIA SAYS THE SUPPLEMENTARY BUDGET THAT HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR MOBILE HOSPITALS SHOULD GO TOWARDS THE CONSTRUCTION OF MORE WARDS AT UTH

THE NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS COORDINATING COUNCIL (NGOCC) SAYS THE SUPPLEMENTARY BUDGET THAT HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR MOBILE HOSPITALS SHOULD GO TOWARDS THE CONSTRUCTION OF MORE WARDS AT UTH AND EQUIPPING THE HOSPITAL WITH THE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT TO ENABLE THE INSTITUTION OPERATE EFFECTIVELY.

NGOCC BOARD CHAIRPERSON BEATRICE GRILLO COMMENTS COME IN THE WAKE OF MEDIA REPORTS THAT MALE AND FEMALE PATIENTS SHARE WARDS AT UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL’S FILTER CLINIC THE WHICH THEY SAYS IS A VIOLATION OF NOT ONLY HUMAN RIGHTS BUT ALSO PATIENT’S RIGHTS.

MRS. GRILLO SAYS THE STATE OF AFFAIRS OBTAINING AT THE INSTITUTION IS NOT HEALTHY AND CONDUCIVE NOT ONLY TO PATIENTS BUT ALSO THE WORKERS AND GENERAL PUBLIC AND HAS SINCE  DEMANDED FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO QUICKLY ADDRESS THE SITUATION AT THE INSTITUTION AS A MATTER OF URGENCY.

SHE STATES THAT PUMPING MONEY INTO OPERATIONALISING MOBILE HOSPITALS SHOULD NOT BE A PRIORITY FOR NOW NOR FOR THE FUTURE AS THE MOBILE HOSPITALS ARE A SHEER WASTE OF TAX PAYER’S RESOURCES.

MRS. GRILLO SAYS THE MOBILE HOSPITALS WILL NEED ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL, MATERIALS, MEDICINES; THEY WILL NEED FUEL AND ALLOWANCES FOR THE STAFF, AND GOOD ROADS TO MOVE FROM PLACE TO PLACE.

NGOCC HAS SINCE APPELAED TO THE MINISTER OF HEALTH TO IMMEDIATELY ADDRESS THE SITUATION NOT ONLY AT UTH BUT IN ALL HEALTH INSTITUTIONS INCLUDING KALINGALINGA CLINIC IN LUSAKA WHICH CATERS FOR SUCH A LARGE POPULATION. 

THE COUNCIL STRESSES THAT BY ASKING FOR A SUPPLEMENTARY BUDGET OF K21.6 BILLION FOR MOBILE HOSPITALS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS JUST DEMONSTRATED THAT RESOURCES FOR PRIORITY AREAS CAN BE FOUND.

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FORMER CHIPOLOPOLO BOYS HOLDING MIDFIELDER ANDREW SINKALA HAS SIGNED A NEW ONE YEAR CONTRACT

FORMER CHIPOLOPOLO BOYS HOLDING MIDFIELDER ANDREW SINKALA HAS SIGNED A NEW ONE YEAR CONTRACT AT NEWLY PROMOTED SIDE GERMANY BUNDESLIGA SIDE FC AUGSBURG.

THE CONTRACT EXTENSION HAS COME AS A RELIEF FOR THE FORMER BAYERN MUNICH TRAINEE AND NCHANGA RANGERS CAPTAIN AFTER RUMOURS EARLY THIS YEAR INDICATED HE WASN’T GOING TO GET A NEW DEAL.

ON THE PITCH THIS SEASON, ‘THE GENERAL’ WHO STARTED THE CAMPAIGN IN THE TREATMENT ROOM, HAS JUST MADE 7 APPEARANCES AS A SUBSTITUTE, ALL COMING AFTER THE 80TH MINUTE.

HE WAS ALSO UNUSED SUBSTITUTE OVER THE WEEKEND IN THE LAST LEAGUE GAME OF THE SEASON AGAINST FELLOW PROMOTED SIDE HERTHA BERLIN THOUGH THEY LOST 2-1.

HAVING MISSED PROMOTION LAST AFTER A DEFEAT TO NUREMBERG IN A PLAYOFF, AUGSBURG MADE IT AND WILL BE PLAYING IN GERMANY’S TOP TIER FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THEIR HISTORY.

FOR SINKALA, IT IS THE THIRD TIME AFTER TWO PROMOTIONS WITH HIS FORMER CLUB, COLOGNE.

SINCE JOINING AUGSBURG IN JULY 2008, SINKALA HAS PLAYED 60 GOALS WITH A RETURN OF 3 GOALS FOR A BAVARIAN SIDE.

PRIOR TO JOINING AUGSBURG, THE 31 YEAR OLD SPENT TO TWO SEASONS AT SC PADERBORN 07 WERE HE MADE 34 LEAGUE APPEARANCES AND A SCORED A GOAL WITH ONE ASSIST.

HE PLAYED 84 TIMES FOR COLOGNE SCORING 4 GOALS BETWEEN 2001 AND 2006 AFTER HE SIGNED FROM BAYERN MUNICH.

ELSEWHERE IN GERMANY, MOSES SICHONE’S CONTRACT AT THIRD TIER SIDE CARL ZEISS JENA WILL BE ENDING 30TH JUNE 2011. ‘BIG MO’ HAS BEEN MADE 19 APPEARANCES THIS SEASON.

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PRESIDENT RUPIAH BANDA HAS ASSURED TOURISTS VISITING THE COUNTRY OF SAFETY BEFORE AND AFTER THE ELECTIONS

PRESIDENT RUPIAH  BANDA HAS ASSURED  TOURISTS  VISITING THE COUNTRY OF SAFETY BEFORE AND AFTER THE ELECTIONS.

SPEAKING DURING THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE 5^TH INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR PEACE AND TOURISM CONFERENCE IN LUSAKA TODAY PRESIDENT BANDA SAID ZAMBIA IS A PEACEFUL COUNTRY HENCE IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT   EVERYONE ELSE MAINTAINS IT.

PRESIDENT BANDA SAYS GOVERNMENT IS ALSO CONCERNED WITH THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ACROSS THE COUNTRY HENCE THE  NEED TO WORK TOGETHER WITH OTHER PARTNERS.

HE EXPLAINES THAT GOVERNMENT IS IN THE PROCESS OF IMPLEMENTING THE NATIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY AND WILL BE IN PLACE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

AND SPEAKING AT THE SAME FUNCTION, FIRST REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT DR KENNETH KAUNDA SAYS THERE IS NEED FOR POLITICAL DIALOGUE BETWEEN ALL OPPOSITION PARTIES IF PEACE HAS TO CONTINUE PREVAILING IN THE COUNTRY.

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ZAMBIA SUGAR PLC SAYS SUGAR PRODUCTION SAYS ROSE 22 PERCENT

ZAMBIA SUGAR PLC SAYS SUGAR PRODUCTION SAYS  ROSE 22 PERCENT TO 385,000 TONNES IN ITS FINANCIAL YEAR WHICH ENDED MARCH 31.

ZAMBIA SUGAR PLC, A UNIT OF SOUTH AFRICA'S ILLOVO SUGAR HAS SAID IN A STATEMENT THAT SUGAR EXPORTS INCREASED TO 233,000 TONNES IN THE 2010/2011 SEASON FROM 175,000 TONNES THE PREVIOUS SEASON.

THE COMPANY EXPLAINS THAT THE INCREASED SUGAR PRODUCTION COMBINED WITH DUTY FREE, QUOTA FREE ACCESS GRANTED TO ZAMBIA BY THE EUROPEAN UNION LED TO 108,000 TONNES OF SUGAR BEING EXPORTED TO THE EU.

A WORLD SUGAR DEFICIT BOOSTED SUGAR DEMAND REGIONALLY AND A RECORD 125,000 TONNES OF SUGAR WAS EXPORTED INTO THE REGION IN THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, THE COMPANY SAID.

AND RECORD SUGAR PRODUCTION AND SALES INCREASED REVENUE TO 1,232 BILLION KWACHA AND OPERATING PROFIT TO 174 BILLION KWACHA FROM 908 BILLION KWACHA AND 159 BILLION KWACHA, IT SAID.

THE FIRM WORLD SUGAR PRICES ARE EXPECTED TO SUSTAIN REVENUE REALISATION FROM ALL EXPORT MARKETS WHERE MORE SUGAR WOULD BE SOLD COMPARED WITH  PREVIOUS YEARS.

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COACH LUCKY MSISKA HAS PREDICTED A TOUGH ENCOUNTER AGAINST ALGERIA

COACH LUCKY MSISKA HAS PREDICTED A TOUGH ENCOUNTER AGAINST ALGERIA IN THE JUNE 5 QUALIFIER.

MSISKA TOLD SUPERSPORT.COM THAT HIS TECHNICAL STAFF IS WARY OF THE THREAT NORTH AFRICAN TEAMS POSED TO ZAMBIA.

THE 1988 SEOUL OLYMPIC FINALIST SAYS HE IS DETERMINED TO ENSURING THAT  ZAMBIA BOOKS  A PLACE TO THE LONDON 2012 GAMES.

MSISKA DRAWS STRENGTH FOR ZAMBIA’S CHANCES TO PROGRESS TO THE NEXT ROUND FROM THE TEAM’S PREVIOUS MEETING AGAINST ALGERIA.

ZAMBIA KNOCKED ALGERIA OUT OF THE 2004 ATHENS GAMES 4-3 ON AGGREGATE TO EARN A GROUP STAGE PLACE.

MSISKA, WHO HAS NAMED A 29-MEMBER TEAM THAT GOES INTO RESIDENTIAL CAMP IN LUSAKA ON SUNDAY, SAYS  HE HAS A COLLECTION OF GOOD PLAYERS FOR THE JOB.

HE SAYS  IT IS GOING TO BE TOUGH AS NORTH AFRICAN TEAMS ARE TRICKY BUT THEY WILL WORK HARD BECAUSE  THEY HAVE A GOOD TEAM.

MSISKA SAYS  HE HAD PROPOSED INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLIES BUT POTENTIAL OPPONENTS HAD NOT GIVEN ZAMBIA FEEDBACK.

HE SAYS  HE HAD ALSO PROPOSED A FRIENDLY BETWEEN THE UNDER-23 NATIONAL TEAM AND THE COPPERBELT SELECT SIDE TO HELP SHAPE FOR THE MATCH AGAINST ALGERIA.

MSISKA SAYS ALTHOUGH HE HAD AN IDEA OF THE TEAM FOR THE ALGERIA ASSIGNMENT, HE WANTED TO MONITOR MORE PLAYERS THAT HAD NOT BEEN GIVEN CHANCE.

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EMERGING AND ESTABLISHED LEADERS FROM ACROSS THE AFRICAN CONTINENT WILL GATHER IN MOMBASSA FOR THE SECOND AFRICA 2.0 LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM

IN JUST FIVE WEEKS' TIME, EMERGING AND ESTABLISHED LEADERS FROM ACROSS THE AFRICAN CONTINENT WILL GATHER IN MOMBASSA, KENYA FROM 14-17 JUNE FOR THE SECOND AFRICA 2.0 LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM IN A COLLECTIVE EFFORT TO ENGAGE, STRATEGISE, CREATE STRONG RELATIONSHIPS, AND COMMIT TO TARGETED ACTIONS ANTICIPATED TO TRIGGER RAPID CHANGE ON THE CONTINENT.

THE EVENT, WHICH FOLLOWS HOT ON THE HEELS OF A SUCCESSFUL INAUGURAL SYMPOSIUM HELD IN SOUTH AFRICA IN 2010, WILL COMPRISE FOUR DAYS OF ENGAGING WORKSHOPS, LECTURES, SPECIALIST PANEL DISCUSSIONS, PRESENTATIONS, AND HIGH-PROFILE STRATEGIES.

AFRICA 2.0 FOUNDER, MAMADOU KWIDJIM TOURE SAYS  HIS ORGANISATION IS LOOKING FORWARD TO HOSTING ANOTHER HIGH-LEVEL OUTCOMES-BASED SYMPOSIUM.

HE SAYS  THE EVENT PROVIDES AN ESSENTIAL PLATFORM FOR THE GENERATION OF IDEAS AND COMMITMENTS THAT WILL TRIGGER DYNAMIC HOME-GROWN SOLUTIONS FOR THE CONTINENT'S GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT.

AFRICA 2.0 IS AN ADVOCACY GROUP OF YOUNG AFRICANS FROM ACROSS THE CONTINENT WHO HAVE A COLLECTIVE VISION FOR AFRICA AND ARE COMMITTED TO FINDING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS TO SOME OF THE MOST PRESSING ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ISSUES FACING AFRICANS TODAY.

DISCUSSIONS WILL CENTRE AROUND THE FOLLOWING KEY FOCUS AREAS: THE WORLD IN 2020 - OPINION LEADERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD WILL SHARE THEIR PERSPECTIVES ON THE WORLD IN 2020 AS WELL AS THE ROLE THAT AFRICA COULD PLAY IN SUCH A WORLD.

'ACTION, COORDINATION, ACTION' - A STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR VISION AFRICA 2020 WILL BE DEVELOPED AND REFINED AROUND THE 10 KEY PILLARS OF THE VISION. BREAKAWAY SESSIONS WILL ENGAGE PARTICIPANTS ON COUNTRY AND REGIONAL COORDINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION. PLEDGES TO IMPLEMENT STRATEGIC ACTIONS WILL BE SOLICITED.

10 IDEAS THAT COULD CHANGE AFRICA - PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF THE SCALABILITY OF A RANGE OF IDEAS, PRODUCTS, PROJECTS AND POLICIES THAT COULD EFFECT CHANGE IN AFRICA AMONG OTHERS.

THE KEYNOTE ADDRESS WILL BE DELIVERED BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF KENYA RAILA ODINGA.

FORMER AFRICAN PRESIDENTS, INCLUDING  DR KENNETH KAUNDA OF ZAMBIA, OLUSEGUN OBASANJO OF NIGERIA, AND FESTUS MOGAE OF BOTSWANA WILL PARTICIPATE IN A PANEL DISCUSSION OF FORMER PRESIDENTS.

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Human rights commission in Zambia completes the investiagtions in the killings in Mansa last month

THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION HAS ESTABLISHED THAT THREE INNOCENT PERSONS WERE KILLED BY UNKNOWN PEOPLE IN MANSA ON SUSPICION THAT THEY WERE INVOLVED IN RITUAL MURDERS TO ENHANCE THEIR BUSINESS.

AND THE COMMISSION SAYS A FURTHER FIVE PEOPLE WERE KILLED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENTS WHO, IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO CONTROL THE DISTURBANCES USED LIVE AMMUNITION.

THE FINDINGS COME AFTER THE COMMISSION CONCLUDED INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE DISTURBANCES AND SUBSEQUENT KILLINGS THAT OCCURRED IN MANSA BETWEEN 19^TH TO 24^TH  APRIL, 2011.

ACCORDING TO THE HUMAN RIGHTS  COMMISSION`S FINDINGS, THE DISTURBANCES WERE PRECIPITATED BY PERSISTENT RUMOURS IN MANSA AND OTHER PARTS OF THE PROVINCE TO THE EFFECT THAT SOME SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSMEN WERE INVOLVED IN RITUAL MURDERS.

IN STATEMENT TO RADIO PHOENIX TODAY,  HUMAN RIGHTS SPOKESPERSON SAMUEL KASANKHA SAYS THE RUMOURS PERSISTED FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS AND SUBSEQUENTLY LED TO THE SPONTANEOUS RIOTING BY YOUTHS.

MR. KASANKHA SAYS  THREE UNSUSPECTING BUSINESS PERSONS WERE ATTACKED AND BURNT TO DEATH WHILE THEIR PROPERTY WORTH BILLIONS OF KWACHA WAS EITHER LOOTED OR SET ALIGHT; WHILE OTHERS SUSTAINED INJURIES.

HE STATES THAT THE COMMISSION EXPRESSES REGRET OVER THE WHOLE EPISODE BECAUSE  AS A DIRECT CONSEQUENCE, EIGHT LIVES WERE LOST AND A LOT OF PROPERTY LOST.

MR. KASANKHA HAS SINCE URGED ZAMBIANS TO DISCARD ANY REPULSIVE CULTURAL PRACTICES INCLUDING THOSE THAT LEAD TO THE TERMINATION OF PEOPLE’S LIVES WITHOUT RECOURSE TO THE DUE PROCESS OF THE LAW STRESSING THAT WHERE PEOPLE HAVE EVIDENCE THAT RITUAL MURDERS HAVE TAKEN PLACE, THEY SHOULD FOLLOW THE STANDARD HUMAN RIGHTS AND LEGAL PROCESSES AS PROVIDED FOR BY LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL LAWS.

AND IN THE SAME VEIN THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION HAS REITERATED ITS  DISAPPROVAL OF METHODS POLICE HAVE CONTINUED TO USE IN DEALING WITH VARIOUS SECURITY THREATS INCLUDING HANDLING UNARMED RIOTERS AND HAS SINCE URGED GOVERNMENT TO BE VERY QUICK ABOUT RE-EQUIPPING THE POLICE WITH MODERN UTILITIES THEY NEED TO EFFECTIVELY CARRY OUT THEIR DUTIES.

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SACCORD in Zambia calls on all political players to engage in peaceful elections

SOUTHERN AFRICAN CENTRE FOR CONSTRUCTIVE RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES (SACCORD) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LEE HABASONDA HAS CALLED ON ALL POLITICAL PLAYERS IN THIS YEARS’ ELECTION TO ENGAGE IN PEACEFUL ELECTIONS AS THE COUNTRY HEADS TOWARDS THE GENERAL AND PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS.

MR. HABASONDA SAYS LEADERS OF POLITICAL PARTIES SHOULD ARRANGE FOR A MEETING AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE TO IRON OUT ANY DIFFERENCES THEY MAY HAVE AHEAD OF THIS YEAR'S POLLS.

HE SAID AMONG THE ISSUES TO BE TABLED IS THE LANGUAGE OF INSULTS WHICH HE SAID IS DEMEANING AND HAS THE EFFECT OF INCITING FOLLOWERS TO BELIEVE THAT THE USE OF INSULTS IS AN ACCEPTABLE CULTURE OF POLITICS IN THE COUNTRY.

HE SAID THIS IS CONTRIBUTING TO LACK OF MUTUAL RESPECT, INTOLERANCE AND BREAK DOWN OF LAW AND ORDER IN THE COUNTRY THEREBY FUELING VIOLENCE, A THING HE SAID SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED IN THIS COUNTRY.

MR HABASONDA STATED THAT SINCE ZAMBIA HAS BEEN A HAVEN OF PEACE SINCE INDEPENDENCE, FRUSTRATED AND UN PRINCIPLED POLITICIANS SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN CHANCE TO DISTURB THE PEACE THE COUNTRY HAS BEEN ENJOYING FOR MANY YEARS.

MR. HABASONDA APPEALED UPON ALL POLITICAL LEADERS IN THE COUNTRY TO REFRAIN FROM AMONG OTHERS THINGS USING ABUSIVE LANGUAGE, INCITEMENT OF HATE, DEFAMATORY ALLEGATIONS AND PROVOCATIVE LANGUAGE AS THEY DO THEIR CAMPAIGNS THIS YEAR.

AND MR. HABASONDA SAID ALL POLITICAL PARTIES HAVE BEEN TO DISCLOSE TO THE PUBLIC THEIR SOURCE OF FUNDING AS THE COUNTRY APPROACHES THIS YEARS’ ELECTION FOR THE PURPOSE OF TRANSPARENT.

HE SAID THAT IT WAS REGRETTABLE THAT ZAMBIA HAS NO LAW WHICH RESTRICTS POLITICAL PARTY FUNDING AND DISCLOSURE OF THEIR SOURCE OF FUNDING, A THING HE DESCRIBED AS NOT IDEAL IN A DEMOCRATIC NATION LIKE ZAMBIA.

HE SAID POLITICAL PARTIES NEED TO BE TRANSPARENT IN THE WAY THEY SOURCE THEIR FUNDING TO RUN THEIR PARTIES ADDING THAT SACCORD WOULD LIKE TO SEE A SITUATION WHERE POLITICAL PARTIES ARE GETTING FUNDING BASED ON LEGAL AND PRINCIPLED POSITIONS.

HE OBSERVED THAT THE ORGANISATION WAS CONCERNED WITH THE MANNER PARTIES GET THEIR MONEY FOR THEIR POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS STATING THAT UNPRINCIPLED PARTIES MIGHT END UP SELLING THE COUNTRY BY GETTING FUNDING FROM GANGS OF CRIMINALS THEREBY JEOPARDIZING THE SECURITY OF THIS COUNTRY.

MEANWHILE, MR. HABASONDA HAS CALLED ON CHIEFS IN THE COUNTRY TO DESIST FROM INVOLVING THEMSELVES IN PARTISAN POLITICS BECAUSE THEY ARE CUSTODIAN OF OUR CULTURE AND TRADITIONAL VALUES.

HE SAID CHIEFS IN THIS COUNTRY HAVE BEEN ISSUING POLITICAL STATEMENTS ESPECIALLY ABOUT PREFERRED CANDIDATES IN THE FOURTH COMING ELECTIONS AND THAT THEY ARE UNDERMINING THE BASIS ON WHICH THEY DRIVE THEIR AUTHORITY.
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ZAMBIA MAY PROBABLY RECEIVE 171 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS FROM THE SALE OF EQUINOX MINERALS

ZAMBIA MAY PROBABLY RECEIVE 171 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS FROM THE IMMINENT SALE OF EQUINOX MINERALS, THE 100% OWNER OF LUMWANA MINING COMPANY.
OPPOSITION PATRIOTIC FRONT LAWMAKER, MR WYLBUR SIMUUSA WHO IS ALSO PARLIAMENTARY CHAIRPERSON FOR MINES STATED THAT ZAMBIA’S LOW STAKE IN LUMWANA MINING COMPANY WOULD RESULT IN THE COUNTRY GETTING A PALTRY AMOUNT FROM THE COUNTRY’S RECORD TRANSACTION IN THE MINING SECTOR.
EQUINOX MINERALS' SALE TO GARRICK HAS BEEN VALUED AT AN INITIAL VALUE OF 7.68 BILLION DOLLARS.
BARRICK GOLD RECENTLY AGREED TO BUY EQUINOX MINERALS WHOSE LUMWANA MINING COMPANY BUILT FOR OVER ONE BILLION DOLLARS IN SOLWEZI IN ZAMBIA IS EQUINOX MINERAL’S PRIMARY ASSET WHILE OTHER OPERATIONS INCLUDE A COPPER DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN SAUDI ARABIA.
ACCORDING TO THE LAWMAKER IT WAS IMPERATIVE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO CATEGORICALLY STATE THE FUTURE OF ZCCM IH’S STAKE IN THE NEW COMPANY AFTER BARRICK GOLD TAKES OVER LUMWANA EQUINOX MINERALS. IT WAS HIS VIEW THAT ALTHOUGH ZAMBIA WAS LIKELY TO BENEFIT 171 MILLION DOLLARS FROM THE EQUINOX DEAL, THE CONCERN IS THAT THE COUNTRY’S SHAREHOLDING, THROUGH ZCCM IH IS LIKELY TO BE DILUTED.
MR. SIMUUSA ALSO REGRETTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT POSITION ON THE TRANSACTION OF THE LUMWANA MAGNITUDE REMAINS UNCLEAR DESPITE THE COUNTRY HOSTING THE MINES.
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FOUR ZAMBIAN SOLDIERS IN SUDAN HAVE BEEN WOUNDED WHEN THEIR PATROL WAS ATTACKED

FOUR ZAMBIAN SOLDIERS UNDERTAKING PEACEKEEPING IN SUDAN HAVE BEEN WOUNDED WHEN THEIR PATROL WAS ATTACKED IN THE ABYEI REGION.
A SPOKESMAN OF THE U.N. MISSION IN SUDAN KOUIDER ZERROUK SAYS, THE U.N. TROOPS, ALL FROM ZAMBIA, HAD BEEN FORCED BY GUNMEN TO TURN BACK EARLIER IN THE DAY AT THE VILLAGE OF GOLI AND WERE TRAVELING TO THE TOWN OF DIFFRA WHEN THEY CAME UNDER ATTACK YESTERDAY.
AND THE U.N SAYS THE WOUNDED PEACEKEEPERS WERE FLOWN TO ABYEI FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT AND ONE IS IN SERIOUS CONDITION.
ACCORDING TO THE UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL.COM WEBSITE MONITORED BY RADIO PHOENIX TODAY, IT IS NOT KNOWN WHAT GROUP THE GUNMEN ARE AFFILIATED WITH.
AND ZERROUK HAS SINCE CONDEMNED THE ACT AGAINST PEACEKEEPERS WHOM HE SAID ARE DISCHARGING THEIR DUTIES TO TRY TO HELP MAINTAIN PEACE AND SECURITY IN ABYEI.
THE U.N. MISSION IN SUDAN IS TRYING TO DE-ESCALATE TENSIONS IN THE AREA WHERE CONFRONTATIONS HAVE CLAIMED DOZENS OF LIVES THIS YEAR SINCE A REFERENDUM ON ABYEI'S STATUS WAS CANCELED OVER DISAGREEMENT ON VOTER ELIGIBILITY.
SOUTHERN SUDAN WILL SECEDE FROM THE REST OF THE COUNTRY IN JULY AS A RESULT OF A SEPARATE REFERENDUM HELD IN JANUARY.
BOTH NORTH AND SOUTH CLAIM ABYEI.
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Standard Chartered bank named the best bank in Zambia

Standard Chartered Bank has been named Best Emerging Market Bank in Africa in Global Finance magazine’s annual awards.

This is the third consecutive year that Standard Chartered Bank Africa has topped the tables with Global Finance.

Additionally, Standard Chartered Bank also won ‘Best Emerging Market Bank’ in Zambia (for the sixth consecutive year); in Botswana (also for the sixth consecutive year) and in The Gambia.

Winners are nominated by Global Finance editors, industry analysts, corporate executives and technology experts, and based on criteria including growth in assets, profitability, strategic relationships, customer service, competitive pricing and innovative products.

And Commenting on the development, Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Managing Director Mizinga Melu said: the bank will continue to differentiate their brand and have confidence in our strategy for long-term, sustainable growth.

The award follows Standard Chartered’s record income and profit growth in 2010 across Africa, driven by an exceptional performance across the business. This is particularly true for Standard Chartered Bank in Zambia where the Bank was the most profitable in the market in 2010.

This is the eighteenth year that Global Finance has selected top banking performers in emerging markets.

The full report covers the best banks in Asia, the Middle East and Africa, Latin America, and Central and Eastern Europe.

Publisher of Global Finance Joseph Giarraputo says More than ever, customers are demanding superior competence from their banking partners.

The winners of these awards are the banks best providing that competence.

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MANSA MAGISTRATE COURT HAS SENTENCED A SENIOR ECONOMIST AT THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE IN MANSA TO TWO YEARS IMPRISONMENT

THE MANSA MAGISTRATE COURT HAS SENTENCED A SENIOR ECONOMIST AT THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE IN MANSA TO TWO YEARS IMPRISONMENT WITH HARD LABOUR AFTER FINDING HIM GUILTY OF THEFT AND MONEY LAUNDERING INVOLVING OVER K160 MILLION.

DEC PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER JOHN NYAWALI SAYS CHARLES CHILUFYA, A SENIOR ECONOMIST AND MARKETING DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR FOR LUAPULA PROVINCE WAS FOUND GUILTY OF STEALING A TOTAL OF K161 MILLION PROPERTY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA.

HE SAYS MR. CHILUFYA, 48, STOLE THE MONEY WHICH WAS GIVEN TO HIS OFFICE FOR SENSITIZATION AND TRAINING OF FARMERS IN OIL PALM GROWING AND MARKETING PROJECT IN LUAPULA VALLEY.

MR NYAWALI ADDS THAT MR. CHILUFYA, WHO WAS ARRESTED BY THE ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING UNIT OF THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION IN 2008, WAS FOUND GUILTY OF SEVEN CHARGES OF FORGERY, THEFT AND MONEY LAUNDERING.

MEANWHILE, THE COMMISSION HAS SEIZED A MOTOR VEHICLE AND CHEMICALS USED IN THE MANUFACTURING OF COUNTERFEIT NOTES FROM FOUR BUSINESSMEN OF LUSAKA.

THE VEHICLE WAS SEIZED AFTER A SEARCH WHERE OVER US $2000 OF COUNTERFEIT NOTES WAS DISCOVERED.

MR NYAWALI SAYS THE FOUR HAVE BEEN DETAINED IN POLICE CUSTODY AND WILL APPEAR IN COURT SOON.

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THE WORLD BANK GROUP SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA IN 2011 HAS AN UNPRECEDENTED OPPORTUNITY FOR TRANSFORMATION AND SUSTAINED GROWTH

THE WORLD BANK GROUP SAYS SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA IN 2011 HAS AN UNPRECEDENTED OPPORTUNITY FOR TRANSFORMATION AND SUSTAINED GROWTH.

THE BANK SAYS UNTIL THE ONSET OF THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS, GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT GROWTH HAD BEEN AVERAGING 5% A YEAR FOR A DECADE, ACCELERATING TO OVER 6% IN 2006 TO 2008.

THE BANK SAYS ALONGSIDE THE ACCELERATION IN GROWTH, PROGRESS ON THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS HAS BEEN SUFFICIENTLY RAPID AND THAT MANY COUNTRIES ARE LIKELY TO REACH MOST OF THE GOALS BY 2015.

THE BANK FURTHER SAYS AFRICA’S PRIVATE SECTOR IS INCREASINGLY ATTRACTING INVESTMENT, AND THE CLIMATE FOR MARKET-ORIENTED, PRO-POOR REFORMS IS PROVING TO BE ROBUST.

ACCORDING TO A NEW FIVE YEAR WORLD BANK STRATEGY FOR AFRICA RELEASED TODAY, AFRICAN COUNTRIES DESPITE THESE GAINS CONTINUE TO FACE PERSISTENT, LONG TERM DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES AMONG THEM UNDIVERSIFIED PRODUCTION STRUCTURE, LOW HUMAN CAPITAL, WEAK GOVERNANCE, STATE FRAGILITY, WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT, AND CLIMATE CHANGE.

IN THE NEW STRATEGY, THE WORLD BANK STATES THAT THAT TO ADDRESS THESE AFRICAN COUNTRIES MUST PUT IN PLACE THE PILLARS OF COMPETIVENESS AND EMPLOYMENT, VULNERABILITY AND RESILIENCE, A FOUNDATION GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC SECTOR CAPACITY.

AND THE STRATEGY HAS RECOGNIZED THREE MAIN RISKS WHICH INCLUDE: THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE GLOBAL ECONOMY WILL EXPERIENCE GREATER VOLATILITY, THE POSSIBILITY OF CONFLICT AND POLITICAL VIOLENCE AND THE POSSIBILITY THAT RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO IMPLEMENT THE STRATEGY MAY BE INADEQUATE.

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Zambia auditor general confirms that officers are probbing SAB miller

AUDITOR GENERAL ANNA CHIFUNGULA HAS DISCLOSED THAT INVESTIGATIONS ARE UNDERWAY TO ESTABLISH THE REVELATIONS THAT SAB-MILLER AVOIDS PAYING BILLIONS OF KWACHA OF TAXES IN AFRICA EVERY YEAR AND IN ZAMBIA IN PARTICULAR.

ACCORDING TO ACTION AID REPORT CALLING TIME: WHY SAB MILLER SHOULD STOP DODGING TAXES IN AFRICA REVEALED IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR HOW THE COMPANY USES A COMPLEX SYSTEM OF TAX HAVENS TO TAP PROFITS OUT OF SUBSIDIARIES IN ZAMBIA AND OTHER DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.

THE REPORT SHOWS THAT SAB MILLER IS DODGING AN ESTIMATED $31 MILLION OR CLOSE TO 146 BILLION KWACHA OF TAXES IN AFRICA AND INDIA EVERY YEAR.

AND TAX AUTHORITIES IN ZAMBIA AND FOUR OTHER COUNTRIES ARE TO INVESTIGATE GIANT BREWER SAB MILLER, WHICH IS THE WORLD’S BIGGEST BREWER.

THIS COMES AFTER AN ACTION AID REPORT WHICH REVEALED THAT THE MULTINATIONAL CORPORATION AVOIDS PAYING BILLIONS OF KWACHA OF TAXES IN AFRICA EVERY YEAR.
THE AFRICAN TAX ADMINISTRATION WILL COORDINATE THE GROUND BREAKING INVESTIGATIONS OF SAB MILLER’S TRANSFER PRICING STRATEGIES IN ZAMBIA, SOUTH AFRICA, GHANA, TANZANIA AND MAURITIUS.

SPEAKING  IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX IN LUSAKA AUDITOR GENERAL ANNA CHIFUNGULA SAID HER OFFICE IS WORKING IN COLLABORATION WITH NORWAY TO PROBE THE ALLEGATIONS.

AND ASKED  AS TO WHEN THE INVESTIGATIONS WILL BE CONCLUDED; MS CHIFUNGULA SAID HER OFFICERS WHO ARE ALREADY ON THE GROUND WILL BE DONE WITH THE PROBING BY JULY THIS YEAR.

SHE SAYS HER OFFICE IS LOOKING AT THE PAYMENTS THAT SAB-MILLER SHOULD HAVE BEEN PAYING TO THE  ZAMBIA REVENUE AUTHORITY IN THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW.

BUT IN A STATEMENT AVAILED TO RADIO PHOENIX, SABMILLER REJECTED THE ALLEGATIONS MADE BY ACTIONAID IN ITS RECENT REPORT THAT SHOWS THAT SAB MILLER IS DODGING AN ESTIMATED $31 MILLION OR CLOSE TO 146 BILLION KWACHA OF TAXES IN AFRICA AND INDIA EVERY YEAR.
SABMILLER SAYS IT DOES NOT ENGAGE IN AGGRESSIVE TAX PLANNING IN ANY PART OF ITS OPERATIONS AND THE REPORT INCLUDES A NUMBER OF FLAWED AND INACCURATE ASSUMPTIONS.

THE COMPANY STATES THAT COMPLIANCE WITH TAX LAWS UNDERPINS ALL OF ITS CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES AND THAT IT WILL ACTIVELY ENGAGE WITH REVENUE AUTHORITIES AND THAT THEY ARE TRANSPARENT WITHIN THEIR AFFAIRS.

THE STATEMENT SAID SABMILLER COMPANIES PAY A SIGNIFICANT LEVEL OF TAX AND THAT IN THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2010, THE GROUP REPORTED US$2,929 MILLION IN PRE-TAX PROFIT AND GROUP REVENUE OF US$26,350 MILLION.

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TAX AUTHORITIES IN ZAMBIA AND FOUR OTHER COUNTRIES ARE TO INVESTIGATE GIANT BREWER SAB MILLER

TAX AUTHORITIES IN ZAMBIA AND FOUR OTHER COUNTRIES ARE TO INVESTIGATE GIANT BREWER SAB MILLER, WHICH IS THE WORLD’S BIGGEST BREWER.
THE TAX AUDIT COMES AFTER AN ACTION AID REPORT WHICH REVEALED THAT THE MULTINATIONAL CORPORATION AVOIDS PAYING BILLIONS OF KWACHA OF TAXES IN AFRICA EVERY YEAR.
THE AFRICAN TAX ADMINISTRATION WILL COORDINATE THE GROUND BREAKING INVESTIGATIONS OF SAB MILLER’S TRANSFER PRICING STRATEGIES IN ZAMBIA, SOUTH AFRICA, GHANA, TANZANIA AND MAURITIUS.
AND ACTION AID ZAMBIA HAS SINCE WELCOMED THE AUDIT AND DEMANDED THAT MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES MAKE THEIR TAX AFFAIRS MORE TRANSPARENT AND FAIR SAYING THE INVESTIGATION IS AN IMPORTANT STEP IN THE FIGHT FOR TAX JUSTICE.
ACTION AID ZAMBIA COUNTRY REPRESENTATIVE PAMELA CHISENGA HAS FURTHER CALLED FOR ALL POLITICAL PLAYERS IN THIS YEAR’S ELECTIONS TO MAKE NATIONAL TAX REGULATIONS A KEY PART OF THEIR POLITICAL AGENDA AND COMMIT THEMSELVES TO STRENGTHENING WEAK LAWS THAT ALLOW MULTINATIONALS TO AVOID TAXES.
ACTION AID REPORT CALLING TIME: WHY SAB MILLER SHOULD STOP DODGING TAXES IN AFRICA REVEALED IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR HOW THE COMPANY, USES A COMPLEX SYSTEM OF TAX HAVENS TO TAP PROFITS OUT OF SUBSIDIARIES IN ZAMBIA AND OTHER DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.

THE REPORT SHOWS THAT SAB MILLER IS DODGING AN ESTIMATED $31 MILLION OR CLOSE TO 146 BILLION KWACHA OF TAXES IN AFRICA AND INDIA EVERY YEAR.

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2008 EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE (EITI) RECONCILIATION REPORT FOR ZAMBIA HAS REVEALED 86% OF UNRESOLVED DISCREPANCIES

THE 2008 EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE (EITI) RECONCILIATION REPORT FOR ZAMBIA HAS REVEALED 86% OF UNRESOLVED DISCREPANCIES TO HAVE ARISEN FROM NON-REFUNDED VAT, IMPORT VAT, CUSTOMS DUTY AND CORPORATE TAX.

THE REPORT STATES THAT THE NET DISCREPANCY OF K12.31 BILLION DIFFERENCE IS BETWEEN WHAT THE COMPANIES REPORTED PAYING AND WHAT THE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES REPORTED RECEIVING.

ACCORDING TO THE 2008 REPORT, GRIZZLY MINING LIMITED, THE CNMC LUANSHYA COPPER MINES AND THE ZCCM-IH FAILED TO REPORT THEIR TAX SUBMISSIONS TO GOVERNMENT.

THE 2008 EITI REPORT COVERED 14 LARGE SCALE MINING FIRMS AND TWO GEMSTONE COMPANIES AND FURTHER SHOWS THAT THE COMPANIES REPORTED PAYING A TOTAL OF K1, 737.15 BILLION WHILE GOVERNMENT REPORTED RECEIVING A TOTAL OF K1,724.85 BILLION.

THE REPORT SHOWS THAT THE MAIN SOURCES OF THE DISCREPANCIES WERE NON-REFUNDED VAT, IMPORT VAT, CUSTOMS DUTY, CORPORATE TAX WHICH AMOUNTED TO ABOUT 86% OF THE TOTAL UNRESOLVED DISCREPANCY.

HEAD OF ZAMBIA EITI SECRETARIAT SIFORIANO BANDA WAS SPEAKING AT THE DISSEMINATION WORKSHOP IN LUSAKA TODAY.

MEANWHILE, A FULL INVESTIGATIONS WHICH INVOLVES RESOLVING THE OVER REPORTED PAYMENTS AND THE UNDERPAYMENTS REPORTED PAYMENTS IN ALL TAXES FOR ALL THE COMPANIES WHICH RESULTED IN ABSOLUTE DISCREPANCY OF K247 BILLION IN THE REPORT.

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China's special envoy on African affairs says Chinese investments in Africa have brought multiple benefits to the continent

China's special envoy on African affairs Liu Guijin says Chinese investments in Africa have brought multiple benefits to the continent, providing better livelihood, more development opportunities and more choices for local people, according to a senior Chinese diplomat.

Mr. liu made the comments at the end of the three-day World Economic Forum on Africa which took place in south Africa.

He told a seminar on prospects for Sino-African relations that China's investments cater to Africa's needs for a diversified economy.

Mr. liu added that the investments have increased rapidly and in a variety of forms, covering 49 countries of the continent and a wide range of areas including mining, finance, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, forestry, fishery and animal husbandry.

He said China has been working to enhance Africa's self-development capabilities.

In Zambia, Mauritius, Nigeria, Egypt and Ethiopia, China has invested more than 250 million U. S. dollars in economic and trade joint ventures, or local infrastructure, said the Chinese special envoy.

According to statistics released by Zambia, China's investments contributed to the creation of 15,000 job opportunities in the country in 2010 and Local people have witnessed much improved livelihood with investments in road building, housing, hospitals and schools.

the Chinese diplomat said a great change in the pattern of investment in Africa is the soaring of capital inflow from developing countries, which have become more reliable investors than the developed world against the backdrop of global financial crisis.

China's investments have drawn more and more attention in Africa and the world, giving rise to high enthusiasm in Western investors or those from developing countries about the economic and social development in the continent, he said, adding foreign investments are becoming the key resources for Africa's development.

The three-day meeting, held under the theme "From Vision to Action, Africa's Next Chapter," is gathering more than 900 participants from over 60 countries to discuss potentials and challenges of Africa's economic development in the post-crisis era.

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China's special envoy on African affairs says Chinese investments in Africa have brought multiple benefits to the continent

China's special envoy on African affairs Liu Guijin says Chinese investments in Africa have brought multiple benefits to the continent, providing better livelihood, more development opportunities and more choices for local people, according to a senior Chinese diplomat.

Mr. liu made the comments at the end of the three-day World Economic Forum on Africa which took place in south Africa.

He told a seminar on prospects for Sino-African relations that China's investments cater to Africa's needs for a diversified economy.

Mr. liu added that the investments have increased rapidly and in a variety of forms, covering 49 countries of the continent and a wide range of areas including mining, finance, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, forestry, fishery and animal husbandry.

He said China has been working to enhance Africa's self-development capabilities.

In Zambia, Mauritius, Nigeria, Egypt and Ethiopia, China has invested more than 250 million U. S. dollars in economic and trade joint ventures, or local infrastructure, said the Chinese special envoy.

According to statistics released by Zambia, China's investments contributed to the creation of 15,000 job opportunities in the country in 2010 and Local people have witnessed much improved livelihood with investments in road building, housing, hospitals and schools.

the Chinese diplomat said a great change in the pattern of investment in Africa is the soaring of capital inflow from developing countries, which have become more reliable investors than the developed world against the backdrop of global financial crisis.

China's investments have drawn more and more attention in Africa and the world, giving rise to high enthusiasm in Western investors or those from developing countries about the economic and social development in the continent, he said, adding foreign investments are becoming the key resources for Africa's development.

The three-day meeting, held under the theme "From Vision to Action, Africa's Next Chapter," is gathering more than 900 participants from over 60 countries to discuss potentials and challenges of Africa's economic development in the post-crisis era.

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A visiting international humanitarian from the united states of American Mr. Joe Beasley has called on the political players to ensure that they uphold peace

A visiting international humanitarian from the united states of American Mr. Joe Beasley has called on the political players to ensure that they uphold the peace that the country has enjoyed from the time immemorial.

Speaking in an interview with radio phoenix today Mr. Beasley said political leaders must ensure that peace prevails in the country before, during and after the general elections.

He says uprising in Arab world and North Africa in particular should not be replicated in Zambia at all.

Mr. Beasley states that there is need for the leaders to address the real issue that are affecting the Zambians as they prepare for the elections.

And Mr. Beasley has urged the African leaders to unite in resolving the many social ills that the people are faced with.

He said African leaders should not be seen to wait for the westerners to come and resolve their problems but was hast to state that the problems that African face can be tackled by the Africans themselves.

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BRITISH AIRWAYS REDUCES ITS BOARD FARE ON ITS LUSAKA-TO-LONDON FLIGHTS

BRITISH AIRWAYS HAS REDUCED ITS BOARD FARE ON ITS LUSAKA-TO-LONDON FLIGHTS AS PART OF A RESTRUCTURING OF ITS TICKET PRICING SYSTEM. THE AIRLINE, WHICH IS THE ONLY AIRLINE TO FLY CUSTOMERS DIRECT FROM ZAMBIA TO EUROPE, HAS INTRODUCED A NEW “SHOULDER SEASON” OF MID-RANGE FARES FOR FLIGHTS BETWEEN 15TH AUGUST AND 31ST OCTOBER, JUNE 10-22 AND FROM DECEMBER 6 TO 31. THE NEW FARE STRUCTURE, WHICH ALSO INCORPORATES FURTHER REDUCTIONS IN LOW SEASON FARES, COMES INTO EFFECT ON MONDAY, 9TH MAY,2011. LOW SEASON RATES APPLY FROM JANUARY 19 TO JUNE 9, AND NOVEMBER 1 TO DECEMBER 5; WHILE THE HIGH SEASON IS FROM JUNE 23 TO AUGUST 14, AND FROM JANUARY 1 TO 15. THE COMPANY STATES THAT PROFESSIONALS AND TOURISTS ALIKE WILL BENEFIT FROM THE NEW TICKET RATES, ENABLING THEM TO CHOOSE A TIME TO FLY THAT BETTER SUITS THEIR SCHEDULE, WHILE STILL TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ATTRACTIVE PRICING. BRITISH AIRWAYS COMMERCIAL MANAGER BEATRICE KAMANGA SAYS THE AIRLINE HAS LISTENED TO ITS PASSENGERS AND WORKED HARD TO PROVIDE AFFORDABLE FARES WHILE MAINTAINING THEIR HIGH QUALITY OF SERVICE AND COMFORT. SHE ADDS THAT CUSTOMERS CAN NOW FLY INTO LONDON HEATHROW’S NEW TERMINAL 5 FOR AROUND TWO-THIRDS OF THE PEAK SEASON FARE IF THEY FLY AT THE NEW DESIGNATED “SHOULDER SEASON” TIMES. BRITISH AIRWAYS FLIES TO LONDON THREE TIMES A WEEK, MAKING IT EASY TO CONNECT TO MORE THAN 150 ONWARD DESTINATIONS WITHIN THE AIRLINE’S NETWORK. THIS IS ACCORDING TO A NEWS STATEMENT AVAILED TO RADIO PHOENIX ON FRIDAY. ##########