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By NATION REPORTER 

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema is expected to assume chairmanship of SADC organ for politics, defence and security cooperation at the 43rd ordinary summit of SADC heads of state and government in Luanda, Angola.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Stanley Kakubo said President Hichilema would attend the 43rd Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government from August 16 to 17, 2023, in Luanda, Angola.

Mr Kakubo said the summit, which was being hosted by Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, would be convened under the theme “Human and Financial Capital: The Key Drivers for Sustainable Industrialization of the SADC Region”.

“During this annual regional Summit, President Hichilema will assume the Chair of the SADC Organ for Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, taking over from His Excellency Dr. Hage Gottfried Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia,” he said. 

He said Zambia’s assumption of the chairmanship holds immense benefits for both the nation and the broader SADC community. 

Mr Kakubo said this elevated Zambia’s international standing, positioning the nation as a force for positive change and a beacon of regional leadership. Furthermore, the pursuit of peace and security under President Hichilema’s guidance will catalyse economic growth, enable social development, and reinforce the SADC region’s commitment to collaboration and cohesiveness.

He also said ahead of the 43rd Ordinary Summit will be the Organ Troika Summit on August 16, 2023. 

Mr Kakubo said the President would also hold bilateral meetings with regional leaders on the margins of the summit. 

“The SADC summit is expected to review progress on the implementation of the SADC regional integration agenda as outlined in the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030, which seeks to promote a peaceful, inclusive, competitive, and middle-to-high income industrialised bloc,” he said. 

He said the 43rd Ordinary Summit was preceded by the meeting of the SADC Council of Ministers which took place on sunday and Monday.

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ONE of the more memorable land confrontations in recent memory is perhaps that of Zimbabwe between the late 90s and the early 2000s when unresolved land issues resurfaced in one of the most uncontrolled and outright chaotic ways. 

The issue quickly became combustible and divided opinion along racial, political, economic, social and other lines. In some quarters, it appeared the only way to save Zimbabwe was to take it away from Zimbabweans. In others still, it was the right moment to address unresolved colonial issues which passed on political independence but withheld true economic freedom. In retrospect, it was time to resolve who the flag represented. 

Political independence had offered indigenous governments flags with familiar colours that told a heroic story of the struggle and such governmental symbols and monuments. However, people do not eat symbols or slogans. 

Leaders who relied on symbolism often turned into dictators because it was easier to control and instil fear in people than confront those that held economic power over their nations. 

Those with economic power were typically linked to old colonial blocks and protected their economic power with vicious tactics. Here lies the real battle of flag and country. 

The freedom struggle or fight for independence was not about securing geographic borders so that people could live in poverty independently. 

The land issue happens to be an oversimplified component of a larger complex web. For example, in southern Nigeria, Ogoniland, the confrontation over land concentrated on oil pollution and the siphoned profits that did not benefit that immediate environment. 

Afar off in Brazil, for example, that same issue of land focuses instead on indigenous communities seeking to preserve part of the Amazon through demarcation. 

Theirs is about preservation from exploitation. In most of these confrontations, it is rarely about land in its plain form. It is about the value of land and what it represents in its entirety. 

To simplify the argument, land consists of rivers, mines – valuable other underground resources, and agriculture, forestry and so on. All these have economic value which belies the reasons for both economic and commercial slavery and colonialism. 

Even in elementary economics, the factors of production which are land, labour and capital rely on the elasticity of land to produce any range of needs for commerce and survival. 

The logic of sovereignty is that the flag represents ownership of these land-related resources within given borders. The mis-logic of politics is to confuse ownership and value. 

This confusion between value and ownership appears understood by Botswana. The country is known to have some of the most valuable diamond mines in the world from which they earn an approximate $4.5 billion per year in sales. 

The Botswana government have a sales agreement with DeBeers, a private diamond company. Until recently, the country was earning less than 10 percent from diamond sales. The government renegotiated so that they earn 25 percent and 50 percent in 10 years from sales of their valuable natural resource. 

Some of the lessons from this is the understanding that ownership and value are not the same thing. The mines belong to the sovereign for all 

SPRINTER Muzala Samukonga’s dream to run at World Championship 2023 World Athletics Championships has been shuttered with doctors recommending that focuses on full recovery. The World Athletics Championships are the second-highest level championships of senior international outdoor athletics competition for track and field athletics globally, including marathon running and race walking, after the Olympic Games. […]

By GRACE CHAILE

DOCTOR Kwalela Kafunya, who was in 2018 sentenced to three years imprisonment for defamation of former President Edgar Lungu, was lawfully dismissed from civil service, contends Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha. 

Last year, Dr Kafunya sued the State in the Lusaka High Court contesting his dismissal from the Ministry of Health and demands terminal benefits amounting to about K1 million.

The plaintiff, then stationed at Luampa Mission Hospital in Western Province was convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment on three counts of Defamation of the President contrary to section 59 Chapter 87, written threats to murder contrary to section 218 chapter 87 and giving false information to a public officer contrary to section 125 cap 87 of the laws of Zambia by the Mongu Magistrates Court. Dr Kafunya in his statement of claim filed in the Lusaka High Court citing the Ministry of Health and Attorney General as defendants contended that laid down disciplinary procedures in accordance with the disciplinary code was not followed when dismissing him.

The Attorney General in defence filed out of time stated that a salary of a civil servant may be blocked if he is absent from work without lawful excuse Mr Kabesha explained that the provincial health office disciplinary committee sat on April 27, 2020, to consider and deliberate Dr Kafunya’s case pursuit to the Service Commission disciplinary code and Procedure.

“After considering the plaintiff’s matter, a recommendation to the permanent secretary of Ministry of Health was made to have the plaintiff dismissed from civil service. The defendants will aver that the defendants followed procedure in dismissing the plaintiff from the civil service following his conviction by the court. That the plaintiff is not entitled to the reliefs sought in this matter,” he submitted.

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WORKERS, security guards and passers-by who usually use Longolongo Road, which houses various businesses houses are in shock at the sight a body of man found hanging in a makeshift restaurant near Godfrey House. A check at the premises around 07:30hours found a group of visibly shocked people looking at the vertical body hanging in […]

By NATION REPORTER

THE Patriotic Front (PF) says it will engage the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) and the European Union (EU) to find out how the two multilateral institutions are bankrolling the UPND for the ruling party to comfortably look after its cadres. 

Brian Mundubile, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament says Zambians in general should now realise that they are not part of the UPND’s agenda as the ruling party is only concerned about the welfare of its members.

Mr Mundubile, a PF presidential candidate says it was shocking that Batuke Imenda, the secretary general of the UPND could publicly announce that President Hichilema’s meetings with the AfDB and the EU were meant to solicit funding exclusively for the activities of the ruling party.

He said the AfDB and the EU were multilateral institutions whose core business was to finance national developmental programmes member states and not to reduce themselves to funding individual political parties.

Mr Mundubile, the Mporokoso PF Member of Parliament said it was unfortunate that while Zambians were thinking President Hichilema was global-trotting with a begging bow, the head of State was instead looking for money for the UPND activities and not for programmes meant to improve the lives of citizens.

“We had raised concerns about President Hichilema’s expensive trips early in his presidency and he convinced Zambians that he was in fact travelling with a lean delegation. But what we discovered was that there was always a hoard of cadres in his advance party and they always resurfaced wherever the President was.”

“We thought that when President Hichilema was flying around using the country’s treasury, he was looking for resources for all Zambians. Little did we know that he was meeting with the AfDB and the EU to look for money for the UPND? Batuke Imenda has just revealed that the trips the President has been undertaking at great cost are only to benefit UPND members and not Zambians in general. No wonder we are not seeing any results. 

It is most unfortunate but as the PF, we shall be engaging the AfDB and the EU to find out how and why they are funding the UPND instead of national developmental programmes,” Mr Mundubile said.   

He said the President should be travelling the world at great cost to negotiate funding for the UPND instead of national programmes was unacceptable and that Zambians should seriously ask the ruling party if it had the national agenda.

Mr Mundubile said Mr Imenda had become the minister without portfolio in the UPND government who was performing the functions of the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development with the blessings of the head of State.

“Mr Imenda announced that the UPND government was increasing the Consituency Development Fund (CDF) to K57 million and we had the Minister of Local Government Gary Nkombo who came to Parliament and said it was not true. But Mr Imenda is still insisting that the CDF would be increased to K57 million.”

The UPND has realised that the much celebrated CDF is not working for their cadres who cannot form cooperatives and now they want President Hichilema to pay attention to UPND cadres instead of all citizens. We have been telling    the UPND that the cost of living is high and that their members were equally affected. Now they are trying to excite their members to celebrate their second years in government but are faced with a lot of resistance because they have not seen the benefits of supporting the UPND,” Mr Mundubile said. 

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…as the former ruling party contemplates engaging Jack Mwiimbu to intervene and allow the rally to proceed 

By NATION REPORTER 

INSPECTOR General of Police Graphael Musamba has rejected the Patriotic Front (PF) notification to hold a rally in Matero’s Zingalume area next week.

The rejection of the notification has enraged PF leadership who are now planning to engage Jack Mwiimbu, the Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister to intervene.

This come a day after Dr F. Chilongo, the deputy officer commanding for Lusaka urban district rejected the notification by the PF to haol their rally in Zingalume citing security concerns.

Given Lubinda, the PF vice president has expressed disappointment that Musamba could deny his party to hold its rally to launch its strategic plan and accused President Hakainde Hichilema and Mr Musamba of curtailing their constitutional right to assemble.

Mr Lubinda said the UPND government was defeated, weak and lost at sea as they thought governance was a walk in the park only to discover that this was a task for tough-tested men and women who understood and appreciated the contours of the public policy terrain.

“Following our meeting with the Inspector General of Police, we wish to remind Zambians that the process of repealing and replacing the Public Order Act with the proposed Public Assemblies Bill is underway. The government of President Hakainde Hichilema wants to demonstrate that it is committed to improving political rights and freedoms of the Zambians along with the freeing of the democratic space,” Mr Lubinda said.

He said the PF decided to give Mr. Hichilema the benefit of doubt believing that for once he might mean what he said but that it had become clear that the head of State was but a man who never meant his word.  Mr Lubinda said similarly, they had given the Zambia Police, and this IG in particular, the benefit of doubt believing that he was truly committed to advancing the cause of democracy in Zambia. 

“However, their decision to cancel our democratic right to address the Zambian people and for them to hear alternative public policies has confirmed what we always knew…that Mr. Hichilema and the Zambia Police under the current Inspector General of Police do not have the political and moral courage to truly democratize Zambia,” Mr Lubinda said.

According to a letter dated August 15 2023 addressed to Lusaka Province Chairperson Christopher Shakafuswa, the Police declined to allow the rally raising security concerns.

The police said the party should not go ahead with the launch because security was compromised.

Efforts to get a comment from Mr Musamba failed as all the calls placed on his mobile phone were truncated. 

Meanwhile,  Mr Lubinda challenged President Hakainde Hichilema to come out clean over the recent Gold bust that was conducted at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA).

Mr Lubinda said there was no way a presidential jet could be allowed to park at the presidential pavilion without the president’s knowledge.

He said that it was clear that the people involved were closely linked to the head of state.

“I want to challenge the President to clear his name because what happened is more like a person coming into your bedroom,” he said.

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Investigators from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Keio University in Japan have developed a deep learning artificial intelligence model to screen electrocardiogram (ECG) for signs of atrial septal defects (ASD). This condition can cause heart failure and is underreported due to a lack of symptoms before irreversible complications arise. Their results are published in eClinicalMedicine.

By Bernadette Deka-Zulu (PhD Researcher-Public Enterprise)

IN the heart of southern Africa lies a nation poised at the crossroads of progress, where the hum of electricity generation echoes the pulse of growth and development. 

Zambia, with its diverse energy sources and dynamic power sector, is crafting its destiny on the canvas of power generation. 

As the wheels of industry turn and the aspirations of its people reach skyward, the story of Zambia’s energy journey unfolds – a narrative of innovation, challenges, and the pursuit of a brighter future.

With the majestic Zambezi River coursing through its landscape, Zambia harnesses the very currents of nature to illuminate its path. The symphony of hydroelectricity, the silent ballet of solar panels, and the steady heat of thermal power forge a dynamic ensemble that fuels progress. 

As energy demand soars and industries surge forward, a symposium of thought and action takes centre stage a collective endeavour to light up lives, power businesses, and propel Zambia into the echelons of sustainable development.

In the heart of this energy symposium stands Zesco, a pillar of power that has woven itself into the fabric of the nation. With a reach spanning far beyond the horizon, Zesco commands a significant portion of the energy landscape. 

However, within this intricate tapestry, other players have emerged, independent producers (IPPs) like Maamba Collieries and the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC), crafting their roles in the grand narrative. 

This interplay of major and minor notes paints a picture of market dynamics, competition, and a complex harmony of interests.

The symphony is not without its challenges, the strains of which resonate as lessons learned. The sector’s oligopolistic structure, where a few holds sway, prompts reflections on the balance between supplier power and consumer influence. 

The rhythm of high fixed costs and the dance of regulatory hurdles present a backdrop against which new entrants must choreograph their moves. And yet, amidst these challenges, a crescendo of potential rises – a potential for innovation, diversification, and a more resilient energy future.

As Zambia strides towards the horizon of sustainable development, it grapples with defining its role in the global energy symposium. 

A player on a stage that stretches far beyond its borders, the nation explores parallels and departures, drawing inspiration from regional counterparts and global trends. 

While the path may be strewn with intricacies, it is navigated with a spirit of resilience and a vision of energy security that resonates with the aspirations of every Zambian.

In this symphony of energy, where power generation and socio-economic progress harmonise, Zambia’s story unfolds. It is a story of supplier dynamics and market structure, of buyer influence and barriers to entry. 

It is a story of collaboration, competition, and the quest for sustainable growth. As Zambia marches to the rhythm of innovation and regulation, it writes its verses in the annals of history, contributing to the global crescendo of progress.

Join us as we delve into the chapters that follow a deep exploration of Zambia’s energy landscape. From the resonance of supplier power to the melodies of competition, we dissect the nuances, challenges, and triumphs of the nation’s energy journey. 

Through this journey, we hope to uncover insights that illuminate not only Zambia’s path but also the broader context of energy dynamics in the world.

Reliable electricity generation and market dynamics

In Zambia, the generation of power is a multifaceted process involving hydroelectricity, thermal, and solar sources. The reliability of these sources is progressively expanding, contributing to a more dependable electricity supply. 

Among the key players, Zesco takes the lead, boasting a significant market share. IPPs, such as Maamba Collieries and CEC, complement Zesco’s role by supplying electricity, primarily to mining areas within the Copperbelt Province. 

This intricate system involves high initial investments, subsequently facilitating smoother expansions and the inclusion of new consumers. However, the dominance of a few players raises questions about market dynamics and influence.

Oligopolistic dynamics and supplier power

Within Zambia’s electricity production and distribution sector, an oligopolistic structure prevails, characterised by a limited number of key suppliers. The competition is restricted to a handful of companies, with instances of pure monopolies in certain cases. 

This market structure inherently empowers suppliers due to the limited number of players. Such a setup provides these suppliers, including Zesco, with significant bargaining power, influencing pricing strategies and sector policies. 

This oligopolistic landscape calls for vigilant oversight to ensure fair competition and prevent potential collusion.

Buyer power and its limitations

On the flip side, buyer power within the Zambian electricity supply and generation sector is relatively weak. Individual entities, households, businesses, and power distribution firms like CEC operate within the confines of rates proposed by Zesco. 

Negotiations hinge on these rates, offering minimal room for buyers to impact pricing directly. The considerable number of consumers, coupled with the relatively modest influence of each buyer, collectively dampens buyer power. 

Additionally, the cost of switching to alternative power sources proves a substantial deterrent, further limiting buyer influence.

Barriers to entry and substitution challenges

The electricity generation and distribution sector’s entry barriers are formidable, rooted in high fixed costs necessary for establishing infrastructure. 

The Zambezi River Authority shoulders the responsibility of distribution, with Zesco monopolising the country’s electricity supply. Calls for alternative power sources are countered by challenges such as non-cost reflective pricing and regulatory hurdles, deterring new entrants. 

The relatively low switching cost for end-users, however, bolsters the threat of new players. This threat is further accentuated by escalating market demand, creating a delicate balance.

Minimal rivalry and regulatory role

Rivalry among competing energy firms remains low, primarily due to the sector’s oligopolistic structure. A limited number of suppliers temper incentives for intense competition. 

Regulatory bodies play a crucial role in preventing collusion among industry players and maintaining a level playing field. Zesco’s monopoly, supported by the Zambezi River Authority, affords the company a unique position with fewer direct rivals. 

Moreover, the large-scale nature of the firms operating within the sector, combined with high initial costs, constrains the potential for excessive rivalry.

Balancing the equation: The path forward

In conclusion, Zambia’s electricity sector thrives in an oligopolistic setting, with implications for supplier influence and competition. 

The emergence of a few dominant players empowers suppliers and demands robust regulatory oversight. To ensure equitable competition, regulatory bodies must curtail collusion tendencies and facilitate a level playing field. 

By fostering an environment that encourages innovative solutions and alternative energy sources, Zambia can potentially lessen its dependence on a handful of suppliers. 

With cautious steps toward diversification and strategic regulation, the nation can navigate the intricacies of its electricity landscape and drive sustainable growth.

bernadettedekazulu@gmail.com 

By NATION REPORTER

ANOTHER senior member  of the Socialist Party, Andrew Sinyangwe has resigned from the opposition party citing internal dictatorship, lack of respect and self-centredness in the top leadership of the party.

And some senior members have started agitating for the replacement of their party leader, Dr Fred M’membe because they strongly believe he is unelectable because of his autocratic traits.

Mr Sinyangwe, the former Central Province chairperson says he had decided to resign because he had realised that there was no democratic space in the party.

Mr Sinyangwe said in an interview yesterday that he had tendered his resignation in May but that Dr Cosmas Musumali, the General Secretary of the of the Socialist Party was not willing to accept his resignation. He said he had decided to join the SP because he was looking for democratic space but had come to the realisation that classlessness which the leadership was preaching was in fact not a norm nor a culture they tolerated and promoted.

Meanwhile, sources from within the Socialist Party have disclosed that some senior members of the Socialist Party have started agitating for the replacement of their party leader, Fred M’membe because they strongly believe he is unelectable because of his autocratic traits.

The sources have revealed that it was not surprising that Mr Sinyangwe had resigned from the SP barely few days after Frank Bwalya had renounced his membership with the party because there top leadership was exhibiting a propensity of self-centeredness. 

They said Mr Sinyangwe had been completely been sidelined and that when there was a by-election in Mukushi and Serenje, Dr M’membe decided to send party functionaries from the secretariat in Lusaka to Central Province to go identify the candidates and prepare for elections without informing the provincial leadership.

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