Metro

‘No law compels Hichilema to declare assets’, Zambian ruling party tells opposition

Published

12 months ago

January 11, 2024

Zambia’s ruling party,
United Party for National Development (UPND), has told opposition figures who are clamouring for President Hakainde Hichilema to declare his assets, to “stop wasting their time” as there is no law in the country that compels or requires him to do so.

The UPND was responding to a petition by the Patriots for Economic Progress (PEP) leader, Sean Tembo, who, in December 2023, had written to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), requesting that the commission should compel Hichilema to declare his assets, a move which was supported by other opposition parties.

But while speaking with journalists in Lusaka on Thursday, UPND National Youth Trustee, Charles Kabwita, said there was no law in the country which required an incumbent president to declare his or her assets to the public.

Kabwita noted that the requirement was removed under the previous Patriotic Front (PF) administration and that the only law which requires the president to declare his assets was the ECZ Act.

“A President was required by the ECZ Act to declare their assets during the filing in of nominations but had excluded the part to make such a declaration to the public,” Kabwita explained.

The Trustee further advised the opposition through the Members of Parliament to consider going to the National Assembly and present a motion which would seek to restore the part of the law where the President was required to declare assets.

“PF removed this clause from the constitution following a debate on the accumulation of wealth by then President Edgar Lungu, within a year of his presidency; this clause was removed from our constitution,” he said.

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Metro

Zambia: Expert warns of food security threat due to climate change

Published

10 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A prominent Zambian climate-smart agriculture expert, Oliver Bulaya, has warned of a collapse of the county’s agricultural sector with a potential threat to food security due to the worsening impact of climate change.

Bulaya, who bared his mind in an interview with Zambia Monitor on Friday, warned that ignoring the crisis could lead to severe disruptions in the country’s food supply and economy.

“Unless concerted efforts are made, the country will continue facing dire consequences from climate change,” the expert noted.

He lamented a growing trend of farmers relocating to regions experiencing above-normal rainfall, such as the northern block, as they struggle with losses caused by climate variability.

Bulaya emphasized that the once-reliable rainfall areas like North-Western Zambia are now experiencing lower precipitation, as seen during the 2023/2024 farming season and cautioned that poor farming practices, which had already strained the Southern region, could lead to similar challenges in other parts of the country if proactive measures were not implemented.

Metro

Outrage over murder of Nigerian beaten to death by South Africans inside estate security office

Published

15 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Nigerian community, under the auspices of Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), has raised the alarm over the murder of a 37-year-old Nigerian, Julius Chukwunta, who was beaten to death by four South Africans inside an estate.

According to the association, Chukwunta, a native of Aninri Local Government Area in Enugu State, was reportedly attacked on Saturday, December 7, while driving to his residence in Midrand Protea Estate.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the President-General of NICASA, Dr Frank Onyekwelu, Chukwunta was blocked by the four men while approaching his residence.

Onyekwelu stated that information available to the association noted that after attempting to pass through, Chukwunta was met with resistance by the assailants, prompting him to seek help at the security office of the estate.

“At that moment, the four men allegedly attacked him, leaving him severely injured with a head wound,” the PG said.

“His female companion, who was sitting in the car, rushed to the security office and discovered him bleeding on the ground.

“In spite of attempts to call for help, the security office and residents did not assist in calling the police or an ambulance.

“After an hour, Chukwunta’s partner contacted her father, who, along with other family members, took him to Tembisa General Hospital.

“Chukwunta was placed on life support but later succumbed to his injuries and died at the Tembisa General Hospital on December 10, 2024.”

Onyekwelu also confirmed that the case was reported to the police by Chukwunta’s partner at the Midrand Police Station and was registered under file number 262/12/2024.

The NICASA President said the four suspects, aged 20, 24, 27, and 28, were arrested, and the case was presented in Alexandra Magistrate Court on December 13, 2024, where they were charged with murder.

“The court proceedings on December 18, 2024, saw three of the suspects granted bail of R10,000 each, while the fourth had not yet applied for bail. The case was adjourned to February 3, 2025.”

Onyekwelu however, expressed disappointment at the proceedings, wondering why three of the suspects were released on bail and vowed that the Nigerian community would continue to demand justice for Chukwunta and support his family.

He emphasised that the community would not rest until justice was served and the value of Nigerian lives was upheld in South Africa.