Metro

Zambia: Political analyst knocks govt over anti-corruption war

Published

11 months ago

February 11, 2024

Zambian political analyst, Daimone Siulapwa, has knocked the President Hakainde Hichilema-led administration and the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) over the ongoing war against corruption in the country.

Siulapwa, who lambasted the government in a statement on Saturday, said despite the public commending the government for the recent establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Court as a beacon of hope, the generality of Zambians were currently disillusioned by the unfulfilled campaign promises made by administration.

“However, what was intended to be a symbol of resolve has devolved into a symbol of disillusionment, as it languishes in a state of inertia, failing to live up to its mandate,” Siulapwa said.

He argued that the people of Zambia were not fools as they quickly saw through the smokescreen and mirrors of political posturing in the fight against corruption.

“The UPND government must heed the loud and clear call of the people and deliver on its solemn promise to root out corruption with unwavering resolve,” Siulapwa said.

He further noted that in the wake of the 2021 elections, hope reverberated through the hearts of Zambians, as they believed that change had come but expressed concern that the promise of a new era under the UPND was heralded by a resounding commitment to dismantle the fortress of corruption erected during the previous regime and to hold the perpetrators accountable, but that to the contrary the wheels of justice was grinding at a pace reminiscent of a lethargic tortoise, while corruption continued to haunt the nation with impunity.

“During the fervor of the electoral campaigns, the UPND, under the leadership of Hakainde Hichilema, boldly proclaimed its mission to uproot corruption and restore faith in governance.

“The tales of plunder and embezzlement under the Patriotic Front (PF) rule were vividly painted, fueling the collective resentment of a populace weary of being preyed upon by those entrusted with safeguarding their interests,” he said.

He however pointed out that the deafening silence surrounding the conclusion of corruption cases speaks volumes, breeding suspicion and disillusionment among the populace was worrying.

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Metro

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

Published

9 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

14 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.