Sata calls for simpler visa processes
By Moses Kuwema and Edwin Mbulo
Wed 30 May 2012, 13:30 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata says the United Nations World Tourism Organisation general assembly must be used as a window to show the whole world what Zambia and Zimbabwe can offer.
Speaking yesterday during the signing ceremony of the bilateral agreement among Zambia, Zimbabwe and United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN-WTO) at the Victoria Falls Bridge, President Sata said the hosting of the assembly by the two nations marks a historic and important milestone.
"This event brings hope of prosperity of tourism to the people of both countries as it marks the beginning of preparations for the co-hosting of the UNWTO General Assembly…," President Sata said.
He said tourism should bring about social and economic benefits in form of revenue.
President Sata also said one of the hindrances tourism faced in Zambia was that of visas and urged tourism minister Given Lubinda to work at making the whole process simpler.
And Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe said the signing of the agreement to co-host the UN-WTO General Assembly attests the two countries' commitment to welcoming people from across the globe.
He assured the secretary general of UN-WTO Dr Taleb Rifai of the two countries' resolve to make the General Assembly a memorable event.
"Today actualises the promotion of border relations and we pledge to work together towards August next year. We should rejoice that this is a demonstration of the long standing relationship between the two nations," President Mugabe said.
He said Zambia and Zimbabwe were proud to join Senegal as the only African country that has so far hosted the UNWTO General Assembly.
"We will deliver to global tourism as the two countries in a unique African experience. We appreciate you for showing confidence in us and the challenge for us is to invest in the sector that has positive performance," said President Mugabe.
And Dr Rifai said tourism was the central phenomenon and powerful social drive, with a GDP of nine per cent in the world.
He said tourism was one of the sectors that brought people together, saying the Victoria Falls was going to host the first ever General Assembly which would see to it that Africa rose to the occasion.
Dr Rifai hoped that Africa would in the next two decades increase its tourist visits to a 150 million per year.
Labels: MICHAEL SATA, VISAS
Read more...
Zim, SA still deadlocked over TTDs
Herald Reporter
Zimbabwean and South African officials have failed to agree on the recently introduced Temporary Travel Document and the matter could now have to be handled by the two countries’ Home Affairs ministers.
Indications are that the disagreement could stem from the security features on the travel document. Zimbabwe introduced TTDs last month to replace the Emergency Travel Documents, which were easy to fake.
However, South African officials at Beitbridge Border Post have refused to accept the new document though other regional countries have seen nothing wrong with it.
Secretary for Home Affairs Mr Melusi Matshiya yesterday told Senate’s Thematic Committee on Peace and Security that talks to reach an agreement with their South African counterparts had collapsed.
"The Department of the Registrar-General advised embassies that we had changed from the ETD to the TTD and the South Africans were the first ones to be notified of the changes.
"All the internationally accepted practices were followed. If the Government recognises that document, then it is an acceptable document.
"You don’t have to subordinate yourselves to others and reveal your security features," he said.
Mr Matshiya added: "As far as I know, the position has not changed. We have talked to the (South African) embassy and this week our officials were at their embassy.
"At this moment, I would recommend that the two (Home Affairs) ministers talk to their South African counterpart because at a technical level it has failed."
The TTD has enhanced security features following an increa-se in the number of forged ETDs.
The rejection has seen South African-bound public transporters refusing to accept bookings from passengers in possession of the new document.
A senior official in Pretoria yesterday reiterated that the impasse was over procedural issues.
South African Ministry of Home Affairs spokesperson Mr Ronnie Mamoepa said: "The TTD was introduced without forewarning. I cannot give you any more information about government-to-government discussions."
Yesterday, Zimbabweans using TTDs were still being turned away at Beitbridge.
Assistant regional immigration officer (southern region) Mr Charles Gwede said: "South African officials have indicated that they are still waiting for feedback from Pretoria.
"We are also waiting for a directive from Harare on how to proceed."
Meanwhile, the principal director in the immigration department, Mr Clement Masango, yesterday said they had started computerising their Harare International Airport, Victoria Falls Airport and Beitbridge Border Post offices to detect fraudulent documents.
Appearing before the Senate Thematic Committee on Peace and Security, Mr Masango said they wanted to spruce up their operations ahead of the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup in South Africa that starts next month.
"I have secured funding to computerise ahead of time for the World Cup tournament and it is being done at Beitbridge, Harare and Victoria Falls.
"Funding allowing, we would have wanted to computerise more stations," he said.
Mr Masango said officials from the department were undergoing training to familiarise themselves with the new equipment.
Labels: BORDER POSTS, VISAS
Read more...
Zimbabwe says mines minister denied British visa
Written by Reuters
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 5:08:42 PM
HARARE (Reuters) - Britain has denied Zimbabwe's mines minister a visa for an investment conference, fuelling anger in President Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF party over continued Western sanctions on its officials.
Mugabe formed a unity government in February with arch-rival Morgan Tsvangirai, now prime minister, to try to end an economic and political crisis worsened last year by a disputed presidential poll. Tsvangirai is in London as part of a Western tour to drum up financial support for Zimbabwe's new government.
But on Tuesday, a Harare government official said Britain had refused Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu a visa -- under European Union travel sanctions against Mugabe and his top associates.
The minister had wanted to travel to London to address a conference on investment opportunities in the southern African country.
"The minister did not get a visa and in our view all this does not make sense except to confirm that some people in London are pursuing their fight against ZANU-PF," the official said.
"They are trying to undermine the inclusive government with this sort of attitude."
A representative of the Zimbabwean High Commission in London said he had been excluded because he was on the British government's banned list as a member of Mugabe's circle.
Denis Worrall, chairman of Omega Investment Mining Partners and one of the conference organisers, said Mpofu was absent because he had been denied a visa.
Other delegates criticised the decision, comparing it unfavourably with Britain's improved relations with Libya.
"Colonel (Muammar) Gaddafi has been rehabilitated. If he can be rehabilitated, who can't? Zimbabwe does not have a Lockerbie on its books," said Andrew Cranswick, CEO of African Consolidated Resources, a mining company with investments in Zimbabwe.
Africa minister Mark Malloch-Brown said last week it was too early to lift sanctions on Zimbabwe but said there was room for flexibility in allowing ZANU-PF ministers to travel to Britain.
There was no immediate statement from the British embassy in Harare, which traditionally does not comment on visa issues, nor from the British government in London.
Britain pledged 5 million pounds to Zimbabwe on Monday but made clear more reforms were needed before it would start large-scale development aid to the shattered country.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown told Tsvangirai there were "great signs of progress", but the power-sharing government still had to meet a number of tests on the road to democracy.
Labels: DENNIS WORRALL, MUGABE, NATIONAL UNITY GOVERNMENT, OMEGA INVESTMENT MINING PARTNERS, SANCTIONS, VISAS
Read more...
South Africa cancels visa requirements for Zimbabweans
Written by Kingsley Kaswende in Harare
Tuesday, May 05, 2009 4:48:40 PM
South Africa has cancelled visa requirements for Zimbabweans visiting that country up to 90 days. South Africa had over the past few years required Zimbabwean nationals entering that country to acquire visas as a screening mechanism for millions of Zimbabweans who have been crossing into that country in search of better life.
It is estimated that up to three million Zimbabweans have left the country in search of better life mostly in South Africa since the beginning of the economic meltdown 10 years ago.
South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula announced on Monday that Zimbabweans now no longer needed to apply and pay for visas before travelling to South Africa.
She said they could instead apply for a free 90-day visitor’s permit at the border, adding that Zimbabwean citizens could also apply to do casual work while in South Africa.
She made the announcement in the presence of Zimbabwe’s co-Ministers of Home Affairs, Kembo Mohadi (ZANU-PF) and Giles Mutsekwa (MDC).
Under the new arrangement Zimbabweans visiting South Africa will now be required to produce a valid and authentic document to prove that they a genuinely Zimbabwean and their stay will last 90 days.
The Memorandum of Understanding will also allow those who are currently in South Africa to regularize their stay which will last for the next six months.
This new position, which is effective May 1, will be reviewed after 12 months.
The announcement could be seen as an acknowledgement that South Africa does not expect the stream of Zimbabweans to slow soon, despite hopes raised by the power-sharing government formed by Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change.
International donors have been slow to respond to calls for help from the unity government, waiting to see whether it endures and fulfils promises to shore up democracy and the rule of law.
Up to 50,000 Zimbabweans enter South Africa everyday while 8,000 apply for asylum daily, but Mapisa-Nqakula hoped these would now opt for the visitor’s permit. When the visa requirements for Zimbabweans were introduced, they were so stringent that travellers needed invitation letters or evidence of the host’s address in South Africa, which led to many crossing the borders illegally.
South Africa had also imposed transit visas on those passing through that country to catch flights to other destinations. Up to 200,000 Zimbabweans were being deported every year for illegally being in South Africa.
Some border-jumpers unfortunately lost their lives, as some drowned in the Limpopo River as they attempted to swim across it.
Others died from sheer exhaustion or were attacked by wild animals as they attempted to walk long distances using undesignated routes.
However, in February last year, South Africa relaxed some of the stringent visa requirements for Zimbabweans intending to travel to that country following talks between the two governments.
Invitation letters or evidence of the host’s address was no longer required while a security deposit was required only in respect of persons with a history of "overstaying" in South Africa or whose bona fides were questionable.
Applicants for a visitor’s visa were now required to submit a valid passport, one passport-size photograph and proof of funds in the form of traveller’s cheques, credit cards or foreign bank statements that showed balance of at least 2,000 rands.
Labels: SOUTH AFRICA, VISAS, ZIMBABWE
Read more...
S.Africa scraps visas for Zimbabweans
Floyd Nkomo
Tue, 05 May 2009 03:07:00 +0000
ZIMBABWEANS travelling to South Africa are no longer required to have visas according to a statement released by South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula on Sunday.
According to the South African Press Association (Sapa), Minister Mapisa-Nqakula said Zimbabweans no longer need to apply and pay for visas before travelling to South Africa, but will have to apply for a free 90-day visitor’s permit at the border.
She said Zimbabwean citizens were also allowed apply to do casual work while in South Africa.
Minister Mapisa-Nqakula made the announcement in the presence of her two Zimbabwean counterparts, Co-Home Affairs Ministers Kembo Mohadi and Giles Mutsekwa, according to Sapa.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to South Africa, Simon Khaya-Moyo, welcomed the development.
"The South African government has scrapped visa requirements on Zimbabweans intending to travel to the country.
"We are very grateful for this kind gesture, and we hope that our people will now be able to visit their relatives in South Africa and we will obviously not want to disturb the agreement," he said.
South African officials believe many of the 8 000 or so Zimbabweans who apply daily for asylum status would now opt for the visitor’s permit.
A senior immigration officer in Harare yesterday confirmed that the ministers and Principal Chief Immigration Officer Clemence Masango travelled to South Africa over the weekend to conclude the agreement.
"They travelled to South Africa, but I am not quite sure about the results. They are supposed to return tonight (last night)," he said.
In February last year, South Africa relaxed some of the stringent visa requirements for Zimbabweans intending to travel to that country following talks between the two governments.
According to the authorities, the invitation letters or evidence of the host’s address in South Africa were no longer a requirement when applying for a permit.
The security deposit was required only in respect of persons with a history of "overstaying" in South Africa or whose bona fides were questionable.
Applicants for a visitor’s visa were now required to submit a valid passport, one passport-size photograph and proof of funds in the form of traveller’s cheques, credit cards or foreign bank statements that showed balance of at least R2 000.
The scrapping of these stringent visa requirements was the culmination of talks between Zimbabwe and South Africa under the Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security that began in November 2007.
The relaxing of the visa requirement was the first step towards the eventual removal of the visa.
South Africa had recently announced that it would soon scrap the visa and grant Zimbabweans permits to work in that country.
Labels: NOSIVIWE MAPISA-NQAKULA, SOUTH AFRICA, VISAS, ZIMBABWE
Read more...
New visa fees have affected tourism sector, says Kaingu
New visa fees have affected tourism sector, says Kaingu
By Kabanda Chulu and Chiwoyu Sinyangwe
Thursday October 16, 2008 [04:00]
TOURISM Council of Zambia (TCZ) chairman Jacob Sikazwe yesterday urged the government to make policies that will ensure the country moves away from wildlife-based tourism to other related sub-sectors.
And tourism minister Michael Kaingu has confirmed that tourist arrivals into Zambia have been affected by the new visa fees introduced in February this year.
Sikazwe said the tourism industry in Zambia had many products to offer apart from wildlife, which has a huge potential to bring development when fully exploited.
“But in the absence of enabling policies, this poses challenges hence government should make policies to ensure that we start moving away from wildlife based tourism to other related sub sectors and we can do better especially if we put in place a better aviation industry,” he said.
And Sikazwe has challenged stakeholders in the industry to address the lack of skilled manpower and the insufficient bed capacity for the country to meet the 2010 target of recording over one million arrivals.
He said the approval of the hospitality and tourism Act would stimulate growth of the sector, especially in the area of having skilled manpower and ensuring quality standards.
And Kaingu said Cabinet would soon meet to discuss the new visa fees for possible inclusion in next year’s national budget.
He however said the government could not review the controversial visa fees now because it was towards the end of 2008.
Kaingu also said the seemingly return of political stability to Zimbabwe might put pressure on Zambia’s ability to attract tourists if the country continues to be perceived as an expensive tourist destination.
The new visa fees implemented by the government early this year were seen by industry as a hindrance to the sector’s growth and tourist arrivals into the country. For example, British nationals are now required to pay 75 pounds and 240 pounds for single and multiple entries respectively. The Immigration Department justified the increase saying it was in tandem with the fees paid by Zambians for a British visa.
Labels: JACOB SIKAZWE, TOURISM, VISAS
Read more...
Zim-Moza visa deal spawns traffic boom
From Walter Muchinguri in BEIRA, Mozambique
THE scrapping of visas for travellers between Zimbabwe and Mozambique last Wednesday has spawned a huge increase in the volume of traffic through Forbes Border Post, about 11 kilometres from Mutare city centre. The once sleepy border post is now a hive of activity with motorists battling to secure parking space on either side of the post. So huge is the volume of traffic that Zimbabwe Revenue Authority officers manning the border are failing to cope.
"I don’t think the situation will let up any time soon because the fever is still fresh and we are getting people from different parts of the country coming through.
"I think we will be swamped come weekend because some people have not been able to come through since they would be at work.
"Our bosses should start thinking about beefing up our numbers because, as you can see, the demand is high," said a Zimra officer, who preferred anonymity.
Most people passing through the border were first-time travellers taking advantage of the new development to do their shopping outside the country.
Moneychangers were also upbeat.
"One is allowed to take only $5 million across the border which does not buy much when converted to meticals (Mozambican currency) so they have to change their money on the Zimbabwean side to avoid trouble with Zimra officers. This has created opportunities for us," said a moneychanger as he hopped about looking for prospective clients.
Pirate taxi operators are also enjoying roaring business. They are now charging up to $700 000 a trip for the 10km distance from the border into Mutare and vice-versa.
Most first-time travellers flock to the Mozambican town of Manica, about 18km from the border, instead of Chimoio, which is about 100km away.
Prices of much-sought-after goods like rice, flour, cooking oil and soap were relatively constant in Manica and Chimoio, but varied at a popular selling point on the Mozambican side popularly known as "Pamimango".
A 25kg pack of rice, popular with most shoppers, was selling at between 260 meticals and 330 meticals, roughly equivalent to $13 million and $15 million. Mazoe Orange Crush and powdered milk are also readily available in Mozambique.
Shoppers urged other travellers to abide by set rules to ensure the agreement holds. The Government, travellers said, should extend operating hours at the border to ease congestion.
"This is something that should be applauded by both Zimbabweans and Mozambicans alike and for some of us it has brought relief because we have had to endure and tolerate traders who were ripping us off at every turn. Tanga tanzwa nekugegedzwa," said Mr Elliot Katsi of Mutare.
Mr Loud Chifa of Harare, who was on his maiden trip here, hailed both governments for scrapping visas, saying the move had afforded him a chance to travel outside the country.
"Whereas in the past one required upwards of $8 million to acquire a visa, we now have to pay $4 million in border fees only. Besides, I can now afford to buy the groceries I need and choose from a wide selection of shops and markets as opposed to waiting for someone to import the groceries for me," he said.
Most traders, however, feared border fees would push them out of business.
"We are not happy with the issue of border fees because they are way too high for some of us who travel daily to and from Mozambique.
"This is because where we used to pay $16 million for a six-month visa, we now don’t need a visa but we have to pay a border fee of $4 million or US$3 or R40 or 34 meticals each time we travel to Mozambique. If you calculate the amount that I will need if I am to travel on a daily basis as I used to when I had my six-month visa, it amounts to a fortune," said Mr Justin Kuipa, one of the traders.
In addition, the traders said, the scrapping of visas had made Mozambican goods more expensive.
"When the visas were still in place, it was mostly us (traders) who were going in and in most cases we used to go in with items that we would sell in Mozambique for us to get meticals or in exchange for the goods that we wanted.
"Our bearer cheques have flooded the market, resulting in the metical gaining heavily against the Zimdollar," said another trader, who requested anonymity.
Labels: MOZAMBIQUE, VISAS, ZIMBABWE
Read more...
Scrapping of visas essential
THE scrapping of visa requirements between Zimbabwe and Mozambique and the subsequent proposed Beira Development Corridor Will, which is set to promote trade and investment between the two countries, could not have come at a better time. With the first ever biggest tourism investment opportunity for Africa — the 2010 Fifa World Cup — almost here, the recent developments, if fully tapped, will allow the two neighbours to optimise on the opportunities to be provided by the football extravaganza.
The Beira Development Corridor Will is aimed at enhancing trade and investment and would also promote the free movement of goods between the two countries.
The new measures are therefore, the keys to the development of tourism, among other sectors, not only for the benefit of the two countries but the region as a whole.
Both countries have some of the most sought-after tourist attractions in southern Africa, the Victoria Falls and the magnificent Eastern Highlands in Zimbabwe and the black beaches in Mozambique, among others.
With the travel corridors cleared and enhanced trade and investment opportunities provided, it is now time for the business community in the two countries to seize the investment opportunities in either country.
Vast opportunities arise in various areas including tourism and transport.
Among these is the urgent need to upgrade some tourist facilities and infrastructure in both countries.
There is also need to work on the road networks between the two countries and the introduction of easier links of resorts and major towns. Direct air transport between the two countries also needs to run smoo-ther.
Another area to be looked into is the expansion of accommodation facilities ahead of the World Cup therefore hotel groups should seek to spread their wings throughout the cleared corridors.
An influx of tourists is expected during and after the World Cup and for Sadc to ensure lasting results, co-operation among all its members is vital to facilitate intra-regional travel through harmonisation of immigration procedures and easing of cross-boarder movement of international tourists.
Some quarters have already proposed a universal visa to be used within the 14-member Southern African Development Community by 2009 in preparation for the World Cup to be held in South Africa.
Free movement of people among countries generally ensures cordial and fruitful relations among the nations. It also develops trade and investments.
The scrapping of visas also ensures that people from both countries desist from scaling fences to illegally gain entry.
While thousands of Zimbabweans pay huge amounts of money to travel to South Africa, the scrapping of visa requirement now make Mozambique an attractive and easily accessible destination.
We hope that other countries within the region where visas remain in force for travellers will follow suit and scrap this stringent and unfriendly requirement.
Labels: MOZAMBIQUE, VISAS, ZIMBABWE
Read more...
Local investment
By Lawrence Mindela
Thursday May 24, 2007 [04:00]
I can't believe that President Mwanawasa and his clique of politicians can barely learn from Zambia's past experience. As much as I appreciate Chinese investment, I also want to point out that Zambia is behaving like man can only live on bread alone. We know that we have no back-up to our our economy; We do not have manufacturing industries to hold any significant economic gain. Then what good does it do Zambia to throw economic development in the hands of foreigners?
We have seen enough of this. Mwanawasa must learn his lesson. Where is Mansa Batteries? Aren't these lessons enough that Zambia needs to empower Zambians so they can compete favourably with the so-called foreign investors?
How can we honestly offer better incentives to people who will leave the country at anytime and yet you deny people who will stick with you even in hard times? I find this really ridiculous.
I am not an expert but I think this government is behaving like commercial sex workers who only live for today because tomorrow will sort itself out.
We need to start planning for the future of our country but I don't see that happening with the current crop of politicians because they can't see beyond the one metre range.
http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=26924
Abolition of visas
By Mangala Fwati, Mufulira
Thursday May 24, 2007 [04:00]
Having travelled extensively among some African countries on business trips, I found your article which appeared in the Sunday Post of May 20, 2007 on page 5 entitled “35 International NGOs call for abolition of visas among African nations” interesting to read.
I witnessed how a certain woman of West African origin was troubled as she was travelling through Zambia, Zimbabwe and eventually South Africa. The woman was travelling by road in the company of three children aged between 3 and 6 years.
My heart bled as I witnessed how this woman was interrogated from one border post to the next. Due to these same restrictions, the woman lost one of her child’s cardigans and the weather was quite harsh.
She was made to stand for minutes on end for the officers to let her go.
What compounded the situation was her inability to communicate effectively in English. Africans seem to be suspicious of fellow Africans.
I also look at how our brothers in Zimbabwe waste so much stationary taking irrelevant statistics on people entering Zimbabwe.
They collect such details as how many days you’ll spend in that country, how much you intend to spend, mode of transport, when we all know that such pieces of paper are discarded the moment the passenger leaves the immigration offices.
Cutting down on some of these procedures will not only save colossal amounts of money for our governments but will also ease movement among African states and further consolidate unity in Africa.
Of course, I wouldn’t want to promote lawlessness, but certainly we can do something to ease the agony caused by red tape among our borders.
I strongly support the views held in your article. I hope that that call will be heeded.
http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=26923
Leaders and wisdom
By M.Musonda
Thursday May 24, 2007 [04:00]
The development of Zambia in all respects, lies in a leadership which is free from hatred, bitterness and vengeance, and above all leadership with integrity and morality.
Most of the current political leadership fall short of these qualities. Recently The Post has been quoting the Holy Bible for some of the qualities that are neccessary in the leadership that can propel this nation forward.
I agree with that, and the Bible indeed gives some guidelines of how to choose/elect a leader. Such scriptures include: Acts 1:24; Acts 6:3; Exodus 18:21-23; 2 Samuel 7:8 and Psalm 14:34. The standards used in Zambia for choosing leadership are very wrong and worrisome.
In view of the above, as a nation let us look seriously and very closely at Dr Nevers Mumba; he may be the man Zambia needs at the moment and the near future to break this cycle of hatred, bitterness and vengeance in the leadership. I join the many voices that are calling on Dr Mumba to consider re-joining the MMD.
I believe the MMD will welcome such a move. Let God help us, as a nation, to put the right people in leadership for Zambia to move forward in love, forgiveness and prosperity.
http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=26931
Chiluba's attack on The Post
By Reuben Musonda Mwango, Oregon USA
Thursday May 24, 2007 [04:00]
I wish to add my voice to the calls to have former president Chiluba return the money that he stole from the Zambian people.
First of all, I wish to condemn the diversion of attention from the issue at hand that Chiluba through his assistant Emmanuel Mwamba is trying to engineer.
I read your May 22, 2007 article entitled and I qoute "Chiluba accuses The Post of hatred' with utter disgust. In actual fact The Post has supported Chiluba on occasions when it was necessary and he knows it.
Only an ungrateful person would now say that The Post has an agenda against him. Honestly, what possible agenda can anyone have against a thief if it is not to make sure he faces justice?
Chiluba, I wish to remind you that if it was not for your social standing, you know what Zambians do to thieves. Not that Zambians are barbarians but because we work so hard for what we have, but to have someone steal from us.
A piece of advice to you: As the Bemba saying goes, 'Amano yafuma mwifwesa, yaya muculu', please just return the funds because believe me, some of us might be too young to actually do anything right now but when the time comes, that money will be sought and returned or the long arm of the law shall visit you because we are tomorrow’s leaders.
So please make your retirement an actual retirement and not a jail sentence.
You really thought you would bribe us with the old, dilapidated houses you were giving away? Be reminded that Zambians are not foolish and one of these days, you might just find yourself at the market place without the police.
http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=26933
Electoral malpractices
By Dr Andrew Phiri, UNZA
Thursday May 24, 2007 [04:00]
Your editorial of 22nd May, 2007 titled “Costly by-elections” was elaborate and looked at attitudes of voters and those seeking political office as well as concerns about law enforcement agencies and the Electoral Commission.
The by-elections are indeed as costly much as they are unnecessary. Perhaps your editorial should also have tackled the opportunity cost for the presidential vote.
What is the contribution of the reported electoral malpractices to the election of the President? These malpractices didn’t only affect the Parliament vote, did they?
Noteworthy are the effects such practices have on the constitution of Parliament, various appointments and policy issues.
The costs involved in any election and post-election period are more than meets the eye and when looked at critically, spiral and snowball out of control when you add by-elections.
Every aspect of our livelihood is affected by those persons who are elected dubiously and oversee government operations.
Clement Stone stated that “There is little difference in people but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative”.
http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=26930
Unrealistic lending rates
By Concerned Student
Thursday May 24, 2007 [04:00]
It's amazing how banks these days are ripping off Zambian citizens in the rates they charge on lending. On average the lending rates are between 23-30 per cent, that is, base rate plus margin! The sad thing is that credit interest on accounts is on average less than 3 per cent per anum.
Imagine you give customers 3 per cent credit interest versus 30 per cent charges on lending. When asked why this is so, they justify it by claiming a lot is taken into account when calculating the lending rates. They even go as far as claiming parameters like tax, inflation and other fringe costs compose the price of lending.
I stand to question this computation in the context of why they do not take the inflation rate effect on the computation of the credit interest rate on savings and other bank accounts. You do not have to be a rocket scientist to calculate the profit percentage they are making. 30 per cent vs. 3 per cent is 27 per cent profit!
No wonder they say banks always win no matter what state of the business cycle the economy is in. This is why the average layman can’t even keep money in a bank because aside the meager credit interest the service charges are high, in fact even higher (when expressed as a percentage) than credit interest itself.
On behalf of the struggling Zambians, I would like to urge management of these commercial banks to be realistic in the rates they lend!
http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=26901
Road infrastructure
By Gilbert Wandi
Wednesday May 23, 2007 [04:00]
Recently I was on a trip to Southern Province from the 7th to 11th May and visited Chikankata, Namwala and Siavonga areas.
I am disappointed with the road infrastructure I found in these areas. I can’t understand why after 43 years of independence we still can’t have all-weather roads in the country. When is the government going to finish tarring the Chikankata and the Namwala/Choma roads?
These two roads are important in these areas because farmers and the travelling public depend on them.
I even wonder why we are still have bad roads in rural areas when we have that machinery which came from China. What are those graders, compactors and tippers being used for if we can’t use them to repair bad gravel roads in the rural areas?
It is sad that while we can’t manage to tar new roads, we can’t at the same time even manage to maintain the existing ones.
I am appealing to the Southern Province Permanent Secretary to have a drive on the Batoka/Gwembe road and see for himself how bad the road has become.
There is one spot on this road where there is a big crater which has eaten half of the road and this place has become very dangerous and if nothing is done very soon we will hear that people have died at this same spot and we should not wait for that to happen.
Rains have stopped now and this is the time the government is supposed to be in full swing repairing feeder roads in rural areas to assist farmers transport their harvests to markets without much problems. Why are we not proactive to problems?
Labels: FDI, INFRASTRUCTURE, INTEREST RATES, LEADERSHIP, VISAS
Read more...
