True Colours Magazine January Issue

TRUEColoursWe have nothing to hide!
Volume No. 004. January, 2022 Zambia’s First Social Commentary Magazine

FUEL SUBSIDIES
A Cat and Mouse Game!

EDFRITEIEON

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2

Mimema Editor’s NoteFrontline

Under PF’s reign, this woman would This is our first edition in 2022. We are happy to be back in the new year. We
have been stripped naked and beaten hope that 2022 will be a better year despite some concerns, including the
carry-over challenge of COVID-19 and on-going flooding in some parts
for wearing a party regalia. of the country, especially in the south, caused by heavy rains. It’s depressing to
Thank you, President Hakainde see TV images of some families that have been displaced by the floods so far.
Hichilema, for bringing sanity in
Fuel affects the entire economy, fires up political debate and touches our ordi-
Zambia nary lives through its inevitable impact on prices of goods and services. This
(From Facebook) is why fuel subventions have been a controversial subject for many years. Suc-
cessive governments have introduced fuel subsidies, then abolished them only
INSIDE to re-introduce them after that. In this edition, we examine the thorny issue
and consider the consequences of the UPND administration’s recent decision to
Titbits……………….............. 4 scrap fuel subsidies.
Fuel Subsidies......…............ 6
Photo Focus ………...…...... 11 We also look into our crystal ball to see critical issues that will likely grab public
Time Jump.....………........... 14 attention and dominate the national discourse this year. Whichever way one
The Business of Music…..... 16 looks at it, 2022 promises to be a busy period.
From Small Towns to The Big
Stage................................... 18 One person who will certainly be busy this year is the new chief justice. We pro-
Book Review……………...... 21 file Mumba Malila who has promised to reform the judiciary to ensure that the
Social Media Rantings…...... 23 institution fairly dispenses justice to all Zambians and moves with the changing
Economic Monitor................ 24 times.
Keeping it Spotless Clean....27
The Happily Married.…........ 29 We also look at the evolution of Zambia’s music industry, how the old era of
Puzzles……......…….…....... 31 physical marketing, sales and distribution has given way to today’s social me-
dia-driven way of generating fans and making money.

The music industry is not the only thing that has changed over the years. Lusaka
too has changed. Read about this evolution as our writer reminisces about his
childhood memories of growing up in the capital city years ago, recounts what
has changed and how this change has affected him and his community.

We also have a story of a man who shares his sexual escapades with a married
woman, something that may bring into question whether there is really such a
thing as being ‘happily married’.

Until next time, happy reading.

True Colours Magazine:

Publisher: Vakwatu Media
Address: 1088 Ngwerere Road

Chelstone, Lusaka
Phone: +260957880426
Email: [email protected];
Website: www.truecoloursmagazine.online

©2022 True Colours Magazine.
All rights reserved. Neither this publication nor any part of it may be
reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior permission

of True Colours Magazine. To reproduce any of True Colours
Magazine’s material, email the editor at
[email protected].

We Have Nothing To Hide! 3

The Crux of the Matter

Family ATffiatibr itsouareastrongsupporterofthe up for some weeks and when you midMniriiDnneciiesstctotrerriymesbaonehfrdaIv2ne0fs2ops1ropm.koMeaksteaipsnoepnyresgroasonnovdnersinnMmwetedhhnioaet
are usually public relations officers
party. You were one of those persist, they pick up and tell you they (PROs) who speak on issues affecting
the operations of their ministries.
Ywho fought in the trenches only have two minutes. When you However, this has not been the case
when things were hot. After the present your case, they are not shy to for Thabo. Since January, he has
victory in August 2021, you were sure advise you to form a cooperative for been appearing on TV to talk about
that it was time for you to take up one you to benefit from the Constituency general government policies. In
of those prestigious government jobs. Development Fund (CDF) monies. essence, he is the de facto government
It took time for the appointments to be spokesperson or, as others put it,
made, for some unknown reason, but At that moment you know kulibe “the spokesperson for the chief
that did not deter your expectations. chako. government spokesperson.”
When the appointments were finally lpHSptacSaoosiooowtesnmalsusiifslcptmiwueaiieoeysheMaissnniatk?,chun”gp“he.laarloeerbl“tpytposhHo'rscsleeueterosyrstiowebhcfmrbeaacaiddsrblspeoaokemboiaaes.myldsbitwelcHeiaarcorhwtoincohagt.wtihnaoTvrseitvahaishvlreneoeiyrstrdsrunhee,brlnmividsvesoiogeaetnnbwnniinoaeestt.
made, a number of people were Nipano tuli. spokesperson. There is equally no law
appointed but you were left out. That which says only a politician should
did not discourage you because you be a spokesperson or indeed only a
minister of information should hold
Big Shoesknow that there are many jobs in this position.”
We are yet to see how she maneuvers
government. It was just a matter of in her big shoes to shame critics
time. IyttrcSehheoxopgerpmuonbNoalckorweeaeetdeeiswhisttxnsneepoep.dtgDenoeTftritojchashrhpattwoseebioatnsnbsloptfiwlhipctaeGvhyeeprCeiaoatodnyhtkmvCs,ifuneiroathotersterihnhcniosmetitsmintisfihmaoasetshnnGKeienaood.estasonmr,Ashsvtnahsgaesthnoooavrteadntpweoropamebbfhwoteehatehiieehvtnntaannhoeesttt who regard her as “a minister of
However, weeks turned into months information without information.”
and that job was not coming. Then the government ‘is not working’.
with time, you began to hear in the The Drug Enforcement Commission
news about more appointments. (DEC) has taken KCM’s provisional
When you checked who was being liquidator to court. The case is that he
appointed, your body began to instructed the transfer of funds from the
perspire. Things were not looking liquidation account into his law firm’s
good. This time, it’s a minister’s wife fixed deposit account. According to DEC,
being appointed to a board. Next, it’s this arrangement earned the liquidator
a minister’s wife appointed to head a CirSneehlcvauletusirdnhaegil dfrvtsooiuemgwthgsteehsehtiinamovfnoeisnrmitbsotaertmeyino.onTvheexgempaypraaerdstgshaeumadet interest of about US$1 million which
procurement unit. Another time, it’s that the ministry needs someone who was withdrawn. Thereafter, part of the
a minister’s sister being appointed to should hit the ground running as there principal amount was transferred back
chair another board. Still your name is no time to learn the ropes. to KCM Plc (in liquidation) through
is not being mentioned. another account. The DEC seized close
to US$7.5 million in connection with
You think of calling your connections Indirectly, the government has these transactions.
in the inner circle just to check what’s methodically acted on these criticisms. If some people can play around with
happening. First, they don’t pick up Thabo Kawana, the UPND alliance these amounts of monies surely, why is
your calls. They actually don’t pick spokesperson, was appointed media KCM (in liquidation) going for a bank
loan as working capital?
KCM, Ati Shani?ometimes your mind is blown off Things are not adding up really!

just thinking about things that

Shappen in Zambia.
Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM) “The
support of ZCCM-IH to the operations
of KCM is quite critical at this juncture.
KCM needs working capital urgently
For example, think about the in order to procure concentrates from
transaction announcement on 25 Trafigura to sustain its metallurgical and
January 2022 regarding a US$10 production operations,” the statement
million Corporate Guarantee provided read.
to ZANACO Plc by ZCCM-IH for
provision of working capital to We thought KCM had money, a lot of it
for that matter:

4 We Have Nothing To Hide!

The Crux of the Matter

Copper Prices Mortality Chickenst was breaking news as Lusaka City
Still talking about copper… Mayor Chilando Chitangala led a
There are many factors that of other minerals, including alluvi-
affect the performance of the al gold and aluminium among oth- Iteam of councillors and members of
ers. The expectation was that the
Kwacha. A cardinal factor relates Kwacha will come out stronger and staff under the public health department
to the performance of the global stable. Alas, as described by the to Soweto Market for a fact-finding
economy and concerns about glob- Minister of Finance and National mission. The mission was a response
al copper prices. As copper prices Planning, Situmbeko Musokot- to rumours that some women sell dead
fall, the Kwacha typically depreci- wane, “the Kwacha has been acting chickens commonly called ‘mortality
ates and appreciates as copper pric- like a yoyo.” chickens’ to unsuspecting people in the
es rise. community.
The minister puts the blame on the Interestingly though, you would have
Copper prices have been quite high unsustainable debt as the centre of expected people to commend the mayor
on the London Metal Exchange. In the loss in the value of the Kwa- for this move. Alas, it seems some people
line with the preceding argument, cha and the shrinking of business were not amused. They think that the city
the impact of the high prices should in the country. He is banking on a has perhaps far more important issues
have been quite considerable on the debt relief from creditors through that need the attention of Her Worship..
performance of the Kwacha. Par- restructuring debt which should Take the uncollected garbage in the
ticularly, the Kwacha is expected to culminate in a full agreement with Central Business District and the filth at
be much stronger and stable. IMF by mid-2022. He argues that Soweto Market itself. The mayor has been
the Kwacha will stabilise when the non-committal on these issues.
Yet this has not been the case. In IMF deal is sealed. Some critics angrily retorted as seen from
fact, there was a production in- these comments: “Ati, mortality chickens
crease of over 900 metric tonnes in The question is, what if peradven- kuti, basiyeni bantu badye ndiyo.” “Let
2020 and 2021 and an average price ture the creditors refuse to budge her also address the issue of uncollected
of US$9200/mt in 2021. There has and the IMF deal does not come garbage around Lusaka.” “The council
also been a rise in the production through? has been funded yet the situation is
worsening.”

Eating The Humble Pie
It is said that to err is human and yet
it is usually so difficult for people Chungu for being a true ambassador of it's worrying!!! Men following gossip
to publicly admit mistakes and Christ and warrior of the Gospel in the kwati balunshi,” another netizen
marketplace. As for Jezebel, your days exclaimed!
even apologise. It takes humility and are numbered.”
courage to own up and apologise. We also saw government admitting
On 6 January, Rev. Mwambazi wrote, some drafting errors in the newly
Well, in the recent past, we saw such “Unreserved apologies for the post that signed Statutory Instrument (SI) no. 93
acts of humility. First, it was Rev. took a swipe at Mutale Mwanza over of 2021 which repeals SI no. 106 of 2020
Walter Mwambazi who got himself the verbal sparring match with Esther on the conditions of service for bus
bruised by netizens after his comment Chungu. Unfortunately, I also got and truck drivers. Labour and Social
regarding some altercation between carried away and posted a status by my Security Minister Brenda Tambatamba
gospel musician Esther Chungu and colleague in which Mutale was referred admitted that some of the figures that
socialite Mutale Mwanza on Zambezi to by a not-so-endearing character in were agreed as allowances for bus and
Magic’s Tuvwange TV show which the the Bible.” truck drivers during the amendment of
duo co-present. SI 106 were erroneously represented in
A number of his followers were the new SI.
On 4 January, Mwambazi posted on his touched by this public apology. They
Facebook page, “Today I saw a write- did not hesitate to commend him for Again, many netizens received the
up from my friend and colleague Rev. the bold step which they called ‘show public admission very positively. “A
Oscar Mumba that aptly sums up my of humility’. “Respect to you sir. It takes true mark of a leader is accepting when
position too.” strength to admit one's wrongs. Let love they make a mistake and promise to
lead,” one of the netizens encouraged rectify that mistake,” one of the com-
The posting by Rev. Mumba read him. mentators said. Obviously, they were
in part, “We will not allow Jezebel also very quick to caution with one say-
and Satan to rule the media and Of course, there were a few naughty ing “next time Minister, sign with your
entertainment industry in Zambia. ones who did not miss the chance to eyes open.”
Even in this industry, Jesus is Lord. I throw mud at the Rev. “The things
celebrate God's maid servant Esther which people entangle themselves in,

We Have Nothing To Hide 5

State of Affairs

oon after taking office, the New
Dawn government embarked

S Fuel Subsidies: A Caton a programme to remove

subsidies on fuel and electricity. The
goal was to free resources that could

and Mouse Game!be better invested in other needy

sectors such as education and health.

Speaking in Parliament in November “experienced a very tough time discontinued and the Cost-Plus-
2021, Vice President Mutale selling the message that the country is Pricing (CPP) model was adopted in
Nalumango said that the government better under his administration.” The 2008 instead. The CPP considers all
intended to increase fuel prices a article argued that the price reduction costs associated with the purchase
“bit” so that prices could be reduced saved the United Party for National of fuel feedstock and ensures that all
later, implying that the intended Development (UPND), which costs incurred are recovered through
increment was a necessary but short- retained Kabwata, from losing the seat the pump price with a fair profit
term measure. The statement sounded which the UPND had scooped during margin. The plan was to review prices
like a mockery to many people. the August 2021 elections. on a 60-day basis and adjust them if
Critics, among them Guess Nyirenda the change exceeds a range of 2.5%.
Executive Director of youth-focused Well, fuel prices have been a thorn Fuel prices stabilised for some time
NGO Operation Young Vote, claimed in the flesh for years in Zambia. This between 2008 and 2010. However,
that the Government was renegading is mainly because the commodity is looking at the outcomes of annual
on its campaign promises made prior wholly imported and its importation public expenditure reports, over time,
to the 2021 elections. cost is at the mercy of the exchange it is clear that retail fuel prices below
Indeed, on 16 December 2021, fuel rate and international oil prices. As the cost-reflective level have resulted
prices were increased by K3.54 and such, successive governments have in fuel subsidies. The most important
K4.6 per litre for petrol and diesel, experimented with various models to thing is to adjust prices regularly no
respectively. The increase led to hikes stabilise both supply and fuel prices. matter how painful it is for consumers.
in prices for a number of commodities. To address this, the ERB introduced Sector experts have found that regular
Mealie meal prices, for example, went the Import Parity Pricing (IPP) model and automatic adjustments would
up by K24 on average. The Energy in 2004. With this model, prices were mean smaller and less painful price
Regulation Board (ERB), which reviewed every month. This really changes. Since the implementation
announced the price increment, also did not work well for proper business of CPP model in 2008, pump prices
announced that fuel prices would be planning. Besides, costs elements, are maintained for months even if the
adjusted monthly going forward. such as taxes and transport charges, fundamentals, such as the exchange
On 30 January, the ERB announced a embed in the model made fuel prices rate, change.
reduction in fuel prices of K1.32 and unnecessarily too high. The fuel subsidies are not planned
K1.22 per litre for petrol and diesel, but are incurred due to failure to
respectively. The regulator said that Proactively, government and other adjust prices according to cost. In
the reduction was a response to an stakeholders engaged and agreed to 2013, the government decided
average of 11% decline in international increase prices over a longer time
oil prices in December 2021 which horizon. Therefore, the IPP was
was supported by 6% appreciation
of the Kwacha. This reduction came We Have Nothing To Hide
into effect just a few days before
the parliamentary by-election in
Kabwata on 3 February. As such, some
people suspected the reduction was
politically induced to influence the
outcome of the election. An analysis
in Lusaka Times on 9 February
claimed that President Hichilema

6

to stop subsidizing fuel But this from January 2020 to December 2021 State of Affairs
decision did not hold. As reported in and yet the Kwacha was depreciating
the government’s annual economic while crude oil prices were increasing. an option that has been floated by
reports, Ministry of Finance spent Since government’s expenditure experts in several sector reports over
K2.7 billion and K3.8 billion in reports are not readily available to the the years but successive governments
2015 and 2016, respectively, on public, many of us had no clue that have lacked the courage to make the
fuel subsidies. In 2016, no price over this period, the government was decision and stick to it. The monthly
adjustments were made. Prices were accruing arrears on fuel. The Ministry review will help to make the local
adjusted downwards in January 2017 of Finance and National Planning price of fuel to be more responsive
and August 2017 but later increased in Fiscal Tables show arrears of over to the two key market fundamentals
October 2017. Prices were increased K10.3 billion (about US$540 million) that is, exchange rate and the price of
twice in 2018. In 2019, there was a from January 2021 to August 2021. crude oil.
reduction in February and increments This is a colossal sum.
inSeptemberandDecember. However, When the New Dawn Government The good thing for the New Dawn
the prices of petrol and diesel at removed fuel subsidies, many critics government is that there is still four
K17.62 and K15.56, respectfully, were blamed the administration of failing years to the next elections, so there
maintained from December 2019 to to keep their campaign promises is less political pressure to appease
December 2021 when the New Dawn related to load shedding, reducing the electorate. However, if the
government adjusted prices. fuel prices, students’ meal allowances government religiously implements
From December 2019 through to among others. Opposition party the fuel pricing model and completely
2021, the Patriotic Front (PF) opted to leaders, including PF acting President removes subsidies, there will be
compensate fuel hikes by suspending Given Lubinda, Economic Front enough resources saved which could
the Value Added Tax (VAT). Instead leader Wynter Kabimba and Socialist make a huge impact on other needy
of increasing prices, oil marketing Party President Fred M’membe are sectors. The money spent on subsidies
companies were not paying VAT. some of the people who voiced their in 2021 was 1.6 times more than what
Mind you, the proportion of VAT in concerns. government will spend on social
the CPP model is quite huge at about Now that 2021 expenditure data is protection and agricultural support
13%. However, even this could not available, we may begin to appreciate programmes in 2022.
help looking at the rate at which both the move government took. Even the
crude oil prices were increasing and idea of reviewing prices on a monthly The aforementioned notwithstanding,
the Kwacha was depreciating (see basis is not from the blues. This is there are still some teething problems
chart). The chart shows that prices of the government still has to deal
petrol and diesel remained unchanged with. The first relates to the taxes.
Government has maintained the
zero rating for VAT on fuel. Further,
the import tax waiver on petroleum
products was extended to June 2022
based on the Statutory Instrument (SI)
number 3 of 2022. Essentially, pump
prices are still heavily cushioned
by government. This means that
the current prices do not reflect
the expected pump prices of K23.3
and K21.95 per liter for petrol and
diesel, respectively. In this case, the
government will still forego revenue
of over K3.2 billion on VAT between
January aand June 2022.

The second thing is this one huge
monster called exchange rate. The
Kwacha has been depreciating rapidly
and the government is not clear on
what action it is taking to stabilise the
exchange rate. If the Kwacha continues

We Have Nothing To Hide 7

State of Affairs

to depreciate and crude oil prices hold,
it means that the pump prices will be
increasing on a more frequent basis.
This will have a very strong bearing on
prices of other commodities. In short,
the government should deal with the
free-falling Kwacha decisively as a
matter of urgency.

The government is certainly on the
right path regarding fuel pricing
model. However, the biggest
monster it must sort out is the rapid
depreciation of the Kwacha. Certainly,
if this is not effectively dealt with, the
cat and mouse game will continue.

2022: What You
Should Expect
The year 2021 was momentous Mambilima who, in their respective that the new administration will have
for the peaceful change of govern- careers, contributed to the develop- to stamp its authority on the country.
ment following the August general ment and freedom of the country. On the economic front, the IMF’s $1.4
election in which formerly long- The COVID-19 pandemic continued billion three-year lending programme
time opposition leader Hakainde to take its toll on families and busi- for Zambia will continue to form part
Hichilema and the UPND defeat- nesses. Going into 2021, most people of the national discourse. Given the
ed Edgar Lungu and the PF. For had hoped it would be a better year steps government has already taken,
Hichilema and his party which without the pandemic. But here we are it seems obvious that the IMF Board
had been in opposition for 23 into third year and still grappling with will sign off on the deal, which the
years, it was a huge pay-off for a pandemic that infectious diseases Treasury strongly believes is key to re-
keeping the faith. For Lungu and specialists are still trying to come to structuring the country’s $12.7 billion
the PF, it was a loud rebuke for terms with. external debt.
the reckless manner they ran the
country and a reminder for them With that backdrop, what does 2022 Repayment of the first $750 million
(and the current and future gov- have in store? Eurobond falls due in September and
ernments) about where power lies On the international stage, Zambia is is part of the debt restructuring ma-
- in the hands of the people. expected to host the African Union trix. How the dealmakers and number
Heads of State and Government Sum- crunchers at the Treasury manoeuvre
THe same year in which the coun- mit in June/July. Lusaka last hosted in talks with creditors will be key in
try polished its democratic cre- the summit in 2001. Works at the new providing some temporary relief on
dentials was also one in which Chinese-funded 3,500-capacity con- the overly burdened national kitty,
curtains virtually closed on an ference centre next to Mulungushi In- which has been spending up to 40% of
independence generation with the ternational Conference Centre appear its collections on debt servicing.
death of founding president Ken- to be in high gear. The hosting of the What the IMF deal means for the
neth Kaunda and other freedom summit will be a major boost to the country is a debate that started last
fighters. The host of African coun- local hospitality industry that has en- year and seemed to provide plenty of
tries that mourned with Zam- dured reduced earnings on account of fodder for the opposition to flay the
bia underscored Kaunda’s con- the pandemic. government. On its part, the govern-
tribution to the liberation of the After the four bumpy months of set- ment has been unrelenting in defend-
continent. The country also lost tling in, this will be the first full year ing its choice of economic policies
other senior citizens in Andrew which has seen it bite the bullet with
Sardanis, Simon Zukas and Ireen
We Have Nothing To Hide
8

State of Affairs The internal happenings in PF will House MPs whose election results
pdrroamvida.eTahefraei’sr pslhenartey tohfattihseyeptotloituicna-l were nullified by the High Court
the removal of fuel subsidies and the ravel. The party is undergoing a lead- sopnalyrkbeedreasolelgveadl cboyntthreovCeorsnysttithuattiownialll
imminent increase in electricity tar- ererssihginpatcihoanngoef Efodlgloawr iLnugngthueassupdadretny Court. Whatever it says will be crucial
igfofs,topwroarcdesedins corefawsehdicsho,ciiatl ssapyesn, dwinilgl president. Settling on a new leader in setting precedence for the future.
such as education and pensions. will not be an easy affair and has po- At the time of writing, the MPs case
The implementation of the first taebnrtuipalt tdoepriaprttuhree ipnarDtyecaepmarbte.rLcuanugguh’st had not been concluded by the Con-
UPND national budget will be closely many people unawares since he had tchoeurret.iUs nalikspeeicniftihcepHeirgiohdCoofur9t0wdhaeyres
watched. Given how much the gov- indicated that he would go up to June, within which a parliamentary peti-
tehrnemroelnl toutotldof iittss scprietnicdsintgo pwlaanit, tfhoer ptoavaicntguwntaiyl tfhore dneepxut tpyaGrtiyvecnonLvuebnitniodna tion must be concluded, there is no
country will be glued to see how al- is held to elect a new leader. tisimwehelirme iPt FinMthPes wChoonclooustrtt,haenirdsethatiss
locations such as the phenomenally But whatever else divides them, the may hold onto them indefinitely. But,
iFnucnrdeasweidll Cboendstiistbuuernsceyd Daenvdeluopsemdentot contenders share one belief: that they absy oththeeCrsonhcaovuertarmguaekde,s tahmis osclokwernyeossf
kickstart local development initiatives can continue to make the party rele- justice. This is one area the new Chief
twhoartdfsorofathloenPgretismideenwta, i“taedsmfoarl,l cinliqthuee tvhaentcaonudnvtrisyibilne bay aptetrepmeptutianlgetloeckteioenp Justice could set his eyes and get Con-
of thieves” in Lusaka to decide the fate mode. So far, by ramping up the polit- caobusernt cjuedogfeas stpoemcifoicvelafwasttheavtecnoimnptehles
of Zambia. ical pressure on the UPND, the PF are them to do so.
In the political field, this year’s opener tawctoinwgeaeskisfatwheayn.eIxdtegaelnlye,rfaivleelyeecatrios nisias Tlithiecaolluytccroimticealoffotrhtehsee PaFp.pIefatlhseisCopno--
is the crucial Kabwata parliamentary very short time in the life of a nation. court upholds their seats, it will be
by-election. At the time of writing, Bbeutaavtetrhye lroanteg PfiFvearyeegaorsinfog,rtthhiesmmiagnhdt tahmeyawjoirllrhealiveef.tBheutarifduthoeuys tloasske othf edme-,
Wcamhipchaiegvnesr hwaadyktihckeeedleocftfioinn egaorense, sitt. their activities will form part of the fending them without the government
will give the PF and UPND bragging political menu in 2022. machinery they became used to.
arighhutgs.e Ibf othoset PtFo sthneaitrchnaitr,raittivweillthbaet This year the courts will be very busy. It does seem 2002 will be a packed
“UPND has failed” and they will wave The decision by the Speaker of the year.
their victory card across the country National Assembly to eject from the
tinogenpaerrgtyisreettahieniritb, aitsews.ilBl ruetaifffitrhme PruFl’s-
rejection – if reaffirmation was need-
ed.

ATntehneiremcwtiesetsC’cMs)oeunnilmftuerernpegr(neuPcsshsehiooitfnoa:cCiLoloiuftnysfatehkarae-t

9 We Have Nothing To Hide

Advertisement

10 We Have Nothing To Hide

On The Scene

Social Media Photo Focus

Back To Business Blank Shots?
This photo of Iris Kaingu Tasila Lungu and
kuvyalo mesmerised netizens
with some exclaiming, hubby Patrick
“chilimolimo, I wish I was that Mwansa made a
boat.” rare appearance at
The Social in Munali
recently. Many
admirers praised them
for ‘looking good’ but
were quick to express
their concerns.

“Mr Mwansa,
we are worried
bakuchimuna, the girl
is not vomiting up
to now,” one of them

said.

The Young Turks Mr. Zambia
Patriotic Front Kamfinsa MP Sylvester Mwila broke the record,
Christopher Kang'ombe and Nkana defendeding his “Mr Zambia” crown for
Independent lawmaker Binwell the eleventh time in a row. Many fans
Mpundu were spotted having a tete- were concerned that he has no compe-
a-tete recently. Could they be the tition locally. “It's high time you go and
future of Zambian politics? fight wrestling with Bena John Cena in
WrestleMania,”one advised.

The Big Boys Club Deadly Youth Camp MKuodraenigmaangaensaof Commander Gile,
Businessman Steven Mikalile This is the fishing rig from which with her bizarre postures, have
showing off his latest men’s continued to flood social media.
toys collection. People poured SDA youth camp participants People are wondering when this
their admiration for him. “The from Lusaka jumped off on Lake is going to come to a stop. “Some
shoe [sic] just tells a story... Kariba, resulting in the death of demons are stubborn following
very simple and humble,” one us even in 2022,” one netizen
of the admirers remarked. six youths on New Year’s Day grumbled.

11

Between The Lines

With A Full In-Tray, Malila Faces Tough
Task To Reform Judiciary

By all indications, Chief
Justice Mumba Malila
is a reformist who has
now been given a great
opportunity to turn the direction
of Zambia’s Judiciary and help it
reclaim its right place in society.
His bold and unequivocal address
to Judiciary staff hours after being
sworn-in last December, sent a
clear message of his understanding
of the malaise and where he wants
to take the institution.

Malila takes over a Judiciary
whose image in the eyes of the
public is tattered. Over the years,
the Judiciary became associated
with the most disagreeable of
practices – questionable conduct of
judicial officers, delays in handling
cases, some unsound judgments –
leading to a general lack of public
confidence in the institution.

In the last seven years particularly,
we saw a Judiciary that appeared
too willing to pander to and
accommodate interests of the
Executive and the ruling party,
however repugnant to the law or
logic. The Judiciary unnecessarily
earned itself a bad name for
appearing to be a willing tool in
the hands of a regime that was all
out on an authoritarian path.

All this has left the Judiciary in a an improved quality of service to of finality in their import, open
sticky spot which it urgently needs users of our courts.” doors for speculation and further
to move away from. The new He added: “It is vitally important litigation.”
Chief Justice seems to understand that all adjudicators are decent To gain an insight into the thinking,
this fully well. His candid individuals, honest in their work legal orientation and intellectual
inaugural address to the Judiciary and possessing of integrity and disposition of Zambia’s ninth Chief
was reading a riot act of sorts in a sound knowledge of the law. Justice, the first stop is his last book
which he served notice of expected They must consciously avoid entitled Contours of a Developing
conduct among all judicial staff. placing themselves in situations Jurisprudence of the Zambian
If, as we must, we are to redeem where they render questionable Supreme Court: Reflections on My
the image of the Judiciary and judgments which, owing to First Five Years as Judge: (2014-
strengthen its accountability to obvious uncertainties or want 2019). In the book, Malila reflects
the people of Zambia,” Malila on his first five years as a Supreme
said, “it is critical that we should
all individually and collectively
make a concerted effort to deliver

12 We Have Nothing To Hide

Between The Lines

Court judge and wastes no time in detention. Zambia’s Chief Justices since 1964
making a strong case for reform Malila now has a huge opportunity • Diarnaid Conroy
– from the way judges think of to apply his fervour and reposition (1964 – 1965)
themselves in relation to society the Judiciary in ways he could only • John Blagden
and contribution thereto to the way imagine in his former position. He (1966 – 1969)
judgments are written. is now at the apex of the institution • James Skinner (1969)
The first question he asked himself and that places him in a unique • Brian Doyle
was whether, as a serving judge, position to drive the much talked (1969 – 1975)
he could write a book to reflect about and long-delayed judicial • Annel Silungwe
on various matters of the court. reforms. (1975 – 1992)
That he had to ask himself such By contributing to changes in the • Mathew Ngulube
a question already indicated how flair and texture of Supreme Court (1992 – 2002)
conservative and backward the judgments and interpretation of • Ernest Sakala \
Zambian Judiciary is. the law, Malila has shown that

Writing books is how judges (and it is possible for the Judiciary to (2003 – 2011) (Lombe
other professionals) contribute reform and move with the times. Chibesakunda acted from
to documenting experiences and Admitted to the Bar in 1989, 2012–2015).
sharing knowledge on matters Malila is an ardent researcher, • Ireen Mambilima
of their expertise. To that extent, keen reader of the law and (2015 – 2021)
Malila broke new ground by writing intellectual of high standing who • Mumba Malila (current)
extensively on his experiences on is well placed to lead the Judiciary.
the Bench thus far. It helped break A graduate of the Universities of
the notion that the only place Zambia, Cambridge, Cumbria and
where judges can interact with the Pretoria, he makes it clear both in
public is in their judgments, some his book and inaugural address
of which, unfortunately, read as that judges must understand the Chief Justice must keep reminding
if they are written solely for the law. Therefore, those who may his colleagues in the Judiciary.
consumption of legal minds. have gotten
away with
sluggishness in
Born on 16 April 1964, Malila the past should
has been a persistent advocate by now have
of reform even before he was sat up.
appointed to the Bench. When he In his book
served as chairperson of Zambia’s Malila says,
Human Rights Commission “When a
between 2004 and 2006, Malila Judiciary opts
publicly condemned human rights to be oblivious
violations and unlawful detention to public
which were common at the time perception
while consistently calling for about how it is
reforms to redress what he saw as carrying out its
unfairness suffered by ordinary constitutional
people through unwarranted mandate
arrests and long detentions. of settling

“I have always fervidly believed disputes and
that human rights have a common dispensing
thread that binds all humanity justice, the
and, in the process, promote public is
peace,” Malila said in 2019 in his bound to lose
motivation letter while applying confidence in
for membership to the “Working it.”

Group on Arbitrary Detentions”,
a UN body of independent human This is a
rights experts that investigates message the
cases of arbitrary arrest and

We Have Nothing To Hide 13

Through the looking glass

TIME JUMP: MODERNITY
CBy Alvin Davey Mupela attitude, as is almost always the either, playing them at a market for
ity life has and is always case with youngsters. In the a fee was the next best option. There
evolving and changing in neighbourhoods I grew up or spent always seemed to be a “backup”
some shape or form as years, time in, not everyone my age had plan for something during those
decades and centuries go by. The the latest video games or access to times. That resourcefulness and
way we live and interact with each cable television, or “CASAT” as creativity is what I miss.
other today is probably not the we used to call it, characterised by For many Lusaka dwellers and
same way we did, say a decade ago. the sight of a large satellite dish in in particular, youngsters like me,
Neither will it be the same a decade the yard or a smaller antenna on attending the annual Agricultural
from now, especially the way we the roof of your house. Such was and Commercial Show was
communicate and transact. Life usually a sign of being a well-to-do probably the highlight of the year,
seems to be much more complex household, usually upper middle other than the festive season.
now than it was in my younger class, or wealthy family. Most made Even though it was mainly a place
days. Pre-social media, there was do with toys they had received on for businesses to showcase their
a lot more personal interaction, Christmas or birthdays, if their products and services and interact
especially among people you knew families could afford them, or closely with clients and potential
closely or you were acquainted with. simply made the toys themselves. customers, it was also a place of
Contrast that with now, when you For boys, wire cars were the norm. family fun. Running around and
can freely mingle with strangers There was some pride felt in the getting lost in the sea of humans,
online, behind a keyboard, typing skill and innovation of making having your face painted and
away anonymously (or not) without your own toys, showing them off indulging in staple “show snack”,
necessarily meeting in person. to your friends and challenging cotton candy. Good times.
Growing up in a city like Lusaka, them to a race. Video games were During my childhood and early
my childhood life in particular also popular, but if you didn’t own adolescence, internet access, while
was characterised by a carefree a console, your friends would invite
you over. If they didn’t own one

14 We Have Nothing To Hide

available, was not like it is today their learning easier and more Through the looking glass
where so many people have access convenient, especially with the
to it via smart phones, desktop and likes of sites like YouTube. at them.
laptop computers and tablet devices. Without proper parental guidance
Children and teenagers today have though, one eventually finds Overall, I miss how people were
so much free access to a plethora themselves heading down the more interactive physically and
of information; it’s like entering a wrong rabbit hole and stumble upon actually had solid relationships
rabbit’s hole sometimes. Not that sites that could trigger newfound with each other. There was a
we couldn’t access it back then - we addictions – pornography being stronger sense of community. Life
just didn’t have it on such a large one of them. Despite the pitfalls just felt less complicated than it is
scale and in such readily available of readily available internet today, even with all the hardships
formats like we have today. It has access that today’s youngsters that people faced. The irony is that
certainly made their learning easier face, they have an abundance of even though we are all connected
and more convenient, especially opportunities to learn new skills virtually - thanks to the ever-
with the likes of sites like YouTube. from an earlier age that would give growing digital world - we seem
It’s like entering a rabbit’s hole them a head start in their future more distant from each other. We
sometimes. Not that we couldn’t endeavours. E-learning has paved spend more time typing away on
access it back then - we just didn’t the way for them to learn new our devices, seeking out our daily
have it on such a large scale fixes of approval from strangers
and in skills and to excel online and experiencing sharp
such declines in our mental health.
Despite that, it doesn’t take away
from the memories of growing
up in an urban setting and
navigating through
life while passing
through those
stages of
growth.

readily
available
formats like we have
today. It has certainly made

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Visit our website: www.truecoloursmagazine.online

We Have Nothing To Hide 15

Through the looking glass

The Business of Music: How Zambian
Artistes Make Money Todaylaomnbgiwa’saym. Suinsicceitnhdeucsoturynthryaswcaosmboerna

Zmore than 50 years ago, the music

scene has continued to change, giving the
industry a variety of music genres, which
hKtoaadvlaienyd’esuvllooalc,vaZeldavmasri-inreoctyeckoinaf ndRde&pMBen,adhneicpnh-caheno,cphfraaonmtdo
rap.

Owanhndieccohofmnthsuuesmkiceeyidsc.mhIananrkgtheetesehd1a,9sd7bi0seste,rnimbtuhatneeydw,lasoyocilandl
bands took root and gained more prom-
inence. Acts like The Great Witch, Paul
ETNuaggnoeyzrai ,Ffwaanemsreilfydlo,ocRmkiekindkaintIotliolclnoonnthgceaermatnsudstoiMc swocsaeitncOeh.
their preferred bands or listened to their
favourite songs on vinyl records played on
the gramophone record player.

When the vinyl industry collapsed, music writer Chali “Bravo” Mulalami, one of Apple Music or Mvesesani. But anecdotal
labels switched to tapes until the 1990s the most influential pioneers behind the evidence suggests that some of Zambia’s
when CDs appeared until the mid-2000s emergence and development of contem- tfprhooepmsuelpahrlaaavtfriontirgsmtetssh.eeiarrnmuupsitco $st3r,e0a0m0epderfyroemar
when they phased out. Since then, music porary Zambian music, told True Col- The online marketplaces have enormous-
hanasdgsoenlleindgigmituals.icMtohvrionuggfhropmhydsiisctarlibcuotpiinegs forueresdtohmat tfhoer nienwdetpreennddehnats carretiastteeds mwohroe lalyorwtiinsintcergsetaghsreeedmatestarolcegosrnootpwropltohoretfuitrnhfieatiinrescboaannstede.ngDti,viaegln--
to digital sales has had its own results. The can now directly take their products to italisation has created more streams of
evolution has led to the collapse of music the market without restrictions. Howev- revenue for local artistes to explore and
stores which came up and thrived during er, Mulalami added that the downside is benefit from. Boomplay Music, a media
ttlyrhyeimrCepcDeaicveterinad.ga Wasretiviteshtreepsd.ireAaacftyrh,obt-hjlaoezwzC, nDmeuginsaitdciuivaesn-- tathhneadtqstuohaledlri.etyisonf othwe lmesusssitcabnedianrgddciosntrtirboultoend wstraesafmirisntglaaunndchdeodwinnloNadigienrgiaseinrv2ic0e15th, aist
James Sakala revealed how he produced Chances of making money today depends perhaps the most viable digital platform
1,000 CDs from South Africa in 2017 and tofrhnoamtthaerretailmsetveoasunntctasnoofcmeiaxalprokmseuterdeaianadnpdlgacetofnonertrmeantset. for Zambian artistes. It is easier to set up
dhaatse.managed to sell only 300 copies to Apple’s iTunes Store allows consumers and manage a Boomplay account, and
“You can’t make money from CDs. CD to purchase and download music dig- track sales, traffic and views.
sales are dead,” Sakala told True Colours moitnaulllisyni.ce TspotrlgaeetaftmohreimrngswsaiterhrevitSchpeeotpwirfoyo,rvlitddh’seerslsearwgtwietshot Elton Mulenga, known in music circles
in an interview. more than 523 million paying subscribers as Yo Maps, recently sold his Komando
In the digital era, marketing, promoting by 2021. Mvesesani, a Zambian online album to Boomplay for between $40,000-
and distributing music content is now in d$5u0st,0ry00s,ouarccceosrdspinogketno tovabryioTursuemCuosilcouirns-.
the hands of social media crowds. In the digitallamunucslhoicwedsmcianurskt2eo0tmp1l6ear,cseatloswohpuiacrlh-- This figure is the highest amount ever re-
past this was controlled by a minority of chase and download ceived by a Zambian artiste in recent times
iWnfhlueethnetiratlhpiseoshpilfet iisngothoed morubsiacdiinsdduesbtarty-. music by Zambi- afaongredrohwtahoseurpldolotencnaotltiaarlrelytsipsotoepnsed.n(etYodoToMprupaeoprCst’uonmloitauinerss-
able. Prominent music producer and song an artistes. questions about the deal). Other Zambian
There is artistes are also making money from You-
16 no specif- TfAouflrbloiecwaaennr-dsbaaFnsaedcdevbiZoeoawmks abgsiraotnhwe.vniIuonmli2nb0ies1tr8o,CfSatoihtuletiinhr
ic data on De Ville performed a cover song for James
how much Sakala’s Galamukani song. The cover was
fraoZrmtaismteSspboeitaiafrynn, posted on YouTube and has since attracted
more than 2.2 million views. Sakala con-

We Have Nothing To Hide

firmed that he has been earning money Zambia Daily Mail recently, veteran musi- Through the looking Glass
from the platform, including an initial cian Ballad Zulu said that this group of lo-
payment of K10,000. cal musicians who can play, sing and have various negotiating tables, whether it’s fi-
vIHti’sdoweaolel xvaaibecwotluysthaaands vtaherrettisipstaienygmcaeannntdawtthroaorckwte.dmWoauintthy? some musicians with real talent can make nanciers, sponsors, promoters or distribu-
the average YouTube pay rate ranging be- aEalaldrednceienpngetsndlfirvsoinmogn lfitrvhoeemppeotrhpfeouirlrmarpaietnyrcfoeosrfmvthaarneyc.aerIs-t. tors of their work.
tween $0.01 and $0.03 per advert view, a tiste which determines the market value
paYdoervue1Tr,ut0bv0ei0erwvcisad,newomhviaicekhwetsar,araoncusclnoadtred$si1nin8gtoptoe$rF3o1tr,o0b0$e05s of the musician. For example, according to piInnocsaruedrades.ietdiLoentfh,t esatlrpoeonatmee,ninZtigaamlsebfroivarincneeasgrhtaiatsivtveeesaealsxroe-
magazine. Top talent can earn more than bfinoardnudas.tlrAiyvemsopouerrrecfoepsro,mpcauonmlacrpeabbnayinedsa pgfaeuytlsl Kaa1vm0er,0ian0gi0e- vulnerable to making bad decisions such
$5 per 1,000 video views. Based on Forbes mum of K30,000 with a popular solo ar- as hiring themselves as managers or hiring
$efio5g,u0wr0ei0tsh,wt1iht,0his0in0mavefiaeenwwssdtcahayanstdmaepaYekoneudmTinuogbreoentvhtiahdne- tiste receiving at least K15,000. atlyhrtel,ewabdrrosanntodg ltmoewaam-rgkrewathidniecgho, ,ubitunpsuitntuerinnss,spopoulatnnednntiainnagld-,
popularity of the artiste – a cool fortune general business dealings, publicity and a
for any Zambian artiste. cElaurbnsinagnsdfrootmhelrivseopceiarlfojrominatns caerseindinffiigchutl-t lot of other career-risk effects that result in
sTproukee CtooKloounrds waalnsoi to assess. These places do not have mon- their eventual downfall.
Kaira, musically ey to directly pay artistes. “They
known as Chef 187, Capeomrlfoouursrmics, sfeooxurprlccaerinattioenslgdotThfrabuteeer,” Despite these challenges, there are still
to find out how he how much artistes are opportunities to grow the Zambian mu-
iHmnedakuehsstarsy hbfioesrentmenionnyeetyah.res paid is determined sic industry. Virtual concerts are among
and has built one of the by earnings from ttChhOee VwmIoDarjlopdrahnaldevesemsobincesehnitth.eaWxtpiltoahrittsiimnstgeasrstinapcrhoeountnhedes
most popular and influ- vsbheeroeyrw.listatSlloeemsfreodmuarri-ng suticshtes preetcrefhoivree- becoming more and more accessible and
etehrnaettiiacolunbrrraenntdosgfaemn-ong mances. The more popu- streaming services becoming increasingly
musicians. lar an artiste, the common, the digital arena will continue to
Chef said cerohs wiogdfhsaetratnrtahdceteicanhrgnanibncigg- gZteracomhwbinaiannndovatahrttroiisvrtsee.stoTthodiescvoieslllaoanpbooinrpanptoeovrwatutiitnvhietlymofcuoar-l
tomnhuesiecofis more. sic apps for the local market.
In addition, Zambian artistes should forge
highest paying industries in Zambia. He WhZehlaipmleedbstiratenoamianirnctrgieshtaeasses’ pttihaoorntssneueprslsiahntigfpoesrxmitssatritnghegattoeadnrleinanteotltoaroreglgse,iroensppsoepcpeiuacllialfy--
said he has not felt pressure to leave mu- visibility, sales ic. One such platform is Rockstar Televi-
sic and do something else, adding that he opportunities sion which operates within Africa, Europe
ttwoaokugeilvduepevsmpeneucsriifeciccoadmsemataeiclnsadraebehroi.suCot whhenofwcrhemifludusecthdo aabnrethdisintfedasmset,ilwllohlceaangl agtunloadbl samol ummseiacrskctaoettnecsweiirntthsAaamnddeirvgieceranseetoraaprlrreaonyvtieodrfetavtiihnre--
he earns. However, like other artistes, he compared to the ment content.
makes money from digital platforms and best achievers on
amblrloaonnwdestisehenidmdohrtsiosemmYeoanuktTes,umbdeoisncaelcoycsoifnurgonmtthwvathidihcehoe tApualrtrehedoouftgoZhaosmtthilbelirua’nsAdmferirucdsaeincveiclnoodupunesdttrrwiyehsi,esnthbceroigfmuh--t
views. the continent. Coun- especially given the rise of new and bet-
mlZeavomenrebayiga.innJginaogrtlteihsset,ervsooiapcrpee-oorvatuelsrnositaieinnsdcrtleoivaesminpageklrye- Ntriiegseriali,keKeSnoyua,thUgAafnrdicaa, , ter-funded music labels. There is a healthy
formances are other sources of revenue. Namibia and Tanzania are doing far
While there is debate about the stage craft much better, explaining why digital amount of competition
faoorfrtimtshtaeens ccteuhsraartemanrotenggveitnahbeelreactuaiorcrntesnoftofgrrmsotuuapgsiescsipaunecrsh-, platforms target these countries. amoanngd thtihs ewseill inlaspbierles
as James Sakala, Wezi and Mumba Yachi fmAorrutmcishste.ms fororemfrthomesedcioguitnatlrpielsate-arn better music,
have been able to attract greater corporate better condi-
interest and earn higher incomes. Zambia’s challenge is less tions for suc-
Writing in his weekly music column in the aaabbbuoouunttdahtnohtwe) tahrebtulot(wcahlmicmhour-eis gcarenosdswfuthl maaocnrtdes
sic industry is managed income for
and organised. For the the whole in-
ttmeisaotmessts’ paraertm,unaZnabaaglmeebmtioaennt ar- dmthuyes.tryecoannod-
engage the cor-
porate world
fminule fainnawinnacygias-lly
that al-
low them
to have
garipstronogn

We Have Nothing To Hide 17

Virtual Reality

From Small Towns to

The Big Stage
The birth and rise of some of
Zambia’s popular musicians way, the band adopted the name Chali’s widow, Alice.
is a story of “rags-to-fame”. Amayenge, named after a Lenje Oliya, another popular local band
These artistes have emerged from celebratory dance performed at fe- from the old school, emerged
relative obscurity before hitting the male initiation ceremonies. Under from a Luanshya tavern in 1980. It
big time on the national and inter- the leadership of co-founder and started as a fill-up band, perform-
national stage. lead singer Chris Chali, Amayenge ing under the shadows of the big,
Shifting from small towns to cities shot to national and internation- prominent band Shalawambe. Oli-
or big towns helps the musicians al prominence, producing several ya was eventually incorporated into
to increase their market visibili- Kalindula hits such as Mao, Mu- Shalawambe as a reserve band and
ty, improve access to commercial nise Munise and Dailesi. became known as Junior Shala-
opportunities and creates connec- In his book Zambian Music Leg- wambe. Spotting the band’s youth-
tions with music labels with better ends, music historian and journal- ful energy and talent, Ndola-based
recording facilities and prominent ist Leonard Koloko says that Amay- Zambia’s leading music label at the
brand recognition. The ride to the enge became the most travelled time, Teal Records, convinced the
top can be long and frustrating, but group in the history of local music, group to break away in 1983, giv-
artistes with the talent, skill, de- touring Zambia, Africa, Europe ing birth to Oliya. The new band
termination and luck on their side and the United States. Amayenge eventually rose to national stardom
have made the cut. has received the Ngoma award as with its smash hit single and best-
Among music acts from the old the best Kalindula band more than seller entitled Clementina. Oliya
school, Amayenge is touted as six times, more than any other act. went on to release many other hits
Zambia’s most successful band. Most of the original band members during its heydays before the band
The group was born in Choma have since passed on, including went into oblivion with the death
in 1978 as Crossbones. Along the Chali who died in 2003, but Amay- of most members in the 2000s.
enge has survived and continues to Many of the new generation of
entertain under the leadership of Zambian musicians have followed
a similar path, born and raised in
small towns and working in the
shadows before bursting onto the
national and international scene.
Rapper and hip hop artiste Mula-
za Kaira aka Macky 2 was born in
Chingola where he started his mu-
sic career in 2003 rather obscure-
ly. In 2011, he relocated to Lusaka
where he released his first album
Ndimupondo under Digital X la-
bel. Two songs from that album,
I am the President and Number 1
Fan, received massive airplay and
catapulted him to national prom-
inence. He has won many awards
along the way, including the 2011
ZNBC “Born and Bred” song of
the year award for the song Mami
niuze and 2013 Zambia Music

18 We Have Nothing To Hide

Virtual Reality

Awards album of the year for his as Foolish Me, Kuma Lila Ngoma In the song, Chester narrates that
Legendary album. Macky 2 is now and Love na Loyalty. Chef has won he is now enjoying a good life in the
one of the most influential hip hop more than four awards over the city but that he cannot forget about
artistes with 500,000 followers on past six years and built a huge fan his roots despite leaving Mansa.
Instagram alone, the most followed base with more than 390,000 fol- Chester’s song-based story may not
Zambian artiste on the platform lowers on Instagram alone. apply to all local artistes. However,
so far. Macky 2 is reported to be Chef is the only other Zambian ar- it illustrates an important underly-
the richest rapper in Zambia with tiste, after Cleo Ice Queen, to have ing point: Zambia’s artistic talent is
a net worth of $1 million in 2021, been invited to perform at Coke not just found in the cities and ur-
acquired from music and invest- Studio Africa in Kenya in 2019, a ban areas. Small towns, including
ments in real estate, mining and weekly music TV show sponsored rural areas, are teeming with music
food industry, according to online by the global firm Coca-Cola, potential waiting to be tapped. Giv-
sources. which convenes African artistes en the right environment and sup-
Macky 2’s fame and success in- and gives musicians an opportuni- port, the talent will emerge, grow
spired his young brother, the rap- ty to collaborate with some of the and thrive.
per Kondwani Kaira (Chef 187), best African and international tal-
who was born in Luanshya, to get ent. The show attracts an estimated
into music. Chef recorded his de- half a billion viewers in east, cen-
but song in 2005 while in 11th tral and southern Africa.
grade at Chingola’s Kabundi High Perhaps no artiste has given a
School. However, it was only in more personal and witness story
2011 when he started music pro- about the benefits of moving from
fessionally under Alpha Enter- a small town to a big town than
tainment record label owned by Moses N’gandwe. Better known by
his brother Macy 2. In 2015, Chef his stage name Chester, N’gandwe
released his debut album Heart of was born in Mansa and grew up
a Lion, eventually becoming one of in Kabwe. His song Shonongo
the finest and most popular artistes won the 2016 most popular music
of the new school, recording more
than 50 songs, including hits such video award from
Zambiamusic.net,
a popular mu-
sic entertainment
site. However, it’s
his 2018 hit song
Banjo that caught
more public atten-
tion and propelled
Chester to the na-
tional stage. The
song is a real-life
personal account
in which Chester
reminisces about
his childhood in
Mansa where his
passion for mu-
sic started and
where he learnt to
play the banjo, a
traditional music
instrument resem-
bling a guitar.

We Have Nothing To Hide 19

Matters of the Heart I extended my drive to the town area to Mansa and then driving 65 Km just for
and some residential areas. Samfya has a conference. Getting there by road is even
Come To It not changed much since my last visit in much more daunting. Samfya is 700 km
Think Of 2019. The town is far behind in terms of away from Lusaka. It is easier to drive to
economic development. A drive along Livingstone from Lusaka with a number of
A Cinderella Conventional Centre Commonwealth road in Matero township fairly developed towns on the way. You can
I took a drive along the Samfya beach to assess in Lusaka feels much more economically also pick up fresh foods from decent outlets
developments on this strip. I quickly noticed healthier than the whole Samfya town. I also along the way. When going to Luapula, the
that there was an international conventional remember stumbling upon some news that journey is long, lonely and hectic. Unless
centre coming up close to the council guest Development Bank of Zambia is pursuing you are travelling to be crowned a prince
house. I also realised the centre is being foreclosure for a non-performing loan . or princess in Chief Mwata Kazembe’s area,
promoted by a public entity. As I drove back to Lusaka, 700 km away, I the long, torturous journey is not worth it.
was bothered. I kept on wondering just how Even by visual assessment, you can tell the
I was taken aback. This was a piece of news I state entities come up with such grandiose conventional center is not a viable venture
seem to have missed. ideas. How are such decisions made? Do especially if you are using public funds. Any
they undertake market and viability studies, intell showing otherwise is a blue lie. There is
However, I later learnt that this project was I wondered. need for other strategic anchor investments
launched in November 2020 by former You see, Samfya is fundamentally to take off in the region before thinking of
President Edgar Lungu. The project comprises disadvantaged compared to Livingstone, for such fantastic ideas. The provincial capital
an international conventional centre, a three- example. First and foremost, Livingstone Mansa, which is far much bigger than
star hotel and a shopping mall. has the Victoria Falls, which is a huge Samfya and a gateway to the whole province,
attraction for business visitors on its own. cannot still support such investments.
Samfya has a stretch of still waters. It is nice We know there is so much patronage in
to look at for a few minutes but not for long. Zambia, at least during the previous regime.
It has some white sandy beach but you will Even then, we need to have some level of
find much bigger and better sandy beaches conscience. Even just a bit. These are public
elsewhere. funds we are talking about and the people
Livingstone has an international airport. who have been entrusted with safeguarding
Connection to Samfya is complicated and the resources should, at the very least, show
perhaps just too costly. There is a small fiducial responsibility.
airport in Mansa, which is 65km away. So, I mean, you cannot take millions of public
imagine you are travelling from abroad to funds and sink them in a place devoid of
Samfya for a conference, getting to Samfya development and make everyone believe
involves you getting to Lusaka, connecting that it’s a viable undertaking.

My One Two Three

SYSTEM FAILURE ter of 2021. “You see, these are cadres, they ment Service Bus (GSB)? he asked. I answered
never used to pay road licences but they have in the affirmative.
Iwas surprised to bump into Onalebo in continued because there is no enforcement.” He took out his phone and called a number. He
the car park at our favourite watering hole We then checked another car, a Mercedes spoke for a few minutes. I noticed he looked
the other day. He looked good and happy. Benz. He typed in the number plate and for a bit disappointed after the call. “Okay, looks
After exchanging pleasantries, he explained sure it showed the license was not paid for two like sometimes, the GSB and the e-ZamTIS do
that things have changed for the better for quarters. not speak to each other. In that case, payments
him. He is now under the Police Road Traffic We checked several vehicles and at least one through the GSB are not captured until after
section. “Traffic section, you must be swim- in four had skipped at least a quarter. We soon some time. “System failure”, he explained with
ming in money,” I teased him. “Oh no, not bumped into one, some rather battered open difficulty.
with the ban on roadblocks,” he answered. van. The App showed the car had defaulted He looked disappointed.
“Well, I thought that’s a good thing, at least on road tax, and fitness. “I am booking this “Koseni Onalebo,” I quirked as I rushed into
for the general public,” I quizzed him. “Maybe one,” he chirmed. “This is too much.” the pub.
not,” he responded, “It has its own limitations. Then, I asked him why the police can’t do ran-
eGdxeoprvslaetarinnndmfuterhnteht eliars.stlostsaintegmreenvte,nsuoeI.” aIskdeiddnh’itmunto- dom mobile checks if they have that App. He
“People are not paying for road licenses. Our looked at me askance. “Bwana, how can that
hands are tied with the minister’s ban. Peo- work?” he asked. “We don’t have transport;
ple are taking advantage,” he argued. He took we have to use our own vehicles. How many
out a tablet and explained that he has an App times can you do that?” he asked. “Unless the
connected to the Road Transport and Safety motivation is that you want to raise fuel mon-
Agency (RTSA) Electronic Zambia Traffic In- ey,” he explained.
formation System (e-ZamTIS). “Come, let me WHgctscshheoaoeeereomt,qwdhwreeuieeivsastigdehcclitnk.kisaIseHtlbyyrddhlaoiemisatusbtidfc,o,oaanoycsvcshkopk.eiaodueipltnwoItdepeosxoedwwpytdnhoahrt’theestuehsperwspieeaniAaiyonlI.i”pnadsdspwhI,”sctocafhaheqrscnaeleuktndpeaa.gcnasrtoeTkrtytdnekhepor.fede.el“cdi.d“Hch.“AYtAemeoHpocrdwupkyee.
show you something,” he beckoned at me. We you the one who paid through the Govern-
moved a few steps to where a chocolate brown
Ford Ranger was parked. He typed the regis-
tration number on the App. Ooh La La, the
App retrieve data about the car which showed
that road tax was not paid since second quar-

20 We Have Nothing To Hide

Literary Thoughts

Book Review:

54 Days in Luano: End of the
Mailoni Brothers’ Menace

Zambia has had its own evacuated to Ndola for treatment members of society.
cases of domestic terrorism but after that, no one knew whether As adults, the Mailoni brothers
perpetrated by hardcore he had died and, if so, where he was failed to fully integrate with the rest
criminals and mass murderers buried. His wife did not attend his of the community. The brothers did
despite the country’s reputation burial after he allegedly died. not marry and rarely interacted
as a haven of peace. While such Left with Janet Njimu in the village, with members of the opposite
incidences have been isolated the three Mailoni boys formed a sex. “This was very strange in a
generally, the impact on affected strong bond with their mother society where polygamy and early
communities has been terrible. who raised them single-handedly, marriages were common practices,”
54 Days in Luano is a chilling together with their five siblings. writes Simukonda.
account of the Mailoni brothers, The author suggests that this strong One of the brothers, Febiano, was
a trio of cold-blooded murderers mother-child attachment instigated believed to suffer from chronic
who killed 12 people in Luano in the brothers a sense of insecurity, schizophrenia and fellow villagers
Valley, Central Province, between fear, loneliness and difficulty in reported seeing behaviour
2006 and 2013. It is a gripping story forming relationships with other
of how the brothers held an entire
community at ransom in one of
the longest episodes of gruesome
criminality ever witnessed in
Zambia.

The book is written by a Zambia
Army captain, military historian,
researcher and peace scholar
in a language and style simple
enough to understand even by an
ordinary reader. The book provides
background to the Mailoni
brothers, recounts social and
family dynamics that could have
triggered their murderous instincts,
explains how the local community
responded to the menace and how
the military intervened to end the
killings.

The Mailoni brothers – Mika,
Febiano and Stephano - were born
and bred in Luano Valley, a place
locals called “Canaan” or “Land
of the Waiting.”Their father was
Chipokolo Mailoni and mother
Janet Njimu. While the family’s
heavy religious inclination was
known by locals, the life of their
father seemed shrouded in mystery.
The book tells a story of a man who
suffered from a cancerous wound
for a long time, was eventually

We Have Nothing To Hide 2521

Literary Thoughts Zambia Airforce pilot, Masumba soldiers declined.
was a senior pilot for Zambia Flying
symptomatic of this mental Doctors Services (ZFDS) at the Besides the villagers’ strong belief
condition-emotional instability, local Chimika Clinic. He was killed in superstition, the military faced
detachment from reality and as he walked with colleagues from other challenges. Luano Valley is an
withdrawal into self. the clinic to the nearby airstrip used area full of gullies, embankments,
After killing a fellow villager, angry by ZFDS. His body was found lying gigantic trees, thorny bushes and
community members descended squarely in the middle of a place tall blades of grass. To most of the
on the Mailoni brothers’ secluded locals called “Tulatulwe” (“Drop soldiers, this was new territory, and
compound and a protracted battle your luggage we fight”). they had no experience operating
(called “inkondo yamabwe”) in such a harsh environment.The
followed. One of the brothers was By the time Zambia Army soldiers Mailoni brothers, on the other
killed and the remaining three first moved into Luano Valley in hand, were more familiar with the
brothers fled to the bush to live in 2011 after police failure to bring local terrain. The book says that
exile. It was from the bush that the the Mailoni brothers to book, despite a K50 million bounty placed
brothers launched what they called the killings had escalated. Most on the brothers’ heads, information
“War of Armageddon”, a violent locals had fled the area in panic. gathering was a problem. Local
campaign against what they saw as The villagers believed the Mailoni informants were often unreliable,
evils of Luano Valley-witchcraft, brothers used black magic to regularly giving soldiers false
adultery, drinking and fornication- make them invinsible or morph information in the hope of
while blaming their suffering on the into wild animals. The local chief receiving the K50 million bounty.
local community. decided to hire witch doctors. As The military even suspected that
The book goes on to recount how each witch doctor failed, the chief some of the villagers were colluding
the brothers mounted a series of hired another one. At this point, with the Mailoni brothers.
attacks, killing their victims using villagers’ desperation worsened
spears and axes. Each of the killings as fear grew. The military got IwadmopaptSttltZoohhhhnhfnreaaiscoeeirottsfatmmsAaehrmtopesvphoteMtrudepabaegelelrydtrrlri,lbrodtiaclaaatiorhmrPrhi’hlyotwsolueefoorewo2aiotapaipdrumMnn0hbvrnlmsen1deireatt,oooanoi3rtgeogbsfimfeofse,ftlitaprfsofdhntaseooJadoehntoeopafcsntrelrftrilhsteldrviaeueldirobyeatritvmeseoSieihtrrleteo,rfltrhoseeuem.erhansktnWadsyr.cshen,spiid,dtollEpveteoc5eleiefihlitrioaoanarld4drnlasaerkg.itlmgirgla.aeeiusdyptgannprrIororaaeetsgardeulnlytrrrdilctowniisssegoawkivoiteiiunonogeehtdttaorsnnrhddookgesssf.,
was followed by a ghastly note, embroiled in this traditional
always ending with the ominous fiasco. At one of the community
phrase “lesa ekoaba” (“God meetings where the chief decided
exists”), warning villagers against that villagers contribute money
committing vice. “Ifitala balawa”, to hire yet another witch doctor,
the brothers would always tell those there was disagreement about who
who tried to resist them, meaning should collect the money. Soldiers,
“arrogance will get you killed.” the chief finally suggested, should
Among the first victims was Major collect the money and use their
Modesto Masumba. A retired vehicle to transport the witch doctor
from Mkushi to Luano Valley. The

Despite the writer attributing the
military success to God, rational
readers will see that, in reality, it was
better planning, effective tactics,
community cooperation, courage
and determination of the soldiers
that produced positive results. It is
to these heroes that we should give
full credit.

54 Days in Luano: End of the
Mailoni Brothers’ Menace by
Victor Simukonda, published by
The Zambia Adventist Publishing
House, Lusaka,100 pp.

22 We Have Nothing To Hide

The Hullaballoo

Social Media Rantings

Campaigns Under
New Dawn

Campaigns Under PF

True Colours Magazine scans through social media 23
platforms for the most trending memes.

We Have Nothing To Hide

Reality Check

EconomMiconitor The price monitor is based on
We have been monitoring prices obtaining in selected
changes in the prices of ly stable for most commodities shops in our neighbourhood. It
selected commodities until December 2021 when fuel does not necessarily represent
in our neighbourhood for the last prices were increased. With the the national outcome.
five months. Prices were relative- reduction in fuel price effective 31
January, we are yet to see how the decision will impact prices in the
hood. We will give you updates in
the coming issues. The charts be-
low show the movements in prices
of selected items.

We are monitoring the Corruption Fight
New Dawn government’s the LEAs registered more arrests Kaluba who was arrested for abuse
mission to recover involving high-profile individuals. of authority of office. The Anti-
These included former Lusaka Corruption Commission warned and
plundered resources. The government Province Minister Bowman Lusambo cautioned former Justice Minister
has attempted to depoliticise the who was charged and arrested for and now opposition Patriotic Front
exercise by giving law enforcement corrupt practices as well as the acting President Given Lubinda
agencies (LEAs) the leverage to Industrial Development Corporation on allegations of corruption in
investigate and prosecute. In January, Chief Executive Officer Mateyo connection with owning property

24 We Have Nothing To Hide

Reality Check

suspected to be proceeds of crime. Pharmacy scandal. will be a specialised appeal court to
The Anti-Corruption Commission In January, a major milestone in the handle financial criminal cases from
also arrested and charged Zambia corruption fight was the establishment subordinate courts.
Medicines Regulatory Authority of the economic and financial crime Our Corruption Fight Monitor
(ZAMRA) Director- General Bernice court pursuant to article 133(3) of the has not recorded any changes from
Mwale and Principal Regulatory Constitution of Zambia by the Chief December 2021.
Officer Brian Kabika for corrupt Justice Mumba Malila. The division
practices relating to the Honeybee

TCM Asset Recovery Monitor– As January 2022

NIPANO TULI NYU DON AFFAIR

6

We Have Nothing To Hide 25

Advertisement

0SA9L7AM3A15LU9SA4K5A7

Cultural Diary CGleirmepmsoenIinetsoaZnadmFbeisat’sivTarlasditionalhere are more than 20 annual
traditional ceremonies in

TZambia held at different times
social life, rituals, oral history, celebrate a good harvest, among
material and spiritual culture. These other symbolisms. Traditional
festivals provide a valuable insight authorities ultimately decide when
of the year, manifesting customs, to a rich and diverse Zambian the ceremonies take place. Here is
traditional culture that has been a sample of some of the traditional
passed down from generation to festivals across Zambia’s provinces.
generation. They signify ancient If you can attend any one of these
times, when new kingdoms were ceremonies this year, you will
being founded by ancient chiefs and enjoy traditional dancing, singing,
1 2 are usually splendid, colourful affairs drumming, beer and food.
meant to pay homage to the chief,
1. February, Chipata, Eastern Province: N’cwala, Ngoni
2. April, Mongu, Western Province: Kuomboka, Lozi
3. May, Solwezi, North-Western Province: Kufukwila, Kaonde
9 10 4. June, Mbala, Northern Province: Mutomolo, Mambwe/Lungu
5. July, Kawambawa, Luapula Province: Umutomboko, Lunda
6. July, Monze, Southern Province: Lwindi Gonde, Tonga
7. August, Katete, Eastern Province: Kulamba, Chewa
8. August, Zambezi, North-Western Province: Likumbi Lya Mize,
Luvale
1010 9. August, Mungwi, Northern Province: Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena, Bemba

3 6 10. September, Mpika, Muchinga Province: Malaila, Bisa
11. October, Chibombo, Central Province: Kulamba Kubwalo, Lenje
12. November, Chinyunyu/Chongwe, Lusaka Province: Chibwela
Kumushi, Soli

26 We Have Nothing To Hide

Young and Innovative

Seeking Answers While Keeping It Spotless Clean
Mwansa Chalo has been on a
mission to find answers to These questions - and the desire to find Young and Innovative
questions. When he was 12, answers - subsequently led Chalo to study series profiles young
he joined Fun Time, a ZNBC TV teen economics at Copperbelt University entrepreneurs and innovators
show which he presented for five years (CBU) but he soon started asking how in Zambia, and highlights
while growing up in Kitwe. During such an academic programme could their business experience,
that time, Chalo would sometimes go practically help solve community accomplishments, impact
into communities to find answers to problems. While in third year, Chalo and how they continue to
the question of how kids from different stumbled upon a dilapidated community successfully operate their
backgrounds behaved and what they school in Musonda compound, a poor businesses against all odds.
liked to do. He would then go back to area near the university. Seeking answers
the studio and tell their stories on the to the problem, Chalo initiated a “piggy final year of study and planning to go
show. Every time that Chalo made these bank” campaign and persuaded other into business after completing school. In
field trips, he would be fascinated by the students to make financial donations, 2016, , a year after graduating, Chalo set
unique distinction between kids in poor eventually raising enough money that up a car wash. However, he was forced
communities and those from wealthy supported the construction of a better to close the business three months later
areas. community school in the area in addition following problems with Kitwe City
“I would always be shocked at the to providing free mentorship to school Council.
differences among these kids,” recalls kids. At the same time, Malupande was getting
Chalo, now 29. “They were all kids but It was during this campaign that Chalo busy with his school projects and could
the way they conducted themselves and met Kabwela Malupande, a fellow not commit time to fully operationalise
student at CBU. Malupande was his business. Chalo jumped onto the
opportunity, formed a partnership and
agreed to run Omni Care Professional
Services full-time. The partnership
eventually led to many changes, including
change of company name.

“We thought we needed a name that
speaks to what we are trying to do,” says
Chalo, explaining the thinking behind
the renaming of the company to Spotless
Africa. “Spotless best describes what
we are trying to achieve but we also felt
that we needed a big and audacious goal
embedded in our name and that’s how we
added Africa to it because our goal is to
build a pan-African company.”

everything they did would be worlds studying environmental engineering. The rebranding was also inspired by a
apart.” While conducting school research into case of mistaken identity. Chalo laughs
This observation inspired deeper recyclable glass at Mukuba shopping as he recalls that every time that they
questions. “Even as a kid,” Chalo says, mall in Kitwe, he would always notice mentioned Omni Professional Care
“I would ask myself how does a kid that windows in retail stores were dirty, Services, clients would mix up their
from this low-income area move to and no one was cleaning them. That gave business with Omnia, an agricultural
this high-income community? How do Malupande a business idea; he formed fertiliser producer.
fundamentals work? Essentially, how do Omni Care Professional Services, a Spotless Africa started off with only
you fight poverty?” commercial window cleaning start-up one client in Kitwe in 2016, but it soon
and started piloting the project. That expanded, servicing 14 retail stores in
was 2015. Chalo, meanwhile, was in his

We Have Nothing To Hide 27

Young and Innovative

Kitwe within a year before spreading to out of the market. They decided to switch disease arrived.
Ndola and Lusaka in 2017. Expansion to to the “low price-high volume” model,
Lusaka was driven by market dynamics increasing the range of clients but keeping “Even before COVID got to Zambia, we
in the capital city: Lusaka was a more their operational expenses minimal. It’s were looking at the numbers and what
fertile market with more shopping malls the same model that still works today. would be the opportunities for business,”
that were more receptive to the business The termination of the service contracts says Chalo. “We did a lot of brainstorming
idea. also taught Chalo and Malupande to plan about what people and companies here
It hasn’t been smooth sailing. Chalo and long-term. “We asked ourselves what would need and that’s how we started
Malupande have had to learn some bitter went wrong, what’s going on and what disinfecting.”
lessons and had to make adjustmenrs can we do better. So, we started to project
along the way. In 2019, Hungry Lion and more so that if there was a problem But the initial impact of the pandemic
Mr. Price, their biggest corporate clients, coming, we should be able to see it and was harsh. As some local businesses
suddenly terminated their window act quickly,” says Chalo. closed in the first quarter of 2020, Spotless
cleaning contracts, significantly reducing Africa lost some clients. The team had to
Spotless Africa’s earnings. make difficult decisions to survive. They
decided to cut staff salaries by almost
“We were still a bit of novices in business It is this forward-thinking that has 40% for three months as a cost-reduction
and so we were not sure what to do,” says helped the company to navigate its way measure.
Chalo who is now company CEO and through COVID-19 pandemic. As the
majority shareholder after buying out disease was being detected in some of One of the attractions of Zambia’s
Malupande. “We were still clinging to a Zambia’s neighbouring countries in early commercial cleaning industry is that it
lot of things and hoping that something 2020, Chalo and Malupande were paying is a less capital-intensive business with
will come up, so we didn’t change a lot of close attention and immediately started relatively few entry barriers. However,
things. We kept digging and digging but planning how to respond when the competition is stiff in a small market.
we found ourselves in a big hole.” disease arrived. Zambia has more than 200 commercial
cleaning companies. Chalo says Spotless
The loss of their biggest sources of It is this forward-thinking that has Africa has survived because it has
revenue compelled the duo to make helped the company to navigate its way gained more specialised experience and
critical adjustments. In those days, through COVID-19 pandemic. As the expanded the brand over the years. He
Spotless Africa was a “high price-low disease was being detected in some of says Spotless Africa enjoys between 10%
volume" business, targeting only a few Zambia’s neighbouring countries in early - 12% share of the market with more than
high-paying clients but the co-founders 2020, Chalo and Malupande were paying 150 clients in Lusaka, Ndola and Kitwe.
realised that they were pricing themselves close attention and immediately started
planning how to respond when the The bulk of clients are
retail stores operating
in shopping malls
although more revenue
now comes from its
diversified portfolio,
including disinfection,
deep cleaning, home
cleaning and upholstery
services.

28 We Have Nothing To Hide Chalo is working on his
next mission. Although
he won’t disclose details
now, he plans to establish
his first foreign presence
in the next two years- as
an answer to the small
domestic market and
to realise his dream of
building a pan-African
company.

The Romantic Close

PLAYING THE HAPPILY MARRIED
Iwas assigned to attend
a workshop to discuss a nothing planned. Naturally, almost breaking my chest. I
government policy report. A things just fell in place. We “Sooory I disturbed you,”
quickly reconnected. We walked
number of experts also attended. together for breakfast and back whispered. “Oh no, it’s okay,
We were all accommodated at to the rooms in the evening. On don’t worry,” she comforted
a five-star hotel in the Central the third day, I remained behind me. “Do you mind if I come in?”
Business District. It was really with some group tasks. I asked I asked her. “Sure, but I hope
an opportunity to meet new her to carry my folder with you don’t mind, my stuff is all
people and to network. I met her. “I will pick it up from your over the place,” Joana said.
Joana, who happened to be room,” I told her.
working for a sister department. As I walked in, I quickly noticed
We had an opportunity to share When I was done with my work, I her red pant and bra on the floor.
the same table during breakfast. called her room to alert her that Her dress was on the side chair. I
I took the advantage to get to I was on my way to pick up my was trembling. I turned, gazed at
know her. We were both in folder. When I got to the room, her from toe to head. “Why are
similar fields. Surprisingly, I realised there was some sound you looking at me like that, you
though, we somehow seemed of running water. I knocked. I are making me uncomfortable,”
to have clicked. It was like we heard her say “hold on.” After she complained. “Look, I can’t
had known each other for some a while, she opened the stand your charming body, look
time. door. She was covered at your legs, so beautiful,” I
with a towel f r o m teased her. “Come on, don’t
For a while, I never got to hear her breasts t o say that, we are both married,
from her after the workshop. One halfway her remember?” she countered.
day, we had Billy, who happened t h i g h s .
to be Joana’s workmate, visiting She had Suddenly, I had an idea. I walked
our office. Billy and I were a plastic over to her, grabbed her by the
members of a technical working c o v e r i n g legs and back, like a groom would
group and as such we were ever on her carry his bride, and I began to
in touch. I asked him about head. I go round. She protested at first,
Joana. He looked at me with saying she would fall. Next she
disapproval. “She is fine,” he began to laugh and scream, her
answered, “you know, t h o s e arms wrapped around me for
are ladies that are very support. I then threw her onto
nicely married.” It was like the bed, facing up. The towel
he needed to emphasise the fell off and revealed her entirely
point that I shouldn’t entertain naked body. Her breasts, her
any ideas about Joana. I didn’t hips, her thighs, lol and behold,
say anything. what a sight! Before she could
do anything, I jumped onto
A few months later, I didn’t the bed and kissed her neck.
found myself attending expect She tried to push me back.
yet another workshop on to see her “Please, hubby will kill us,” she
the outskirts of the city. like that. I felt protested. I was all over her. I
As I was about to check into my whole b o d y could feel her protest getting
my room, I bumped into Joana. freeze. Then, suddenly, weaker and weaker and she
Her room was directly opposite I felt my heart thumping, kept babbling, “hubby, sto, no
mine. It was a surprise reunion, b u , bu, bu, now, plea.” I was unstoppable.

We Have Nothing To Hide 29

The Romantic Close

Before long, we were locked in I didn’t communicate with her is life,” I assured her.
each other’s embrace. Borrowing for weeks. Later, I changed jobs This conversation got me
Joe Thomas’ lyrics, we made a and went to work in a totally worried. I realised it was getting
love scene, steamy and blue. We different industry. That meant too dangerous for all the parties.
created such erotic memories for that the chances of us meeting I thought of approaching Joana
an audience of two. We replayed were minimal. After about three to talk about it. I visited Billy at
each moment again and again. years, I bumped into Billy at a his office and convinced him to
I was down to take a sip from mall. He was so excited to see take me to Joana’s office. When
her cup and she also seized me. “Hey Joana has a child we were the two of us, Joana
the moment to drink from the who really resembles you. Were seemed resentful. “Please
fountain of love. The fun went you guys an item?” he asked. I let bygones be bygones. I am
on until the morning. By the time just laughed it off and I said, happily married, don’t disturb
we were done, she held onto me, “remember your words, she was my marriage,” she exclaimed.
and exclaimed, “wow, you made very happily married. That can’t “Well, I was just concerned,
me cum multiple times.” happen.” We then parted ways. people who know us say the
child resembles me a lot,” I
For the rest of the days, I moved Some years later, Sara, my tried to reason with her. “Please
into her room. We were busy workmate, came into my office. that’s my problem to deal with,
each night, in the shower, on “Boss, I have been wanting to not yours,” she retorted. I got
the floor, on the couch. We ask you this. Look at this photo,” up and walked out.
tried everything, the butterfly, she said while showing me her Six months later, Billy asked me
countertop, happy scissors, mobile phone. It was a photo of to pick up a parcel from him.
reverse cowgirl, the kinky two young boys, around 11 years Inside was a note saying ‘hi,
missionary, you name it. old. “That’s my son and his friend we have relocated abroad, take
from church, Joana’s son,” she care’. There was also a photo
After the workshop, we went our explained. “He looks like you a album for Joana and the boy.
separate ways. We never got in lot. I have asked her about it but
touch for a number of weeks. she says she doesn’t know you.”
One day, Billy came over to the I was alarmed. I told her it could
office for a meeting. After the just be mere coincidence. “Such
meeting, he pulled me aside and
told me that Joana was passing
her greetings. “She said she will
call you,” he said, “she has not
been herself recently.” I was
taken aback, so I brushed it
aside. “Why does she want to
call me, she is nicely married
remember,” I teased him.

Later that day, Joana called. She
sounded low. “Things are not
okay,” she explained, “I think
I am pregnant for you.” Fear
immediately gripped me. I just
didn’t know what to say or do.
“I just wanted to let you know,”
she said before hanging up. She
then sent me a text message
that said, “don’t worry, I will
take care of the baby.”

30 We Have Nothing To Hide

The Mind Crackers

Crossword Puzzle no. 3

Word Search no. 3 Sudoku no. 3

WWoOrdRsDapSpeeaar(rcuhsptIrnaansigtdrhudtcoWatwcioornonrdssas:sn,Ctduoiprdfcoialnenwddtnhdaeonwwdonur,dpas)n.ldistdeidagboenloawlly. Sudoku is a puzzle based on a small number of
very simple rules:
Job; Reality; Value; Option; Bear; Easy; Share; Lottery; Hammer;
Turn; Rig; Tare; Dump; Trading; Wealth Tax; Vat; Stag; Eec; Cash Book; • Every square has to contain a single
Charge; Par; Iou; Sold; Vend; Saving; Vend; Inc; Sold; Rent; Free; number
Sink; Kite; Ring; Punt; Note; Stock; Idle; Plc; Chip; Cut; Tax; Debt;
Award; Sum; Sell; Entry; Aye; Gnp; Lease; Recoup; Fee; Ecu ; Owe • Only the numbers from 1 through to
; Food; Bonds; Deed; Ltd; Proxy; Eu; Refund; Risk; Net; Set; Term; 9 can be used
Rebate
• Each 3×3 box can only contain each
number from 1 to 9 once

• Each vertical column can only
contain each number from 1 to 9
once

• Each horizontal row can only contain
each number from 1 to 9 once

• Once the puzzle is solved, this means
that every row, column, and 3×3 box
will contain every number from 1 to
9 exactly once. 

• In other words, no number can be
repeated in any 3×3 box, row, or
column

See solutions for the previous Puzzles on our website: www.truecoloursmagazine.online

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32 We Have Nothing To Hide