Emerine Kabanshi fired over social cash transfer scheme abuse

Community Development, Mother and Child Health Minister Emerine Kabanshi

President Edgar Lungu has with immediate effect fired Emerine Kabanshi as Community Development and Social Welfare Minister.

This follows the suspension of aid by the UK government and other donor countries citing the abuse of funds meant for the social cash transfer scheme which was being administered by the ministry of community development to benefit vulnerable groups.

President Lungu has since appointed Patriotic Front Nyimba Member of Parliament Olipa Mwansa Phiri as the new Community Development and Social Welfare Minister.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony for Ms Mwansa and new ZAF Commander Lieutenant General David Muma at State House, President Lungu called on the new Community Development Minister and ZAF Commander to work extremely hard and not wait for problems to erupt.

President Lungu has advised them not to hesitate to engage him on any shortcomings they may face as they carry out their duties.

He has also encouraged them to work as a team to bring prosperity to the people of Zambia.

He says some people forget that he is the appointing authority and can substitute any official appointed by him at any time.

President Lungu has since promoted General Muma from Major General to Lieutenant General.

General Muma replaces Lieutenant General Eric Chimese, who was fired.

And speaking to Journalists after being sworn-in, the new ZAF Commander thanked President Lungu for the appointment and pledged to work with the government of the day.

And new Community Development Minister Olipa Phiri says she will strive to follow the regulations of the constitution of Zambia and run the Ministry in line with the Ministry’s regulations.