The Global Southern Africa International Dialogue 2008 opened in Lusaka yesterday with a call for participating countries to address issues that derail their economic development.
Among the issues that require urgent and careful attention are the challenges of climate change, rising fuel and food prices, poor infrastructure and increased demand for energy put the Southern African region in particular into general economic malaise.
President Levy Mwanawasa in a speech read for him by Vice President, Rupiah Banda during the opening dinner of the GSAID 2008 in Lusaka last night, said smart partners attending the 18th International Smart Partnership Dialogue should re-energise themselves towards addressing issues that exacerbate poverty among communities in the region.
Dr. Mwanawasa said countries should redouble the pace of their economic development and diversity in line with the theme for the dialogue, “Smart Partnership in Economic Development and Diversity,” – New perspective on transforming communities through realizing national visions.
“The challenge of translating the economic gains into equitable and improved living standards for the people however remains. This challenge is compounded by among other things, rising fuel and food prices, energy deficits, environmental degradation, inadequate infrastructure and high poverty levels,” he said.
Dr. Mwanawasa challenged the partners to transform some of the challenges, such as rising food prices, into creative minds by considering producing crops for food or fuel.
“I appeal, in this regard for smart ideas on what actions and strategies we should consider to take advantage of the opportunities arising from high fuel and food prices,” he said.
President Mwanawasa pointed out that high global economic growth and rising incomes have exerted demand on Africa’s mineral and other resources which the African continent was endowed with.
“This Mulungushi Dialogue should therefore come up with innovative ideas on what Africa and other developing countries can do to promote increased investment,” he said.
And Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Mohd Mohammed Najib, said the agreements of last year’s Langqawi International Dialogue (LID) should be implemented seriously.
The partners agreed in August last year to develop human capital, knowledge, skills and promote a work culture that is progressive and innovative in order to move out of the economic depressions which many countries are facing.
Mr. Najib said there was need to create necessary infrastructure that would step up wealth creation among the smart partners.
“I invite you to share with us on the progress your countries have made with regard to projects aimed at eradicating poverty,” he said.
Prime Minister of Lesotho, Pakalitha Mosisili, described the Smart Partnership gathering as a testimony of how desirous Southern African countries and the African continent were to eradicate poverty among their communities.
Prime minister Mosisili said the challenges that were facing the African continent and beyond could best be resolved through collective wisdom and dialogue.
He said all the development processes required serious dialogue for the countries to assume the path of their visions.
“By realizing our individual countries’ visions, we will realize our regional visions as well,” he said.
He pointed out that no single country could transform the region hence the need to dialogue.
Mr. Mosisili paid special tribute to former Presidents of Mozambique, Botswana, and Namibia, Joaquim Chissano, Sir Ketumile Masire, and Sam Nujoma for attending the dialogue.
He urged them to keep nudging the current Presidents in their countries if they swayed from their original idea of smart dialogue.
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, Prime Minister of Swaziland Absalome Dlamini, government officials and a wide spectrum of delegates from various countries attended the dinner.
The Global Southern Africa International Dialogue 2008 closes on Thursday, July 31st 2008, with delegates touring stands at this year’s Zambia Agriculture and Commercial Show.
ZANIS/ENDS/KSH/BMK/ENDS
RB, why not just address the forum in your capacity as VP? This nonsense of ‘speech on Levy’s behalf’ is getting rather ridiculous! The last thing on Levy’s mind is reading some stupid speech, the man is in a life threatening situation! You lack any ball$$ granpa, you showed this @ the cathedral when you & Mpombo wept like children. How can we entrust you to running our affairs when you can’t even hold your own as acting President?
Interesting news.
so these speeches are written many weeks b4 the actual events.Mmm! quite interesting.guys donnot attach grandie,its the system,thats how it works.
These development fora are a good initiative, only problem is implementation on our part! Govt is good at calling for all sorts of indaba, but fail to draw up practical action plans. They used to have some business forum in Lstone where they ‘dialouged’ regularly with the private sector, but all the follow up action plans were never implemented! Zambia is not short of development plans (there are countless docs @ cabinet office gathering dust!), what we need is stringent performance mgt to ensure we live up to our development objectives. Otherwise, we’ll continue spending on these meaningless conferences!
Ba VP naimwe, unless speeches are written months ahead, just go on and handle business. How else would we know you’re capable if you ever keep quoting Levy when we know he isn’t able for now. Show us what u got so we know Govt is in safe hands
The smart partnership is a very welcome idea as it is only through such fora that African leaders can share ideas on how to tackle the current unavoidable global problems(climate change, rising food and fuel prices).
The only problem we have as africans is that we lack the will and desire to implement the smart ideas that we have.
Imagine where africa would be now if we combined our interlect and natural resources that we so abundantly have without greed.
Are we really that daft sure?
We have so many forums. We have SADC, COMESA, G8, Food summita and now Smart Partnership. What the hell this monister! I gather the delegates are going to discuss all sort of thing, economy, food crisis and may be global warming.
These where we miss it. We (Africans and the rest) spend so much monies summits and gathering with minor results.
We know what our problems are. .. let’s get to work.
#1, It is surprising to note that you have no clue on how Goverment system operates. For Gods sake Government issues are not handled like your SMALL KA NTEMBA. Even in your home, your wife will always do things on your behalf, during your absence.
You better keep quiet if you have no contributions to make, okey.
This blog is now boring……
or is it on maureens behalf
Smart Partnership is of course very much welcome. Maybe our economy can improve abit. Fuel prices, food prices, roads are pathetic. Something has to be done real soon. And I support the fact that speeches should not be read “on behalf” of LPM. Papa doesn’t even know what is happening so it is not fair that he should be dragged into these affairs. He is unable to participate in anything so just let him rest and you owns take care of things back here at home. You doing fine so far but we still need the updates on his condition
Now that you say Maureen Kapaso it makes alot of sense. She would blow if her hubby was not mentioned. Especially that she is the driving force!
Kwena pa Zed we are a circus
Something fishy is going on here. Why is RB not reffered to as the acting president? In case of a war who is the commander in chief? definitely not RB. Zambia is in a crisis
I want to know: suppose Levy had died four weeks ago, is the speech was still going to be read on his behalf?
I admire these partnership programmes as they come in and go with all the knowledge thrown into the gabbage bins in the form of litter.we have had a lot of them really.what have we achieved so far? we cry for everything that the tax payer pays for but it doesnt come.one thing that we can just advance on as a country is may be on the research about HIV/AIDS in which the natural scientists from western and southern provinces have discovered the medicinal power of crocodile fat towards this fight.we definitely need it because any development to come by its people must be health.i however dont know what would happen to adultery/prostitution if we found the cure for HIV/AIDS.it would be show time
# 9 TWACHULA PAFULA,you seem to know how the Govt operates, kindly tell us why RB is not acting president but a vice president. Who is he reporting to?
RB get have some balls and call yourself acting president. The circumstances were such that you could not made Acting president but logic dictates that as a second in charge you take over when No 1 dies.
# 9 you seem to have taken the comments by # 1 personal are you related to RB? Honestly RB needs to have the balls. He should atleast said that speech was prepared by MMD,Maurren or by himself. Because saying a speech read on behalf of Levy is ridiculous and absurd, do you know what a joke that was
iwe # 9 what sort of reasoning is that? Your wife will act on your behalf on instructions if you dont leave instructions how can someone act on your behalf ? Is that how the Govt operates in India? Wake up and smell the coffee chana, MMD is trying to fool the world that LPM is alive.
My brother from India (twachula pafula number 9) you are the one who is boring. How can you compare running of a country to a house. This Mwanawasa scandal will sooner than later catch up with the country. We have to be decisive now and save our country. politics of hiding the truth ended long ago now you just have to tell the truth and if it goes well with the citizens then it is fine
Ba RB Icibumba is not functioning at the moment. please just say VP has said or acting president if you are one. Umwenso uletina Impombo?
in all fairness i dont see anything wrong with # 1 contribution. As a matter of fact we are all wondering how Levy prepared that speech when he is in hospital? How can we trust a hospitalised man to lead a nation?
RB is the biggest coward in the world. First he cries like a woman now he cant even say the speech he read was his own. What the fck is wrong with this man? He has no balls of his own. I wonder if the military will listen to him if he gives a command.
i totally agree with chimwemwe, the LPM saga will catch up with the country. It is sad that we are trying to hide and suppress open mindness on the succeession theory but what we are only doing is increasing the frustration of the masses. Levy wont come back the sooner the masses get used to that idea the better. RB dont bring UNIP Politics of doing everthing on behalf of Kaunda.These are modern times so save us from on behalf of LPM bull
These forums are a share waste of resources coz we never see anything. How many of such have been held yet many people continue languishing in poverty. We need translation fof whatever is discussed into practice. Twachula pafula. And this idea of “on behalf”, does it mean everything is entirely done by LPM even when he is in a coma.Kaya
# 26 bakaaamba i think you were trying to say SHEAR WASTE OF TIME< but anyway you points are valid.
Fellow bloggers, I mean no disrepect when I say our leaders lack the ballS. Telling the nation the precise condition of the president is the right thing to do! That way, we can all be at ease while we think of the next steps. Levy’s PR machine keep getting it wrong. #21, I concur, it’s only a matter of time before the TRUTH cathes up to these guys. How much longer will you keep reading speeches on his behalf and say that his condition remains ‘stable’? Emotions aside, let all well meaning Zambians brace themselves for the inevitable, and ensure we elect a credible person to take over 4rm Levy’s good work. Burying our heads in the sand will only advantage crooks like Katele!
awe this is weak, the Veep (Acting Head of State) cant act on his own behalf? we all know Levy didnt write or agree to jack, so why the selling us horse tish?
if RB wants any future in govt he needs to show us he has the charachter and ability to lead, not just be a puppet. if he was a mans man, no1 would even question if Mpombo was acting head..
grow some big ones bra..
Our government will never learn to say the truth. They will always do things in the name of others. It is time that our govt learn to say what is at hand rather than given or saying what they cant’t alo understand.
I want to agree with #1 and those that have supported those comments,whether or not speeches are written many days or weeks or months earlier,the truth is they are only ‘read -on-behalf’ when the President is either busy or committed to other national or international assignment.Who does not know that LPM is today 1 month critically ill at Percy Military Hospital?Why the cheap propaganda?Anyway since he is busy writing those speeches(in ICU),according to RB, No More Prayers from me.
ZOOONA ba boss ba dudu Mkize NO MORE PRAYERS if he can write a speech then he is fine. He should leave France and come back home, why is he wasting our money. and this Rupiah chap he needs to grow some balls , stop crying, and be a man for once.
IT WILL GO IN THE HISTORY BOOK THAT LEVY OPENED A GLOBAL SOUTHERN AFRICAN INTERNATIONAL DIALOGUE IN 2008 WHILE IN COMA IN PERCY HOSPITAL FRANCE.
is mugabe attending this talking shop? only in zambia can a dead man open a summit. it goes to show what a waste of time this is
Some many have diahorrea because they fear losing there jobs.
#34 … LMAO! You’re a charm!!! Well, it’s sad about Zambia being on autopilot. Well, never mind, get back to work.
Leaders like mugabe are a good example of people that really needed the forum in order that may be he could find a formulae through which to improve their dollar.this was a good opportunity for them to get free consultancy services on how to improve the economy so that the negative impact we are subjected to as a result of so many zimbabweans doing all sorts of things on our streets and compounds just to put food on the table would stop.unfortunately,pomposity should never be combined with stubbonness as it is happening to mugabe.how can you be helped like this?a maniac is a maniac.you partners pls organise one specifically for zimbabwe i beg you.
Protocal guys work in Government then you will understand
Zambians,you always amaze me. Levy has been in a coma for a close to a month.And he is just being fed thru tubes. How come he has strenghth to write long speeches. Why can’t ba Lupiya simply say the govt of the republic of Zambia has said this and not quoting someone who is still in semi sleep situation. Please ba Lupiya….you are the people that want to finish off our beloved ntambalukuta Levy. Please let him have enough rest so as to come out of his current state.Right now he is not conscious of anything.He is just in his spiritual world and struggling to re-enter his physical being. He will come and fire you RB when he regains his consciousness for saying things he has not said.
Zambian leaders can bootlick even to dry logs. Shame on you Zambian leaders!! I have never seen a country that is full of cowards like Zambia. Townships roads are full of potholes and poverty but still you are bootlicking…….Basakala nyongo imwe!! Days of idol worshipping are over!!
This tells me that maybe God has answered our prayers, for Levy to even contribute to a speech? he must be getting better.
this country has gone nuts – levy can’t talk.
This goes to show what this govt is made of, one man machinery. Its amazing how one LPM in a Coma for one month can write a speach.
Good one #33
As long as we are ruling and yours for the take are blog based rants without mileage its fine.The National cake, treasury, Defense and security lines of command salute to us, the budget making and expenditure is with us. Treaties and conventions are with us all is fine.LPM under the healing process can be in recovery even for the next 3 months.We gat it everything on the wheels of progress.If need be God forbid,we have sufficient capacity wisely spread around the country and in the international community to keep this nation forward.
I am made to beleive that if really its LPM who wrote that speech,then he has given a go ahead for people to find a replacement for him.if you look at the headline,it states that we should double our search for solutions to the problems we are facing.this includes the leadership vaccum being experienced now.its necessary that the assignment is gotten started sooner than now.can you and i brace for it?lets try it then so we can see the results.
you are misleading people that Levy is a position to write we all know that Levy is in icu how can he write a speach for you,
Guys’If you cant beat them join them’ Its a long time you talked about LPm’s condition,death,recovery and what God knows what!!!No matter how loud you will shout and insult one another it wont bear ant fruit.All we need now is to analyse which way forward in line with the constitution.HH quoted the constitution as saying ‘in reasonable time’ cabinet will converne and call for elections……So far as facts stand we need to examine when this so called ‘reasonable time’ will expire then we can see who is credible enough to lead us.For sure its sad for LPM as he has left the economy in promising state but shall we have a similar person or worse or will he be a plunderer like Chiluba?????????
This how politics of fear operate, Rupiah is simply scared that if in case Levy recovers and returns he may ask ati “Who told you to replace the speech that I had long prepared?”
Coronation of English Sovereigns – Edward II, The Martyr’ … Pavilion Aldershot’, ‘Coronation Guest – King Lewanika of Barotseland’ Chitimukulu was busy defacating in the bush!.
Guys, you really have to be serious. We know that even when the president is fit, he does not write his speech, but at least he is there in person to read it.That he could be in bed dying and being accused of saying things is utter nonsense!!!!!!
Now I am totally confused… which Levy is this RB keeps refering to, you know what guys, let cabinet appoint a member of the cabinet to run Government affairs, RB has shown that he is also incapacitated, afunta (wasondoka) munthu oyu nobantu.
I would like to apologise to my fellow Zambian’s the bemba’s.
‘READ ON HIS BEHALF’……..LPM in his ‘stable’ condition is able to write or order a speech.interesting!!!!!!
RB this could have worked in KK’s era. we all know Cabbage is clinically dead. All we are waiting for is maureen deciding to pull off the plug and cabbage will be no more. So how do quote someone in a coma it beats me.How does some one in a coma write a speech????
LPM is long gone and LB should woke up and act like a man…Can goverment tell us hw much has been spent and problably show us am some pictures of Lpm….i suggest levy should be given home based care maybe idle ministers will have something to do
Ba RB man you are a clown for real.
your wife has more balls than u do mudala.
#49 Thats nosense.you should be ashamed posting unrelated useless msgs.
#52 thats good KINA.
Real life comedy! Its the best.Okay even if LPM had left that Speech, I don’t think thats appropriate to read it out as on behalf in this situation.Granpa.I thought you were young and vibrant considering the age of your kids.But with this are those kids really yours coz I don’t think your ball are still that vibrant.
I think this was a mistake.He did say on bahelf,did he?
NO !!!!LETS TRIPLE A SEARCH SOLUTION TO BRING YO ASS BACK!!!!!!!