Thursday, March 28, 2024

I am feeling stronger and refreshed, RB

Share

President, Rupiah Banda, has pledged more commitment towards addressing economic challenges confronting the nation.

President Banda said the people should expect more commitment from him following a fruitful working holiday which ends this Thursday.

The President told ZANIS in an exclusive interview in Mfuwe that he felt even stronger and refreshed having taken the working holiday, which afforded him an opportunity to reflect on serious national issues.

He said he was happy that the holiday provided him a chance to meet his family and other matters before he could return to Lusaka to continue working hard on programmes of national importance.

“I am feeling stronger and refreshed having taken this holiday therefore the people of Zambia should now expect more and more commitment from me and my administration,” President Banda said.

“During the holiday I had the chance to meet my family, which I love so much, and of course we had time to sit and discuss issues,” He added.

President Banda used the time during the holiday to take physical exercises, which included every morning walking safari in the South Luangwa National Park and held working meetings with Principal Private Secretary, Austin Sichinga, Legal Advisor Joseph Jalasi and Economic Advisor Dr Chembe.

During the holiday, President Banda met Ambassador Li Qiangmin and Kunda Chiefs among them senior Chief Nsefu, Chiefs Jumbe, Mnkhanya, Malama, Msoro and Kakumbi.

Bank of Zambia former governor Jacob Mwanza and UNZA former Chancellor Robert Serpell all called on the President during his sats at Chichele Lodge in Mfuwe.

“It was a holiday, but as you saw for yourself I continued working even during the holiday,” he said.

South Luangwa National Park’s Chichele Lodge has been preferred holiday destination for Presidents. Presidents Kenneth Kaunda and late Mwanawasa are notable among those that featured prominently at the lodge during their respective reigns.

Mr Banda said he would use his vast political experience to promote democracy by allowing people to enjoy the right of expression, but emphasized that the right would be not allowed to damage national peace and interest.

“I am sure a lot of people would wonder why I don’t respond to many of the insults and statements from some section of society, its because my past service in political administration during the first republic gave me vast experience to handle these issues,” he said.

“I went through the necessary experience that gives the wisdom to allow every Zambian to have a say on some issues,” He added.

He called on Zambians to exercise a culture of discipline and condemn insults as they comment on issues of national interest.

President Banda said Zambia was capable of achieving the needed economic development like other countries provided the people became more hardworking and disciplined.

He called unity of purpose among the people as the country works hard to address various issues affecting various sectors of the economy.

Mr Banda said he was determined to leave behind a legacy of discipline and hard work.

He challenged the media to take a leading role in promoting a culture of discipline by discouraging politics of insults even in the wake of serious debates.

The President is confident that the ongoing constitutional making process, through the National Constitutional Conference, NCC, would be complete in good time before the next elections.

ZANIS/ENDS/SJK/MM

100 COMMENTS

  1. “The President is confident that the ongoing constitutional making process, through the National Constitutional Conference, NCC, would be complete in good time before the next elections.”

    From this quotation I suppose the President is in agreement to extend the mandate if NCC, this will definitely be costly to the govt, suppose that H. E. M.C. SATA and PF expels the 17 label MPs??? We are yet to see drama in the new year

  2. >:)Ba RB, ni Holiday ya shani, the whole village, ta vutika.
    But RB, you are a coward, you should have stood your ground and let your older Children complete there holiday. You have just told the nation that you are guilty……Ba kalamba mwa mona nomba—-No Plan sole!

  3. Happy birthday PRINKLY. May you live to see your grandchildren’s children. Many Gods blessings.
    Hoping that this will be a good year for our mother Zambia but with this president and his “administration”, we just rely on God’s grace.

  4. My fellow President RB am sure you have had a nice holiday, now its time to work. Remember not to take your country Zambia 20 years backwards like what i have done here in Zimbabwe. No agriculture inputs to all your people means no food even if you give your MMD supporters some few packs. I tried to do the same here in Zimbabwe but it has not worked people are dying. Dont be arogant to the advise from the majority of your many zambians.

  5. lusaka times this news is boring. can you post some community news or something. Rb is trush and its getting more stinky and annoying the more we read about him.

  6. #10 Ba Pole pole, RB does not respond to the Post no matter what they write about him. Haven’t you noticed yet.

    They have said he retreated and sent his children away and you believe what Fred Mumembe says without question? His children are workers like you and they just went back to their jobs.

    When will Zambians stop parroting Fred Mumembe and his Newspaper?

  7. I bet this man reads LT.

    Lt keep it up. The man reads our posts!
    Yipeeeeeee!

    Pinkly any chance of you coming to our party tonight?

    There will be Chibwabwa, umulembwe, katapa, ifishimu, kalembula, kapenta, ififu, ifimbombo, and alo more. Nafimbi nafimbi. Inama yena iyo. We have sent it to Zambia. :d:d

  8. Its half day,am also out,2Pinkly blessed birthday,Rashid,Sarah jones,Man Kunde, Nine Chale,Polepole,abena Bob and the rest,God bless you all n take care i wana see u again on the net next year,gone to buy fireworks 4my nieces n nephews kaili no arcades bonfire this tym <:-p<:-p<:-p<:-p<:-p<:-p<:-p<:-p<:-p<:-p

  9. 😕 what the hell is this, Bwezani or any otha president it doesnt matter, Lets work as zambians foget about politics…………

    Happy new yaer all the Boys and girls contributing to LT…. Im ou

  10. Good to hear you are refreshed Mr President.

    Now it is time to concentrate on national issues. We look forward to seeing the policies you’ll try to implement and hopefully we can have dialogue on the issues and constructive criticism will always be given.

    Fade away from petty insults directed at you Mr President. The insults mainly come from people who either envy and are jealous of you or have low self esteem. Don’t mind them and also make sure you pray to God and choose Jesus as your one and only savior.

  11. lusaka time bloggers happy new year. 2008 has been quite an exicting year. Keep up the good work this site has been very informative to me unlike the gossips we hear on the bus and in bars which is not in full all LT bloggers have emptied it all out fo us.

    Happy New Year and take care
    :x=d><:-p^:)^

  12. The following guys have been a blessing to me on LT: Pinkly,Man Kude,Zoe,Sara Jones,Matworld,chewe,real baby C, Blackman’s child,the spectater,Cutey,Ba Moze,3RqU,Sister,(the opposition,Fine,FMC,Maestro,Lady Chiza’s legs),Sony E Phiri,UK observer,Nkole Wampebwa,ba zambia,Miss pretty,the list is endless. guys i wish you a happy new year and may GOD Almighty richly bless you all in the coming year.

  13. God bless you Rashid and I wish you a Happy and Blessed New Year.

    Am off. am not blogging this afternoon as I have to catch up with my holiday as well.

  14. hello mwechalo,
    How are you bloggers? happy new year. Pinkly enjoy your new age and may you be blessed in all what you do. Please invites us to the party dont forget get Nyama soya your president…he will spice the party with his dozing.

    Goood that nyama soya is quilty of blundering Zambia just within 2 months. We have the witnesses -his all village baba.

  15. Hi bloggers. Well, I think everyone has heard such words before, we are still waiting for action from RB.

    PS.: Happy Birthday Pinkly, with lots of love from me to you! 😡

  16. Its interesting to note that FJT never took time to go and see the wildlife or have a holiday, must have been busy occupied with buying PJs, suites and shoes…

  17. Rahid Thanks man. Happy new year to you as well.

    Just realised that I did not get a licence for the fireworks.

    Zambians in the UK or Zambian born Brits, do not get yourselves into trouble tonight. Remember you need a licence for fireworks now. If you didn`t get one don`t blaming dare! Enjoy!

  18. #59, FTJ was for life,why go in the Bush for retreat when there are luxurious places like the Bahamas, The Maldives,Panama etc.

  19. What’s so crap about taking a holiday? Isn’t that why people are allocated leave days duh! Besides it’s not a knees up. There are some people who don’t need decadent lifestyles. Going to the bush is a good way of relaxing and getting away from it all. Unlike some, he does love his country. He’s done the whole overseas thing that people pine for when he was a diplomat before some of us were even born.

    #59 you’re right, the amount FTJ spent on his clothes would pay for so many annual holidays for presidents. Chichele is not as expensive as some other places in Zed.

    Some bloggers will eat humble pie over this president.

    Happy 2009 to you all and God Bless.

  20. In the first place I’m wishin everybody a H2k9.
    Personally,I can’t see any concrete outcome from this holiday.Our presido has just spoken empty words as any an uncommitted president will say nd do.He should have talked of plans and solutions for the country.I’m very disappointed with RB.AS the president he should talk of things the nation want to hear and do want the nation wants to be done.
    I think we need change coz we don’t have time to start teaching him… :-w:-w:-w

  21. What was this holiday for anyway? He has just “taken” over after LM’s death. what challenge has he faced to date? Salary increments for politians too taxing for his large torso? How about carrying on from where LM left, tell Mugabe what the rest of the world is saying. Enough is enough. Move over! On another issue, I seem to recall the VP saying that the Constitution process will be complete by December 2009.RB says it will be ready for the NEXT elections. Are we missing something here? I want to get off this merry go round!

  22. DEC 31ST, 2008 at 3:07 pm vote ~o)

    RB,remove da fear and drink tea wth an open mind 4da country might turn on you,talk not 2much 4we monitor any word:

  23. Pinkly,am carrying a bucket of water.I draw closer to you and pour all the water on you as i sing happy birthday to you.And then you are looking at your wet clothes. And say Chewe ya shani nomba,but you cant get anoyed you Just start smiling and enjoying the great day.Happy birthday to you lovely Pinkly!

  24. Ba Chewe where on earth did you go?

    I thought you accompanied our own Real Baby to Mfuwe. Thanx but i need cash 4 new clothes

  25. Looks like the clock has just ticked over midnight Australia so I wish Cutey all the best for 2009.
    To Umugazebo, Pinkly, Rashid, Chewe, Matworld (wherever you are?), Baby C(the real & the fake one), Zoe, G Baby, Sony Eric, Maestro & all my other fellow bloggers, Cheers people!!!
    I hope to see you all in the year 2009 A.D.
    It’s time to start “makukaling” now<:-p

  26. Imwe mwebantu, did FTJ ever go on a working holiday? I can’t remember the Man ever going on holiday with Ba Vera, abena Castro and the other siblings. Could it be the time he went abroad to spend pins of US$ on clothes and chaffing Mrs Regina Mwanza?

  27. Great to hear the presido express himself that way. We all need a rest once in a while especially with the major issues that nd be resolved. Am sure he means well let’s all support him. Admiting that there too many problems in country was step 1, now he is ready for step 2, …..until its a very challenging tym for presido.
    Wishing you all the best, happy n, health new. year

  28. zambians in tver’party at polytech,free beers and spirits(vodka) and a span of russian babes coming over.Make sure you get in before midnight for the countdown.Come one come all!One zambia……

  29. To all the LT lovely bloggers and lovely Zambians. We have had a wonderfull year,2008.Discussing issues of national importance.Although on a sad note,we lost our President Mwanawasa.And we have had challenges such as the global financial crisis that has slowly started having an impact in our country.This has led to some workers in the mines loose their jobs.Prices of most basic commodities have been high,we withdrew from hosting the all africa games.You all the bloggers have shown concern about your country,and indeed real patriotism.We have criticised each other for the benefit of our country.Despite all the difficulties our country went through in the year 2008,lets be optimistic for the better 2009.May we continue to love and care for each other on this blog.This site has brought us together as Zambians,regardless of which part of Zambia one comes from.Happy new year to all of you bloggers and may you succeed in whatever you are doing,wherever you are.God bless you,love you all.

  30. Mr.President your leadership put bad taste in people’s mouth because the month you took office went straight and worked with a Parliament which was creed and did not care for the poor by giving themselves a huge salary increment while 50% of the country is unemployed.Let us learn from Botswana

  31. # 79 don’t bring complicated AIDS their we have our own which is managed now. Yesterday you were complaining no BC now u have bin paid your Peace works, don’t forget to send a few dollars also here before it finishes on so called prostitutes sorry chicks. Enjoy wisely

  32. RB has a point – politics of insults will not develop Zambia. Have a culture of discipline and hard work. Judge him by results and not by talking. Well done RB, keep it up.

  33. :o:d: whats your strategy to revive our Economy, I’m only seeing you swimming in words of praise from sections of bootlikers. See how the world is closing in with Chiluba? You’re taking this Zambia with excitment Banda

  34. Happy 2 pin 9 bloggers ! Give the man a break he wanted to taste some duiker meat whilst you eat ama John Cena for New Years !

  35. RB I’ll have you know 80% of Zambia feels less stronger and unrefreshed. How are you going to take a vacation when the country is an economic crisis. RB you LOST. Get to work.

  36. I remember meeting RB 6 years ago @ Chipata Market. His face was shining with sweat as he breathed heavily through his big nose, which is siginficantly larger than that of modern man. You could basically see the air around him being drawn in large chunks, as he was negotiating the price of a tomato. I approached RB and told him to stop taking in too much air as he was contributing to global warming. This RB chap tried to be rude and I quickly slapped the oily sweat off his face. RB run back to his farm like Samuel Matete. Whenever he sees me, he stops breathing heavily in my presence.

  37. Do you all know me? I have never seen you and are just writting about me everyday. This is why Zambia is in under developed you people spend more time talking and insulting.

  38. # 89 Inkoko you have UNFORTUNATELY brought cheer to my day with your nonsense LOL. That’s hilarious. Just what I needed after a long shift.

  39. Type as ONE WORD

    |the citizens democratic party “dor” com|

    See the DIFFERENCE bteween the “MMD/PF/UPND Group” and standing alone “CDP”. A much needed CHANGE in Zambian politics. Support a party which will CHANGE how politics are done in Zambia in 2009.

  40. #89 I am sure LT has logged you in as the most boring comment for the 2009 awards. If you are just online because you are broke log off and go and sleep !

  41. Anyone know how many cases of Castle were shipped to the lodge during his stay? I hear the man is a “beast” when it comes to that brew. Mphuno yakula from all the game meat!!!!

  42. A few years back, aBanda Kabudula only had 13 scrawny village chickens, a few paper-eating goats, sickly and rickety cattle and always boat paraffin for koloboyi. Today, thanks to LPM (MHRIEP), when he sneezes, we all catch a cold.

  43. No one is insulting the president-sheesh-lighten up, people are just poking fun. Being president does not make you a mini-god and thus untouchable. That’s why these people in governement steal from you with your eyes open with you saying “iyo aba ni ba bwana”. Bootlicking comes in different shades and I have seen some here with some comments. On another note happy new year and # 89 I think your “story” was funny in it’s own twisted way- Ba Maureen (Comment# 93) LOST.

  44. ‘He called on Zambians to exercise a culture of discipline and condemn insults as they comment on issues of national interest.’

    Thanks you Mr President Rupiah Bwezani Banda. Co-exixting in good faith is the way to go. I wish you a happy new 2009 A.D. and good health.

    To the rest of all Zambians and world Citizens, please let us be lazy to do evil and may you all have good health in this life.

  45. ‘He called on Zambians to exercise a culture of discipline and condemn insults as they comment on issues of national interest.’

    Thanks you Mr President Rupiah Bwezani Banda. Co-existing in good faith is the way to go. I wish you a happy new 2009 A.D. and good health.

    To the rest of all Zambians and world Citizens, please let us be lazy to do evil and may you all have good health in this life.

Comments are closed.

Read more

Local News

Discover more from Lusaka Times-Zambia's Leading Online News Site - LusakaTimes.com

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading