The Grand Coalition on the Constitution comprising of civil society, student movement, activists and other stakeholders has demanded that Information Minister Mwansa Kapeya immediately releases the names of the organisations or individuals that are receiving money from opposition political parties.
The Coalition has also demanded that Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba immediately provides a road map for the finalisation of the constitution, which must include the holding of a referendum as a means of adopting the constitution, particularly the expanded bill of rights.
Coalition Chairperson Pamela Chisanga told a media briefing that President Sata, Mr Kabimba and Mr Kapeya should tell the Zambians why they are hiding the constitution from the people.
“We also want to know from these three where the final draft constitution is and to immediately own up and release the final draft constitution to the people of Zambia who are now impatiently waiting for their documents,” Ms Chisanga said.
She added, “As Civil Society, we have now embarked on a national program, to mobilise citizens to demand the release of the final draft constitution. We will not relent until the constitution is given to the rightful owners – the people of Zambia.”
“As before, we earnestly request the leadership to seriously reflect on its behaviour with regard to the constitution review process. It is unacceptable, unimportant and more crucially, immoral to continue distressing your own citizens with deep-rooted character of lies on this matter. We would like to remind the ruling party that the constitution is a very important document and any process designed to manage the development of constitution should be given the respect and seriousness it deserves.”
[pullquote] It is unacceptable, unimportant and more crucially, immoral to continue distressing your own citizens with deep-rooted character of lies on this matter.[/pullquote]
Ms. Chisanga charged that lies and misrepresentation of obvious truths will not change the fact the Patriotic Front Government has greatly failed the people of Zambia over the constitution review process.
“It is for reason that dismisses the assertions by the government that civil society’s campaigns on the constitution are being bank-rolled politicians with the contempt it deserved. This is another lie from the PF government which should be laughed at and continue doing your noble work,” she said.
“As grand coalition on the constitution, we remain resolute on our demands and that of the citizens for government to release, with immediate effect, the final draft constitution.”
She added, “We are not going to be swayed by statements from government that are devoid of any substance and demonstrate how desperate government is to rob the people of Zambia of their constitution. The statement by Mr. Kapeya, suggesting that some leaders of CSOs have been paid by the opposition leaders is intended to undermine the intelligence of the Zambian people who are genuinely demanding for the constitution which the PF government has reduced to a party document.”
Ms. Chisanga has assured the Zambian people that the Coalition cannot be bought cheaply by either the opposition or government officials to champion our demand for a People Driven Constitution.
She said the demand is beyond political, religious and cultural divides.
“Fellow Zambians, we owe it to you and take the statement from Mr. Kapeya as an invention to mislead the public and further delay the release of the 2nd and final Draft Constitution which Mr. Sata has chosen to pack in the corners of State House. “
[pullquote] Honestly, what democratic sense does it make for one individual to securely guarantee the safety of a national document, on behalf of the majority, against a “few selfish individuals?”[/pullquote]
She said, “We are also proud that we were able to host such a successful event with our own resources mobilised for this purpose from our usual supporters. The event at the Cathedral was highly successful because it was undertaken with very minimal resources and yet hundreds of people turned up to demand what is rightfully theirs-New Constitution.”
She said, “the claim that the document has been kept away from the public domain so that it cannot be captured by selfish a few individuals is a total lie and is misplaced apportioning of blame. Honestly, what democratic sense does it make for one individual to securely guarantee the safety of a national document, on behalf of the majority, against a “few selfish individuals?” It is an astonishing and strange idea that is aimed at finally repudiating a “people-driven/led” constitution making process,” she charged.
Ms. Chisanga said the unwarranted act is tempting the public to see this pretext as yet another imposition of a distorted vision on the people’s wish by the ruling party.
“We are therefore asking the PF leadership to stop manufacturing lies and immediately concede to the emblematic fact that this document is much safer in the hands of all the Zambians!”
She added, “It is also a lie to say that Government is on track with the constitution review process. Which track is the ruling party and government referring to? If Government was truly on the correct and people-driven track, why is the document held away to day from the people of Zambia? “
“There is little evidence to support the track referred to by Government for the straightforward reason that this process has had not laid down track since inception to date. We, therefore, ask the Government to refrain from advancing an argument that it will never manage to justify to the people of Zambia with truthful evidence.”
Am waiting for this PF thug ka Mushota’s silly comments especially when it comes to PF’s governance failure.
This bemba girl pamela chisanga, awe shuwa, lead not into tempetations!! all that beauty,, my heart hold on.
Me and one tonga brother of mine, are promoting lozi men and tonga men marrying bemba women so that we have new tribes in zambia called be-lozi and be-tonga
Chisanga is not a Bemba name. It’s Mambwe/Namwanga
You are the people who say Sata is Bemba yet he’s Bisa
welcome to shipikisha club my dear. who is in charge of the affairs of the nation? chumbu munshololwa nangula ‘1diot of the week’? new constitution is a must brothers and sisters. whether pf li9kes it or not.
She has too much make-up I am uncomfortable looking at her
Thanks
MUSHOTA what your ugly face you hide in your hat
@Ndobo, when a Tonga marries a Lozi, Bemba or indeed anyone from another tribe their offsprings will be coloureds but that won’t necessarily result into a new tribe. And you know am Tumbuka, so I need this Ka Pamela Chisanga to give me Bemba-Tumbuka coloureds.
As for the constitution, mmmmmm I really don’t see us having a new one. Look, we’ve always known what kind of constitution we need in Zambia, but crooks after crooks have taken charge of govt and pretended to be working on a new constitution, yet they know that they are opposed to ideals of governance, social and political regulation to which Zambians subscribe, but it pays them anyway…
Ati constitution nabaipomba muli KA tube, Hahaha…!!!
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BxDUlgGOs3U6YUdwM0kzWDhzdmM/edit
Draft constitution.
ZWD has published the draft constitution given to Sata.
I know why he does not like it. Its because a presidential candidate must have at least a grade 12 or equivalent certificate of education to be eligible to stand.
Guys a get a PDF copy on ZWD and share it.
hmmm ba madala ba ndobo ifwe kulya pamela chisanga.
@Ndobo… hnnnnnmmm? Is that what make you bwaim.. first pic, is ok but second awe sure you can tell that if you undress her you only see black patches.
Why is she not married, that woman?
Qualifications of President minimum 3 yeare diploma .. diplomates first yewt degree mps diploma
Evry 30 september taking of oarth. Not Tuesday.. whivh Tuesday
The writing is on the wall. Ignore the warnings at your own peril.
It is interesting to see how people are now freely expressing themselves under the PF Govt. even the dumb have instantly gained the ability to speak. When MMD spent colossal amounts of money on the failed constitution people were quiet people were receiving abnormal allowances no one uttered a word, now look who’s talking, including MMD who where so much against 50%+1 have all of a sudden gone back onto their own vomit without shame- total hypocrisy. The committee that did the constitution know exactly what is contained in it, if it is changed the committee will say and at that point Govt should explain. So why the noise now when there’s a functioning constitution. Just chill it will come.
Clearly your lack of reasoning leads me to think you should call yourself “defective voice of reason”. Because MMD may have interfered or hindered freedom of speech and/or expression when they were in power does not preclude them from exercising the right to do so today. And just so you get it right, PF did NOT bring these freedoms; the people of Zambia did by way of pressure they exerted demanding these rights that were already in the constitution. It is the same pressure that the people are exerting on your PF today that will force you and your failed party to succumb, whether you like it or not.
What freedom are you talking about? People are being arrested for describing sata aptly.
@ Voice,
Shouldnt that be a compliment? I thought thats what democracy is all about, freedom of expression? The same way you have the right to express your disatisfaction right now over these men and womens opnions is the same way they have the right to theirs especially when they have the insight of what is going on under ground.
Voice of Reason, talk to MCS your boss to change course on this because all this is not necessary at all. The constitution is beyond MCS, Kabimba and anyone else … this is total nonsense and allowing it to happen is complete foolish on the part of the government.
There are more important things to focus on in terms of national development and the smart people of the Zambian Enterprise have no time for side shows. You of all people comparing PF to the MMD and its cronies?
We all know that the MMD was Zambia’s greatest curse to the smart people of the Zambian Enterprise, they took us 40 years backwards in their 20 year rule. How on earth would you like to compare yourselves with mediocrity?
For the last time, early tomorrow morning go to your boss and ask him to release it!!!
Voice of Reason…….
I totally agree with you on MMD. They should just keep quiet about the constitution-making process. They really abused the office of Executive over this issue and have no moral ground, other than bitterness, to criticise PF. That is not to say PF are handling the matter any better.
Thank you ZWD, opposition political parties (except MMD, Cosmo Mumba and company and Siulapwa’s party), Cvil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the Technical Committee (though I do not see what made you take 2 years to draft) and all progressive Zambians for championing this noble cause.
Am starting to think PF is not comfortable with the NGOs and wants to control them as though there were political parties! Am I smellining intimidation or it’s just me? I have tried so much to disregard such convictions in my heart but I cant help it anymore.
Congrats to the Grand coalition, thanks Pamela for the leadership. I am very disturbed, i am so sad to see our beloved country sinking. It is so disaaapointing in this age and day that a government can be so resistant to open governance. I know we made a difficult choice during the elections but subjecting us to more torture and intimidating citizens is unacceptable. Those of you who are close to power or who work in these offices should take immediate action by helping our leaders to do the right thing. Zambians voted for change – for good governance but all the 90 days promises were nothing but lies by adults and elders. Madiba – it always seems impossible until it is done’. This is the time for true pastors and priests to stand with the people of God. Zambia shall be saved
“PF will deliver a people driven constitution within 90 days and we will also enact the Freedom of Information Bill within 90 days”…honestly how do some people sleep at night?
kabimba is realy a man.a tribunal is in place but stil cant resign.not ka gbm!
Forget Mwansa kapeya he’s dong his job just as you are working for the Zambian people him is working for an African govement in which every thing is secrit and they treat each other with suspicious just concentrate on you jobs we are not interested on who is funding you but what you will deliver just as kapeya olso has targets to meet
MUSHOTA CHIFWEMBE
Also know as – Baby Killer & Abortions Expert with Nick the man who impregnated her
Where are you? What are your comments on the claims about NGO being funded by the Opposition?
This government is a comedy of errors. That is why NGOS, love em.
VICE President Guy Scott has assured the Nation that the final draft constitution prepared by the Technical Committee on Drafting the Zambian Constitution will be released by next month.
Dr Scott also clarified that the 10 copies that were demanded to be printed were merely meant for the ceremonial hand over to the Government.
“The 10 copies are meant for the ceremonial hand over of the constitution, we are not reversing on our undertaking or expectation of releasing the final draft constitution before the end of the year or before the end of next month, Dr Scott said.
Source: Lusaka Times November 22, 2013
Guy: Hey Mike just so I get it right, when did this hijack occur?
Michael: When I saw the draft…
PRESIDENT Michael Sata has fired two Permanent Secretaries in the ministry of Works and Supply Bernard Chiwala and Charity Kaande-Ngoma.
According to Cabinet sources, President Sata has also swapped Ministry of Health permanent secretary Dr Peter Mwaba with his Home affairs counterpart Dr Misheck Chikamata.
Meanwhile Cabinet permanent secretary Ann Sinyangwe revealed that President Sata has appointed Bank of Zambia deputy governor in charge of operations Dr Bwalya Ngandu as the new permanent secretary for Works as Supply.
Sinyangwe could not however confirm the dismissal of Kaande-Ngoma and Chiwala, referring queries to State House permanent secretary Kaiza Zulu.
However, sources within Cabinet disclosed that President Sata had dismissed the duo.
“Apart from what you…
“Apart from what you reported where Mr. Malupenga has swapped position with Mr Seyuba in Western and North Western Province, the President has also made changes to three ministries at permanent secretary level.”
“On Monday Mr. Chiwala was relieved off his duties while his counterpart Madam Ngoma has also been dismissed.”
The sources said reasons were not clear for the dismissal of the two permanent secretaries but that they had both been communicated to.
“They have both been communicated to and what I know is that the President is expected to swear in new permanent secretaries tomorrow.
Chiwala previously served as Road Deveoplment Agency (RDA) chief executive officer while Ngoma was an inspector at the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA).
DIFFICULT & BIKKILON ARE NO WHERE TO BE SEEN THESE DAYS AND THE BEST UKWA IS ALSO LYING HELPLESS ZAMBIA IS COMDEDY DROUGHT
Sata firing all those nurse’s should’ve been the nail in his coffin
coffin. The day Zambia citizens stand together and protest is the day when things will start to change, til then enjoy the foreign investors rob the country of its wealth.only if you knew how much money they are making…
Who are these bunch of losers representing? They re there for their selfish needs. What we need as a people is food, clean water, efficient health services and ofcourse peace. The new constitution is not an emergency so chill fellas. Just look at the composition of the group n you can conclude the nyanduleism at work.
Bantustan…………
Yes we need food, shelter and other physiological needs BUT without a good legal framework we shall continue relying on benevolence and the goodness of man (Genesis 6 vs 5 says there is no good in man after the fall) which cannot be relied upon. I HOPE YOU ARE CAPABLE OF GETTING WHAT I HAVE JUST SAID!!!!.
We cannot take the risky path you are suggesting. What about the colosul amounts spent on bye-elections just to bolster the ruling party’s dominance in parliamentary voting particularly on bills which the opposition (representing quite a majority including non-partisan citizens) might be against.
Bantustan shut up maybe you too young to comprehend what they are doing, besides
In Developing countries people fend for themselves. I see watchdog is giving us a glimpse of the constitution, some one must be tapping Sata’ phone and telegraph.
It’s easy to do FBI on Sata.
All beings are beautiful but God is gracious enough to allow us to make preferences. Yes, I agree that sister Chisanga, Pamela is good to behold.
Thank you ZWD for publishing the draft constitution.
For those who are fond of defining Zambian citizenship by the sound of names or looks including race of a person, please wake up. Citizenship, even in the current constitution, is by birth, descent, registration and adoption. Zambia is not for bantus only. Stop showing your ignorance. Even in the dark ages nation-states were multi-racial.
The current draft is a good start. I would have loved the positions of Secretary to the Cabinet, Bank governor, Permanent Secretary to be competed for through advertisement and interview before nomination of 2-3 names for presidential appointment. I would have loved Ministers to be appointed from outside parliament. Anyway, this is a good start.
These PF governing imbwas are always quick to point to conspiracy theories for every challenge.
This PF govt came into office thru deception and it survives and thrives on lies,malicious rumors,character assasination and conspiracy theories.
Fake Tumbuka aka tonga, tell me one political party or presidential candidate that has not promised during an election campaign. Obama promised yo close Guantanamo bay prison, he is in his last term, had he done? Just shut up an just campaign for your under five
I like the clause which require only 1/3 to a motion of impeachment of President for gross misconduct.
I did read about hoe voters can move the motion o G impeachment.
I did read about hoe voters can move the motion o G impeachment.
Awe nachafya pa zed at least na ba Mugabe balipela abantu babo new constitution.
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