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The Green Party has disclosed that it will hold its national convention alongside presidential nominations in May 2021once the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) sets the nomination dates.
Party president, Peter Sinkamba said he has also urged the ECZ to give guidance whether the presidential nominations will be done virtually or physically bearing in mind the numbers involved in carrying out the exercise amidst Covid 19 guidelines.
Mr. Sinkamba said the greens (Green party) believe in democracy and to demonstrate this, a national conference has to be held where party members will be given an opportunity to elect national leaders to run the affairs of the party.
Mr. Sinkamba said rather than going for a national convention to choose the national leadership now, the party will do this, side by side with the presidential nominations somewhere in May.
“What we don’t know is whether the presidential nominations will be done physically or virtually, that’s why we need ECZ to guide in advance. But what we have decided as a party is to kill two birds with one stone,” he said.
He said because of the surging cases of Covid–19, the party wants guidance on how the exercise will be conducted because 1,000 supporters from all the ten provinces is too huge a number to gather and support the candidature of a party president.
Mr. Sinkamba said his party is otherwise ready to hold the national convention during the time for nominations irrespective of the way and in which order it will be done.
He said the greens, through various social media platforms, are working day and night to woe voters in the forthcoming general elections.
He boasted that the Green party is the only one with the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) that have workable and reliable manifestos whose ideologies can transform the economic fortunes of the country.
“The Green party is ready for the August elections and we are the next party to form government after PF and this could be in September this year or in 2026,” Mr. Sinkamba said.
Mr. Sinkamba said the party will always adhere to the prescribed Covid- 19 protocols as advised by government to avoid further spread of the pandemic among citizens.
Zanaco are seeking to stay top of the FAZ Super Division table as they welcome promoted Prison Leopards on Saturday at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka.
Zanaco and second placed Prison sit on 25 points apiece after 15 matches played but are separated by goal difference.
Other teams on 25 points going into the weekend Week 16 matches are former champions Zesco United and Forest Rangers.
The Bankers have been boosted by the return of striker Moses Phiri from the Cameroon 2021 CHAN where he represented Zambia.
Both Zanaco and Prison want to bounce back from last weekend’s draws.
Zanaco were held to a goalless draw at Kitwe United while Prison rallied to draw 1-1 against Kabwe Warriors in the derby.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Zesco United are visiting Young Green Eagles at Khosa Stadium in Kafue with Forest Rangers welcoming Green Eagles at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
MINISTER of Health Dr Jonas Chanda has dissolved the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) board with immediate effect citing underperformance arising from recent happenings which he said could have been avoided.
Commenting on honeybee contract, the issuance and revocation of licenses, the Minister said, that will be conducted in consultation with the Attorney General as the matter is still before Parliament and the Parliamentary Accounts Committee-PAC which will issue an official report in due course.
Speaking a a media briefing held at the Ministry’s head office, Dr Chanda further announced that the Medical Stores Limited as formerly called has since been renamed to Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency-and that the change is line with the ZAMMSA Act No. 9 of 2019 which was enacted on November 12, 2019.
Dr Chanda reiterated that the realignments have been made in order to promote transparency, accountability and value for money tenets in the health sector.
The Minister also trimmed down 17 directorates to 7 at the Ministry’s headquarters to enable efficiency.
Vice President Inonge Wina has said that opposition political parties missed the chance to change laws when they sabotaged well-intended bills such as the constitutional Amendment Bill number Ten of 2019.
Mrs. Wina wondered why some opposition parliamentarians are now calling on the government to consider bringing the Public Order Act to Parliament for amendment, noting with concern that some opposition MPs had continuously refused requests from the government to repeal the Act.
The vice president said that the opposition had many opportunities to repeal certain laws but decided not to do so for political expediency.
Mrs. Wina said that because elections are nearing the opposition has now seen the need and importance of repealing the Public Order Act, adding that Justice Minister Given Lubinda requested the opposition to consider repealing the Public Order Act, but they refused.
Mrs. Wina was responding to a question from Livingstone Member of Parliament Mathews Jere who wanted to find out if the government would consider taking the public Order Act to parliament for amendment, during the Vice President’s question time in Parliament today.
Meanwhile, Mrs. WINA has said that the country will soon be informed on the operationalization of the economic recovery plan.
Mrs. WINA said after the launch of the program on December 17th, 2020 by President Edgar Lungu, work has started, and Ministries of Finance and National Development Planning are developing a detailed implementation plan.
This was in response to a question raised by Chimwemwe Member of Parliament Elias Mwila who wanted an update on the implementation of the economic recovery plan.
Zambia has officially requested a debt treatment under the Common Framework agreed by the group of twenty major economies and the Paris club in November last year.
Finance Minister Bwalya Ng’andu said that Zambia is committed to transparency and equal treatment of all creditors in the restructuring process.
Dr Ng’andu said that the application to benefit from the G20 Common framework will hopefully reassure all creditors of Zambia’s commitment to such treatment, adding that returning to sustainable debt levels is a national priority adding that he is confident that the debt treatment will help address Zambia’s challenges and support the country’s economic and financial recovery.
Dr. Ng’andu said that the debt treatment under the common framework will be based on the conclusion of the debt sustainability analysis being prepared in collaboration with the World Bank and IMF.
The Finance Minister also said that the newly adopted common framework for debt treatment beyond the G20 debt service suspension initiative is designed to facilitate timely and orderly treatment of debt with broad creditor participation for eligible countries.
The framework has been endorsed by the G20 and the Paris club as part of a global response to the COVID 19 Crisis.
Dr. Dr Ng’andu said that all G20 and Paris club creditors are expected to coordinate their engagement with Zambia under the common framework with the objective of providing debt relief to the country.
The Ministry of Local Government has formally been requested to enforce the Constitution and the judgment of the Constitutional Court by directing affected councillors to vacate from office and repay back the emoluments in full.
In a letter to the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary dated 5th February, 2021, Governance activist, Isaac Mwanza, who had petitioned the Court said it was a fact that although the Constitutional Court’s judgment is a new event, the constitutional provision governing the resignation of councillors, has been in force and has remained the same since its enactment on 5th January, 2016.
“The affected councillors cannot therefore continue to occupy office, and ought to immediately cease to present themselves as councillors. That being the case, that is, that they ceased to be councillors thirty days from the day on which they delivered their letter of resignation to the Mayor or the Council Chairperson, they must reimburse, in full, all funds which they received from the date on which they were to vacate from office (i.e., 30 days from the date on which they handed in their letter of resignation,” read part of the letter.
On 4th February, 2021, the Court, in its Judgment, held that a councillor who resigns from his or her elected office, does not have the option to rescind his or decision to resign, once they have delivered their letter of resignation to the Mayor or Council Chairperson and that the latter have no power to accept or reject such resignation.
The Court further held that Article 157(2)(b) of the Constitution situates the effective date of resignation as the end of the 30-day period which, the Court stated, is not intended to be a period during which a councillor may change their mind and rescind that decision.
According to Mr Mwanza, the filling of vacancies which arise after the affected councillors have vacated office will not be necessary as the Constitution proscribes the holding of a by-election within 180 days of a general election.
“In effect, this entails that the seats vacated by these former councillors, may not be filled until 12th August 2021,” stated the letter.
JESUIT PRIEST, Father Laston Lupupa has asked for forgiveness from Zambians and especially from those hurt by his remarks.
Last week, a video emerged where Fr Lupupa urged leaders seeking to rule Zambia to condemn violence and preach love. He said God would not allow a leader whose heart was not for Zambia to enter State House. He followed up by saying, “it’s better to rig an election against such a leader!”
These remarks caused a social-media storm as people took turns to condemn him.
Others said Fr Lupupa’s remarks were not far off from numerous recent and partisan remarks attributed to Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu.
In the new video, Fr Lupupa has since apologised for his remarks and said as many people know him, he is a good citizen and has pursued peace and national unity all his life.
He said after reflection and counsel from the leadership of the Church, he has sought forgiveness from the people over what he termed as his offensive remarks.
An ambitious Indian driver uses his wit and cunning to escape from poverty and rise to the top. An epic journey based on the New York Times bestseller.
PROS
Very compelling original storyline.
Great performances by the main characters.
FAVORITE QUOTES
Balram: The greatest thing to come out of this country in its 10,000-year history… the rooster coop. They can see and smell the blood. They know they are next, yet they don’t rebel. They don’t try and get out of the coop.
Balram: The trustworthiness of servants is so strong that you can put the key of emancipation in a man’s hand and he will throw it back at you with a curse.
Balram: In the old days, when India was the richest nation on Earth, there were 1,000 castes and destinies. These days, there are just two castes. Men with big bellies and men with small bellies. And there are only two destinies, eat or get eaten up.
Balram: But for the poor, there are only two ways to get to the top, crime or politics. Is it like that in your country too?
CONCLUSSION
The White Tiger is based in India but its themes of ambition , classism and corruption are international. It is a relatable story about being stuck in an endless cycle of poverty and looking for a way out. The movie is narrated by Balram (Adarsh Gourav)as he takes you on a journey through his rags to riches story.
Balram , raised to show unwavering loyalty to his employer ,Ashok (Rajkummar Rao), and his wife Pinky (Priyanka Chopra) , works as a driver to his two US educated bosses, whom do not conform to traditional norms. They treat Balram with a combination of familiarity and condescension. The dynamic between them ,was played out in spectacular fashion. It is interesting to watch Balram’s character development , I was not sure if I was supposed to support him or hate , or maybe both. He is driven to do whatever it take to get to the top.
The White tiger is a brilliantly memorable movie. It will leave you thinking about the parallels to your own society and the dynamics between the rich and the poor.
Responding to the climate crisis in Zambia, the Government supported by UN coalitions led by UNDP, FAO and WFP are helping women turn goat rearing into economic prosperity
By Moses Zangar, Jr.
Sylvia Chiinda lives on the edge of desperation. Her husband died a few years ago, leaving her with no savings or possessions. It was a crushing blow for the mother of seven.
To make matters worse, Zambia has seen a rise in more frequent and intense floods, recurrent droughts and other climate risks, that have reduced yields for farmers like Sylvia, putting lives and livelihoods in the crosshairs.With her maize and groundnut farm production dwindling, Sylvia was forced to find an alternative income to keep her family afloat.She started running a makeshift grocery shop in her village of Kanakanatapa in Zambia’s Chongwe District. But the income – just K300 in a good month – is barely enough to meet the necessities for her and her seven children.
“I can’t give up. I need an income because I have many children and it’s my responsibility to provide for them,” says Sylvia. In the face of rising climate risks and unprecedented adversity, the 47-year-old single mother and breadwinner is determined to change her situation.
Sylvia Chiinda tending to her goats Photo by Belinda Zimba@UNDP
LESS ACCESS TO LOANS
In least developed countries like Zambia, many rural families cannot obtain loans from mainstream banks to cope with the impacts of weather extremes. They are poor and viewed as high risks, compounding the challenges they face.For women in farming communities, the first hurdle to setting up a business is access to affordable credit. Getting a loan from a commercial bank is a nightmare of form-filling and intrusive questioning. Moreover, the absence of a commercial bank in their villages adds to their woes.
“Banks in the city won’t lend us money because we have no land title to put up as collateral,” Sylvia sighs.
These women on the scheme said they have benefitted by gaining a stable income stream, and a new sense of independence and respect within their villages.
HELP TO ADAPT
Single women like Sylvia Chiinda are among the most vulnerable in Zambia’s patriarchal traditional communities, where age-old customs dictate a woman’s life. This vulnerability is compounded by the ravages of climate change.
But as part of wider government efforts, a UN coalition mobilized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), involving the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP) together with national institutions like the Ministry of Agriculture and Zambia Meteorological Department is helping climate-stressed small-scale farmers like Sylvia to tap into a booming – and drought resistant source of income – goat rearing.
With funding from the Green Climate Fund, the ‘Strengthening Climate Resilience of Agricultural Livelihoods in Agro-Ecological Regions I and II in Zambia (SCRALA) project is supporting resilient agricultural livelihoods in the face of climate change and promoting diversification practices to improve food security and income generation. The project is making important strides to empower women as rural entrepreneurs and agents of change.
A LIFESAVER IN GOATS
Some of the goat beneficiaries in Luangwa District
Sylvia is among more than 8,000 beneficiaries – mostly women – who were trained in goat rearing and animal husbandry practices through the far-reaching and innovative project. Women were provided with tools and training to prevent diseases, build sheds and breeding management. To kick off the intervention, each beneficiary received five goats.
A year later, Sylvia now has had a total of 30 goats, including additional goats she bought using proceeds from the sale of goat manure. To multiply the impacts of the project and build a steady income stream, Sylvia sold 10 of the goats and five goat offspring were passed on to help other women. This tiered, multiplier-effect approach capitalizes on initial handouts while promoting solidarity, equity and sustainability within communities. As a result, it is enabling to raise income levels across the 16 districts in Zambia where the project works.
The K5,000 Sylvia made from the sale of the 10 goats was spent on essential items for her children, including school-related fees and fertilisers.
“I’m now planning to invest in more goats and save enough money to buy my own land,” says a beaming Sylvia as she directs her remaining goats into a field for grazing.
This life changing moment did not just stop with Sylvia’s family. Mpeza Phiri, 49, a single mother of six living in the Luamba Agriculture Camp in eastern Zambia, says because of this initiative, her family now has a steady and stable income for the first time in their lives. As a result, the family now owns 10 goats and counting. Now when crisis hits, farmers like Mpeza and Sylvia have greater savings and equity. And equity means resilience.
Charity Lungu, a mother of four who lives in the same agriculture camp as Mpeza, has been able to support her family of 10 after selling some goats. Before then, Charity said her children would go to school hungry. Income from the goats has allowed her to afford uniforms and books for her children.
“They are now able to focus on school, not on hunger,” says Charity, as she tends to the bleating goats in her backyard.
“I am not worried any more about my children going hungry or falling ill. I can always sell a goat if we have needs,” says Anna Mumba, 48, of Luangwa District. The people of the village have suffered from recurring drought and dismal harvests in recent years.
“The SCRALA project provides small-scale farmers with goats to give them an alternative source of income in case their crops fail,” says Parick Muchimba, the acting project manager.
SURGING DEMAND
Goat farming in Zambia is set to grow in importance with huge demand from Saudi Arabia, which now wants to import as many as 1 million Zambian goats a year.
Zambia only has approximately 4 million goats being reared largely by small-scale operators – not nearly enough to meet the new demand, according to a senior livestock officer.
Back in the capital, Lusaka, goats sell for between $25 and $30 depending on the size and breed. Many of the women are looking to expand their herds to take advantage of a potential surge in demand for Zambian goats.
CHANGING THE NARRATIVE
Goat beneficiaries in Nyimba District
Sylvia, Mpeza, Charity, Anna and thousands of other women beneficiaries were without a doubt among the most vulnerable members of their communities. But with just a few goats – and the training and tools to keep their businesses growing – they are now well on their way to financial independence. As it accelerates its activities, the GCF-funded project will indirectly support approximately 3 million small-scale farmers in Zambia in building climate resilient lives.
Women supported through the goat-herding initiative say they have benefitted by gaining a stable income stream, and a new sense of independence and respect within their villages.
“Climate change is one of the major factors and challenges contributing to low productivity of farmers, especially at small scale level. As government, we are therefore pleased that our partnership with UNDP and GCF, under the SCRALA project, is supporting farmers, especially women, with opportunities and sustainable lifelong solutions to help boost productivity and adaptation to climate change effects,” says the Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary, Songowayo Zyambo.
“With the extra income from goat rearing, more than 8,000 beneficiaries, half of whom are women, will be able to pay for school expenses, improve their diets and afford medical costs for their families – giving them power over their lives and the means to lift themselves out of extreme poverty,” says Lionel Laurens, the UNDP Resident Representative in Zambia.
It’s an important step in realizing Zambia’s Nationally Determined Contribution to the Paris Agreement, and accelerating progress to end hunger and poverty by 2030 as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals.
Not only do the women sell goats to put food on their table, but they are also able to use the goat manure as a natural and effective fertiliser in their gardens. This is allowing them to grow vitamin-rich vegetables in abundance, provide their children with healthier meals and valuable sources of protein from the goat meat and milk, and improve climate-resilience, nature-friendly farming practices.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Roland Seri hands over a goat to a female beneficiary in Siavonga District
Note: the author is Communications Specialist within the Environment Unit at UNDP.
Nkana coach Kelvin Kaindu says it is an encouraging sign to see the struggling defending FAZ Super Division champions collect a second consecutive victory and keep another clean sheet.
Nkana on Thursday won 2-0 away in Lusaka at stubborn Nkwazi at Edwin Emboela Stadium in Lusaka to jump four places to number eight on 20 points, five points behind the top four led by Zanaco.
It was also Kaindu’s debut win over Nkwazi as a coach who had given him a torrid time during his reign at Power Dynamos over two seasons ago with four successive defeats.
“It was a good outing, and it never easy to pick maximum points at Edwin Emboela it’s one of the most difficult grounds to play- probably I cannot even recall even in my playing career when we managed to pick maximum points while playing at Emboela,” Kaindu said.
Emmanuel Mwiinde and Ackim Mumba scored in the 17th and 90th minutes respectively to see Nkana pick up another clean sheet following their 4-0 home win over struggling Young Green Eagles on January 31.
“For us to have picked up three points with another clean sheet in the second game also shows great signs of improvement in the team although there is still a lot of work to be done,”Kaindu said.
“Slowly we have moved a bit up on the log playing.”
Nkana now head back to their Kitwe base ahead of Sundays short trip to Ndola to play a Copperbelt derby against Kaindu’s former charges Buildcon at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
However, Nkana have suffered a major setback before the Buildcon game and will be without goalkeeper Moses Mapulanga who sustained a serious head injury against Nkwazi and was stretched off in the 83rd minute.
El Mukuka and South African heavyweight Cuebur release the Sebastien Dutch remix of their hit single ‘I’ll Hold You Down’ featuring the vocal talents of Marocco and James Sakala – out across all digital platforms today.
After years of friendship and remixing work for one another, El Mukuka and Cuebur recently dropped an original collaboration entitled ‘I’ll Hold You Down’. The song is a sexy, slow tempo Afro-pop “tropical” track ideal for the summer. The sensually smooth vocal delivery by Marocco and James Sakala gives the song a laid back, fun and cheeky vibe that builds throughout the entire track.
El Mukuka commented on the team of artists saying “Cuebur, Marocco and James Sakala are common names within my repertoire, but this song I feel is something different and special.”
Julius Sebastien Mwewa, popularly known as Sebastién Dutch, was born in Ndola, Zambia. Sebastién’s music endeavours began at a young age, out of his pure love for music. To this date, his passion and skills have graced him the opportunity to share the stage with some of Africa’s biggest DJs. Describing himself as a blend of African grooves and Electronic music, Sebastién’s style and catalog takes his audience on an exuberant journey. In 2017 Sebastién was one of the few winners of the Pan African AXE DJ Challenge giving him the opportunity to play in the party capital of the world, Ibiza Spain. Today Sebastien Dutch delivers a powerful Afro-tech remix of “I’ll Hold You Down” stamped with his signature sound!
“I have always loved Sebastien’s work! I think he is super talented and I love what he did with the song! I can’t wait to play this in my sets the energy of the remix is amazing!” – El Mukuka
Cuebur, a SAMA nominated music producer, mix engineer and club DJ who hails all the way from Middelburg, Mpumalanga, made a name for himself after he released his hit song ‘Pepe’, which was featured on DJ Zinhle’s ‘Feminine Touch’ album. Since then he has produced songs for some of SA’s most popular artists, including Heavy K, Shimza and Da Capo.
‘El Mukuka and Cuebur – I’ll Hold You Down (Feat. Marocco and James Sakala) (Sebastien Dutch Remix)’
It is well documented that Zambia should be the hub of grain production in the region. The soils are well suited and the yields capable of being attained in this country are next to none. For example, in Mpongwe yields are as high as 9.5 metric tons per hectare and 9 metric tons per hectare for maize and wheat, respectively.
On the other hand, despite the natural resource endowments in support of grain production, the country remains at a stage of merely satisfying domestic requirements with minimal exports attained.
We read the article in the Daily Nation of Monday 1 st February 2021 under the heading; “Value addition key to cracking foreign markets – Saasa” with keen interest and were disappointed.
While we agree that value addition is important to improving foreign exchange earnings of a particular commodity, there is a compelling case in favour of export of grain for Zambia.
Further, it must also be appreciated that it is a demand that drives production and Zambia is surrounded by sovereign countries with peculiar industrial capacities. Some have milling capacities while others do not. Therefore, it is worth noting from the onset that the policy to mill all grain in Zambia would not strike maximum benefits for the grain industry nor the country. This is primarily because of not only the limited capacity to crush or mill all its grain for both domestic and export purposes but also because the value-added products have limited shelf life in some cases e.g., roller meal plus the fact that demand in the export markets is not homogeneous.
In short, grain exports given its demand provide an added lucrative avenue to earn FOREX and can be a relief for excess production. Therefore, grain exports should be encouraged as this incentivizes the sector and has potential to increase domestic production to carter for local manufacturing needs and grain export utilization.
A model that seeks to promote value addition ONLY by curtailing grain exports in the hope that all production will be channelled to processing of finished products is misplaced, short sighted and must be rejected as this is what suppresses producer prices. Farmers need export parity prices to be incentivised to produce more. Grain exports are potential sources of FOREX in addition to earnings realized from finished products like edible oil, wheat flour, stock feed, and mealie meal which are processed from soya bean, wheat, and maize grain, respectively.
The attractiveness of grain exports, globally, lies in the potential for multiple industrial use and this is the reason why even developed countries, from the west to the east, still promote grain exports.
So long as the export market continues to demand for grains there is no need to entertain policies that will, in the end, cut production and reduce farmer alternative markets.
In short, why change a win-win formula? There is no room for such one-sided policies in Zambia. The Grain Industry Stakeholders speak with one voice through industry consensus positions. What we desire most to propel grain production is the lifting of maize and mealie meal export bans by the Government.
The Author is the Media and Public Relations Manager for the Zambia National Farmers Union
Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has said that it has become aware of an unfounded report circulating in some sections of the media alleging that the company’s Provisional Liquidator (PL) Milingo Lungu has fired all employees aligned to opposition political parties.
The said report also cites some employees as victims and claims that, “several Patriotic Front (PF) leaders and councilors have been left to cross over to the restructured KCM.”
In a statement released to the media the Company said that it refutes these allegations with the contempt it deserves and wishes to put on record that there is no political inclination in the restructuring and reorganisation of KCM. The objective of the process is to increase efficiency and optimize operations, and not to target any individuals for whatever reason may be perceived elsewhere.
The ongoing re-organization exercise is aimed at leveraging the available human resources for maximum productivity. Like in any industrial restructuring, the re-engagements of the employees is labor requirement driven. Management respects the principles of freedom to contract and offer employment to the best required skilled individuals.
Some employees have voluntarily opted not to continue with employment in the new subsidiary companies namely KCM SmelterCo Limited and Konkola Mineral Resources Limited to pursue other interests, and management cannot force them to accept the offer of employment.
“Therefore, the allegations are both unfounded and misleading to all stakeholders, and are intended to discredit the Provisional Liquidator and the management, “the statement concluded.
Catholic Priest, Fr. Laston Lupupa should unreservedly apologize to Zambians for abusing the pulpit to propagate the agenda of the ruling Patriotic Front (PF), says UPND Religious Affairs Committee Deputy Chairperson for Politics, Pastor Kangwa Chileshe.
In a recent video that has drawn widespread condemnation from the Church, academia and the general public, Fr. Lupupa is heard telling a church gathering that “it is better to rig elections (12th August, 2021) than to allow someone (HH) to form government”.
And Pastor Kangwa, who says he has great respect for the Catholic Church, lambasted Fr. Lupupa for desecrating the Word of God and for failing to stick to his fatherly role of preaching peace, love, unity and co-existence
“As a Priest; as a clergy man…his is supposed to be a fatherly role…one of uniting the country; one of preaching love, unity and one of preaching dialogue and reconciliation. It is sad that Fr. Lupupa has chosen to abuse the pulpit to preach words that are inflamable,” stated Pst. Kangwa.
Meanwhile, Kangwa, a who wondered whether Fr. Lupupa’s insinuations and attacks on the Constitution was a result of the excitement euphoria that usually characterise sermons from congregants, asked him to retract his statement and apologize to Zambians.
“Sometimes, preaching and people apllauding creates euphoria but we are hoping that the Father will retract his statement and not cause divisions as Zambia belongs to all of us. Therefore, we pray that the Father will retract his statement, ” he said.
Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo has defended Catholic Priest Fr. Lastone Lupupa after many condemned his recent sermon which has gone viral.
In a brief video, Fr. Lupupa of Matero Parish is heard saying; “it’s better for us to rig an election than allow some people to govern”.
Fr. Lupupa’s sermon was apparently about love and forgiveness.
But in a Facebook post, Mr Lusambo said it is hypocritical for some UPND members to stage online protests about a 45 second clip showing Fr. Lupupa, addressing his flock about a leader he feels should rule the country.
Mr Lusambo has since likened some United Party for National Development (UPND) condemning Father Lastone Lupupa to the Romans who crucified Jesus at Golgotha.
He said the same right that UPND members seek to enjoy to freely condemn another person’s opinion is the same one they should allow Father Lupupa to enjoy and freely hold an opinion and freely express it.
Mr Lusambo, who is also Kabushi Member of Parliament said no matter how one feels about the remarks, Father Lupupa, just like 18 million Zambians should be allowed to hold his opinion and be free to share it.
“If UPND members choose to condemn Father Lupupa, they should also condemn their leader Hakainde Hichilema for his role in privatization which has claimed people’s lives and almost turned Copperbelt into a ghost region.”
“By calling for Father Lupupa’s head, the UPND members are behaving like the Romans who crucified Jesus Christ at Golgotha,” reads the post in parts.
Below is the full statement issued by Hon. Lusambo
THE CRUCIFIXION OF FR. LUPUPA, SJ
Over the recent years, we have seen a rise in cultic behavior from members of the UPND. These cultic tendencies were introduced by Hakainde Hichilema just when he ascended to the helm of the party in 2006. Cultism in the UPND has now become so entrenched that even its own Members of Parliament do not have minds of their own. UPND MPs have been reduced to dunderheads whose job is to parrot Mr Hichilema’s thoughts.
Further, the coming in of Mr Hichilema in Zambian politics saw the rearing of the ugly head of tribal politics. Mr Hichilema and his supporters publicly declared that the great Anderson Kambela Mazoka could only be succeeded by a Tonga and with Mr Hichilema’s stay in politics, we have seen the despicable regional voting become almost acceptable, case in point; Dundumwezi 2016.
With Mr Hichilema heading the UPND, the party has become bloodthirsty. The proclamation of Mapatizya Formula has never been undone by Mr Hichilema and has since been adopted as the official UPND policy position and we have seen it implemented fully during several by elections.
It is therefore hypocritical for some UPND members to stage online protests about a 45 second clip showing Fr Lastone Lupupa, SJ addressing his flock about a leader he feels should rule his beloved country, Zambia. The same right that UPND members seek to enjoy to freely condemn another person’s opinion is the same one they should allow Fr. Lupupa to enjoy and freely hold an opinion and freely express it.
No matter how one feels about the remarks, Fr. Lupupa, just like 18 million Zambians should be allowed to hold his opinion and be free to share it.
However, what I find nauseating is that the same UPND members who openly support characters like Seer 1 to degrade the image of Zambia, freely insult the Head of State and wish death and calamity on the Republic are the ones throwing tantrums over Fr. Lupupa’s words.
To the UPND, when Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu declares that there will be bloodshed after August elections and when Bishop Mambo openly insults national leaders, you refer to them as men of God who love Zambia but when Fr. Lupupa declares that a Zambian President ought to humble oneself, love God’s people more and preach love and denounce violence, then he has committed a crime and should be crucified. That is the highest level of hypocrisy and double standards shamelessly at play.
Between Seer 1 and Fr. Lupupa, I believe Fr. Lupupa has a well-defined Locus Standi to openly discuss merits and demerits of a Zambian President. The other one is an imposter, a fraud, a fugitive who should stay away from all things Zambian.
The Holy Book in John 8 v 7 instructs us that, “The one sinless among you, let him cast the first stone at her.” It is clear that the UPND wants to take issue with Fr. Lupupa because he served them their medicine and they have discovered that it is actually bitter.
If UPND members choose to condemn Fr. Lupupa, they should also condemn Mr Hichilema for his role in privatization which has claimed people’s lives and almost turned Copperbelt into a ghost region. They should also start online petitions condemning their use of violence in politics and their open practice of tribalism.
By calling for Fr. Lupupa’s head, the UPND members are behaving like the Romans who crucified Jesus Christ at Golgotha.
