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Kabwe Warriors have signed former Lumwana Radiants defender Shebban Mofya Kaunda on a two year contract.
Kaunda moves to Kabwe as a free agent after spending five seasons at Lumwana.
The ex-Kitwe United central defender believes Warriors will give him a platform to excel.
“I had a lot of options but decided to join Kabwe Warriors because I know it is a big team,” Kaunda said.
“It is a great opportunity to join Kabwe Warriors; I will have more exposure for the National Team, other bigger clubs and foreign teams to notice me. I just need to work hard,” he said.
Kaunda is looking forward to the start of the 2020/21 FAZ Super Division season.
“Everything is going on well and we are keeping in shape. We are getting ready for the new season.”
Kaunda was groomed by Lusaka’s Happy Hearts of Chirenje together with his cousin Evans Kangwa – the Chipolopolo striker.
Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development, Emmanuel Mulenga says the Zambia National Services has finished rehabilitating its centres designated to accommodate street kids.
Mr. Mulenga confirmed in an interview with ZANIS in Ndola today that this follows a Memorandum of Understanding which his ministry signed with ZNS on the 15th of August this year aimed at rehabilitating street kids.
Mr. Mulenga said now that ZNS has completed the rehabilitation of its centres, his ministry working with other stakeholders will swing into action and ensure that no child remains on the street.
He said the earlier nationwide exercise to remove children from the street failed because of minor grey areas that have since been identified.
“We will remove all the kids from all the streets of Zambia and take them to national service so that they can be tutored accordingly so that they can learn survival skills,” Mr. Mulenga said.
The Minister said the government has a lot of confidence in ZNS hence identifying the institution as a reliable partner in ending streetism and ensuring that the minds of street kids are fully transformed.
Mr. Mulenga said he wants to see a situation where young people will not depend on drugs and other harmful substances for their survival but on sustainable life survival skills.
And Ndola District Child Protection Committee Vice Chairperson, Patrick Muntanga has bemoaned the increasing number of children on the streets.
Mr. Muntanga said there is need to increase budgetary allocation towards children on the street who are not even many to manage.
“There has been no specific budgetary allocation to address this need. If there has been in instances, it’s just to mobilize them and then they are out of the streets like what happened a few months ago,” Mr. Muntanga said.
President Edgar Lungu has assured the people of Chilubi district that government will engage the Zambia National Service (ZNS) to work on the embankments to improve the road network in the area.
President Lungu says government is committed to ensuring that all the development earmarked for the district are delivered on time.
He explained that this is why government will ensure that ZNS moves on site to start the construction works before the onset of the rain season.
The Head of State was speaking when he met the village headmen and women from the Chiwanagala Chiefdom from Chilubi district.
“I have been told the challenges you are facing, especially with embankment but I want to assure you that ZNS will soon move in with all the machinery to start working before the rain season,” he said.
And President LUNGU directed the area Member of Parliament (MP) Mulenga Fube and the PF candidate for the Chilubi Council chairperson, Rosemary Chimbini, to work together and ensure that plans to upgrade Mofu primary school which started in 2016 are actualized.
“The issue of upgrading the school I have been reliable informed started in 2016,I therefore urge the MP and the incoming Council chairperson to ensure that this issue is addressed for the benefit of the children in this area,” he added.
He reiterated that government will continue to engage traditional leaders in order to foster development in all parts of the country.
President Lungu further thanked the people of Chilubi voting for the PF candidate in the last parliamentary by-election and urged them to do the same in the coming Thursday by election.
“I thank you people of this area forgiving us a PF MP to work with and also vote the PF council chairperson for continued development,” he stated.
And the representative of the village headmen and women Mathews Nsofu thanked government for the various developments that are taking place in the area.
Mr. Nsofu said Chilubi both the main and the island have record a number of infrastructure development that once completed will improve the living standards of people in the area.
He also appealed to President Lungu to quickly find a lasting solutions to transportation challenges that people are currently faced such as the roads.
“Your Excellency we are happy to see you here again, and we want to thank you for the many developments that are taking place in the area in a short period of time, we are hopeful that once complete these projects will change our lives. But we have few challenges that we need your intervention such as the poor roads and the upgrading of Mofu to a secondary school” said Mr Nsofu.
The Chilubi council chairperson seat fail vacant following the death the incumbent Daniel Mwila who died in August 2020.
Four political parties are vying for the seat and these include the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) who have filled in Rosemary Chimbini, People’s Alliance for Change(PAC) have Mark Mpundu, Risto Mushembe is standing on the United Party for National Development (UPND) while United Peaceful and Prosperous Zambia has Standford Chikuma.
The by election will be held on Thursday October 22 2020.
President Lungu confers with Northern Province Minister Bwalya Chungu when he arrived in Chilubi district to drum up support for PF council chairperson candidate in Thursday’s by-election.President Edgar Lungu at welcomed by Luapula Province Minister Nixon Chikangwa on arrival at Mansa Airport
Zamtel has been awarded the Best Data Service Provider in Zambia at the 2020 Zambia Ecommerce Awards held on Saturday.
Zamtel beat off competition to emerge as the country’s most preferred data service producer for individual, retail and wholesale customers.
The awards ceremony that was held virtually recognized Zamtel’s strong efforts in providing quality and consistent data services in Zambia.
Commenting on the award, Zamtel Chief Commercial Officer Chibeza Ngoma said it was gratifying that the industry and consumers have realized the strides made by Zamtel in providing world class data services in Zambia.
“For us, this award could not have come at a better when we are celebrating our first anniversary since we launched Velocity, our home internet offering that has revolutionalised the way Zambians experience internet,” Mr Ngoma said.
He stated that Zamtel will continue investing in creating a strong infrastructure backbone that will support the growth of E-commerce in Zambia.
“Most importantly, we wish thank our customers for voting for us and for continuing to believe in our services in this very highly competitive environment.”
The Awards, now in its second year running were established with the sole purpose of recognizing and rewarding businesses and individuals that are taking the lead in promoting E-commerce in Zambia.
The awards are organised by the Institute for Finance and Economics (IFE) headed by Former Bank of Zambia Governor Dr Caleb Fundanga and finalists and eventual winners are selected by consumers.
A project funded by the African Development Bank in Mpulungu district in Northern Province could lose the funding if it does not resolve the wrangle around the site where the market is to be constructed, following disputes.
According to the records the African Development Bank, the bank supporting the construction works through the Lake Tanganyika Development Project has given the Government an ultimatum to sort out the land wrangles by the 20th of December, 2020 or the money will be sent back to the bank.
Yesterday, Residents of Mpulungu district in Northern Province signed a petition asking government to continue with the construction of a modern market at Ngwenye Market.
The marketeers who staged a peaceful demonstration explained that they want government to continue with the construction of the market which has stalled after some people claimed ownership of the land.
Speaking on behalf of the residents, Chikopo Mbao said people in the area are in dire need of a market as they currently have no shelter.
He said this is making it difficult for them to trade especially in the rain season.
Mr. Mbao explained that Mpulungu has lagged behind in terms of modern markets adding that the constructions of Ngwenye market is therefore a welcome move.
“What we want as residents is a modern market at Ngwenye so that all the challenges which traders go through when conducting business is addressed” said Mr. Mbao.
And Elizabeth Musonda who is a trader at the old Ngwenye market explained that most women depend on selling from the market adding that the lack of the market is a big challenge for them.
Ms. Musonda lamented that traders at the old market used to lose their products as it was not properly secured.
She added that once the modern market is constructed, it will help secure products and keep away thieves who were terrorizing the market place.
“Some of our colleagues especially those operating restaurants use wooden shelters which if it catches fire it will be a disaster for all of us,” Ms. Musonda lamented.
“We will be more comfortable and safe when the market is constructed unlike using the wooden shelters that we have been using which are not safe and hygienic” she added.
Meanwhile the Walamo Traditional Culture Committee Treasurer Eden Chifunda said the committee is disappointed with the land wrangles that have erupted at the construction site of the market.
Mr. Chifunda said the committee has allowed for the construction works to continue as they realize that it is meant to benefit the general citizenry.
“As a committee who owns the land, we have given it out for development purposes after consultations from all members of the committee” he said.
The government says it is amending the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) act to address among others, issues surrounding the export of maize.
Vice President Inonge Wina who was speaking in Chipata when she held a meeting with the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZCCI) said the current restrictions on maize export is not meant to punish farmers, but an effort to safeguard lives by ensuring there is enough food in strategic reserves.
She disclosed that the government fed up to 2.7 million disaster victims in 2018/19 and part of 2020.
Ms Wina was responding to concerns raised by Chipata District Farmers Union Chairman Vigil Malambo who said the government should allow farmers to export maize especially in instances where FRA fails to give a competitive price.
He said the current situation is not benefitting anyone as farmers have opted to smuggle the commodity.
“Government should consider giving export licenses to traders who will be paying tax to allow them sell the grain anywhere, this way everyone will benefit”, he said.
In her response, the Vice President said the act has been tabled to parliament with the view of amending it to maybe consider giving export permits.
“Government is working with the FRA act to see how best this can be done so that hopefully, changes can be made with regards to exports in the next marketing season”, Ms Wina explained.
She further said government targets to reserve 1 million tonnes of maize every year but has had a challenge with grain marketers who rush into buying the grain even before the moisture content adequately drops.
She said some of the people who buy maize are foreigners who sometimes follow farmers in their respective fields to buy the grain.
“Because of this trend, FRA finds limited stocks by the time it starts buying. This is why government is forced to put in these restrictions, to ensure there is enough good to respond to unforeseen situations” she noted.
The Vice President used the platform to thank the Chamber for the role it has been playing in safeguarding business and being a key development partner.
And Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZCCI) Vice President Laurian Haangala appealed to government to encourage companies it deals with to register with ZCCI as a way of getting assurance that such companies are genuine.
Mr Haangala noted that ensuring that companies register with the chamber will also give confidence to foreign investors.
“It is important that business companies belong to the Chamber, this will rule out uncertainties on the genuineness of such companies. And government is key in ensuring this is attained”, he said.
The chamber also tackled among others, the effects of covid- 19 on business in the region saying business has been negatively affected imploring government to make it easy for local companies to seek redress.
Ruling Patriotic Front Secretary General Hon. Davies Mwila has expressed confidence that Zambians will vote the party back into power in the 2021 General Elections.
Speaking on ZNBC Sunday Interview with Grevazio Zulu, Mr. Mwila said the PF government has delivered unprecedented infrastructure development to the country than any government had done before.
He said if Zambians compared the works done by previous governments of UNIP and MMD, the PF had done exceedingly more than those two government in 10 years.
He said the number of roads, bridges, schools, hospitals and other public infrastructure done by government was there to see by Zambians.
He also said that government had introduced new programmes such as community fish farming and had increased support to small-scale farmers living in rural areas.
He said Zambians have also had an opportunity to know President Lungu and his commitment to better the lives of Zambians.
The Secretary General has urged the party’s structures to welcome and work with mobilisation committees that were formed to complement the work of the party on the ground.
He said it was imperative that friction rising between the mobilisation teams and party structures was stopped for the good of the party.
He said some members of the party structures have not welcomed the mobilization committees and appealed to them to work together.
Meanwhile Mr. Mwila has emphasized that the adoption of candidates for elective positions will be done on merit basis.
He said only members of Parliament, Mayors and councillors that have performed well will be considered for re-adoption.
Mr. Mwila has also advised the opposition political parties to support Bill 10 so that constitutional amendments such as the Public Order Act could be done to make the conduct of the 2021 elections easier.
LONDON, Monday, 19 October 2020- Zambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Lt. Gen. Paul Mihova has implored Zambians both home and away to jealously guard the peace that the country has been enjoying as peace is a rare gem.
Addressing Zambians in the United Kingdom during the commemoration of the National Day of Pray and Fasting, organized by the Zambia Overseas Christian Fellowship (ZOCF) UK and the Zambian High Commission, the High Commissioner said the peace that Zambia has enjoyed over the past 56 years is as a result of the favour of God upon Zambia and therefore, must be cherished and guarded jealously by all.
“Fellow Zambians I implore you not to take the peace and unity that we are enjoying for granted as these are vital to the attainment of prosperity. For development to take place, you need a peaceful environment, for investors to come and invest in the country you need a peaceful environment, therefore, peace and unity are a prerequisite to prosperity, and this cannot be over emphasized,” he said.
He said as Zambians, we must ensure that we remain united and work together in order to attain the much needed prosperity in line with John chapter 3 verse 2 which says “I wish above all things that you prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers”.
“Fellow Zambians, another important factor to consider is that the prayer of faith will always commit God to intervene in the affairs of men. Therefore, let us not give up but continually unite and pray for the people of Zambia without ceasing. I am confident that God will hear from heaven and heal our land. Today’s prayers is a clear demonstration of the Humility, Unity and Peace that exist among the people of Zambia and I am assured that God, who takes pleasure in the prosperity of his people will reward us accordingly as we diligently seek him,” he said.
And offering a word of exhortation, Pastor Simon Nkole, senior pastor, Kitts Green from Birmingham called on all Zambians in the diaspora to take a step and help develop Zambia. “If we do not take part in developing Zambia, no one will develop it for us. Let us all take part in the development of our country Zambia.”
UPND Leader Hakainde Hichilema and his team blocked from visiting NDC leader Dr Chishimba Kambwili at Kamwala remand prison on the Day of National PrayersUPND Leader Hakainde Hichilema and his team blocked from visiting NDC leader Dr Chishimba Kambwili at Kamwala remand prison on the Day of National PrayersUPND Leader Hakainde Hichilema and his team blocked from visiting NDC leader Dr Chishimba Kambwili at Kamwala remand prison on the Day of National PrayersUPND Leader Hakainde Hichilema and his team blocked from visiting NDC leader Dr Chishimba Kambwili at Kamwala remand prison on the Day of National PrayersUPND Leader Hakainde Hichilema and his team blocked from visiting NDC leader Dr Chishimba Kambwili at Kamwala remand prison on the Day of National PrayersFelix Mutati at a Church Service during the day of National PrayersHarry Kabala and Felix Mutati attending a church Service during the day of National PrayersFelix Mutati , Kelvin Bwalya Fube KBF and Harry Kalaba at the Church ServiceLusaka Lawyer Kelvin Bwalya Fube KBF at the church service on the day of National Prayers
Defence and Security chair of Eastern Province singing during the National day of prayer theme: Zambia seeks God’s intervation for sustained national unity, peace and prosperity in Chipata. Sunday 18, 2020. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ ZANIS Cambine Eastern Province Chair singing during the National day of prayer theme: Zambia seeks God’s intervation for sustained national unity, peace and prosperity in Chipata. Sunday 18, 2020. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ ZANISPeople from different walks of life with Zambia Army personal following the proceeding during the National day of prayer Clergy men following the proceedings during the National day of prayer theme: Zambia seeks God’s intervation for sustained national unity, peace and prosperity in Chipata October 18, 2020. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS-Zambia Army personal following the proceeding during the National day of prayer Clergy men following the proceedings during the National day of prayer theme: Zambia seeks God’s intervation for sustained national unity, peace and prosperity in Chipata October 18, 2020. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANISReligous Affairs Permanent Secretary Haword Sikwela and DMMU National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe follow the proceeding during the National day of prayer theme: Zambia seeks God’s intervation for sustained national unity, peace and prosperity in Chipata October 18, 2020. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS
President Edgar Lungu and First Lady Esther Lungu on arrival at Showgrounds in Lusaka for National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation on Sunday, 18th October, 2020 -Pictures By THOMAS NSAMA/STATE HOUSEPresident Edgar Lungu and First Lady Esther Lungu at Show Grounds in Lusaka during the National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation on Sunday, 18th October, 2020 -Pictures By THOMAS NSAMA/STATE HOUSEPresident Edgar Lungu and First Lady Esther Lungu at Show Grounds in Lusaka during the National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation on Sunday, 18th October, 2020 -Pictures By THOMAS NSAMA/STATE HOUSE
Leaders of the opposition Political Parties takes to the dance floor during the National Day of Prayer,Fasting and reconciliation in the Show Grounds yesterdayPresident Edgar Lungu with First Lady Esther Lungu reading Bible’s during the commemoration of the National Day of Prayer,Fasting and reconciliation in the Show Grounds yesterday,Leaders of the Opposition Political Parties joins in Prayers during the Commemoration of the National Day of Prayer,Fasting and reconciliation in the Show Grounds yesterdayCabinet Ministers Praying during the Commemoration of the National Day of Prayer,Fasting and reconciliation in the Show Grounds yesterdaySpeaker of the National Assembly Dr Patrick Matibini and Deputy Chief Justice Michael Musonda at National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation at Lusaka Showgrounds on Sunday, 18th October, 2020 -Pictures By THOMAS NSAMA/STATE HOUSEPresident Edgar Lungu with First Lady Esther arrives in the pavilion during the Commemoration of the National Day of Prayer,Fasting and reconciliation in the Show Grounds yesterdayPresident Edgar Lungu speaks with Northmead Assembly of God Bishop Joshua Banda shortly after National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation at Lusaka Showgrounds on Sunday, 18th October, 2020 -Pictures By THOMAS NSAMA/STATE HOUSE
Within the space of a month, the officers from the Department of National Registration, Passport and Citizenship were victims of UPND thugs in Muchinga Province. We then heard of the PF office in Munali vandalized on a Sunday after UPND cadres stage managed damage to their ward office within Munali.
Later we saw the UPND torching down their office in Nakonde, untill last week the two police officers being abducted among other terrible events. These series of events cannot be said to be random ones, they might be expertly designed and executed by an organized group of people wishing to achieve a particular cause.
The UPND has for sometime agitated for reprisals and it should be of concern when the pockets of disorderly conduct are recorded in other parts of the country. These could be the preliminary tests aimed at setting the stage for mass rebellion ahead of the politically charged year and preventionary efforts must be put in place.
The UPND are testing the depth of the ocean in preparation for 2021.On the other hand, the statement by the UPND foul mouthed leader Gilbert Liswaniso that they would mobilize at least a convoy of 1, 000 vehicles to escort the UPND leader to Mpika is an admission of our previous claims that the opposition party is not popular in the Northern circuit but banks on the goodwill of the artificial and mobile crowd.
It clearly exposes their disrespect against the directive by authorities for political parties not to ferry cadres. With all fairness, the police must be allowed to function independently without the harrassment from the artificial crowd. Like any other citizen, HH is not above the law and if there is a reasonable cause to believe that he maybe of help to any ongoing investigations, the police must feel free to summon him.
The announcement by Gilbert clearly shows that the UPND have exempted their leader from accountability. The Minister of Home Affairs Honorable Stephen Kampyongo disclosed that Sesheke MP Romeo Kang’ombe was implicated as being in a vehicle that the a abducted police officers were disarmed from and consequently bundled to unknown destination like common criminals.
We see no reason why Honorable Kang’ombe or HH cannot be summoned to state their side regarding the events in question.
We are also anxiously and intently wondering why UPND takes pride to invest their resources in activities that are meant to benefit HH as opposed to UPND cadres. From the remarks attributed to Gilbert, it is clear UPND is likely to set aside colossal sums of money to mobilize the vehicles that will ferry mostly jobless UPND youths to Mpika.
This casts doubts on whether the UPND has capacity to prudently utilize batiobal resources. If we can ask; what is priority to UPND between empowering their “apparent jobless youths” or delving into HH’s personal battles with law enforcement agencies? Will will be wrong to suggest that a UPND in Government will focus on using national resources to fight personal battles at the expense of the nation? If they cannot exemplary utilize their resources to empower their youth, it will be miraculous to see them channelling expenditure to National developmental projects.
We therefore implore law enforcement agencies to take measures and see to it that only whose presence is necessary must be in Mpika. Anyone who will attempt to hijack the program must have themselves to blame.
Zambia Police has said that calls by the United Party for National Development (UPND) officials, calling for people will be tantamount to unlawful assembly or conducting an illegal procession that is against the law.
In a statement released to the media by Zambia Police Spokesperson Esther Katongo, Zambia Police advised the people wishing to do so not to proceed with their plan.
“There is no need for sympathisers , in this regard, to come into conflict with the law. As per our mandate of maintaining law and order in the country, we will be at hand to do just that,” Mrs Katongo said.
“We therefore advise all those planning to travel to Muchinga Province for the above mentioned reason to rescind their decision,”
Mrs Katongo further said that it is not true that the opposition UPND leader, Mr Hakainde Hichilema is among those summoned.
Senior Chief Chipepo of the Tonga people of the Gwembe Valley, in Chirundu district, has urged the government to halt the teaching of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in schools.
Speaking during the commemoration of the Day of National Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation held at the showgrounds in Lusaka, Snr Chief Chipepo said CSE sexualizes children, promotes alien sexual education and practices, and was harmful to children.
Snr Chief Chipepo said CSE was not an answer to challenges related to teen pregnancies, child marriages, and sexual abuse against adolescents as argued by its promoters. He said CSE was against Zambia’s cultural, traditional and religious values and urged government to abandon its teaching in schools.
The traditional leader becomes the second one after Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba people condemned the teaching of condemned CSE. Paramount Chitimukulu expressed concern that CSE was graphic and was not age-appropriate especially that the curriculum targeted children as young as those attending schools from Grade 5 to Grade 7.
Many stakeholders including the Church, have condemned the implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Zambia citing concerns and sensitivities. He stated that it violates cultural, traditional and family values.
CSE is also condemned for introducing children to other gender identities beyond male and female, and for forcing children to accept and respect the LGBT community. Promoters of Comprehensive Sexuality Education, UNFPA, UNESCO and IPPF contend that CSE will help reduce teen pregnancies, child sexual abuse and child marriages.
The agencies have collaborated with Curriculum Development Centre at the Ministry of Education to integrate and roll out CSE in the national education curriculum. Vice President Inonge Wina informed Parliament that the government had halted the full implementation of CSE until a multi-sectoral technical working group met with stakeholders and ironed out all the concerns surrounding CSE.
Meanwhile, Chief Chipepo condemned the abuse of young people by politicians. He said the politicians use other people’s children in political violence. “Let the politicians behave as human beings not like animals. We refuse the spirit of recruiting our children as cadres, leaving their own children,”.
He said political leaders should afford education and job opportunities to young people and not abuse them for violence.
UNITED PARTY FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Secretary General, Stephen Katuka has demanded for the immediate arrest of Serenje district Vice youth Chairman Esau Jere for attacking UPND President Hakainde Hichilema’s entourage in full view of the police.
And UPND Chairman for Agriculture Levy Ngoma says the party will not avail its leader Hakainde Hichilema before any Muchinga Police station as he was the victim of PF aggression.
Addressing the media in Lusaka this morning, Mr Katuka said it was appalling to note that the police have failed to arrest Mr. Jere who is visibly seen in both video and pictorial footage carrying and throwing stones at the UPND Presidential convoy in pure infringement of President Hichilema’s fundamental freedoms of movement and assembly.
He said the police must first move in and arrest the known PF cadres who caused full scale damage to property in Serenje and Lavushimanda districts before issuing any call outs to the UPND leader.
“We are aware that there is a police call out somewhere for President Hichilema. On the Serenje incident, the UPND convoy was on a public road so there is no way we could just stop our vehicles to start attacking anyone. We demand for the arrest of one Esau Jere, the PF Youth Chairman for Serenje who was the mastermind of the trail of destruction in that area. We demand for the arrest of those who caused the fracas before they could demand for HH’s arrest,” he said.
And Mr.Ngoma said only a sane victim can report themselves to the police for questioning and added that the party will not allow its President to leave for Chinsali on police instructions.
“We are the victims.President Hichilema was the victim of the PF attack and we find it absurd that the police has decided to the victim and not the aggressors for interviews.We are also aware that the PF has set up teams between Kabwe and Chinsali to cause mayhem and harm the UPND team.Let the police protect this one man called Hichilema who is a bonafide citizen of this country and not harass him.That we shall not allow”,Mr Ngoma added.
Movement for Democratic Change MDC President Felix Mutati has called on the church in Zambia to preach peace and unity, especially that the 2021 general elections are fast approaching.
Mr Mutati who took part in the day of national prayer, fasting and reconciliation at St John’s UCZ congregation in Kabwe observed that the country is sliding towards the crossroads and eroding the fundamentals as well as the vision enshrined in the national anthem of togetherness.
He attended the church service at the invitation of renowned lawyer Kelvin Bwalya Fube KBF and was also joined by opposition Democratic Party President Harry Kalaba.
“Our conversation must be about preaching the unity in diversity, preaching peace and preaching reconciliation. As a nation, we have many challenges and sometimes have a feeling that we are sliding towards the crossroads, eroding the fundamentals and our vision that is enshrined in the national anthem of ‘Ubuntu’ oneness.” He said.
Mr Mutati said the day of national prayer, fasting and reconciliation is of great significance hence the need for the church to focus on preaching unity in diversity, peace and reconciliation beyond 18th October only.
Mr Mutati said people also need to utilize the day to reconcile and heal wounds that they might have inflicted on each other.
He further called on the people to pray for politicians who are bound to error because the responsibility of what those in politics do lies in the same people.
And Mr Mutati called on Zambians to choose leaders wisely as the elections approach because as voters, they hold the power to elect credible leaders that will drive the country towards achieving its developmental aspirations.
“We ask you to choose leaders wisely because you are the ones that hold the power to elect anyone, we do not have that power as politicians” Mr Mutati said.
This is according to a statement issued by MDC Deputy Media Director Edmond Mbanga Miti.
President Edgar Lungu and First Lady Esther Lungu today joined hundreds of Lusaka residents to commemorate the National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation which falls every year on October 18 at Lusaka showgrounds.
In attendance were various members of the Clergy, who led the programme in intercessory prayers, leaders of opposition political parties and members of the general public.
The event was characterised by songs of praise and worship done by different choir groups and prayers with the homily conducted by Father Lastone Lupupa of the Catholic Church.
This year’s theme for recognizing the Day was dubbed Zambia Seeks God’s Intervention for Sustained National Unity, Peace and Prosperity.
National Day of Prayer Organising Committee Chairperson, Joshua Banda noted that the theme in itself partially defines the purpose of today’s gathering.
Bishop Banda advised on the need to pray for sustained unity, peace and prosperity while the nation observe the day as the main key areas of seeking God’s intervention.
“In light of the fact that from time to time we as a people by our ingratitude to God and our insensitivity to one another, turn to weaken ourselves in the noble quest and commitment to celebrate our unity in our merging diversity we have been indulged with. As a result, we find ourselves sometimes quarreling and even trading insults and we have regrettably even resorted to violence especially during election intervals,” he stated.
The Bishop said the day hence gives an opportunity for all Zambians to confess all the faults to one another as the nation turns to God in fasting and repentance with a determination to reconcile.
And Bishop Banda further noted that the second facet of the theme mentions peace which defines the other purpose of today’s gathering.
“Peace is a rare commodity that God has blessed Zambia with. Our gathering together therefore, from all walks of life setting aside any differences is an indication of our determination to call upon God for help to sustain the peace and harmony that we badly need,” the Bishop indicated.
He added that the country also need to seek God’s intervention in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic that Zambia like any other country has been battling with over the last few months.
Bishop Billy Mfula of Jesus anointed Ministries prayed for peace, unity and prosperity and urged political leaders and national leaders to take advantage of their positions to promote peace and unity in the country.
Other Clergy who participated in intercessory prayers were Bishop David Masupa, President of the Independent Churches of Zambia who rendered a thanksgiving prayer for everything God has done in the nation.
Bishop Edgar Ng’ambi of Praise Christian Centre International and Bishop Sydney Sichilima, Synod Bishop of the United Church of Zambia prayed for confession and National repentance and the rededication of the nation to God respectively, among others.
