Advertisement Banner
Friday, August 22, 2025
Home Blog Page 2508

Stalemate in Gabon-Zambia friendly

9

Zambia forced a goalless draw against Gabon in a friendly played in Libreville on Sunday.

Coach Wedson Nyirenda’s side was in Libreville to warm up for the June 10 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mozambique in Ndola.

Nyirenda featured local stars who will be joined by seven foreign based players ahead of the Mozambique clash at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

The coach started with Power Dynamos keeper Allan Chibwe between in goal with Adrian Chama, Lawrence Chungu, Billy Mutale and Isaac Shamujompa manning the backline.

The forwards were Ronald Kampamba, Brian Mwila and Stanley Nshimbi while the midfield had Fwayo Tembo, Collins Sikombe and Jackson Chirwa.

Meanwhile, Chipolopolo will fly straight from Libreville to Ndola where they will set up camp for the Mozambique match.

According to FAZ, foreign based players will join camp on Sunday with Zesco United and Zanaco who had continental engagements.

PF reacts to Mwenya Musenge’s attempt to visit HH in Prison

60
Copperbelt Minister Menye Musenga , Chishimba Kambwili watching a football match over the weekend
FILE:Copperbelt Minister Menye Musenga , Chishimba Kambwili watching a football match over the weekend in May 2016

The ruling Patriotic Front has said that the reported prison visit by former Copperbelt Minister Hon Mwenya Musenge is nothing but a failed political stint.

The Former Copperbelt Minister is reported in the MAST newspaper that he was yesterday sent away from Lusaka Central Prison when he went to visit incarcerated UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema and former PF member Obvious Mwaliteta.

In a statement released to the media and signed by Sunday Chanda, the Media Director, PF said that party  had no issues with how people nomadically and politically align themselves.

Below is the full statement

MUSENGE’s VISIT TO HICHILEMA IS A FAILED POLITICAL STUNT

Lusaka, Zambia – The reported prison visit by former Copperbelt Minister Hon Mwenya Musenge is nothing but a failed political stint. It is clear for all to see that it was premeditated and stage-managed to fit into a narrative. The Patriotic Front has no issues with how people nomadically and politically align themselves. Students of political history know for a fact that individuals have sold out politically at one time or another and the actions or inactions before they do so are highly predicable.

Nobody gets shocked after a bat falls to the ground in its sleep because it sleeps upside down and positioned to fall at any given moment. The leadership of the Patriotic Front and members alike can read through some of these actions by a section of members of the party pushing an agenda which is clear for all to see. We are not a party of political novices and under-fives but one led by a politically astute leadership with a rich and credible profile of Zambia’s political institutional memory.

Individual members of the Party have a right to associate and disassociate. This includes them visiting persons and places of their choice.

The carefree ones can opt to visit hell or the moon, as the case might be but it becomes an issue if by their visitation, they compromise or bring into ridicule Patriotic Front’s political standing and objectives. At that point, the relevant mechanisms provided for under the Party Constitution and Disciplinary code come into effect and affected individuals should be ready to pay the price.

We know of political parties such as the United Party for National Development (UPND) which forbids any of their members from visiting State House or they are labelled traitors and the consequences are dire to imagine. We know of political parties such as the UPND which forbids its members from participating in national events being graced by the Head of State President Edgar Chagwa Lungu or they are treated as political lepers.

It is also important to state that the narrative created by the Musenge story is fabricated as part of the stage management earlier on alluded to. It is aimed at painting a bad picture on the ruling party when it is reported that “a prison guard comes running with a telephone in hand shouting all of you stop what you are doing and get out, you will cause me problems, just get out”.

This is another deceitful line in the story crafted to suit UPND’s narrative and the objective behind Mr. Musenge’s visit.

The Patriotic Front is aware that there is a sustained public relations drive to malign this its Government worldwide with the international press having taken a stand and is everyday spewing a very negative outlook on Zambia. We are aware that part of this scheme is getting desperate voices in the ruling party and grant them media space in hostile media after they make such rehearsed media stints.

Lastly, we are calling on Party membership across the Country to be vigilant and in high alert as they watch out for parasitic political opportunists among ourselves who seek to undermine the authority and leadership of our President Edgar Lungu and the Patriotic Front. We must collectively guard against elements that seek to dilute the Party’s core values and principles.

Issued by:
Sunday Chanda
Director for Media
PATRIOTIC FRONT HEADQUARTERS

Zesco beat Libolo to reclaim Group C lead

5

Zesco United are back at the top of Group C in the 2017 CAF Confederation Cup after a 1-0 home win over CRD Libolo on Sunday at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

An Idris Mbombo goal in the 26th minute saw Zesco reclaim top spot a fortnight after they lost 1-0 away to Al Hilal Obied on May 24 in Sudan.

The win sees Zesco open a two point lead at the top of Group C on 6 points, two more than Egyptian club Smouha and Obied who drew 1-1 in Alexandria on Saturday evening.

Libolo are bottom of Group C after sustaining their second successive loss just two weeks after losing 2-0 in Egypt to Smouha.

Zesco visit Libolo in the two sides final leg tie on June 21 in Calulo, Angola.

Selling of anointing oil promotes idolatry-Sumaili

26

Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili
Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili
Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili says selling of anointing oil by some clergy is bad because it brings idolatry in the church.Reverend Sumaili says anointing oil is Biblical but selling it is not because the word of God is free for all.

Speaking during an installation service at Maranatha Church in Kitwe , Reverend Sumaili quoted the book of Isaiah 10 verse 27 which says burdens can be lifted through the anointing oil.

She said some clergy have abused the anointing oil by selling it to make money and has called for the practice to come to an end.The Minister said her ministry will not allow false gospel to continue being preached in the country.Reverend Sumaili said true gospel is for the deliverance of life, edifying people and prospering the nation.

And during the installation of Senior Pastor Gaity Simuusa of Maranatha Church, Reverend Sumaili urged the man of God to preach the truth and love the congregation.Giving a prayer during the service, Reverend Sumaili said true gospel is about God and the Bible should be the guide to all the clergy.

Meanwhile, Reverend Simuusa pledged to work with all civic authorities to ensure he contributes to national development.Reverend Simuusa further said he will respect the relationship between the state and the church and will endeavor to diligently work for the nation.

Attacks on the Chief Justice must stop-Sunday Chanda

27

Sunday Chanda
Sunday Chanda
Patriotic Front – P F Media Director Sunday Chanda says the growing trend of political parties attacking the judiciary at will, must stop.Mr. Chanda says the recent attacks on Chief Justice Irene Mambilima by some political parties is unfortunate and must be condemned by all well-meaning Zambians.

He says if left unchecked, the trend has potential to divert the country from following laws to one where people disrespect the same laws they have enacted.Mr. Chanda said this in an interview with ZNBC news in Lusaka.

He noted that the judiciary is the oasis of justice for all Zambians and that it is blind to individuals, political affiliations and should be defended by all citizens.

Mr. Chanda explained that those who feel aggrieved by the judicial processes must channel their complaints through institutions such as the Judicial Complaints Authority.

PF will start develivering on it’s promises in Chingola-Kamyongo

5

Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo
Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo
Minister of Home Affairs Stephen Kamyongo has assured the electorate in Chingola that President Edgar Lungu’s Government will not fail to deliver on its mandate and campaign promises.Mr. Kampyongo says a number of development projects, including the facelift of townships roads, are already planned and will commence soon.

The Minister, who is also Patriotic Front-PF National Youth Chairperson, was speaking during a meeting with Chingola Mayor Titus Tembo, District Commissioner Mary Chibesa and Nchanga parliamentarian Chali Chilombo at the civic center.

And Mr. Kampyongo is concerned with the level of vandalism of Zesco Limited and Mulonga Water and Sewerage Company installations.He has warned that those found wanting will face the full wrath of the law because Government is spending colossal sums of money to ensure residents receive constant clean water.

And Chingola District Commissioner Mary Chibesa announced that the contractor to work on Township roads has mobilized equipment in readiness to start the works.Ms. Chibesa said Government will shame its detractors because President LUNGU will in due course launch the upgrading of Township roads in the District.

Earlier, Chingola Mayor Titus Tembo expressed displeasure at the mushrooming of copper smelter plants in the District.Mr. Tembo wondered how some foreign nationals are operating copper smelter plants even when it is clear that they do NOT operate any mine to act as a source of copper ore.

Chishimba to stage a one man protest against alleged Chinese Corruption at Statehouse

28
United Progressive People (UPP) leader Saviour Chishimba
United Progressive People (UPP) leader Saviour Chishimba

The United Progressive People (UPP) Party President Saviour Chishimba has announced that he will do a one man protest tomorrow to protest against Chinese Corruption at Statehouse.

In a statement made available to the media, the UPP leader said that he will not need not need a police permit because he is not calling for a public meeting.

“I will just be alone in the land of liberties for which freedom fighters died and sacrificed all they had for. Let the police therefore be warned that this country is bigger than a compromised Police Command, ” read the statement.

Below is the dull statement

THE UPP PRESIDENT WILL DO A ONE MAN WALK-BY PROTEST AGAINST CHINESE CORRUPTION AT STATE HOUSE AS WELL AS UNDERTAKE A PROTEST AT CHINA HAINAN (Z) LTD HEAD OFFICE TO DEMAND JUSTICE FOR EVICTED ZAMBIANS FROM LUBARMA MARKET

As an indigenous Zambian and leader of the United Progressive People (UPP), I will be undertaking the following protests tomorrow, Monday June 5, 2017 starting at 10:30 am:

1. 10:30 am: China Hainan (Z) Headquarters – Protest against the eviction of struggling Zambian market shop owners at Lubarma Market in Kamwala

2. 11:30 am: Civic Centre Mayor’s Parlour – Protest against the failure by Lusaka City Council to review the 65 year illegal lease of Lubarma Market to China Hainan (Z) Limited

3. 12:30 pm: State House – Protest against Chinese corruption in Zambia and hostile economic conditions under the PF regime as well as call for action against corruption

4. 1:30 pm: Lubarma Market – Mourn a female trader who died last week as a result of pressure from the hostile China Hainan, and later undertake a tour of the market shop stalls that are affected by the action of China Hainan.

From the outset, let me make it clear that I will not need a police permit because I am not calling for a public meeting. I will just be alone in the land of liberties for which freedom fighters died and sacrificed all they had for. Let the police therefore be warned that this country is bigger than a compromised Police Command.

The protest is predicated on the deeply troubling and disturbing developments that have taken place at Lubarma Market since 2001. Sadly, justice for the poor people of Zambia and marketeers does not appear to be coming from successive governments.

The evidence in our possession reveals the following:

1. On 9th August, 2001, the Lusaka City Council entered into a lease agreement with Chaina Hainan (Z) Limited in respect of the 2.7 hectares stand LUS/3502, 4563 and 4564 also known as “Lubarma Market”.

2. The lease agreement was entered into after the Full Council Meeting on 13th July 2001 under minute number C/116/07/2001.

3. Clause 6.1 of the lease agreement provides thus, “The Developer will be entitled to exclusive use and have the right to lease and occupation of all the 121 Numbers shops and parking facilities for the shop tenant i.e. the rest of the facilities on the Stand which shall only be available for use by the Developer and its Lessees but for use by no other person or party unless agreed to in writing by the Developer who shall be entitled to all rentals accruing thereto for a period of 65 years calculated from the date of the issue of the Certificate of Occupation. The Lusaka City Council ensure the Developer a peaceful possession for the above specified period without interruption.” (UNEDITED clause).

4. Clause 6.3 gives the Developer (China Hainan) the liberty to use the Market as collateral for loans during the period of the lease, which was duly signed by the mayor and town clerk for Lusaka City Council, and a Mr. Xu Zhongqing (Director) and Mr. Chen Heshu (Secretary) for China Hainan. Zambian entrepreneurs can also borrow if given the chance and one wonders how a sane government can give this privilege to a foreign “investor.””

5. The 65 year lease agreement is in clear conflict with subsection four of section four of the Markets and Bus Stations Act of the Laws of Zambia which provides thus, “Any public-private partnership entered into shall not be for a period longer than fourteen years”

6. The total investment in the project by China Hainan was US$3.5 million, but the total receipts in rentals (excluding all forms of taxes and withholding tax which is levied on market shop owners) earned so far is in excess of US$14, 333, 952 in twelve years. This means that China Hainan has not only recouped the investment, but also reaped off the close to 20 million poor people of Zambia.

7. In 2004, the National Assembly of Zambia urged the MMD Government to re-negotiate the lease agreement, but the appeal landed on corrupt and deaf ears.

8. On 28th June, 2014, the Lubarma Market lease agreement vanished, but UPP has since managed to retrieve it by the power of the Spirit of God and it is secure in our possession for further drastic action against the corrupt and crooked PF regime.

9. On 5th July, 2014 the PF Regime announced that the lease agreement was going to be re-negotiated, but this has not been done due to Chinese corruption and the PF “Working in Reverse” syndrome.

10. Twenty nine (29) of the market shops are occupied by Chinese traders, 7 Nigerians, 4 Lebanese and 5 Tanzanians, among others. This is evidence of how the Chinese have taken over ordinary market trading, which must be a preserve of Zambians.

11. China Hainan was charging rentals in dollars and during the free fall of the Kwacha against the dollar in 2013/14 traders were affected since China Hainan continued to demand payments either in dollars or Kwacha equivalent. Market shops that were rented at US$1, 000 (K3, 000) per month, for instance, were now going for K13, 900. This increase was close to 500% in rental payment. In this context, if a shop owner had paid K30, 000 as 6 months in advance this became 2 months rental under the prevailing economic conditions. During this period, Zambian market traders accrued rental debts in excess of K3 million in a very short period of time. Clearly, this is unsustainable and the Ministry of Commerce must bailout these struggling traders who have families to care for in their own country.

12. On 21st October, 2015, the Bank of Zambia issued a directive to stop dollar pricing in the country. Nonetheless, China Hainan pegged the exchange rate at K10 per dollar even when the Kwacha has over the past year appreciated to a single digit (though stage managed). This is exploitative and illegal.

13. In 2015, fifty six (56) market shop traders took the matter to court in an attempt to stop China Hainan from exploiting them.

14. On 30th June, 2016, the Lusaka High Court delivered the judgment under cause number 2015/HP/197. The judgement, which is somehow vague, but was in favour of the applicants (market traders) in terms of directing China Hainan to only apply the dollar rental policy for the period before the Bank of Zambia directive. This means that China Hainan may not apply dollar equivalent rentals – it should not even determine a fixed exchange rate. Rentals must be charged in Kwacha without making any reference to the dollar exchange rate.

15. While the judgement gives China Hainan the liberty to evict market shop traders for failure to pay arrears, due consideration should be made on the basis of the primary economic conditions which put these hard working marketeers in such a situation. The PF Government was solely responsible for running down the economy through corruption of which bogus Chinese contractors have been paymasters of corruption.

We, in the UPP, commend Hon. Vincent Mwale, the Minister of Local Government, for his efforts, earlier in the year, to speak to China Hainan on behalf of the struggling marketeers.

Shockingly, the evidence in our possession shows that Hon. Given Lubinda, the Minister of Justice, has acted as the Judas Iscariot of our time by being the lead crucifier of Zambian market shop traders. He has also acted in a manner which is contrary to the Parliamentary and Ministerial Code of Conduct Act. Hon. Lubinda has aided the enforcement of the eviction of Zambian traders on whom court bailiffs pounced last week on Friday – commodities have been seized and shops closed by China Hainan. Our people have been thrown into the streets to join millions of young people who are not in employment.

UPP will be issuing a comprehensive statement on the mischief that Hon. Lubinda has committed, contrary to the provisions of the law. We are happy to note that in his own words (as per our evidence) he admitted that what he was doing (interfering in the course of justice) was illegal. He also abused his office of authority of office to have said, in his own words, that he had consulted the Solicitor General in a matter which is purely private.

China Hainan (Z) Limited has several road sector construction projects across the country and we do not expect them to show ingratitude to this country by milking blood out of the weak and poor people of Zambia whose government has kissed and gone to bed with Chinese corruption.

As progressive nationalists and revolutionary crusaders, we are enchanted and fortified to intensify the new struggle for justice in the land.

Zambia has practically become a Chinese Protectorate and the PF Regime and the immediate past MMD regime have facilitated the sale of the nation’s soul.

The struggle for independence was about land and the people of Zambia cannot claim to be independent when their own land and economy have been taken over by the Chinese through the nauseous PF corruption and bad leadership. Enough is enough!

God bless our nation!

Saviour Chishimba
UPP PRESIDENT

3rd annual Lusaka Comic Con showcases Zambian youths talent and creativity

Lusaka Comic-Con (LsCon) is a spectacle that brings together lovers of comic books, anime, video games, movies, global pop culture and visual arts. The 3rd annual event was held on Saturday 3rd June 2017 at the American Done Lusaka Show grounds. The lively event was attended by comic book culture enthusiasts (Fanboys and Fangirls) who came clad in various costumes of their favorite characters. Cosplay ( the practice of dressing up as a character from a movie , book or video game) is becoming extremely popular in Zambia . Fanboys and Fangirls came dressed in creative costumes such Wolverine from X-men , SubZero from Mortal Kombat , She-Ra Princess of Power ,and many more .

The Lusaka Comic Con had activities such :

  • Displays and sale of various styles of art work such as anime ,comic , digital paintings ,caricature ,among others.
  • Zambian made arcade game machines (made by 6 Light Media) .
  • Console games and PC games.
  • Zambian made comic books.
  • Trivia (Movies/series/video game & Japanese Anime)
  • live music performances by RnB artiste Scott , rap duo Simply Deep , and others.
  • Sale of comic books ,collectables ,toys, pop culture memorabilia (by Time Machine Zambia)

The LsCon is a great initiative as it helps to educates people and promotes local and urban art. we have so much untapped talent in Zambia which must be given a chance to be showcased to the world.

PICTURES FROM THE EVENT

cosplay at Lusaka Comic Con
Video games
Cosplay at Lusaka Comic Con
Cosplay at Lusaka Comic Con
Cosplay and Lusaka Comic Con
Arcade games
representative from 6 light media explaning how they built the arcade game machines
Origami display
Cosplay at lusaka Comic con
arcade games
Origami display
cosplay
Lusaka Comic Con
Artist displaying her art work
Artist displaying art work
art work
Performance by Scott
performance by Scott
Artists displaying their art work
Art work
Art work
Rap duo ,Simply Deep ,performing
Vinyl records on sale
Art work
Cosplay at Lusaka Comic Con
Cosplay at Lusaka Comic Con
Rap duo performing
the host of the event
Comic books on sale
Artists displaying their art work
Art work
zambian comic books
Zambian Comic book writer explaining what his comic books are about
Time Machine Zambia exhibiting their Comic books and other memorabilia
Lusaka Comic Con
Lusaka Comic Con
kids playing Arcade games
Computer games

 

BY KAPA187

Mrs Hichilema’s birthday tribute to her husband

The Hichilema family

Fellow country men and women,

The Hichilema family hereby invite you in wishing the UPND President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, a happy 55th birthday which falls today, Sunday, 4th June, 2017.

In the past, we have always celebrated Mr. Hichilema’s birthday at our residence while sharing light moments as well as discussing how he intends to provide equal opportunities for all when he forms government.

However, it is not the same this time around, as Mr. Hichilema today marked 55 days in prison and also by God’s grace reached 55 years old.

As always,  we once again call on the country to solidly stand with Mr. Hichilema by wishing him a happy birthday.

As family, just like most of you out there, we would have loved to be with him at our residence and celebrate his birthday as we have always done especially on his vision of creating opportunities for all, uniting our country beyond its current disrepair, but this is not the case this time around as Mr. Hichilema has marked his 55th birthday on his 55th day in prison.

Therefore, wherever you maybe, we call on you to join us in wishing Mr Hichilema, a son of this land a happy 55th birthday.

We count each day given to Mr.  Hichilema as a blessing from the Almighty, God.

Once more as the Hichilema family and indeed on my own behalf, we say happy birthday my husband, happy birthday Father and may God bless him.

May God bless you all,

And God bless our country.

MRS MUTINTA HICHILEMA AND CHILDREN.

Police arrest 31 foreigners using youths to steal copper from the mines

7
Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo
Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo

Police on the Copperbelt have arrested 31 foreigners allegedly using youth to steal copper from mines for their illegal mining activities. Some of the youngsters used for stealing are as young as 9-years-old.

And Minister of Home Affairs Stephen Kampyongo has said Government will restore order in the mining sector and that no culprit will be spared in the operation.

Last night deportation orders were reportedly being signed to expediently expel some of the culprits.

The operation to restore order includes Government’s assurance to provide maximum security to Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), the main victims of thefts.

Government has also reiterated its encouragement to illegal miners to form co-operatives through which they could operate without getting into conflict with the law.

Speaking yesterday after a meeting with KCM management in Chingola, Mr Kampyongo said Government wants to come up with a holistic approach on how best to meet the expectations of the mining companies and the illegal miners seeking decent lives.

“Our responsibility is to see youths empowered properly, not where you have a category of few youths who are driving big cars using other youths who are risking their lives every day,” Mr Kampyongo said.

He said government is not going to allow “vague investors” to disturb security and it would do its part by ensuring the illegal miners commonly known as ‘jerabos’ operate legally.

“We are not going to allow criminality. Our responsibility is to see our youths empowered properly,” he said.
He said all the foreigners connected to illegal mining activities will be rounded up by law enforcement officers.
He said it is worrying that the youths as young as nine-years–old are being used by unscrupulous people.

KCM chief executive officer Steve Din said the mining company is losing a lot of money through thefts.

He said KCM is willing to work with co-operatives for the sake of orderliness.

In a compressed pictorial presentation made by KCM head of security Max Maoma, the mining company unveiled damage done by illegal miners to the mine’s facilities.

And the illegal miners’ chairman, Douglous Chilembi, said his group is willing to register as a co-operative and get a certificate soon.

Mr Kampyongo went on a fact- finding mission at KCM Nchanga open-pit mine in the company of Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja, Ministry of Home Affairs deputy permanent secretary Willies Manjimela, Copperbelt commissioner of police Charity Katanga and other senior government officials.

Earlier, Mr Kampyongo warned that Government would deport foreign investors on the Copperbelt if it is proved they are bankrolling youths in Chingola and Kitwe to stage criminal activities in the mines and disturbing operations.

Mr Kampyongo said while Government appreciates investors’ contribution to the treasury, it will not allow the vices by using youths to cause disturbances to the operations of the mines.

Mr Kampyongo said this when he paid a courtesy call on Copperbelt permanent secretary Elias Kamanga at the provincial administration in Ndola yesterday.

Two people were shot at when a group of illegal small-scale miners (popularly known as jerabos) forcibly entered the KCM premises in Chingola and disturbed operations.

“For the Government to function, we require revenue and this revenue comes from the legitimate investment that we have and the mining sector has so many people it employs and suppliers who contribute to the economy of this country.

“If you have illegitimate investors who want to subtract from other investment, then they are not desirable. So our approach to this matter is to not only deal with the culprits being sent to disrupt operations, but also those who are sending them,” Mr Kampyongo said.

The minister also said that Government has contacted the diplomatic missions of foreigners involved in illegal activities and the embassies have distanced themselves form any wrongdoings in Zambia.

And Mr Kamanga said the provincial administration is happy that the Minister of Home Affairs was on the Copperbelt when there are criminal activities on the mines.

UPND is not missing GBM-Katuka

49

Secretary General Stephen Katuka
Secretary General Stephen Katuka
The opposition United party for National Development (UPND) says it is not missing its vice President Geoffrey Mwamba popularly known as GBM.

And the party says it is not worried about his absence, during this period when its leader Hakainde Hichilema remains incarcerated.

UPND Secretary General Steven Katuka has cautioned the public to stop talking about their vice president’s absence, as his party is comfortable and not complaining.

He has told QTV News that his party’s operations are running smoothly despite Mr. Mwamba’s absence.

And Mr. Katuka has stated that his party is saddened by the long incarceration of its leader.

He says that it is unfortunate that their leader will be celebrating his 55th birthday behind bars on June 4th 2017.

Mr. Katuka has condemned the countries judicial system for not according Mr. Hichilema a speedy trial.

MMD distances itself from the letter demanding the immediate release of HH

63
House of Chiefs Members Meeting in Lusaka

The Mutati MMD Faction has distanced itself from the letter written by the opposition alliance to House of Chiefs and published in the Mast newspaper on Friday demanding the release of incarcerated UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema.

MMD National Secretary Raphael Nakacinda said his party was not party of the opposition alliance as the person purporting to be in the alliance with other opposition parties was no longer the President of MMD.

In a letter dated 2nd June, 2017, Mr Nakacinda said Nevers Mumba who is the former party President signed the latter on in his personal capacity as the President of MMD was Felix Mutati and not Dr Mumba.

He explained that Dr Mumba who has refused to accept the outcome of the convention has taken the party to court but the matter has not been settled hence the collect position was that Mr Mutati who was elected as president at the party convention and recognised by the Registrar egistrar of Societies is the legitimate leader of the former ruling party.

“Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), therefore, distances itself from the letter written by the opposition alliance to your office which is reported in today’s “The Mast” edition No.o205in which they are demanding among other issues the immediate release of the President of United Party for National Development Mr. Hakainde Hichilema. Dr Nevers Mumba signed the said latter in his individual capacity and not as MMD President,” reads the latter in part.

Meanwhile, incarcerated UPND leader’s wife Mutinta relased the following statement to the media wishing her husband a happy birth day

55 DAYS IN PRISON, HAPPY 55TH BIRTHDAY MR HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, MY HUSBAND – MUTINTA HICHILEMA.

4th June, 2017.
_________________________

Fellow country men and women,

The Hichilema family hereby invite you in wishing the UPND President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, a happy 55th birthday which falls today, Sunday, 4th June, 2017.

In the past, we have always celebrated Mr. Hichilema’s birthday at our residence while sharing light moments as well as discussing how he intends to provide equal opportunities for all when he forms government.

However, it is not the same this time around, as Mr. Hichilema today marked 55 days in prison and also by God’s grace reached 55 years old.

As always, we once again call on the country to solidly stand with Mr. Hichilema by wishing him a happy birthday.

As family, just like most of you out there, we would have loved to be with him at our residence and celebrate his birthday as we have always done especially on his vision of creating opportunities for all, uniting our country beyond its current disrepair, but this is not the case this time around as Mr. Hichilema has marked his 55th birthday on his 55th day in prison.

Therefore, wherever you maybe, we call on you to join us in wishing Mr Hichilema, a son of this land a happy 55th birthday.

We count each day given to Mr. Hichilema as a blessing from the Almighty, God.

Once more as the Hichilema family and indeed on my own behalf, we say happy birthday my husband, happy birthday Father and may God bless him.

May God bless you all,

And God bless our country.

MRS MUTINTA HICHILEMA AND CHILDREN.

I’ll not sit idle and watch the council demolish 800 houses-Kabwe MP

14

Kabwe central member of parliament Tutwa Ngulube (left in cape ) inspecting road works which he has started grading using his personal money in Kalonga ward covering a stretch of 75 kilometers in Kabwe
Kabwe central member of parliament Tutwa Ngulube (left ) inspecting road works which he has started grading using his personal money in Kalonga ward covering a stretch of 75 kilometers in Kabwe
KABWE member of parliament Tutwa Ngulube says he will not sit idle and watch the council demolish 800 houses.

Mr Ngulube who has come under fire for some PF party officials for asking them to pack calls on 2021 general elections says government and the Party should be focusing on improving the lives of the people as they promised during campaign as opposed to looking at general elections due 2021.

Mr Ngulube says he is still deeply rooted in the PF but merely wants to help the party deliver its promises so that President Edgar Lungu receives accolade after his completion of his five year tenure.

Mr Ngulube has cited the demolition of 800 houses in Kabwes David Ramusho ward as one of the negative moves that may not only cost the PF in Central province but the presidency.

He says the demolition of more than 800 houses especially from a ward that gave the Patriotic Front the most votes in Kabwe is not fair to the residents and a negative move for the party.

“The Maganda Nyama ward has been in existence since 1994 and mostly houses former ZCCM employees, it is very unfair that we come and demolish their houses now to make way for a multi facility economic zone without at least relocating them, or compensating them,” he said.

“Actually we have other places we can put the economic zone, we do not need to demolish these houses of people who voted for us.”

He observed that his position maybe misunderstood but maintained that all he wanted was to do the right thing; which is service to the people who voted for him.

He said Maganda Nyama yesterday was at the brink of serious riots and he did not want to see his town come to this.

Ngulube added that he has no intention to break away from PF or go against the President.

“Quite the contrary I want to see my President deliver, and we are his soldiers, I want to make the electorates happy on behalf of my President, that’s why am saying let’s do away with the 2021 talk, moreover we have a pending court process instead let’s focus on issues such as the happenings in Maganda Nyama,” Mr Ngulube said.

“We can not displace 800 households, that is not what the PF manifesto entails. The PF puts the people first.”

A demolition order by the Kabwe council has been issued to demolition David Ramusho ward to make way to set up a Multi Facility Economic Zone. The ward is home to Maganda Nyama compound which houses over 800 households.

We need to end abuse of public resources

9

The Young African Leaders Intiative YALI says there is need to bring to an end the indiscriminate abuse of public resources.

Commenting on the use of government receipts issued to toilet and car park users at UTH YALI governance advisor Isaac Mwanza said using a receipt that costs far more to people paying K1 and K2 was nothing less than abuse of public resources.

Mr Mwanza said the Ministry of Finance spends a lot of money to print the receipt books hence using these receipts books for toilet fee of K1 and car park at K2 is abusing government resources.

“The UTH and many public places are not helping our government to use the resources wisely. Government prints these receipt books at very huge cost. These receipt books are issued by the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to institutions and given to institutions for free but to find a place like UTH using these receipts books for toilet fee of K1 and car Park at K2 is abusing govt resources.

“Where is the office of the Auditor General to advise institutions against such use of these receipt books? Where is the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee?”He said.

He noted the need to find a cheaper way of collecting revenue such as toilet fees.

“Government should either reduce the size of this receipt book or allow UTH to print own smaller receipt books for certain type of revenue collection such as car park or toilet fees. I doubt the revenue they collect using these receipts go to control 99.”

Mr Mwanza has since said he will meet with relevant authorities so as to seek an explanation on the matter he has raised.

“I will be seeking audience with Minister Mutati or the Public Accounts Commmitee if no plausible explanation is given. You know abuse of resources start with these things we may think are small but I challenge the media to find out from Ministry of Finance how much these receipt books costs and the net turnover from them,” he said.

Today’ Message:God-given Dreams

8


Today’s Scripture

“A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.”
(Proverbs 16:9, AMPC)

God-given Dreams

Oftentimes, children have dreams for the future—dreams of being ball players, actresses, super heroes and firemen. But most of the time, those dreams end up just being wishful thinking. As we get older, we grow out of them.

It’s good to play and have dreams as children, but when we grow up, we have to know the difference between a God-given dream and a wish. I remember when I was a little boy, I dreamed of playing basketball for the Houston Rockets. That was definitely a fantasy! Beyond our wishes though, we all have dreams placed inside of us by the Creator of the universe. In fact, the Latin word for “desire” means “from the Father.” One way to tell if a dream is really from God is that the desire won’t go away. You may have had it for years, but you still can’t let it go. In fact, you may have tried to let it go, but it won’t let go of you.

Today, search your heart and allow those God-given dreams to surface. Remember, He placed those desires inside of you for a purpose. Ask Him to order your steps as you embrace the destiny He has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You for the dreams and desires You’ve placed within me. I submit them to You and ask that You direct my steps. Search my heart and cause my thoughts to become agreeable to Your Word and to the plan You have for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.”