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UPND President Hakainde Hichilema with Miles Sampa
In this climate of threats and intimidation we will not be diverted from our calls for free and fair elections. We remain very focused on the urgent and immediate need to ensure that the voters roll is submitted to serious scrutiny following the publication of evidence in the Post newspaper that shows how the document has been grossly compromised by the registration of foreign nationals on a huge scale.
The evidence fits with reports we have been receiving and concerns we have aired previously during our consultation meetings with the ECZ. These concerns should not be subject to superficial dismissals by biased media publications but warrant immediate and urgent examination by the ECZ itself, along with the major electoral stakeholders.
The final report on the voters roll expected shortly from the auditors must comprehensively detail and identify these errors so they can be addressed without delay. Failure to do so will reveal the bias in their work and undermine our prospects for free and fair elections. The earlier the final voters roll can be released for external scrutiny the better, so as to avoid leaving insufficient time for resolving such concerns.
I would like to reassure our supporters once again that the UPND has a plan to protect the vote. However, we must raise our voices now and call for the clean up of the register. We must also vote in numbers on 11 August 2016 so that we secure a conclusive first round victory, regardless of the schemes of those scared for their political survival.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia ECZ has dismissed claims that once Article 79 of the Republican constitution is repealed, the country will never hold any referendum in future.
ECZ Principal Electoral Officer Mataa Sikota says it is wrong for some politicians to give false information to Zambians so that they do not participate in the August 11 referendum.
Mr Sikota said contrary to the claims, Zambia is likely to have several issues to take to the referendum in future if they are to make amendments to the current Article 79 of the constitution.
He was speaking in Kasama during a sensitization meeting for Provincial Heads of Government departments.
Mr Sikota said it is important for eligible Zambians to take part in the referendum to enhance contents in the Bill of Rights in the republican constitution.
Meanwhile, Northern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Borniface Mbuzi has thanked the ECZ for extending its sensitization meetings on the referendum to civil servants in the region.
First Lady Esther Lungu with STAG African managing Director Adam Essa during the Launch of Galaxy Lighting Technologies’ Solar Power system at Shikabeta clinic in Rufunsa District on July 11,2016 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
The Esther Lungu Foundation Trust has donated and installed solar power systems at two Rural Health Centres in Rufunsa district of Lusaka province.
The Solar lighting system that wes acquired with the help of the friends of the trust, Galaxy Technologies, have been installed at Tengama and Shikabeta Central Health Posts.
ZANIS reports that First Lady, Esther Lungu, who is in Rufunsa district for a three day visit, launched the solar power project at Shikabeta Central Rural Health Centre today.
The First Lady explained that with the good lighting system in place, the clinic will now be able to conduct any medical procedure at any time.
She further explained that the newly installed solar power system will serve expectant motherd from waiting for daybreak to be attended to properly.
She stated that solar power will also solve the problem of storage of drugs through refrigeration especially that Rufunsa is not yet connected to the national power grip.
She thanked Galaxy Technologies for partnering with her foundation in the provision of solar power equipment in rural health posts and centres across the country.
And Galaxy Technologies Managing Director, Adams Essa, noted that the same system that has been installed in Shikabeta can be implemented at all state community facilities throughout Zambia.
Mr Essa said his company has provided not only the technical solution but also the required funding of more than $45 000 to ensure that the first two rural health posts in Rufunsa district area provided with sufficient power for all its lighting requirements.
The company has since proposed a long term partnership with the Esther Lungu Foundation Trust to rollout the programme for not only all the health posts in Zambia but all other community facilities in the country.
Mr Essa disclosed that his company has secured donor funding for these types of programmes and that through the partnership they can access all the funding to support not only the programme in Rufunsa district all other required community facilities.
Earlier, Rufunsa District Commissioner, Judith Chama, commended government for implementing various developmental projects aimed at bettering the welfare of the people in the new district.
Mrs Chama said the people are happy with government’s developmental agenda.
First Lady Esther Lungu hands over hospital bed to ShikabetaChief Shikabeta and first lady Esther Lungu admire babies at Shikabeta clinicFirst Lady Esther Lungu launches solar lighting system
Government says the country has lost a great politician who had a passion for the people and the country in Request Muntanga.
It said the former Kalomo Member of Parliament was a voice not only for the people of Kalomo but for the nation at large.
This is according to a statement issued to Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Lusaka to by office of the Vice President.
Vice President Inonge Wina stated that Mr Muntanga provided unique and knowledge-based leadership as a chairperson of some standing committees especially in agriculture.
Ms Wina, who is also leader of government business in Parliament, also said Mr Muntanga put up a provocative but constructive debate which was desperately needed in a growing democracy like Zambia’s.
She further said it is sad to lose such a gallant soldier at a critical time in the history of Zambian politics, adding that Mr Muntanga will be missed as a champion for democracy and man of the people.
“I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to his family, the people of Kalomo and the United Party for National Development (UPND) in this trying moment”, Ms Wina said.
Ex-Zambia and Nkana midfielder Jericho Shinde says Chipolopolo must not underrate themselves when they line-up against Algeria, Nigeria and Cameroon in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The final stage of the Russia World Cup qualifying campaign starts in October with Zambia competing against Algeria, Nigeria and Cameroon in Group B.
Shinde said Chipolopolo players must be mentally strong as they chase Zambia’s maiden World Cup qualification.
“Yes it is a group of death but we shouldn’t have mental blocks otherwise we will defeat ourselves. Zambia should not be the underdogs in this group,” Shinde said.
The Russian Tanker believes winning home games will be key if Zambia is to excel in the World Cup qualifiers.
“We should ensure that we collect maximum points in all our home games. Our home ground must be a slaughter house,” he said.
Shinde is also challenging national team players to put in their best.
“Equally the players should learn to put in their best. We can say all these things but what about the commitment from the players.
I hope these boys can come to the party and realise they are carrying the nation’s banner,” he said.
Shinde added:”Let’s galvanize ourselves. With proper team selection and good preparations we can compete.”
Algeria, Nigeria and Cameroon have all qualified to the World Cup before.
The Ministry of Home Affairs says no Zambian student has been affected with the current floods that have hit China.
And the Chinese Ministry of Education has assured the Zambian Embassy in Beijing, China, that it will contact the mission in the event that a Zambian student is caught up in the floods.
The Zambian Mission in China has since said it will continue to monitor the situation and give regular updates.
This is contained in a statement made available to ZANIS by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Public Relations Officer, Dorcas Chileshe.
Secretary to the Cabinet Roland Msiska has announced that President Edgar Lungu has declared tomorrow, Tuesday July 12 2016 a Day of National Mourning in honour of late former Kalomo UPND MP Request Muntanga.
Mr Muntanga, 64, who was also UPND Chairman for Mobilisation died on Friday, July 8th 2016 at UTH and will be buried tomorrow at his farm in Kalomo.
During the period of National Mourning from 06 Hours to 18 Hours, all flags will fly at half-mast and all programmes of an entertainment nature shall be cancelled or postponed.
Mr Muntanga was Member of Parliament from 2001 to 2016 and once served as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture.
He was also an Executive Member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) where he was a Treasurer, apart from being a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
President Lungu has meanwhile described the late Mr Muntanga as a prolific debater in Parliament adding that his virtues should be celebrated by those who seek a career in politics as MPs and that therefore his contributions deserved to be honoured.
The Zambia Police Service has confirmed a video circulating on social media of a man wearing a police uniform suspected to be an imposter.
Police Deputy Spokesman Rae Hamoonga said the man has been identified as Telvin Matandala aged 27 years and unemployed of Chisamba.
Mr Hamoonga said preliminary investigations have revealed that the said Kelvin Matandala, on 4th July, 2016 stole the Police uniform from his guardian who is a Police Officer at Chisamba Police Station.
Mr Hamoonga said the suspect is currently detained in police and will appear in court soon after being charged for Theft and Impersonating a Public Officer.
“We would like to dispel rumours being circulated on social media depicting a male person in police uniform and stating that he is a political cadre. Contrary to these assertions being circulated they facts of the matter are that on 6th July,2016 at around 18:00hrs the same man was apprehended by members of the public at COMESA market area where he was seen drinking alcohol whilst in uniform and was taken to Lusaka Central Police Station,” Mr Hamoonga said.
A video surfaced on social media in which a man suspected to be a PF cadre was seen wearing police uniform and was cornered by police officers
Zesco United warm-up for this weekends 2016 CAF Champions League match with a Tuesday FAZ Super Division clash against Mighty Mufulira Wanderers.
Mighty visit Zesco in a rescheduled Week 16 game at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
The match will come five days before Zesco host ASEC Mimosa of Cote d’Ivoire in a Group A CAF Champions League fixture at the same venue.
Victory for Zesco against Mighty will see them extend their stay in second place and move within five points of leaders Zanaco.
Zesco have 32 points, one ahead of third placed Nkana and eight points behind Zanaco.
The defending champions are also seeking to rebound on Tuesday after Green Buffaloes held them to a 1-1 home draw on July 9 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Lusaka just three days after Zesco defeated Red Arrows 2-0 at the same venue.
Meanwhile, Mighty have not beaten Zesco since the 2005 season when they won 1-0 at Shinde Stadium but the latter recovered in the final leg match to finish 0-0 in Ndola.
Mighty, who were relegated in 2005 and were promoted ten years later in 2015, lost both home and away against Zesco last season.
Zesco were awarded a 3-0 win after a first half abandonment of their away fixture at Shinde on August 8 after earlier beating Mighty a 4-1 at Levy in April.
And so the spotlight will be on Mighty’s new Portuguese born coach Paulo Silva who will be making his debut in Tuesday’s match for the 12th placed side to try and end the drought.
A Scottish actress who was accused of fabricating a controversial African memoir has removed it from sale and issued an “unequivocal apology”.
She has been ridiculed online and accused of inventing parts of her memoir about a ‘nightmare’ volunteering trip to Zambia during her gap year.
Louise Linton found herself in a global social media storm after claiming that she had been threatened by machete-wielding militiamen in Zambia.
Zambians took to Twitter and Facebook to show outrage after the Telegraph newspaper published an article about a new book authored by a young Scottish Lady in which she describes Zambia as a war torn country with children orphaned by HIV.
The former pupil of Fettes College also wrote of how she founded a school for orphans with HIV and survived encounters with lions, crocodiles, black mambas and 12 inch spiders on a gap year.
But Zambians questioned Miss Litton’s account of their country and the hashtag ‘LintonLies’ started trending on social media.
Zambians accused her of having a ‘white saviour complex’, say her description of the environment, which includes a ‘jungle canopy’ and monsoons, is incorrect, and that the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo did not adversely affect life in Zambia.
Zambians now have a name for any untrue stereotype about Africa- Lintonlie.
Michelangelo, Donatello, Leonardo, and Raphael return to theaters this summer to battle bigger, badder villains, alongside April O’Neil (Megan Fox), Vern Fenwick (Will Arnett), and a newcomer: the hockey-masked vigilante Casey Jones (Stephen Amell). After supervillain Shredder (Brian Tee) escapes custody, he joins forces with mad scientist Baxter Stockman (Tyler Perry) and two dimwitted henchmen, Bebop (Gary Anthony Williams) and Rocksteady (WWE Superstar Stephen “Sheamus” Farrelly), to unleash a diabolical plan .
PROS
The animation and visual effects were simply amazing . The ninja turtles looked realistic and interacted seamlessly with their environment .
WWE wrestler Sheamus had a hilarious performance as Rocksteady along side Gary Anthony Williams who played Bebop . Those two basically “stole the show”.
The movie was produced by Micheal Bay , so you already know the action is top notch .
CONS
The plot of the movie was too simplistic .
some of the humor was too childish for my liking
Having Tyler Perry in the movie was not a good idea . His character came off too goofy and couldn’t be taken seriously .
FAVORITE QUOTES
Rebecca Vincent:What are you, superheroes?
Raphael:Just four brothers who hate bullies, and love this city!
Rocksteady:Mr Shredder, I’m Finnish… Because when I start a beatdown I always Finnish it!
Krang: You know, I’m looking forward to enslaving you! A cage full of tortoises might be nice!
Raphael: We’re turtles, not tortoises! There’s a big difference!
Leonardo: Yeah, turtles fight!
CONCLUSION
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:Out of the Shadows is a fun action/comedy . The story-line was good , but it didn’t have much steak to it . The hero’s were in no real jeopardy and it felt more like an episode in a TV show than a feature film . With that being said , it it still a very enjoyable movie . Fans of the original cartoon series will be thrilled with the addition of the characters Bebop, Rocksteady and others. Another good point about TMNT is that we got to see more of the individual personalities of the turtles as they had a bit of inner conflict within the group .
If you are a fan of the “Heroes in a half shell”, you will enjoy this movie ! TURTLE POWER !!
Government says it is ready to promote the advancement of cassava growing by peasant farmers to commercial farming in order to enhance the living standards of the people.
Samfya District Commissioner Nason Bwalya says this is made evident by the strides that government is currently undertaking of holding small holder agri-business promotion programs meant to promote the cassava value chain development.
Speaking this morning in Samfya district of Luapula Province when he officiated two-day at the cassava value chain innovation platform workshop Mr Bwalya said cassava is an important crop grown widely in Samfya and Luapula province which should be encouraged as it improves household food security.
He disclosed that government is looking forward to working with partners like International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and see how cassava value chain can be enhanced and citing the formation of the Cassava Innovation Platform (CIP) in 2014 as a stepping stone.
Mr Bwalya added that cassava the Innovation Platform is a body that oversees the implementation of cassava promotion programs, adding that about 40 farmers in Shimalingu, Lubwe, Chibuye, Fibalala and Mwansakombe are actively growing cassava.
He said in inspiring cassava growing during the 2014/2015 planting season the platform received about 625 bundles of improved cassava cuttings from International Institute for Tropical Agriculture and 25 hectares was cultivated.
Mr Bwalya said that many farmers were trained in cassava processing and utilization, clean planting materials and improved varieties being used.
The DC further commended Senior Chief Kalasa Mukoso of the Kabende speaking people and Chief Mwansakombe for attending the Cassava Innovation Platform meeting.
Meanwhile, Cassava Project Coordinator under IITA, Pheneas Ntawuruhunga, said the aim of the forum was to reduce high poverty levels in homes and identify, analyse roles and contributions of stakeholders on cassava commodity value chain.
Mr Ntawuruhunga called on farmers to make applications which will enable them access grants and enhance their living standards.
Burning tyres block a road in Zimbabwe’s second city of Bulawayo as protesters shout for Robert Mugabe’s resignation CREDIT: AFP
A general strike paralysed Zimbabwe on Wednesday last week as shops and businesses shut down, public transport came to a halt and children were turned away from school.
Across the country, people protested against President Robert Mugabe’s 36-year rule, some by staying away from work, others by blocking roads and burning tyres. Police responded by firing tear gas at any gatherings.
A spiralling economic crisis means that Zimbabwe has run out of money. The regime can no longer pay civil servants or teachers and strict limits have been imposed on the amount that ordinary people can withdraw from bank accounts.
In the past, Mr Mugabe, 92, would simply order the Reserve Bank to print money whenever his coffers were empty. But the worst hyperinflation in history forced Zimbabwe to abandon its national currency in 2009. The country now uses the US dollar. As a result, there is no apparent escape route from this crisis.
“We have had enough of this uncaring government and we stand in solidarity with all citizens in uniting for this cause,” said Themba Mliswa, a former MP from the ruling Zanu-PF party, who now wants Mr Mugabe to resign. “We demand all civil servants be paid immediately.”
Derek Matyszak, a lawyer and political commentator, said the strike was a “landmark”, adding that the economic crisis had created an “unprecedented level of anger”.
“People are also furious as they are not getting paid, struggling to get enough to live and they see politicians partying as if there was no tomorrow,” said Mr Matyszak.
Unless the International Monetary Fund or another institution is willing give Zimbabwe a bail-out, there is no way of avoiding the creeping paralysis and collapse of the economy. Banks have already started preventing people from withdrawing cash.
President Mugabe however urged civil servants to be patient and resilient in the wake of government delays in paying salaries,saying the challenges were temporary.
Days earlier, demonstrators set a warehouse alight on the South African border, protesting against new restrictions on imports. Bus drivers attacked police in protest against the countless roadblocks, where officers imposed fines for non-existent traffic offences.
The Zimbabwean government finally backed down and issued a “clarification” notice saying that Statutory Instrument (SI) 64 of 2016, which virtually banned the importation of all basic commodities into the country, was only targeted at commercial and not individual importers.
In addition, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority has revised the law to permit individual import of nearly all the basic commodities previously covered by the ban duty-free once a month.
The review of the policy came only one day after Home Affairs minister Ignatious Chombo said the government would never back down on the implementation of the new import regulations because they were meant to encourage Zimbabweans to buy locally and stop enriching South African businesses.
After a week of turmoil, with protests in Harare and Bulawayo, it seems that opposition to President Robert Mugabe is building towards boiling point.
Police seal off the venue of the scheduled rally in Chawama
The Law association of Zambia is gravely perturbed by the continued degeneration of law and order in Zambia being exhibited in the run up to the general elections.In particular LAZ would like to comment on the following recent events:
The 1st July 2016 raid of the United Party for National Development (UPND) by police officers on account of an undisclosed complaint ,purportedly from a member of the public.
The 7th July 2016 police raid on Mipal printers and confiscation of numerous copies of the Post Newspaper.
The 8th July 2016 shooting of UPND protestors in Lusaka’s Kanyama and Chawama townships by police officers following the cancellation of UPND rallies in those areas,which led to the regrettable death of a woman.
With regard to the raid on the UPND offices and the raid of mipal printers ,LAZ is concerned that these attacks appear to be politically motivated and targeted at organisations that are perceived to be anti- establishment.According to officials at the Zambia Police service the search and seizure of documents at the UPND office was made after a report that there were illegal weapons on the premises.The search did not reveal any such illegal weapons however documents were seized from the premises nonetheless.
The raid on Mipal Printers is particularly worrying as there does not appear to be any legitimate reason for the raid.We find the position of Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) officials that the search and seizure of documents from Mipal printers was merely coincidental to the fact that Mipal printers has a contract to print of the Post Newspaper quite incredible.This is particularly in light of the fact that the search and seizure was done pursuant to section 9 of the Customs and Excise Act,which avoids the requirement for a court order to search the premises.
This adds credence to the allegations by the Post Newspaper that the cases against it are being prosecuted merely to ensure that the Post Newspaper is not operational and not because of any tax offenses,especially as the nation draws closer to the date for the general elections.
The shooting of UPND protestors by police officers in Kanyama and Chawama is also of grave concern to LAZ as it appears that excessive action by the police against opposition political parties is escalating to the extent that we have now seen the loss of life and injury of several Zambian citizens.LAZ has read the press statement issued by the Inspector –General of Police which raises a few questions: how was the deceased victime of the shootings,Mapenzi Chibulo,killed by a rubber bullet? If the police sservice have a duty to serve and protect those in the opposition?We would also like to remind the police that pursuant to the Supreme Court judgement in the case of LAZ vs The Attorney General,Appeal No.8 of 2014 over the constitutionality of the Public Order Act, the Supreme Court stated as follows:
‘It defies logic that the Police would rather provide manpower to prevent people from exercising their right under Article 21 of the Constitution ,than ptotect them against the elements that are planning on infringing upon this right… it is the duty of the Police to protect persons who are properly ecercising their right to assemble from those that are threatening to infringe upon their right.’
The Supreme Court further stated that the police are required to propose an alternative date for a political rally cancelled at their instance at the earliest possible time.The police did not do so in this case.
Regarding the general atmosphere of violence and intimidation during the election period.LAZ is on record as having stated that the problem of political violence is largely attributable to the failure by political leaders in the two main poliyicla parties ,the Patriotic Front and the UPND,to reign in their members who are acting with impugnity.The advent of political militias from any party is undesirable and is a threat to national peace and security.In addition,the credibility of the general elections as being free and fair is at grave risk which may lead to a refusal by the losing paarties to accept the results.
LAZ believes that the ruling Patriotic Front party ,as the party in governemnt,has an additional responsibility to ensure that law and order is maintained by the public law enforcement agencies regardless of the political affiliation or persuasion of the parties involved.
LAZ has read the statement issued by the Republican President following the shooting of the UPND protestors on 8th July 2016 and LAZ is of the view that it does not go far enough in condemning the excessive use of force by the police ,as police brutality should always be condemned by the Head os State in the strongest possible terms.
Zambia has enjoyed relative peace for over 50 years.however,Zambians should not be lulled into false sense of security that this will always continue.Democracy and peace are fragile and for then to be maintained intolerance ,tribalism,violence and disregard for constitutionalism and the rule of law must never be entertained.If we continue to accept the unacceptable the escalating violence and civil unrest may become uncontrollable.
As political leaders have not heeded LAZ and other organisations constant calls to ensure that their supportes campaign peacefully and calls for the police to administer the Public Order Act in accordance with the law and guidance of the Supreme court,LAZ has resolved to do the following:
Engage the Church to urgently convene another meeting of political party Presidents with a view to them making a joint pledge before the Zambian people to end the culture of violence and intolerance and allow for peaceful campaigns and
Organise a march for peace to be held in the coming days in conjunction with the Church and other interest groups
