The incident occurred on Wednesday night barely within 24 hours after five political parties in Livingstone, which included PF and UPND, held a joint media briefing to denounce political violence and attacks on journalists in this year’s elections.

George Ngoma, 39, of house number 203 in Dambwa Central was attacked near Leisure Gardens in Dambwa Site and Service by seven suspected UPND cadres who were driving an unknown motor vehicle.

SACCORD executive director Boniface Cheema said it was unacceptable for party cadres to attack other citizens on an account of politics.

Mr Cheembe said in an interview in Livingstone that that politics must not be used to attack and injure another person.

“We would like to condemn in strongest terms the reported hacking of a PF cadre by suspected UPND cadres in Livingstone. It is such actions that make stakeholders be concerned with the manner in which politics and campaigns are conducted,” he said.

Earlier during the official opening of the public forum at Fairmont Hotel yesterday, Mr Cheembe said that there was need for all political parties and all Zambians to maintain peace ahead of the August 11 general
elections.

He said that citizens must play their role in ensuring that campaigns were held in a peaceful manner.

Speaking at the same forum, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) programme manager Kathy Short observed that this year general election was very important as it would be held side by side with the referendum.

Illustrations by Black Rose The Artist

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Suspended MMD National Secretary Mwansa Mwansa Mbulakulima has charged that MMD President Nevers Mumba acted emotionally when he announced an alliance with the UPND.

Commenting on the alliance, Mr Mbulakulima said Dr Mumba should have reflected on his political and personal life before running to UPND.

Mr Mbulakulima said Dr Mumba has not solved any of his many problems by resolving to form an alliance with the UPND.

“Mumba should have reflected through his MMD leadership bumpy journey,” he said.

Mr Mbulakulima said Dr Mumba should have first of all resolved his problems and gone as a clean man to the UPND because even where he went he would find his enemies who left him.

He said the twelve former Members of Parliament who recently endorsed and joined the UPND left the party because they did not agree with the leadership style of Dr Mumba and now he would find them in UPND.

Mr Mbulakulima said Dr Mumba’s journey from the time he took over the MMD presidency from former Republican President Rupiah Banda his journey had always been bumpy up to date.

He said Dr Mumba had only taken his problems to the UPND following his decisions to back president Hichilema.

“I know Mumba very well. I don’t think this decision has come from deep down his heart.

“He (Mumba) has acted emotionally to what happened in Kabwe at the convention. We have talked about this issue before with him (Mumba) and I know that the decision did not come from his heart but he has emotionally reacted,” Mr Mbulakulima said.

Yesterday the MMD leader decided to officially sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema with the sole purpose of working together ahead of the August 11 general elections.

The MoU stipulated that the two political parties should continue working out modalities of furthering their partnership.

Dr Mumba said the national executive committee (NEC) had convened last week in Chibombo and unanimously resolved to form an alliance with the UPND ahead of the August 11 general elections.

Richard Sean Mulenga professionally known as T-Sean unveils “Daddy Cares Initiative” and offers the initiative 5% of the sales from his forthcoming 4th and 5th albums “Comfort Zone” and “Faith” to be released today (26th May, 2016).

PRESS RELEASE:

Scientific studies carried out suggest that the early years of a child are critical in the formation of intelligence, personality, and social behavior and that Investment in early child development provides greater returns.

The assumption that children are an investment into the future can be readily recognized in modern day society’s family structure, education, and politics.

The emotional, social and physical development of young children has a direct effect on their overall development and on the adult they will become.

This means that the Childs future has got more to do with how he or she is raised.

That is why understanding the need to invest in very young children is so important, so as to maximize their future well-being.

The need that a child has good relationships with others and does not have behavioral problems is also important, this means, that they are not disruptive, violent or a bully as this is what results to what we today call Street Kids.

As Songwriter, Music Producer, Artist –  Music has opened numerous doors for me, my extended list of prestigious credits include the Zambian Music Awards, Born and Bred awards and a number of nominations.

With this Initiative I would like to help improve the life and health of children and families by

·        Raising awareness of the need to improve children’s wellbeing in their local area

·        Coordinating local musical events to raise funds for children

·        Production of music target at raising awareness for this cause.

·        Educate children through my musical influence on how they can grow into responsible citizens.

The Initiative also aims to bringing children back into the education system and away from child labor and a life on the streets. In all this, we also recognize that the families and guardians of these children need to find other sources of income in order to continue to support their families now that the children are no longer working on the streets.

At last the overall picture grows to improving the life of all.

On September 25th 2015, countries including Zambia adopted a set of goals to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for “all” as part of a new sustainable development agenda. This “All” includes Children.

May I also highlight that of the 17 Set Sustainable Development Goals a number of them touch on the wellbeing of Children. These include ensuring inclusive and quality education for all, Ending Poverty, access to good health and wellbeing, ensuring quality and Inclusive education for all, reduced inequality, End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition.

With my initiative I would like to play a role in the realization of these goals. I’m aware it won’t be an easy road but this is a project I’m committed to realizing of course with the support of all well meaning players.

As T-SEAN and Buzy Baila International we see this as a new chapter of our musical journey musical where we are giving back to the community through ours talents just to see a child in Mutendere, Kanyama, Chaisa, Ng’ombe find a leveled ground to realize their goals and ambitions.

Being released today is my 4th and 5thth Studio Albums, 5% of sales from these albums will go to the support of children.

I’m here to just give you a hint of what’s to come so that you are not caught by surprise. “DADDY CARES INITIATIVE IS LAUNCHED”

RESPONSE TO LT BLOGGERS

[Brig Gen Godfrey Miyanda – 26th May 2016]

On 22nd May 2016 the LT kindly published my article titled “OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU – MY DEMAND FOR JUSTICE” which paper had nearly 4, 000 views and about 28 comments.

I had another article ready on the Referendum issue, but I did not publish it because the night before the ZNBC television revealed that the President was to host a number of foreign Heads of State the following day, so I decided to withhold publication. Also I had not reacted to some of the comments by Bloggers as I usually do as I was engaged elsewhere. Since some of the comments on the article were misleading and unrelated to the subject matter I judged that if left unanswered, they may confirm the wild allegations in the responses, hence I have chosen to make a combined response through this statement, before releasing the Referendum article.

The purpose is NOT to stop those wishing to continue on their lost bearings, but to let them know that I will not respond nor comment on responses that are meant to distract attention from the subject at hand.

I always take the view that the internet, through this ingenious blogging method of debate, can be a powerful medium for exchange of disparate, even contentious views.

Of course this would depend on participants taking off their partisan spectacles on issues that not only required sober analysis, but also where such “combatants” are willing to revise their positions if a valid point is made against their entrenched position.

I sincerely believe that this “blogging” innovation would turn out to be a “cross pollination” assembly of restless and agile minds seeking answers to contentious national issues rather than seeking to perpetually “shut up” those they disagree with or dislike for whatever reason!

I cannot keep quiet; I have views which may not be expressed by many who are disadvantaged in one form or another. I believe that the more the people are bruised by the sheer numbers of the majority the more it becomes imperative for others to speak for the silent majority, who almost always comprise the poor who cannot afford lawyers.

Of the 28 responses, the majority supported my article. Here is a summarised list of negative comments which has provided me an opportunity to clarify and share knowledge:

“Miyanda is a loner who disappears but only resurfaces during elections; does Miyanda want an elected Present to dance to his tune? Why don’t you wait for the court to be operational? there is nothing wrong with the combined Referendum which the majority want; I support Miyanda but I am worried about some of the compromised judges on the CC (named) so he should wait for the appropriate time to raise these issues; doesn’t Miyanda get tired and stop? Has he managed to raise 1000 supporters?”

Firstly, I do not write or comment in order to make political points; I do so because if my rights are threatened I must first of all defend them before expecting others to do it for me; if I succeed others, especially the poor and weak, will benefit.

Secondly, I refuse the label of a loner.

Thirdly, it is because the President is elected that is why we must insist that he listens to citizens before he makes contentious pronouncements; dictators are not born but are created by the “We, the people” syndrome.

Fourthly, the Constitutional Court became law immediately the President signed the two Constitutional Acts; further the Learned Judges are being paid from the date of appointment, whether they hear cases or not.

Fifthly, how can I get tired of living? The Constitution is an inert thing, a piece of paper that is lifeless but comes to life when citizens breathe life into it by complaining and demonstrating and petitioning.

Zambians must claim their rights and fight for them or else they will become slaves under a dictator whom they help to create. We must NOT go down the One Party State cul-de-sac, even with Christian leaders who hate other Christians.

It is not asking too much to plead that you read and understand before you post comments that are not addressing the subject matter. As for me I will read your posts but from now on I will not comment on irrelevant or personal responses.

It is ironic that now it is the President who is frequently laughing at those who did not read what they were approving in the National Assembly.

But my paper on the Referendum issue is ready, though I expect to be laughed at again and be called names and demonised for alerting the President and the country again to be careful before leading the country down a shaky garden path.

GODFREY MIYANDA,
BRIGADIER GENERAL,
CONCERNED CITIZEN
[26TH MAY 2016]

THE United National Independence Party (UNIP) in Southern Province has unveiled five adopted parliamentary candidates and more than 45 aspiring councillors most of whom are youths and females.

The five parliamentary candidates are Ian Munkombwe for Livingstone Constituency, Lubinda Silumesi for Katombola Constituency, Cheelo Hakasenke for Magoye Constituency, Broaden Chikalanga for Chikankata Constituency and Febby Mapulanga for Mazabuka Central Constituency.

In terms of councillors, Livingstone and Mazabuka are leading in terms of numbers of adopted candidates although the former ruling party will not field candidates in other parts of Southern Province.

Out of 17 wards in Livingstone Constituency, UNIP will be fielding in nine candidates out of which five are females and four are males.

UNIP Southern Province chairperson Robert Mukengani announced the adopted candidates at a media briefing at his home in Livingstone yesterday.

Capt Mukengami, who also launched the party manifesto and strategic plan for 2016 elections, said the former ruling party had rebranded itself and that it was confident of winning this year’s elections.

On Wednesday, UNIP successfully fielded in the 100 presidential supporters for Southern Province in Choma.

“Our candidates are young and brand new without any political dent and they are going to serve our people better.

“We are a party that has experience and a track record. We have ruled Zambia before and we will win this year. Our candidates are not going to be masters but servants. They will change the face of councils and constituencies,” Capt Mukengami said.

And several UNIP adopted local government candidates for Livingstone Constituency, who were present at the media briefing, promised to improve the welfare of citizens once elected as councillors.

Elbina Musakanya, 22, a candidate for Kariba Ward, said she would ensure that the young people were empowered once she was elected as councillor.

Daniel Phiri, 25, a candidate for Lizuma Ward, said he would upgrade the clinic as well as roads and drainages in the area.

Ireen Likokoto, 24, a candidate for Simoonga Ward, said she would improve on the markets and water supply situation in the area.

Mudenda Happy, 25, a candidate for Lizuma Ward, said he would ensure that proper access to health and education were enhanced in the area.

Mubanga Clifford, 39, a candidate for Akapelwa Ward, said he would ensure that traders who were displaced to pave way for the construction of Town Centre Market were given space and priority in the modern market currently under construction.