In Zambian dialog, this song is calling out grown men who go after girls who are much younger than them. It speaks against sugar daddies and early marriages. The hook of the song says “I refuse… who are you?“. The song was written and performed by Wezi and produced by Headphone music founder Jay Rox. This song pays tribute to the sound and music from 80s and also the women of Zambian music.
Download/listen to the song here
http://www.datafilehost.com/d/78125028
BY KAPA187
SPEECH BY
HIS EXCELLENCY MR. EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA
ON THE OCCASSION TO MARK THE PRESIDENTIAL ASSENT TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL BILLS
TUESDAY, 5TH JANUARY, 2016
NATIONAL HEROES STADIUM
LUSAKA
·
· YOUR HONOUR, MRS. INONGE MUTUKWA WINA, MP, VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA;
· MR. DAVIES CHAMA, SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE PATRIOTIC FRONT;
· YOUR LADYSHIP, MRS. IREEN MAMBILIMA, CHIEF JUSTICE;
· HONOURABLE DR. PATRICK MATIBINI, SC, SPEAKER OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY;
· YOUR EXCELLENCY DR. KENNETH DAVID KAUNDA, FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA;
· YOUR EXCELLENCY MR. RUPIAH BWEZANI BANDA, FOURTH PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA;
· MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF THE PATRIOTIC FRONT;
· CABINET MINISTERS;
· SECRETARY TO THE CABINET, DR. ROLAND MSISKA;
· DEPUTY MINISTERS AND MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT;
· JUSTICES OF THE SUPREME AND HIGH COURTS;
· YOUR WORSHIP THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF LUSAKA AND OTHER CIVIC LEADERS;
· YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESSES;
· LEADERS OF POLITICAL PARTIES;
· SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS;
· SERVICE CHIEFS;
· YOUR EXCELLENCIES, HIGH COMMISSIONERS AND AMBASSADORS ACCREDITED TO THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA;
· MEMBERS OF THE PRESS;
· DISTINGUISHED GUESTS;
· LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
We are gathered here today, 5th January, 2016, to mark an important milestone in the constitutional history of our country.
The nation and people of this country will forever remember this day as one that brought us to the shores of giving ourselves a truly people-driven constitution since attaining independence in 1964.
The journey has been long and hard, but the quest by our people to have a constitution that mirrors their collective aspirations and hopes for the country has never wavered.
From one constitutional review commission to another, the people of Zambia spoke loudly and clearly about the kind of constitution they wanted.
At every turn, they remained true, steadfast and consistent in their demands.
Our presence here in the national heroes stadium is a deliberate decision by your government to move the function of my assent from the restricted confines of state house to this place, which offers
An opportunity to many Zambians from all over the country, to witness this historic and unique occasion.
This action is more than symbolic. It is a gesture which underscores the indisputable ownership of the constitution making process by the Zambian people.
The constitution I assent to this landmark day, was passed by parliament elected by the people and entrusted with the sacrosanct mandate of being the custodian of the composite interests of the people of this Great Republic.
Our constitution is the fundamental law of the land meaning that all laws derive their legitimacy and legality from the provisions of this document.
This is the grand norm. This is the most common denominator of our collective aspirations as a people. This document is too important to be left to lawyers; it is too important to be left to journalists; it is too important to be left to the church alone… it is too important to be left to any single unit of the nation, not even the president!
This document must, as much as possible, speak to the broadest interests of the people. It must reflect and aspire to deliver the greatest assurance to the greatest majority of our people, if not all.
While the constitution guarantees our rights, and safeguards against various abuses, even the best of constitutions cannot ordain prosperity and requisite welfare of all citizens in the absence of
Individual and collective resolve to foster harmony and development, which requires not only diligence, but a sense of duty and responsibility to our country from all of us.
Because societies evolve and many unforeseen issues come to the fore, appropriate adjustments at appropriate and opportune stages and time are made to constitutions. Thus even though the structural integrity of the constitution i assent to is beyond doubt, there is and there will always be, a compelling need for adjustments and refinements.
Furthermore, we will have to hold a referendum as resources permit on those aspects of the constitution like the bill of rights which require that process.
The patriotic front as a government of the people and by the people will always ensure that all processes as they relate to the constitution are
Totally above board and unquestionably transparent.
The patriotic front will continue to vigorously pursue its uniquely transformative development agenda which in the four and half years of its administration has delivered development to the far-flung areas of our country in ways never seen before.
We will continue our mission and crusade more resolutely to render Zambia’s development to levels that represent a meaningful assault on poverty. I have said before, and repeat, it is only wealth that we can share and not poverty.
We must all aspire to this ambition that everyday we must look forward to sharing something with somebody. We must therefore resolve to finish with one process and move to another.
This constitution-making process has cost us far too much. We must close this chapter!
There has been a lot of debate about the enactment of this constitution. Some political parties protested in parliament, by sit-ins for many sessions demanding that a new constitution be passed.
They caused near chaotic scenes in Parliament vowing that they would not allow the 2016 elections to be held under the current constitution, the one we have just amended.
However, when the same constitution they had been demanding was given to them in the same house, where they had been protesting, they again protested by walking out that they did not support the constitution they had been demanding!
Granted politics, is a part of our broader democracy, let us practice them truthfully and responsibly! This document is too important to be left to mere politicking!
We are a peaceful democracy and as we congregate to make collective decisions, politics will always introduce debates between and among us. These debates must produce productive outcomes that bind us and not divide us!
I know that we are all in agreement over the single goal of giving ourselves a new constitution. We are however divided on the means. Nevertheless, the Nation has to move forward.
The choice made to have the constitution adopted in this manner and allow only the bill of rights to be subjected to the referendum avoids the risk of complete failure to enact a new constitution due to the stringent voter threshold requirement that the referendum demands.
Dear Countrymen and Women:
We should not relent on our responsibility to improve our welfare by constantly making for ourselves laws that provide protection for individual rights and provide fair ways of resolving disputes between citizens and the state.
The reduction of presidential powers, achieves the aim of ensuring that power is commonly distributed through subjecting leadership to legal restraint that replaces the rule of men with the rule of law.
I have no qualms about reducing presidential powers because it is not about me, but about all of us today and posterity.
Countrymen and Women,
There comes a time in the life of a nation when the people’s cry on an issue and their sense of betrayal and futility at the hands of those they have entrusted with power must surely come to an end.
This is not easy, I know, because when you assume office, you have the super-abundance of historical reasons, spectacular legal arguments and your own political considerations urging you not to give in to the demands of the people.
But regardless of what is expedient, we as leaders have a duty to respect the will of the people. After all, it is often an inescapable truth that”vox populi, vox dei. “ (the voice of the people is the voice of God.)
It is for this reason that at my inauguration as the sixth president of the republic of Zambia, I publicly committed myself and my presidency to delivering to you my compatriots, a people-driven constitution, your constitution.
And today, on this historic occasion, barely eleven months into office, I, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, have the singular honour and privilege to say that, I am doing just that.
This is important for me;
It is important for all of us, that we create a new politics, a new way of doing things’
When I look across the isle on the floor of parliament, I see hope; I see hope that a new politics is possible!
When I look at extraordinary acts of civic responsibility by the opposition MMD, it gives me hope… it gives me hope that a time comes in the life of a nation when we abandon mechanical politics that always programmes the opposition to see nothing but the opposite.
The bi-partisan consensus that delivered this constitution is, and will always remain an admirable feat that will go down in the annals of history! Many thanks to the leadership of the MMD!
Collectively, this gives us a sense of pride that when you promise, you must feel a sense of duty to deliver on your promise! The MMD promised this constitution, the PF promised this constitution, the UPND promised this constitution.
All the major parties promised a new constitution before the 2016 elections. Others even signed social contracts with civil society groups to this effect.
We must cleanse our politics of the infamous reputation that politics is a dirty game! We must renew people’s trust in politics and not diminish it by promise and policy somersaults!
Before your very eyes,I will assent to the constitutional amendment bill and it will now form part of the constitution of this country.
Countrymen and Women,
At this juncture, let me extend my sincere appreciation for the work done by all those who devoted their time and energy, as well as knowledge and skills, to bring us to this epic moment.
These include members of all the constitutional review commissions and technical committees constituted over the years as well as, those who served on the national constitutional conference, not forgetting you the citizens, through your submissions during the various consultative processes.
Our special thanks go to those who have gone before us. Today, we honour their contribution posthumously.
We remember and honour the memory of Mr. Mainza Mathias Chona, SC who died in 2001. He was Chairperson of the First Constitutional Review Commission of 1972.
In 2009, the cold hand of death also robbed us of our beloved Mr. John Mupanga Mwanakatwe, SC, Chairperson of the Third Constitutional Review Commission of 1993.
In 2014, we also bade farewell to that illustrious son of this country, Mr. Willa Disraeli Mung’omba, who served as chairperson of the fourth constitutional review commission of 2003. May their souls rest in peace.
To those still with us, in particular, professor Patrick Mpanza Mvunga, SC, Chairperson of the Second Constitutional Review Commission of 1991, I say thank you for the service rendered to your country and the people.
These constitutional review commissions were appointed by gallant men who served in the office of president at the time.
Yes, we remember and honour the memory of the founding president of our party the PF, and 5th President of our Republic, His Excellency Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata who appointed the technical committee which delivered the Draft from which this constitution has been born;
We remember His Excellency Mr. Levy Patrick Mwanawasa (MMD) who appointed the Mung’omba Commission and subsequently the National Constitutional Conference (NCC);
We pay tribute to his excellency Dr. Fredrick J.T Chiluba (MMD), who appointed the Mwanakatwe Commission;
The three presidents have passed on, but we honour them for their great contributions to this constitution-making process!
We did not get to the end of the journey with them, but let us agree that they did something!
We say thank you to our founding father, Dr, Kenneth David Kaunda, who started it all with that historic repeal of the one-party constitution in 1990, following the recommendations of the Mvunga Commission!
We thank president Rupiah Bwezani Banda, who, as vice-president then, led the government team in the national constitutional conference and later, as head of state helped the process as well.
Countrymen and women,
Allow me now to thank our members of parliament on both sides of the house for passing this progressive constitutional amendment bill.
Despite the heated debates in the house, you did not betray the will of the people. To the contrary, the bi-partisan consensus that carried the day shows that we are able to achieve unity of purpose and work together to meet our people’s expectations.
Countrymen and women,
In order to fully appreciate the significance of today, it is important to reflect on where we have come from.
Following the dissolution of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland in 1963, a new constitution based largely on the Westminster model was designed at independence in 1964.
The constitution that resulted from the negotiations at Lancaster house was conceived in a multi-party political dispensation.
It had an entrenched bill of rights which provided that every person in Zambia, regardless of race, place of origin, political opinion, colour, creed, or sex shall enjoy fundamental rights and freedoms.
Countrymen and women,
You will recall that in 1973, Zambia became a one-party state. The justification was that this was a practical way to prevent ethnic rivalries and promote national unity.
The independence constitution was largely viewed as a colonial vestige. It was, therefore, essential that a home grown constitution be developed to truly reflect the aspirations of the Zambian people.
Thus, in 1969, a referendum was held which gave power to the legislature to amend the constitution.
Consequently, on 30th March, 1972, president Kenneth Kaunda appointed the Chona constitutional review commission.
Countrymen and women,
After 18 years of one-party rule, the people of Zambia demanded change consistent with the “wind of change” that was blowing across the continent. Government accepted the need for reform and amended the 1973 constitution by repealing article 4 to allow for the return to multi-party politics.
Government also announced its intention to make comprehensive amendments to the constitution, and consequently, appointed the Mvunga constitutional review commission.
However, the 1991 constitution that followed the Mvunga commission was perceived as a transitional one to meet the immediate demands of the multi-party system. Thus, on 22nd December, 1993, two years after the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy came to power, government appointed the Mwanakatwe constitutional review commission.
The commission made many recommendations, amongst others, that a presidential candidate must receive 50 percent plus one of the valid votes cast for the candidate to be declared winner among others.
But again, government rejected most of the commission’s recommendations.
Countrymen and women,
This prompted president Levy Mwanawasa, SC to appoint the fourth constitutional review commission, which was chaired by Mr. Willa Mung’omba.
Significantly, the Mung’omba constitutional review commission which in the main sought to super-impose a constituent assembly over parliament. GOVERNMENT Rejected this on account of the constitution of Zambia vesting the legislative power of the republic solely in parliament, among other reasons.
Countrymen and women,
In 2010, the attempt to enact the constitutional amendment bill adopted by the national constitutional conference failed because the bill could not garner the two-thirds parliamentary majority required at second reading.
When the Patriotic Front ascended to power, it undertook to deliver a constitution in accordance with the wishes of the Zambian people.
Thus, on 16th November 2011, the late president, His Excellency Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata, appointed the Technical Committee on drafting the Zambian constitution.
The terms of reference included examining the recommendations of all previous constitutional review commissions in order to ensure that the proposed constitution took into account the views of the people.
On 23rd October, 2014, the government tabled the draft constitution before the national assembly as “an Independence anniversary gift” to the Zambian people.
Countrymen and women,
Among the various issues that you, the people of Zambia demanded and which have been provided for in the constitution amendment bill, include the election of a president with over 50 per cent of the valid votes cast and the provision of a running mate to a presidential candidate.
The bill also provides for the establishment of the constitutional court and the court of appeal, the implementation of a devolved system of government and the general strengthening of accountability among the various organs of the state.
There have also been persistent calls for dual citizenship, especially from our citizens in the diaspora. This has now been provided for.
Countrymen and women,
The constitution amendment bill has also removed the uncertainty associated with the date of elections.
It provides that the general elections shall be held on the second Thursday of August in an election year.
In the same vein, Zambians would know in advance who the successor would be, should the office of the Republican President fall vacant for one reason or another.
Further, from today onwards, the parentage clause, which discriminated against some of our citizens when it came to aspiring to the highest office in the land, has been removed.
Countrymen and women,
In my inaugural address to the 5th session of the 11th national assembly, I indicated that we had chosen the parliamentary route in order to enhance chances of our country having a constitution in the most cost-effective manner.
This route also enabled us to pass all progressive clauses such as the fifty plus one, the presidential running mate, the date of general elections and dual citizenship without having to subject them to a referendum, whose outcome could not be guaranteed.
Countrymen and women,
This is a watershed moment. The impact of this constitution amendment bill is that it will enhance political stability which is a prerequisite for attracting increased levels of investment and improving the business environment in general.
Further, Zambia will enhance her credentials as a truly democratic state governed by the rule of law. I am greatly humbled for the honour to have facilitated this process.
Let me, however, caution that there will be issues, which are going to emerge as we implement some of the provisions of the amended constitution.
In this regard, this process remains work in progress, requiring full appreciation of the costs involved as well as the institutional arrangements to be put in place and their effectiveness.
Countrymen and women,
As I conclude, I want to appeal to all citizens to embrace this momentous day in the history of our beloved country.
Collectively, we are embarking on a new era in the governance of our country. I, therefore, implore each one of you to take time to reflect on the contents of this progressive document that i am about to sign. Please read it!
It is also my earnest prayer that this amendment to the constitution will indeed serve as an instrument of national unity and social cohesion because its contents are a true reflection of the aspirations of the wider section of our society.
However, I am alive to the fact that in every process, including the constitution-making process, it is not possible to accommodate the views of every stakeholder.
Countrymen and women,
In seven months time, we will once again be heading to the polls to elect political leaders that will steer this country to further prosperity.
I reiterate my call for maximum restraint from acts of violence in our campaigns in order to ensure free and fair elections. Let us all continue to embrace the spirit of national unity.
All these achievements would not have been possible without the contributions of the people in general. To you all, I say thank you.
It is my inescapable duty to deliver my profound thanks to the Patient, Resilient and Tolerant people of this Great Republic. Thank you, thank you Zambia, thank you to all of you!
As we proceed towards elections on 11th august 2016, I implore all citizens and political players in particular to abide by civil means of engagement with one another. Differences and hiccups will occur but must not be seized upon by enemies of a free society.
We are a nation of tolerance which abhors extremism in all its forms;
We are a nation of peaceful co-existence, which celebrates diversity of opinion across various facets of life;
We are a nation of democracy which celebrates choice as a virtue not a point of enmity; a nation of harmony united in peaceful commerce;
This nation, Zambia, is a nation of order because we believe stability is the precursor to economic development;
Over the years, we have demonstrated that we are a winning nation, united in a collectively belief that a free society is a sum total of the different interests group, both state and non-state actors!
We are a nation of faith, well guided by our long-cherished motto of one Zambia, one nation!
We are, a Christian nation, built on the bedrock of love!
God bless Zambia!
God bless you all!
I thank you for your attention
UN country Representative Janet Rogan says the constitution is about improving the rule of law and that the country has a big job to ensure that the new constitution works for everyone.
Speaking shortly after President Lungu assented to the constitution bill Ms. Rogan said the constitution was for everyone starting with the President to the youngest person born today and that assenting to the bill was just a start.
“For me the constitution is about improving the rule of law in the country. We now have a big job to do, we need to get out there and say how do we make this real for every man and women, every girl and boy from the President down to the youngest person born today. This constitution is a great new start,” she said.
She explained that the constitution was about rights which coincides with the AU’s declaration of 2016 as a year of human rights adding that the signed document brings alot of hope.
“The constitution is about rights and this year is declared by the a African Union as the year of human rights. This constitution brings a lot of hope. When we take it forward, making a constitution is just one process now there is a new process to begin. If you look at the system of governance, look at the laws, look at the way things are done and make sure that they are in line with what this constitution aspires to.
There is a new court in the constitution, a new court appeal to help with the judicial system, there are changes to the electoral system which is very important since we are in an election year, there other things like changing the Zambia Police Force to Zambia Police Service,” she noted.
By Kalima Nkonde
President Lungu’s power tariff reversal welcome but perennial policy inconsistency damages investor confidence!
The recent reversal of the increased electricity tariffs by President Lungu following an outcry from both domestic and commercial users is certainly a welcome move and this writer is a grateful beneficiary. It, however, raises a lot of questions on how our economy is being managed and the President’s decision making process and judgment.
The President directed ZESCO and Energy Regulatory Board ERB to review tariffs on 26 November, 2015, Press conference at State house.
“In the work of reduced power generation, the Government has had to import emergency power in 2015 to sustain the country’s economic activities. Between September, 2015 and the end of the year, the Government will have spent $40million for emergency electricity imports. Again this is unaffordable. To reduce the pressure on the Treasury, I direct the Ministry of Energy and Water development, Energy Regulation Board and Zesco to implement the new electricity tariff schedule and progressively move to full cost reflective tariffs thereafter.”
On 3rd January,2015, through his Spokesman Amos Chanda, directed ZESCO to revert to the old tariffs , following the public outcry especially domestic users whose tariffs had gone up by over 200%!
The reversal welcome as it may be, is a cause for worry because first and foremost, it is not the first policy reversal that the President and the PF have made since they came into power in 2011. I will outline about ten major policy decisions that they have reversed, most of them quite progressive in my books, given my exposure with other economies, if a proper process of in depth analysis and consultation had been carried out!
President Lungu and the PF leadership ought to know that tough decisions are never popular like Ted Turner, the founder of CNN noted in his biography, “ Call me Ted”.
“The nature of my job called for decisions that weren’t always popular(tough decisions seldom are) but I did my best to make them quickly and to keep things moving forward.”
In my books, the PF has made the about ten policy reversals since they came into power. This article is not bout debating the merits and demerits of the policies but merely to demonstrate the flip flopping nature of the PF administration which sends negative signals to the market.
First, the President instructed ZESCO to increase tariffs and hardly a month passed , the policy has been reversed. Surely, didn’t they expect an outcry with a 200% – 300% increase? Or they just superficially looked at absolute numbers of an increase from K0.50 to K1.54 per kilo hour as being negligible?
Second, Government increased fines and fees for traffic offences and there was an outcry from the public as the new fines were said to be too high. In October,2015, Government Spokesman, Mr. Chishimba Kabwili announced Cabinet reverted to the old ones.
Third, in the course of 2015, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, introduced the ban on the importation of cooking oil to protect local manufacturers. The policy was reversed when the prices of cooking oil shot up.
Fourth, in the 2014 Budget, the government introduced two mineral royalty tax regimes which increased the mining royalty to tax to 20% for Open Pity mines and 9% for underground mines. The President reversed the taxes to their original levels.
Fifth, a statutory instrument SI 33 was introduced which prohibited, the quoting, paying and demand in foreign currency. This was later reversed.
Sixth, a statutory instrument S155, required the Bank of Zambia to monitor inflows and outflows of foreign currency. There was an outcry from the business community especially the mines and this policy was reversed.
Seventh, VAT rule 18 was originally introduced in 1997 and required exporters seeking VAT refund to produce proof of export. The Government introduced an additional rule of proof of sale which supposed to be reasonable. There was an outcry from the mines and it was reversed.
Eighth, the government introduced a cap on commercial bank interest at 18% in 2012 to force banks to lend at lower rates and reduced their corporation tax rate as compensation This has also been reversed as Banks are free to add a premium above the policy rate set by Bank of Zambia.
Ninth, the Government decided to set up a National Airlines despite objections from experts, World Bank, IMF and the evidence that all national carriers in Africa were loss making apart from Ethiopian airlines and are just a drain on the Treasury. They have since reversed the decisions as they now realize it is expensive!
Tenth, in March 2013, Agriculture and Livestock Minister then, Bob Sichinga announced a Cabinet decision to remove maize subsidy in order to reduce government losses and pressure on Treasury. In March,2015, the new Agriculture Minister Given Lubinda announced that the Government will subsidise maize so as to reduce the price of mealie meal. Indeed, the Food Reserve Agency has been selling maize to Millers at low prices.
The announcement of policies and reversing them later, just like the careless and knee jerk statements about exchange controls, nationalization of mines and millers, price controls etc just sends wrong signals to the market and it is not good for business. Foreign and local investors want to operate in an environment of certainty and predictability in order to plan bette.
The inconsistency in policy gives the impression that the Government is not on top of things and the leadership does not know what they are doing. It is like the country is being run by trial and error. It will be a stretch to find a Government in the World that makes so many policy reversals like our Government does! PF can qualify to go in the Guinness book of World record on this score!
The latest reversal, good as it may be to domestic consumers, opens up a pandora’s box of worrying questions on the economic management of the country such as: what is the decision making process at the Presidency and Cabinet? Is there any economic analysis that is done before policy decisions are made with different scenarios evaluated? Does the President understand the policy speeches he reads, its implications and does he ask questions about the effects of policy options?
Is our country being run a trial and error and ad hoc basis? Is there a robust debate in cabinet about economic issues and do our Ministers and Deputy Ministers have basic knowledge on how the economy works? Are Zambia’s economic policies being driven by politics and winning the 2016 elections only rather than long term interests of the country?
To end on a light hearted note, in the view of the latest policy reversal, one will be reduced to conclude that there is no in house capacity in the PF administration for economic management.
It would, therefore, be recommended that the Government outsources the management of the economy to a team of Zambian professionals like the writer who are ready, willing and able to run the economy and provide the informed advice that the President needs. In the past, people have talked about Czars, Think tanks, Economic Council at the Presidency given the low caliber of most the people that President Lungu inherited and appointed, and his lack of managerial experience, as a solution, but alas they have been ignored!
UPND Vice-President for political affairs Canisius Banda urged Chingola UPND members to protect votes in this year’s 2016 general elections because free and fair elections are a seed for national unity and harmony.
Dr Banda said this when he addressed UPND members at fundraising dinner held at Samfred garden hotel in Chingola on Saturday.
The fundraising dinner was preparation for 2016 general elections and that harvest from the function will purchase a van to start mobilizing party members in all wards for Chingola district.
He said polling agents for a political party should get concern on 50 percent plus one, if the turnout is 30 percent it will not be sensible and nobody is talking about it all are in darkness.
‘‘50 percent plus one voter turnout over 50 percent is when it can make sense, so let’s go to vote, but also lets protect the votes because if the victor is not the person we are voting for, there will be misunderstanding in us and one day we are going to be violent and lose out this unity what we have, free and fair elections are a seed for national unity for peace and harmony” Dr Banda said.
Br Banda who was guest of honor at the dinner function was sent by UPND President Hakainde Hichilema who was out of the country that he should come and pay tribute and thanks to people of Chingola who got highest votes in last Presidential elections on the copperbelt.
“President Hichilema sent me to come and say thanks to people of Chingola because you voted him in the last presidential elections and to encourage you to be with same spirit in the next general elections” Br Banda said.
He said the relationship should be kind of beneficial that we push Mr Hichilema forward to be Presidents of Zambia to change things for better.
Dr Banda said UPND is a public institution that everyone is at liberty to belong to it and there is no tribalism as many people say.
“All top leadership in UPND are from all 10 provinces in Zambia, so how can it be a tribalism party, tribalism is evil, should you find it in the party fight it” Dr Banda said.
Dr Banda said a hand is the symbol of the party that needs to be well explained to the people because many do not understand it what it means.
He said the symbol of a hand means a lot, when we lift a hard it shows worshiping God, when someone meets a fried they shack hands to great that means love, peace and unity even any kind of work is used by hands is because we say forward with hands.
Dr Banda told party members to explain this during campaign period, including party manifesto as the roadmap to development if UPND get into power which arched on four pillars, Prudent, judiciary, economic and management having right polices in place.
He said farming sector is where the country can have large employment not the way is being done that more shopping malls are being built with full of imported commodities.
“Over 1.4 Billion every month goes out for imported goods, because most of goods come from South Africa and America, Zambia is an import country” He said.
“Once voted into power , we shall bring free education, build more houses for the citizens and create employment that will give more money that people can live a better life” Dr Banda.
UPND Provincial Chairperson Elias Matambo commended Chingola district for being consistence in mobilizing members towards party programmes.
Mr Matambo said Chingola voted highest when Zambia went into polls on December 21, 2014 Presidential by-elections after the death of late President Michael Chilufya Sata.
He said the on provincial level the committee will contribute towards the purchase of a van which Chingola district van to enhance movements during campaign period.
Mr Matambo said this year’s elections will probably take place earlier either in August or before, so PF Government is scared that few months from now they will be out of the Government.
And UPND Chingola district chairperson Rapheal Chimupi said members in his district are quiet happy that all invited guest has turned in numbers to bring contribution that a van could be purchased.
“It is amazing that people from Sinazongwe district Southern Province, Lusaka, all Copperbelt districts and Northwestern came in numbers to work as a team.
THE United Party for National Development (UPND) in Kabwata Constituency is divided over the alleged suspension of its chairperson, Ackim Moono. Mr Moono is alleged to have been suspended from the constituency committee for gross indiscipline and misconduct which was detrimental to the interest of the party.
UPND Kabwata Constituency information and publicity secretary, Edmond Lifwekelo and Kabwata Ward chairperson Mambo Mweenda announced the suspension on Sunday on grounds that Mr Moono had been collecting money from business houses on the pretext that he was doing this on behalf of the opposition party. But yesterday, UPND Kabwata Constituency secretary, George Michelo said Mr Moono was still chairperson of the committee because the purported wards which had suspended him did not meet to reach such a consensus.
Mr Michelo said the UPND had procedures which were supposed to be followed when dealing with issues and that, all the five wards were behind Mr Moono. He said in a statement that Mr Lifwekelo was not the vice publicity secretary as he claimed. “We want to confirm that Mr Lifwekelo was replaced when he got a job and left town, so he is no longer the publicity secretary but a mere member of the party,” he said.
On Monday Mr Lifwekelo issued a statement in his capacity as the vice publicity secretary announcing the suspension of the committee chairperson but could not be reached for a comment as his mobile phone was off. Deputy party spokesperson Edwin Lifwekelo said the party had summoned both Mr Moono and Mr Lifwekelo (Edmond) to the secretariat to explain the two sides of the story.
Mr Lifwekelo also cautioned all party members against engaging in premature campaigns as no candidate has been adopted yet. He said the party structures had the responsibility to adopt candidates and anyone who would be found wanting, risked being left out.
“The party’s position is that no aspiring candidate must engage in early campaigns including wearing party regalia as doing so, will attract disciplinary action against such members,” he warned.”
Siankope rural health post in Choma yesterday which was among the 650
facilities under construction countrywide. Picture by CHILA NAMAIKO
THE Government has said construction of the 650 health posts across the country would be completed in April this year.
Health Deputy Minister Chitalu Chilufya said Government was committed to ensuring that health posts are completed and handed over to the public by April. Dr Chilufya said his ministry would this week commission one of the ten newly completed health posts out of the 650 constructed nationwide.
“The construction of 650 health posts that we embarked on last year, will be completed in April this year, Government is committed to ensuring that all the health posts are completed and opened to the public,” he said. He said the first health post would be commissioned in Chipata of Eastern Province, while others would also be opened in April.
He said so far 10 health posts had been completed and would soon be open to members of the public who had to cover long distances to access health services.
He said 157 super-structures of the health posts had been done and were close to completion while 366 health posts were at slab level. Dr Chilufya said the ministry had also sunk 304 boreholes at the sites and construction works were going on well across the country.
President Edgar Lungu last month expressed worry over the slow pace at which the 650 health posts were being constructed across the country and directed that there be progress
Various stakeholders have praised President Edgar Lungu for assenting to the Constitution Amendment bill .
Zambians for Empowerment and Development(ZED)leader, Fred Mutesa said President Lungu has exhibited courage and boldness by giving Zambians the much desired constitution.
Dr. Mutesa said the move is in the national interest as it does not favour President Lungu and the Patriotic Front party.
Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) executive director Pukuta Mwanza said the President’s assent to the document was a landmark event for the country.
“An incumbent President would ordinarily fear to assent to such a challenging Constitution such as this because of clauses such as the 50 per cent plus one election threshold but President Lungu has shown rare courage in having to assent to the document, ” he said.
MMD president Nevers Mumba said his presence at the stadium showed that MMD was a party that made decisions using principles and not emotions.
Dr Mumba said that the move signifies the beginning of a fresh pace to democratic governance.
Dr. Mumba told ZNBC News after the signing ceremony of the Constitution bill in Lusaka that the MMD is very proud of President LUNGU and all those that participated in the constitution making process.
Christian Democratic Party president Danny Pule said it was a new dawn in Zambian politics.
Former UNIP general secretary Gray Zulu said it was a momentous occasion because it signified Zambia’s growth.
The United Nations (UN) has hailed Zambia for completing a successful Constitution making process which has culminated into a Law encompassing the will of the people.
UN resident coordinator in Zambia Janet Rogan said in an interview that her organisation was elated by the progress in the country’s democratic affairs. Ms Rogan was speaking at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka yesterday after witnessing President Edgar Lungu assent to the amended Constitutional Bill.
“I want to congratulate the people of Zambia on behalf of the UN system for another peaceful step in Zambian democracy by adopting a new Constitution,” she said. Ms Rogan said the transformation of the Zambia Police Force into the Zambia Police Service would promote community driven policing and co-existence between the law enforcement agency and members of the public.
French Ambassador to Zambia Emmanuel Cohet said the new Constitution marked a milestone in the history of the country. Mr Cohet said it was a good start to the process of enacting a brand new Constitution considering that the Bill of Rights still required to be made into Law through a Referendum.
FDD Spokesperson Antonio Mwanza has refuted claims that he was part and parcel of the NCC sittings as claimed by communications director in the office of the MMD President Irene Musonda.
In statement, Mr. Mwanza says contrary to Ms. Musonda’s claims, he never sat on the NCC as he was not a delegate further adding that what the President will be signing today is not a people- driven document as a number of progressive clauses which the people submitted have been removed.
Below is a full statement as issued by the FDD spokesperson.
Madam Irene Musonda the Communications Director in the office of the MMD President has issued a statement claiming that I Antonio Mwanza sat on the National Constitution Conference (NCC) in 2010 to draft the Republican Constitution.
Ms Musonda has further alleged that what President Lungu will sign today is a people driven Constitution.
Here are the facts:
1. I, Antonio Mwanza was never a part and parcel to the NCC. I never sat on the NCC. I was not a delegate on the NCC
2. It is a fact that what President Edgar Lungu will sign today is not a people-driven Constitution because some of the key people’s submissions have been removed from the bill.
Clauses such as appointment of cabinet outside Parliament which was meant to ensure Separation of Powers and improved service delivery; Provincial Assemblies which was meant to enhance Decentralisation and devolution of both political and economic power; Mixed Member Proportional Representation which was meant to enhance the representation of disadvantaged groups such as women and youth and the comprehensive Bill of Rights which would have guaranteed the people’s social, economic, cultural and political rights have all been removed from the Bill.
3. It is a fact that the MMD MPs voted with the PF in obliterating the people’s submissions that i have summed up above.
4. It is a fact that the MMD held a public media briefing to congratulate themselves for closely working with the PF in betraying the people’s trust by voting to delete what the people had submitted.
If the MMD is not happy with some of the clauses that have been removed as from the Constitution Bill that Mr Lungu will sign today as claimed by Ms Musonda, why then did they support this piecemeal amended of the constitution? MMD should learn that you cannot have your cake and eat it. Just own up. The people whom you have betrayed will remember your names in the next election.
Issued by:
Antonio Mwanza,
FDD Spokesperson
Christopher Katongo and Isaac Chansa will headline Zambia’s campaign at the 2016 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) after making the final cut.
Katongo and Chansa of Green Buffaloes and Zanaco respectively will be making their debut appearance at the CHAN finals just four years after winning the latter tournaments flagship event the 2012 Africa Cup co-hosted by Gabon annd Equatorial Guinea.
CHAN is a second tier Africa Cupo exclusively for domestic-based players.
Also in the team are Zesco United goalkeeper Jacob Banda and Zanaco defender George Chilufya.
The duo are the only survivors from Zambia’s only other CHAN appearance back in 2009 when Chipolopolo won bronze at the inaugural tournament hosted by Cote d’Ivoire.
Meanwhile, axed are Zanaco goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata including defenders Boyd Mkandawire of Napsa and Benedict Chepeshi Red Arrows.
And Zambia are expected to leave for Johannesburg on Friday where they have one friendly on the cards against Angola.
Zambia are in Group D at the CHAN that will run from January 16 to February 7.
They will in their Group D fixtures face Zimbabwe in their opening match on January 19, Uganda on January 23 and Mali on January 27.
Team
Goalkeepers: Jacob Banda (Zesco United), Racha Kola (Zanaco), Lawrence Mulenga (Kabwe Warriors)
Defenders: Christopher Munthali (Power Dynamos), George Chilufya (Zanaco), Donashano Malama (Nkana), Buchizya Mfune, Adrian Chgama, Stephen Kabamba (All Green Buffaloes), Dauti Musekwa (Zesco United), Solomon Sakala (Kabwe Warriors)
Midfielders: Benson Sakala (Power Dynamos), Mwape Mwelwa, Cletus Chota (both Zesco United), Spencer Sautu, Mwila Phiri (both Green Eagles), Salulani Phiri, Isaac Chansa (Zanaco), Jack Chirwa (Green Buffaloes)
Strikers:Conlyde Luchanga, Patson Daka (both Power Dynamos), Adamson Mulao (Green Eagles), Christopher Katongo (Green Buffaloes)
clash of the clans free gems hackclash of clans hack clash of clan hack gems free
THE Matero Local Court heard how a 22-year-old woman sued her ex-husband for failure to support their child.
Agness Manda of George township sued Joseph Mwewa, 25, of the same neighbourhood for child maintenance.
Manda told senior court magistrates Lewis Mumba and Pauline Newa that when Mwewa divorced her on May 4, 2015 she had no idea that she was pregnant.
“I was having my monthly periods and I believed that when we were divorcing all was well with me but when I got sick and went to the clinic, I was told that I was seven months pregnant. In our two years of marriage, I had only one child with Mwewa,” she said.
Manda told the court that when she informed Mwewa about her condition, he denied responsibility.
“My family even summoned him for a meeting but Mwewa refused to attend, saying he had nothing to do with the pregnancy. I stayed without any support from him until I gave birth, I want him to support his son,”she said.
“I know that Mwewa is the father,” she said.
Manda told the court that even when they were on separation due to marital disputes, the two would sometimes have sex.
But Mwewa denied being the father of the child, alleging that it was Manda’s boyfriend who was responsible.
“Manda wants to claim the child is mine because after we divorced her extra-marital relationship failed, the child is not mine,” he insisted.
Passing judgment, the court ordered Mwewa to pay K300 as child maintenance.
The court also ordered that a DNA be done to ascertain the father.
(DailyMail)
FDD aspiring Candidate for Malole constituency Emmanuel Munaile says Northern province and Malole constituency in particular has been short changed by the Patriotic Front despite the massive support they enjoy from province and Constituency respectively.
Mr. Munaile observed that despite the people of Northern province overwhelmingly voting for the PF in both the 2011 general election and the 2015 Presidential election, the province continues to leg behind in development and its people impoverished.
He adds that even the infrastructure which is in his constituency is that which was left by the previous government of the MMD as the PF government has only made promises which are yet to come to fruition.
“We don’t want to just politic but what we are saying is that we also want a share of the development which we are being told is taking place in our country.
We have no roads apart from Mwingu – Kasama road, clinics and roads are nothing to talk about as our women and children are walking long distances to find their nearest schools and clinics. As a leader in these communities I feel that as a province we have been short changed.
The province has massively supported the PF but they have not returned the favour to the voters who felt that they would get some development from voting out MMD,” lamented Mr. Munaile.
And Mr Munaile says the only way to alleviate poverty from households in the province is by ensuring that small scale farmers are supported to grow cash crops which will help them move from their destitution.
Mr. Munaile who is a former independent Parliamentarian in the same constituency notes that with enough support both technical and financial by government the people in province will move from their over dependence on fishing for their income to farming something he says is plausible as the Province is endowed with good soil and abundant water resources.
“We are endowed with good rains, a lot of water bodies and good soil which should help in terms of the supporting agriculture programs in the province but we are lacking the leadership to help people direct their energies to this sector which can help families move from poverty,” he said.
Opposition MMD President Nevers Mumba has called on Zambians to stop stereotyping and stigmatizing his political career based on his back ground as a pastor.
Dr. Mumba writes that the debate on his eligibility to stand as republican president based on purely his background is misplaced as a number of clergy men have become presidents and political leaders in their society world over.
The opposition leader argues that people should stop complaining over their decision they make in electing corrupt individuals as they are the same people who have been saying that Church and politics can not mix.
He further explains that even in the bible the church and politics mixed as can be seen from the political leadership of Moses, David, Joshua among others who were political leaders though they were not democratically elected as Democracy did not exist during their time.
“They say that a man of God has to lie and cheat to win elections. Nothing could be further from the truth. You can make realistic sober campaign promises without lying to the electorate. As Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), we have been doing this. Check all our statements since 2012 when I took office as MMD President and you won’t find me giving false “90 Days” type of promises.
Being a Christian leader and a politician are not mutually exclusive. Just because corrupt thieving politicians have taught Zambians dirty politics does not mean that is the correct thing. In the Bible we have several cases of men of God who were also political leaders like Moses, Joseph, Joshua, David, Daniel and his three friends.
They may not have been elected since democracy did not exist at the time, but the principle remains that they were politicians as well as spiritual leaders. They were appointed politicians. Politics is rooted in a Greek word that simply means to govern people. It is not inherently dirty or evil. It is people who are dirty and corrupt.”
He wonders why its is strange that he running for the presidence world over clargy men have been presidents and have held other political positions in the their respective countries including Zimbabwe.
“Many Zambians seem to believe that Nevers Mumba running for president is some strange new thing. Maybe here in Zambia it is, but we have plenty of examples from the rest of the world of Christian leaders who have served as heads of state.
We have many other examples of Christian leaders getting involved in politics at many levels such as Reverend Martin Luther King Jr in the USA who headed the American Civil Rights Movement and Archbishop Desmond Tutu in South Africa who tirelessly fought Apartheid. The first President of independent Zimbabwe under Prime Minister Robert Mugabe was Canaan Banana, a Bishop.
In America, Mike Huckabee, James Renshaw Cox, Jesse Jackson and Pat Robertson all ran for president and they were all ordained Church Ministers. There are also plenty of Governors in the USA who were pastors such as Rev Huckabee himself who is a Baptist Minister. He is running for President again in 2016.
In Zambia, we have Rev Danny Pule who is a Pastor heading a political party and wants to run for President. There is Rev Gladys Nyirongo, Stan Kristafor and Ronnie Shikapwasha who are all political leaders,” reads part of the statement.
He also implores on Zambians to choose God-fearing leaders as opposed to corrupt individuals.
“Some will argue that we have been let down before by some Christians who became political leaders but failed morally or made big mistakes. This is true, but it does not negate the principle that there is nothing wrong with a Christian leader running for public office.
We need god-fearing people to be presidents and Ministers in this country in order for our politics to change. They do not necessarily have to be Pastors, but they should fear God. And if some of them do turn out to be Pastors or Bishops, let us not disqualify them on that basis, but on the basis of their history and what they promise to do for Zambia.” Dr. Mumba says.
The opposition leader further wondered why it was not acceptable for a pastor to participate in politics when other careers such as lawyers, teachers, medical and doctors among others can freely join politics without anyone stereotyping and stigmatizing their move to do so.
[By Brigadier General Godfrey Miyanda, 4th January 2015]
On 16th December 2015 I wrote a petition to the Republican President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, titled “At least Ten Reasons Why the President Must NOT Assent to the Constitution with His Eyes Closed”. I wish to make it clear that, contrary to deliberate misrepresentations by both some media and PF zealots, I never asked the President NOT to assent; I advised him NOT to sign with his eyes closed as he declared in Kasama! But as he signs and assents this afternoon he is probably chuckling “do not listen to him; he is just a simple soldier!”
I did NOT react to the sponsored PF cadres and organisations such as the Young African Leaders (YALI) because I naively believed that the President would grant me audience to elaborate on the issues and bring up the remaining contentious issues as I indicated in my Petition. Since the President is signing today (6th January 2016) I consider it my national duty to elaborate, contextualize and leave a record for posterity.
Talking of posterity I wish to quote from a previous statement to provide a vivid background of my concerns. Sometime in October 2012 The Post newspaper requested me to comment on the First 12 months of the Patriotic Front in Government. I issued my statement on 15th October 2012. The Post published part of my statement on page 4 in their issue No. 5844 dated Thursday October 18, 2012.
I quote the opening paragraph from the said statement “The first twelve months of the PF in Government provide good material for assessing a regime that came in on an incredible wave of presumed popularity, because the debate comes at the advent of the independence celebrations, a time when we recall the reason for the struggle and hoping to recommit ourselves to the unity of all our peoples. In reviewing the first steps of the PF this is what has to be assessed. It is our independence and unity that has to be guarded, protected and defended. This analysis is premised on this in order to see to what extent the PF has helped our young democracy to remain united and remain a beacon of hope for all its peoples.”
It can be seen from that statement that my Petition is not malicious, frivolous nor is it an afterthought intended to thwart the constitution-making process.
I contend that the Constitution that President Edgar Chagwa Lungu is signing today will further entrench the raping of our precious land by foreign interest forces through dubious business deals with those we have entrusted with managing our country. These actions are against the spirit and purpose of our independence journey; they are against the spirit and letter of the Constitution and other laws that preceded the granting of the independence trophy that we fought so hard to get. Land is what identifies us as Zambians. So what happened to our land when we were an occupied country under the British Power? We lost the land as we had no control over its usage. And what happened after the breakup of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland and on the road to actual independence? Although there were no reparations we got something; it was called Native Reserves or land for “natives”. Although this sounds demeaning, it is a better deal to day and we must not allow the President, let alone any politician or individual in authority, to give away our inheritance to all and sundry.
When Mr Mwanza of YALI criticised my Petition on the MUVI TV Assignment (Sunday 3rd January 2016) to which I was unethically not invited to defend my Petition he even raised some racial slurs against me, mischievously slanting the grounds I presented to the President, and naively blurting out that “Zambia is a country for many colours”!
Our legacy as a former occupied country is that, whether by design or oversight, Her Majesty’s Government left some land safe and secure “for the natives”. Since God is not creating any more land, it is prudent and safer to keep our “native reserves” than become a country of many undefined colours. Provided we put our chiefs in check to fit in their role as trustees in these modern times. Her Majesty’s Government segmented the land in Zambia in distinct categories: State Land and Reserves (later Trust Land). By this arrangement the Reserves meant lands ‘set apart for the sole and exclusive use of the native inhabitants of Zambia’. One definition of a native in Zambia was “any member of the aboriginal tribes or races of Africa and includes any person having the blood of any such tribe or race and living among and after the manner of such tribe or race”. Seventy three such races were identified as belonging to the new state that was to be called Zambia. These are the owners of Zambia and no one must be ashamed to say so in the Constitution, especially in the Preamble. Why must this structure of “Zambianness” be changed because some investors are building our roads? Or because YALI says they have married across races? This is a red herring intended to distract attention from the real issue and make us feel guilty as perceived racists: it is a fact that Zambians are the owners of Zambia; that Zambians are hospitable people and have always welcomed people from other lands.
President Lungu must today state clearly his vision on the land of Zambia. Is he going to let loose vultures from afar to grab everything in the name of investment? The system of vesting land in the President is a carry-over from the Colonial arrangement. Mr Mwanza of YALI was busy trashing our traditional land because it has no Title Deed. Even without that piece of paper our people and their chiefs new whose land was where. Even today this is so, except for the epidemic of greed and corruption that has spread as a cancer throughout the nation and in all institutions including the Church!
Some of our chiefs have betrayed and are betraying their people for a bottle of whisky. The YALI man questioned my service in Government, saying we can make amendments later – seriously? There will be nothing left by these vultures when they are through with their schemes. Today President Lungu and his government are busy enticing chiefs to release more land to the state “for investment”, land that belongs to indigenous people under the pretext of development. This is a conduit for stealing our birth right while we are watching. How come foreign investors have the means to develop our country but we do not have the capacity and capability to develop it ourselves? It is because those in power choose to betray their people. I say that chiefs and their subjects are THE GOVERNMENT OVER ‘NATIVE LAND’ OR WHAT IS NOW CALLED TRADITIONAL LAND. I urge all Zambians who care for their inheritance to adopt the use of the word NATIVE (as in “say it loud I am a NATIVE of Zambia”). This word connotes indigenous which I mentioned to the President who has kept quiet but his supporters are telling us that we shall a make amendments later! This is the main issue so why must it come later? I emphasise, without land there is no Zambia; without land there is no Zambian; without land there is no chief, not even President Lungu; anyway, without our land what is there to celebrate at the stadium? Let President Lungu give us our Jubilee, if indeed he is a Jubilee President.
The President comes into the fight for our inheritance because he is the Commander-In-Chief. This title means Chief Defender and Warrior for the state and all its peoples, not Chief Schemer or Betrayer or Traitor of the people. I petitioned the President I got no response. Security is not only about the grave offence of treason. There are several crimes related to the security of the state. Their gravity is reflected in the several separate pieces of legislation, which one hopes may one day be codified into one law. They number at least eight. Additionally there are several other Acts that may not directly be security provisions but have or may have a bearing on state security. I urge the President to always remember his solemn Oath of Office.
To borrow from the English of our Nigerian relatives “I have said my own”. I am done!
GODFREY MIYANDA,
BRIGADIER GENERAL,
A SIMPLE SOLDIER
[5TH JANUARY 2016]
© Lusaka Times
