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PICTURES AND CAPTIONS BY JEAN MANDELA
Mateo Phiri’s Burial in Pictures
Chambeshi enjoying coaching in Botswana
Beston Chambeshi says he is enjoying his coaching job at Botswana Premier League side BDF XI.
The experienced coach joined BDF XI , a defence force team, in June after leaving his childhood club Nkana last May.
This is Chambeshi’s second coaching spell in Botswana were he previously trained Mochudu Centre Chiefs.
“So far so good I am enjoying my stay in Botswana. I am happy with the way the army command at BDF XI has welcomed me in Botswana,” he said.
Half way into the 2015-2016 season, BDF XI are fouth in the league.
“We are doing fine. We are fourth on the log but the main task I have been given is to recruit uniformed players because the club wants to do away with civilian players.
So I am going around barracks to identify uniformed players,” Chambeshi said.
He added:”We want to build a team that will win the leaague title in the near future.”
On the local front, Chambeshi has coached Power Dynamos, Konkola Blades and Kitwe United
No CHAN for Kalengo
Winston Kalengo will miss the 2016 CAF African Nations Championship after completing a move abroad on Monday.
The Zesco United and Zambia striker joined Congo-Brazzaville giants AC Leopards on a long-term deal.
The development means Kalengo is now ineligible to play at the CHAN tournament that Rwanda will host from January 16 to February 7.
CHAN is a second tier Africa Cup exclusively for home-based players that enters its fourth edition next month in Kigali.
“We are happy that among all the offers we got for the player he chose this one because it had the best conditions and as a club we will support him even as he settles at his new club,” Zesco secretary Justin Mumba said.
“He has been an instrumental player in the years he has been here and we are happy that his hard work is paying off.”
The 2015 Golden Boot winner scored 18 goals for Zesco to help them retain the FAZ Super Division title this year.
He was also Zambia’s top scorer in the CHAN qualifiers with three goals that handed Chipolopolo its first tournament appearance since 2009 when they finish third at the inaugural tournament hosted by Cote d’Ivoire.
Kalengo leaves Zesco after joining them from Zanaco in 2010.
The Prophetic Fallacy in Zambia
Season’s greetings to you all in the Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Kindly allow me to make a quick comment on the ever increasing worrying error of fallacious self- made and self-acclaimed prophets that are taking advantage of easily misguided Zambians.
My heart breaks within me to note how deceived and spiritually abused our people are. A hoard of young men has invaded our beloved nation, turned many away from the Gospel of Salvation in Jesus Christ. Our people have abandoned Bible doctrinal truth for deception and entertainment offered by mostly, the false prophets.
Let me state simply and clearly that in the New Testament dispensation, miracles are not the preserve of prophets, but that it is prominently the calling and function of Workers of Miracles. 1 Corinthians 12 is one example Bible passage teaching us this.
On the other hand, the calling and function of prophets in this dispensations is to bring local church congregation relevant unmediated messages from God during the gatherings of the Lord’s people. This is evident in 1 Corinthians 14.
The purpose of the prophecies is to bring churches a threefold help to uplift the believers. Verse 3 says the following: ‘But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.’
what we are seeing today in our nation is a deception, an abuse of people and a blatant disregard of the truth of God revealed in God’s word the Bible.
Therefore, what we are seeing today in our nation is a deception, an abuse of people and a blatant disregard of the truth of God revealed in God’s word the Bible.
Christians in our country must return to the Bible, fall in love with local church based Bible studies and prayer meetings. The believers must return to evangelistic witness to the unsaved people.
The Bible must be given the place it deserves in our lives so that instead of being misled in the way our beloved people are, we will grow in the love and knowledge of God through Jesus Christ.
Remember the warnings of the Bible about false prophets in Matthew 7.15-23:
‘[15] Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. [16] You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? [17] Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. [18] A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. [19] Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] Therefore by their fruits you will know them. [21] “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. [22] Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ [23] And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
These magic entertainment shows must never be attributed prophetic titles. To what purpose are the making of a little petrol or paraffin? What use is it to turn water into alcohol, or to float in the air? Do not magicians and Eastern religions practice levitation?
Satan is verily, playing on our people’s ignorance and curiosity (icimpwena) to lead them one step at a time into destruction.
If you ask me what needs to be done to address this danger, I will tell you that our people must shun these magic shows. They do nothing for the kingdom of Christ or for the sinner who needs to find the Saviour, Jesus Christ. Lastly, the Zambian government must protect our people from abuse and fraud by arresting and imprisoning these cheats and blasphemers.
These false prophets are not different from Simon the sorcerer of Acts 8.9-24. To them too, I say, repent and be baptised in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ for their salvation.
Revd Joseph Tembo, PGCert, MTh
Former Academic Dean – Trans-Africa Theological College, Kitwe.
Former District Secretary – PAOGZ Copperbelt District.
Presbyter – British Methodist Church, United Kingdom.
The Lungu led economic Annus Horribilis comes to an end!
By Kalima Nkonde
There is no doubt that most Zambians from all political persuasions would agree that 2015 will go down as the “ annus horribilis” – a Latin word meaning a “horrible year’, economically. One can run out of words to describe the extent to which the Zambian economy has deteriorated in the last twelve months: it has been horrendous and catastrophic. It was gratifying to hear President Lungu take responsibility during the last press conference on November 26,2015; unlike in the past when he did not want to. He said that regardless of the causes of the problems, the responsibility to solve them was his!
“It is the responsibility of this government and the buck stops at me! It does not matter that I am only 10 months in the Office as President dealing with historical problems going back to the period of privatization in 2000,” He said.
I have been a regular economic/financial columnist on the Lusaka times for most of the year and I would like to wrap up the year by reviewing the performance of the Zambian economy in a layman’s language using a few indicators for the record. The review of the year will cover employment, inflation, exchange rate, public debt, interest rates, economic growth, budget deficit and the energy crisis. The article will highlight the status of the Zambian economy as we close the year and the measures that the government has lately announced in order to turnaround the economy.
Employment
The level of unemployment has certainly gone up. Due to lack of reliable statistics, it is difficult to get an accurate picture of the overall rate of unemployment in Zambia. The latest available unemployment rate according to the World Bank is 13.30% for 2013! But we all know that many people have lost jobs this year. The mining sector is a good indicator.
In April, 2015, 400 Contract workers with Murray Roberts were retrenched at Lubambe mines in Chililabombwe. In June, 2015, Mine workers Union Secretary General Joseph Chewe regretted the retrenchment of 500 contract workers of Chantele mining Services working for Kansanshi mines in Solwezi adding that he expected more retrenchments of contract employees as notices had already been given. “So we are talking of a range of over 1,500 workers that are being laid off at Kansanshi mine ,” he said. In August, 2015, 1,480 construction jobs were lost at First Quantum Mines owned Kalumbila Mines at its Trident project.
According to the international press, Mopani had announced way back in September, 2015 that it intended to retrench 8,760 workers (4,300 direct and 4,460 contractors).The confirmed retrenchments in November, 2015, however, have been that of direct workers of 4,300 and nothing has been said about contract workers who are even easier and less sensitive to retrench!
In November, 2015, Konkola Mines retrenched 2,503 contract workers. It follows that in total, a rough estimate of about 15,000 Zambians (direct employees and contractors) would have lost their jobs in the mines by the end of 2015. According to Bloomberg News, it is estimated that the Zambian Copper Mining Industry provides 62,236 jobs; nearly half of them contract workers. It follows that about 24% of the mining workforce must have lost jobs in 2015!
Inflation
The rate of inflation has for the first time gone into double digits. It has gone up from 7.7% to 19.5%. This is also reflected in the increase of the cost of living for all Zambians. It has become increasingly difficult to balance budgets in 2015. The prices of almost everything have gone up and some of them have doubled making life very difficult for ordinary Zambians regardless of their political affiliation.
Exchange rate.
The Zambian Kwacha has depreciated from K6.47 to a USD in January, 2015 to about K11 in December, 2015.This represents a 70% depreciation rate in a 12 month period which is extraordinary by any standards! The kwacha has been the worse performing currency in 2015. The currency hit an all time low of K14.63 to a dollar on the interbank market on 10 November, 2015 before closing at 14.50. It has, however, stabilized following the announcement of the long overdue fiscal measures by President Lungu and some monetary policy interventions by Bank of Zambia.
Public debt
Public debt is one of the major short term and long term problems that Zambia faces. At the last count in July, 2015, the total government debt was $9.75 billion made up of $6.05 foreign debt and $3.70 billion domestic debt. Due to the depreciation of the kwacha, the $6.05billion foreign debt has gone up in kwacha terms from K45 billion at exchange rate of K7.50 in July,2015 to K67 billion at the current rate of K11 to a dollar. Our foreign debt has increased by K22 billion in kwacha terms or 49 % within six months merely by exchange rate difference – the kwacha depreciation! There lies one of the dangers of reckless foreign borrowing !
There is no doubt that more debt has been contracted since July,2015 and so our foreign debt could be much higher than the $6.05 billion! The Zambian public does not know the current level of foreign debt because Government is borrowing from bi-lateral countries, mainly China and the borrowing is shrouded in secrecy due to the potential political fall out. There is no doubt that given the kwacha depreciation and additional debt contraction since July,2015, the level borrowing has exceeded the so much talked about – by Mr. Chikwanda and other government officials – benchmark of 40% of GDP; which they used to defend and justify further borrowing in the past. We are slowly but surely drifting towards the debt trap and this should be an election issue!
According to the recent Post Newspaper reports, Zambia owes China alone $3.0billion! Our Country is being mortgaged to the Chinese and all Zambians of good will should be concerned about this development! Zambians should not be surprised and blame China, if their future leaders in 30-40years time, decide to bring 100 million Chinese and demand citizenship once we fail to pay their debts! Remember, China’s planning horizon is 50 years and the leaders who may be there then may just demand that and Zambia’s future generations will not forgive us! Zambians will become a minority in their country like indigenous people of Pacific islands like Fiji and Solomon’s Islands or the Indians in the Americas found themselves! Let us not be naïve! You must have heard the Chinese Ambassador urging us to increase our population a few weeks ago so us to improve our economy!
Interest rates
The Bank of Zambia increased the policy rate from 12.5% to 15.5% due to the increase in inflation to 14.5%. The inflation has since jumped to 19.5% and we should expect further interest rate hikes by BOZ in the first quarter of 2016 if the inflation rate does not go down. Commercial bank lending rates are currently hovering between 25% and 28%. It is impossible to borrow for businesses at such interest rates. In any case, due to the liquidity squeeze imposed by the Central Bank to support the kwacha, Commercial banks do not have money to lend to the private sector. This will negatively impact on businesses expansion plans and job creation going forward.
Economic growth
The Government’s forecast economic growth for 2015 as per Budget speech was 4.6% but the World Bank and rating agencies , who are much more credible, have forecast Zambia’s year end economic growth rate at about 3%. This is a drop 57% from the growth rate of 7.0% that was budgeted for by Finance Minister in October, 2014. The implication is that fewer jobs will have been created and the government could not have raised enough money through taxes from companies and employees during the year due to reduced economic activity. Zambia has also not been able to attract as many foreign investors as in the past due to the reduced economic growth rate.
Budget Deficit
During the first half of the year, Government was said to have exceeded( overspent) the budget by K20 billion Kwacha. The original budgeted deficit was K8.5 billion. The difference is 135% above the target! The widening budget deficit is the single most important variable affecting our economy negatively. The Finance minister has projected a deficit of 6.9% of GDP for 2015 but it does not take a rocket scientist to predict that the budget deficit for 2015 will be in double digits as well and will be above 10%. The austerity measures announced by President have been very welcome but were long overdue. Had he listened to most us, and implemented them earlier, we would have had a lower budget deficit at end of the year and the kwacha and the economy would have been in a much better shape than now!
Energy crisis
The energy crisis has caused havoc among Zambian businesses and households. The load shedding has been a night mere. Electricity tariffs have gone up by as much as 200% from K0.51 per kilowatt hour to K1.54 for some domestic users. The electricity tariff increases are even higher for businesses. There is no doubt that people and institutions will cut on electricity consumption and switch to cheaper alternative sources of energy and I expect load shedding to either disappear in the next few months or reduced drastically! That is how Adam Smith’s laws of economics work! Our politicians may be shocked that load shedding may go “naturally” or reduce measurably due to the increased cost of power.
Fuel prices have also gone up after having been reduced in January,2015 for election purposes. There are expected to go up as announced by the President in the near future.
Economic turnaround measures by the President Lungu
President Lungu’s administration had resisted to take any fiscal policy measures ,for political reasons, to complement the monetary policy measures by the Bank of Zambia in order to address the budget deficit and the depreciating kwacha, despite calls from experts including this writer. The IMF came and made same suggestions but he did not relent. The tipping point came when the Kwacha hit the record low of K14.50 mark to a dollar and was still sliding; inflation skyrocketed to 19.5%; 4,300 miners were declared redundant at Mopani and another 2,503 at KCM! He must have realized that his “do nothing strategy” will result in electoral defeat in 2016. He had to act!
On 26 November,2016, he announced far reaching measures meant to turn around the economy. These measures are the ones he should have announced in his speech to Parliament in September,2015 instead of the aspirational 2030 and 2064 speech he made. The austerity measures included the following: stopping of procurement of new infrastructure projects including roads, shelving of projects which had been contracted but yet commenced, spreading implementation of current projects over a longer periods of time, removal of fuel and electricity tariffs, cancellation of the ill conceived national airline project, reduction in foreign and local trips by civil servants, suspension of the opening new missions abroad, review conditions of service of constitutional office bearers and many more measures meant to reduce both capital and recurrent expenditure of government and consequently the budget deficit.
In the light of the President’s speech on austerity measures, one should be more optimistic about the economic prospects for 2016 if and only if the pronouncements are followed through and implemented. The signs are already there as the kwacha is showing signs of stability. The market sentiment has certainly improved a bit following the speech. However, economics and politics are interrelated and it is important that the PF gets its politics right. Good governance such as rule of law, freedom of speech and assembly, press freedom etc is required to ensure market confidence is restored and sustained.
It is gratifying that President Lungu has realized that the economy is not stupid like I warned several months ago in one of my articles “Is the Economy stupid, Mr. President”. Any President who ignores the economy, however, popular he may be, can lose an election as President George Bush(snr) found out in 1992 after winning the first Gulf war !There is no doubt that the President’s press conference of November 26,2016 was a capitulation .The austerity measures he announced although progressive, were done reluctantly. It is hoped that he has learnt a few lessons about management and leadership.
First, in leadership, for one to succeed, you need to surround yourself with brilliant and the best brains in your inner circle and not play mates, so that they give you quality advice. It is apparent that the quality of advice he was getting from the inner circle at State house was poor thus the embarrassing policy and strategy reversal! How come some of us saw the economic melt down months ago! He should also learn that economic populism is a wrong strategy and it just leads to economic ruin and backfires on a politician sooner or later! KK’s fast track and wholesale nationalization is an example; so is Mugabe’s unmitigated land reform programme and now the PF’s ambitious, massive infrastructure projects! Economic management is about proper planning and implementing prudent policies and not playing to the gallery!
It is also hoped that the President has learnt that leadership is not a popularity contest but requires one to be bold, firm and decisive and not to be unduly influenced by political debts owed to others! The importance of timing in making decisions cannot be understated and doing nothing and waiting for things to sort themselves just does not work. There is need to be proactive, foreseeing problems rather than being reactive and adopting a fire fighting management style which results in closing the stable when the horse has bolted!
Conclusion
In conclusion, I urge all fellow Zambians as we enter 2016, to be tolerant of each other regardless of the different Parties they may belong to. Let us agree to disagree. The hatred, the insults, the violence, the illiteracy and lack of reading culture especially among the youth that I have seen since I came back is very alien to the Zambia that I grew up in! The current Zambia, is where dishonesty, lying, stealing, corruption etc are treated as normal! There are many of us who are, indeed, the endangered species because our value system is so different from the one currently obtaining in Zambia!
I would like urge the President and Political Party leaders who are in our generation – 50 and above – to lead by example and stop the rot of barbaric and jungle politics currently obtaining in Zambia! It is rather tragic that in Zambia, politics has attracted as leaders, people who are at the lowest ebb of Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which is physiological. Most people are motivated to enter and stay in politics by physiological needs – as Mr. Daniel Munkombwe shamelessly admitted sometime ago- rather than public service and common good!
Lastly, let me reiterate that this writer is independent of any Political Party, although some of his views may sometimes coincide with the ruling PF Party or the Opposition! He does not even know any of the leaders or where their various Political Parties offices are and he is not interested to know. The views expressed in the articles are his and do not represent any Political Party’s views.
It was, therefore, unfortunate that the last time he wrote a general article criticizing the Opposition as a collective, for its ineffectiveness in providing economic checks and balances; some overzealous MMD media official took it personal wrote an emotional and incendiary statement which was in bad taste. He accused this author of being an attack dog of the UPND! It was such a cheap and disgusting personal attack on him and the innocent UPND. In my language, the words of wisdom state that ” Imbila ya mumushi tabayasukila” (roughly meaning: wise men do not answer or respond to a general announcement in a village ).I give credit to the PF and other Political Parties who have not taken my views as personal and ill intended. They have rather learnt from them or dismissed them! It is important to have people in a country whose allegiance is to the country. Independents decide elections in other countries.
The writer is a Chartered Accountant by profession and a financial management expert. He is an independent and non partisan commentator. He has lived in the diaspora in England, South Africa and Botswana for over 25 years.
HH never called any traditional leader over Chama’s visit-Kakoma
UNITED Party for National Development (UPND) Spokesperson Charles Kakoma has told ZNBC news that allegations against Mr Hichilema that he blasted Chieftainess Choongo of the Tonga people for welcoming and interacting in Bemba with Patriotic Front (PF) secretary general Davis Chama who recently toured Southern Province are false.
Mr Kakoma further state that Mr Hichilema never called any traditional leader over Mr Chama’s visit, adding that Mr Hichilema is not opposed to the use of the Bemba language.
Mr Kakoma, who described the reports as a fabrication, said that Mr Hichilema had not spoken to Chief Hamusonde in more than three months – the man to whom Mr Hakainde is reported to have uttered the words.
Mr Kakoma said the alleged telephone interview between Mr Hichilema and Chief Hamusonde was nothing but an invention by Mr Chama and that the UPND leader was contemplating suing the PF secretary general over the matter.
When contacted, Chief Hamusonde said he was not ready to comment on the matter and accused the media of being sarcastic and promoting fights among politicians while Chieftainess Choongo said she was not aware and promised to call back but did not.
Mr Hichilema was alleged to have called Chief Hamusonde and complained about Mr Chama’s tour of Southern Province in a region he said was the stronghold for the UPND and some of the people Mr Hichilema was with at the time he called the chief allegedly recorded the conversation.
Mr Hichilema is alleged to have told Chief Hamusonde that it was shameful for Mr Chama to have had a conversation with Chieftainess Choongo in Bemba when the traditional leader was a chief for the Tonga-speaking people.
Government reviewing its master plan to speed up water harvesting-Siliya
THE Ministry of Energy and Water Development is reviewing its master plan to speed up water harvesting and enhance power production.
This is according to Energy and Water Development Minister, Dora Siliya.
Ms Siliya said the ministry was working towards reducing the power deficit next year and was, therefore, reviewing its master plan.
The plan was being reviewed to accelerate water-harvesting and to better manage the water bodies.
Zambia’s main power source is electricity generated from the water bodies.
Ms Siliya said the ministry would strive to reduce the electricity deficit next year using various measures.
She said this through her Facebook posting.
“The Ministry of Energy and Water development will strive in 2016 to reduce the electricity deficit. I am pleased that the first unit of Itezhi Tezhi was successfully commissioned,” she said.
She said investment in hydro and solar power remained a priority as the country continued to pray for good rainfall.
The ministry would also work hard to have consistent supply of fuel to avoid disruption of economic activities.
Ms Siliya said while climate change was a reality, the ministry would not sit idle.
She also said during the festive season, Zesco would not load-shed customers on Christmas Day, New Year’s eve and on New Year’s Day.
PF expels member who has been terrorising the public at Inter-city
THE Patriotic Front (PF) in Lusaka Province has expelled a party member who is said to have been terrorising the public at Inter-city Bus Terminus in Lusaka.
PF Lusaka Province chairperson Horace Longwe said yesterday that the party had expelled Innocent Kalimashi for perpetuating violence at the station.
Mr Longwe alleged that Mr Kalimashi was behind the violence that was being reported from the bus terminus as he was organising thugs to beat up people whenever there was a misunderstanding.
He said following the call by President Edgar Lungu for peace and his strong stance against violence, the party had decided to lead by example and part company with Mr Kalimashi.
Mr Longwe warned party members, especially the youth, to stop associating themselves with Mr Kalimashi who had ceased to be a part of them.
“I want to take this opportunity to announce that one of our members, Kalimashi has been expelled from the party.
“We are, therefore, warning all members, in particular the youths, to stop associating themselves with the former party member,” Mr Longwe said.
He said President Lungu had clearly stated that leaders, cadres, youths, men and women across all political lines should surrender to God and denounce violence.
Mr Longwe has also appealed to all political leaders to restrain themselves from promoting tribal divisions.
Government will not allow any job losses at Chibuluma Mines-Kambwili
GOVERNMENT will not allow any job losses at Chibuluma Mines in Kalulushi on the pretext of operational challenges which are unsubstantiated, Chief Government spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili has said.
Mr Kambwili has warned Metorex (Pty) Limited, the owners of Chibuluma Mines, against laying off any miner.
Metorex is a subsidiary of Jinchuan Group of China with its head office in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Mr Kambwili issued the warning yesterday after Chibuluma Mines indicated that 200 miners would soon be laid-off to keep operations afloat amidst the challenges emanating from low copper prices on the international market.
He said that Government was aware of a ploy by Metorex to offload the Chibuluma miners to a Chinese contractor who would employ them on a lower salary scale.
Mr Kambwili, who is Information and Broadcasting Services minister, said the Government could not be hoodwinked, and that such reports would be investigated thoroughly.
“I am extremely disappointed with a report received from the affected workers that Metorex wants to offload the workers to a contractor because it does not want to pay them the current salaries, which are good.
“Metorex wants to give the miners to a Chinese contractor who will employ them on lower salaries, but that is illegal and if found to be true, heads will roll,” Mr Kambwili said.
He said his Mines and Minerals Development counterpart, Christopher Yaluma had taken keen interest in the matter as procedure on the impending job cuts had not been followed.
This was because the mining company should have given Government and the unions a 60-day notice, but that had not been done.
Mr Kambwili said it was unfortunate that job losses in the mines had continued to haunt the country, with investors opting for the move as the only route to break even and make profits.
“Government will not sit idle and watch an investor buy a mine yet treating Zambian workers like second-hand citizens in their own country.
“We do not support the impending retrenchments at Chibuluma until we confirm beyond reasonable doubt that they cannot break even and make profits owing to low copper prices,” Mr Kambwili said.
Metorex did not respond to a Press query on the impending job losses
Sylvia Masebo’s unlawful assembly case referred to High Court
THE Lusaka magistrate’s court has referred the matter in which Chongwe Member of Parliament, Sylvia Masebo is charged with unlawful assembly to the High Court for determination of constitutionality.
Magistrate Prince Mwiinga said yesterday in his ruling that he was referring the case because his court had no jurisdiction to determine whether Article 21 of the Republican Constitution had been violated in this matter.
Article 21 guarantees Zambians the freedom of assembly and association which Masebo and her co-accused claim has been violated by slapping them with the offence of unlawful assembly.
Masebo and four others, through their defence lawyer Robert Simeza, asked Mr Mwiinga to refer the case to the High Court, contending that the charge, framed under section 74 of the Penal Code read with section 75, was invalid because it infringed on his clients’ right to freedom of assembly.
Mr Simeza argued that it was mandatory for Mr Mwiinga to allow for the reference of the case to the High Court for it to test the constitutionality of section 74 of the Penal code.
The prosecution objected to the application, claiming it was meant to delay the case.
However, Mr Mwiinga granted the application, saying it was neither vexatious nor frivolous.
Mr Mwiinga said his court had no jurisdiction to determine constitutional issues as it was a preserve of the High Court.
Masebo and four others were facing one count of unlawful assembly.
It was alleged that the law maker and others in September, 2015, with intent to commit an offence or carry out some common purpose, did unlawfully assemble along the Nationalist and Independence roads, thereby conducting themselves in a manner as to cause persons in the neighbourhood reasonable fear of the breach of the peace.
UPND deliberately holding illegal public gatherings to attract Police Attention-Fr Bwalya
The ruling Patriotic Front has accused the UPND of devising a strategy to demonize the PF government and the Police by deliberately holding illegal public gatherings in order to attract the attention of the Police.
PF Central Committee Chairperson for Information Frank Bwalya said that the UPND is using this as a strategy ahead of 2016 in order to attract public sympathy whenever Police disrupt their illegal gatherings.
Father Bwalya told Qfm News by telephone that such schemes to demonize the government and the Police will not work.
Father Bwalya said that this was because it was also a fact that the Police are not stopping any political party from holding public gatherings or mobilizing ahead of next year’s general election.
Father Bwalya noted that the Police were merely encouraging all political parties to follow the law, wondering why the UPND cannot follow the law when the party in power has been following the law.
Asked why it has been so easy for the ruling PF to mobilize as compared to other political parties, Father Bwalya said that it was a mere perception to assume that it has been easy for the ruling party to conduct party mobilization activities.
MMD’s Response to Edmond Miti’s call for National Convention
Edmond Miti, claiming to be a a young concerned man who loves the MMD, has written an article published on Lusaka Times saying that there is nothing wrong with debating the issue of the MMD convention. Whilst he is correct in that assertion, he is unfortunately displaying ignorance on the issues and the points he raises suspiciously sound familiar. Let us set him straight.
If you examine all the statements from people calling for a convention, they are ALL WITHOUT EXCEPTION people that were expelled, resigned or defected from MMD and who are working against the party. We can list them here one by one, including Watson Mtonga who falsely claims to be Lusaka Province Chairman yet he was expelled last year when he joined Rupiah Banda in supporting the Patriotic Front (PF) against his own party.
Our National Secretary Mwansa Mbulakulima on 10th December (http://mmdzambia.org/news/
For example, Mr Mumba was last an office bearer in MMD TEN YEARS AGO! A former office bearer calling for a convention is as absurd as Wynter Kabimba claiming he is still PF Secretary-General and then calling for a PF Convention next year. Does Edmond really think it makes any sense for us as MMD to accept statements from impostors who are not office bearers?
Edmond claims the issue of the convention after 5 years is “straight forward”, which proves how ignorant (or dishonest) he is. Does he know for example that the MMD held a convention in 2005 and the next one came in 2011, SIX YEARS AND NOT FIVE YEARS late? Does he also know that it is only the MMD National Executive Committee that has powers to call a Convention and decide the exact date as per Article 14 of the MMD Constitution?
Edith Mataka is not a “disgruntled” woman but is the Copperbelt Chairlady and has been in that position for some time. The people who gathered at Hotel Edinburgh were not “innocent” MMD members but paid people. Edmond’s statement on Ms Mataka is very insulting and demeaning. This, among other reasons, suggests that like all the other impostors calling for a convention, he is just another hired gun.
The MMD intelligence wing gathers information every single day about all these schemes against our party. We already know about impostors sponsored by Lunte MP Felix Mutati who are calling for a convention in 2016 so that those who lost to Nevers Mumba at the 2012 Convention can have another shot to remove him and then negotiate with PF to be running mate under the 50%+1 electoral system. We already issued a statement on this issue and even named the people involved (http://mmdzambia.org/news/
Edmond Miti, you cannot fool us. We know all the signs of hired guns who think we are dumb and cannot see what’s going on. Sorry to let you know that we are ten steps ahead of you. Just go home and do something else.
Lengwe Bwalya
MMD NATIONAL YOUTH TREASURER
Husband, sons accused of sleeping with wife’s daughters
A HOUSEWIFE of Lusaka West has narrated in the Matero Local Court how her husband and her step-sons would have sex with her daughters while she was out working at night.
Gertrude Zulu, 37, told the court that while she was out slaving for the family every night, her husband, Charles Kalaluka, 45, and his sons would take turns having sexual relations with her daughters.
Zulu was narrating before senior court magistrates Pauline Newa and Lewis Mumba in a case in which she sued Kalaluka for marriage reconciliation.
“When my daughters told me that my husband and his sons force them to have sexual relations in our home, I confronted him but he beat me. My husband continued having sexual relations with my second-born daughter,” she said.
Zulu told the court that she got married to Kalaluka in 2009 making her his seventh wife. She said she had six children from her previous marriage while he had three sons. Bride price was paid.
“When we got married, I was managing a bar. Even though we started staying together, Kalaluka never accepted my children but I accepted his,” she said.
Zulu told the court that when one of her daughters became pregnant, Kalaluka’s son revealed that he was not the one responsible but his father.
“My family summoned Kalaluka and his son for a meeting but his son never presented himself, his father took responsibility of everything and promised to pay compensation for damage but up to now, nothing has been paid,” she said.
Zulu said her daughter had to leave the matrimonial home because of her husband and his sons’ behaviour.
“Actually, I do not even want to reconcile with him. I have changed my mind because I have had enough. He even threatens my life. He has no respect for me as his wife,” she said.
But Kalaluka denied ever having sexual relations with his step-daughters. He accused Zulu of spending nights away from their matrimonial home.
The court failed to reconcile the couple.
(DailyMail)
Zambia’s parentage clause is undemocratic and needs revision
United Party for National Development (UPND) Kaombwe constituency aspiring candidate Martha Mulenga has urged Government to with immediate effect revise the parentage clause because it is currently undemocratic in a country like Zambia.
In an interview with Pan African Radio staffer Hermit Hachilonde, Ms. Mulenga whose parents originally came from Malawi but renounced their Malawian citizenship stated that the “parentage clause“ is only retrogressive and inimical to the country’s democratic dispensation.
Ms. Mulenga said the controversial clauses only limit the leadership chances of the people with potential to expedite national development by denying them an opportunity to positively contribute to Zambia’s development agenda.
She added that the clauses under article 100 of the constitution are an affront to democracy and do not make sense, hence the need to reverse them to that of the UNIP Government.
“Yes I have told you that my parents were from Malawi, but they denounced their malawianship, they are now Zambians by registration, and I will equally urge Government and maybe when I get to parliament, closely look at that clause.We must look at some these clauses because we might be denying people who could bring potential into Zambia, Martha Mulenga said”
The Parentage clause is a constitutional provision that requires an aspiring presidential candidate in Zambia to be a “third generation” Zambian.
It is alleged that the parentage clause was inserted after the dawn of multi-party democracy in Zambia in 1991 by then the late former president Dr. Fredrick Chiluba whose motive was to prevent Dr. Kenneth Kaunda from running for office again.
Dr. Kenneth Kaunda is the first post-independence leader in Zambia whose father was born in the then Nyasaland now Malawi.
As it stands, the parentage clause has continued to discriminate against people like state house Deputy Minister Mulenga Sata the son of the late president Michael Sata whose mother is believed to be Malawian and Agriculture Minister Given Lubinda whose father is believed to be Indian, among others.
The clause also prevented Lusaka central Member of Parliament Dr. Guy Scott from running as president of Zambia after the demise of the 5th Republican President Michael Sata on an account that his father was Scottish.
I don’t want to shed blood to remain in state house – Lungu
“I am not ready to cause chaos and spill any drop of blood of any Zambian for me to remain in State House because I want the best candidate to win the presidency,” President Edgar Lungu has said.
President Lungu said he was ready to leave State House any time Zambians wanted to change the leadership of the country but asked his political opponents to allow him to govern a peaceful and united country.
President Lungu appealed to the leadership in the UPND, FDD, NAREP and the Patriotic Front (PF) to turn to God, stating that if political leaders surrendered themselves to Jesus, there would be no violence in which political cadres were wielding pangas and maiming each other on the basis of different political opinions.
Speaking at an inter-denominational prayer meeting at State House yesterday, President Lungu called for co-existence among politicians, stating that even politicians who did not believe in the power of God should be prayed for so that they could know Christ.
The President said it was not possible for him to be right at all times because he was as human as any other citizen and that was why he was turning to God in both good and difficult times of his leadership.
The Head of State said it was his prayer that the 2016 general election campaigns would be devoid of name-calling, malice and insults but should be based on issues.
“In church, there is no talk about tribe. There is so much talk about affluence and people thinking money is everything. But we must seek the face of God in good and bad times. Political leaders, please let us turn to God. UPND, NAREP and PF, we must all turn to God and if we are going to have God in our hearts, there shall no reason to raise pangas.
‘‘Let us allow co-existence and we pray that the campaigns next year will be based on issues. I am not ready to spill any drop of blood because I want to stay in State House. I do not want to cause chaos in Zambia but when time comes, I will go but for now allow me to work,” President Lungu said.
The President said Zambians should not be ashamed to be Christians, adding that it was important for the presidency to find time to congregate and worship God.
And Bible Gospel Church in Africa (BIGOCA) presiding bishop Peter Ndhlovu said the Church had a critical role to play in bringing politicians together so as to foster peace and unity in the country.
Bishop Ndhlovu said in his sermon that the church should not preach violence, tribalism and hate messages but should always preach peace, unity and reconciliation.
“We have one country and the church should not be seen to be taking sides. We much preach love, peace, unity and reconciliation and love buries all forms of hatred. So we urge politicians to avoid hate messages as they go for campaigns,” Bishop Ndhlovu said.