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President Lungu stresses a point at a Youth Rally at Freedom Park
President Edgar Lungu says he has intelligence information that the opposition UPND wants to cause confusion ahead of the 2016 tripartite elections.
President Lungu alleged that the UPND intends to cause confusion as it has realized that it is not going anywhere.He reiterated that the ruling PF is headed for victory in the general elections.
President Lungu has since implored the UPND leadership to uphold peace. He called on the police command in Northern Province not to hesitate in arresting anyone perpetrating violence.
Meanwhile, President Edgar Lungu is this afternoon expected to commission the Pensulo-Kasama 330Killo volts grid transmission project in Kasama.
“MY MOTHER-IN-LAW has made me miserable in my own home because she is always hurling insults at me for not sexually satisfying her son,” narrated a Lusaka housewife in Chilenje local court.
Agness Sakala, 22, of Katoba area said she could not tolerate her mother-in-law Winnie Mwanza’s behaviour as it is taboo and morally unacceptable for her to be interested in her married son’s sex life.
Appearing before senior court magistrate Sharon Sichone was Sakala, who had sued her mother-in-law Mwanza for compensation for insults.
“This woman likes telling me that I fail to sexually satisfy her son and that is why he is abusive towards me. She calls me a prostitute and always joins in to defend her son when we are fighting. Mwanza is the reason my husband no longer respects or listens to me,” she complained.
She said Mwanza was also accusing her of using charms on her son.
But Mwanza told the court Sakala told her she was fed up of the marriage because of her husband (Mwanza’s son) insatiable appetite for sex.
“I told Sakala that marriage is sex and that is the reason why she got married to my son. She also confessed to me that she has charmed my son and emasculated him so that she can do what she wants,” she said.
Mwanza said her 27-year-old son’s life was in danger because Sakala liked beating him.
However, the court in passing judgment castigated Mwanza for interfering in her son’s marriage by demanding to know her son’s sex life.
The court issued a restraining order against Mwanza and warned her of stern action if she continued interfering in Sakala’s marriage.
“How can you know that your son does not get satisfied by your daughter-in-law? the court asked.
President Edgar Lungu at State house Press Conference
President Edgar Lungu says he is ready to assent to the Constitution Amendment Bill of 2015 as soon as he receives it.
President Lungu says it is unfortunate that some people are now saying that he should hold on.
The Head of State says Zambians have been given a constitution that they wanted.
President Lungu was speaking at Zambia Airforce City Airport shortly before departure for Shiwangandu in Muchinga Province, where he is expected to commission a 3-hundred hectare ZAFFICO forest plantation.
The President is later expected in Kasama to Commission the 1-hundred and 53 million dollars, Pensulo-Kasama Grid Transmission line in Northern Province.
This is the second energy project that President Lungu will be commissioning in the province this year.
Meanwhile, President Lungu says he will Not allow a breakdown of law and Order in the country.
President Lungu says he has received reports that some politician in Muchinga is arming cadres with machetes ahead of the elections.
The Head of State also says some people have been paid in Kasama to boo him as he arrives to commission the Pensulo-Kasama Grid Transmission line.
During the Cold War, an American lawyer(Tom Hanks) is recruited to defend an arrested Soviet spy in court, and then help the CIA facilitate an exchange of the spy for the Soviet captured American U2 spy plane pilot, Francis Gary Powers.
PROS
Tremendous performances by Tom Hanks and Mark Rylance
Very interesting and original story-line .
CONS
The story was abit too straight forward , not enough twists in the plot .
FAVORITE QUOTES
James Donovan: “Aren’t you worried?”
Rudolf Abel: “Would it help?”
James Donovan: “We have to have the conversations our governments can’t.”
James Donovan :”Everyone deserves a defense. Everyone matters.”
CONCLUSION
I went to see this movie without having viewed the trailer or any attractions , all i knew was that it was staring Tom Hanks and directed by Steven Spielberg. Tom Hanks is one of my favorite actors and Steven Spielberg has never directed a movie i didn’t like . I was not disappointed , Bridge of Spies was a magnificent movie .
It is a period piece , based during the 1960’s , the cold-war era , when there were tense relations between USA and The Soviet union . This is not a James Bond-like spy action movie , but rather an evenly paced suspense/drama/espionage movie. That being said , it is still very enjoyable and will have you at the edge your seats at moments , thinking something is about to go horribly wrong .
Tom Hanks displayed a solid and believable performance as the fish-out-of-water lawyer trying to negotiate a prisoner exchange between USA and USSR . Mark Rylance equally had a distinguished performance as the quirky,mysterious Russian spy, Rudolf Abel.
Bridge of Spies is an exciting mixture of a court-room drama and a cold-war spy thriller. I highly recommend watching it .
Father Bwalya at PF rally
The PF is concerned with the anti-government propaganda being spread by some sections of the media.
PF Central Committee member Frank Bwalya says there is a general disregard for fairness and ethics by some media outlets in their reporting especially on the government.
Speaking when he appeared on “Let the People Talk” Programme on Radio Phoenix Father BWALYA said the media should aim at verifying and balancing their stories before airing them.
On the same programme Father Bwalya who is also PF Chairman for Information, urged the police to arrest anyone involved in the beating of journalists.
And Father Bwalya also said there is nothing political about the recent seizure of documents and equipment at the Post Newspapers by Zambia Revenue Authority -ZRA-officers.
Meanwhile, Father Bwalya said he is happy that the public media is not being used to spread bitterness and division in the country.
He said the public media is playing a pivotal role in disseminating information on the many developmental projects taking place countrywide.
Father Bwalya has since assured all the opposition political parties of equal media coverage in the run up to next year’s general elections.
The Patriotic Front leadership in Lusaka Province is annoyed over the demolition of over 800 houses in Lusaka West area.
PF Province Chairlady, Margaret Mumba says it is unfortunate that the Police went ahead to demolish the houses of innocent Zambians.
Ms Mumba claims that at the time the demolition exercise was carried out she asked for the Court Order but was not given the document.
She was speaking in an interview with ZNBC News in Lusaka.
And PF Provincial Youth Chairman, Kennedy Kamba said the affected families are supporters of the ruling Party who gave PF votes during the just ended Ward election.
The Teaching Service Commission has clarified that no meeting took place to discuss the introduction of uniforms for teachers.
Teaching Service Commission Secretary Sandra Ndhlovu explained that contrary to media reports, the Commission did not meet on any date to consider introducing a mandatory dress code for teachers nor will it be considered in the near future.
Ms. Ndhlovu said the commission has not received any complaints from the public regarding the dress code of teachers and has since warned individuals fabricating such stories of stern action once discovered.
‘You may wish to know that the Commission has been out of station operating from Chongwe and Kafue carrying out national assignment, dress code is part of code of conduct but introduction for uniforms have never been discussed, these reports are a work of unknown people trying to discredit the work of the Ministry and the Commission,’ Ms Ndhlovu said.
But the Commission is on record backing General Education Minister Dr Michael Kaingu proposal to introduce mandatory uniforms for teachers in order to bring sanity to the profession.Dr Kaingu whilst touring schools in western province expressed concern that some teachers especially the female folk are wearing clothes that reveal their underwear while conducting classes.
She has since appealed to teachers countrywide to stop holding meeting aimed at discussing the reported introduction of teacher’s uniforms.
‘This matter has not been discussed and will never be discussed,’ she said.
And Ministry of General Education Spokesman Hillary Chipango has reiterated that there is no policy by the Ministry of Education to introduce mandatory dress code for teachers.
‘On the teachers uniform discourse, the Ministry has categorically stated that there is no such a policy in the Ministry and the Ministry will always take extensive consultation with stakeholders including teacher trade unions and policy makers to arrive at such a decision and besides, it would be a contradiction to us teachers to wear unions because you might be aware that wearing uniforms for learners was not compulsory,’ Mr. Chipango said.
Mr. Chipango stated that these reports have caused agitation and anxiety and brought discontent in the teaching fraternity.
But the Commission is on record backing General Education Minister Dr Michael Kaingu proposal to introduce mandatory uniforms for teachers in order to bring sanity to the profession.
Dr Kaingu whilst touring schools in western province expressed concern that some teachers especially the female folk are wearing clothes that reveal their underwear while conducting classes.
SIX opposition political parties have opposed the requirement for total of 1,000 supporters drawn from all 10 provinces as stipulated in the new constitution and described it as retrogressive and undemocratic.
The parties claimed that the requirement was a farce and an abhorrent to democracy as it was mooted by big parties with financial muscle to the disadvantage of smaller parties.
They have since appealed to President Lungu to take it back to parliament for amendments
The six are Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), People’s Party (PP), National Revolution Party (NRP), Zambia Direct Democracy Movement (ZDDM), Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD) and Zambia Republican Party (ZRP) who have all rejected the clause.
Among other qualifications for presidential nominations, article 100 (j) stipulates that a person qualifies to be nominated as a candidate for election as President if that person is supported by at least 100 registered voters from each province.
Zambia has currently 10 provinces after the creation of Muchinga by President Michael Sata (late) which translates into 1,000 supporters under the new requirement.
The qualification for previous Presidential elections was for a candidate to go for nomination with 200 registered voters. The parties alleged that the clause was aimed at preventing some political parties which did not have the financial muscle from contesting in general elections by making the nomination process more costly, saying the clause should be re-tabled.
FDD spokesperson Antonio Mwanza said that ferrying 100 registered voters from each of the 10 provinces to Lusaka was unattainable as the exercise could gobble the entire budget for an election for a party.
“This article is irrelevant. It is cumbersome. What are we trying to achieve by unnecessarily raising the expenditure of political parties? Prevent some parties from taking part in an election? This is an assault to democracy and we shall not support it.
PP president Mike Mulongoti said it was not possible for some parties to avail 1000 registered voters, arguing that there was nothing political parties needed to prove about their popularity for them to bring such massive numbers of people during nominations.
And ZRP leader Wright Musoma said the Article had the potential to force other parties which had financial constraints into oblivion because they will never field candidates.
“Who, in his right senses, can support such an extravagant article? Look, opposition political parties are not funded by Government and so, it is only the party in power that has an advantage over this matter because they have all the resources at their disposal,” Mr. Musoma said.
Meanwhile, ADD president Charles Milupi, ZDDM vice president Charles Kafumbo and NRP president Cosmo Mumba echoed the same sentiments saying the Article would have to be re-tabled or the people’s wish for representation would be suppressed.
Article 100 of the amended constitution provides that a person qualifies to be nominated as a candidate for election as president if that person:
-is a citizen by birth or descent;
-has been ordinarily resident in Zambia;
-is at least 35 years old;
-is a registered voter;
-has obtained, as a minimum academic qualification, a Grade 12 certificate or its equivalent;
-is fluent in the official language;
-has paid that person’s taxes or has made arrangements, satisfactory to the appropriate tax authority, for the payment of the taxes;
-declares that person’s assets and liabilities, as prescribed;
-pays the prescribed election fee on, or before, the date fixed for the delivery of nomination papers; -is supported by at least 100 registered voters from each Province.
The Constitution Amendment Bill which passed through Parliament last Friday awaits Presidential assent.
Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night. My mind takes me to the political landscape that is shaping the current economic woes and societal despondency in Zambia. My heart bleeds for my beloved country. What have we done to deserve what we are going through? Life is hard. The cost of living is skyrocketing and beyond the reach of many. Industries are closing down and workers are thrown into the cold. Jobs for many graduates from our education institutions are non- existent. Those who hack out a living through self-help entrepreneurship are bearing the brunt of power load shading. The political scene is no better. Violence has become the order of the day. We have seen the kind of political violence never experienced in Zambia before. Gun toting and use of live bullets to threaten political opponents is slowly becoming part of Zambia’s political culture. Lawlessness is getting entrenched. Those entrusted with maintaining law and order have sometimes been in the forefront, breaking the law. The very process of electing our leaders is fraught with impunity. The lawless and powerful are registering under aged children as voters. The list of woes continues so you can fill the gaps.
Although the misery Zambians are going through is caused by a few, the rest of citizens are watching, powerless to do anything. Paralyzed, they become tools in the very hands of the few. Confused as to the way things ought to be, they become cheerers of the cause of their own death. The leaders they looked to for better life are caught up into the frenzy of making hay while the sun shines. The thought of life outside government is unbearable. So, everything must be done to maintain the status quo. Those who gather courage to question illegality must be brutalized and silenced. With the national elections coming in a few months from now the gag machinery is going into full throttle. This is why I am worried. I am not worried for myself but for the millions of Zambians for what await us. There is writing on the wall. Are Zambians seeing it? Have you heard of children in Zambia and other nationals from neighboring countries that are being registered as voters in Zambia? Have you heard of what has happened to gallant Zambians that wanted to investigate these happenings? The writing is on the wall and if we ignore it more misery will visit us.
If we merely watch and do not organize ourselves to counter the rot going on right now in the political arena we should not cry when the worst hits us.
Here is my humble suggestion. Every institution and individual Zambians desiring peace and prosperity of our land must unite and protect legitimate processes of electing our leaders into councils, parliament, and the presidency. NGOCC, FODEP, Women’s Lobby, Oasis, Transparency International, the Church, chiefs, LAZ, and many others hear this clarion call. The sign is on the wall. If we merely watch and do not organize ourselves to counter the rot going on right now in the political arena we should not cry when the worst hits us. We must protect the will and choices of Zambians against partisan interests.
Elections are not rigged on the voting day only. Summoning all our energies to monitor actual voting even with international elections observers is too little too late. There is need to get organized now, creating mechanisms to document and report violence and malpractices taking place from issuing of registration and voters cards up to the day of elections. What we need is a body of evidence to fall on if and when our systems fail us because they choose to side with political parties and not the people. Many Zambians want to collect evidence of wrong-doing but have nowhere reliable to report it to for documentation and use. Sometimes they have no skill in collecting evidence that could be used in courts of law and international human rights institutions.
I call upon all civil society organizations in Zambia to take the challenge and save the country from sliding into chaos. Mobilize us for action against electoral lawlessness. I do not want to wake up some day, in the middle of the night and say, “The writing was on the wall but Zambians ignored it.”
By Mapanza H Nkwilimba The author was among the founding members of the Zambia Elections Monitoring Coordinating Committee (ZEMEC) now Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP).
I would describe myself as a mad scientist in the kitchen; I usually throw a bunch of ingredients into the pot and see what happens. I’ve never really been one to use exact measurements and for the most part, that’s how I taught myself to cook. Although, when I am baking I do use exact measurements, because baking is an exact science that you cannot cheat – the fact is if you don’t use the correct ingredients and quantities to bake a cake, you won’t produce a good cake. However, in my time I have come across those baking pros who don’t have to measure out their baking ingredients and have a 6th sense about how much of each ingredient they are using – that is truly amazing and I hope to become a pro like that one day; but as of right now I am very happy with my scales. Anyway, when it comes to savoury dishes I literally throw anything in – a dash of this, a pinch of that…that’s what makes cooking so fun – there aren’t really any strict rules that you have to follow. Which is why I love making my baked curry chicken, peppers and onions – I actually made this utterly scrumptious dish for Sunday dinner. It went down a treat with crisp roasted spuds (potatoes), and glass of wine, mmm perfect. Sunday lunch/dinner always calls for a slap up meal. It’s one of the few days that you can sit with the family and enjoy some good food and conversation. So try it out this Sunday.
I love this recipe because it is so easy and straightforward, in fact your oven does all the work for you. If you would like it to be healthier you can use olive oil, grill it, or even barbeque it, to give it that extra char grilled flavour.
Ingredients
1 packet of Chicken thighs, with the bone in and skin on
Red, green and yellow bell peppers, 1 of each, sliced
1 large onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
3 tsps Chicken seasoning
2 tsps Thyme
2 tsps Garlic powder
2 tsps Curry powder
2 tsps salt
2 tsps Chilli flakes (optional)
2 tbsp of vegetable oil, or olive oil
Method
Slice your bell peppers and onions and set them aside. Chop your garlic cloves into small pieces and mix them in with your onions and peppers.
Marinate your chicken with the seasoning; chilli flakes, garlic powder, curry, thyme and chicken seasoning. Then mix your chicken, garlic, peppers and onions on a baking tray, drizzle over the vegetable oil; and bake in the oven at 150 ?C for about 30 minutes – 1 hour; or until the chicken is cooked through.
Voila it’s as simple as that. Let your oven do the rest, sit back and relax.
Serving
I personally serve this with roasted potatoes, but it goes down a treat with nearly anything from; potato salad and vegetable salad, to sweet potato mash, curried rice, Jollof rice and wait for it…your beloved nshima.
Kanta Temba is a cake maker and decorator. She is also the owner and founder of Kanta Kakes – cake shop.
You can find her work onwww.kantakakes.com. Follow her on twitter @KantaKakes and Instagram @KantaTemba.
CHILUFYA TAYALI xecutive Director The Zambian Voice
The Zambian Voice has said that Zambians risk having a new constitution that only answers to the immediate political situation in the country.
Executive Director Chilufya Tayali said that his organization’s fears are based on its observations that only clauses that seem to favour the ruling party in the Constitution Bills were passed by Parliament.
Mr. Tayali pointed out that the 50+1 clause is one such provision he believes has been passed because the ruling party thinks passing this clause enhances its chances of winning the 2016 general election.
He said that people should therefore not fool themselves by believing that they have what they wanted in the new constitution.
Mr. Tayali said that if indeed the PF was interested in upholding people’s wishes and aspirations, it would have not rejected other progressive clauses.
He said that much as the Zambian Voice agrees with the explanation on the cost implication of implementing the discarded progressive clauses, it is of the view that what should have been kept in mind is that a constitution is not only there to answer to the present political situation.
Meanwhile, Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) President Andrew Nthewewe has said that the passing of the constitution bill marks the beginning of a new constitution order.
Mr. Nthewewe said that the constitution amendments will bring about change with regards the country’s governance system and structures.
He said that this was in view of some progressive clauses that have been adopted by Parliament.
Mr. Nthewewe noted that failure by Member of Parliament to pass the constitution amendment bill would have spelt doom for the country considering the huge resources that have so far been spend on constitution making process.
He cited the 50% plus one and the presidential running mate as some of the progressive clauses Zambians have been pushing for for a long time.
Mr. Nthewewe noted that the passing of the constitution amendment bill means 80% plus has been achieved in the constitution making process.
He has since urged stakeholders to start lobbying the President to append his signature so that the constitution can become law.
Davies Chama addressing PF Members at the mobilisation meeting
PATRIOTIC Front (PF) Secretary General Davies Chama has predicted that President Edgar Lungu will get more than 60 per cent of votes in 2016 general elections.
Mr Chamba said President Lungu was expected to have a landslide victory of about 65 per cent in next year’s elections because of his massive agenda to rebuild and transform the country.
“I googled the website of heaven and I saw that President Lungu will win the 2016 elections.
“We will also win the 2021 elections as well as in 2026 and in 2064 according to my search,” Mr Chama said.
The PF Secretary General, who is currently on a party mobilisation tour of Southern Province, was speaking in Livingstone.
“President Lungu and PF will win by 65 per cent next year. PF has a committed leadership and what they have done is touchable and seen.
“The President is committed to improving the country and Zambians should just be patient because employment opportunities are coming massively,” he said.
Mr Chama said that the PF Government had paid farmers promptly and ensured early distribution of farming inputs unlike the previous Governments.
He also denied claims that he told opposition political parties to urinate into Kariba Dam so that the country could have enough water to generate electricity.
Mr Chama further dismissed claims that PF had already started political campaigns for 2016 as no one in the ruling party was addressing public meetings.
“It is some opposition parties that are dragging the police and holding public meetings without permits and this is unacceptable.
“I have informed the police for all the meetings s I have been holding but the opposition have the propensity to break the law,” he said.
Mr Chama noted with sadness that some organisations were not remitting taxes to Government and in turn accusing the State of prosecuting them when follow-ups were made on them.
He also said the PF was not using public resources on its operations as all funds were members and well-wishers.
“We don’t use public resources. Government has a lot of things to be done from tax payers money such as repairing roads.
“Here in Livingstone, I was received by about 50 cars from party supporters. The PF leadership in Livingstone under the chairperson Lawrence Evans is doing a commendable job and it is not true that it is divided,” he said.
nevers Mumba at a Press Briefing
MMD leader Nevers Mumba has predicted a presidential re-run in next year’s general elections.
Dr Mumba said in an interview the current top three parties in Parliament are unlikely to attain the 50 percent plus one vote threshold.
Dr Mumba notes that the passing of the 50+1 clause in the final draft constitution has made smaller political parties even relevant to the electoral process as they will be needed in the process.
‘What has now come to the political scenario is a platform that makes every political party relevant to the process and it is not going to say winner takes it all or someone passes the post with one vote and they become President, I think the 50 percent plus one makes every political player going forward to contribute in making politics more equitable,’ Dr Mumba said.
He added, ‘We will continue to ply our role an active contribution with the view of winning the next election and I know that it might be unlikely that any one of the three major political parties in Parliament will end up with 50 percent plus one, so what I see even from this far is we are going to have a re-run and once that re-run comes, that is when politics are going to look a little flavoured in the next Parliament or in the next administration.’
The Zambia United Local Authorities Workers Union has appealed to Government to ensure that council workers receive their salaries on time.
ZULAWU President Misheck Nyambose said it is disappointing that council workers do not have a prescribed date on which they receive salaries.
Mr Nyambose said there is no council throughout the country that pays its workers on time.
He also appealed to council managements to improve on tax collection efficiency in order to improve revenue.
Mr Nyambose also bemoaned the high levels of financial abuse at most local authorities in Zambia.
He demanded that government introduces the GRZ receipt books in all councils to curb pilfering of resources and enhance accountability.
He was speaking on Monday when Government signed the 2016 collective agreement for improved salaries and conditions of services for local authorities and fire service workers in the country.
Mr. Nyambose also demanded that government considers giving back to councils the collection of levies such as poll levy, motor vehicle licenses and bill boards.
He said government should stop the Road Development Agency from collecting bill board charges in order to help councils enhance revenue collection.
GBM, HH and Mr Kituta at Simusamba’s funeral service
“Let us all go out and mobilise the voters and win the 2016 elections because that is what Kuchunga would have wanted,” an emotional Hakainde Hichilema told mourners yesterday at the burial of late UPND official Kuchunga Simusamba.
Mr Hichilema said Mr Simusamba ran the race and that it is now time for the UPND members to continue with that which he fought for.
‘He really fought hard for the party, he wanted to serve the Zambian people in Government as he had served as a community workers for our party, that is what we should remember Kuchunga for,’ he said.
Mr Hichilema added, ‘We did all we could within our powers and means to support him during his illness, but as they say God has his own ways of doing things.’
‘Such a dark day for us, but we know that it is darkest before dawn. We shall keep the spirit burning as you did…and we will win 2016 for men like you.’
Pall bearers at Kuchunga Simusamba’s funeral
Meanwhile, the Grand Coalition on the Campaign for a People Driven Constitution has learnt with great shock and sadness about the death of Mr. Simusamba.
In a statement, the Coalition said Mr. Simusamba was an ardent fighter for a new people driven constitution.
‘The Grand Coalition will always cherish the great support Mr. Simusamba gave to our campaign to ensure that the people of Zambia get a new constitution that meets their aspirations. Mr. Simusamba was very instrumental in ensuring that politicians from across the divide joined forces with ordinary citizens in demanding for a people driven constitution,’ it said.
‘When other politicians snubbed the people’s agenda to pursue selfish interests, Mr. Simusamba remained firm in his belief that the people of Zambia have all it takes to deliver unto themselves a new constitution, they do not require Parliament or any other entity to do that for them.’
The Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) extended their deepest condolences to United Party for National Development (UPND) on the untimely passing of UPND Deputy Secretary-General Kuchunga Simusamba. MMD Deputy National Secretary Winnie Zaloumis said Mr Simusamba was a brilliant hard-working man that brought great value to Zambian politics and he shall be surely missed by friends, family and everyone in the political space.She said despite the differing political inclinations, MMD always respected him and his invaluable contribution to the Zambian political landscape.
Hundreds of mourners turned up to pay their last respects to Mr Simusamba who died on Friday evening at 19 Hours at Lusaka’s University Teaching Hospital.
He was hospitalised for some time and on Wednesday last week police officers almost prevented UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema from visiting him at the hospital.
