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Mumbi Phiri clarifies her Kachema remark, claims she was misquoted

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Munali Member of Parliament Mumbi Phiri
Mumbi Phiri

PF Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri has clarified that she did not refer to Tonga speaking people as Ba Kachema during a radio interview last week.

Speaking on ZNBC TV Sunday Interview, Mrs Phiri said her statement has been misconstrued by some sections of the media.

She said the statement about Ba Kachema was used in reference to her Son who wanted to abandon his vision of becoming a Pilot to becoming a cattle handler.

‘I was on Joy FM during a radio programme when i was asked about my family because some people think I was not married. I have been married 25 years and I shared a story about some differences I had with my husband about the career choice of my fifth born son who initially wanted to be a Pilot but suddenly changed when we travelled to his father’s village in Petauke where he saw a lot of cattle and he wanted to drop his passion for becoming a Pilot to cattle handling and I was against it,’ she explained.

She added, ‘So during the programme I said I don’t want my son to be a Kachema but a pilot and some Journalist especially from the Post, picked what they wanted to pick and made it Headline news which is unfortunate.’

‘It was again unfortunate that during the same radio programme when I was asked about the voter registration, I appealed to all PF members to go out en masse and register as voters. So I said tukaye ichitinta ng’ombe (we should go like a herd of cattle) but again this was misconstrued to mean that I was demeaning the Tongas,’ she said.

Mrs Phiri said she will bring the recording of the programme she had on Joy FM to ZNBC so that it could be re-run on ZNBC radio in order to prove to the rest of the nation that I never insulted the Tongas.

‘I will also take the same CD to the Post Newspaper because I don’t understand why the Post should be fabricating things I never said. You know Fred (Fred Mmembe is my brother), we might have our own misunderstanding but that should not allow his Journalists to be maligning me,’ she charged.

Mrs Phiri continued, ‘You know, I come from Muchinga and we are sometimes referred to by our ancestral things such as Aba kwa Lenshina (The Lenshina people) but that does not mean that I drink urine.’

Zambia beats Malawi

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Zambia recorded their first victory over Malawi since 2006 with a 2-0 result.

Defenders Christopher Munthali and Kondwani Mtonga handed coach Honour Janza victory with headed efforts in the 23rd and 34th minute to give the Chipolopolo ahead of the 2015 Cosafa Castle Cup.

Munthali headed home in the 23rd minute from a Rainford Kalaba cross to set Zambia on their way to victory.

International Kondwani Mtonga wound up the business with another headed effort to give Janza victory.

Zambia had not beaten Malawi since their victory in the Cosafa Castle Cup in the 2006 tournament Zambia hosted.

Cartel has failed to pin down President Lungu’s Government-Sunday Chanda

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Sunday Chanda
Sunday Chanda

CARTEL HAS FAILED TO PIN DOWN PRESIDENT LUNGU’S GOVERNMENT– STATEMENT BY SUNDAY CHANDA, VICE CHAIRPERSON, MEDIA AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE

Lusaka, Zambia, 10th May 2015 – Zambians have noted that the infamous cartel will continue licking its wounds after failing to pin down His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s Government.

In their desperation to bring down the PF Government, they have continued to vilify President Lungu through their appendages who line up for headlines on a daily basis. They can be assured that President Lungu and his Government will not go to bed with the cartel.

To those who even entertain the ideal of such a marriage, they must be reminded that light has no fellowship with darkness. Zambians know about the axis of evil in this country which thrives on manipulation and blackmail but they have failed to penetrate President Lungu’s wall because he promised Zambians that PF and the nation are not be sell out to the highest bidder.

It is desperate Opposition parties like UPND and the still-born Rainbow Party who can sell their souls to the cartel. While Rainbow Party was created by the Cartel and in the nature and likeness of the Cartel, the UPND leadership of Hakainde Hichilema has defiled itself by sleeping with the Cartel.

UPND is now a poisoned chalice and will soon suffer serious haemorrhage because today, not even their youths who clashed with the Police after demonstrating over the suspended DPP Mutembo Nchito understand why their leader is such a flip flop. UPND MPs of good standing do not understand why they must be coerced into celebrating the man they rejected to ratify under three (3) years ago.

Mr. Hichilema can nolonger talk about the DBZ loan because he has traded principle for expedience. This is happening because their leader has traded principle for expediency, wrongly believing that the cartel will catapult him into State House. Mr. Hichilema does not realize that by being a flip flop, he has injured society, the same society where the mandate to govern is derived from.

Lastly, we want to take great exception to the level of disrespect and loose talk from a Mr. Eric Chanda, of Fourth Revolution Party, a mouthpiece of the cartel.

Mr. Chanda has gone on rampage issuing disparaging remarks against the person of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu at the instructions of his paymasters.

We wish to remind him that while it might not matter to him, President Lungu is Republican President and society shall not allow him to shamelessly continue pouring scorn on the Head of State. His remarks are careless and highly provocative and if there is no one to tame him, the people of Zambia who gave President Lungu the mandate to rule will do so and he must not cry foul.

Issued by: Sunday Chilufya Chanda, Vice Chairperson, PF Media and Publicity Committee

Mulusa fails to hold back tears when he found public workers under a tree

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SPECIAL Assistant to the President for Project implementation Luck Mulusa
SPECIAL Assistant to the President for Project implementation Luck
Mulusa

SPECIAL Assistant to the President for Project Implementation and Monitoring Lucky Mulusa says it is sad that some government officers were operating in make-shift tents and under trees 50 years after Zambia’s independence.

Mr Mulusa who toured the new Ngabwe district in Central province yesterday to check on infrastructure development could not hold back tears when he found officers operating in tents while others work under trees.

Meanwhile, Mr Mulusa has pledged to contribute funds meant to buy him a vehicle towards the construction of office blocks in Ngabwe District.

He said the Patriotic Front (PF) Government is committed to ensuring that people across the country have access to decent services.

He said the late President Michael Sata saw the plight of the people in the area and declared Ngabwe a District.

Mr Mulusa said it was unfortunate that civil servants who had been deployed to the new district had failed to relocate due to lack of infrastructure.

Speaking when he toured Ngabwe district yesterday after paying a courtesy call on Chief Mukubo of the Lenje speaking people, Mr Mulusa said it was sad to see people operating in tents.

‘’I have decided to channel money allocated to my office for a new vehicle to the construction of office blocks, after touring the District it is sad to see that so many years after we got our independence people can be operating in tents”, Mr Mulusa said.

He said it was hard to believe that Ngabwe District has not seen any development since independence.

Meanwhile Central Province Permanent Secretary Edwidge Mutale who accompanied Mr Mulusa on the tour said officers deployed to the area had failed to move as there are no office blocks and decent accommodation for them.

Ms Mutale said the area has a number of challenges that need to be addressed for it to function effectively.

She said officers fail to sleep in tents as they fear of been attacked as the area has a high rate of criminal activities and the tents are so close to the bushes that snakes sneak into the tents at night.

Ms Mutale thanked Mr Mulusa for the gesture which she described as overwhelming considering the challenges that offices face in the area.

YALI Questions the $192 million loan GRZ contracted from China

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The call by Chief Government Spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili to have people who have disclosed to the Post Newspapers on a $192 million Government obtained from China to the public is misplaced. While we agree with Hon Kambwili that it is an offence to leak classified Government document and that the State is not obliged to disclose security matters to the public, informing the public that Government has on their behalf acquired a public loan that would be used on Security matters is not disclosing security matters.

What Government must acknowledge is that they had wanted to hide the fact that they had acquired such a huge loan from another foriegn government which the Zambian people ought to know about because it is the people and our children who are going to pay these loans.

Zambia, like other countries including the UK and the US have the practice of declaring their security budgets and only oppressive regimes don’t do that. For instance, there was nothing wrong with Government disclosing the 2015 Budget estimates of K501,301,315 to Zambia Security Intelligence Services (ZSIS) because thus has been the practice.

As YALI, we concerned that Government has continued to overlook the motion that Parliament unanimously passed on 17 October 2013 that compels government and the minister of Finance to seek authorization from parliament before any external and internal debts are contracted.

By passing that motion in Parliament, the Zambian people through their representatives, had made it clear that they wanted to curb and restrain borrowings. We want to borrow the words of Hon Minister of Sports, Vincent Mwale, who was the mover of the motion that the rate at which the Patriotic Front (PF) government is borrowing was recklessly and a source of concern, and if not stopped or regulated the country would slip into serious indebtedness.

In our governance system, one would expect Parliament to ask the Executive on why they are disobeying it’s unanimous decision to which they Executive was a part to.

We want to remind Mr. Kambwili and President Lungu that there was nothing wrong with telling Zambians that they had borrowed such huge amounts of money from China unless it wasn’t the intention of Government to use the intended secuity purpose.

We however wish to agree with Hon Kambwili that the practice of leaking Government documents especially Cabinet decisions and discussions need to come to an end as that confidentiality required in managing certain decisions in this country.

What is sad is that even some leaders like Hon Jean Kapata had the courage to use the same cabinet documents and more of PF Cabinet Ministers did not find it wrong to use discussions in Cabinet in furtherance of their own political battles during the handover of power from the then acting President Edgar Lungu to Guy Scott when President Sata had died in London. That action by the Ministers and Mr. Nguni had set a bad precedent which these civil servants are now following.

As YALI, we want to emphasise on the need by President Lungu to transparently manage this country but also call on civil servants to respect the issues of confidentiality. There is nothing wrong though in blowing the whistle that Government is hiding a huge loan it had contracted and the hiding of such a huge loan questions on the real purpose of such a loan.

Isaac Mwanza
Governance Advisor
Young African Leaders Initiative

President Edgar Lungu thinking of not enacting the Freedom of Information Bill

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President Edgar Chagwa Lungu being  PF Deputy National Secretary Mumbi Phiri  on arrival at Kennneth Kaunda International Airport from Livingstone on May 10,2015 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
President Edgar Chagwa Lungu being PF Deputy National Secretary Mumbi Phiri on arrival at Kennneth Kaunda International Airport from Livingstone on May 10,2015 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA

President Edgar Lungu says he is thinking twice about enacting the Freedom of Information Bill because of the way information is being mishandled by the media.

Mr Lungu was speaking upon arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka this morning from Livingstone where he hosted the African Union (AU) Committee of Ten Heads of State Summit on the United Nations (UN) Reforms.

Speaking to journalists, President Lungu said media practitioners are professionals who should be able to analyse and evaluate the information that they receive from their informers.

The President said the allegation that government is hiding a US$192 million loan from China for security purposes is false.

Mr Lungu said the leaking of information is a security issue which has already been handled further stating that those found wanting would be dealt accordingly with one by one.

He said secrecy should prevail because it will be irresponsible of him to be sharing top class information to the public.

‘It is sad that information is circulating. we are not hiding any money. That is why am even thinking twice about enacting the freedom of information bill,” he said.

President Lungu was received at the KKIA by Vice President Inonge Wina.

Others who received the President were senior government and Patriotic Front (PF) Party officials who included Home Affairs Minister Davis Mwila, State House deputy Minister Mulenga Sata and Defence Chiefs among others.

And Chief government Spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili says government is deeply concerned with the continued irresponsible misrepresentation of facts by the Post newspaper that threaten national security.

Mr. Kambwili who was reacting to yesterday’s Post newspaper lead story alleging that Government has hidden a $192 million loan obtained from China said the statement was not only misleading but an attempt to make the public think that government was hiding something.

Speaking during a press briefing at his residence in Luanshya yesterday, Mr. Kambwili who is also Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services noted that the issue was of national security and therefore was not for public discussion.

He noted that it was irresponsible of the Post newspaper to disclose the matter knowing that it was of national security adding that even the access to information bill clearly stipulated that it was not all information that should be disclosed to the press or public.

Mr. Kambwili said the Patriotic Front party when it formed government declared that it would make public every matter discussed by Cabinet but that did not include matters of national security.

“Even if government sat and discussed this loan, there was no way it would have brought this matter to the general public because the issues contained therein are issues of a high security nature” , he said.

He has with immediate effect directed the Police to take keen interest in the matter and bring the culprits to book, and further warned civil servant leaking sensitive information to the public that government would soon catch up with them.

The Chief government spokesperson also observed that such irresponsible conduct by media houses was the reason why successive governments did not enact the access to information bill.

Mr. Kambwili further appealed to the Zambia Media Council (ZAMEC) which he said was now toothless to play its role in regulating the print media.

He noted that the media was slowly losing its ethical standards in their reporting and that government would be forced to regulate it.

President Edgar Chagwa Lungu being welcomed by Vice-President Inonge Wina on arrival at Kennneth Kaunda International Airport from Livingstone on May 10,2015 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
President Edgar Chagwa Lungu being welcomed by Vice-President Inonge Wina on arrival at Kennneth Kaunda International Airport from Livingstone on May 10,2015 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
President Edgar Chagwa Lungu being welcomed by State House Deputy minister Mulenga Sata  on arrival at Kennneth Kaunda International Airport from Livingstone on May 10,2015 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
President Edgar Chagwa Lungu being welcomed by State House Deputy minister Mulenga Sata on arrival at Kennneth Kaunda International Airport from Livingstone on May 10,2015 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
President Edgar Chagwa Lungu being  PF Deputy National Secretary Mumbi Phiri  on arrival at Kennneth Kaunda International Airport from Livingstone on May 10,2015 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
President Edgar Chagwa Lungu being PF Deputy National Secretary Mumbi Phiri on arrival at Kennneth Kaunda International Airport from Livingstone on May 10,2015 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA

Kagem records over 3 million injury free shifts

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Mines Minister Christopher Yaluma
Christopher Yaluma

Kagem Company Limited has recorded 3.5 million injury-free shifts at its Lufwanyama shaft setting a new safety record for the mining industry in Zambia.

Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development Christopher Yaluma who toured the mine and presented the company with a certificate from the Mines Safety Department said it is gratifying that the company has achieved over 3 million injury-free shifts since Gemfields became a shareholder in 2008.

Mr Yaluma said the marking of 3,599,678 lost time injury-free shifts which is a world class achievement is impressive

He said it is encouraging that health and safety practices are embedded across the entire mining and processing operation, with appropriate and specific training and awareness programmes ensuring that employees are responsible at both a corporate and individual level.

Mr Yaluma applauded Kagem’s continued investment in the mining sector and its efforts to promote Zambia as a reliable, secure and ethical source of gemstones to the international market.

He also highlighted a number of aspects that made Kagem a model for the industry, including its extensive capital investment, manpower development, timely payment of royalties and tax, and its pioneering approach to transparency.

He also praised the company for ensuring that all employees were permanent and pensionable, and for its extensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities.

Kagem and Gemfields Chief Executive Officer Ian Harebottle said the company is the flag-bearer for the Zambian gemstone sector and one of the finest examples of what can be achieved in partnerships between governments and foreign investors in the mining sphere.

He said Kagem works to ensure that maximum benefit for all stakeholders in terms of financial, economic, social and environmental is achieved.

Today’s Message: Your Appointed Time

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bible

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time…though it tarry, wait for it…”

(Habakkuk 2:3, KJV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

God has an appointed time to fulfill the visions, dreams and desires in your heart. Just because it has taken a long time or because you’ve tried and failed doesn’t mean that it’s not going to happen.

Don’t give up on those dreams! Don’t be complacent about pursuing what God has placed in your heart. Our God is a faithful God. No matter how long it’s been, no matter how impossible things looks, if you’ll stay in faith, your appointed time is coming.

Remember, every dream that’s in your heart, every promise that has taken root, God put it there.

Not only that, but He has every intention of bringing it to pass. Hold on to that vision today and declare, “My time is coming. God is working behind the scenes on my behalf. I will fulfill my destiny!” As you hold on to your vision and speak life over your dreams, you’ll see them begin to take shape.

You’ll see your faith grow; you’ll see your hope strengthen, and you’ll see yourself step into the appointed time God has for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for setting an appointed time for me. I ask that You ignite my heart with Your holy fire so that I can pursue Your perfect plan for my life. Make my thoughts and words agreeable to Your will in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

People Don’t Trust Government and Parliament to Give them a Constitution-Nawakwi

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Edith Z. Nawakwi FDD President.
Edith Z. Nawakwi
FDD President.

FDD President Edith Nawakwi says the constitution needs to be enacted by a referendum because people do not trust their government. She further stated that people have no confidence that Parliament in its current composition can protect the contents of the Final Draft Constitution.

Speaking when she gave a lecture on Democracy in Zambia at Mpima Seminary in Kabwe on Friday, Ms. Nawakwi said the only way the country will have a document which the people will have confidence in is by ensuring that they are given an opportunity to have a say through a referendum.

“There is no trust between the government and the people therefore people can not trust the government to enact a constitution that epitomizes their aspirations.

“It is us the politicians who have caused this mistrust because politics have become a way of survival. Like my elder brother Munkombwe said it is politics of the stomach and people don’t believe in politicians any more,” she said.

She added “The government says it wants to take the constitution to parliament because those in government know that once the document goes to Parliament they will get to have their way.

People’s wishes are not being represented by their representatives because many MPs are their to eat. Today they are voted for as the opposition to provide checks and balances to the government tomorrow they are appointed as ministers abandoning their parties. So the only way to have a constitution that everyone will believe in is by having a referendum.”

And the opposition leader says corruption will continue to be endemic as long as the excessive powers of the President are not curtailed.

Ms. Nawakwi said the only reason why there is too much corruption in the country is because power has been given to few individuals who are using it to enrich themselves.

She noted that because of the over-centralized system of governance there is no equity in society as those in power are not interested in serving the people.

She noted that the only way to successfully fight corruption in the country is by enacting a constitution that spells out what those in power can do and cannot do.

“In this country there is no law that stops me from taking the entire Namwanga Kingdom to State House once I’m voted as President of this country that is why we are always complaining of Nepotism in Government. It all goes back to the constitution,”continued Ms. Nawakwi.

And when asked what she would prioritize when voted into office the opposition leader said ” if I can decentralize the governance system of this country then I would say I have achieved my goal of helping my country move forward because then I would have set a foundation for development.”

She explained that the only reason why the country remains underdeveloped is because the governance system does not allow people to think and act for themselves.

“Many people in this country grow up thinking that government owes them a life hence wait for government to provide everything for them. By decentralizing the governance system we will unlock the potential of not only districts but of individuals as well because they will not be waiting for instructions from someone in Lusaka to plan and implement developmental programs.” she said.

Arrest culprits of leaked documents, orders Kambwili

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Chishimba Kambwili
Chishimba Kambwili

GOVERNMENT has directed Inspector-General of Police Stella Libongani to investigate and bring to book people who leaked documents to the media on a US$192 million loan Government obtained from China.

Chief Government spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili said in Luanshya yesterday that police should arrest the culprits, noting that the State is not obliged to disclose security matters to the public.

“I am directing the Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect to take keen interest in the leakage of this document and bring the culprits to book,” Mr Kambwili said at a press briefing.

“Even if Government sat and discussed this loan, there is absolutely no way that it can be brought to the general public because some of these issues are of very high security concern, and there is no way Government can disclose that to the general public.

“And for those people either at the Ministry of Finance, the treasury or in the office of the Secretary to Cabinet who are leaking documents, we want to tell them that their days are numbered and they should not blame anybody. They should face the consequences of their action,” he said.

Mr Kambwili, who is Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, said reporting on issues that border on security is irresponsible.

He has appealed to Zambia Media Council (ZAMEC) strengthen its governance in the regulation of the media in the country.

Mr Kambwili observed that reportage is what could have caused previous governments to hesitate in enacting the Freedom of Information Bill (FIB).

“I want to appeal to ZAMEC, which is supposed to regulate the media, that we agreed as Government to allow the media houses to regulate themselves but we are disappointed because it appears ZAMEC is now toothless,” he said.

Mr Kambwili also said the police should pursue Fourth Revolution Party (4R) president Eric Chanda for allegedly defaming President Lungu.

Mr Kambwili was reacting to a media report quoting Mr Chanda as having said that President Lungu has no moral right to advise aides at State House.

“Government takes very strong exception at the unbecoming behaviour of people defaming the President with impunity, Surely, even if there is freedom of expression, can one go and say the President has no moral right to advise aides at State House.

“Can you tell your own father that you have no moral rights to talk to me? Gentlemen, I think we are losing it,” he said.

100 days of President Edgar Lungu’s style of governance is progressive-SACCORD

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President Lungu at Labour day in Lusaka
President Lungu at Labour day in Lusaka

THE Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution (SACCORD) has described the 100 days of President Edgar Lungu’s style of governance as progressive but with numerous challenges.

And SACCORD has called on President Lungu to expedite the constitutional making process and tackle poverty levels especially in rural areas.

SACCORD executive director Boniface Cheembe said one area that President Lungu has changed is the improved sense of communication.

Mr Cheembe cited the briefs after cabinet meetings and the openness regarding President Lungu’s recent medical examination as progressive way governance.

“The way President Lungu allowed transparency regarding his recent medical examinations both in Zambia and when he went to South Africa is encouraging. This is a new trend in the governance of our country, it has never happened before,” Mr Cheembe said.

Mr Cheembe said looking back at President Lungu’s inaugural speech, his commitment to striking a balance between local and foreign investment seems to be on track.

“Look at his inaugural speech on various issues like investment and international relations, President Lungu in his three months of office has engaged very well with fellow leaders in the region, a thing that is beneficial to the Zambian people,” Mr Cheembe said.

However, Mr Cheembe said the levels of poverty and the speed at which the constitutional-making process is going are worrying.

“Poverty and unemployment are reaching alarming levels that need serious attention from Government and its co-operating partners,” Mr Cheembe said.

Grand Coalition can’t usurp Parley-Sunday Chanda

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Sunday Chanda
Sunday Chanda

THE Patriotic Front (PF) says the Grand Coalition on the Campaign for a People-Driven Constitution cannot usurp or interfere with the powers of the legislature by standing in the way of its mandate.

PF Media vice-chairperson Sunday Chanda said Parliament has powers to amend the law.

“It is unthinkable for the Grand Coalition to argue for Parliament to abdicate its powers to civil society groupings. The excitement by Grand Coalition to exaggerate their prominence on matters of the constitution is not informed by nationhood,” he said.

In a statement released yesterday, Mr Chanda said it will therefore be irresponsible for Zambia to surrender legislative decisions to civil society organisations.

He charged that the Grand Coalition knows too well that Zambians remain divided on the content of the final draft Constitution.

“We wonder therefore why a civil society grouping such as Grand Coalition continues to underplay the importance of consensus before it is subjected to a vote,” Mr Chanda said.

He said the Grand Coalition knows that the logical route to go is that what can be amended in less costly ways.

“It must be a source of concern that the Grand Coalition does not want to discuss or debate contents of the final draft constitution but would rather the process is rushed into a referendum when the majority of our citizens have not been allowed to debate what concerns them the most,” Mr Chanda said.

He said if the Grand Coalition seeks to remain relevant to the constitution-making process, it is called upon to focus on things that matter and not merely dwelling on peripheral issues of process.

Mr Chanda said it is misleading for the Grand Coalition to assert that the approach to handling clauses that can be amended is against the expectations of the people of Zambia.

President Lungu congratulates UK Prime Minister David Cameron

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David Cameron
David Cameron

PRESIDENT Lungu has congratulated United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron on his decisive election victory during the May 7, 2015 general elections.

President Lungu’s special assistant for press and public relations Amos Chanda said the Head of State in his letter to Mr Cameron states that his (Mr Cameron) re-election is an affirmation and clear testimony of the confidence the British people have in his vision and leadership.

“On behalf of my Government, the people of Zambia, and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to congratulate you on your decisive victory. Zambia and Britain share warm and cordial historic ties which have characterised our relations over the years,” the President said.

“It is my fervent hope that during your second term of office and beyond, these relations will continue to flourish. I, therefore, look forward to developing a beneficial working relationship with you on matters of mutual interest to our countries. I wish Your Excellency, personal good health and success in discharging the functions of your high office.”

Committee of Ten Heads of State reaffirms Africa’s position for a UNSC Seat

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Zambian President Mr Edgar Lungu with Dr Ernest Bai Koroma President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Nambian President Hage Geingob at the Dr David Livingstone Safari in Livingstone The Summit of the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State on the Reform of the Security Council on Saturday 10th May2015 . Pictures By EDDIE MWANALEZA/STATEHOUSE.
Zambian President Mr Edgar Lungu with Dr Ernest Bai Koroma President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Nambian President Hage Geingob at the Dr David Livingstone Safari in Livingstone The Summit of the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State on the Reform of the Security Council on Saturday 10th May2015 . Pictures By EDDIE MWANALEZA/STATEHOUSE.

The African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State Summit has reaffirmed Africa’s common position for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

The summit which has closed in Livingstone today declared that Africa’s demand for UN reforms is a viable quest that needs concerted efforts and support to come to fruition.

Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba read the communiqué in which the Summit further agreed to canvass the support of other member states and create impetus in reforming the UN system.

Mr Kalaba said the Summit had met to map out strategies to further expand and intensify advancement of the African Common Position as outlined in the Ezulwini Consensus.

The Ezulwini Consensus underscores Africa’s goal to be fully represented in all decision making organs of the UN particularly the Security Council.

The Summit also committed to engage in the inter-governmental negotiation process consistent with decision 62/557 based on agreed principles and criteria in order to push Africa’s agenda.

The Summit paid glowing tribute to host President Edgar Lungu and his Sierra Leone counterpart Ernest Bai Koroma for strong leadership and commitment in spearheading the pursuit of the C10 mandate and advancing the objectives of the African Common Position on reforming the UN Security Council.

President Edgar Lungu said Africa has talked much for the last 10 years and needs to act on the Ezulwini consensus and bring it to life.

The Head of State said Africa’s agenda is a living concept that should be espoused to the international community.

And President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone , who is Coordinator of the Committee of Ten countries said time was now ripe for the world to effect changes in the UN system

Dr Koroma said Africa has reached a critical point in the pursuit of implementing the Ezulwini consensus that seeks to correct the historical injustice and reposition Africa in the global community.

And Namibian President Hage Geingob regretted that Africa has not made much progress in the last 10 years to realize the goal of having representation on the UN Security Council.

Dr Geingob, who was attending his first international heads of state summit since his recent inauguration as President of Namibia, said there is no reason why Africa should be denied her rightful place on the UN Security Council.

He urged African countries to be resolute and show commitment by attending to activities and programmes designed by the AU Committee of Ten to realize the goal for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

And Libyan Deputy President Ihmad Homa who is also Deputy Speaker pledged to galvanise support from African – Arab countries to support Africa’s common position for UN reforms.

The next AU Committee of Ten Heads of State summit will be held in Namibia .

No-so-brave Nchanga Rangers free-fall continues

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Nchanga Rangers poor form continued on saturday when they lost 2-1 away to National Assembly on Saturday at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka.

The Chingola side arrived in Lusaka under a dark cloud following a pay dispute with speculation that they had not been paid for three months.

However, Assembly who also have issues of their own failed to take full advantage of an unmotivated Nchanga in this otherwise dull Week 8 game.

All three goals came after the hour mark when Fashion Sakala put Nchanga ahead in the 63rd minute.

The lead lasted just three minutes after Gift Lukwesa headed in the equaliser before Peter Mwangani fired in the winner in the 80th minute.

Elsewhere, Konkola Blades bounced back to winning ways after beating Green Eagles 2-1 away in Choma.

Eric Chomba and Happy Kaunda scored for Blades while Mwila Phiri netted eagles consolation.

At Edwin Emboela Stadium in Lusaka, Perry Mutapa picked up his second win after promoted Lusaka Dynamos beat bottom placed Nakambala Leopards 1-0 courtesy of a Thomas Kunda goal.

[standings league_id=1 template=extend logo=false]