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THE sugar daddy syndrome has contributed to an increase in the number of teenage pregnancies, Minister of Gender and Child Development Nkandu Luo has said.
Professor Luo said most teenage girls go to sugar daddies for monetary and other material gains.
Speaking on the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) National Watch programme dubbed “Increase in the number of teenage pregnancies” in Lusaka yesterday, Professor Luo said it is very unfortunate that these men know how vulnerable and naïve young girls are but they go ahead and take advantage of them.
“Teenage pregnancy is a very serious problem and it comes because our children do not get enough exposure to help them make well-informed decisions,” she said.
The minister said teenage pregnancies can also be attributed to poverty levels in the country and households headed by grandparents who are tired and have no capacity to raise children.
Prof Luo said Government is concerned with the increase in teenage pregnancies and that the problem can be dealt with by having recreation facilities that will help in child development.
“Playing is part of development and our schools must be structured in a way that helps children play,” she said.
And Forum for African Women Educationalists of Zambia (FAWEZA) executive director Agnes Shipanuka said that it is unfortunate that many children do not complete school due to lack financial support.
“Restraining from schools because of financial lack has also led to teenage pregnancies because these children will have nothing to do in society” she said.
A teacher at Lusaka’s Great North Road Academy Gift Shikapundwe said parents don not spend time with their children which has led them to source guidance from other places such as social networks.
“These children have access to pornographic sites and their parents do not have time to see what they do on these sites,” he said.
Mr Shikapundwe urged girls to stop making careless decisions and falling pregnant simply because they will be re-admitted.
Striker Alex Ng’onga on Sunday grabbed a brace to send Power Dynamos into the first round of the 2015 CAF Confederation Cup as they
defeated Al Khartoum of Sudan 2-0 in the return leg tie of the first round at Arthur Davies Stadium.
Ng’onga scored the decisive goal three minutes into second half added time from the spot as Power advanced 2-1 on aggregate.
Chadian referee Idriss Bian awarded Power a late penalty following a handball in the visitors backline.
Ng’onga had opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a solo effort after dribbling past two Khartoum defenders when he was set up by Jimmy Ndhlovu.
However, the visiting side was the first to create a serious scoring opportunity when striker Dauda Kamilou forced a save from Joshua Titima from inside the box.
Titima was again called to duty as Khartoum attempted to equalise with John Arthum shooting on target.
This win is a huge relief to Power who came into this game facing an early exit from the competition owing to the first leg defeat in Khartoum two weeks ago.
Inonge Wina
Vice President Ingone Wina has implored the youths to actively participate in the development of the country.
Ms Wina made the appeal to the youths during a special thanks giving national youth service held at the Anglican Cathedral Holy Cross church in Lusaka this afternoon.
She said the participation of the youths in national development is cardinal in building a better Zambia.
The Vice President urged the youths to use their talents in propelling the country to greater height.
She assured the youths that government will continue to strive in creating a conducive environment for them to excel in their endeavours.
Ms Wina said the participation of youths in the social- economic development of the country is cardinal as youths are full of innovative ideas.
Meanwhile the Vice President has commended the church for the role it has continued to play in shaping the morals of the youths.
Ms Wina noted that the church was playing an important role of instilling good values in the youths.
The Vice President further appealed to adults to be role models to the youths and compliment the church in raising a society of upright citizens.
The service was characterised with Christian songs sung by various choir groups from different denominations.
High profiled government officials who attend the national youth thanks giving service included Minister of Youth and Sports Vincent Mwale, Heather Minister Dr Joseph Kasonde, Deputy Secretary to Cabinet Ambassador Dr Peter Kasanda and Youth and Sports Permanent Secretary Agnes Munsuga.
Pupils drawn from various government and private schools in Lusaka were also in attendance.
DPP Mutembo Nchito
Lusaka Magistrate Lameck Mwale is tomorrow the 2nd of March expected to make a ruling in a matter Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mutembo Nchito entered a nolle prosequi in his own case.
Magistrate Mwale is expected to rule as to whether Mr. Nchito who is alleged to have committed among other offenses Abuse of Authority of Office, Contempt of court, Procuring execution of documents by false pretences and Conspiracy to defeat justice, can enter a nolle prosequi in his own case or not.
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When this matter came up for mention and taking of plea on Friday the 20th of February 2015, in his argument for entering the nolle prosequi, Mr. Nchito told the court that he has been forced to use the powers vested in him under the constitution to stop the criminal proceedings against him because he does not think the due process of the law has been followed.
Mr. Nchito contended that he cannot be prosecuted on charges that have not been investigated and on which a signed charge sheet has not been drawn out.
But in response to Mr. Nchito’s decision, Magistrate Mwale who had earlier ruled that the DPP takes plea despite him retaining his constitutional powers allowed the prosecution team representing former Finance Deputy Minister, Newton Ng’uni who is the complainant in this matter to be heard.
Magistrate Mwale ruled that this is because the matter at hand is unprecedented and therefore the prosecution team had to be heard.
In their submissions, the prosecution team which compromised lawyers from Makebi Zulu Advocates, PNP Advocates and Keith Mweemba Advocates contended that by entering a nolle prosequi in a matter he is facing alleged criminal charges, Mr. Nchito is in fact abusing his Authority as DPP.
The prosecution team argued that it is also against law of natural justice for Mr. Nchito to enter a nolle prosequi with respect to himself, adding that there is no provision in the country’s constitution that protects the DPP from prosecution.
Magistrate Mwale then adjourned the matter to tomorrow the 2nd March to enable him study what was been submitted before making ruling.
DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mutembo Nchito must not continue abusing his authority of office but should start acting above board and enter a nolle prosequi in respect of Daily Nation proprietor Richard Sakala and his co-accused in the same manner he has done with UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema, Lusaka lawyer Kelvin Bwalya Fube has advised.
Mr Fube, of KBF Advocates, said Mr Sakala, his production editor Simon Mwanza and Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) executive director MacDonald Chipenzi, should be the first citizens to benefit from Lusaka High Court Judge-in-Charge Isaac Chali’s ruling to invalidate and expunge Section 67 of the Penal Code because it was inconsistent with Article 20 of the Constitution.
Mr Fube said the DPP should discontinue Mr Sakala’s case if he was to be seen to be above board and treating all cases the same because both Mr Sakala and his co-accused and Mr Hichilema were arrested and charged under the same law that had since been declared invalid by the High Court.
He advised that if the DPP was not going to discontinue Mr Sakala’s case for which the UPND leader had been reprieved, the Daily Nation proprietor had the right to write to Mr Nchito to challenge his decision to continue prosecuting him on the basis that the DPP had become deeply conflicted.
He said although the DPP had powers to discontinue cases using his discretion, he should not use his office to persecute his perceived opponents.
“It is my considered view and opinion that the first beneficiaries of High Court Judge Isaac Chali’s ruling to invalidate and expunge Section 67 from the statutes are supposed to be Mr Sakala, Mr Mwanza and Mr Chipenzi who had challenged that archaic law in the High Court. Mr Hichilema has benefited from Mr Sakala’s efforts to have Section 67 invalidated and the DPP would be buying back a bit of his credibility by entering a nolle prosequi in favour of Mr Sakala and his co-accused. Mr Hichilema and Mr Sakala were arrested under the same law and the only logical action would be to discontinue their cases at the same time,” Mr Fube said.
He said if Mr Nchito believed in being obedient to laws, he should be able to respect the decision by Judge Chali to expunge Section 67 from the statutes as the ruling by precedence had become law.
He stated that Zambians could easily see through Mr Nchito’s decision and unless Mr Sakala was treated in the same manner the UPND leader had been treated, the continued prosecution of the Daily Nation proprietor would be seen to be nothing but persecution.
Mr Fube advised Mr Nchito to avoid falling into the temptation of using the office of the DPP to settle imaginary scores and ensure that he exercised his authority with fairness and without being selective.
He said Mr Nchito had no option but to ensure that he was fair in his actions despite what he was going through adding that Mr Sakala was not responsible for the challenges the DPP was facing in his professional career.
Mr Nchito on Friday decided to continue prosecuting, Richard Sakala on a matter on which he has entered a nolle prosequi in respect of Mr Hichilema.
On Friday, the National Prosecution Authority in a statement said following Lusaka High Court Judge in-Charge Chali’s ruling that Section 67 of the Penal Code lacked consistency with the Constitution and that the law was invalid, it had become necessary to discontinue the proceedings against Mr Hichilema.
Mr Nchito however said after consultation, Attorney General Abraham Mwansa had directed that the ruling of the High Court in which Section 67 was declared invalid and expunged from the statutes in the case of Mr Richard Sakala, MacDonald Chipenzi and Simon Mwanza should be appealed against.
Edgar Lungu and Vernon Mwaanga
Veteran politician Vernon Mwaanga has described the hinted possible merger of the ruling PF and opposition MMD as being an over statement.
Dr. Mwaanga does not think any merger between the two political parties can be possible with the current state of the MMD which appears to have three wings as was evidenced during the January 20th 2015 presidential election.
He says the decision for the MMD to merge with the ruling PF cannot be made by just one person or a small group of people without extensive consultations being involved.
In an interview with Qfm News Dr. Mwaanga has observed that if there is going to be a merger of such a kind it will require major decisions to be made by appropriate organs of the former ruling party for such a decision to be taken.
Dr. Mwaanga notes that this is why he wonders which faction of the MMD the ruling PF is said to be in consultations with.
Asked what would be the impact on the country’s political landscape if the MMD and the ruling PF merged, Dr. Mwaanga has declined to speculate.
Rescue officers retrieving the body of the accident victim which occurred at Wusakile Roundabout
THE Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) is concerned that the health sector spends about K3 billion annually to provide healthcare to road accident victims when this money could be channelled to developmental programmes if only people adhered to traffic rules.
RTSA executive director Zindaba Soko said that a lot of money is spent on attending to road traffic accidents and victims but that this money could be reduced if people adhered to traffic rules.
He said on Friday that RTSA has a mandate to save lives through adherence to traffic rules and that it will ensure this is done through road user education so that people can be aware about these rules.
Meanwhile, Mr Soko said the Agency will soon build a station in Petauke that will assist motorists access the Agency’s services such as road tax, car fitness, and driving licenses from the nearby towns.
He said currently, people have to travel to Chipata as the provincial capital to access these services.
And Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people is concerned with the increase in road traffic accidents involving public service vehicles adding that more needs to be done to ensure traffic rules are adhered to.
The traditional leader said from his palace at Laweni, that RTSA is doing its best to reduce road carnage and enforce traffic rules but that there was a growing concern about accidents involving public service vehicles or public buses.
He noted that public buses carry a lot of people and that when accidents happen many die at the same time and that these are people who could be very productive.
“These people (RTSA) do not tolerate nonsense, if they find you abrogating traffic rules they will not tolerate any nonsense from you,” he said.
Chief Mpezeni commended the Agency for its efforts in reducing carnage adding that it needs to steer its efforts and educate people on road use so that people can be more compliant.
Chief Mpezeni also noted that a lot of money which is channelled to the health sector to assist road accident victims could be used in other development efforts if people adhere to the simplest of traffic rules.
President Edgar Lungu in Chipata presated with Ngoni War gear by Mr Noel Nkhoma at Chipata airport on Friday 27-02-2015. PICTURE .BY EDDIE MWANALEZA/STATEHOUSE.
PRESIDENT Lungu has urged Paramount Chief Mpezeni and other traditional leaders to join the crusade against tribalism and regionalism that retards development.
Mr Lungu said no meaningful development can take place in the country which is divided by the scourge of tribalism and regionalism.
The President said this when he graced the Nc’wala ceremony in Chipata yesterday.
The ceremony, held under the theme ‘celebrating unity in diversity’, was attended by Malawian President Peter Mutharika, former President Rupiah Banda, diplomats, senior Government officials and other local traditional leaders.
President Lungu said the scourge of tribalism and regionalism need to be rooted out in the country as it promotes disunity and disorderly.
“I received information from the security wings that this scourge, tribalism and regionalism have reached schools, market places and workplaces,” he said.
He said there is need for traditional leaders to help Government in the crusade against the vice.
President Lungu said traditional leaders should promote the slogan of ‘One Zambia, One Nation’ that unites ethnic groupings across the country.
President Lungu said he has taken a lead by making an all-inclusive Cabinet.
He said the Nc’wala ceremony, like other traditional ceremonies, will not be politicised by Government because it wants to focus on developmental issues like those affecting farmers.
He said the ceremony is a tourist attraction which woos local and international tourists but was disappointed the local people, especially in South Luangwa, are still porters instead of owning lodges like foreigners do.
He reiterated his call of setting up milling plants in all provinces if the business community is reluctant to do so.
Prof Mutharika commended Paramount Chief Mpezeni and President Lungu for inviting him to the Nc’wala ceremony, which he described as a uniting factor among the Ngonis in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia.
He said the traditional ceremony helps to promotes cultural tourism as different people are exchanging culture values.
Prof Mutharika said most of Zambian languages are similar with those in Malawi hence the need for coexisting.
Chief Mpezeni, in a speech read for him by his induna George Zulu, commended President Lungu and Prof Mutharika for their support.
The paramount leader urged President Lungu to embrace the legacy of late President Sata who had a heart for Zambian people.
He said the Chinese working on the Vubwi-Chipata road and Chipata-Chadiza have slowed the works following the death of President Sata last year.
He commended Government for bringing development countrywide and urged Zambians to promote peace and unity.
President Edgar Lungu signs a Roll at Honourary Freeman of the Chipata Municipality at Civic Centre, Looking is town Clerk Davies Musenge and mayor Mr Jealous Phiri on Friday 27-02-2015. PICTURE BY EDDIE MWANALEZA/STATEHOUSE.
PRESIDENT Lungu says Government will soon set up milling plants across the country under the public private partnership (PPP) to reduce the price of mealie meal.
President Lungu said the involvement of the private sector will result in the reduction of the price of the commodity.
“As people in the private sector growing maize, you must work with government to ensure a reduction. As Government, we will listen to your suggestions and work with you under PPP in setting up milling plants across the country,” he said.
The President said this during an interactive meeting with the business community at Protea Hotel in Chipata on Friday evening.
He said the role of Government is to provide a conducive environment for the private sector and businesses to flourish and not to compete with the state on the market.
He said instead of asking Government to be actively involved in running businesses, the business community needed to point out the challenges they are facing.
On the revival of the Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique growth triangle, President Lungu said he would engage the two countries on how to handle the issue.
Minister of Justice Ngosa Simbyakula said Government, through the Ministry of Commerce and Trade is revising business regulations.
THE Zambia National Women’s’ Lobby (ZNWL) has advised women to desist from being used by political parties to parade naked in the streets as a means of airing grievances.
ZNWL board chairperson Beauty Katebe wondered why political party leaders supporting such behaviour did not join the women who paraded naked in the streets if they are convinced such activities yield results.
“It is unfair and unfortunate to take advantage of the vulnerability of women to persuade them into undressing in public as a means of airing their grievances while the initiators of such actions remain fully clothed,” Ms Katebe said.
Ms Katebe was reacting to a protest on Thursday by United Party for National Development (UPND) women over the killing of their party member Grayzer Matapa.
“No matter how aggrieved, there are better ways of airing grievances in today’s age than stripping. There is no room for such sexist manoeuvres 50 years after Zambia’s independence. We urge UPND to continue with the work of offering checks and balances to Government but do so in an acceptable manner,” she said.
Below is the full statement
PRESS STATEMENT
ZNWL SADDENDED BY WOMEN PROTESTING HALF NAKED
For Immediate Release 27th February 2015
Zambia National Women’s’ Lobby (ZNWL) would like to advise women to desist from being used by political parties to parade naked in the streets as a means of airing grievances. We further wish to challenge political party leaderships supporting such behaviour to join the women in parading naked in the streets if indeed they are convinced that such activities would yield the best results.
It is unfair and unfortunate to take advantage of the vulnerability of women to persuade them into undressing in public as a means of airing their grievances while the initiators of such actions remain fully clothed.
We want to state that no matter how much one is aggrieved, there are better ways of airing grievances in today’s age than stripping naked. There is no room for such sexist manoeuvres 50 years after Zambia’s independence.
We therefore wish to urge the United Party for National Development (UPND) women involved in yesterday’s half naked protest on the killing of Grayzer Mutapa a UPND member, to seriously reflect on their actions, being mothers and mentors of the young women in our nation.
We also advise the UPND which now enjoys a huge following in the nation to be wary of the messages they are sending through their actions. We urge them to continue with the work of offering checks and balances to the Government but do so in an acceptable manner.
The ZNWL however shares the grief with the family of the slain UPND party member Grayzer Matapa and would like to wish them sincere condolences. We call upon the Police to expedite the arrest of the killers.
BEAUTY KATEBE (MS) ZAMBIA NATIONAL WOMEN’S LOBBY BOARD CHAIRPERSON
“After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, ‘Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.’ ”
(John 6:12, NLT)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
The Bible tells of a time when Jesus fed a crowd of five thousand with only five loaves. That day, everyone had more than enough to eat and there were still twelve baskets full of bread. That’s because we serve a God of abundance!
I love that Jesus told the disciples to collect all the leftovers “so that nothing is wasted.” With God, nothing is ever wasted. He’ll never waste an experience; He’ll never waste a hurt; He’ll never waste a dream; He’ll never waste even a single piece of bread.
God is still in the miracle-working business. He is still our Creator and He is a Restorer. If you’ve felt like you’ve wasted years of your life in the wrong job, hanging around the wrong people, doing the wrong things, God will gather those years and restore them back to you.
He’ll take those experiences that the enemy meant for your harm, and He’ll turn them around for your good. He’ll make you stronger, wiser, and better off than you were before. He can launch you further into your destiny than before. Be encouraged today because with God all things are possible and nothing is ever wasted!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, I give You every bit of my life, my past, my present, and my future. Thank you for taking every experience in my life and turning it around for my good. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Power Dynamos’ resolve to go further in the 2015 CAF Confederation Cup will be tested on Sunday as they host Al Khartoum of Sudan in the return leg tie of the preliminary round at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.
Power are trailing 1-0 from the first leg tie played in Sudan two weeks ago and must beat Khartoum to advance to the first round of the Confederation Cup.
Tenant Chilumba’s side is desparate to win this match to avoid an early exit from the competition.
“It is an open game ;No team has an advantage,” Chilumba said.
“They have a good team but we are not under pressure,” he added.
Khartoum coach Kwesi Appiah has vowed that his side would give Power a tough game.
“We are going to do our best to give Power a very nice game,” Appiah said.
The ex-Ghana coach added:”It is not going to be as easy game.”
Power warmed up for this game by beating Zanaco 1-0 in the Charity Shield semifinal in Kitwe seven days ago.
Zesco United have advanced to the first round of the 2015 CAF Champions League.
Zesco beat Swazi club Mbabane Swallows 1-0 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Saturday to advance 2-1 on aggregate from the preliminary round of the competition.
The contest was settled in the first half thanks to a 28th minute goal from midfielder Justin Zulu in what was a rather dull game throughout.
Zulu fired in the ball that came off the post before crossing the line leaving Swallows goalkeeper Francis Nicho stunned.
Zambia striker Jackson Mwanza wasted numerous chances hitting the woodwork in the 71st minute and was later denied by Nicho in the 73rd and 87th minute.
Meanwhile, Zesco will face overall winner from Sundays final leg match between AS Kaloum of Guinea and Sewe Sport of Cote d’Ivoire.
Kaloum beat Sewe 2-1 away in Abidjan a fortnight ago.
The decision by the Patriotic Front (PF) Party to adopt former Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) Member of Parliament Michael Katambo in the April 14 Masaiti Parliamentary by-election whose seat was nullified by the Supreme Court recently because of electoral corruption, is not only hypocritical and contemptuous, but also demonstrates utter lack of consistency, morality and integrity on the part of the ruling party. It also goes to show their lack of regard and respect for the rule of law, the Judiciary and the people.
The immorality and lack of integrity in the PF Government has transcended dangerous levels of total disregard for the Judiciary and the critical concerns raised by the people of Zambia on governance mechanisms and if the intransigence by those in power goes on unchecked, the country with its well-founded democratic institutions is headed for doomsday. Sooner than the later Zambia, under the PF Government, will become a fully-fledged failed state.
It is preposterous that the PF have exhibited inconsistency on their adoption process for a parliamentary candidate in Masaiti constituency by choosing to eat their own vomit without shame and showing no remorse for the immoral and repulsive action.
The PF, through their losing parliamentary candidate Stardy Mwale petitioned the election of Michael Katambo as MMD Member of Parliament in the Courts of Law because of the electoral corruption and both the High Court and Supreme Court of Zambia found him guilty of graft.
[pullquote]It is inconceivable that the same PF, which blocked, through the Courts of Law, the re-contesting of Dora Siliya and others in nullified seats because of electoral corruption found it morally correct and acceptable to entice Katambo to join their Party and adopt him to stand on its ticket[/pullquote]
It is therefore inconceivable that the same PF, which not long ago blocked, through the Courts of Law, the re-contesting of Dora Siliya and others in nullified seats because of electoral corruption found it morally correct and acceptable to entice Katambo to join their Party and adopt him to stand on its ticket at the expense of a long standing and loyal member.
We are dismayed by the overt display of double standards and wish to strongly condemn this behaviour as an act of insincerity and political immorality detrimental to our democracy, which is still in its infancy.
We are further saddened and disturbed to observe that Stardy Mwale, the losing candidate in the 2011 elections who had fought the legal battles to have the Masaiti constituency parliamentary seat nullified has been sidelined by his own party the PF.
[pullquote]The question begs: who really is the beneficiary of these by-elections?[/pullquote]
Mwale dragged Katambo to Court accusing him of electoral malpractices. The High Court found Katambo guilty and nullified the seat. Katambo later appealed to the Supreme Court, which upheld the lower Court’s judgement. It therefore goes without doubt that Katambo won the seat corruptly and corruption is a criminal offense in Zambia.
Why Should the PF adopt such a corrupt man, leaving their man who won the Court case in the cold?
It should be pointed out that since the PF came into power in 2011, they have provoked three by-elections in the Copperbelt rural namely Mpongwe, Kafulafuta, with the latest being Masaiti, at great cost to the nation while the area has been starved and denied of development despite the PF making so many promises during the campaigns which have remained unfulfilled to date. Is this not taking the people for a ride and for fools?
While a lot of money is being wasted on meaningless by-elections in Copperbelt Rural, projects initiated by the MMD during the reign of President Levy Mwanawasa remain uncompleted. Among the projects are the Mpongwe-Machiya Road, the district hospital at Chankute in Masaiti constituency and the high schools in Kafulafuta and Mpongwe constituencies respectively.
The question begs: who really is the beneficiary of these by-elections? It is certainly not the people and the nation, but the PF agents. We found this greedy and self-seeking conduct of the PF leadership to be irresponsible and unacceptable. The PF leadership should appreciate that they were elected to selflessly and without discrimination serve the people of Zambia and not for the PF’s self-aggrandisement and glory.
We therefore appeal to the voters in Copperbelt rural, Masaiti constituency in particular, to out-rightly reject Katambo and the PF by not voting for them in the April 14 parliamentary by-election.
We further urge the people of Copperbelt Rural to show greater solidarity by joining hands in de-campaigning Katambo and the PF in the run-up to the elections.
