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Losing Patriotic Front (PF) presidential candidate Seleman Banda has called for unity in the ruling party ahead of the January 20, 2015 presidential elections.
In a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Captain Banda said all PF members should support party president Edgar Lungu in order to win the presidential by-election next month.
“All well-meaning members of our mass party, PF and in upholding the rule of law should rally behind Honourable Lungu,” he said.
Capt. Banda noted that there can only be only one president at a time hence the need for PF members to remain united as a democratic party.
He said differences should not override the bigger picture of unity in purpose following the court ruling that Edgar Lungu was the duly elected president of the PF.
Capt. Banda has since charged that victory is certain for the PF come January 20, 2015 through Mr. Lungu as president.
FLASHBACK Nevers Mumba (L) with former president Rupiah Banda
The International Institute of Democracy and Conflicts Resolutions has taken a swipe at embattled MMD president Nevers Mumba for shunning a reconciliatory meeting which was held in Lusaka today.
But Dr. Mumba’s Special Assistant and Communications Director, Raphael Nakachinda refuted claims that the MMD president was invited to the reconciliation meeting.
International Institute of Democracy and Conflicts Resolutions president Tresford Chomba said it was regrettable that Dr. Mumba opted to go on a campaign trail in the Copperbelt province despite having been informed of the meeting aimed at reconciling him and MMD presidential candidate Rupiah Banda.
Mr. Chomba told journalists that Dr. Mumba was informed and invited to attend the reconciliatory meeting.
He alleged that Dr. Mumba had agreed to attend the meeting but later decided to shy away.
He expressed disappointment at Dr. Mumba’s behaviour especially that the latter was a clergyman who was supposed to embrace peace.
Mr. Chomba said the institute was concerned with the wrangles that have engulfed political parties hence the move to organize a reconciliation meeting between the rival camps in the MMD party.
He said wrangles which have immersed political parties will end up confusing the electorate if they were left unaddressed.
Mr. Chomba has since urged political parties to cherish and uphold peace as this was cardinal in growing the country’s young democracy.
At the time of the reconciliatory meeting in Lusaka, Dr. Mumba was seen holding a campaign rally in Kitwe on Sunday afternoon.
Meanwhile, former president Rupiah Banda said there was need to find a lasting solution to the wrangles that have engulfed the former ruling party.
Mr. Banda said peace was important hence the need to solicit for efforts aimed at bringing peace in political parties.
He has since implored the International Institute of Democracy and Conflicts Resolutions to continue promoting dialogue and unity among political parties that were engulfed in internal wrangles.
But Dr. Mumba’s Special Assistant and Communications Director, Raphael Nakachinda refuted claims that the MMD president was invited to the reconciliation meeting.
Mr. Nakachinda said Dr. Mumba was not invited to the meeting neither was he talked to before.
He accused organisers of the meeting of merely doing propaganda for Mr. Banda adding that Dr. Mumba was out of the country and only arrived last night.
He wondered as to who invited Dr. Mumba when he as Special Assistant and Communications Director was not aware of the invitation.
Mr. Nakachinda said the International Institute of Democracy and Conflicts Resolutions should have first talked to Dr. Mumba and Mr. Banda separately before inviting the media to what they called a reconciliatory meeting.
He has since advised individuals and organisations to be serious when dealing with issues of the rule of law and constitution abrogation.
Dr. Mumba is the president of the MMD but some members of the party decided to choose Mr. Banda as the presidential candidate of the former ruling party for the January 20, 2015 presidential by-elections.
FILE: Miles Sampa backed by Kelvin Sampa at Cabinet Office to drop his nomination papers
PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Miles Sampa must stop alarming the nation with his delusory attempts, because he is not a factor in the forthcoming election, civil rights activist Brebner Changala has said.
Mr Changala has advised Mr Sampa to stop fantasizing about assassination attempts against himself just because he has presidential ambitions.
“This is a political fantasy; he is trying to excite his followers. All said and done, they cannot achieve their aim, and must not start making wild allegations.
“Zambia has no history of killing political opponents, why should it start with him (Sampa) and for what gain?” he asked.
Mr Changala said in reporting to the police, he hoped Mr Sampa had named suspects since he claimed plans were advanced.
He however said Mr Sampa was merely making wild allegations which should be ignored and treated as a false alarm.
“If it was UPND’s Hakainde Hichilema or Edgar Lungu, we could have given it the benefit of doubt but for Mr Sampa that is mere fantasy,” he said.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has set December 17, 18 and 19 as nomination days for presidential candidates’ for the January 20 polls.
Mr Sampa has said that he would form another party to enable him contest the January 20, 2015 presidential elections if the Supreme Court rules against his appeal.
He has appealed to the Supreme Court against the High Court decision to dismiss his application in which he was challenging the consolidation of Mr Lungu as PF party president at the November 29-30 Conference in Kabwe.
“Status on my Presidential bid is that there are a number of cases in both the High Court and one referred to the Supreme Court.
“Notwithstanding and regardless of the Court outcome, be assured that I will be on the ballot paper on the 20th January 2015,” he said.
Mr Sampa said among his options included working with the UPND while he cemented his grounds for future presidential contention.
“Option 1: I will stand on the PF ticket if I win the court case; option 2: I will stand on my own party, form my own party, I take a leaf from the old man (Sata) who went ahead and formed his own party, or back any other political party candidate,” he said.
Zambian Voice Executive Director Chilufya Tayali
A civil society organistaion has asked Zambians to be vigilant and not to fall prey to political deceptions as the country prepares to hold presidential by-elections on January 20, 2015.
Zambian Voice (TZV) Executive Director Chilufya Tayali advised the electorate to fully scrutinize all presidential candidates by asking them to explain any clandestine activities attached to their names or character.
Mr. Tayali explained that the media should help the citizens by asking presidential hopeful candidates tough questions so that the electorate make informed decision on to vote for.
He was speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka today.
Mr. Tayali has since appealed to the electorates to desist from voting for a politician who ia surrounded by many people who are mostly job seekers.
He explained that the popularity of a particular candidate does not mean one has integrity, political acumen or qualities to lead a nation.
Mr. Tayali said Zambians should look for a mature leader who will put the interests of the people first and has a vision for Zambia.
He stressed that politics should not just benefit the elected but rather the electorates by bettering their welfare.
Mr. Tayali said Zambia needs a leader to stabilize, correct and maintain policies that will see the country ‘land’ in 2016 safely in readiness for the next general elections.
Meanwhile, Mr. Tayali has expressed concern at the monies political parties are using for campaigns.
He said the huge sums of money being spent by political parties were a source of worry as some parties did not have money before the death of President Sata.
Mr. Tayali has since implored political parties participating in the January 20, 2015 general elections to disclose the sources of their funding.
This weekend, the leading presidential contenders, PF candidate Edgar Lungu and UPND candidate Hakainde Hichilema, in the coming by-election slated for 20th January addressed the vexing problem of youth unemployment. Edgar Lungu tackled the issue during his address in Kitwe, while Mr Hichilema addressed the problem through a media statement.
What the Youth had to say
Below is the Presidential candidates take on Youth Unemployment
PF Candidate Edgar Lungu
Kambwili and Lungu addressing the crowd
Unemployment- This is the biggest crisis we have as a country as many of our young people remain unemployed. We have to build on programs that we started that create jobs especially our initiatives to create new industries in rural areas that harness our potential and add value to our products.
Priotise the setting up of new manufacturing industries in each of the 10 provinces from textiles, food processing, straw processing, toy manufacturing, mineral processing and many others.
Private sector- we have to promote a thriving and successful private sector. But my concerns regard our local contractors and suppliers. We have not empowered them enough. We have to ensure that our local contractors grow significantly by giving them big jobs.
We recently gave over 200 Zambian contractors to build infrastructure in the new 30 districts. This is as it should be.
The mines here, should begin to give local contractors and suppliers bigger opportunities than rely upon foreign suppliers. Foreign contractors should be made to partner with Zambians.
Local Zambian companies and individuals must get involved in the ownership of mines. We should not be workers, but also mine owners. Where are the Patrick Motsepes? The Cyril Ramaphosas of Zambia? We should have our own mining magnates. This only possible if Government supports our small scale miners.
We must ensure that mine houses should negotiate with government before any retrenchment of workers is done. This to foster job security in the industry.
I am aware that despite the presence of local skills, we have expatriate workers. We must give priority to our local people with requisite skills.
Both old and new mines should provide quality jobs and avoid short and poor contractual jobs. The mines should recommit to developing real and visible social and sporting facilities. They should consider other areas such as street lighting and light-road maintainance.
Empowerment initiatives- this one of the important means to reduce unemployment. We have to empower our young people with skills and opportunities so that they can help themselves and also employ others.
UPND Candidate Hakainde Hichilema
UPND President Hakainde Hichilema interacts with his supporters in Kabwe
We heard last week how Zambia has 28% youth unemployment from the international NGO Junior Achievement. Sadly this does not come as much of a surprise and unless Government does something about it then the prospects of reducing this are low.
Job creation is one of my top priorities if elected President. Now I want to provide some explanation about how I hope to achieve that.
There are two main reasons why people don’t have jobs, one is that there aren’t enough jobs and the other is that we are not providing our children and youths with the right education and skills training so that they can get a job. We must address both these reasons.
My approach will be centred on 1. Good economic management, 2.Youth Empowerment, and 3. Education and training reform.
Firstly, good economic management is fundamental to job creation. This means no more reckless borrowing and no more waste. It also means introducing policies that incentivise the growth of local businesses and encourage investment. This will lead to more jobs being created, and increased government revenues that we can then invest in education and training.
Secondly, I want to focus on youth empowerment. We need to empower those with business ideas to go out there and make them happen. This means providing support through increasing access to relevant training and affordable credit.
Thirdly, we need to revisit the school curriculum and review training opportunities on offer to youths so that they have the right skills to find work or start in business by the time they leave school or university. This process will take a long time to finish but we can get started in January 2015.
Finally, I want to stress that we must work towards a situation where all Zambians, regardless of their gender or tribe have the same opportunities available to them in terms of education and training. Job vacancies must be filled according to merit and using open procedures.
The challenge ahead of us should not be underestimated, but if we come together and rally behind this approach I believe we can make a difference.
PF chairperson for elections, Syliva Masebo, with armed police, insisting that the planned elections are illegal
TOURISM and Arts minister Jean Kapata has charged that Chongwe Member of Parliament Sylvia Masebo was never a founder member of the Patriotic Front (PF) and therefore should be the last person to demand that the ruling party’s president Edgar Lungu should resign from the party.
Ms Kapata said it was shocking that Ms Masebo “who has been jumping from one political party to another” could ask Mr. Lungu to leave the ruling party when he was among the founding members.
Ms Kapata said unlike Ms Masebo, Mr Lungu had only belonged to one political party in his life and had been a loyal and faithful member of the PF from 2001.
She recalled that Ms Masebo was originally a member of the MMD together with her colleague, former Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba before defecting to the Zambia Republican Party (ZRP) where they attempted to overthrow the party president Benjamin Yorum Mwila.
Ms Kapata said after failing to take over ZRP, Ms Masebo returned to MMD during the reign of Levy Mwanawasa and that she (Masebo) caused a lot of confusion in the former ruling party when Rupiah Banda became president.
She recalled that just before the 2011 general elections, Ms Masebo “jumped” to PF because she knew that the party’s chances of forming government had become bright.
“How can Ms Msebo who has been jumping from one political party to another ask PF president Edgar Lungu to leave the party?
Mr Lungu, unlike Madam Masebo has only been a member of one political party in his life and that is the PF. Masebo must be ashamed of herself but I am not surprised because that is what desperation can do to selfish individuals,” Ms Kapata said.
“Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you.”
(Matthew 7:7 AMP)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
In Mark, chapter five, there was a woman who had been sick for twelve years. The doctors gave her no hope. But, she heard that Jesus was coming through her town. Something deep on the inside said to her, “This is your season. This is your time to get well.” In the natural, when she saw all the people around Him, she thought, “I’ll never get to Him.
It’s so crowded and I’m weak. I just don’t think I can do this.” She almost missed her season. But instead of dwelling on those negative thoughts, she started reminding herself, “If I can just get to Jesus, I will be whole.” She made the choice to turn her thoughts in the right direction. She kept pressing her way through the crowd until she got just close enough to Jesus to reach out and touch the edge of His robe. Instantly, she was made whole. This is what Jesus said, “Daughter, your faith has made you well.”
Notice, it was her faith and her persistence that connected her with God’s power, and the same is true for us today. No matter what you are facing, don’t give up! Keep praying! Keep asking! Keep seeking! God is faithful! Stay determined because He will meet your faith with His miraculous power when you continue to press through!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, I come to You today with an open and humble heart. I ask You to fill me with Your strength, peace and joy so that I can press through to victory today. Show me the good plan You have for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.
The opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) has advised Acting Republican President Guy Scott to desist from unnecessary attacking UPND Leader Hakainde Hichilema.
UPND Vice President Richard Kapita has told QFM News in a statement that Dr. Scott should desist from attacking Mr. Hichilema and instead concentrate on governing the country.
Mr. Kapita says the Dr. Scott should be busy telling the people of Zambia why the country at the moment is hit with high unemployment, high prices of mealie-meal, high cost of fuel and electricity, failure to pay farmers on time and other issues.
He notes that during the campaign period, any political party should be concentrating on informing the citizens of how it is going to address these issues if elected, instead of diverting the public attention with political rhetoric and attacks.
He says the UPND’s victory is not dependent on Dr Guy Scott or any of the PF’s Presidential candidates, or the amount of resource the PF candidate has.
Mr. Kapita says the UPND is confident of winning the 20th January 2015 Presidential elections because of its sound socio-economic development agenda for a better Zambia that the party is offering to the country.
The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) has called on Patriotic Front President Edgar Lungu to take leave from his two ministerial positions.
And FODEP has urged Mr. Lungu to resign as Chawama PF Member of Parliament once declared validly nominated by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
FODEP Executive Director MacDonald Chipenzi has told QFM News that Mr. Lungu should step down so that he concentrates on the campaigns and also not to be tempted to abuse his authority, power and resources under him by virtue of serving as minister.
Mr. Chipenzi says this is because Mr. Lungu under the current electoral laws and regulations is not entitled to use any government or parastatal facilities and resources to campaign for his presidential bid under his party’s ticket.
Mr. Chipenzi is of the view that to level the playing field, all presidential candidates should battle it out without using public resources.
Mr. Chipenzi has called on all ministers, District Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries to avoid abusing government resources and facilities like observed during the PF presidential nominations which were done at Cabinet Office and PF Council Meeting held at Kohima Baracks in Kabwe.
Copperbelt police chief Joyce Kasosa says the crime rate in the province has reduced by 24 per cent after it recorded 19,300 cases this year compared to 25,500 in 2013.
Ms Kasosa said during the 2014 annual ball for senior police officers at Kansenshi Officers Mess in Ndola on Friday evening that gender based violence (GBV) was however still on the rise.
“From December 2012 to November 2013 reported crime statics stood at 25,579 while in the same period from last year to this year it was 19,331 representing a 24 percent reduction rate
“However, from the crime reported, Gender based Violence (GBV) cases such as rape and defilement are on the higher side compared to other types of crime,” she said.
She said the police was finding it difficult to curb GBV cases because the nature of the offence which occurs within the confines of a home.
“We shall continue to carry out sensitisation campaigns with the help of other stakeholders in curbing the vice as its solution lies with the change of the mind set and altitude of the people,” she said.
Speaking at the same event, Copperbelt Minister Mwenya Musenge commended the police for their effort to reduce crime in the province.
Mr Musenge said it was sad that defilement and rape cases were still high in the province.
“It is embarrassing that defilement and rape cases are reported to be increasing in our society, let us all try our best in eradicating these vices which have mainly affected the growing generation,” he said.
Mr Musenge attributed the reduction in crime to police team work and professionalism.
HH Addressing the Campaign rally in Kabwe
UNITED Party for National Development (UPND) leader, Hakainde Hichilema has promised Zambians that he will improve the standard of living for the poor once elected as Republican president by implementing policies which favour the marginalised.
Mr Hichilema further pledged to reduce the cost of fertiliser to allow farmers increase their agricultural productivity which in turn would reduce the cost of the staple food.
Speaking when he featured on a local community radio station, KNC Radio in Kabwe yesterday, Mr Hichilema said one of his tasks once elected would be to ensure that the standard of living for the poor was improved through creation of jobs as well as provision of small loans to street vendors and other vulnerable people.
He emphasised the importance of paying farmers on time to allow them plant on time and that his government would also encourage the managing of water from streams to use it for irrigation purposes.
“As UPND, we have given ourselves to be servants of the people and not masters and our duty is to see to it that we improve the living standards for the poor,” Mr Hichilema said.
The UPND leader said he was the only credible leader who had a ‘heart’ for Zambians, especially the poor and unemployed, and maintained that it was possible to change the story of Zambia if the electorate gave him a mandate to manage their affairs.
Mr Hichilema said once elected, he would also reverse the 65-year retirement age to 55, saying it was one way of creating employment opportunities for the youth.
He pledged to address the cost of living, health system, education and cost of food, especially mealie meal which he said was not affordable to ordinary people.
Meanwhile, Mr Hichilema said he was a strong believer in the independence of the public media and wanted the institutions to operate without interference.
He also pledged to ensure that the Freedom of Information Bill was enacted into Law.
On the enactment of a new Constitution, Mr Hichilema said he would ensure that the country has a new Constitution before the 2016 general elections and to show his commitment he had since signed a social contract with the Grand Coalition.
Mr Hichilema said the Public Order Act (POA) should be properly managed to allow people express themselves, and that the UPND would repeal the negative NGO Act.
Collins Mbesuma, Joseph Musonda and Kennedy Mweene all enjoyed wins on Saturday for their respective South African PSL clubs.
In Durban, Mbesuma clocked his sixth full game for sixth placed Mpumalanga Black Aces 3-1 away win over bottom of the table Amazulu.
Mbesuma was not on target against Amazulu who had compatriot Bornwell Mwape in the starting XI and completed the match but did not also score on the day.
Musonda also payed the full 90 minutes at eighth placed Polokwane City who rallied to beat visiting fifth positioned Chippa United 3-1.
In Pretoria, Kennedy Mweene was in goals for defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns in a 2-0 home win over his former club Free State Stars.
Sundowns and Free State Stars second and 15th respectively on the table.
Patriotic Front President Edgar Lungu has officially launched his campaign in Kitwe, promising to build on the legacy of late Republican President Michael Sata.
Speaking during the launch at Freedom Park in Kitwe this afternoon, Mr. Lungu says the time has come for the PF to be united as they prepare for the January 20th, 2015 polls.
Mr. Lungu says he will bring the price of fuel significantly down and that he will remove all bottlenecks that make fuel expensive.
He adds that the mealie meal prices have remained his biggest concern saying he will bring the production costs down.
He furthermore adds that he will ensure that his government will establish milling plants in rural areas to ensure that only finished products reach town.
The PF President says unemployment is the biggest crisis the country has saying his government will build on programs that they started that create jobs.
Speaking earlier, some of the candidates who had interests in the PF presidency came out in the open saying they will campaign for Mr. Lungu.
The candidates included Sports Minister Chishimba Kambwili, Kabwata MP Given Lubinda, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Wilbur Simuusa and late President Sata’s son Mulenga Sata.
Other noted people who attended the launch include; Chief Nkana, Home Affairs Minister Ngosa Simbyakula, PF National Chairperson Inonge Wina, Edgar Lungu’s wife, Esther among others.
