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Prolific best selling author and internationally renowned preacher and business coach, Dr. Myles Munroe of Bahamas Faith Ministries International, his wife Mrs. Ruth Ann Munroe and daughter, Charisa, died in a plane crash yesterday in the Bahamas. According to The Associated Press, the plane, a Lear 36 executive jet, reportedly struck a crane at the Grand Bahama Ship Yard, exploding on impact and crashing into the ground near a junkyard area.
The Bahamas Ministry of Transport and Aviation reported that the Lear 36 executive jet departed the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) in Nassau, Bahamas at 4:07PM for the Grand Bahama International Airport, a privately owned international airport in Freeport, Bahamas with nine people on board. The plane crashed while making an approach for landing at Grand Bahama International Airport at 5.10pm, the Ministry of Transport and Aviation said. The crash killed all nine people on board the private jet. The identities of the other people on board have not yet been confirmed. The cause of the crash was not immediately determined, though there had been heavy rain across the region. A full investigation is expected to begin on Monday.
The crash occurred as people were gathering in Grand Bahama for Dr. Munroe’s 2014 Global Leadership Forum which starts today, November, 10. Former mayor of Atlanta and former U.S Ambassador to the United Nations, Andrew Young scheduled to speak at the popular leadership forum, released the following statement through his foundation: “Ambassador Young expresses his deep sadness over the tragic death of his friends Dr. Myles and Mrs. Ruth Munroe. He offers condolences to the Munroe family and the families of the other souls who lost their lives as a result of this shocking plane crash.” Africa’s richest woman and oil mogul, Mrs. Folorunso Alakija is also expected to speak at the leadership forum. Known for his work and teachings on leadership, purpose and maximizing your potential, vision, individual and national transformation, Dr. Munroe was the senior pastor of Bahamas Faith Ministries International Fellowship, where his wife, Ruth Ann, served as co-senior pastor. They leave son, Chairo (Myles Jr.) Munroe. Dr. Munroe died living out his purpose in life; spreading the gospel of Christ.
OIL prices on the international market have fallen from about US$115 per barrel in June, 2014 to about $81 per barrel last week.
In some African countries, like South Africa, the reduction in the wholesale prices of oil has triggered drops in the pump prices of petroleum products, especially petrol and diesel.
Local consumers have, therefore, called on the Energy Regulations Board (ERB) to ensure that Zambians also benefit from the nose-diving prices of the essential commodity.
Through the Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) the local consumers have prodded Government to take advantage of the tumbling oil prices on the international market to reduce the cost of fuel locally.
In South Africa petrol prices recently decreased by 45 cents a litre while diesel saw even a bigger drop of 60 cents a litre.
In Zambia, however, fuel prices remain relatively high at K10.63 per litre for petrol, K10.01 per litre for diesel, while kerosene is pegged at K7.48 per litre.
These prices have been in effect since April when the ERB adjusted oil prices upwards in view of the Kwacha depreciating against major convertible currencies.
ZACA executive director Samuel Simutunda said in an interview at the weekend that it was not fair for Zambia to continue charging exorbitantly for fuel when other countries were slashing prices for the commodity.
Mr Simutunda said two major factors that should lead to reduction in fuel prices are the appreciation of the Kwacha against other convertible currencies and plummeting oil prices on the international market.
“We are getting concerned that despite the drop in oil prices on the world market over the last two months, consumers are still subjected to high petroleum prices on the local market”.
“Our appeal therefore is that Government intervenes to ensure that the cost of fuel reduces in tandem with the market changes internationally,” Mr Simutunda said.
Concerned citizen, Leonard Chibansa, of Kitwe said that the ERB should not wait for government for it to adjust the prices of petroleum products.
He noted that, apart from South Africa which has twice effected the fuel price reductions, other countries like Botswana, Namibia and Kenya have at least once reduced the prices.
He separately supported Mr Simutunda that effects of high fuel prices were of a spiral nature as the commodity was vital in everyday economic activities.
“High fuel prices just like those of electricity trigger the cost of other goods and services as suppliers suffer high transport costs and this increases the overall cost of doing business,” Mr Simutunda said.
Brent crude futures settled at $83.39 per barrel last Friday having hit a four-year intraday low of $81.63 on Wednesday.
THE construction of the US$52-million Lunzuwa Hydro Power Station has been completed, ZESCO managing director Cyprian Chitundu has said.
Mr Chitundu said in an interview in Lusaka recently that the construction of Lunzuwa Hydro Power Station had been completed and was set for commissioning.
Mr Chitundu, however, said that commissioning of the hydro power station would be delayed until the rain season starts.
“I must say that commissioning of this hydropower station would be delayed because of the low water levels at Musonda Falls. This hydro power station used to produce only 0.75 megawatts, but we have now moved to 14.8 megawatts.
“That is more than a 100 times of what we are producing from that particular site. So we should be able to supply Mpulungu, Mbala and some parts of Kasama in Northern Province,” Mr Chitundu said.
ZESCO had embarked on the constructing and upgrading of the hydro power stations in some parts of the country.
The constructing and upgrading of the hydro power stations was critical for Zambia to increase its generation capacity and meet its exports to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the great lakes region and Tanzania and Kenya in East Africa.
ABOUT 75 per cent of the small scale farmers in Mumbwa have not yet received the money from the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) for the maize they supplied this year.
They have appealed to the Government to pay them urgently to enable them prepare adequately for the 2014/2015 farming season.
District Farmers Association (DFA) chairperson Namukulo Hayumbu said in an interview in Mumbwa that three quarters of the farmers in the area had not been paid by the FRA.
“Currently three quarters of farmers who supplied maize to FRA have not been paid this is likely to affect production,” Mrs Hayumbu said.
She said the association was scrutinising farmers to authenticate their maize supply claims.
Mrs Hayumbu stated that those with genuine claims were being assisted with loans it was sourcing for them to start cultivation and the amounts would be deducted from the money when they are paid by the FRA.
“If we prove that the farmers supplied maize to the FRA we are assisting them with inputs and recover the money when they are paid provided there is genuine proof,” she said.
Mr Hayumbu added that dialogue should continue between farmers and Government so that the farming season was not affected.
Senior Chief Shakumbila of Mumbwa said the Government should pay farmers quickly if the country was to continue recording bumper harvests especially in maize.
“My subjects are always coming to my palace asking about payments, things are not good, they need to pay school fees and inputs,” he said.
But Mumbwa district commissioner Sunday Shamabanse assured that all the farmers would be paid before November 15 2014.
“The Government budgeted to purchase 500,000 tonnes of maize but ended up buying one million tonnes with the 500,000 tonnes not having been initially budgeted for.
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Secretary to the cabinet Rawland Msiska chats with Communication Minister Yafya Mukanga who is flanked by Sports Deputy Minister Christopher Mulenga during the mass display of performance in preparation of Golden jubilee celebration
SECRETARY to the Cabinet Roland Msiska has said that works at the burial site for President Sata are now complete and the National Heroes Stadium – venue for the requiem service tomorrow – is also ready.
Dr Msiska said all the preparations for the burial of President Sata are on schedule, adding that the planning of the event has been successful.
“According to the report I have received, the works at the Embassy Park have been completed in readiness for burial of the President on Tuesday,” he said.
A check at the Embassy Park and Heroes Stadium in Lusaka yesterday revealed that the works have been completed.
At the Embassy Park, military personnel from the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) and the Zambia National Service (ZNS) were found rehearsing in readiness for the burial.
The check also revealed that the works at the burial site have been completed while marquees for the visitors have also been pitched.
And Dr Msiska has reiterated that the roads that have been earmarked by the police will be closed today to ensure smooth movement of the cortege from Mulungushi International Conference Centre to other places.
Dr Msiska said the partial closure of the roads will also help facilitate the arrival of the nine heads of state and other dignitaries.
He said motorists should consider adjusting their time so that they do not spend more time on the road. He also said they should plan ahead for tomorrow as there will be a similar schedule on the roads.
Dr Guy Scott acting President Salute at the Late President Micheal Sata
ACTING President Guy Scott has urged Zambians to conduct themselves in a respectful and honourable manner during the burial of President Sata.
Dr Scott said in an interview at his farm in Lusaka yesterday that there are a lot of foreign visitors and very important people attending President Sata’s burial and it is right for all citizens to behave in a respectful manner.
“We have many foreign visitors and VIPs arriving, and it will be right that we show them that we can mourn our late President, and put him to rest with peace, honour and respect befitting the man, and befitting our beloved and great nation,” he said.
Dr Scott thanked Zambians for the spirit of unity and peace that has been observed in the run-up to the burial of President Sata.
He also said that the Patriotic Front (PF) at national level will not pay for the officials to travel to Lusaka to attend President Sata’s burial.
“Those who are funded from a local level, or indeed who fund themselves, should go to National Heroes Stadium.
No one without a ticket for Embassy Park should try to go there after the mass,” Dr Scott said.
He also said the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs is co-ordinating attendance for traditional leaders.
President Sata will be buried at Lusaka’s Embassy Park tomorrow.
And PF secretary general Edgar Lungu has called on party members to accommodate all mourners.
Mr Lungu said mourners drawn from across political, religious and other divides must be allowed to peacefully mourn President Sata.
He said this in a statement yesterday.
“I wish to advise fellow mourners in the PF and the general public that we have a national and provincial mourning programme which must be respected,” Mr Lungu, who is also Minister of Defence and Minister of Justice, said.
“We need to be mindful that not all our people can travel to Lusaka. I wish to encourage PF members and the general public that Government has designated centres as mourning points,” he said.
He also thanked all PF members and the general public for the support during this difficult time.
Zambia kicked off it 2015 AFCON qualifiers training camp today in Lusaka.
Twelve home-based call ups trained under the watchful eye of Honour Janza at Sunset Stadium where the team will hold its practice sessions for the next three days.
Only Zesco United defender missed the initial days training that totally comprised of the domestic callups.
“Nyambe Mulenga asked for some time to attend to a private matter and the technical bench allowed to him join camp a little bit later than the rest of the guys,” Zambia team manager Lusekelo Kamwambi said.
The 14 foreign-based call ups are all due to start arriving in camp over the next 24 hours after attending to their respective club obligations.
Zambia travels to Maputo this weekend to face Mozambique in the two sides penultimate Group F qualifier before hosting Cape Verde in the big grudge match on November 19 in Ndola.
On behalf of my wife, my family, the New Generation Party (NGP) and indeed on my own behalf, I would like convey our deep and heart felt condolences, to the First Lady (Dr. Kaseba Sata), my friend Mulenga Sata, the Sata family, the Patriotic Front family and indeed all Zambians, on the loss of our Republican President, Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata.
In 2001, when you formed the PF Mr. President, I was already president of the New Generation Party, though by then, it was called the United Front for Development & Democracy (UFDD). You invited me to your house in Omello Mumba Road, in Rhodes Park. I was very excited to meet with you because you were the first high level profiled politician that I was going to meet and discuss national issues with. For 3 hours, you shared with me your vision for Zambia and asked me to support you.
I, however, refused to support you Mr. President, explaining that as a young leader I was very disappointed that you supported Dr. Chiluba’s third term bid, as a result, I was very doubtful that you would uphold the Republican Constitution when elected President of Zambia. At the end of our meeting, you told me two things which up to now still linger in my mind. You said “ Do not fear to speak out your mind when things are going wrong in the county” and you also said “ Well you have refused to work with me, if you become cantankerous, we shall meet you on the street.”
Little did I know Mr. President, that was the first and last meeting, I would have in my life time to discuss national issues with you. Yes, I think I was one of the longest and consistent critics you had in your ten year quest and campaign to be President of Zambia. I believed very strongly that you could not make a good President and that there was no way, even God could allow you to be President. At one time during interviews I even said “ I can not see God’s hand in your desire to be President”. Come that day, 23rd September, 2011, I was shocked, God allowed you to be President through the Zambian people. You defeated a sitting government and the incumbent, President Ruphia Banda, together with all of us who supported him, to become the fifth President of Zambia.
There are three lessons that I learnt Mr. President from your election and I would like to share these lessons with the Zambian people, especially, the New Generation, the young and upcoming leaders. My first lesson is that indeed God’s thoughts are not our thoughts. The criteria God uses to chose Presidents is different from the criteria we people use. Romans 13, is very clear, “ all leadership is from God”. My second lesson is that we must not fear to speak out when things are going wrong in the country. I wish to, however, add that we must speak out, criticize constructively, with respect for all people. The last lesson I learnt from you Mr. President is that indeed “winners never quit”. Had you given up the fight when the going was tough, you would not have been President.
On succession, Mr. President some people, including some leaders in your party, are saying that you did not choose your successor to take over from you, especially in light of your failing health in your last days. I beg to differ, I think you clearly showed us that you wanted Hon. Edgar Lungu, to take over from you if anything happened to you and you could not continue as President for whatever reason. I think those who are saying that you did not choose Hon. Edgar Lungu, it is because they want to be Presidents themselves or they have some one else in mind for the job.
You knew very well that Hon. Lungu was your Defense Minister and Legal Chairperson in your party when you also appointed him as the Secretary General and Justice Minister. As if this was not enough, during your last days, you appointed him as the Acting Republican President by handing over the instruments of power every time you left the country. They say action speaks louder than words and I think you spoke very loudly, as far this issue is concerned. Even, me as President of my small party “ The New Generation Party”, if I gave all the above responsibilities to one person, it would simply mean that, that person was my chosen successor.
Having said the above, I am not saying that I am endorsing Hon. Edgar Lungu. I still have to hear what vision he has for the country. I am not a member of PF, the PF members will choose who their Presidential Candidate shall be and Zambian will also decide who the next President shall be. My point is, though PF has a choice to choose another person to succeed you, they should not say you did not have a preferred successor.
Mr. president, as you noticed, from the time you became President, I withdrew from active politics, restraining myself from commenting and criticizing you, as expected of an Opposition Leader. The reason was simple, I criticized you for 10 years, from 2001 to 2011, such that by the time you were elected President, I had nothing new to say against you. I realized that the Zambian people knew you very well and they voted for you just as you were with all your strengths and weaknesses.
After loosing the elections, I decided to join my family (wife and children), in the United States, where I still am as I write this press statement. It was not to run away from some crimes I committed as some people assumed. In 2012, I briefly came back to Zambia, just to clear my name and I asked the Zambian people to support you and give you time to do what you can to develop Zambia.
I must say Mr. President that your winning of elections actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise for me and my family. It gave us an opportunity to bond together even more as a family. My wife occasionally jokes and says “ President Sata is my hero, he made you sit down with your family.”
Not only has my family bonded together, God has also opened up business opportunities, which, had we won the elections and stayed in Zambia, I would not have known about. I must also say, when I came to the USA, I had time to think about my country, and how best we can address our problems. Leaving among the Americans and being exposed to the first world, and constantly thinking about the problems back home and in a quest to find solutions, I think God has given me answers to our problems back home. Our number one problem is poverty, and I believe God has given me the answer.
At one time Mr. President, I called State House to speak with you and share some of the solutions, but as the system is, I was not given access to speak with and share the ideas. At the appropriate time, however, I will share this with the Zambian people. How I wish you were around to hear what I have for our country, the answer or how to tackle poverty.
To the Zambian people, I just wish to echo, what many have said, let us maintain peace, before, during and after we bury our President. We have been through this route before, we managed it, and we can do it again. We are looking forward to the PF to provide the leadership we so much need during this time and especially, during the campaigns. Most of us Zambians are worried because of the violence you have exhibited by matcheting each other, and other innocent people during the three years you have been in power.
Let us remember that, God already chose our President for this time, even before he was conceived in his/her mother’s womb. Violence will not help us as a country. We want the Presidential Candidates that will contest, to tell us why we should vote for them? What will they do for the people? Let us remember that our number 1 problem in the last 50 years, has not been a person, it has not been Presidents Kaunda, Chiluba, Mwanawasa, Banda or Sata, it is poverty. It is not even Fred Mmembe or the cartel as some people may want to believe, it is poverty. People have gone, and will continue to go but Zambia and the problem of poverty, if not addressed, will be with us always.
The PF government must allow all those who want to contest to campaign freely. We do not want to see what has been happening in the past where opposition Leaders are stopped from campaigning. If you do that, or you engage in violence, I can promise you that you will be the first political party to rule Zambia, not for one term, but for only half a term. You may think that Zambians are docile and you can manipulate them, not when you play or temper with their peace.
Finally, let me conclude by saying good bye Mr. President, Rest in Peace and may God bless Zambia.
Secretary to the Cabinet Roland Msiska has announced that the time table for tomorrow’s Grade 9 Examination will go on as scheduled and pupils should not abscond from writing their examinations.
Dr Msiska says all secondary school pupils who are sitting for examinations will write the exams as scheduled.
He explained that for pupils based in Lusaka police at road blocks will guide the pupils to facilitate their passage on selected roads which have been partially close.
Some selected roads will tomorrow Monday and Tuesday , the burial day of President Michael Sata who died in a London hospital on 0ctober 28, be partially closed.
Among the affected roads are the Independence Avenue, Church road, Pundit Neru, Haile Selassie, Chikwa road and Cairo roads.
Others are nationalist, Addis Ababa, Great east road and the Great North road.
Meanwhile, Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Minister Yamfwa Mukanga has paid tribute to President MICHAEL SATA’s commitment to improve the communication and transport sector.
Mr. Mukanga says President Sata drive to promote investment in communication and transport sector has helped in opening up the rest of the country.
He has cited the repossessed Zambia Railways from Railway Systems of Zambia as one which has helped revamp the rail sector.
In the communication sector, Mr. Mukanga says the repossession of ZAMTEL from a Libyan firm Lap Green network has also recorded progress in the performance of ZAMTEL.
Mr. Mukanga was speaking on ZNBC Television’s Let’s Mourn programme.
He further says Mr. Sata embarked on installing communications towers in rural areas to easy communication.
Mr. Mukanga says the Link Zambia 8000, Pave Zambia 2000 and the L400 have resulted in easy connectivity and reduced the cost of doing business.
Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary General Edgar Lungu has warned party presidential hopefuls against ‘causing confusion by engaging in acts of corruption and bribery.
In a statement released in Lusaka Mr Lungu said it was regrettable that the party had received reports that certain candidates intending to stand as President of the party were engaging in acts of bribery and corruption.
Mr Lungu has since urged all PF members to refrain from actions that would dishonor the legacy of President Sata and reject activities that would tarnish the image and standing of the party and the nation at large.
He warned that the leadership of the PF would not take kindly to contenders that were engaged in acts that were alien to the principles of the party.
Below is the full statement
MEDIA PRESS RELEASE
DATE; 9TH NOVEMEBER 2014
SUBJECT: NEED TO UPHOLD PEACE AND UNITY AS WE BEGIN TO CONCLUDE THE FUNERAL OF PRESIDENT MICHAEL SATA
The Patriotic Front wishes to express its gratitude to the thousands of Zambians that have turned up at Mulungushi International Conference Centre to view the body of the beloved President, His Excellency Mr. Michael Sata.
The party also wishes to recognise the public show of sympathy and mourning that also been seen across the country.
This is a demonstration that President Michael Sata led with a commitment to serve the people and also his life was devoted to uplifting the standards of living of our people.
It is therefore imperative that the spirit to mourn our leader in peace and dignity must continue until we conclude the mourning period on Tuesday 11th November 2014.
The PF will always carry the vision and memories of President Sata and will ensure that his legacy is preserved.
It is however regrettable that we have received reports that certain candidates intending to stand as President of the party are causing confusion with reported acts of corruption and bribery.
It is important to warn that the leadership of the Patriotic Front will not take kindly to contenders that are engaged in acts that are alien to the principles of the party.
We wish to inform our members that the Central Committee will meet to discuss matters relating to the selection or election of the party president and presidential candidate that will represent the partyin the upcoming by-election.
The Central Committee is empowered to set its own rules, or vary any clause in the constitution as provided for in Article 58 (l) and (m).
Historically the PF has participated in four (4) General Elections, of these, only one election was preceded by a General Conference.
It is therefore important to allow the Central Committee to consider these matters independently recognizing the concerns regarding time, resources, security, peace and unity of the party and nation.
By the time the Central Committee will hold its first meeting on Thursday, 13TH November 2014, we will remain with about 72 days or less remaining before the General Election is held. And it should be noted that an election can be held even much earlier.
I therefore wish to urge all our members to refrain from actions that will dishonor the legacy of President Sata and reject activities that will tarnish the image and standing of the Party and the nation at large.
UPND president Hakainde Hichilema
Opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) has reiterated its call for peace among Zambians as they mourn President Michale Sata.
UPND president, Hakainde Hichilema, has appealed to Zambians to desist from causing anarchy during the burial of President Sata set for Tuesday November 11, at Lusaka’s embassy park.
Mr Hichilema noted that funerals are emotional affairs that can invoke incidences that can disturb peace and unity.
The UPND president warned that any form of anarchy during the burial will be totally alien and a shame on the wish, stature and legacy of President Sata.
Mr Hichilema said President Sata deserves respect and honour from all Zambians regardless of their political affiliation.
He has since called on all Zambians to exercise maximum restraint against causing disorder and violence in the country.
Mr Hichilema commended Zambians for uniting and conducting themselves with dignity in mourning peacefully the passing of President Sata.
The UPND president urged Zambians to demonstrate peace and harmony during and after the burial especially that foreign dignitaries will come to attend the state funeral.
He also said he was pleased that calm has returned in the PF following an internal leadership conflict that arose when Edgar Lungu was dropped as Secretary General of the ruling party before being reinstated.
Mr Hichilema said this in a statement issued to the media in Lusaka today.
Rapheal Nakacinda-Communications Director- Office of the President-MMD
VICIOUS SLANDER CAMPAIGN AGAINST DR NEVERS MUMBA UNEARTHED
As the rest of the nation is overwhelmed with grief and a huge sense of loss over the passing on of our beloved Head of State Michael Chilufya Sata, it is despicable that some individuals have launched a callous slander campaign against MMD President Dr Nevers Mumba.
Information available indicates that some individuals that worked closely with former President Rupiah Banda in the unsuccessful 2011 presidential campaigns have regrouped and are concocting distasteful stories about Dr Mumba and his close associates.
As MMD, we wish to dismiss with the contempt it deserves the latest attack on the integrity of Dr Mumba and the spirit of the MMD by these desperate individuals who are using online media to spread untruths and propaganda against Dr Mumba.
Reports that Dr Mumba has entered a pact with some individuals to block Mr Banda from launching his purported come back campaigns are baseless and malicious.
Further reports that Mr Banda offered US$ 1 million to Dr Mumba to have him pave way for Mr Banda’s come back into active politics but that Dr Mumba declined and demanded US$ 1.5 million are also another concoction by enemies of the MMD.
The information received allege that Mr Davies Mataka on who is facing criminal charges allegedly committed during his reign as Deputy Managing Editor at the Zambia Daily Mail when he ran a propaganda machinery and other individuals who worked closed with Mr Banda in the 2011 presidential campaigns are involved in this lethal and vicious slander campaign against Dr Mumba.
These individuals are working on the assumption that Dr Mumba is the only stumbling block to their ‘RB Come Back’ campaign. They are now scandalizing Dr Mumba with the hope of alienating him from the general MMD membership and splitting the party.
We know that they are now planning to extend this slander activity to close associates of Dr Mumba.
I personally confronted Mr Mataka and Dr Martin Mtonga and appealed to them that if there is any truth in this scam, they should stop their desperate activities in the interest of the party and nation’s democratic growth.
The two could neither deny nor confirm their involvement.
It is our firm belief that some people are desperate and do not mean well for the MMD. They are out to serve their personal interests as they did in 2011 when they misled Mr Banda into losing the presidency.
We also believe that if Mr Banda’s return to politics is good for the MMD and Zambia as a whole, only a civil, honest and democratic process has to be followed to reach an agreement in a noble manner. This process would involve undertaking a cost benefit analysis and agreeing whether it would be in the best interest of the Banda family to subject the old man to another presidential battle three years after losing a costly election.
As these people attack Dr Mumba and those close to him, we ask the general MMD membership to reflect and reject their selfish aspirations. Our key question is, where were these people when the MMD was being attacked viciously by the PF? Where were they when the PF attempted to deregister the MMD? The answer is clear, they all ran away from the MMD and abandoned Mr Banda. They are now regrouping and attempting to impress Mr Banda by launching all manner of activities to support Mr Banda’s alleged political comeback.
We have information that Mr Banda is not even fully aware of some of these activities by these desperate people. They are carrying out tasks that have no blessings from Mr Banda whatsoever.
The President and the party leadership believe there is everything to gain by working together in a cordial and peaceful manner. Slander campaigns will only go to wedge a rift among our members.
We shall all work together to safeguard that which the MMD represents. The democracy cherished by all Zambians and the common determination to make this country a great place to live in.
People must be aware that this in this Jubilee season, God is involved in solving the leadership question in Zambia. As political leaders, this is the time to deeply reflect on every action and words we speak. We must be part of those involved in building and not in destroying.
We also appeal to the Church to pray for Zambia and the political leadership at this crucial hour. May God bless Zambia.
Issued by: RAPHEAL NAKACINDA-COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR- OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT-MMD
FILE: President Micheal Sata addressing UN General Assembly sixty seventh session
The United Nations flag will fly at half-mast worldwide on Tuesday in honour of His Excellency Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, late President of the Republic of Zambia.
The United Nations Protocol and Liaison Service informed the Zambian Mission in New York that the flag of the UN would be lowered to half-mast at all its offices worldwide on Tuesday morning, the burial day of President Sata.
Diplomatic staff at the Zambian Mission and other dignitaries will witness the lowering of the flag at UN Headquarters.
The Protocol and Liaison Service further informed the Zambian Mission that flags of all the 193-Member States would not fly on Tuesday in honour of President Sata.
The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, October 30, 2014, held a special tribute session to President Sata at which Member States praised the legacy of the departed Head of State.
President Sata died on October 28, 2014 and will be put to rest on November 11, 2014 in the Zambian capital, Lusaka.
Secretary to the Cabinet Roland Msiska has announced that there will be restricted access to some public roads around Embassy Park in Lusaka on November 11 during the burial of the late Republican President Michael Sata.
Dr Msiska said that Independence Avenue and roads around Embassy Park will be closed to the public to facilitate the funeral convoy for President Michael Sata from State House to the National Heroes Stadium and later for burial at the Embassy Park.
He urged the general public to minimize movements and find alternative routes on the burial day.
Nine Heads of State and other world leaders will attend the burial of the late President Sata.
Dr Msiska further advised motorists to avoid driving towards the city centre during the stated period to reduce unnecessary traffic congestion.
He however praised and thanked the general public for the maturity, love and peace exhibited so far during the State funeral which started on 29 October and ends next week after the late President Sata is put to rest on Novemebr 11.
President Sata died in a London hospital on October 28 and his body which arrived in the country on November 1 has been laying in state at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka to allow public viewing.
And Dr Msiska has noted that prayer meetings and other events in honour of Mr Sata have been organized across the country and urged the public to participate in designated venues nearest to their locations.
In a statement availed to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Dr Msiska announced that there will be a requiem mass for President Sata on Tuesday November 11 at the National Heroes Stadium.
Dr Msiska said only persons holding appropriate invitation cards will have access to the VIP sections of the stadium while those without will be free to access the open sections of the stadium.
He said government will set up big television screens at the Lusaka Show Grounds, Matero, Chawama grounds and National Heroes Stadium to enable residents follow the live burial proceedings.
Dr Msiska further advised members of the public across the country to follow the live proceedings of the State funeral on ZNBC television.
Lawyer Sakwiba Sikota
Prominent Lusaka lawyer Sakwiba Sikota has said there was no vacancy at the time President Michael Sata died.
Commenting on the transfer of power from Minister of Defence Edgar Lungu to Vice President Guy Scott, Mr Sikota said that President Michael Sata had already filled the position when went out of the country by appointing Mr Lungu to occupy the position in an acting capacity.
“There was no vacancy created, my argument is that at the time the President went out of the country the vacancy was then created which was then filled in an acting capacity by Hon Lungu,” he said.
Mr Sikota said that Edgar Lungu should have continued as acting President.
“At the time the President passed on there was no vacancy there was somebody in that position in an acting capacity and that person should have continued that is Honourable Lungu”
And Mr Sikota has said that the current acting President Guy Scott has no power to fire any top ranking officials without the approval of cabinet.
Mr Sikota said Scott could not dismiss Presidential appointees without seeking the approval of cabinet.
“The acting President cannot dismiss ministers or other appointees of the President in whose shoes he is acting,” he said.
“If there is a question of somebody to be removed from cabinet, it would need for cabinet to all agree for that to be done because obviously, if there is a situation grave enough parliament’s hands should not be tied but it is not the decision of one person it is a collective decision. One person in the name of the acting President cannot take that decision alone it has to be the entire cabinet.”
