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Struggling FAZ Super League side Indeni have refused to give up their fight against relegation.
With two matches remaining before the season ends, Indeni are second from the bottom of the 16-team league table with 27 points from 28 games played.
Indeni vice captain and midfielder Norman Munthali believes th Oil Men can survive relegation.
Munthali said winning the last two matches would help Indeni to avoid demotion.
“We have to win the last two games. Winning the last two matches will make us survive relegation,” he said.
Indeni’s chances of surviving relegation hit a snag last Saturday as the club succumbed to a shocking 2-0 loss to fellow struggler’s Konkola Mine Police in Chingola.
“We have to go back to the drawing board and start working hard. It is bad that we are making mistakes at the back,” Munthali said.
Indeni bounced back to the Super League this year after sending the 2013 season in Division One.
PF cadres matching along Cairo road protesting Dr Scott’s appointment
Scores of PF youths marched through Cairo Road to Cabinet Office on Thursday afternoon protesting against the appointment of Vice President Guy Scott as acting President.
The cadres who sang mostly solemn music carried placards denouncing Dr Scott’s appointment.
They contended that Dr Scott does not qualify to act as President adding that this is the reason late President Michael Sata never allowed him to act in the three years since PF took over Government.
The cadres clad in PF regalia chanted slogans that demean Dr. Scott and demanded that the party’s Central Committee force Government to reverse the decision.
And in a statement issued to the media yesterday, PF Lusaka Youth District Chairperson Yelisa Khondowe stated that Dr Scott is illegally occupying the office of the President.
[pullquote]“President Sata left for the United Kingdom purely for a medical checkup and his coming back was obvious. His death has not revoked Mr Lungu’s appointment. Why is it that Vice President Scott was never allowed to act?”[/pullquote]
“We the youths of Lusaka District have agreed with what General Miyanda has stated over the eligibility of Dr Scott to act on both the Republican Presidency and Vice Presidency. Article 34 which deal with who should be President or Vice President has been amended has been amended,” Mr Khondowe said.
He added, “This is the more reason Dr Scott has never been left to act as President. Zambia has a constitution and we should endeavor by all means to follow the constitution.”
Mr Khondowe said the youths of Lusaka District consider Justice and Defence Minister Edgar Lungu as the legal acting President of Zambia.
“We the youths of Lusaka wish to place it on record that Hon. Edgar Lungu is the legal acting President of Zambia and he can only cease to perform such functions upon the Speaker informing him of the incumbent’s return,” he said.
Mr Khondowe stated that it is not provided anywhere that Mr Lungu can hand over power to another acting President but only to the substantive one who is President Sata.
“President Sata left for the United Kingdom purely for a medical checkup and his coming back was obvious. His death has not revoked Mr Lungu’s appointment. Why is it that Vice President Scott was never allowed to act?”
But Secretary to the Cabinet Roland Msiska has promised that Attorney General Musa Mwenye will give a detailed response on who revoked the appointment of Mr. Lungu as acting President.
Addressing a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday, Dr. Msiska insisted that government did nothing wrong in the process of stripping off instruments of power from Mr. Lungu.
Dr Msiska also stated that the decision has been taken and is irreversible.
Some legal experts have argued that President Sata was supposed to revoke the appointment of Edgar Lungu as acting President since he was the one who appointed him before his death.
Former president Rupiah Banda at the Freedom Statue during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
Fourth Republican president Rupiah Banda has sent a message of encouragement to Acting President Dr Guy Scott urging him to seek God’s guidance as he leads Zambia during the transition period in the aftermath of President Sata’s death.
Below is the full statement
THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA OFFICE OF THE FOURTH REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT
Press Release
President Banda urges Dr Scott to seek God’s hand
LUSAKA, 30th October, 2014— His Excellency Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, the Fourth President of the Republic of Zambia, has advised acting President Guy Scott to seek God’s guidance as he leads Zambia following the death of His Excellency Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, the President of the Republic of Zambia.
The former head of State says leading a country at such a time calls for patience and wisdom, which is why divine guidance is always important.
In a letter of condolences to Dr Scott, President Banda says he understands the challenges of presiding over a country after the death of a sitting head of State, having acted when Zambia’s third President Levy Mwanawasa died in August 2008.
“I wish to encourage you to seek God’s guidance as you discharge your functions as our acting President because the enormity of the task ahead of you is one that requires patience and wisdom,” a part of the latter reads.
President Banda says he has no reason to doubt Dr Scott’s ability to remain steadfast and resilient as he leads Zambians in mourning the departed President and preparing the nation for elections.
“On behalf of my wife, Thandiwe, and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to express my sorrow over the death of our President, His Excellency Mr Michael Chilufya Sata,” reads the letter.
President Banda has also asked Dr Scott to convey his condolences to the Government and the Central Committee of the Patriotic Front.
_____________________________________________________________ Issued by: Kennedy Limwanya DEPUTY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Queen Elizabeth the Second of England says the death of President Michael Sata will be felt not only in Zambia but across Southern Africa.
In her message of condolences on the death of President Sata released by the British High Commission in Lusaka today, Queen Elizabeth conveyed her deepest sympathy and those of her husband Prince Phillip to Acting President Guy Scott , the First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba and the people of Zambia .
“It is with sadness that I learnt of the death of President Sata. His passing will be felt both in Zambia and across Southern Africa. On behalf of the United Kingdom, Prince Philip and I wish to convey our deepest sympathy to his family and to the people of the Republic of Zambia at this sad time”, read the statement.
President Sata died on 28th October in London where he was attending a medical check up.
Meanwhile, Former President Rupiah Banda has advised Acting President Guy Scott to seek God’s guidance as he leads Zambia following the death of President Michael Sata.
Mr. Banda says leading a country at such a time calls for patience and wisdom which is why divine guidance is always important.
In his letter of condolence message to Dr Scott, Mr Banda who acted as President when Zambia’s Third President Levy Mwanawasa died in August 2008, says he understands the challenges of presiding over a country after the death of a sitting Head of State.
This is contained in a press statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today by his Deputy Administrative Assistant, Kennedy Limwanya.
“On behalf of my wife, Thandiwe, and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to express my sorrow over the death of His Excellency President Sata. I wish to encourage you (Dr. Scott) to seek God’s guidance as you discharge your functions as our acting President because the enormity of the task ahead of you is one that requires patience and wisdom,” Mr. Banda’s letter reads in part.
Mr. Banda said he has no reason to doubt Dr Scott’s ability to remain steadfast and resilient as he leads Zambians in mourning the departed Head of State alongside preparing the nation for elections.
He has also asked the Acting Head of State to convey his condolences to the Government and the Central Committee of the ruling Patriotic Front party.
Mr. Sata’s body arrives in the country on Saturday November 1, 2014 from London and will be laying in state prior to the burial.
President Sata will be buried at Embassy Park in Lusaka on November 11.
And Unites States of America (USA) President Barack Obama has sent a message of condolences to first lady Christine Kaseba-Sata, the bereaved family and the people of Zambia on the death of President Michael Sata.
President Obama said the US strongly supports a peacefully constitutional transition of power as Zambia moves forward during this time of sorrow.
He said his country also remains committed to enduring friendship and partnership with Zambia.
President Obama further said the US will continue to seek opportunities to enhance its bilateral relations, support Zambia’s democratic traditions, increase its development and strengthen its commitment to a free and just society.
This is according to a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today by the office of the Press Secretary at the White House in Washington.
FILE: Former Deputy Minister in the Vice President’s office Gunston Sichilima standing on a flooded Muchindushi river bridge in Lukanga North resettlement scheme in Mpongwe district during his tour of government developmental projects in Mpongwe
Police in Mbala have arrested a former minister in the MMD government Gaston Sichilima for firing gunshots in the air following the announcement of President Michael Sata’s death.
Mr. Sichilima, 54, of Mwenzo Farm fired the shots at Water Front Lodge in Mbala.
Northern Province Police Commissioner Charity Katanga who confirmed the development to ZANIS in Kasama today revealed that the incident happened yesterday at 21:30 hours.
Ms Katanga said that Mr Sichilima was asked to avail himself to Mbala police station where a warn and caution statement was recorded from him.
She said Mr. Sichilima who arrived at 10:00hrs hours today has since been arrested and charged for conduct likely to cause the breach of peace.
She added that Sichilima told police during questioning that he was firing the shots in the air to scare away some owls.
Ms. Katanga has also cautioned the general public to uphold good conduct as the country mourns President Sata.
She said police will not hesitate to enforce the law against those abrogating the dictate of a period of national mourning.
The Football Association (FAZ) has cancelled all football matches under its umbrella scheduled for this weekend following the death of President Michael Sata.
President Sata, the patron of FAZ, died on Tuesday aged 77 in London after an illness
“The Football Association wishes to advise all its clubs and affiliates that all football matches for this weekend have been cancelled,” FAZ spokesperson Nkweto Tembwe said.
“The action has been taken as a sign of respect to the Association’s patron and President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency, Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata, who died in London two days ago.”
Tembwe added:”This means that all Super League, Division One, Two, Three, Futsal and indeed any other matches organized under the ambit of the Football Association of Zambia, at provincial and district levels will not take place this weekend.”
He further revealed that FAZ was consulting the way forward regarding Zambia’s last two 2015 Africa Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Cape Verde scheduled for next month.
“The Association will give further guidance after consultations with relevant authorities on the way forward as regards the AFCON qualifiers for next month, “he said.
The national mourning in hour of President Sata begun on Wednesday although Government is yet to state when it
would end.
Secretary to the Cabinet Roland Msiska has announced that President Michael Sata’s body will arrive in the country on Saturday, November 1, 2014.
Addressing a news briefing in Lusaka this afternoon, Secretary to the Cabinet Roland Msiska revealed that President Sata will be buried on November 11 2014 at Embassy Park in Lusaka.
Msiska said Acting President Guy Scott will lead all protocols when President Sata’s body arrives at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport after which it will be led to Mulungushi International Conference where he will lie in state.
The government official says body viewing for President Sata will commence on Sunday with funeral sermons earmarked for the Lusaka Showgrounds while traveling family friends and relatives will be accommodated at a lodge in Kabulonga.
Msiska announced that a church service will be held on Tuesday at Heroes Stadium on November 11 before the body is put to rest at Embassy Park.
Preparations on the resting place of our beloved president commences at Embassy Park-Sent by LT BloggerPreparations on the resting place of our beloved president commences at the embassy Park – Sent by LT blogger
The Secretary to the Treasury in the ministry of Finance has released a statement detailing the economic performance that the country went through under the leadership of the late President Michael Sata. Notable among the achievement is the progress made towards the diversification of the economy with agriculture exports exceeding US$1 billion dollars, the highest in the history of the country
Below is the full statement
Republic of Zambia
THE DEATH OF HIS EXCELLENCY, MR. MICHAEL CHILUFYA SATA: STATEMENT ON THE ECONOMY BY THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY Mr. FREDSON YAMBA
Countrymen and women, Tuesday, 28th October 2014, will forever be remembered as the day when our President, Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata, bid farewell to us to rest in the eternal presence of the Almighty. His vision was anchored on inclusive growth for all through sustained high rates of economic growth, job creation and poverty alleviation. This is the legacy he has left with us.
Under his able leadership and guidance, the economy grew by more than 6 percent per annum, well above the Sub- Saharan Africa average, while inflation has been contained within single-digits. The external sector, especially non-traditional exports grew significantly with agriculture exports exceeding US$1 billion dollars, the highest in the history of the country. This reflects his will for the country to diversify the economy.
As Zambians we also witnessed an unprecedented focus on capital investment in social and economic infrastructure, particularly in health, education, roads, rails, and energy sectors. Recognizing the high unemployment levels in the country particularly among our youth, the Government did put in place an Industrialization and Job Creation Strategy. This strategy is bearing fruit as seen through a sustained increase in additional jobs and incomes, which is important in lowering poverty.
As a mark of growing investor confidence, Foreign Direct Investment has continued to grow reaching the peak of US $1.73 billion in 2012, the highest in 12 years. The investments have been broad-based-covering Government’s priority economic sectors, namely agriculture, tourism, labour and export-led manufacturing, mining and construction. This is a reflection of the improved investment environment in the country, made possible by policy consistency and workable pro-private sector strategies.
It is in this regard that Government would like to re-assure the nation, investors and cooperating partners, that strong macro-economic policies underpinned by the need for high sustainable growth, creating jobs and reducing poverty, will remain as our focus. As a nation, our economic policies will continue to be sound irrespective of who takes office. This is on account of a strong bedrock upon which the economy is based. There is no disagreement amongst our citizens on where we are and where we should go in terms of economic development. This consensus will provide stability in terms of economic management going forward.
I wish to appeal to all economic players, to remain calm as they execute their business activities and to desist from speculative tendencies that may cause instability in our economy. May I assure you that the Government has put in place stringent measures to ensure smooth operations and safety of public resources and assets. Let me also assure you that the Government will honour all domestic and international obligations, contracts, agreements and relationships. We will also remain amenable to external reviews from rating agencies and surveillance from international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund, and further fostering our relations with other multilateral institutions and cooperating partners. Dialogue on important national issues that border on the economy will be encouraged and accommodated.
Countrymen and women, when we lost our sitting President in 2008, we, as Zambians handled the affairs of the nation with firmness, maturity and unity. There is therefore no basis for panic by any economic players both foreign and domestic as the situation will be handled with greater firmness, maturity and unity.
I thank you, and may God continue to bless mother Zambia as the nation mourns our beloved President.
Fredson Yamba Secretary to the Treasury MINISTRY OF FINANCE
The annual rate of inflation for the month of October has increased to 7.9 percent from 7.8 percent recorded in September 2014.
According to the Central Statistical Office monthly bulletin released today, the annual rate of inflation increased for food and alcoholic beverages, housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, health and education.
The annual rate of inflation decreased for alcoholic beverages and tobacco, clothing and footwear, transport, recreation and culture and restaurant and hotel.
Of the total 7.9 percent annual rate of inflation recorded, food and non alcoholic beverages accounted for 3.7 percent, while non food products accounted for 4.2 percent.
The annual rate of inflation increased for Copperbelt, Luapula, Lusaka and Western provinces and decreased for Central, Northern, Muchinga and North Western provinces, while the inflation for Eastern and Southern provinces remained the same.
Eastern Province recorded the highest annual rate of inflation at 9.5 percent while Central province had the lowest at 6.1 percent.
Zambia also recorded a trade surplus valued at K100.2 million in September 2014 indicating a reduction from K102.1 million recorded in August 2014.
Acting President Dr Guy Scott (r) listens to Defence and Justice minister Edgar Lungu shortly after Cabinet meeting at State House on October 29,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Acting President Guy Scott listens to Defence and Justice minister Edgar Lungu shortly after Cabinet meeting at State House on October 29,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Dr Guy Scott with Finance minister Alexander Chikwanda at State house after a Special Cabinet Meeting where Acting PResident Edgar Lungu graciously handed over the instruments of power to Vice President Dr. Guy Scott pursuant to the provisions of the Zambian constitution- Picture By Eddie Mwanaleza 29th October 2014.
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Dr Guy Scott with Finance minister Alexander Chikwanda at State house after a Special Cabinet Meeting where Acting PResident Edgar Lungu graciously handed over the instruments of power to Vice President Dr. Guy Scott pursuant to the provisions of the Zambian constitution- Picture By Eddie Mwanaleza 29th October 2014.
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Mr Edgar Lungu after a Special Session Of Cabinet meeting at Statehouse. Vice President Dr Guy Scott is now the Acting President of the Zambia. Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza/Statehouse 29th October 2014.
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Acting President Dr Guy Scott shortly after a Cabinet meeting at State House on October 29,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Acting President Dr Guy Scott shortly after a Cabinet meeting at State House on October 29,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Acting President Dr Guy Scott shortly after a Cabinet meeting at State House on October 29,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Acting President Edgar Lungu has gracefully handed over the instruments of power to Vice President Dr. Guy Scott pursuant to the provisions of the Zambian constitution- Picture By Eddie Mwanaleza29th October 2014.
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Dr Guy Scottat State house after a Special Cabinet Meeting he is Now acting President of Zambia and former Acting President Edgar Lungu has gracefully handed over the instruments of power to Vice President Dr. Guy Scott pursuant to the provisions of the Zambian constitution- Picture By Eddie Mwanaleza29th October 2014.
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Acting President Dr Guy Scott shortly after a Cabinet meeting at State House on October 29,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Acting President Guy Scott after the Cabinet Meeting
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Acting President Guy Scott after the Cabinet Meeting
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Acting President Dr Guy Scott shortly after a Cabinet meeting at State House on October 29,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Acting President Dr Guy Scott shortly after a Cabinet meeting at State House on October 29,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Acting President Dr Guy Scott shortly after a Cabinet meeting at State House on October 29,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Acting President Dr Guy Scott (r) listens to Defence and Justice minister Edgar Lungu shortly after Cabinet meeting at State House on October 29,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Acting President Dr Guy Scott (r) listens to Defence and Justice minister Edgar Lungu shortly after Cabinet meeting at State House on October 29,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Acting President Dr Guy Scott (r) listens to Defence and Justice minister Edgar Lungu shortly after Cabinet meeting at State House on October 29,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Acting President Dr Guy Scott (r) listens to Defence and Justice minister Edgar Lungu shortly after Cabinet meeting at State House on October 29,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Acting President Dr Guy Scott (r) listens to Defence and Justice minister Edgar Lungu shortly after Cabinet meeting at State House on October 29,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Attorney General Musa Mwenye thanks Mr Edgar Lungu after a Special Session Of Cabinet meeting at Statehouse. Vice President Dr Guy Scott is now the Acting President of the Zambia. Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza/Statehouse 29th October 2014.
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Edgar Lungu with Bob Sichinga
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former Acting President Edgar Lungu has gracefully handed over the instruments of power to Vice President Dr. Guy Scott pursuant to the provisions of the Zambian constitution- Picture By Eddie Mwanaleza/Statehouse 29th October 2014.
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Attorney General Musa Mwenye thanks Mr Edgar Lungu after a Special Session Of Cabinet meeting at Statehouse. Vice President Dr Guy Scott is now the Acting President of the Zambia. Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza/Statehouse 29th October 2014.
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Edgar Lungu with Musa Mwenya after Special Cabinet Meeting
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Attorney General Musa Mwenye after overseeing the hand over of power to Vice President Guy Scott
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Attorney General Musa Mwenye thanks Mr Edgar Lungu after a Special Session Of Cabinet meeting at Statehouse. Vice President Dr Guy Scott is now the Acting President of the Zambia. Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza/Statehouse 29th October 2014.
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Attorney General Musa Mwenya and secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba at State house
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Acting President Dr Guy Scott (c) with Home Affairs minister Ngosa Simbyakula and Works, Supply, Transport and Communications minister Yamfwa Mukanga (r) shortly after Cabinet meeting at State House on October 29,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Some of the Cabinet Ministers at Statehouse after the Special Cabinet meeting
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Zambia army Commander after the Special Cabinet Meeting
The National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO) says Lusaka has reached critical water levels which has resulted in some commercial and domestic boreholes to dry up.
Inspections carried out by NWASCO this week revealed that Lusaka is experiencing very low water levels with some boreholes drying up which has affected supply in most areas. This unfortunate situation is as a result of most recharge areas in the city being built upon thereby affecting recharge points.
The shortage of water will temporarily resolve itself in the rainy season but there is need for Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company to find a permanent solution of using surface water as opposed to boreholes.
NWASCO has engaged Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company to ensure that another 65 kilometre water line from Kafue to Lusaka be laid and address the shortage of water especially in the dry season.
Government is taking a lead in negotiations to fund a new treatment plant in Kafue and another water line to come into Lusaka.NWASCO is therefore appealing to Lusaka residents to be water wise during this period.
Official Statement of the United Party for National Developement on the passing of the republican President His excellency Michael Chilufya Sata
30th October, 2014
The United Party for National Development (UPND) has learnt of Republican President Michael Chilufya Sata’s sad passing on with a deep sense of sorrow.
On behalf of the UPND and indeed on my own behalf, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba, the Sata family, the Patriotic Front (PF), the Government and the entire nation of Zambia on this tragic loss.
We would like to appeal to the whole nation for calm and peace during this difficult period.
Let us mourn the late President Michael Chilufya Sata and remember the contribution he made to our nation.
Whilst this is a time of national mourning, it is also a time to remember a man who dedicated his entire life to serve our country.
The strength of character he showed in fighting battles was testimony to the strongman he was. He was never afraid to take difficult decisions, nor of the reactions of other people to those decisions.
It is our duty as Zambians to come together now through this period of grieving so that we can come out of it on the other side stronger and more united than ever before.
Whilst we are currently feeling the dark shadows of this long night we are experiencing, it will end and we will wake up together stronger and more resolved to carry our country forward.
Let’s pray for healing and strength in this trying time. Together we all have to overcome this challenge and continue from where President Sata has left off.
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE
Hakainde Hichilema
UPND President
___________________________
UPND Information (PI Dept)
File:Pupils from Lusaka schools follow proceedings during the junior achievers programme at Kabulonga Boys secondary school
I was about to press the “send” button for my latest article bearing the above title when my son Dalitso called to inform me of the president’s passing. I may have been the president’s harshest critic, but my heart is burdened with sorrow. It is with profound sadness that I join the people of my beloved country Zambia in mourning the death of President Michael Chilufya Sata MHSRP.
Please don’t stop here. Keep reading. This article addresses, in particular, those born after independence. You are on your own now. Those who made independence possible are on their way out. They may have faltered, but they have made it possible for you to have a country of your own; one with abundant wealth.
It’s up to you
With the passing of president Sata, you face an uncertain future, a future that will test you in ways that you cannot fathom. You are alone in an ever-changing world, one for which you will need to expend all your effort, energy, and intellect for survival; indeed, one for which you will have to make the right decisions. As you search for a leader the next 90 days, bear in mind you have learned enough from presidents Kaunda, Chiluba, Mwanawasa, Banda, and Sata. Their wisdom and that of their peers has come to pass. It is orthodox and antediluvian. You will emulate them at your own peril.
Stop here. Take a moment to look through your window of life. Do you see how you are surrounded by the worst killers on earth? Some are knocking at your door—Ebola, AIDS, Cholera, Malaria, Meningitis, TB, cancer, poverty, corruption, disunity, illiteracy, ignorance, exploitation, oppression, and racism. A good number of these calamities have already found their way inside. Some have just claimed the president’s life three years in his reign.
Just imagine, while life expectancy of developed countries is soaring above 80 years, yours is hobbling between 30 and 40 years. If you don’t do anything about it, it will soon go down to 20 and 0. To think some of you and your children will not live beyond fifty should worry you indeed.
I know I am writing to a people that hate to face realities and have a problem to accept the painful truth. But I dare say if for the next fifty years you do not pluck out the courage to face realities and in your usual inertia inclination continue to make wrong decisions, you will be wiped out from the face of the planet. It is no joke when scientists say it is during this period that you shall face extinction. Look it up on the Internet.
What is your purpose
As you reflect on the life of President Michael Sata, use the occasion to take your own personal inventory. Ask yourself bold questions like: “What is the purpose of my being on earth?” “What can I do to save my countrymen?” “How much am I worth on this planet?” Also, add supplementary questions like “Why me, why am I portrayed to be at the bottom of humanity?” “Why do I have to work so hard to impress others?” “Why do foreigners take advantage of me?” Why am I so dependent on others?” “What am I doing wrong?” And then ask yourself this question: “Am I cursed?”
Of course you are not cursed! Contrary to what colonialists told your parents and grandparents, you, black-skinned, flat-nosed, with woolly hair reading this article are not cursed. You are loved by God. You are equal to all. Always remember, it is not God who divided the human species into races and selfishly created different traits, abilities, qualities, morality, and other cultural behavioral characteristics, it is a fellow human. It is him who portrayed your parents as natural inferiors and subjected them to racial prejudice. It is him who denied them a better education because he was afraid they might exceed his expectations.
In the past fifty years you have seen what lack of education has done to some of our leaders. Not even populists could fill the gap created by moderate or poor academic credentials. It is this handicap that has made it difficult to drive modernization and democratization to its logical extreme.
Come and rescue Zambia
Fortunately, Zambia now has a good crop of young and energetic academics, thinkers, and graduates from the University of Zambia and other institutions of higher learning at home and abroad. There is an urgent need for you the learned to come to the rescue of the Zambian people. You need to appoint yourself an AGENT OF CHANGE, increase your political awareness and take control of how and who should govern the country. Do not leave this beautiful country to party cadres and manipulators, never!
Here is my advice. As an Agent of Change you first must tackle the most important question of your inventory: “Why me, why am I portrayed to be at the bottom of humanity?” The reason is because you are mentally indoctrinated. Even with your academic achievement, you see yourself as a person with the lowest intelligence on earth. It is this that has created low-esteem in you. It is this that has caused you to lose your scholastic motivation. It is this that has resulted in your lack of invention and innovation. Had you acquired self-confidence of the highest order, you would have found a cure for the president’s illness, and treated him in your environs.
Your lack of motivation has subjected you to economic stratification, social segregation, and exploitation. Yet you can’t do anything about it because you have surrendered your self-worth and lost your sense of survival. You have absolutely nothing of your own on which you can depend. In the next fifty years, you the Agent of Change must become strong-willed, most intelligent, audacious, cunning, and remove all cultural and traditional barriers.
You, the Agent of Change, must discard the present Zambian culture of dependency and replace it with the culture of self-reliance. You must replace old leaders with new young ones. With immediate effect you must cleverly and intellectually identify and expose psychological manipulative campaigns aimed at leaving you controlled and dominated by foreigners. Self-empowerment is the only way you will build your self-worth.
You do not have much time. You, the Agent of Change, need to start NOW to create a theory of development as experienced by the West and the Chinese—one of technological achievement and capital buildup. This will require rapid behavioral transformation. First, shade off the rotten attitude of failure; of “it’s too difficult I can’t do it.” Here is a quote by Yamamoto Tsunetomo to help you: “Nothing is impossible in this world. Firm determination, it is said, can move heaven and earth. Things appear far beyond one’s power, because one cannot set his heart on any arduous project due to want of strong will.”
Second, you possess the most important drive of your existence—survival instinct. You have not used it the past fifty years because foreigners have done everything for you. This has affected how you think, how you make decisions, how you apply your time and energy, what emotions you experience, and the way you interact with others. These experiences have reduced your pressing need for survival. You simply cannot survive without help from others. When faced with a challenge, you apply your usual “flight” reaction and take off.
As the nation prepares to give President Sata a sendoff, you should lock horns with the future. You should pluck enough courage and change your reaction to that of “fight.” Declare war on every situation you perceive as a threat to your existence. You can only do that by choosing the right leaders. Most of all, you should take keen interest in studying innovators and inventors around the world and copying their ideas. Strip the radio, computer, cellphone, plasma television, car, and try to make your own.
Pause here. Take a deep breath. Are you mentally strong for the fateful future? Are you ready for the fight of your life? Are you ready to fight the dependency syndrome? Are you able to change your attitude and think in depth and with foresight? Are you prepared to put your brilliant mind to good use? Do you refuse to be cowed or intimidated? Are you, as an Agent of Change, prepared to lead the Zambian people to a long-term destiny? Look at your motherland in the face and say “Yes I am!”
March 23rd 2012:Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Labour Fackson Shamenda said President Sata had left for India on a private visit on the 22nd March 2012.
March 23rd 2012 : Vice President Guy Scott has described as nonsense speculation in some sections of online media that President Michael Sata’s trip to India yesterday is on medical grounds.
March 24th 2012: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism Given Lubinda maintained that President Sata’s private visit to India has nothing to do with his health adding that the head of state is in perfect condition.
March 26th 2012:Indian media report – President Michael Sata was on Sunday discharged from the hospital in Ahmedabad, India
March 26th 2012: Vice President Guy Scott, said President Michael Sata is on a planned private visit to India and not for medical treatment as reported in both Indian and local media.
April 8th 2013: Vice President, Guy Scott, castigated the United Party for National Development (UPND) and some sections of society for telling lies over the health of Republican President Michael Sata.
April 13th 2013: Patriotic Front Secretary General Wynter Kabimba has described as liars the presidents of MMD Nevers Mumba and the UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema for saying President Sata’s health was not good and urged the people of Kapiri to tell off the opposition for lying to them.
18th December 2013:Local online media reports that President Sata collapsed at State house
21st December 2013: Chief Government Spokesperson, Mwansa Kapeya, refuted online publications that President Michael Sata collapsed in the afternoon of Wednesday 18th December 2012. Mr. Kapeya said President Sata is well and there is no need to take seriously reports indicating that the Head of State on Thursday 19th December and Friday 20th December cancelled presidential appointments due to his sickness.
February 2nd 2014:Government media reports President Michael Sata arrived in London, United Kingdom for his 14 days working holiday.
June 22nd 2014: Acting minister of Information and broadcasting Mr Mwansa Kapeya announces that President Sata had arrived in the Israeli capital Tel Aviv on a working holiday at the invitation of out-going Israeli President His Excellency Mr. Shimon Peres.
June 22nd 2014:Justice minister Wynter kabimba said while in Israel, President Sata will among other important engagements, have meetings with out-going Israeli President Mr. Shimon Peres and Israeli senior Government officials.He said the President will also hold meetings with Israeli businessmen who are interested in investing in Zambia’s rural industrialization project.
June 23rd 2014:Reports emerge that Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres was in fact leaving Israel for Washington D.C for a final meeting with President Barack Obama.The Jerusalem Post and other influential Israeli newspapers are not reporting the state visit by President Sata. June 25th 2014:Vice President Guy Scott tells parliament that President Sata is on a working holiday in Israel and he did not know when he was coming back.
June 26th 2014:Reuters reports that Zambian President Michael Sata was receiving medical treatment in Israel, an Israeli official said without elaborating on his condition.The disclosure came a day after Zambian Vice President Guy Scott told parliament in Lusaka that Sata, 76, was in Israel on a “working holiday”. June 27th 2014: Acting Chief Government Spokesperson Mwansa Kapeya tells the Voice of America (VOA) news that President Sata is on a working holiday in Israel.’ If he were sick, he wouldn’t have traveled,’ said Mr Kapeya.
July 1st 2014: Israeli newspaper Ha’aretz has reported that Zambian President Michael Sata had been discharged from the Sheba Medical Center where he had been receiving treatment and that he was “not in critical condition” during his stay at the facility.
July 9th 2014:Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini stops questions about President Sata’s health in parliament and directs all queries to State house
September 3rd 2014:Vice President Guy Scott, when he addressed a meeting at Mkoma II village to drum up support for Patriotic Front(PF) Margaret Miti in the Vubwi Parliamentary by-election,said that the Head of State was discharging his duties contrary to the falsehood of some sections who were alleging that President Sata was sick.He explained that the people of Vubwi must ignore to the falsehood which some society were spreading that the Head of State was sick.“As I am talking, President Sata is working and able to discharge his duties accordingly contrary to the falsehood by some section who are saying the President was sick,”Dr Scott said.
September 24th 2014:President Sata failed to show up for his scheduled address at the General Assembly, which that week conducted its annual debate, an opportunity for the U.N.’s 193 members to showcase their policies to the world. President Sata was slated to follow Venezuela’s president, Nicolas Maduro, Wednesday night.The U.N. moderator then received a notice, and after a short hesitation announced, instead, that the next speaker, Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron, would address the council. No alternative time for President Sata’s address was announced.
October 3rd 2014:Vice President Guy Scott said President Sata will NOT resign on health grounds.The Vice President says as far as he is concerned President Sata is well.
September 26th 2014:Associated Press reported that Police in New York have said that President Michael Sata was treated in his New York hotel room by doctors but has not been hospitalized.
September 26th 2014: Dr Scott says a Head of State can be in attendance at the UN General Assembly without necessarily having to speak unless one has something particular that they want to add to the world discourse.Dr. Guy Scott dismissed reports that President Michael Sata is dead.Dr Scott said this in Parliament in response to a question by Monze central Member of Parliament Jack Mwiimbu who wanted to know the President’s health status following US media reports that he was attended to by Doctors in his hotel room.Dr Scott said the health of President Sata has been entirely normal in New York this morning.
October 4th 2014:Vice President Guy Scott tells parliament Sata’s absence is nobody’s business.This was in response to a question by Bwacha Member of Parliament Sydney Mushanga who asked him to inform the nation where the president is and when he is coming back to Zambia. Dr Scott said President Sata is in communication with government officials.Dr Scott said President Sata managed to call him and is in touch with everything that is going on back home.He added that it is not anyone’s business to live in the president’s pocket.President Sata was recently in New York where he went to attend the United Nations General assembly which he addressed but did not return to Zambia thereafter.His whereabouts are unknown to the country.
October 20th 2014: State House announced that Republican President Michael Sata left the country for medical check up abroad the previos night.
October 29th 2014: Secretary to Cabinet Roland Msiska confirmed President Michael Sata’s death in London.Dr. Msiska said President Sata died at 23:11 hours Zambian time on the 28th October at King Edward VII Hospital Beaumont Central London.He said First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba and his son Lusaka Mayor Mulenga Sata and others were present at the bedside at the time of his passing on.
