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Herve Renard believes Zambia will give his fringe Cote d’Ivoire team a good game this weekend.
Zambia’s home-based team will play Cote d’Ivoire B team on Saturday in a friendly at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.
“We brought Under-20 players, some of them won the Under-17 Africa Cup two years ago. We told them it will be a difficult game against Zambia but what is important is to celebrate Zambia’s day,” Renard said.
“This (Zambia team) is a different team with only Nyambe Mulenga, Joshua(Titima) was a sub goalie this is a different game we don’t have the big stars as you call them.”
The friendly will be Renard’s first encounter against Zambia after resigning as Chipolopolo coach exactly 12 months ago to take up a short-term role as coach of French club Sochaux.
Kampamba Chintu says Zambia are hoping to give the country a good 50th jubilee present in the friendly against Cote d’Ivoire.
Zambia’s home-based team will face Cote d’Ivoire’s B side on Saturday at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.
“Of course we will want to win because this is a celebration for our country,” the Zambia assistant coach said.
“Our aim is to expose the best talent we have in the country to as much competition as possible. We are happy with how they have responded to training and think this game will give them the best possible chance to show what they can do.”
Meanwhile, Zambia and Cote d’Ivoire head into their seventh meeting with the visitors still without a win over their hosts since 1992.
Zambia have won three, drawn two and lost one match against Cote d’Ivoire.
Zambia host Cote d’Ivoire in a friendly at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka on Saturday.
The return of Herve Renard, although as coach of the visiting side, threatens to overshadow what is essentially a key trial by the home-based players seeking opportunities in a fading Zambia side.
This will not be the first time that the domestic players have been subjected to this test under Zambia coach Honour Janza.
Janza’s debut saw six locals including a seventh clubless player in Fwayo Tembo start in Zambia’s 3-1 win over Sudan on August 31.
However, Zambia’s win benefited mostly from the creativity and finishing of foreign-based players that included influential midfielder Rainford Kalaba who captained the team to an entertaining win.
There will be no leadership of Kalaba or the finishing of Given Singuluma and Mukuka Mulenga who got a goal each this weekend.
Goalkeeper Daniel Munyau, defender Donashano Malama including his Nkana club mate Christopher Munthali who scored a goal against Sudan and Roderick Kabwe will be among the high profile players expected to start.
Two foreign-based stars are also expected to play with defender Aaron Katebe of FC Platinum in Zimbabwe back after a twenty month exile while TP Mazembe striker Jonas Sakuwaha is hoping to redeem himself after misfiring against Sudan.
Janza is expected to unveil Nchanga Rangers’ promising playmaker Larry Bwalya in Kalaba’s absence.
But it is in attack where all the debate is raging with focus on Nkana striker Ronald Kampamba who has not been flavour of the month for Janza in his five games in charge.
Kampamba benching has been a subject of great debate after the 22-year-old striker scored five goals in Africa for Nkana this season on top of the 12 he has recorded in league and cup action in 2014.
However, fans will be denied a chance to see the qualities of defensive midfielder Richard Kasonde after Janza released him together with his Power Dynamos club mate Alex Ngonga for Sunday’s big Kitwe derby against Nkana at Arthur Davies Stadium.
Acting President Edgar Lungu with Former President Kenneth Kaunda during the flag hoisting ceremony held last night to mark Zambia’s Jubilee independence anniversary commemoration.
Acting Republican President Edgar Lungu last night led hundreds of Zambians at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka in hoisting the flag to mark Zambia’s Jubilee independence anniversary commemoration.
Mr. Lungu arrived slightly after 22:00 hours to join First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda, Vice President Guy Scott and Former Mozambican President Joackim Chisano and other invited guests for the function.
Earlier , Dr. Kaunda’s arrival at the stadium cheered the crowd after a footage showed that the First Republican President was clad in the same attire he used to wear before and during independence in 1964.
Zambians clad in national colors filled the stadium to witness the ceremonial hoisting of the flag in the stadium which has only been witnessed by freedom fighters at Independence.
Traditional dances and performances were exhibited showcasing Zambia’s historical emblems spiced up by local and foreign musicians.
Video Footage and pictures of the five Presidents namely Dr. Kaunda, Frederick Chiluba, Levy Mwanawasa, Rupiah Banda and Michael Sata were beamed on the screen to show the peaceful transition of power in the last 50 years.
At 23:59 hours the Acting President descended from his VIP seat to the playing field to lead the jubilant crowd into a countdown to the hoisting of the flag.
The raising of the flag was accompanied by the National Anthem, blowing of vuvuzelas and beating of drums while all the lights were switched off.
The display of fireworks in the air was one of the spectacular things to watch as the skies of Lusaka were lit and colored .
At the same time the booming sound sent the crowd wild as they shouted after each spark of the fireworks.
The ceremonial hoisting of the Zambian flag symbolizes the patriotism and the nation’s natural resources.
This year’s raising of the flag at midnight last night was the fiftieth time the Zambia’s flag was being hoisted since 1964 when Zambia gained independence from the British colony.
Opposition Movement for Multiparty Democracy President Nevers Mumba and Ambassadors and high commissioners accredited to Zambia were among the dignitaries that attended the flag hoisting ceremony.
Defence Force personnel during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Zambia Army display during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Lusaka on October 24,2014
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Defence Force personnel during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Zambia army personnel at the Freedom Statue during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Zambia army personnel at the Freedom Statue during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Zambia army personnel at the Freedom Statue during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Zambia army personnel at the Freedom Statue during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Zambia army personnel at the Freedom Statue during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Former president Rupiah Banda at the Freedom Statue during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Former president Rupiah Banda at the Freedom Statue during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Service Chiefs laying wreaths at the Freedom Statue during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Service Chiefs laying wreaths at the Freedom Statue during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Vice President Dr Scott being saluted by Commissioner of Prisoners Mr Chato during the Flag hoisting ceremony at Heroes stadium
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Zambia air force personnel at the Freedom Statue during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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ZAF personnel at the Freedom Statue during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Acting President Edgar Lungu at Heroes Stadium during the flag hoisting ceremony
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First Republican president Dr Kenneth Kaunda welcomes his Former vice PResident and UNIP secretary General Grey Zulu on arrival at Hotel InterContinental in Lusaka for the Golden Jubilee State Banquet on October 23,2014. Looking on are Vice-President Dr Guy Scott and his spouse Charlotte -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Acting President Edgar Lungu talks to Commissioner of prisons Percy Chato on arrival at Freedom Statue during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Lusaka on Octobeer 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Acting President Edgar Lungu greets former president of Botswana Festus Mogae during the Golden Jubilee celebrations at Freedom Statue in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Acting President Edgar Lungu Listens to Foreign Affairs minister Harry Kalaba on arrival at Freedom Statue during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Service chiefs salutes Acting President Edgar Lunguduring the Golden Jubilee celebrations at the Freedom Statue in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Service chiefs salutes Acting President Edgar Lunguduring the Golden Jubilee celebrations at the Freedom Statue in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Acting President Edgar Lungu with Dr Kaunda and Kenyan vice President William Ruto at the Freedom Statue during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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First Republican president Dr Kenneth Kaunda welcomes former South African president Thabo Mbeki on arrival at Hotel InterContinental in Lusaka for the Golden Jubilee State Banquet on October 23,2014-Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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First Republican president Dr Kenneth Kaunda welcomes former South African president Thabo Mbeki on arrival at Hotel InterContinental in Lusaka for the Golden Jubilee State Banquet on October 23,2014-Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Dr Nevers Mumba greets Dr Kaunda at Jubilee Night at heroes stadium
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Vice PResident Guy Scott and his wife Charlotte during the Flag hosting ceremony at Heroes stadium
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Vice PResident Guy Scott and his wife Charlotte during the Flag hosting ceremony at Heroes stadium
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Acting President Edgar Lungu with Former President Kenneth Kaunda
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Service chiefs salutes Acting President Edgar Lunguduring the Golden Jubilee celebrations at the Freedom Statue in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Acting President Edgar Lungu laying a wreath at the Freedom Statue during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Acting President Edgar Lungu with former president Rupiah Banda (r) and acting Chief of Protocol Humphrey Chibanda (l) on arrival at Freedom Statue during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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First Republican president Dr Kenneth Kaunda welcomes former president of Malawi Bakili Muluzi as Vice-President Dr Guy Scott and wife Charlotte Scott looks on on arrival at Hotel InterContinental in Lusaka for the Golden Jubilee State Banquet on October 23,2014
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Acting President Edgar Lungu with Dr Kaunda and former president Rupiah Banda (r) on arrival at Freedom Statue during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Lusaka on October 24,2014
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Dr Kaunda with Acting President Edgar Lungu and former president Rupiah Banda during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Guy Scott and his wife Charlotte Scott talk to Former President Kenneth Kaunda and Former South African president Thabo Mbeki
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Vice President Guy Scott greets Former PResident Kenneth Kaunda at the Heroes stadium Jubilee celebrations
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Former President Kaunda with former south african president Thabo Mbeki and vice presideent Guy Scott at during Jubilee celebrations
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Dr Charlotte Scott greets Mama Kankasa at the Golden jubilee celebrations at the Heroes Stadium
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Dr Bakili Muluzi with Kabwata MP Given Lubinda at Heroes Stadium during Jubilee celebrations
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Diplomats at the Freedom Statue during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Diplomats at the Freedom Statue during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Acting President Edgar Lungu greets Malawi High Commissioner to Zambia David Bandawe during the Golden Jubilee celebrations at Freedom Statue in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah Al Sisi has sent his heartfelt congratulations on the anniversary of the National Day as Zambia celebrates it Golden Jubilee.
In his message to President Sata transmitted to the Embassy in Lusaka, President Sisi has also confirmed Egypt’s keenness on promoting cooperation and developing the brotherly relations between the two countries.
He has wished the Zambians the best of health, happiness and evermore progress and prosperity.
And Egyptian Ambassador to Zambia, Ragai Tawfik Nasr said he is happy that an Egyptian dance troupe, the Tannoura is part of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations. He said bilateral cultural relations between Egypt and Zambia have always been strong and well established.
US Secretary of State John Kerry has sent a message of congratulations to the President of Zambia H.E. Michael Chilufya Sata and the people of Zambia on the country’s 50th Independence anniversary.
In a statement made available to the Zambian Embassy in Washington DC, Ambassador Kerry, said the USA will continue to work closely with Zambia to strengthen democracy, support human rights, spur economic growth, and improve the health and education of the Zambian people.
“On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Zambia on the 50th anniversary of your independence on October 24. Fifty years ago, when your country was born, thousands of Zambians took to the streets shouting Kwacha – the dawn. Today, Zambia’s dawn and the promise of peace and democracy has become a reality.” Ambassador Kerry said.
He added that Assistant Secretary of State Linda Thomas-Greenfield is in Zambia representing America and pay tribute to the country’s inspiring record.
Ambassador Kerry noted that time and time again, Zambians have stood up, voted, and let leadership change hands peacefully.
He said Zambia and the USA are united in mutual respect and responsibility for universal values adding that President Obama was pleased to welcome Vice President Guy Scott to the African Leaders’ Summit in August, where they discussed many important issues during this transformative moment for Africa.
Ambassador Kerry observed that as Zambia celebrates its independence, the United States stands with her as a partner and friend.
The Republic of Zambia
Office of the Fourth Republican President
Press Release
His Excellency Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, the Fourth President of the Republic of Zambia, has said Zambia’s 50th independence anniversary is time for all the citizens to dream new dreams and embrace each other.
The former head of state has also called on God’s blessings on His Excellency, Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, the President of the Republic of Zambia, as Zambia’s commemorates her Golden Jubilee.
In his message on the eve of Zambia’s 50th independence anniversary, President Banda says now is the time for all Zambians to forgive each other as brothers and sisters regardless of origin, language, culture, religion or political affiliation.
“We are, before God, all one people, strong and free. This Jubilee time is the time to dream new dreams, embrace new hopes, and stand as one people,” counselled President Banda.
He said Zambians should look back at the past 50 years with gratitude, happiness and joy, and be grateful for the many men and women who have selflessly sacrificed and dedicated their lives to the cause of liberation, freedom, justice and common good.
“At 50, we look back but also forward. The vision of the liberation struggle has been achieved. It is past us now. But the vision for the future lies with us as we are at this threshold.
“As your past servant of this great country, I pray for all Zambian people and all who love us and celebrate with us that the blessings of our almighty God come upon our beloved President, our leaders from opposition political parties, our Government, civic leaders and all Zambians,” he said.
He hoped that the joy and warmth that characterise the Zambian people would continue and that Zambia’s unity would continue being a beacon of hope for more blessings to come
Transnet Engineering General Manager for Coaches Business, Mr. Peter Cona (l), First Secretary for Economic and Trade at the Zambia High Commission in Pretoria, Mr. Mande Kauseni (c) and Transnet Engineering Acting General Manager, Mr. Hector Zondi at the flagging off of the train at Koedoespoort Station, Pretoria.
ZAMBIANS will receive a Golden Jubilee gift from Government when the newly and completely refurbished passenger train arrives in the country in a couple of days’ time.
The 16-coach passenger train, refurbished by Transnet of South Africa, is due to leave Pretoria for Zambia today and is expected to take 10 days to transit up to Livingstone.
Transnet Engineering General Manager for Coaches Business, Mr. Peter Cona, said at the flagging off ceremony in Pretoria that the train christened, ‘The Golden Jubilee Express’ has been fully refurbished to bring it to internationally acceptable transportation hospitality standards.
Mr. Cona said the train has been fitted with six economy coaches, two standard, two sleeper, and one business class coach. The train, with a built-in modern kitchen, television screens, showers and air conditioning, also includes one restaurant, one baggage and one 250 kilowatt-power coach.
He said the train’s under frame has a 25-year life span.
Mr. Cona explained that ‘The Golden Jubilee Express’ will travel from Koedoespoort Station in Pretoria, through Zimbabwe to Beit Bridge before being handed over to Zambia Railways in Livingstone.
He said Transnet has already started refurbishing another train dubbed ‘Zambezi Express’ which will be delivered to Zambia.
The flagging off ceremony was witnessed by First Secretary for economic and trade at Zambia’s High Commission in South Africa, Mr. Mande Kauseni and other officials from Transnet.
Part of ‘The Golden Jubilee Express’ shown just before the flag offThe inside of one of the Economy Class coachesTransnet Engineering General Manager for Coaches Business, Mr. Peter Cona explains a point to First Secretary for Economic and Trade at the Zambia High Commission, Mr. Mande Kauseni (l) in one of the Business Class coachesTransnet Engineering Senior Account Executive for Strategy & Marketing Ms. Lynette Mangozhe, inside one of the Standard Class coaches
President Sata being welcomed by Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Patrick Matibini during the opening of parliament on September 19, 2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
The Daughters of Mary Immaculate (DMI) has joined in commemorating the event in different ways with special prayers dedicated to President Michael Sata.
National Co-ordinator Jenny Maila has for this reason urged women in the country to pray for President Sata’s quickest recovery.
Sister Maila also observed that women can contribute to Zambia politically if they changed their mindset.
She was speaking in Lusaka during the DMI Women Federation on the sidelines of the 50th independence jubilee celebrations.
Sr. Maila thanked First republican president Dr. Kenneth Kaunda and other gallant freedom fighters for his immense contribution to liberate Zambia from the colonial rule leading to attaining the country’s independence.
And speaking at the same function, DMI Secretary General Mary Tembo is happy that DMI was expanding across Zambia.
Ms. Tembo urged women not to relent but to continue from where the fore-fathers and mothers left politically especially bringing food on the table for their families.
October 24th, 1964 is when Zambia became independent.
Children catch a jubilee ride on the Zambian Lotto promotional truck
Government has called on Zambians across the country to turn up in large numbers and celebrate the country’s Golden Jubilee of independence.
Chief Government spokesperson Joseph Katema says the Golden Jubilee is a historic and non-partisan event requiring all Zambians to express their eternal gratitude to God for preserving the nation as an oasis of peace in a world beset by civil strife and man-made and natural calamities.
Dr. Katema who is also Information and Broadcasting minister said it was now time to put aside political diversity and celebrate the hard won independence been celebrated under the theme: “Commemorating God’s Favour of Zambia’s 50 Years of Independence for Continued Peace, Unity, Democracy, Patriotism and Prosperity”.
He said in a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka that the theme aspires to encourage the nation to continue to pursue the ideals of democracy and to strive for prosperity for all.
Dr. Katema emphasised that Independence Day is the birthday for Zambia and as at every birthday, which is a reminder of one’s age, whether in poverty or riches, it is time to reflect on one’s life and give thanks to the Almighty God.
He said it is in this spirit that government is calling on all Zambians and the peoples of the world to join hands and celebrate the country’s Golden Jubilee which was attained at immense cost and sacrifice.
The Information Minister said beyond 50 years, Government under the leadership of President Michael Sata reaffirms its commitment to work to the fullest of its ability in making Zambia a better and prosperous place for all.
Coach Kenneth “Bubble” Malitoli says he is striving to ensure that his struggling FAZ Division One South club Lusaka City Council survive relegation.
LCC are placed fourth from the bottom of the 18-team Division One South table.
Malitoli said he is looking forward to seeing the Nationalist oufit maintain their Division One South status.
“Our objective first is to remain in Division One as a team,” he said.
LCC have 34 points from 31 matches after recording nine wins, seven draws and 15 defeats.
Malitoli’s club at the weekend defeated promotion contenders Nkwazi 1-0 to ehance their chances of surviving relegation.
“I am glad that we beat Nkwazi and got three points even though the game was tough,” he said.
Malitoli joined LCC last July – several months after leaving Livingstone Pirates.
PRESIDENT Michael Sata has said the primary task for Zambia and the future generation, moving beyond the Golden Jubilee, is the modernisation and transformation of the country through sustained rapid economic growth.
In a speech read on his behalfby by Acting President Edgar Lungu, President Sata said the country had a duty to uphold democracy through good governance, transparency, accountability and observance of human rights.
Below is the full speech
REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA
ADDRESS TO THE NATION BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA, MR. MICHAEL CHILUFYA SATA ON ZAMBIA’S 50TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVESARY AND THE GOLDEN JUBILEE
24TH OCTOBER, 2014.
COUNTRYMEN AND WOMEN,
ALLOW ME, ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF ZAMBIA TO GIVE THANKS TO THE ALMIGHTY GOD ON OUR COUNTRY’S FIFTIETH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY.
ON THIS DAY AND AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR, I LAUNCHED THE YEAR LONG COMMEMORATION OF THIS ANNIVERSARY UNDER THE THEME: ‘COMMEMORATING GOD’S FAVOUR OF ZAMBIA’S 50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE FOR CONTINUED PEACE, UNITY, DEMOCRACY, PATRIOTISM AND PROSPERITY’.
WE THANK GOD FOR HIS FAVOUR IN SUSTAINING OUR INDEPENDENCE FOR HALF A CENTURY AND ENABLING US TO CELEBRATE THIS HISTORIC OCCASION.
I EXPRESS MY SINCERE AND WARMEST GRATITUDE TO THE CITIZENS OF THIS GREAT NATION FOR COMMEMORATING THIS HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENT WITH DIGNITY, JOY, PEACE AND UNITY. I AM ALSO GRATEFUL FOR THE MESSAGES OF GOODWILL AND SOLIDARITY FROM HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT, HEADS OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS AND OTHER WELL WISHERS.
THESE MESSAGES REAFFIRM ZAMBIA AS A MEMBER OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY WITH A WIDE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS.
COUNTRYMEN AND WOMEN,
ON THIS MOMENTOUS OCCASION, I PAY SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO OUR FOUNDING FATHERS AND MOTHERS, THE GALLANT FREEDOM FIGHTERS, WHO FOUGHT FOR OUR INDEPENDENCE, SOME OF WHOM HAVE SINCE DEPARTED.
OUR FREEDOM FIGHTERS, DRIVEN BY PATRIOTISM, LOYALTY AND LOVE, PUT ASIDE THE INSTINCT FOR SELF-PRESERVATION AND RISKED THEIR LIVES AND THOSE OF THEIR FAMILIES.
TODAY, WE CELEBRATE THIS DAY IN HISTORY WHEN OUR FORE FATHERS EMERGED VICTORIOUS 50 YEARS AGO. THEIR TIRELESS AND HEROIC SACRIFICES HAVE MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO BE HERE TODAY.
COUNTRYMEN AND WOMEN,
WHEN WE LOOK BACK, WE ARE PROUD OF OUR ACHIEVEMENTS AS A NATION. AT INDEPENDENCE, WE CREATED A NEW COUNTRY EAGER TO RULE ITSELF BUT CHALLENGED IN SEVERAL RESPECTS BY SUCH CONSTRAINTS AS POOR HUMAN CAPITAL ATTAINMENTS INHERITED FROM COLONIALISM. WE, HOWEVER, MET THE CHALLENGES OF NATION-BUILDING WITH SINGLE MINDED DETERMINATION AND ENTHUSIASM.
ALTHOUGH WE STILL HAVE SOME CHALLENGES TO OVERCOME IN OUR QUEST TO DELIVER HIGHER LEVELS OF PROSPERITY, WE ARE DETERMINED TO FACE THE FUTURE WITH HEIGHTENED ENERGY AND ENTHUSIASM TO CONSOLIDATE OUR POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL PROGRESS.
UNDER THE NATIONAL MOTTO: ‘ONE ZAMBIA, ONE NATION’, WE HAVE ENJOYED UNITY, PEACE AND STABILITY DESPITE OUR ETHNIC DIVERSITY. WE MUST THEREFORE CONTINUE TO WORK TOGETHER AS A UNITED PEOPLE, FOR NATIONAL BUILDING.
SINCE INDEPENDENCE, THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE HAS CONTINUED TO BE THE BASIS OF AUTHORITY OF THE GOVERNMENT. OUR SUCCESS IN THIS ENDEAVOUR IS DEMONSTRATED BY THE COUNTRY HAVING HAD FIVE PRESIDENTS FROM THREE POLITICAL PARTIES THROUGH PEACEFUL TRANSFER OF POWER AFTER DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS.
COUNTRYMEN AND WOMEN,
AS WE MOVE BEYOND THE GOLDEN JUBILEE, OUR PRIMARY TASK AND THAT OF FUTURE GENERATIONS IS THE MODERNISATION AND TRANSFORMATION OF OUR COUNTRY THROUGH SUSTAINED RAPID ECONOMIC GROWTH.
WE HAVE THE DUTY TO UPHOLD DEMOCRACY THROUGH GOOD GOVERNANCE, TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND UPHOLDING HUMAN RIGHTS. WE ALSO HAVE A DUTY TO GENERATE WEALTH WHOSE BENEFITS INCLUDE THE DISTRIBUTION OF INCOMES THROUGH EMPLOYMENT AND TAXES TO THE GOVERNMENT.
WE HAVE TO INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ECONOMIC ACTIVITY AND INVESTMENT IN ORDER TO REDUCE POVERTY.
LET US THEREFORE, MOBILISE IN ONE GREAT COOPERATIVE NATIONAL EFFORT THE ENORMOUS ENERGY OF OUR SOCIETY IN ORDER TO OVERCOME AND ELIMINATE POVERTY.
ON ITS PART, OUR GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO OPEN THE COUNTRY WIDE TO SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, AND TO NEW IDEAS AND SKILLS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD IN ORDER TO CREATE A BETTER LIFE FOR ALL, PARTICULARLY THE POOR AND MARGINALISED.
COUNTRYMEN AND WOMEN,
AS I CONCLUDE, LET ME STATE THAT TODAY, ALL OF US BY OUR CELEBRATIONS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY, CONFER GLORY AND HOPE, TO TAKE ZAMBIA TO GREATER HEIGHTS.
MAY GOD’S GRACE BE WITH YOU ALL AND HAPPY FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS.
Let me begin by paying special tribute to our gallant men and women who risked their lives to fight for the Independence that we enjoy and cherish today. Their patriotism and selflessness teaches us that though we have individual dreams our future is inextricably intertwined and we rise and fall as One Zambia, One Nation.
As we celebrate our Golden Jubilee we need to take time to deeply reflect on why 50 years after Independence over 60% of our people are living in extreme poverty. We are a better country than one were over 50% of expecting mothers give birth without the care of qualified midwives; we are a better country than one were 50% of our newly born babies receive no post-natal care.
We are a better country than one were thousands of students with distinctions are turned away from the doors of our universities because their parents cannot afford to pay tuition fees and the government denies them Scholarships. We are a better country than one were over 40% of our children are undernourished.
We are a better country than one were divergent views are suppressed or are met with brute force. We are a better country than one were our farmers have to protest just to get their hard-earned dues. We are a better country than one were over 46% girl children below the age of 18 are either pregnant, married or have had a child. Zambians we are a better country than this.
We all have a sacred duty to ensure that the next 50years should not look like the past 50 years. We have to summon that inner spirit of ubuntu to love and care about one another. We have to evoke the spirit of patriotism and selflessness and in the words of Kennedy, ask not what this country can do for us but what we can do for the country. We ought to realize that we are the change we seek.
For those that have been privileged with the favour to rule over us they must always remember that power belongs to the people, that they are only temporal custodians of our reigns. They should use that power cautiously and to the benefits of our people and not for personal gain.
We have to thank God for blessing our land with plenty of natural resources and unlimited potential. But we have to realise that it will take you and me to work together to maximize the benefits of these resources.
Now is the time to revolutionaries our Agriculture and mechanize and commercialize it to create jobs and wealth at household level. Now is the time to build processing and manufacturing industries right here in Zambia and not to step aside and watch while foreigners ship our minerals.
Now is the time to enact a Constitution that will not only epitomize the aspirations of the people but will guarantee the social, economical and civil liberties of all our people. Now is the time to provide a world class health care system and preserve sanctity of life, for a healthy nation is a wealthy nation.
Now is the time to make education a basic right and ensure that a child’s dream should not be shattered by lack of money to pay school fees but by her own failure to work hard to get the type of education she wants. Now is the time to unleash the tourism potential and create jobs and wealth at household level.
Let us remember, that it will take not only government but all of us to create that Zambia we want. As citizens we need to summon our moral and intellectual courage to work hard and stand up and fight all forms of social, political and economic Justice.
To all our freedom fighters, we say thank you so much for all that you sacrificed.
