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Herve Renard has arrived with his Cote d’Ivoire side for Saturday’s friendly against Zambia.
Cote d’Ivoire and Zambia will play in a friendly at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.
The friendly is part of Zambia’s commemorations of the country’s 50th golden jubilee.
“I feel good that I will be honoured but it is something I have difficulties talking about especially because it reminds me of February 13, 2012 when we came back with the Africa Cup,” Renard said upon arrival.
This will be Renard’s first encounter against Zambia since resigning as Chipolopolo coach last October to take up a short-term appointment at French club Sochaux.
Heritage Party President Brig Gen Godfrey Miyanda speaking during the Rescue the constitution national prayer meeting
Brigadier General Godfrey Miyanda has said that the current PF Government is not predictable and does not respect and observe the rule of law.
In a statement released to the media this evening, Brig.Gen Miyanda said that until the current Government confesses and tells Zambians the truth about the health of our President, it should be described as a “Government of Lies, for Liars and by Liars”.
In the statement, Brig Gen Miyanda also questioned the 14 days duration of President Sata’s medical checkup, asking whether it was normal a healthy person to undergo a 14-days medical check up.
Below is the full statement
GOLDEN JUBILEE 1: “GOVERNMENT OF LIES, FOR LIARS AND BY LIARS”?
It is said that democracy is the Government of the People, for the people and by the People. The characteristic of such a government is that it is predictable as those in power respect and observe the Rule of Law, especially the Constitution. I regret that the current regime does not meet this description of democracy but should instead be called a “Government of Lies, for Liars and by Liars” until it confesses and tells Zambians the truth about the health of our President.
Although the Government has now indirectly admitted what we already know, it devoid of details and hence the matter must not be allowed to rest until the truth, the whole truth, has been unveiled. There are very serious implications in having in office a President who is completely incapacitated but alleged to be working.
Is it normal for a healthy person to undergo a 14-days medical check up? Further what medical check up must a healthy public servant undertake at public expense outside the country? Surely in Zambia the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) is capable of undertaking this routine task; in fact even our private hospitals and clinics are equal to this task.
[pullquote]Is it normal for a healthy person to undergo a 14-days medical check up? Further what medical check up must a healthy public servant undertake at public expense outside the country?[/pullquote]
The point of this statement is to demand of our Government full disclosure about our President’s health. The Cabinet is either hiding the truth or is completely incompetent to carry out its constitutional obligations. As public servants Cabinet Ministers are answerable and accountable to the employers, the people themselves. The Cabinet, led by Vice President Guy Scott, stand charged of lying, abuse of office, negligence of duty, even a possible conspiracy to subvert or disregard the Republican Constitution.
It is a lie by the Vice President and other ministers to have been persistently declaring that the President is well and performing his duties. It is also more revealing for Dr Scott to state that he is not President Sata’s wife to know whether he is suffering from anything. By these words Dr Scott has denied President Sata more than three times! Unfortunately Dr Scott is President Sata’s “political wife”. The Cabinet Handbook describes the VP as the President’s “Principal Assistant”. In the National Assembly he is the Leader of Government Business, essentially making him the President in the House when the President is not attending. The way out is for him is to file for a divorce and get out of this marriage of convenience. But before we grant him the divorce he and his Cabinet have a lot of questions to answer now or in the immediate future.
If the President has been sick and has been travelling all over on medical grounds at public expense, we need a full disclosure of the medical itinerary and expenses involved as well as the list of accompanying personnel, government or otherwise. The VP, the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, must surely have this information at his fingertips!
I have had a second look at Article 36 as read with other provisions and I have strong reasons to revise my position and contend that the article should be deemed mandatory. This Article states as follows “36(1) if it is resolved by the majority of all the members of the Cabinet that the question of the physical or mental capacity of the President to discharge the functions of his office ought to be investigated, and they so inform the Chief Justice, then the Chief Justice shall appoint a board consisting of not less than three persons selected from among persons who are qualified as medical practitioners under the law of Zambia or under the law of any other country in the Commonwealth, and the board shall inquire into the matter and report to the Chief Justice on whether or not the President is, by reason of any infirmity of body or mind, incapable of discharging the functions of his office”. I contend that the foregoing provision impliedly suggests that the Constitution bars any person who is not of sound physical or mental capacity from continuing to perform duties as President until this state is resolved.
[pullquote]I thus assert that the Zambian Cabinet has reneged on one of their most important duties, that is the observance, application, protection and defence of the Constitution. The President has been incapacitated for a very long time, and the Cabinet has been aware of this.[/pullquote]
I humbly submit that by beginning the Article with the words “IF IT IS resolved by a majority of all members of the Cabinet…” the framers of the Constitution intended for the Cabinet to view seriously the health of the President who is Head of State and Commander-in-Chief. The implication is that the office holder must at all times be physically fit and of sound mind to be able to personally discharge his duties and be able to coherently give directions to all government institutions as well as to be able to represent the country intelligently in foreign undertakings. You could have a president of unsound mind declaring war without realising what he is up to. Additionally the danger of other persons taking advantage of the office holder’s incapacity is ever present in this period of uncertainty. Cabinet should have carried out its duty without fear or favour, unless those in Cabinet are up to some mischief or are part of a conspiracy. It would be ridiculous to have a provision requiring the verification of the President’s state of health to be left at the discretion of those with narrow loyalties to their benefactor.
I thus assert that the Zambian Cabinet has reneged on one of their most important duties, that is the observance, application, protection and defence of the Constitution. The President has been incapacitated for a very long time, and the Cabinet has been aware of this. Zambians must now demand that Cabinet gives a full account of his condition. The account must state, inter alia, the President’s state of health, full disclosure of his itinerary to various parts of the world including India, South Africa, Israel, UK and USA, the list of those in the President’s entourage (government or otherwise), a bill of costs of each trip, and also the help or attention given by our own UTH.
Let us continue to pray for our President, his family as well as for the peace of our young nation, but let us not use the Jubilee season to refuse to observe the Constitution.
GODFREY MIYANDA, BRIGADIER GENERAL [22ND OCTOBER 2014]
Post Script: I commend the Malawi Government for a transparent investigation that laid to rest public speculation about the health of the late Malawian President Mbingu wa Mutharika (http://www.nyasatimes.com/2013/03/07/malawi-full-inquiry-report-on-bingu-wa-mutharikas-death/). Let us not be in the situation in which Malawi found itself some years ago.
Sports Minister Chishimba Kambwili has announced that Saturday’s friendly match between Zambia and Ivory Coast will be played at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka as planned.
This is contrary to the notice issued by the Sports Council of Zambia on Tuesday which suggested that the friendly match may not be played at Heroes Stadium.
Recently constructed National Heroes Stadium is yet to be commissioned.
“I want to inform the nation that the friendly match between Zambia and Ivory Coast will take place at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka,” Kambwili said.
“The Sports Council of Zambia was quoted out of context even though Heroes Stadium is yet to be commissioned,” Kambwili added.
This friendly match is part of Zambia’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Meanwhile, Ivory Coast have arrived in the country for the friendly match.
The home based Elephants landed at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka slightly after 15h00.
Community Development Mother and Child Deputy Minister Ingrid Mpande
Deputy Minister of Community Development Ingrid Mphande says her ministry will effectively and efficiently facilitate the provision of equitable social protection.
Ms. Mphande says this is in line with government’s primary goal to reduce poverty and uplift the living standards of people in the country.
She said this in Gwembe district yesterday when she officially opened a welfare centre in Munyumbwe community.
The centre aims at improving the living standards of the people in the area.
She said government has embarked on a number of developmental programmes aimed at reducing poverty and inequality especially among the vulnerable.
Ms. Mphande further that under the women empowerment programme, women’s clubs were supported through grants and entrepreneurship skills.
She said in the non-formal and skills training programme, illiteracy levels were being reduced among youths and adults with special focus on girls and women through improved delivery of literacy services.
Ms. Mphande said her ministry contributes towards national food security especially among vulnerable households through the provision of farming inputs.
She said government has also increased its funding to the social cash transfer scheme programme by 700 percent noting that 50 new districts were implementing the programme.
Local Government minister Emerine Kabanshi
Government says it has zoned health centres in Lusaka district ahead of making them into hospitals.
And WHO Country Director Dr. Jacob Mufunda pledged to assist the Zambian government strengthen her health systems.
Community Development, Mother and Child Health Minister Emerine Kabanshi says the zoned clinics to be converted to first level hospitals from mere clinics have so far been put in five zones in order to provide services closer to the people.
Mrs. Kabanshi says the first level hospitals once operationalised would be scaled up and see a reduction in the number of referrals to the University Teaching Hospital, ( UTH ) .
ZANIS reports that the Minister said this in Lusaka today during the commissioning of Chipata Clinic to a First level hospital.
She disclosed that her ministry, the sister Ministry of Health and the cooperating partners would commence the training of middle level health workers via electronic learning (e-learning).
She expressed happiness that Chipata district hospital would now provide all surgical and other related medical services as it is well equipped with medical officers, midwives and anaesthetists to manage complications such as pregnancies.
She commended the donors such as UNICEF, EU, WHO and JICA who have assisted the Zambian government in renovating dilapidated infrastructures, and refurbishing the theatre as well as purchasing the incinerator including an ambulance at the health institution.
And WHO Country Director Dr. Jacob Mufunda pledged to assist the Zambian government strengthen her health systems.
Dr. Mufunda in a speech ready for him by National Medical Officer Dr. Bvulani Malumo, commended the health authorities at the upgraded Chipata hospital for expanding its infrastructure to respond to the population in Chipata Compound.
Passing a vote of thanks, Rodgers Lesa appealed to the Chipata Compound residents to put the facility and guard the infrastructure into good use if they are to benefit again.
Mr. Lesa, a Community Social Worker and Psycho-social Counsellor, appealed to government to deploy more health personnel at Chipata district hospital to cater for the growing population and beyond.
Community Development, Mother and Child Health Permanent Secretary Professor Elwyn Chomba and her health counterpart and Dr. David Chikamata were among the high level officials who attended the event.
DEPUTY Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Miles Sampa
Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa has called on politicians to step up their works by implementing on their campaign promises ahead of the jubilee celebrations.
Mr. Sampa says as Zambia celebrates her 50 years of independence it is important for the political leaders to reflect on what they have done for the benefit of the Zambian people.
ZANIS reports that the parliamentarian said this during the Matero Zambia golden jubilee celebrations held at Matero stadium in Lusaka today.
Mr. Sampa said this year’s independence celebration is special in that the golden jubilee celebrations have taken place at a time when the Patriotic Front (PF) is ruling.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sampa disclosed plans of constructing a museum in Matero as the area has a number of tourism attraction sites.
He noted for example that Matero has a home of the first republican president Kenneth Kaunda once lived in.
Mr. Sampa also said Matero forms part of the PF history considering the various campaign activities that were conducted in the area before it won the presidential elections.
Defense Minister Edgar Lungu (r) who is also PF Secretary General listens to PF Director of Media and Publicity Brian Hapunda (c) after a closed door meeting with the Litunga at the Royal Palace in Limulunga District during the tour of duty of Western Province
Acting President Edgar Lungu has declared Thursday, 23, October 2014 as a half working day to enable workers prepare for the Jubilee Gala Night.
The Gala Night activities are scheduled to start at 16:00hours this Thursday in all provincial Headquarters and districts.
The Acting President has further encouraged the general public to participate in the celebrations and to attend the events to be held both on Thursday and Friday including the hoisting of the flag on Thursday, 23rdOctober at midnight.
Mr. Lungu has also wished all Zambians a happy and peaceful Golden Jubilee.
This is according to a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka today by Secretary to the Cabinet Roland Msiska.
Combined team of Defence forces at the National Heroes Stadium during the mass display of performance in preparation of Golden Jubilee
Introduction
Fellow citizens, first and foremost, the United Party for National Development [UPND] recognises that the Jubilee Anniversary is an important national event that transcends political party affiliation. It is for all Zambians. This is an opportunity as citizens to spend some time and indulge in serious, deep national reflection. We shall commemorate but not celebrate this Jubilee.
Let me on behalf of UPND pay tribute to the gallant freedom fighters who sacrificed all to give birth to our independence. The late Godwin Mbikusita Lewanika, Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, Kapasa Makasa, Nalumino Mundia, Lawrence Katilungu, Humphrey Mulemba, Mainza Chona, Mama Julia Chikamoneka, Munukayumbwa Sipalo and Dr. Peter Matoka, Solomon Kalulu, Mungoni Liso and many other gallant sons and daughters of mother Zambia, some alive like Mr. Grey Zulu, Samuel Mbilishi and Dr. Kenneth Kaunda. To these and others we owe our political freedom.
Special tribute is due to the leaders who have borne the burden of being Presidents of this great Republic. Our founding father, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, a distinguished freedom fighter, Frederick Chiluba a distinguished and fearless Trade Unionist, Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, a renowned lawyer , Rupiah B. Banda, a distinguished diplomat and now President Michael Chilufya Sata. Each of these in their own way have contributed to building the foundation upon which Zambia has stood in the past fifty (50) years.
Fellow Countrymen and women, at such a time as this, it is important to note that the 50 years is not about a political party such as UPND, MMD and PF. There is only one Zambia. This is the Zambia whose fifty (50) years we are all commemorating. It is the Zambia that we hope future generations will celebrate a hundred years and beyond. No single human being can be greater than our country.
We commemorate but do not celebrate this event? Here are our Reasons in UPND
To commemorate is to remember and observe an event. To celebrate is to rejoice and have fun.
Since the PF came to power on a platform of lies and deceit the country has witnessed repression, violations of fundamental human rights, freedoms and liberties, biased media coverage, Police brutality, political violence, destruction of the rule of law by the PF thereby effectively hampering operations of opposition political parties in the country. For instance, I, Hakainde Hichilema, a citizen of Zambia, is a virtual prisoner as my freedom of movement has been curtailed by the police and PF thugs. I am in and out of Police cells and prison. I am on court bail now.
1.0 PF Repression and Police Brutality
The Police under the instruction of the PF have blocked and even arrested opposition political party leaders for attempting to hold political rallies and closed door meetings.
The application of the Public Order Act by the PF Government is the source of repression and Police brutality.
PF has undermined the Rule of Law. It has occasionally gone so far as to disregard High or Supreme Court decisions and has deported innocent persons or expropriated business interests from lawful owners to empower PF cronies. In this regard, even the judiciary has come under threat and its independence has been seriously compromised
We shall cite incidents to show that democracy is under threat by the PF. These incidents show that the police have violated the freedom of expression and right to assembly.
Opposition Presidents of NAREP and FDD had their indoor meetings disrupted in Kitwe and Ndola respectively.
Nevers Mumba of MMD was prevented from meeting Chief Nkana and was arrested.
Father Frank Bwalya of ABZ was hounded out of radio Chengelo in Kitwe and Chibuku was poured on him by PF cadres.
Bishops and other citizens at BIGOCA Church were beaten up by PF cadres whilst in church where they had gathered to discuss the state of the nation
My Party Chairman Hon Mutale Nalumango and two others were humiliated at Titanic Guest House in Chinsali, Muchinga Province when they were invaded and whipped by PF thugs in June this year.
In January, 2012, members of the United Party for National Development (UPND) who were organizing a rally in Kanyama sanctioned by the High Court after refusals by the Police were attacked and severely beaten by Zambia Police which dispersed the rally.
In June, 2012, Zambia Police descended on a peaceful demonstration by UPND Youths in Kanyama who were against the presence in Zambia of Malawian Judge Chikopa and severely beat them up on Lagos Road in Lusaka.
During the Livingstone by-election in 2013, PF Youths attacked UPND campaigners at their camp and then using the Press, framed up UPND. Police, in spite of knowing the truth moved in to beat up and incarcerate UPND members and leaders.
When I was on a Party mission to the Eastern Province with written Police approval in March 2014, the Police on instruction from higher authorities cancelled this approval and acting with PF cadres began to disrupt UPND rallies in the Province, and beat up innocent people attending the meetings. In the interest of peace, I cut short this programme.
In early April 2014, I again came under physical attack by PF thugs while I was at Sun Radio in Ndola, on the Copperbelt. The PF thugs who were heavily armed raided the radio station with intent to kill me. The Press carried this report.
The nation was stunned in June, 2014 when Police put up a barrier across the road in Mongu to prevent me from paying a courtesy call on the Litunga of Western Province. Furthermore, police cancelled my radio programme at the Community Radio Station.
2.0 Land Grabbing
Land grabbing by PF cadres, often tolerated by the police has become common, leading to the breakdown of the rule of law in the land tenure system. The population is traumatised by frequent violent attacks of land owners by PF cadres. A few examples are as follows:-
State security men shot and killed Kampasa villagers East of Lusaka in June 2013 who had lived on their land for the last 50 years in Chongwe. No one has been apprehended.
A former Member of Parliament, Hon Chella was killed in Kitwe last year when persons alleged to be PF members attacked him over his farm.
In Lusaka West, a life was lost at Mr. Lisulo’s farm when persons suspected to be PF members invaded the farm with intentions to subdivide and share plots among themselves in March this year.
3.0 The Plight of the People
I have gone round this country and have seen the resilience of the Zambians. I have seen our fellow citizens struggle to extricate themselves from the jaws of poverty.
I have seen families sacrificing the little they have to ensure that one of their kith and kin gets an education.
I have seen families sell their assets to get their relatives to secondary school, college or university.
I have come across people who walk long distances to get water. I have seen farmers sleep in the open struggling to get markets for their produce. When they sell their produce to state institutions, payments have not been timely to the extent that by the time they have received their payments, inflation will have eroded whatever value was inherent in the payment.
I have come face to face with people of all ages who have lost their lives needlessly due to lack of medical facilities. This state of affairs, in the words of Nelson Mandela, is not natural, it is man-made and therefore man can do something to address this sad state of affairs.
4.0 Lack of economic freedoms
We acknowledge that Zambians got political freedoms and independence. But 50 years down the line, the people are still suffering economically and battling to get economic independence and freedoms. Can a person who is hungry celebrate? Can students who have been thrown out of school due to non-payment of school fees rejoice? Can patients that have not been treated due to lack of medicines in hospitals celebrate? Can anyone wallowing in poverty and failing to afford mealie-meal rejoice and think it’s part of having fun? Can a worker whose salary has been frozen rejoice?
We think it is unreasonable to celebrate poverty. It is a waste of tax-payers money to hold big parties and enjoy ourselves in the midst of poverty. This should not be a time for merry making but serious reflection on what has happened to us in the last 50 years.
5.0 Wage Freeze
We find it difficult to celebrate this Jubilee when the workers of Zambia are, through the wage freeze being subjected to poverty and misery. The wage freeze is a violation of the workers’ rights. Lest we forget, it is the workers of this country who in the 1930s set in motion a trend of industrial actions giving rise to political aspirations which culminated in an organized political struggle for independence without which this Jubilee would not have been. Throughout the struggle, the workers through their trade unions fought side by side with their brothers and sisters on the political front.
6.0 Constitution
Let me touch on a subject that is very close to my heart and that of all Zambians — the constitution. The Constitution is the foundation upon which all pillars of good governance are founded. Our country needs a people driven Constitution. We need a constitution that will protect the rights of the people, one that will give people the power to call on leaders to account for their actions, which will ensure that the country is governed in a transparent and accountable manner. One that will ensure institutionalism and not reliance on a benevolent leadership. I as an individual and the UPND, are committed to a people driven Constitution. We demand that now.
The people are tired of being cheated over the constitution. There were so many commissions of inquiry over the constitution such as the Chona, Mvunga, Mwanakatwe and Mung’omba Commission. The views of the people were later reinforced through the Chifumu Banda led National Constitutional Conference (NCC) and the latest Annel Silungwe led Technical Committee on the constitution. PF is refusing to release the Draft Constitution. We demand that as we commemorate 50 years of independence, the Draft Constitution should be released to the public this week. We thank the church, civil society through the Grand Coalition for being good partners.
7.0 Conclusion
The freedoms and rights fought for by our forefathers, and the anchor upon which the Jubilee has been founded have been violated and abused by the PF Government. That is why we have refused to celebrate. In the spirit of the Jubilee, these dictatorial acts and behaviour must come to an end and we must as a people open a new democratic chapter for our country. Failure to do so would be in violation of the Jubilee spirit, and a perpetuation of evil. Those who stand against these principles will be swept away by the Jubilee…… into the dustbin of history. We shall not wine and dine to celebrate the Jubilee. Instead, we shall commemorate the Jubilee by reflecting and observing what has happened to our country.
The PF have taken us 50 years backwards to make us start fighting for political freedom. We have to start fighting for freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom of assembly, the right to property, and freedom of expression. So what is there to celebrate if we have to start afresh fighting for freedoms. They are also taking us backwards in our fight to liberate ourselves from economic bondage. They have imposed a wage freeze. They have denied us our right to more money in the pocket. We are back to economic slavery. After PF is kicked out, it will be meaningful to celebrate political, economic and social freedoms and democracy. We conclude that only removal of the PF dictatorship during the next polls will be the surest way of guaranteeing restoration of order and sanity in the nation. The PF will never recant its reign of terror. May all who care please help.
All suspects currently appearing in court or already convicted of politically motivated crimes should be released. For example, Journalists Clayson Hamasaka and Chanda Chimba and Hon Jonas Shakafuswa should be freed to mark Jubilee commemoration.
All freedom fighters should be put on a long life pension or social security scheme.
The Public Order Act should be repealed or amended to reflect modern democratic value.
The Penal Code should be amended to remove sections that impend freedom of expression such as that relating to publication of false news with intent to cause alarm and fear to the public as well as criminalising the defamation of the President, and being in possession of seditious material which is currently suppressing people’s freedoms.
The United Party for National Development (UPND) says they will commemorate Zambia’s 50 years Golden Jubilee this Friday, but will not celebrate.
And the opposition party has demanded that the final draft constitution as prepared by the Technical Committee be released before Friday.
Addressing journalists during a media briefing in Lusaka today, UPND President Hakainde Hichilema says former late President Fredrick Chiluba fought so hard for the country’s democracy which he says the PF has destroyed.
Mr.Hichilema says if freedom fighters who have died could come back to life; they would start fighting for the freedom of the country once more because the people of Zambia have allegedly lost their freedom.
Mr. Hichilema states that the application of Public Order Act by the Zambia Police is one such example of how the country’s democracy has been compromised under the PF government.
He recalls how people were beaten up at BIGOCA Church in Matero and wonders whether people should celebrate independence or instead reflect on what has been happening under the PF.
Mr Hichilema adds that the PF should take the blame for the decision by some stakeholders to boycott the jubilee celebrations.
And Mr.Hichilema has urged opposition Members of Parliament to rally behind the private member’s motion raised by Choma Central Member of Parliament Cornelius Mweetwa urging government to lift the wage freeze.
First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba flanked by Sister Juunza, Diocese of Monze Bishop Moses Hamungole and Southern Province minister Daniel Munkombwe during tour of Monze mission Hospital to mark the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Hospital in Southern Province
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First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba flanked by Sister Juunza, Diocese of Monze Bishop Moses Hamungole and Southern Province minister Daniel Munkombwe during tour of Monze mission Hospital to mark the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Hospital in Southern Province
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First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba flanked by Diocese of Monze Bishop Moses Hamungole during tour of Monze mission Hospital to mark the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Hospital in Southern Province
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First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba flanked by Sister Juunza, Diocese of Monze Bishop Moses Hamungole and Southern Province minister Daniel Munkombwe during tour of Monze mission Hospital to mark the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Hospital in Southern Province
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First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba during a Journey in History-getting children in all 10 provinces to tell their juniper story through expressive art to mark Zambia’s 50 th Independence anniversary. This was at Showgrounds in Lusaka October 20,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba during a Journey in History-getting children in all 10 provinces to tell their juniper story through expressive art to mark Zambia’s 50 th Independence anniversary. This was at Showgrounds in Lusaka October 20,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba during a Journey in History-getting children in all 10 provinces to tell their juniper story through expressive art to mark Zambia’s 50 th Independence anniversary. This was at Showgrounds in Lusaka October 20,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Central Province PS Edwidge Mutale (centre) introducing Vice President’s Wife Charllote Scott to defence personell at Provincial Administration in Kabwe
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VICE President’s Wife Charlotte Scott mixing paint during UNICEF’s long history journey in Zambia, a programme where pupils show cased their painting skills held at Nkrumah University in Kabwe
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VICE President’s Wife Charlotte Scott painting during long history journey in Zambia, a programme supported by UNICEF where School pupils show cased their painting skills at Nkrumah College University in Kabwe
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VICE President’s Wife Charlotte Scott mixing paint during UNICEF’s long history journey in Zambia, a programme where pupils show cased their painting skills held at Nkrumah University in Kabwe
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Media Network on Child Rights and Development Executive Director Henry Kabwe (r) lecturing during a media workshop at Country Lodge in Mongu District of Western Province
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Media Network on Child Rights and Development Executive Director Henry Kabwe (c) lecturing during a media workshop at Country Lodge in Mongu District of Western Province
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Patriotic Front (PF) Deputy Secretary General Bridget Atanga (c) flanked by Deputy Minister of Tourism Josephine Limata (r) and PF Member of Central Committee Annie kayula (l) waiting for the arrival of PF Secretary General Edgar Lungu at Mongu Airport in Western Province
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Defense Minister Edgar Lungu (r) who is also PF Secretary General listens to PF Director of Media and Publicity Brian Hapunda (c) after a closed door meeting with the Litunga at the Royal Palace in Limulunga District during the tour of duty of Western Province
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Defense Minister Edgar Lungu (l) who is also PF Secretary General with Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe (c) and Western Province Minister Richwell Siamunene (r) at a PF Rally meeting at Blue Gums in Mongu District of Western Province
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Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe (l) confers with PF Deputy Secretary General Bridget Atanga (r) as Western Province Minister Richwell Siamunene (c) looks on during a PF Rally meeting at Blue Gums in Mongu District of Western Province
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Defense Minister Edgar Lungu (c) who is also PF Secretary General listens to Western Province PF Chairperson Kenneth Namutulo (l) as Mongu Central Member of Parliament Nathaniel Mubukwanu (kneeling) and Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe (r) look on during a PF Rally meeting at Blue Gums in Mongu District of Western Province
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Mongu Central PF members at the PF Rally meeting at Blue Gums in Mongu District of Western Province
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Defense Minister Edgar Lungu (l) who is also PF Secretary General wraps PF chitenge regalia on Richard Mwapela (r) who has defected from MMD to PF during a PF Rally meeting at Blue Gums in Mongu District of Western Province,
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Defense Minister Edgar Lungu (l) who is also PF Secretary General happily welcomes former MMD members (in PF regalia) who have defected to PF during a PF Rally meeting at Blue Gums in Mongu District of Western Province,
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First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence and the 50th Anniversary of India -Zambia Diplomatic relations in Lusaka on October 18,2014
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Members of the audience during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence and the 50th Anniversary of India -Zambia Diplomatic relations in Lusaka on October 18,2014
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First Lady Dr Christine Sata with chats with Former Zambia’s High Commissioner to Kenya Mumbi Phiri during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence and the 50th Anniversary of India -Zambia Diplomatic relations in Lusaka on October 18,2014 -Pictures by THOMAS NSAMA
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Indian High Commissioner to Zambia Gaddam Dharmendra with First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence and the 50th Anniversary of India -Zambia Diplomatic relations in Lusaka on October 18,2014 -Pictures by THOMAS NSAMA
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Members of the audience during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence and the 50th Anniversary of India -Zambia Diplomatic relations in Lusaka on October 18,2014
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Members of the audience during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence and the 50th Anniversary of India -Zambia Diplomatic relations in Lusaka on October 18,2014
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Indian Super Star Usha Uthup during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence and the 50th Anniversary of India -Zambia Diplomatic relations in Lusaka on October 18,2014
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Members of the audience during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence and the 50th Anniversary of India -Zambia Diplomatic relations in Lusaka on October 18,2014
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Indian High Commissioner to Zambia Gaddam Dharmendra during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence and the 50th Anniversary of India -Zambia Diplomatic relations in Lusaka on October 18,2014
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Members of the audience during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence and the 50th Anniversary of India -Zambia Diplomatic relations in Lusaka on October 18,2014
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Members of the audience during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence and the 50th Anniversary of India -Zambia Diplomatic relations in Lusaka on October 18,2014
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Members of the audience during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence and the 50th Anniversary of India -Zambia Diplomatic relations in Lusaka on October 18,2014
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Indian Super Star Usha Uthup during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence and the 50th Anniversary of India -Zambia Diplomatic relations in Lusaka on October 18,2014
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Members of the audience during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence and the 50th Anniversary of India -Zambia Diplomatic relations in Lusaka on October 18,2014
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Members of the audience during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence and the 50th Anniversary of India -Zambia Diplomatic relations in Lusaka on October 18,2014
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Members of the audience during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence and the 50th Anniversary of India -Zambia Diplomatic relations in Lusaka on October 18,2014
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Indian Super Star Usha Uthup with Tourism minister Jean Kapata during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence and the 50th Anniversary of India -Zambia Diplomatic relations in Lusaka on October 18,2014 -Pictures by THOMAS NSAMA
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Indian Super Star Usha Uthup with Tourism minister Jean Kapata during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence and the 50th Anniversary of India -Zambia Diplomatic relations in Lusaka on October 18,2014 -Pictures by THOMAS NSAMA
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Indian Super Star Usha Uthup with Lusaka Mayor Mulenga Sata during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence and the 50th Anniversary of India -Zambia Diplomatic relations in Lusaka on October 18,2014 -Pictures by THOMAS NSAMA
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Zambia’s traditional dance troupe during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence and the 50th Anniversary of India -Zambia Diplomatic relations in Lusaka on October 18,2014
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Zambia’s traditional dance troupe during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence and the 50th Anniversary of India -Zambia Diplomatic relations in Lusaka on October 18,2014
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Zambia’s traditional dance troupe during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence and the 50th Anniversary of India -Zambia Diplomatic relations in Lusaka on October 18,2014
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Zambia’s traditional dance troupe during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence and the 50th Anniversary of India -Zambia Diplomatic relations in Lusaka on October 18,2014
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Indian Super Star Usha Uthup during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence and the 50th Anniversary of India -Zambia Diplomatic relations in Lusaka on October 18,2014
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Zambia’s traditional dance troupe during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence and the 50th Anniversary of India -Zambia Diplomatic relations in Lusaka on October 18,2014
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Indian Super Star Usha Uthup with Lusaka Mayor Mulenga Sata during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence and the 50th Anniversary of India -Zambia Diplomatic relations in Lusaka on October 18,2014 -Pictures by THOMAS NSAMA
File:President Micheal Sata with Rupiah Banda during the Funeral service of the Late By Mwila .
The Zambia Republican Party ZRP president Wright Musoma has requested President Michael Sata through the acting President Mr Edga Lungu to consider dropping all the charges against former President Rupiah Banda and quashing the K10,000:00 penalty fee slapped on the thousands of poor people in Libala South by the Lusaka City Council, as the country celebrates its 50 year Jubilee.
In a press statement released to the media ZRP said it strongly feels that Zambia’s 50 year Jubilee celebration will not have any meaning if former President Rupiah Banda who like President Michael Sata has done so much for the country is still being dragged to courts just in order to please a small evil cartel.
Former President Rupiah Banda’s contribution to the well-being of mother Zambia from his young age cannot be emphasized.
ZRP also demanded that during this jubilee celebration the President and PF government should consider the plight of our thousands of poor people in Libala South( water works area )who have been slapped with K10,000 penalty fee by the Lusaka City Council. ZRP feels that most of these people are widows and some are retirees with big families who cannot afford to pay the penalty fee. They therefore urge the PF government to order Lusaka City Council to remove the penalty fee and give them title deeds immediately.
Former President Rupiah Banda is charged with one count of abuse of authority of office.Mr. Banda is alleged to have procured a US$2.5 million Nigerian government-to-government oil contract in the name of the republic of Zambia “which he in fact meant to benefit himself and his family”.
Last year a state witness SARB Energy Managing Director Akpan Ekpene wept during testimony describing Mr Banda as a man of great honour.Mr. Ekpene said Mr. Banda was not involved in the oil deal.He told the court that no money was paid by the Zambian government and that Mr. Banda did not pay anything adding that Zambia did not lose anything.
Mr Ekpene said the lifting of the crude oil was done in September 2011 after Rupiah Banda had ceased to be the Republican president and that the contract was later terminated, an indication that nobody further benefited from the contract.
The court charges against the former president are perceived to be persecutory in nature.
Vice President Guy Scott is welcomed by Deputy Skeaker of the National Assembly Mkondo Lungu when he arrived at Parliament.
If Vice President Guy Scott were president, he would be no different from other ruthless African dictators. He too has embraced authoritarian rule and is furthering a legacy of repression of liberties and promoting the culture of deceit. It is difficult to forget the lies he has repeatedly told about the health condition of President Michael Sata.
Also, Scott’s recent wish for the Zambian Watchdog to “commit suicide” is an indication that he harbors hatred beyond redemption; that he is callous, ruthless, vengeful, and is obsessed with the guillotine. If he became president he would relish in cutting off the tongues of all those with dissenting views.
When Scott was appointed vice president many, including political gurus around the globe, thought he would show Zambians, and indeed other African nations, how to build a strong democratic society. As much as he is a Zambian, he also represents a society in which democracy has been one of the guiding principles of development. The success of his native country Scotland which is part of the United Kingdom is based on a structure in which the rights of the citizenry, their lives and pursuits, “are protected from any human agent bent on violating them.”
The reader must be reminded that Scott was once a strong proponent of democracy in Zambia. It is the reason he joined the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) back in 1990 and led implacable attacks on Kaunda. His dislike for dictatorial rule is evident in his 2010 review of “The Musakanya Papers,” in which he writes:
“In particular there is nothing that does justice to the process whereby one Kenneth David Kaunda took over a prosperous “high end” underdeveloped nation in 1964 and turned it, over 27 years, into a bankrupt, disease-ridden, police state in which the public were constantly invoked by “national guidance” to regard him as subordinate only to God.”
What boggles the mind is how a man who witnessed Zambia reduced to a “bankrupt, disease-ridden, police state” would fall into the same trap. Today, Scott is part of the system that is spearheading the same undemocratic and inflexible structure of power. He is busy manipulating the Zambian political system to suit the autocratic agenda of the PF party. Like the Kaunda he so much despises, he too is stifling the country’s fundamental freedoms. And by virtue of being a leg up, he is doing it with impunity.
Let me take a swipe at Scott for his recent comments on the Zambian Watchdog in parliament because it is in such frenzies that narcissistic and absolutist symptoms are embedded. The reader must revisit and closely examine Scott’s statement “If it [ZWD] suffered from suicide tomorrow, we all would be happy.” Notice that what stands out is the word “suicide.” While the quote refers to the self-destruction of the medium, it could also figuratively mean that Scott would cherish in the self-destruction of the ZWD editors.
The quote therefore qualifies as “hate speech” for it not only disparages the editors but also wishes them the worst. Hate speech is synonymous with ruthlessness. In politics, ruthlessness is associated with authoritarianism. Scott ends his statement with “we all would be happy.” He cleverly poisons the atmosphere in his effort to seek public support and sympathy. He wants everyone to agree with him and see Zambian Watchdog editors as devils unworthy a life.
What is perhaps more upsetting is making such utterances inside a consecrated sanctuary like parliament house. I will say this; on October 18, 2014 the Zambian Parliament, however its goals and aspirations, was tainted by Scott’s poor choice of words. When the second most powerful man in the country expresses a sick desire to see someone or something “commit suicide” it is a situation of grave disorder.
Parliament is where honorable officials deliberate over matters of great concern. “Honorable” is the apotheosis here. It is used to indicate eminence, prudence, and judiciousness. A leader of Scott’s caliber should live by example and avoid hate speech. He may have a bone to chew with the medium for washing his dirty linen in public and calling him names like “muzungu wo pusa,” however, parliament is the wrong place for such ghastly desires. MPs from both sides of the aisle should admonish him the same way they did to Michael Kaingu over his HIV remarks. I imagine this is how he would be treated in a British parliament.
I mention the British Parliament because Scott knows that for years its members have been victims of salacious, libelous, melodramatic, and most titillating revelations. The British salacious papers and web sites are masters of intrusion, harassment, and hounding. They have been the destruction of many for decades—prime ministers, cabinet ministers, and celebrities. Even the monarch has not been spared.
There are hundreds of British tabloids and cyber sites, some which are partisan and anti-monarchical. Most are undetectable, and can be openly seditious and more virulent than the Zambian Watchdog, Zambia Reports, or Lusaka Times. Often they use fictitious stories to attract public attention, and yet, many thrive in a country that have has been the seat of modern democracy and the land in which free speech was born.
In fact, it can be assumed that in his spare time, Scott reads, with pleasure I might add, some of these British salacious sites. He does so while repressing and intimidating Zambian journalists who are merely emulating their counterparts in England. In as far as he is concerned journalists in Zambia do not deserve the same freedom. It is not an essential prerequisite. They do not have the right to write or speculate about his public and private life. As he stated, he would rather have the Daily Nation which he can easily sue.
Such are the sentiments of a man whose father founded the Zambia Daily Mail and advocated for its freedom. It is a great shame, really. Since he has become a stakeholder in the PF party, he has denied Zambian journalists the power of the pen. He has denied them their right to freely gather information, and report it in a befitting manner. The two official government mouthpieces, Times of Zambia and Zambia Daily Mail, are as good as dead. They cannot reveal government scandals and malpractices. This kind of censorship is the reason online information outlets like the Zambian Watchdog are in existence.
It has become abundantly clear that after three years, Scott, driven by the want for power, has sold his soul to autocracy. If he became president he would be no different from his predecessor. So far there is no indication that in his capacity as vice president, he has attempted to champion democratic rule. We have not heard him talk about Zambian citizens being equal before the law and enjoying freedom of speech and assembly. He has not made efforts to salvage us from bankruptcy and disease. Instead, he has become part of a team that has created a police state similar to Kaunda’s.
As soon as he was appointed vice, Scott became quiet on matters of political pluralism, civil liberties, and human rights. He failed to provide personal and political protection to those who were being harassed by his party for their opinions and beliefs. He instead watched with gratification as citizens were dragged to court.
And as is now clear, Scott has continued with the practice of misinformation and distortion, and continues to encourage skewed media coverage. His behavior the past three years gives the impression that a Third World “bankrupt and diseased” country of susceptible and untutored people can only be ruled with an iron fist.
Note: I join the country in wishing President Michael Chilufya Sata a speedy recovery. God bless.
Political activist Dante Saunders delivers a speech during the gathering to demand for the release of the Zambian constitution
Political activist Dante Saunders has charged that unions in the country are toothless and that threats by the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions to organize mass demonstrations over the wage freeze will go nowhere.
Mr. Saunders says if the unions were serious about their threats they would have simply gone ahead with their demonstration without informing the government.
He adds that even if the unions were to succeed in their push for the wage freeze to be lifted and workers awarded a pay rise, it will be the politicians who will get the bigger chunk of the increments.
Mr. Saunders says this is evident from what has happened in the past were constitutional office holders have benefited more from increments in the public service.
He says this is why he personally believes that some politicians are actually hiding behind the trade unions to push for their own agenda to have a pay rise.
Mr Saunders says this is especially that Parliamentarians themselves have indicated that they want a pay rise.
The National Union of Industrial and Commercial Workers has warned that Zambia will experience disaster if the PF Government does not honour its pledge to release the draft constitution this week.
National Union of Industrial and Commercial Workers Secretary General Seth Paradza warned that his union will join forces with other civil society organizations to press government to release the document.
Mr Paradza hoped that Government will be magnanimous and give Zambians the draft constitution as promised.
In an interview in Lusaka, Mr Paradza observed that the 2015 national budget allocation to the constitution making process shows that Government does not intend to conclude the process anytime soon.
“I foresee disaster if the document is not released as promised this week then it will add to the many promises that have not been fulfilled, we are really worried,” Mr Paradza said.
He said the labour movement will work with other progressive forces such as the NGOs to organise street demonstrations over the draft constitution.
“Just like the labour movement is planning to demonstrate over the wage freeze, we are also planning to join other Zambians in demonstrating over the release of the draft constitution. This hide and seek should not continue forever,” Mr Paradza said.
FROM left: Lusaka Province Women chairlady Margaret Mumba, Lusaka deputy mayor Mulenga Sata, PF member of central committee Samuel Mukupa, President Sata’s campaign manager Willie Nsanda and Lusaka Province chairperson Horace Longwe during the Patriotic Front Lusaka Province 2nd provincial consultative meeting at Nakatindi Hall
The ruling Patriotic Front in Lusaka Province has warned the public media against unfavorable coverage of the party.
PF Lusaka Provincial Chairlady Maggie Mumba said in a statement that the party has observed a sad trend in the public media where government programmes and government leaders go largely ignored when they make important statements.
Ms Mumba said the party has observed a sad trend where the development programmes of the PF are not being adequately covered or adequately explained to the people of Zambia.
She said the development has left the party with only one conclusion that the media heads and their substantive boards are being controlled by an invisible hand that wants to show confusion and ignore development.
“We don’t care about what happens in the cheap private tabloids that have shown that they have cheap pocket agendas to prop up one or two individuals of their choice but we care a lot about what the public media with its wide circulation have to say about President Sata, his Ministers and development in this country,” Ms Mumba said.
Mrs Mumba said there are several things that have gone unanalyzed in the public media that President Sata has done in recent months and among them are the national budget that made serious pronouncements of job creation.
“This has gone unexplained in-depth including issues such as the dismissal of Winter Kabimba who divided the party. The public media has chosen to ignore this while cheap tabloids continue to attack President Sata’s programmes and his Ministers who being called tribal and corrupt every day at the expense of infrastructure developments,” she said.
“We have also seen statements made by acting President Edgar Lungu who is also the SG, Minister of Justice and Minister of Defense get ignored or relegated to the inside pages even when he is discussing the constitution or other messages of unification.”
Ms Mumba said other important personalities such as the Mayor of Lusaka Mr. Mulenga Sata are also being ignored in these public owned media institutions.
“This has left us with no choice but to warn the public media and its heads today that as the ruling party, we shall act decisively if this selective reporting continues. We would also like to warn the puppet masters of the public media that they shall get bruised because their pocket agendas are not for the benefit of President Sata and his leadership and the nation.
We are tired of seeing the name of the President and his chosen leaders get smeared in mud while the public media stands by and watch,” she warned.
She added, “If you insult people given responsibilities by President Sata, you are directly insulting President Sata and if you ignore people given responsibilities by President Sata, you are directly ignoring President Sata. We cannot competently discuss the tabloids because their pocket agenda is clear and it has crash landed but we can talk about the public media, which tax payer funded. Change now and adopt a message of unity and development. Do not emulate the tabloids whose message of hate and contempt is clear to see.”
Ms. Mumba said President Sata and the PF mean well but that he cannot deliver effectively if him and his Ministers are insulted and called tribal and corrupt in tabloids while the public media stands by and watch.
“The dawn of the jubilee must also be the dawn of a new unification message from the public media.”
