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Former Republican President Rupiah Banda talking to Commerce Deputy Minister Miles Sampa during Kulamba ceremony of the Chewa Speaking
Opposition Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) president Nevers Mumba has maintained that the speculated hinted political comeback of former President Rupiah Banda is still not on the former ruling party’s current agenda.
The Opposition Alliance on which it has been suggested Mr. Banda should make a political comeback has left the decision for Mr. Banda to contest the position of Alliance leader, whose elections are yet to be held; to the MMD itself to which he is a member.
But Dr. Mumba has told Qfm News by telephone that the debate on Mr. Banda’s political comeback is not the former ruling party’s issue for discussion at the moment because the matter it is not even on the discussion table of the MMD.
Dr. Mumba says the MMD has its program it is following and therefore it refuses to be drawn in the current debate of the former Head of States political comeback as it does not help the objectives that the MMD has set in its program.
He says this is besides the fact that Mr. Banda himself has not stated whether he wants to stand on the MMD when he eventually makes his hinted political comeback.
The MMD president says it will be thus unfair for Mr. Banda and the MMD itself if he to part the said debate.
He says as MMD leader he will only discuss issues that directly concern the former ruling party.
Chief and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkandu Luo (in front dances) and National Museums Board Executive Secretary Flexon Mizinga (far right) at Livingstone Museum yesterday during the International Museum Day 2014 celebrations
Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Nkandu Luo has reiterated government’s commitment to improving the welfare of people in rural areas.
Professor Luo stated that government has paid keen interest to uphold the progressive core values of culture and tradition lineage.
She was speaking when she graced this year’s Zengani Traditional ceremony for the Tumbuka and Ngoni speaking people of Lundazi district.
She has also called on the people in the country to abandon bad cultural practices of child marriage, defilement, wife battery and other retrogressive practices.
“Child marriages affect about 42 percent of Zambian girls, with devastating consequences on health, their human rights and also access to education and their economic development. It is in this vein that we need to join hands and fight these ill vices,” she said.
She urged other traditional leaders to join the fight to against early marriages ensure that girl children are in school until they complete their education.
“All parents, traditional leaders and parents should not marry off the girl child at a tender age, keep them in school as they are able to explore their agenda and end up being doctors, teachers and health personnel among other professionals,” she stressed.
And Senior Chief Magodi of the Ngoni speaking people who spoke through a representative, Richard Nyirenda, praised government for the infrastructure development taking place in the district.
Chief Magodi said the connection of power being done by the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) in his chiefdom was commendable.
He however appealed to government to expedite the process of installing power supply so that Magodi secondary school which is currently under construction benefits.
Meanwhile, Chief Magodi has stated that the purchase of maize from farmers was a success as all the produce was sold to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA).
He however appealed to government to work on the Lundazi Chama road which is in a deplorable state.
The chief bemoaned the long distances covered by farmers in accessing markets to sell their produce.
Vice President Guy Scott has said the presence of multitudes of Zambians at thanksgiving services to mark the country’s 50th independence anniversary signifies the country’s true unity.
Dr Scott said this at a Thanks Giving Service held at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka to mark Zambia’s 50th independence anniversary celebrations.
Among the people that attended the thanks giving service were first Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda, leaders of opposition political parties, Freedom fighters, and other senior government officials.
And Father Brian Chibuluma from the Zambia Episcopal Conference described this year as a year of jubilee, liberty, renewal, celebration and reconciliation.
Fr. Chibuluma said it is a blessing to experience a jubilee as a country and that it is a gift from God which needed to be appreciated.
During the sermon, Fr. Chibuluma said the jubilee period among other things is a year of restructuring the country.
He commended government for the various developmental projects currently being undertaken countrywide and scolded at people criticizing the massive development.
And Fr. Chibuluma called on the opposition political parties and the civil society to be exemplary in practicing tolerance and engaging in dialogue in matters affecting the country.
Fr. Chibuluma noted that now was the time for reconciliation and consider each other as brothers and sisters as stipulated in the slogan ‘One Zambia One Nation.
In his intercessory prayer, Zambia Army Deputy Chaplain Hendricks Moma thanked God for the peace and unity Zambia has continued to enjoy since 1964.
Lieutenant Colonel Moma thanked God for the leaders he used in past times in the liberation struggle and the reintroduction of multi-party democracy among others.
He also thanked God for President Michael Sata’s passion to revive a sense of patriotism in the citizenry and for taking development to all parts of the country.
He prayed for unity, tolerance, peace and coexistence to continue prevailing among the Zambian leaders and the entire nation.
Meanwhile, National Revolution Party (NRP) president Cosmo Mumba expressed disappointment with some opposition political parties who did not attend the service.
Dr. Mumba told ZANIS in an interview that those who shunned the occasion are not doing justice to the country and however commended those who attended the event.
He added that there is need to continue preaching the message of peace, reconciliation and forgiveness and that Zambians must unit as one regardless of their political affiliation.
And Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) leader Nevers Mumba reiterated the need for reconciliation and forgiveness on things which were earlier not agreed on ahead of jubilee celebrations.
Dr Mumba said there was need to pray for unity and provide a platform where all people can rally together as one.
Mighty Mufulira Wanderers ehanced their chances of winning promotion back to the FAZ Super League on Saturday after beating Zesco Luapula 1-0 away in Mansa.
The win in this FAZ Division One North Week 31 match pushed Wanderers to the top of the table with 60 points for at least 24 hours before now second placed Forest Rangers host Kansanshi Dynamos in Ndola on Sunday.
Striker Brian “Adebayo” Ambungeni scored the lone goal in the first half as Manfred Chabinga’s Wanderers opened a one point lead at the top of the Division One North table.
This was Mighty’s 18th win of the season in which the club has so far recorded six draws and seven defeats.
Three matches are remaining before the Division One North season ends.
This game played at Kaole Stadium is reported to have been halted twice with the first incident coming when rival supporters clashed in the stands.
The games was also delayed for some minutes in the second half when Zesco saw their second half goal disallowed for offside.
UPND president Hakainde Hichilema confers with Alliance for Better Zambia leader Father Frank Bwalya
Opposition Alliance coordinator Frank Bwalya says it has not been considered whether former president Rupiah Banda will lead the Alliance or not despite him being its member.
Mr. Banda, who is the immediate past republican president, has hinted at making a political comeback amidst suggestions that he does this by becoming the leader of the Opposition Alliance formed by the oppositions Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), Alliance for Better Zambia (ABZ), People’s Party (PP), Zambians for Empowerment and Development (ZED) and the All People’s Congress (APC).
In an interview with Qfm News Father Bwalya, who is also ABZ leader, notes that Mr. Banda is a member of the Opposition Alliance by virtue of being a member of the MMD.
He states that the MMD is therefore in a better position to decide whether or not to field Mr. Banda as its candidate to contest the position of lead of the Alliance and the 2016 presidential candidate when the elections for the position are due.
Father Bwalya, who could not state exactly when the Alliance will hold this election, has disclosed that the Alliance is very close to electing its leader.
He says the agreement of the Alliance is that each political party member is entitled to field any of its members to contest the position of leader of the Alliance but that the Alliance can still elect an individual who does not belong to any particular member political party.
The Opposition Alliance coordinator notes that this individual will however have to be of standing and with the quality that will guarantee victory for the Alliance in the 2016 general elections.
Street vendors outside maramba market in Livingstone
Housing Emmanuel Chenda has challenged backbenchers to help find a lasting solution for street vending.
Mr Chenda said Government is committed to clearing streets of vendors but that this requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including members of opposition political parties.
“We are not happy with the situation of street vendors and we are doing everything we can as Government to resolve this issue with the input of stakeholders,” Mr Chenda said.
The minister was responding to a point of order by Mazabuka Central member of Parliament (MP) Gary Nkombo (UPND) who wanted to know why the markets and bus stations Act has not been repealed.
Mr Chenda also said Government plans to construct modern markets but its priority is to complete ongoing projects.
He said it is prudent to complete ongoing market projects than embarking on new ones.
Mr Chenda also said it is Government’s policy that markets and bus stations should be run by law and not men.
He also said it is not true that cadres are collecting millions of kwacha at markets and bus stations, especially in Lusaka.
Mr Chenda also challenged MPs with information on cadres allegedly stealing money from markets and bus stations to report to Government.
The minister was responding to Bwacha MP Sydney Mushanga (PF) who wanted to know whether Kabwe is among the districts to benefit from the rehabilitation of markets.
Chieftness Chiawa (r) Senior Chieftness Komesha Mukamambo ii (l) and Vice President Dr. Guy Scott cutting the ribbon during the Official Opening of Michael Chilufya Sata Bridge in Chiawa crossing the Kafue river.
Vice president Guy Scott has asked the people of Zambia to give the Patriotic Front (PF) government 10 years more to develop the country further.
Speaking when he officiated at the Chikwela Makuumbi tradition ceremony of the Soli people of Chongwe District Dr. Scot observed that the PF government has scored more significant infrastructure development but that more has to be done.
And Dr. Scott has called for calm among farmers as government is aware of the delay of their payments of the maize the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) bought from them.
He has assured the farmers that their dues will be paid soon.
And Senior Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo the second of the Soli people has hailed government for taking development to her chiefdom.
Chieftainess Nkomeshya has urged other traditional leaders to support the government of the day.
Director for Policy and Planning at the National Aids Council (NAC) says although projections show that Zambia’s HIV/AIDS prevalence rate has reduced from 14 to 12.7% more needs to be done.
Elizabeth Mvula said despite positive strides recorded in the fight against the pandemic the situation still remains worrying.
This is contained in a press statement availed to ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday by First Secretary for Press at Zambian embassy to Brazil Patson Chilemba.
Ms Mvula said this while leading a delegation involving officials from NAC and the civil society on a project themed “Strengthening of the National Strategic plan for HIV/AIDS” in Brasilia ,Brazil.
Ms Mvula said the study tour was aimed at getting important lessons, particularly that NAC was revising the strategic framework for people living with HIV/AIDS.
And Programme Manager for network of Zambia living with HIV Prisca Chintomfwa noted that there is need to emulate the Brazilian system which she said is more open and supportive in handling cases of discrimination.
Ms Chintomfwa said much emphasis against discriminating people with HIV/AIDS was revealed with strong supportive mechanisms which could lead to the prosecution of offenders.
Meanwhile, civil society coordinator at NAC Scrivener Kambikambi expressed happiness with the way Human Rights Commission in Brazil interacted with civil society on the joint committees that had been formed.
During their tour the delegation paid a courtesy call on Zambia’s Ambassador to the Federative Republic of Brazil Cynthia Jangulo and other officials.
The delegation also presented a general overview of the Zambia HIV and AIDS situation during one of the meetings.
President Sata greets Defence minister Edgar Lungu
PRESIDENT Sata and the Patriotic Front (PF) Government love and care for the people of Western Province, party secretary-general Edgar Lungu has said.
And Mr Lungu, who is also Minister of Defence and Minister of Justice, says issues of security concern have emerged in Western Province.
“President Sata and this Government love the people of Western Province and want the area to develop at the same pace with other parts of the country,” Mr Lungu said.
He was speaking here yesterday when he addressed scores of PF members who thronged the airport to welcome him.
“I have come here to tell you that President Sata loves you. I am also here to generally check on the security situation,” Mr Lungu said.
And Mr Lungu says there have been reports of security concern in the province.
He did not elaborate further but assured the people that security wings have adequately dealt with the situation.
“Dr Kaunda and UNIP ruled us for 27 years, the MMD for 20 years and President Sata for 3 years, making it 50 years. It has always been ‘One Zambia One Nation’ and it will always be so. Therefore, turn up in numbers and celebrate the golden jubilee,” Mr Lungu said.
Mr Lungu said he is happy to learn that there is peace in the province.
“Government will probe the issue of security concerns and I will visit the King [Litunga] to consult him. If we don’t guard our peace today, we may be talking of violence tomorrow,” he said.
Mr Lungu said the PF will lead the way in celebrating Zambia’s 50 years of independence and urged those wishing to boycott to stay away in peace and not disrupt celebrations.
Mr Lungu has been accompanied by Daniel Munkombwe, Willie Nsanda, Josephine Limata, Evans Lawrence, Ronald Chitotela, Poniso Njeulu and Bridget Attanga among others.
After addressing the cadres, Mr Lungu was scheduled to pay a courtesy call on the Litunga and address a rally in the afternoon.
Meanwhile, Senior chief Puta of the Bwile people of Chiengi district says he is disappointed AT the continued infighting in the Patriotic Front (PF) which has overshadowed the many development projects the party has done in the past three years.
The traditional leader urged PF party members to give to President Sata chance and peace of mind to execute his duties diligently and fulfil his campaign promises.
“The Zambian people only gave one person the mandate to be President up to 2016, he should be given chance and those who are very ambitious and want to take over should get out of the party and form their own political parties,” Chief Puta said.
“I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.”
(Psalm 34:1, NLT)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
When you wake up in the morning, what’s the first thing you think about? What’s the first thing you say? Do you set the tone for success, favor and blessing? Yesterday may have had some hardships or some difficulties, but it’s a new day. We should be on the lookout for God’s blessings.
The scripture tells us that the darker it gets in the world, the brighter it’s going to be for God’s people. The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn shining brighter until the new day. Things may be bad all around you, people may be negative, complaining and discouraged, but don’t let that rub off on you. The worse it gets, the brighter you’re going to shine. Be determined to set the tone for your day by praising God and speaking words of faith over your future. Be determined to shine. Stand strong in faith and set the tone for your future!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, I choose to bless You at all times. I choose to set the tone today to receive Your favor, grace and mercy. Thank You for Your faithfulness to me at all times in Jesus’ name! Amen!
Mathew Nkowani came off the bench to score a last minute goal as three time Barclays Cup winners Zesco United overcame Napsa Stars 1-0 at Arthur Davies Stadium to reach the final on Saturday.
Zesco and Napsa had missed several chances in this lunch-time first semi-final tie in Kitwe before Nkowani headed in the solitary goal two minutes into stoppage time.
Napsa’s White Mwanambaba denied Zesco a chance to lead when he cleared Jackson Mwanza’s goal bound shot that had hit keeper Philip Banda on 24 minutes.
Ten minutes later Mwanza hit the cross bar as the two teams went to the break after a goalless first half.
The second half saw Napsa waste many scoring chances through Saith Sakala who tormented the Nyambe Mulenga led Zesco backline.
Sakala saw his 77th minute goal bound shot cleared on the line by Benard Mapili.
Sakala had earlier wasted a golden chances inside the box.
Zesco will now face Nkana in the final.
Nkana trounced Konkola Blades in the second semifinal in Kitwe.
Nkana have reached their debut Barclays Cup final in convincing fashion after a 2-0 win over Konkola Blades at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.
Nkana will face record three-time champions Zesco United in the final on November 22 at a venue be announced by FAZ.
Both goals came in a drama-packed last seven minutes of the first half that began with a missed 38th minute penalty by defender Christopher Munthali.
Munthali penalty was saved by Collins Chomba that was won after midfielder Kelvin Mubanga was tackled in the box by Blades defender Clement Chileshe.
Two minutes later, Claude Bwalya punished his former team when Chomba flapped Mubanga’s cross into his path.
Ronald Kampamba then setup Simon Bwalya for the second goal in the 45th minute.
Man-of-the-match Kampamba was unfortunate not to find the back of the net despite an outstanding game firstly in the 58th when his shot came off the far post and 75th minute when he fired his effort high and over from close range.
However, Kampamba’s all-round performance on both wings and constant threat inside the box surely did not go unnoticed by Zambia coach Honour Janza who was in the stands for the match.
Former Prime Minister in the UNIP government Malimba Masheke has called on Zambians to pray and thank God for the peace the country has continued to enjoy in the last 50 years.
Speaking in Lusaka today in an exclusive interview, General Masheke said Zambia has been a haven of peace, stability and unity while other neighbouring countries have been engulfed in wars.
He noted that the jubilee celebrations should be used to thank and pay special tribute to the leaders who guided the country through the path of peace amidst turmoil in other African countries.
Gen Masheke who is also Universal Peace Federation Chairperson observed that the peace and unity prevailing in the country was as a result of the good leadership exhibited by the founding leaders.
Meanwhile, Gen Masheke has said his organization will celebrate the jubilee by cleaning the surrounding areas of COMESA and Peace Embassy.
He pointed out that there is need to celebrate the golden jubilee which falls on October 24 in a clean environment.
Gen Masheke said there is a lot of dirt in the city that needs to be cleaned as the country positions its self to commemorate the golden jubilee.
He has since implored other stakeholders to join hands with his organization in a bid to clean all the filthy parts of the city.
FIRST Quantum Minerals (FQM) Copper Mine in Solwezi
A wrangle is emanate in Kainafumu Resettlement Scheme in Solwezi East were government has demarcated 9000 farm plots to resettle farmers and the First Quantum Mining (FQM) has started mining exploration on the same piece of land.
The mining explorations have been authorized by the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development.
The mining exploration exercise may displace farmers in an event that copper ores is found in the resettlement area.
The office of the vice president had earlier designated the 14,000 hectares of land as a resettlement scheme and approved the demarcation of 9,000 farm plots in the area.
Kainamfumu resettlement scheme committee chairperson John Kamwanga said the fear of farmers is that they will be evicted from the land should copper ores be found in the area.
Mr Kamwanga also complained that exploration activities by FQM have damaged the road that government rehabilitated and this will affect the transportation of agricultural inputs in the resettlement.
And Campsite Supervisor Daniel Saji confirmed that FQM started the explorations in March this year when North-western Province Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga visited the area.
Mr Malupenga assured the farmers that his office will engage the parties involved so that an amicable solution is found because the matter is between government institutions.
Government has already completed the construction of the health post and staff houses at a cost k300, 000 in the resettlement as part of its programme to provide basic services to the farmers.
FQM is a company running the mining operations at Kansanshi mine.
(From left to right) Zambia @ 50 chairperson Mulenga Kapwepwe, Charlotte Scott and the Vice president Dr. Guy Scott at the national heroes Stadium during the mass display of performance in preparation of Golden jubilee celebration
Vice President Guy Scott said he is happy with the pre golden jubilee rehearsals currently being displayed ahead of Zambia’s 50 years of independence.
Dr Scott said this last night when previewing the final rehearsals of the Golden Jubilee celebrations at the Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.
The Vice President who was accompanied by his wife Charlotte commended the instructors for the job well done.
The Zambia defence force team and pupils drawn from various schools across the country conducted several drills in readiness of the golden jubilee celebrations.
Dr Scott expressed hope that the performances will be more pleasing on the eve and the actual day of Zambia’s independence commemoration.
Present during the final rehearsal were Secretary to the Cabinet Roland Msiska, Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Minister Yamfwa Mukanga, Youth and Sports Deputy Minister Christopher Mulenga, Local Government and Housing Deputy Minister Nickolas Banda and other senior government officials.
And Zambia @ 50 Chairperson Mulenga Kapwepwe said the performances were a half-dressed rehearsal and that the full performance will be presented on the eve of Independence Day.
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Yang Youming was also delighted with the presentation.
He said the mass display will be more appealing on the actual day as the participants will be dressed in the appropriate attire.
-(From left to right) Vice president Dr. Guy Scott, Chinese to Zambia Yang Youming, Health Minister Joseph Kasonde, and Sports Deputy Minister Christopher Mulenga at the National Heroes Stadium during the mass display of performance in preparation of Golden Jubilee celebrationCombined team of Defence forces at the National Heroes Stadium during the mass display of performance in preparation of Golden JubileeA Combined team of performs during the mass display of performance in preparation of Golden Jubilee celebrationVice president Dr. Guy Scott speaks to Secretary to the cabinet Rawland Msiska at the national heroes Stadium during the mass display of performance in preparation of Golden jubilee celebrationChinese to Zambia Yang Youming speaks to Communication Minister Yafya Mukanga who is flanked by Secretary to the cabinet Rawland Msiska (2nr) and Sports Deputy Minister Christopher Mulenga (2nl) during the mass display of performance in preparation of Golden jubilee celebrationChinese to Zambia Yang Youming having the moment with performers during the mass display of performance in preparation of Golden jubilee celebrationSecretary to the cabinet Rawland Msiska chats with Communication Minister Yafya Mukanga who is flanked by Sports Deputy Minister Christopher Mulenga during the mass display of performance in preparation of Golden jubilee celebrationSecretary to the cabinet Rawland Msiska chats with Communication Minister Yafya Mukanga who is flanked by Sports Deputy Minister Christopher Mulenga during the mass display of performance in preparation of Golden jubilee celebration
