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Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda has expressed extreme disappointment and described the act to secretly record him during a private conversation as exceedingly immoral.
Mr. Chikwanda said that he is of the view that secretly recording him is not legally permissible and is a departure from ethics.
He however said that he is not inclined to take legal action and has called for decency from the Post newspaper.
Mr. Chikwanda has said the Post would gain more by promoting unity instead of spreading hatred and malice.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chikwanda described his relationship with President Michael Sata as the most intimate and he will continue to work with him for the development of the country.
And the minister said that at no time did he direct the Zambia Revenue Authority to raid the Post newspaper offices.
Mr. Chikwanda said that he does not take part in the running of ZRA and has no scores to settle with the Post.
Youth Vision Zambia (YVZ) has commended government and other stakeholders in supporting its calls to ensure young people become better persons in society.
YVZ executive director Amos Mwale says that 2014 is a special year in that Zambia has been part of commemorating 20 years of international population of development and Zambia celebrating 50 years of independence.
Mr. Mwale points out that it is in this regard that the organization is proud to commend the first lady dr. Christine Kaseba, government officials and stakeholders for their work by ensuring that young people have access to different methods of contraceptives
Mr. Mwale explains that Zambia has a lot challenges especially that over seven thousand girls are dropping out of school due early pregnancies and early marriages which has to be dealt with to protect the girl child.
He explains that HIV and AIDS has also been great challenge among young people hence the need for all stakeholders to work closely with organizations that will help educate the young people on the dangers of contracting the virus.
Mr. Mwale stresses that young people are the future leaders of this country hence the need to put a stop to vices that hinder young people from being victims of early pregnancies, early marriages and sexually transmitted diseases.
He has since commended foreign affairs minister Harry Kalaba’s call during the just ended 69th session of the United Nations (UN)general assembly commitment to form a task force to end child marriages.
Health Permanent Secretary,Dr.Davy Chikamata and United Nation Development Programme Country Director, Viola Morgan cut the ribbon during the donation of Six Land Cruisers and one Hilux double cap valued at US$281,750 to the Ministry of Health
Government has paid tribute to the American government for its unwavering support to the health sector in Zambia.
Health Permanent Secretary Davy Chikamata say the American people have time immemorial been supportive of Zambia’s development agenda especially in the health sector.
He indicated that it is this foundation that has led to the partial fulfillment of the good governance and management strengthening plan in the health sector.
ZANIS reports that the health Permanent Secretary was speaking when he officiated at the second Zambia Management and Leadership Academy (ZMLA graduation in Lusaka last evening.
ZMLA is part of a multi prolonged comprehensive four year governance and management capacity strengthening plan that government started in 2012.
The ZMLA programme is being implemented by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) the Merck foundation, the Broadreach Institute for Training and Education (BRITE) in partnership with the Zambia Integrated Systems Strengthening Programme (ZISSP).
Dr. Chikamata further thanked the US government and reaffirmed government’s commitment to the implementation of the ZMLA plan at all levels of health service delivery.
Earlier, USAID Senior Health Advisor William Kanweka said the American government will continue to support the country’s health sector because of its quest to strengthen the good governance system in the sector.
Meanwhile, BRITE Board Director Alice Richmond expressed happiness that the ZMLA programme is bearing fruits as evinced by the improved health care delivery at Chongwe and Chilonga mission hospitals among other health centers in the country.
Ms. Richmond al praised BRITE graduates for being committed in implementing health solutions in an amicable and more comprehensive manner for the benefit of the local people.
Seventeen families have been left homeless after an inferno that swept through their homes destroying property worth thousands of Kwacha in two separate incidences in Kalabo District.
And one person sustained serious burns in the process of trying to quench the fire.
ZANIS reports that Kalabo Police Officer-in Charge Kim Masambo confirmed the development in an interview, today.
Mr Masambo explained that the first incident which involved 10 families happened at Kakuli Wamalilo village in Chief Imbwaye area around 11:41 hours on Thursday.
The incident occurred when a girl was roasting fish and in the process the fire caught a thatched house due to strong winds.
No injuries were recorded.
In the second incident, Mr Masambo explained that the disaster happened at Muchincha village in Chief Mundandwe’s area around 12:50 hours where seven families had their houses gutted due to bush fires.
Namushi Sikufela 54, in the process sustained serious burns as she was trying to quench the fire.
The woman has since been admitted to the District Hospital.
And the District Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DDMMU) team has since travelled to the two affected areas to access the extent of the damage and to see how best they could assist the affected families.
GOVERNMENT says it’s committed to modernize the Zambia Police Service to enhance their effective and efficient operations.
Northern Province permanent secretary Hlobotha Nkunika says government has taken keen interest in seeing that the services offered by the police service to the public were improved.
ZANIS reports that the provincial permanent Secretary said this during the launch of a modern police boat procured by government for police officers in Mpulungu.
The modern sentry series boat – procured at a cost of US$ 4 650 (about K28 000) – will be used for operations on Lake Tanganyika by Mpulungu police.
And speaking during the same function, Northern Division Police Commissioner Charity Katanga said the boat will assist officers in fighting criminal activities on Lake Tanganyika.
Ms. Katanga said the waters of Lake Tanganyika shared borders with the DRC, Tanzania and Burundi and was prone to crime that included smuggling, illegal fishing, entry of prohibited immigrants and accidents.
She said to reduce on such incidents; police in Mpulungu will intensify patrols on Lake Tanganyika using the procured state of the art machinery.
The event was also witnessed by Mpulungu district commissioner Juliana Chuzu, senior police officers from Mpulungu and Kasama, party officials and members of the public.
Zambia Foreign Minister Harry Kalaba (RIGHT) chats with Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila at UN Headquarters on Monday 22-09-2014. PHOTO | CHIBAULA D. SILWAMBA | ZAMBIA UN MISSION
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba has joined in refuting media reports here that President Michael Sata has fallen sick in New York, United States of America (USA) and is being attended to by American doctors.
The Foreign Affairs minister joins Vice President Guy Scott and Lusaka City Mayor Mulenga Sata in denying media reports that President Sata had fallen ill in New York.
Mr Kalaba told Zambian journalists in New York, Friday, that President Sata is however well and working.
He said Zambia has ably participated in all sessions of the ongoing 69th United Nations annual general meeting under the guidance of President Sata.
“I wish to state that I confer with the President every morning and I attend meetings of the UN under his direction. It is untrue that the president is incapacitated,” he said.
Mr Kalaba has assured Zambians and the international community that all is well with the republican president who is discharging his duties normally.
The Associated Press, an American international new agency, had reported that Police in New York had said that President Sata had been treated in his New York hotel room by American doctors.
Republican Vice President Dr. Guy Scott yesterday dismissed in Parliament reports that President Michael Sata is dead.
[pullquote]“I wish to state that I confer with the President every morning and I attend meetings of the UN under his direction. It is untrue that the president is incapacitated,” he said.[/pullquote]
Dr Scott told the House in response to a question by Monze central Member of Parliament Jack Mwiimbu who wanted to know the President’s health status following US media reports that he was attended to by Doctors in his hotel room.
He said the health of President Sata has been entirely normal in New York.
He said following the media reports he was very quick to ascertain the actual situation which revealed that it was not true that the President had died.
“This morning I woke up I received a number of phone calls asking about the President’s health, initially, the first call I receive must have been from the Guardian who probably told Newsweek who told Associated Press who probably picked it from the Zambia Watchdog that the President has passed on. This Mr Speaker is not true and the President is in perfect health,” Dr Scott said.
President Michael Sata’s eldest son Mulenga has assured that his father is well in New York contrary to online and international media reports insinuating that he is dead.
Mr Sata who is also Lusaka City Mayor told media briefing at his office today that he personally spoke to President Sata and First Lady Christine Kaseba on phone from New York this morning at 07:00 Hrs and they confirmed that the Head of State is well.
“I wish to inform the nation and the world at large that His Excellence the President Mr Michael Chilufya Sata is well in New York contrary to the online and international media reports insinuating that the President has been hospitalised,” Mr Sata said.
He said the President expressed regret at the unfortunate reports being circulated concerning his health and he has since urged Zambians to remain calm and united.
“President Sata will issue a statement from New York in due course,” Mr Sata said
President Sata is in New York for the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly, where he was scheduled to speak on Wednesday.
The speculations started swirling Wednesday night, when President Sata failed to show up for his scheduled address at the General Assembly, which this week conducts its annual debate, an opportunity for the U.N.’s 193 members to showcase their policies to the world. President Sata was slated to follow Venezuela’s president, Nicolas Maduro, Wednesday night.
The U.N. moderator then received a notice, and after a short hesitation announced, instead, that the next speaker, Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron, would address the council. No alternative time for President Sata’s address was announced.
Earlier Chief Government Spokesperson Joseph Katema told the local media in an interview that Government has not received any information that President Michael Sata has been admitted to a New York hospital as has been reported by US media.
US media organizations that reported President Sata’s hospitalization include VOA, New York Times, Newsweek and Associated Press.
Taurus Musik is at it again & this time they are very proud to present one of the most versatile acts from Zambia, URBAN HYPE. The group consists of F jay , Shapi and A jay
Taurus Musik’s own URBAN HYPE is a music trio based in Lusaka, Zambia & are destined to ignite the souls of music lovers through diverse tunes & amazing vocals. Urban Hypes unique sound has them heading straight to the top.
Urban Hype brings a new & fresh sound to the music industry!!
Thanks to Taurus Musik’s deal, URBAN HYPE is ready to take the world by storm & promises to be consistent.
They have been working on their single “Sweet Melody” and Taurus Musik is proud to present it to the music lovers and all their fans. This song samples the ever classic Angelique Kidjo(Benin) hit song “Agolo” .
This comes after the release of their two successful singles “Chimbilimbili” and “Touch & Go” , “Sweet Melody” provides both a smooth flow & a memorable tune.
Look out for these fresh, fine, young talents who are set to rock your world!
The sky is truly no limit for this trio. Enjoy!!!
Jubilant Kapoko celebrating freedom with family member
Former Ministry of Health Human Resources Officer Henry Kapoko and some officers from the Ministry of Health have been acquitted by the Lusaka Magistrate Court.
Kapoko and nine others were facing 21 counts of theft by public servant, theft and money laundering involving K4 million.
Delivering one of the longest judgements in the history of the Zambian judiciary, Magistrate Sharon Newa acquitted Kapoko and other nine accused persons because the state failed to avail evidence linking them to the crime.
The judgement was read from 10 Hours on Friday until 22:10 Hours. But Newa jailed Royal Secretarial College Proprietor Valenta Nkata to three years simple imprisonment for theft and money laundering
The court has also fined Nkata K20, 000 or in default of six months in prison.
The court proved beyond reasonable doubt that Nkata connived with officers from the Ministry of Health to use her College for workshops for the Ministry which never took place but she was paid a lot of money for it.
It was ruled that Nkata failed to refund the money to the Ministry of Health and ended up depositing the money in her personal bank account.
And in mitigation, defence lawyer Marshall Muchende pleaded with the court to exercise leniency saying his client was a first offender and a prominent member of the Church.
Nkata’s daughter Abigail who was jointly charged with her was discharged by the court after a moving mitigation by defence lawyer.
And Magistrate Newa said she had considered the mitigation but that the offence committed was serious.
Magistrate Newa also ordered that all proceeds from the crime by Nkata be forfeited to the state.
Kapoko and other officials from the Ministry of Health were arrested by the Anti-Corruption Commission in 2009 for various offences of corrupt practices and theft by public servant involving K 10 million.
In November 2012, Kapoko and eight others were also acquitted of theft involving 1.9 million kwacha.
They had been accused of having stolen from the Ministry of Health by pretending that they would supply 50,000 mother baby kits.
Mansa Resident Magistrate Kenneth Mulife who sat as Lusaka magistrate said there was no theft and that the money was paid to Kapoko’s Kahekam limited in line with the signed contract.
Magistrate Mulife said if there was an element of fraud in the payment the ministry should have filed for a civil law suit in the High Court to reclaim the money.
EDUCATION, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education Minister John Phiri has directed all Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) institutions to continue developing appropriate curricular and materials to enhance the provision of entrepreneurship education in all institutions in Zambia.
Dr Phiri said his Ministry would continue to strive to ensure that the necessary initiatives and legal frameworks were put in place to ensure that TEVET in Zambia was relevant, effective, efficient and meeting the skills requirements of the country.
He said this in Livingstone yesterday in a speech read for him by acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, Binwell Mwansa, during the 20th graduation ceremony for Livingstone Institute of Business and Engineering Studies (LIBES).
Dr Phiri said LIBES had, in line with his Ministry’s strategic plan, developed a strategic objectives which were aimed to upgrade the course portfolio from the current craft (TQF 4) to technician and diploma (TQF 5 and 6) respectively.
He said the Government would support the tireless efforts to upgrade and improve the quality of training at LIBES.
“I am thankful to LIBES management for bestowing upon me this rare honor to launch the open distance learning here at the Institute.
Let me call upon Zambians to take advantage of initiatives like this one on distance learning to continuously develop their knowledge and skills out of the fines of the walls of the classroom,” he said.
Dr Phiri also urged graduating students at LIBES to believe in themselves that they could achieve greater things in life.
Speaking at the same gathering, LIBES principal Thomas Kalantiya thanked President Michael Sata for putting education as one of the priority secors in Zambia.
Mr Kalantiya said there was an opportunity for the Government to develop its human resource and prepare for the booming economy especially in the hospitality and tourism sector.
“To graduating students, we ask you to be ambassaors of LIBES and ensure that whatever you should do should be part of that catalyst to develop Zambia.
Go and take up the challenge to make Zambia a middle income nation even before the year 2030. Your skills must be invested in productive activities in both formal and informal sectors of our economy,” Mr Kalantiya said.
The Kitwe Magistrate Court has set 10th October, 2014 as date for commencement of trial in a matter Former Kitwe Mayor Divo Katete has been charged with defilement.
And the Magistrate Court has granted Katete a K 15,000 Bail after he pleaded not guilty to the offence.
Particulars of the offence are that Divo Katete 41, of House number 5, 16th street, Nkana East in Kitwe on unknown date but in the month of December, 2013 in Kitwe had unlawful Carnal Knowledge of a girl under the age of 16.
Katete has been charged with an offence of defilement of a child contrary to section 138 (1) of the Penal Code Chapter 87 as amended by Act number 15 of 2005 and Act Number 2 of 2011 of the Laws of Zambia.
Appearing for plea before Kitwe Principal Resident Magistrate Ikechukwu Iduma, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.
However, Defence lawyer Victor Michelo applied for bail to which the state prosecutor argued on assumptions that the accused was going to temper with the evidence knowing too well that the two parties are related.
But the Defence Lawyer later assured that the accused will not in any way interfere with the evidence stating that two parties are in different districts which is Mufulira and Kitwe district respectively.
And In his ruling Kitwe Principal Resident Magistrate Ikechukwu Iduma granted the accused a K 15, 000 bail with two working sureties and set 10th October 2014 as trial date.
The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) has observed that the ruling Patriotic Front (PF)’s 3 years in office would have been different if the ruling party had given the people their much needed constitution as promised during the campaigns in 2011.
Speaking in an interview FODEP Executive Director McDonald Chipenzi observed that the 3 years that the PF have been in office have been a “mixed buck” as there are things that they have done well and some things which they have failed to deliver as per their promise which include the enactment of the new constitution.
Mr. Chipenzi noted that failure to enact the new constitution has been the major reason why the PF have failed to live up to people’s expectations in some cases as most of the things they have failed to deliver hinge on the constitution.
“The 3 years of PF in office has been a mixed buck in the sense that there are things that they have done well and there are things that they have failed todo. There are some things you will point at and say yes they have archived that for example you will see infrastructure development everywhere.
on the other hand they have failed to deliver on other things which they promised on their own and most of these failures hinge on the constitution. The enactment of the new constitution ensures that people have equal opportunities, have equal rights and will ensure that people elected do not just do as they please.
The PF promised more money in people’s pockets has that happened? I think the answer is no because commodities are more expensive now than they were three years ago. Government has also put a wage freeze on salaries a move which can be emulated by the private sector.
He added ” government has put an employment freeze a move which begs more questions than there are answers as youth unemployment is high and the number keeps raising as more youth are graduating and being off loaded on the job market.
And there is also the issue of public order act and other human rights infringements as well as other law reforms which we are still waiting for to date so if you ask me the performance has been a mixed buck so far.”
The Opposition Forum for Democracy and Development has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Labour Minister Fackson Shamenda for failing to report to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) the alleged corruption with the dangote official within the stipulated 24hours.
Speaking in an interview FDD spokesperson Antonio Mwanza explained that the Anti-Corruption Act section 39 clearly stipulates that any public official must report any incidence of corruption with 24 hours of coming into contact which the Minister did not do hence the need for his arrest and subsequent prosecution.
Mr. Mwanza noted that as high a ranking public official Mr. Shamenda should be an example to his juniors and that his failure todo so shows both lack of seriousness and commitment in fighting corruption.
He further said the arrest of Mr. Shamenda will not only send a massage to public officials but that it will also show the commitment and seriousness by the ACC to fight the scourge regardless of who is involved.
“As FDD we demand for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Labour and Social Securities Minister Fackson Shamenda failing to report the alleged corruption by the dangote official to the ACC within the stipulated 24hours. Section 39 of the Anti-Corruption Act is very clear that any public official has to report any incident of corruption to either the Police or the ACC within 24hrs.
“Mr. Shamenda’s failure to report the alleged corruption within the stipulated 24hrs shows a serious lack of commitment on his part as high profile public official and his arrest will send a clear massage to all public officers to take the fight against corruption seriously,” Mr. Mwanza said.
He added that the arresting of Mr. Shamenda would send a clear signal to all the workers in the country be it public or private to take the fight against corruption seriously and that the country will no longer condone the scourge which has continued to gable public resources meant for the development of the country and eradication of poverty.
Asked if he won’t be accused politicking Mr. Mwanza replied that failure to arrest Mr. Shamenda will only vindicate stakeholders who have for a long time accused both the ACC and government of following up cases selectively as the evidence clearly shows that Mr. Shamenda did not report the alleged corruption within the stipulated time frame.
ZANACO has launched investigations on the cause of the fire that gutted its Chipata branch yesterday.
In a statement, ZANACO confirmed that the Chipata Branch was gutted by fire yesterday and that all customers and members of staff were safely evacuated and accounted for.
ZANACO is now urging account holders to use the ATMs at ZAMPOST and Great East Mall, any Visa enabled ATM from any bank and Zanaco Xpress Agents for basic cash withdrawals to ensure uninterrupted banking services to customers.
It said internet and mobile banking service remain uninterrupted adding that the Bank will give further updates in due course.
FIRE yesterday swept through Zanaco, Chipata branch, destroying millions of Kwacha in an inferno which started almost 14:30 hours.
By Press time, the cause of the fire was not yet known as some sources suspected that it started as a result of electrical fault.
People watched helplessly as fire gutted the whole Zanaco building.
The fire brigade tried to quench the flames but fire continued raging until another fire tender from the Zambia Airforce was called in for reinforcement.
By 18:000 hours, the fire brigade from the Chipata fire engine was still struggling to put off the fire, which destroyed all the computers and automated teller machines (ATM) outside the bank.
There was panic in Chipata as customers banking with Zanaco tried to withdraw the little that they had in the ATM-Zanaco situated at Debonairs.
Eastern Province Deputy Police Commissioner Hudson Namachila said it was too early to know the extent of the damage until forensic assessment of the actual figure of the amount of money the fire destroyed, including other items which were in the bank.
Zanaco Bank in Chipata on FireZanaco Bank in Chipata on Fire
Nkana host Nchanga Rangers at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe on Saturday hoping to extend their unbeaten run four matches.
The defending FAZ Super Division champions are also seeking their fifth win heading into their eighth league game under Beston Chambeshi since taking charge in late July.
Chambeshi has a draw and two league defeats since returning to Nkana.
“Every game is important for us and we are taking each and every game with a serious approach,” Chambeshi said.
“We are not looking at other teams we just have to believe in ourselves and see how we can pull through.”
Chambeshi also warned his players against taking Nchanga lightly after beating them in their last three league meetings.
“We believe and trust that Nchanga is a good side we have to respect them and they have to respect us too and they have a good coach Fighton Simukonda,” Chambeshi said.
Chambeshi also revealed that Nchanga’s tormentor in their last two meetings Ronald Kampamba is fit for the game.
Kampamba has scored two braces against Nchanga in the 3-1 away win this season and 4-1 victory in Kitwe in October 2013.
Another win will keep Nkana firmly in fourth place where they are currently perched on 42 points from 23 games with a match in hand.
Nchanga on the other hand come into the meeting with an obvious record against Nkana in search of their first win over their hosts since 2011.
Simukonda sides face Nkana in good form after a 4-1 home win over Napsa Stars played in Chililabombwe last weekend.
Simukonda will surely be will be hoping Nkana will not spoil that feel-good factor after picking up their biggest result of the 2014 season.
Power Dynamos coach Tennant Chilumba says they cannot afford to slip-up on Saturday when they visit Green Eagles in Choma.
Second placed Power will be hoping to avoid becoming another casualty at Eagles where only three teams have left with a win this season.
Kabwe Warriors, Nakambala Leopards and league leaders Zanaco are the only teams have have escaped Choma with the three points so far this year.
Power visit Eagles armed with a majestic 7-1 home win over free-falling National Assembly last Saturday.
“We are treating each team like the first team we are playing this season. We just have to focus from the first whistle,” Chilumba said.
“Looking at the way we are playing now the boys are now focused and know what’s at stake.”
Power will be without striker Jimmy Ndhlovu who is nursing injuries sustained in a car accident that occurred just 24 hours after scoring four goals against Assembly.
Victory over 8th placed Eagles will still keep Power in second place should Zanaco who are one point ahead on 50 points beat visiting second from bottom Konkola Mine Police in Lusaka on the same date.
Elsewhere, third placed Zesco United visit Konkola Blades in Chililabombwe.
Fourth positioned Napsa Stars await Green Buffaloes at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka.
National Assembly will play Red Arrows in an all relegation fight in the lunchtime kick off of the Woodlands doubleheader.
At Nkana Stadium in Kitwe, Kabwe Warriors face bottom placed Roan United as curtain-raiser for the Nkana versus Nchanga Ranger clash.
In Mazabuka, Nakambala Leopards host fellow promoted side Indeni.
