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FILE: Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Susan Kawandami talks to pupils in Ndola
The Forum for African Women Educationalist of Zambia has observed that the mushrooming of boarding houses has led to an increase in teenage pregnancies.
FAWEZA Executive Director Agness Shipanuka observed that girls staying in unsupervised boarding houses are more likely to fall pregnant.
Mrs Shipanuka revealed that over 76,567 school girls dropped out of school over a five year period from 2009 to 2013 after falling pregnant.
She said a recent survey in at school in Choma where 30 girls became pregnant in the last school term revealed that 27 of those staying at a boarding house which did not have any adult supervision.
“We have a crisis on our hands as a nation. We are losing a lot of girls from the school system after they get pregnant and not all of them come back after giving birth,” Mrs Shipanuka said.
“About 86 percent of these school dropout occurred in rural areas but at higher Grade levels (10-12), it was more uniform.”
Mrs Shipanuka observed that the despite the re-entry policy being in existence for close to 17 years, there are still less than 40 girls being re-entered after giving birth.
She revealed that only 37.5 percent of the total pregnancies are being readmitted.
Mrs Shipanuka was speaking during a recent media engagement session organised by the Zambia National Education Coalition.
“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”
(Matthew 5:44, NKJV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
If you’re going to pursue greatness, if you’re going to be a great businessperson, a great teacher, a great parent, a great leader, you have to understand that not everyone is going to cheer you on. I’d love to tell you that your family, friends and co-workers will celebrate you, but that’s not necessarily the case. Some people simply can’t handle your success. As you grow and increase, as God pours out His favor on you, someone will get jealous.
Someone will start finding fault. Don’t be surprised if a relative tries to belittle or discredit you. You can’t focus on making everyone around you happy or you’ll start changing and lose sight of what God has placed in your heart.
Remember, your destiny is too great to be distracted by people who are never going to affirm you. Don’t take it personally. It’s not about you. It’s their problem. Shake it off, run your race, and be great anyway.
Having greatness in the midst of criticism begins with forgiveness. Don’t hold a grudge. Bless those who curse you; pray for those who spitefully use you. As you keep doing what is right, God will honor you. He’ll promote you, and you’ll be great in the midst of criticism!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, I come to You today with an open and humble heart. I choose to forgive those who have criticized me. I choose to bless those who have hurt me. I choose to be great because You have equipped and empowered me to be great in the midst of criticism in Jesus’ name! Amen.
Power Dynamos on Sunday face struggling Red Arrows away at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka eying to dislodge leaders Zanaco from the top of the FAZ Super League table.
As the league enters Week 23 on Sunday, Tennant Chilumba’s Power are second on the table with 43 points, one behind Zanaco.
Power have a chance to go top should Zanaco stutter in their match against Kabwe Warriors at Sunset Stadium.
Relegation threatened Arrows are not expected to give Power much trouble although the Arthur Davies outfit have not been good travelers this season.
The two sides last met on 10th May in a reverse fixture that finished 1-all at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.
Power are searching for their 12th win of the season while Arrows, who are currently enduring an eleven-match winless streak are only looking for their fifth victory in the current campaign.
Elsewhere, Third placed Zesco United are visiting National Assembly in Lusaka while defending champions Nkana are hosting struggling Indeni at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.
Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe is set to host the KCM derby between Konkola Blades and Nchanga Rangers.
FAZ Super Division Week 23
07/09/2014
Roan United-Nakambala Leopards
Red Arrows-Power Dynamos
Zanaco-Kabwe Warriors
Green Eagles-Green Buffaloes
Napsa Stars-Konkola Mine Police
Konkola Blades-Nchanga Rangers
Nkana-Indeni
National Assembly-Zesco United
Cape Verde have sent Zambia warning shots when they beat Niger today away in Niamey.
The 2013 Africa Cup debutants and quarterfinalists beat Niger 3-1 to shoot to the top of Group F ahead of Wednesday’s home game against second placed Zambia.
Goals from Garry Rodrigues, Odair Fortes and Ze Luis in the 3rd, 14, and 24th minutes respectively sealed the three points for Cape Verde.
Niger striker Moussa Maazou score the home sides consolation in the 34th minute.
Cape Verde lead Group F on 3 points, two more than Wednesdays guests Zambia who have one point tied with Mozambique whom they drew 0-0 win earlier in the day in Ndola.
Scores of fans left Levy Mwanawasa Stadium disappointed as Mozambique held Zambia to a goalless draw in the two sides opening 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Group F qualifier in Ndola.
Chipolopolo failed to crack the stubborn Mambas and missed the few chances they created in the match watched by Republican vice-President Guy Scott.
Striker Jacob Mulenga missed Zambia’s best chance in the match when he saw is close range shot stopped by Mozambique keeper Ricardo Campos in the 44th minute.
It took 40 minute for Zambia to shoot on target as Ricardo stopped Chisamba Lungu’s long range effort.
In second half not even the introduction of Collins Mbesum, Mulenga Mukuka and Fwayo Tembo helped Honour Janza’s side to win.
Mozambique too had chances to shock Zambia which they wasted.
Second half substitute Helder Pelembe had his close range shot stopped by Kennedy Mweene to deny the Mambas a late win.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s next 2015 AFCON qualifier is on Wednesday against Cape Verde away in Praia.
President Sata greets Defence minister Edgar Lungu
President Micheal Sata has appealed to the people of Luano District to vote for Patriotic Front, PF, candidate in the forth-coming Parliamentary By-Elections.
President Sata said this today when he addressed a campaign rally held at Old Mkushi Secondary School grounds, where he had gone to drum up support for Patriotic Front, PF, Candidate Davies Chisopa, in the September 11 By-Elections.
President Sata said he was in Luano district to specifically drum up support for Mr Chisopa as well as show the people that he was well and alive.
He advised Mr Chisopa, who is vying for the Mkushi South seat, to concentrate on the welfare of children once he is elected as Member of Parliament.
“ Mr Chisopa should prioritize children and women and ensure that their needs are addressed because most of them are vulnerable,” the Republican President said.
He further advised Mr Chisopa to learn from him when he was area Member of Parliament he concentrated on the rights of children.
“These children are special and you must love them just as the Lord loved them. As you can see, they have various things and among the, education is key. Please ensure that their needs are addressed as you get into Parliament.” President Sata said.
President Sata, also advised people of Luano to always look out for one another and encourage each other to vote for the ruling PF.
And Patriotic Front General Secretary, Edgar Lungu, says he is optimistic that PF will emerge victorious in the September 11 Parliamentary By-Elections.
Mr Lungu said this is because the people of Mkushi South Constituency have shown great confidence in the ruling PF which scooped all the five Wards in the August 12 Local Government By-Elections.
“Your Excellency, allow me to report that our party is quite popular in this part of the country. This can be evidenced by the recent Local Government By-Elections in which we scooped all the five Wards,” He said.
He appealed to PF members to campaign vigorously and ensure that the party scoops the seat.
And Mr Lungu has disputed allegations that some new members have hijacked the party.
He told the large gathering that assertions that the Patriotic Front Party has been hijacked are false because no one has hijacked it.
“I would like to assure you fellow Zambians that no one has hijacked the party. That is just a rumour because most of us founding members are here and the party is intact.
“The only truth is that the party has grown but obviously you all know the difference between growth and foundation,” He said.
And commenting on his appointment as the Secretary General, Mr Lungu, who is also Defence Minister as well as Justice Minister, said he was not in the party for any mischievous agendas but that he is there to unite the party.
He said as the party’s new Secretary General, he will not condone enmity among members but will strive to uphold unity and tranquillity in the party.
“I want to state that as Party Secretary General, my major role is to unite the party and so I will not tolerate division setters in the party. I know that some of you are busy sending me messages, advising me to fire or side-line everyone that worked with my predecessor, Wynter Kabimba, but I will do no such thing.
“You are just wasting your time because my main focus is to unite the PF party and set a good pace that will ensure its continuity after the 2016 General Elections,” He said.
Meanwhile, Kabwata Member of Parliament, Given Lubinda, has thanked President, Michael Sata, for putting to rest the long-standing confusion that was in the party.
Mr Lubinda said the decision by the President will help restore the peace and harmony that the party enjoyed, previously.
H said he is personally happy with the appointment of Defence Minister, Edgar Lungu, as the party’s new Secretary General.
“Your Excellency, I thank you for providing good leadership by making decisions that will restore peace and rejuvenate our party. I am especially happy with your appointing Edgar Lungu as our General Secretary because I know him as a peace-loving person and I have no doubt that he will deliver in accordance with your expectation as well as that of the party, he said.
And Mr Lubinda says the changes President Sata has made in the party will attract old members back to the party.
He said a lot of people left the party because they were victimized and were frustrated by some party members.
And the Parliamentarian has pledged his continued loyalty to President Sata and the Patriotic Front leadership.
Addressing the multitude at the rally, Mr Lubinda disclosed that he had remained mute during his dismissal from his ministerial position and subsequent suspension from party activities because he knew that one day, his time to speak would come.
He however said he has forgiven all his adversaries, especially those who were after his blood.
“Your Excellency, whatever we discussed in privacy, I will say it in public that I will be loyal to you and that I hold nothing against my adversaries, including those who were after my blood. I forgive them in the Mighty name of Jesus Christ,” he added.
Mr Lubinda also urged other PF members who were still nursing the pain and humiliation imposed on them by some party members to embrace healing and use their experience to uphold peace in the party.
He further appealed to all party members to support new party Secretary General, Edgar Lungu, as he strives to unity the party and restore the party’s dignity.
The opposition ZDDM says it is prepared to join the planned Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ) money demonstration by PF youth despite the opposition party not being in agreement with the ruling party on many issues.
ZDDM president Edwin Sakala has told Qfm news that his party also expects every Zambian with national interest at heart to join in this demonstration.
Mr. Sakala says this is because the money owed to the DBZ must be must be paid back.
He says his party holds the position that Zambia continues to sink into unbridled abject poverty and mismanagement because more than 97 percent of the population prefer to be arm chair critics and observers with only 3 percent of the population that try to speak out.
The ZDDM leader says this 3 percent is however subjected to their ruthless negative judgmental nature.
He says Zambians must therefore realize that the greatest enemy they face is not their fellow Zambians but the highly sophisticated forces of globalization that are using local people to create division and confusion in African countries.
Opposition APC President Nason Msoni has observed that the dismissal of Wynter Kabimba as Justice Minister and PF Secretary General has paved way for a fresh start of putting the current constitution making process back on track.
Mr. Msoni says his party had difficulties with Mr. Kabimba being Justice Minister as he allegedly seemed to have been an interested party in the current constitution making process.
He has told Qfm news that his party is of the view that there was no way that Mr. Kabimba could have managed the current constitution making process at the same time allegedly harboring presidential ambitions.
The ACP president says by harboring ambitions of becoming the country’s president an individual who is also Justice Minister can become an obstacle towards the constitution making process especially if that individual prefers a single majority threshold for wining the presidential elections.
He says his party thus welcomes the pace that is being set by the new Justice Minister Edgar Lungu who is scheduled to meet members of the Grand Coalition next week to discuss the issue of the new constitution.
Mr. Msoni says the enactment of new constitution is a moral issue which government is not even supposed to be pushed to enact.
He says this is because government is not doing the Zambian people a favor to have the new constitution enacted as government is morally obliged to do so.
Retired Zambia Army General Malimba Masheke has expressed confidence that the Opposition Alliance to which he is chairperson will remain intact even up to the 2016 general elections.
General Masheke, who is also former Prime Minister under the UNIP government, says the Alliance which is formed by the oppositions MMD, ABZ, PP, ZED and APC, has not yet found a leader who will be its presidential candidate in the 2016 general elections.
He has told Qfm news that this is why MMD president Nevers Mumba’s recent statement that his party would win the 2016 polls under his leadership, does not mean that the Alliance has now chosen its presidential candidate.
He says as chairperson of the Alliance he thus does not find blame in Dr. Mumba as he was talking about his party the MMD when he suggested that THE former ruling party is in the position to win the 2016 general elections.
General Masheke has however disclosed that the Alliance is in the process of finalizing the putting together of one common manifesto that will represent the aspiration of all the Alliance’s member political parties.
He says once a leader of the Alliance has been elected, all five political parties will support that leader.
And General Masheke has observed that selfish opposition leaders who want to continue being on their own by not wanting to join the Opposition Alliance will realize that when they work with others results are always better.
Justice Minister Edgar Lungu has clarified that Wynter Kabimba lost his nomination as Member of Parliament when he was sacked as Justice Minister.
Mr Lungu revealed that Mr Kabimba’s letter of revocation clearly stated that he will no longer hold the position of Member of Parliament upon losing his ministerial position.
Some analysts including FODEP Executive Director McDonald Chipenzi had challenged State House to clear the air on whether Mr. Kabimba’s nomination to Parliament was also terminated.
Mr Chipenzi stated that the news statement issued by State House announcing Mr Kabimba’s sacking did not refer to the issue of his stay in Parliament adding that it was not automatic that one’s nomination as MP is terminated once they lose a ministerial position.
But Mr Lungu has clarified that Mr Kabimba lost all positions when he was fired.
“He is no longer in Parliament because his appointment as Minister of Justice was revoked. What interest is he going to be serving Parliament because I have been appointed to do his job as Minister of Justice and he does not need to there (Parliament)?”
Mr Lungu added, “The letter of revocation to my friend was clear and it was copied to the Speaker, so reference to that we can automatically say that he lost his nomination when he was sacked.”
Republican Vice president Guy Scott has expressed ignorance about former Justice Minister and PF Secretary General Wynter Kabimba’s parliamentary status following his sacking by President Michael Sata last week.
Mr. Kabimba was a nominated Member of Parliament.
Dr. Scott has told Qfm news in an exclusive interview that he has no idea as to whether Mr. Kabimba has also been stripped of his nomination as an MP or not.
Dr. Scott says as Republican Vice President he is not part of such Presidential decision making.
He however says he does not think that it is automatic that once a nominated MP has been dismissed from the position as a Minister the individual also ceases to be a nominated MP.
Dr .Scott says this is because the country’s constitution provides that the President can nominate anyone to be an MP whether that individual is to serve as Cabinet Minister or not.
And Dr. Scott has observed that it is normal in a Democracy like Zambia for an individual who has been dismissed as Minister to be criticized in the manner Mr. Kabimba is being criticized following his sacking.
He however states that he is not agreeing with anyone in particular among the people who have been commenting on Mr. Kabimba’s firing, but that he thinks he would receive the same kind of criticism or praise from all kinds of people if he too was to be fired as Republican Vice President.
Dr. Scott says he also thinks the fact that people have been criticizing Mr. Kabimba, while others have been defending him means that the former PF Secretary General was well known and an active politician.
Asked whether Mr. Kabimba’s dismissal has brought disunity or unity in the ruling PF, Dr. Scott stated that as far as he is concerned the ruling PF has always been united.
He says this is why he is not worried about unity in the ruling PF following Mr Kabimba’s dismissal.
Opposition Forum for Democratic Alternatives (FDA) President Ludwig Sondashi says there will be no legal implication if President Michael Sata does not officially open Parliament later this month.
Dr. Sondashi says this is because the country’s republican President is not obliged by the law to physically attend the official opening of Parliament.
Dr Sondashi who is a constitutional Lawyer has told Qfm News in an exclusive interview that the President can however send a message to Parliament that can be read by either the Vice president or any Minister whom he wishes to delegate to perform this task.
The FDA president has however noted that this provision of the constitution only allows the republican President to exercise such powers when he is ill or outside the country at the time that Parliament is opening.
THE Lusaka Magistrates Court yesterday refused to allow former President Rupiah Banda to take his case to the High Court because his fears that Director of Public Prosecutions Mutembo Nchito will not prosecute him fairly are mere speculations.
And Henry Kapoko’s corruption case could not take off because the trial magistrate, Sharon Newa, was unable to travel. The case was adjourned to September 26, 2014.
Mr Banda, through his lawyers, had applied that the High Court should determine constitutional issues on whether Mr Nchito should continue prosecuting the case or not.
In his application, Mr Banda stated that he would not be accorded a fair trial if Mr Nchito continues prosecuting the matter. Mr Banda has alleged that Mr Nchito was an interested party.
Making a ruling yesterday in Lusaka, chief resident magistrate Joshua Banda said there were no constitutional issues to allow the case to be referred to the High Court.
“The issues raised by the defence are mere speculations. They can’t be substantiated. There is nothing that has been stated that the DPP is biased.
“So far the case has been fairly handled. Whether DPP appears in person or not, he is still actively involved through his representative because all criminal cases fall under him. Besides it is too late to refer the matter to High Court since we are almost at the end of the case, especially on the prosecution side which is remaining with one witness.
Therefore, the application is refused and case should proceed,” he said.
The matter was adjourned to October 3, 2014 for mention and November 3 to 7, 2014 for continued trial.
It is alleged that between May 1, 2008 and September 24, 2011, Mr Banda, being a person employed in the public service, as President of the Republic of Zambia, did abuse the authority of his office.
Mr Banda is charged with one count of abuse of authority of office for allegedly procuring a US$2.5 million Nigerian government-to-government oil contract in the name of the Republic of Zambia between the Zambian government and SARB, a Nigerian oil company.
Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Nkandu Luo
GOVERNMENT has engaged British authorities in dialogue over the return of the skull of the Broken Hill man to Zambia, Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Nkundu Luo has said.
She was speaking in Kabwe on Wednesday during a ground breaking ceremony of Kabwe Mining Museum.
“The Broken Hill man is sitting in Britain and we have initiated discussions to bring back the Broken Hill man because it is ours and it must sit in this museum [Kabwe Mining Museum] when completed.”
“It is important for our tourism and I want to share this that the Broken Hill man speaks of the evolution of man and it’s a very important property of this country,” Prof Luo said.
Prof Luo said had Zambia invested in museums and former governments have persistently lobbied for the return of the skull of Broken Hill man, the skull of the primeval man would have sitting in Zambia.
Prof Luo also said Government wanst to develop the site where the skull of Broken Hill Man is believed to have been discovered in Kabwe in 1921 because it is an important heritage site.
The first ever mining Museum in Zambia has been opened by Enviro Process Limited (EPL) in partnership with the Zambian Government.
Prof Luo also said the museum will contribute to Zambia’s tourism as many people want to know how mining started in the country.
She said Government is happy that the mining museum has been established in Kabwe because that is where the first mine was opened in Zambia in 1904.
“Also significant is the fact that this is where the discovery of the Broken Hill man was done and I don’t know how many of us here know about the Broken Hill man and where it is? The only way we can know is when we have a museum like this [Kabwe Mining Museum],” Prof Luo said.
“This mining museum is not going to Kitwe, it is not going to Solwezi, it’s not going to Mufumbwe, it’s not going to Southern Province,” She said.
She noted that Zambia has developed on resources of the extractive industry, yet the resources are not showcased.
She said EPL has established the museum as part of its corporate social responsibility programme.
Prof also said the mining museum is also important because it is being established when Zambia is celebrating 50 years of independence.
FILE: President Sata with Dr Christine Kaseba Sata in Siavonga
PRESIDENT Michael Sata is tomorrow expected in Mkushi South to drum up support for the Patriotic Front candidate.
PF secretary general Edgar Lungu confirmed this in a telephone interview from South Africa.
Meanwhile, Vice President, Guy Scott, has concluded his campaign trail in Vubwi and Kasenengwa Constituencies where he went to drum up support for PF candidates ahead of
Parliamentary by-elections set for Thursday, September 11, 2014.
During his four day campaign trail, Dr Scott appealed to the electorate in Vubwi to vote for Magarette Miti who he said would easily spearhead development because she is a member of the ruling party.
Dr Scott, who held public rallies at various places in Vubwi, assured the people of continued development which he said was initiated by President Michael Sata.
He noted that Vubwi had seen a number of developmental projects since the PF assumed office in 2011 when it was declared a district.
The Vice President also promised the people of Vubwi that government would revise the Land Act which he said disadvantaged the local people because it allowed individuals to own big chunks of land at the expense of others.
Dr Scott observed that the local people did not have adequate land on which to cultivate as land was owned by few farmers.
In Kasenengwa, Dr Scott charged that the opposition MMD failed to deliver to the people during their 20 year rule.
He stated that President Michael Sata wanted the PF candidate, Gideon Zulu, to help him address the developmental needs of the people.
The Vubwi and Kasenengwa Parliamentary seats fell vacant following the nullification of MMD’s Eustarkio Kazonga and Victoria Kalima respectively on grounds of electoral malpractices.
Dr Scott assured the people that government would next week resume the purchase of maize from farmers and pay those who sold the grain.
The Vice President has since apologised to farmers who had to wait at depots to have their grain sold to Food Reserve Agency, saying government had halted the purchase of the commodity as it needed to verify the stocks it had procured in order to procure more maize from farmers.
Dr Scott is expected to return to Lusaka tomorrow.
Others contesting the Vubwi Parliamentary seat are Alfonso Sakala of the United Party for National Development (UPND) and Lucas Phiri of United Independence Party (UNIP).
Dr Kazonga is re-contesting the seat on the MMD ticket.
Four people are contesting the Kasenengwa Parliamentary seat, Gideon Zulu of the ruling PF, Timothy Nyirenda of the UPND and Victoria Kalima of the MMD.
