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Some women of Munagaba area in Choma sharing goats which were given to them by the government for poverty eradication
The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) has challenged government to
engage in meaningful multi-sectoral dialogue with relevant stakeholders in finding workable, practical and lasting interventions to deal with extreme poverty in the country.
CSPR Board Chairperson John Lijimu says there is need for government to embrace joint action plan which was developed by government itself and his organisation.
Mr. Lijimu said it was worrying to note that poverty continues to remain high in the country despite government implementing interventions meant to reduce it but remain.
“The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR), through the Ministry of Finance challenges government and any other stakeholders to find opportunities to engage in meaningful multi-sectoral dialogue with all other relevant stakeholders in finding workable, practical and lasting interventions to deal with extreme poverty in Zambia.”
“we would like to use this opportunity to call on Government to embrace the joint action plan for the eradication of extreme poverty in Zambia which we developed with Government last year in October and actively be involved in the process of;
1. Discussing and agreeing on current governance issues negatively impacting eradication of extreme poverty;
2. Build consensus on social sector reforms needed for eradication of extreme poverty;
3. Review, using the Rights-Based Approach, the implementation of policies, systems and strategies of planning, budgeting, disbursements and monitoring and evaluation biased towards Universal Periodic Review and Africa Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) recommendations;
4. Build consensus on the need to expedite planning and budgeting reforms such as adoption of the National Planning and Budgeting Policy and the National Planning and Budgeting Bill, the execution of the Decentralization Implementation Plan that will guarantee budget transparency, adherence and social accountability in the social sectors to ensure extreme poverty eradication;
5. Build consensus on the roles of various stakeholders (government, civil society, private sector, Cooperating Partners, etc.) in extreme poverty eradication.”
He also expressed concern that the country has continued to record an increase in income inequality.
“In the period 2006 to 2010, the Fifth National Development plan was implemented.
“However, strategies implemented did not significantly reduce extreme poverty across the provinces in Zambia. The LCMS (2010) indicates that rural extreme poverty stood at 57.7 in 2010 compared to 58.5% in 2006. This only marks 0.8% percentage points reduction in five years of employing poverty reduction measures as a country.
“In the same period, Zambia has recorded an increase in income inequality overally from 60 to 65%. In the rural areas, the income inequality has risen from 54 to 60%. This can be further validated by Zambia’s Gini co-efficient which currently stands at 0.65. On the human development index, Zambia is ranked 164 out of 187.”
This is contained in a press statement released to the media by Mr. Lijimu.
Inspector General of Police, Stella Libongani, has warned that violence will not be tolerated ahead of the Kasenengwa and Vubwi Parliamentary by-elections slated for September 11, 2014.
Ms Libongani issued the warning in Chipata today when she paid a courtesy call
on Eastern Province Minister, Malozo Sichone.
She said police will ensure that perpetrators of violence are brought to book.
The Police Chief said police will ensure that there is adequate security in the provincial capital and Vubwi district ahead of the two by-elections and perpetrators of violence will face the wrath of the law.
The Kasenengwa seat is being contested by the PF, UPND, MMD and UNIP while the FDD has joined the quartet in the hunt for the Vubwi seat.
And speaking at the same occasion, Eastern Province Minister, Malozo Sichone, commended the police for maintaining peace in the two constituencies and urged them to continue being professional in their work.
Mr Sichone assured that the PF will conduct clean campaigns and that the party will not ferry cadres from other places into Vubwi and Kasenengwa constituencies.
He, however, accused the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) of causing violence by ferrying cadres from other areas into the two constituencies.
Mr Sichone also noted that police in the province do not have adequate office accommodation and stressed that there is need to relocate the regional police commissioner away from the district.
And Ms Libonga expressed happiness with the proposal to relocate the provincial police command but bemoaned lack of land to construct office accommodation.
However, Provincial Permanent Secretary Chileshe Mulenga, said the Provincial Administration will help the police acquire land.
Dr Mulenga also noted that there is need to improve the staffing levels in the police in order to beef up security in border areas.
He said the border in the province is porous and needs adequate manpower to police it.
The New Apostolic Church has directed its members countrywide to refrain from shaking hands after holding gatherings in the wake of the Ebola threat that has already claimed several lives in some parts of West Africa.
In statement signed by Church Country Head, District Apostle, Charles Ndundala, and obtained by ZANIS in Kafue today, the Church says it will fully cooperate with all necessary measures government will put in place in an effort of preventing the diseases from reaching Zambia.
Mr Ndandula says it is important that certain customs, such as hand shaking which is very common during its gatherings as a church, are suspended for now until such a time government advises otherwise.
He stated that it was, therefore, important that the Church takes caution and adhere to the Ministry of Health and cooperate with government.
Mr Ndandula advised members against been arrogant and take the directive as precautionary.
Meanwhile, the Church has donated 20 blankets and assorted goods to the children’s ward of Kafue District Hospital worth K6, 000.00.
Donating on behalf of the Church, Lusaka-Kafue Area Apostle, Michael Milupi, said the Church cannot continue to just preach the word of God without any practical actions.
Mr Milupi said the donation was part of demonstrating love to fellow human beings.
He said the Church chose to donate to the children’s ward because it viewed childhood as a very important stage in one’s life.
He said the church will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Health in areas such as health education and other areas of importance.
And speaking on behalf of management, Mercy Imakando, said such gestures are always welcomed by the hospital as it cannot rely on government support alone if it is to be effective.
Dr Imakando praised the community of Kafue for their continued support to the development of the hospital.
She urged other well-wishers to emulate the New Apostolic Church and support the hospital in its endeavours of improving service delivery in Kafue.
FILE: PF Anti-Kabimba cadres in Kasama carry a mock coffin
The opposition MMD says the firing of Wynter Kabimba from his position as Justice Minister is just a continuation of the circus that Zambians have become accustomed to under the rule of the PF government since it took over from them.
Speaking in an interview MMD director in the office of the president Raphael Nakacinda, said though there is cause for the public to celebrate the dismissal of Mr. Kabimba there is need for the people to reflect on whether it was done in the best interest of the nation and its people or just a continuation of the wrangles of the party’s two factions.
Mr. Nakacinda said it would be good for people to wait and see if there will be any changes on burning issues such as the Public Order Act or if there will be progress on the constitution making process which the PF promised but are now refusing to give the people.
“We think that the dismissal of Mr. Wynter Kabimba is just a continued circus that Zambian people are being subjected to because really we don’t think that decision was made in national interest but it is as a result of the existing factions within the Patriotic Front as a party.
“Whether Wynter Kabimba is fired or not it does not make any difference because collectively they have proved that they are arrogant, they have proved that they don’t have the interest of the Zambian people at heart and we are not in anyway hopeful that now that Wynter is gone then the constitution will be given to the Zambian people, We are not hopeful that the political environment will change, we not hopeful that the cost of living will improve, will are not hopeful that with the firing Mr. Kabimba then the president will now start appearing and be seen to be working by the public,” Mr. Nakacinda noted.
He also said if the decision was made in national interest then the PF will provide the constitution to Zambians in record time which they promised to deliver within 90days and that people viewed Mr. Kabimba as a major obstacle hence headways should be made now that he is gone.
“If it is in national interest the PF will provide the constitution to the Zambian people in record time; they promised 90 days and all of us viewed Wynter Kabimba as a major stumbling block especially that these matters were within his jurisdiction as Minister of Justice. We viewed him to a major impediment, a major obstacle and a major stumbling block to the provisions of the a people driven constitution.
“He was also expected to guide government as Justice Minister in terms of the interpretation of the public order act so that all political players have equal opportunities to engage the Zambian people and interact with their members which they have been denying us.”
He added, “for us as MMD if the dismissal of Wynter Kabimba is being debated on personal level or the conflicts that they have with him or among themselves as PF we will desist from joining those debates because they do not benefit the Zambian people and the party and its president Dr. Nevers Mumba are focused on addressing the issues that are affecting the Zambian people and not personalities.”
Konkola Mine Police coach Bruce Mwape has described his team’s 1-0 win over archrivals Konkola Blades in the big Chililabombwe derby on Sunday as extra special.
Striker Mushili Chanda scored the all important goal as Mine Police trounced Blades in this FAZ Super League Week 22 match played at Nchanga Stadium in Chingola.
Mwape said the victory proved that Mine Police and Blades were at the same level.
“It is a sweet victory especially that we are second from the bottom and we are fighting for more points,” he said.
Mine Police are 15th on the sixteen-team Super League table with 20 points.
“It is a special win because to them (Blades) it is like Konkola Mine Police is still in the lower ranks. Konkola Blades think they are superior to us even though we are all playing in the Super League,” Mwape said.
He added:”We could have won this match by a bigger margin to prove that we are even becoming superior to them.”
Zambia coach Honour Janza has left out Nkana striker Ronald Kampamba in his 28-member Chipolopolo squad to face Mozambique in this Saturday’ s Group F 2015 Africa Cup qualifier set for Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
And Janza has recalled Mpumalanga Black Aces striker Collins Mbesuma.
Sate Sate Kampamba, Zanaco midfielders Rodrick Kabwe and China based striker James Chamanga are some of the notables conspicuously missing from the squad released to the media by FAZ spokesperson Nkweto Tembwe on Monday afternoon.
Kampamba has so far this year scored 14 goals in all competitions – nine in the league and five in CAF club competitions.
He was a member of Zambia team comprising mostly local players that beat Sudan 3-1 in a friendly match played at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka on Sunday.
However, Janza has summoned club-less forward Fwayo Tembo and three junior internationals; Kayawe Kapota, Larry Bwalya and Patrick Ngoma.
The team is rescheduled to regroup in Ndola on Monday night and will start training on Tuesday.
According to FAZ, Mbesuma, Christopher Katongo, Felix Katongo, Chisamba Lungu, Kennedy Mweene, Joseph Musonda are all in the country and will join camp on Tuesday.
Defender Stopila Sunzu and midfielder Nathan Sinkala are expected to arrive in the country on Monday.
The squad:
Goalkeepers: Kennedy Mweene (Mamelodi Sundowns, RSA), Danny Munyao (Red Arrows), Toaster Nsabata (Nchanga Rangers), Joshua Titima (Power Dynamos)
Defenders: Stopilla Sunzu (Sochaux, FRA), Kapota Kayawe (Kafue Celtic), Adrian Chama (Green Buffaloes), Christopher Munthali (Nkana), Emmanuel Mbola (Hapoel Ra’anana), Kabaso Chongo (TP Mazembe, DRC), Joseph Musonda (Polokwane City, RSA), Nyambe Mulenga (Zesco United).
Midfielders: Rainford Kalaba (TP Mazembe, DRC), Donashano Malama (Nkana), Nathan Sinkala (Grasshoppers, SWI), Christopher Katongo (Wits, RSA), Bruce Musakanya (Red Arrows), Felix Katongo (Al Ittihad Alexandria, EGY), Mukuka Mulenga (Bloemfontein Celtic, RSA), Chisamba Lungu (FC Ural, RUS), Larry Bwalya (Nchanga Rangers)
Strikers: Given Singuluma (TP Mazembe, DRC), Fwayo Tembo (Unattached), Jacob Mulenga (Adana Demirspor), Jonas Sakuwaha (TP Mazembe, DRC), Patrick Ngoma (Red Arrows), Collins Mbesuma (Mpumalanga Black Aces, RSA), Emmanuel Mayuka (Southampton, ENG)
OH Hail 93 ’til infinity! The 1st of September 2014 will see the official release of DELTA93, the much anticipated debut extended play by Zambian rapper CHAA. With pre EP releases such as the freeverse Dunkin Donuts and critic/ pundit endorsements such as a placement on the much acclaimed Praverb.Net Ultimate Female Emcee List (http://www.praverb.net/2014/03/female-emcees.html),
DELTA 93 is guaranteed a noteworthy reception. The EP was entirely produced by Canada based producer Teck- Zilla of STR8BUTTAH, entirely recorded at Zero DB studios in Lusaka, Zambia and entirely curated by Slam Dunk Records Zambia.
Zambian born and raised, CHAA has been making music since she was 16 years old and cites Missy Elliot, Jean Grae, Nitty Scott MC, Erykah Badu, Holstar, Nirvana and Tribe Called Questas some of her many musical influences. Having worked with Zambian musical outfits and labels such as Equalize Music, So Good Music and of course Slam Dunk Records; CHAA seeks to mature into a well seasoned artist and curator.
FILE: President Michael Sata during the Swearing in Ceremony
The President swore in Mr Mumba Malila and Roydah Kaoma as Supreme Court judges at a ceremony held at State House today.
Justice Mumba Malila, State Counsel, was until his recent appointment to the Supreme Court, Zambia’s Attorney General while Justice Kaoma was until her elevation, Kitwe High Court Judge in charge.
The swearing in completes the process following the duo’s appointment to the Supreme Court by the President and their ratification by parliament in June this year.
The President congratulated the duo and urged them to serve the Zambian people diligently.
The ceremony was witnessed by Vice President Dr Guy Scott, Acting Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda, and a number of Cabinet Ministers who included Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda, Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Joseph Katema.
Others who witnessed the event include Secretary to the Cabinet Dr Roland Msiska, his deputy, Ambassador Peter Kasanda and Permanent Secretary in charge of administration at Cabinet Office Margaret Miyoba.
Honour Janza says Sudan has given in an insight of what to expect in the 2015 Africa Cup qualifiers.
Janza’s debut as Zambia coach began on a high on Sunday following a 3-1 home win over Sudan at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.
The friendly was Zambia’s build-up match ahead of their two Group F qualifying matches against Mozambique on September 6 in Ndola and Cape Verde away four days later on September 10 in Praia.
“We are happy with what they have done but we have to work extra hard because what we have seen with Sudan is exactly what we are going to see in the qualifiers,” Janza said.
“But overall the boys did their best, it wasn’t easy with the pressure first to open the stadium they had some pressure but they did very well.”
Goals by Nkana defender Chris Munthali in the 14th minute, TP Mazembe striker Given Singuluma in the 34th and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Mukuka Mulenga in the 90th minute handed Zambia’s its debut win at Heroes Stadium.
UPND vice president for political affair Canisius Banda has described as grossly misleading the lead story in today’s edition of the Post Newspaper in which the UNPD is quoted to have referred to former PF Secretary General and Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba as a national Builder.
UPND vice president for political affair Canisius Banda has described as grossly misleading the lead story in today’s edition of the Post Newspaper in which the UNPD is quoted to have referred to former PF Secretary General and Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba as a national Builder.
In the same article UPND Deputy Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa, who also the chairperson for the African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption (APNAC) Zambia chapter, is also quoted to have said that Mr. Kabimba will be missed by stakeholders involved in the anti-corruption crusade.
But Dr. Banda told Qfm news in an interview that the said article should be disregarded with the contempt it deserves as Mr. Mweetwa did not say what has been written in the newspaper article.
Dr. Banda said as far as the UPND is concerned Mr. Kabimba has been a divisive factor in Zambian politics.
He said while PF Secretary General and Justice Minister, Mr Kabimba spent most of his time insulting not only the UPND and its leader Hakainde Hichilema but also the Zambian people.
Dr Banda said Mr. Kabimba should repent and apologize to God and seek forgiveness for his alleged offensiveness and arrogance.
Mr. Banda said the UPND is thus praying for Mr. Kabimba to become more humble and a better citizen, stating that his dismissal is a chance for him to reflect over his alleged bad deeds.
Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda (centre) shakes hands with Archbishop of Lusaka Telesphore Mpundu (left) as Defence Minister Edgar Lungu looks on at the memorial service of the late Benjamin Mwila at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus in Lusaka
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Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda (centre) shakes hands with Archbishop of Lusaka Telesphore Mpundu (left) as Defence Minister Edgar Lungu looks on at the memorial service of the late Benjamin Mwila at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus in Lusaka
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Defence Minister Edgar Lungu (right) shakes hands with Archbishop of Lusaka Telesphore Mpundu (left) as Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda looks on at the memorial service of the late Benjamin Mwila at the Cathedral of the Chile Jesus
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Paramount Chief Kalonga Gawa Undi of the Chewa People of Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique during the Kulamba ceremony held at Mkaika Chewa headquarters in Katete
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Paramount Chief Gawa Undi welcomes Works and Supply Minister Yamfywa Mukanga at his Palace during the Kulamba traditional ceremony of the Chewa people of Zambia,Malawi and Mozabique in Katete
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Paramount Chief Gawa Undi welcomes Works and Supply Minister Yamfywa Mukanga at his Palace during the Kulamba traditional ceremony of the Chewa people of Zambia,Malawi and Mozabique in Katete
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Chewa Chiefs from Malawi walking in the main arena during Kulamba traditional ceremony of the Chewa people
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Gule Wa Mkulu and other spectators during Kulamba traditional ceremony of the Chewa Speaking People
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Former Republican President Rupiah Banda talking to Commerce Deputy Minister Miles Sampa during Kulamba ceremony of the Chewa Speaking
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ormer President Rupiah Banda with Transport, Works, Supply and Communication Minister Yamfwa Mukanga during Kulamba traditional ceremony of the Chewa people in Katete
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ormer President Rupiah Banda with Transport, Works, Supply and Communication Minister Yamfwa Mukanga during Kulamba traditional ceremony of the Chewa people in Katete
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ormer President Rupiah Banda with Transport, Works, Supply and Communication Minister Yamfwa Mukanga during Kulamba traditional ceremony of the Chewa people in Katete
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L-R:Commerce Deputy Minister Miles Sampa,Transport Minister Yamfwa Mukanga,Information Minister Dr Joseph Katema and Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Dr Chileshe Muleng during the Kulamba ceremony of the Chewa in Katete
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FORMER republican president Rupiah Banda while MMD leader Nevers Mumba talking Commerce Deputy Minister Miles Sampa during the Kulamba ceremony of the Chewa people in Katete
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VEEP Dr Guy Scott (m) with Gender minister Inonge Wina (r) and Likumbi lya mize national chairperson Max Mbunji watch the Makishi entering the main arena during this year’s Likumbi lya mize traditional ceremony in Zambezi on Saturday in Zambezi
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SENIOR chief Ndungu’s protector traditionally known as Chipata (with a sword) with other luvales with raised right hands singing the luvale national anthem locally known as Pokoyakayombo ka kutemba during the commemoration of this year’s likumbi lya mize traditional ceremony on Saturday in Zambezi
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Lusaka based chota cha chokwe entertain the people with a climbing song locally known as Kutopoka dance during the Likumbi lya mize traditional ceremony of the Luvale people in Zambezi
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Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) Induna Inete Akapelwa Silumbu (right) welcomes World Bank Group Executive Director Denny Kalyalya (left) as Western Province Deputy PS Mwangala Liomba looks on at Mongu Airport. The World Bank delegation is visiting the Zambia Strengthening Climate Resilience Project in the Barotse sub-basin in Imalyo area of Mongu in Western Province.
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Western Province Minister Richwell Siamunene (c), World Bank Group Executive Director Dr. Denny Kalyalya (r) and Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) Induna Inete Akapelwa Silumbu (l) walking on the banks of the 20 kilometre Natonga Canal during the visit of the Zambia Strengthening Climate Resilience Project in the Barotse Sub-Basin in Imalyo area of Mongu District
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The visiting World Bank Group touring the 20 kilometre Natonga Canal during the visit of the Zambia Strengthening Climate Resilience Project in the Barotse Sub-Basin in Imalyo area of Mongu District, Western Province
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World Bank Group Executive Director Dr. Denny Kalyalya (r) participates in the clearing of the 20 kilometre Natonga Canal during the visit of the Zambia Strengthening Climate Resilience Project in the Barotse Sub-Basin in Imalyo area of Mongu District, Western Province
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World Bank Group Executive Director Dr. Denny Kalyalya (r) participates in the clearing of the 20 kilometre Natonga Canal during the visit of the Zambia Strengthening Climate Resilience Project in the Barotse Sub-Basin in Imalyo area of Mongu District, Western Province
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Western Province Minister Richwell Siamunene (l), World Bank Group Executive Director Dr. Denny Kalyalya (c) and World Bank Group Alternate Executive Director Dr. Peter Louis Larose (r) follow proceedings during the visit of the Zambia Strengthening Climate Resilience Project in the Barotse Sub-Basin at the 20 kilometre Natonga Canal in Imalyo area of Mongu District, Western Province
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World Bank Group Executive Director Dr. Denny Kalyalya (l) congratulates Western Province Minister Richwell Siamunene (r) after delivering his key note speech as World Bank Group Alternate Executive Director Dr. Peter Louis Larose (c) looks on during the visit of the Zambia Strengthening Climate Resilience Project in the Barotse Sub-Basin at the 20 kilometre Natonga Canal in Imalyo area of Mongu District, Western Province
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A ceremony at the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Office of the Commissioner for Refugees in the Zambian capital, Lusaka, witnessed by the UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees, T. Alexander Aleinikoff, the Zambian Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Nickson Chilangwa, presented the 11 permanent resident permits to the Angolans.
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Some of the former Angolan refugees displaying the residency permits during the hand-over ceremony
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A farmer in Chief Chikanta’s area in Kalomo District , Kenmax Hamoonga with his wife, Angela (insert) have lost 5,000 by 50 kg bags of maize after fire swept through a storage shed recently at his farm in Kalomo
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CHIEF Chikanta hands over a sprayer on behalf of MRI Seed limited to a local farmer Kenmax Hamoonga and his wife, Angela who lost 5,000 by 50 kg bags of maize after fire swept through a storage shed recently at his farm in Kalomo.
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PANNAR Seed limited Southern regional manager Ernest Chikote (far left), Chief Chikanta (in jacket) with Kalomo District Agricultural Coordinator Max Choombe hand over a 10 kgs bag of pannar seed to Kenmax Hamoonga and his wife, Angela after losing 5,000 by 50 kg bags destroyed by fire recently at his farm in Chief Chikanta’s area in Kalomo
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Pupils at chibefwe school pausing during the launch of the ‘LET’S READ ZAMBIA, LETS READ MKUSHI’ Campaign in the District during the launch of the ‘LET’S READ ZAMBIA, LETS READ MKUSHI’ Campaign in the District
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the launch of the ‘LET’S READ ZAMBIA, LETS READ MKUSHI’ Campaign in the District during the launch of the ‘LET’S READ ZAMBIA, LETS READ MKUSHI’ Campaign in the District
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First Republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda (right) is welcomed by Trinity United Church of Zambia Reverend Lloyd Sikaundi (left) as Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda looks on at the fundraising Sunday service in Lusaka
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First Republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda with Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda at the Trinity United Church of Zambia congregation fundraising Sunday service in Lusaka
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Zambia at fifty is the theme of this statue that has been mounted at Munali round about on Great East Road to commemorate this year’s golden jubilee
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,Mandevu Paediatric Clinic Sister in Charge Eva Hamiyanda recieves a donation from Tourism Minister Jean Kapata at her constituency office in Lusaka
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Tourism Minister Jean Kapata donating blankets to the edged at her constituency office in Lusaka
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Prisoners dancing at the commissioning Luwingu prison
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CENTRAL Province permanent secretary Edwidge Mutale handing over a Cheque worth K2, 000 to Highridge ward women’s club chairperson Idah Chishinga during the cheque presentation ceremony to seven clubs
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LUAPULA Province Minister Brigadier General Benson Kapaya greeting a Team from Zambia Air Force (ZAF) who paid a courtesy call at his office recently. ZAF was in Luapula for a routine flying program.
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THE construction of Ministry of Home Affairs Offices in Chinsali, Muchinga province nearing completion.
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WORKS on Sffwa Bridge in Muchinga Province
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SAFWA road: THE construction of Safwa road in Muchinga province’s Shiwang’andu district is taking shape and is expected to be completed soon. This roads, under the Link Zambia 8 000, is short route from Kasama direct to Nakonde without passing through Mpika.
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THE Government has started implementing the water reticulation projects in urban and peri urban areas in Mansa at cost of US$10.3 million under Luapula Water and Sewerage Company elbadia project. Above: Unik Construction Company workers digging trenches before laying the pipes in Musenga residential area.
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The construction of Milenge District Hospital which started last year in March has advanced and is expected to be completed in October this year.
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Minister of Health Joseph Kasonde speaks to Zambia -China Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone General Manager Zan Baosen (l) and Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Yang Yaoming (r) during the unveiling ceremony of Medical Park at multi facility Economic Zone
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Minister of Health Joseph Kasonde shakes hands with Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Yang Yaoming shortly after receiving a double Fish ornament during the unveiling ceremony of Medical Park at multi facility Economic Zone
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Minister of Health Joseph Kasonde receives the present from Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Yang Yaoming during the unveiling ceremony of Medical Park at multi facility Economic Zone
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Minister of Health Joseph Kasonde and Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Yang Yaoming unveiling the ribbon of Medical Park at multi facility Economic Zone
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Workers busy working on the newly unveiling of Medical Park at multi facility Economic Zone
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Kingpharm Zambia Shunxue Wang welcoming Minister of Health Joseph Kasonde whilst Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Yang Yaoming (second from right) and Zambia -China Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone General Manager Zan Baosen (Second from left) looks on during the unveiling ceremony of Medical Park at multi facility Economic Zone
FILE: President Sata honoured PF Secretary General Wynter Kabimba for his professional legal advice regarding various bodies and local government authorities as well as his contribution towards the first Draft Constitution
When Wynter Kabimba got implicated in the oil scandal in 2012, we called upon President Sata to suspend him so that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) could freely investigate the matter. Sata said no! In 2013, when Wynter stated that the PF would rule for over 100 years, we expressed our concerns at the dictatorial and undemocratic tendencies that started to develop in him. Sata looked the other way. When Wynter stated that Zambians wanted to return to a one party state we gave our opinion. We stated that Wynter was getting it wrong on democracy. We again called upon Sata to fire him. But Sata instead, promoted Wynter and left him to act as President. When in June 2014, Wynter claimed that he had smuggled Kenyans through Nakonde to rig the 2011 elections in Sata’s favour, we said his statement was a falsehood and absolute nonsense. By this time, Sata was nowhere to be seen. He had gone AWOL. We said what we said and we still do believe that Wynter Kabimba’s politics were repugnant to democracy. We stand by what we said about Wynter, but there is more that must be added:
Wynter was only but a minute symptom of a grander disease. Firing him does not heal the disease; it only postpones it to another day.
Sata’s tolerance to corruption
Kabimba has been fired not as a way to stump out corruption in Sata’s crooked government, but rather to entrench corruption. Ever since President Sata assumed power, he has never acted, not even once, to stump-out corruption. Instead, Sata has both tolerated and exacerbated corruption. Sata has not acted on several allegations of corruption involving his officials.
Examples of corrupt practices in by PF leadership
A publication has shown us evidence of questionable deposits into the bank account of one of Sata’s many sons.
Sata has not acted to stop the rampant corrupt dealings involving the Road Development Agency (RDA) that operates from State House. Several ruling party stalwarts have illicit RDA contracts.
GBM is alleged to have been a principal supplier of goods and services to the Ministry of Defence, the same ministry he served as minister.
In 2011, at the onset of the don’t kubeba government, Apollo Enterprises, a company belonging to Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda was, without tender, given the contract to rehabilitate State House. Chikwanda never declared interest. Chikwanda is also alleged to have shares in a company supplying Zambian mines in 2014. While these allegations have not been proven in court, it is prudent to have police investigate them. Nevertheless, when the allegations were revealed about Chikwanda’s involvement in these illicit contracts, the result was a witch-hunt that led to the dismissal of Kabimba. Sata acted against Kabimba to protect the corruption of one against that of the other corrupt. This makes the sacking of Kabimba to be an activity of the corrupt against the other corrupt. It is not a fight between good and evil but rather a fight between one set of evil against another set of evil.
Why President Sata must Resign
President Sata must resign for the same reasons that he has fired Wynter Kabimba. The problem with Wynter is not his alone. President Sata himself created them. What is even more painful is that in firing Kabimba the president has not moved to change the corrupt system that breeds the Kabimbas of this world. The president has gone on to unilaterally choose a new Secretary-General in a way that is repugnant to democracy. Wynter has gone the same way that he came.
Without changing the system, we have no guarantee that Edgar Lungu will do anything different from what Wynter did.
President Sata has changed the personnel, but he has not changed the system that is responsible for breeding the mayhem. I cannot celebrate the dismissal of Wynter simply because, his replacement comes with the same platform and template that gives way for undemocratic tendencies. The firing of Wynter removes a person called Wynter but retains the same corrupt template in its place.
[pullquote]Firing Wynter does not solve the problem of President Sata’s own inefficiency and unsuitability to hold office.[/pullquote]
Sata should resign because, in neglecting to give reasons why he fired Wynter, he has created an avenue for gossip and wanton political recklessness. Under the Sata presidency, State House has been reduced to an orgy of gossip, misinformation and “chilande lande” with no one seeming to be in control. I am surprised that the President chose to fire Wynter through a press statement without caring to let the nation know reasons why he was fired in the first place. Wynter was the Chief Executive of the ruling party. He was a senior cabinet member. He has acted as President of our republic. Surely, for a person of such stature, the president owes a duty to explain to the nation why he decided to drop him.
President Sata should not be running our country as if it is his own village or household. He needs to know that Zambians want to get answers from him. He needs to talk to us. He needs to answer questions from the press. He cannot just wake up one day, fire Wynter through a press statement and hibernate back into oblivion.
After the fall of Wynter several ruling party cadres are now claiming that life will be better for them. Some in Kaoma are even saying that it was Wynter that led to their poverty. GBM led a march in Kasama to celebrate the dismissal of Wynter and pledged unwavering support to President Michael Sata. What a reversal! Isn’t this the same gentleman who in 2013 claimed to have fallen out with Sata based not on Wynter but on Chitimukulu Kanyanta-Manga?
By the actions of the Patriotic Front cadres, it does seem as if Wynter was the President who made all the decisions. If indeed, even a portion of all these power-allegations against Wynter were true, then they are a damaging indictment against the judgment and leadership of President Sata.
How is it that President Sata allowed an unelected Kabimba to have so much sway over what is constitutionally supposed to be done by a president?
Surely, it cannot be Wynter’s problem alone. Could it be that the president is unfit to rule? From the Post editorials, it appears like they are willing to unleash the truth about the state of President Sata’s perceived “weaknesses and failings”. But Zambians of course know that there is something fundamentally problematic with the health and wellbeing of the President.
Firing Wynter does not solve the problem of President Sata’s own inefficiency and unsuitability to hold office. Firing Wynter has not resolved any problem. That which is a problem with Sata cannot be resolved by firing a person other than Sata. Sata has failed Zambia, and Wynter was only a symptom of the wider failing of the leadership of Zambia’s fifth president.
The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) has called on parliament to ensure that it tables all the important pending issues as it resumes its sitting this month.
FODEP Executive Director, MacDonald Chipenzi said there are a lot of pending issues which a lot of people expected to hear parliament address.
Mr. Chipenzi said that his organization expects to see parliament come up with a clear road map on how the new republican constitution will be enacted.
Mr. Chipenzi has described the failure by the PF government to table the Bill in the last session of Parliament as one of the many failed promises the PF government has allegedly been telling the Zambian people.
He said parliamentarians should now listen to the cries of the majority Zambians and help address challenges the people are facing.
The Zambia Under-19 Rugby Team has finished bottom of the four-nation Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) Under-19 1B tournament held in Uganda.
The Philip Dongo coached side on Saturday lost 15-0 to Senegal in the third place play-off as Zambia were demoted to tier 1A of the CAF Under-19 competitions.
The Under-19 boys are coming back from the CAR tournament without scoring a single point after losing their opening match to Madagascar by 43-0 on Wednesday.
Hosts Uganda won the competition after beating Madagascar 17-8 in the final on Saturday to qualify to tier 1A.
