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The Labour movement has lambasted parliamentarians demanding for salary increment.
The movement has also charged that the ongoing wage freeze is tantamount to stagnating the workers’ worthiness.
Federation of Free Trade Unions in Zambia (FFTU) acting president Msiska Chinagti described the action by some parliamentarians for salary increment as selfish, disgusting and alarming.
Mr. Chingati says that the demand by some parliamentarians to press for salary increment is unwarranted, selfish, disgusting and alarming.
He said it is improper for legislatures to start requesting for salary increments after endorsing the wage freeze on public service workers.
ZANIS reports that the Labour leader said this in a statement released in Lusaka, yesterday.
Mr Chingati noted that former public service workers are still waiting to be paid their pensions and some of them have since died without receiving their dues.
He said FFTU was not impressed by the current debate in parliament describing it as an indication that parliamentarians do not research on issues to be debated on.
Mr. Chingati said there is no justification for member of parliaments to request for a salary increment .
He said the country needs committed and selfless leaders and not those wanting to amass wealth at the expense of the suffering majority.
Mr. Chingati explained that wage freeze is applicable in the event where institution faces redundancies or bankruptcy.
He further stated it was surprising to note that government went ahead and endorsed it the wage freeze without consultation.
Mr Chingati said negotiations between the public service workers and government should go on without interference.
Alliance for Democracy and Development president Charles Milupi
Opposition President for Alliance for Development and Democracy (ADD) Charles Milupi says the demand by Members of Parliament for a further salary hike is unfortunate and unrealistic.
Mr Milupi say it is saddening for members of parliament to demand for salary increment at the time there is a wage and employment freeze in the Public service.
He said with high poverty and unemployment levels members of parliament should take a lead in demonstrating fairness in the distribution of the national cake.
Mr Milupi added that to say that members of parliament are not adequately remunerated is to be less than honest as they are paid salaries that include constituency, transport, sitting allowances to attend parliament and in committees.
He further said members of parliament also get hefty gratuity allowances including a mid-term payment.
[pullquote]“MPs want more money, we deserve more money. We demand our salaries are increased so that our gratuity goes up. The members of the public need to know that we are poorly paid and we can’t live as impoverished leaders,” Ms Namugala said.[/pullquote]
Mr Milupi has since urged members of parliament not to view the privilege of representing their constituencies as a means of generating wealth for oneself.
Opposition MPs led by Cathrine Namugala recently proposed in the house for a salary increment a move that has sparked negative reaction from various sections of society.
“MPs want more money, we deserve more money. We demand our salaries are increased so that our gratuity goes up. The members of the public need to know that we are poorly paid and we can’t live as impoverished leaders,” Ms Namugala said.
“Why should we work five years and after that become impoverished? And we demand that a pension is introduced. Some of our predecessors are impoverished and we don’t want to end up like that. What we want is that the welfare of MPs should be looked at,” Ms Namugala said.
UPND Monze Central MP Jack Mwiimbu lamented that in his 12-years as a parliamentarian, the House had on different occasions discussed the welfare of MPs but without tangible achievement.
Mr Mwiimbu accused Cabinet of failing to tackle issues regarding the welfare of MPs.
Mr Mwiimbu said Parliament’s committee system was the weakest in the region detailing that its vital role as an oversight institution on the operations of Government ministries was being overlooked.
He recommended that sitting allowance for MPs should not be received but be part of the gratuity package.
“The sitting allowance should be part of our gratuity that way the salary will go up. MPs are wallowing in poverty because of poor emoluments,” he said.
A 35 year old house wife in Luanshya has been sentenced to six months simple imprisonment by the Luanshya magistrate court for beating up and indecent exposure of her husbands’ girl friend.
Appearing before Luanshya magistrate Edward Banda was Given Shamfuti of house number 2 second class residential area who was jointly charged with a 17 year old male juvenile.
Particulars of the offence were that on 1st February 2014, in Luanshya district of the Copperbelt, jointly and whilst acting together, the duo did assault Olipa Mumbi thereby occasioning her actual bodily harm and stripping her naked.
Facts before court were that on 1st February 2014 Mumbi was at Manda tavern drinking beer, when Shamfuti came and started accusing Mumbi of flirting with her husband and in the process dragged Mumbi, hitting her with fists, causing her to sustain bruises on the back, swollen left eye and general body pains.
Mumbi stated that she reported the matter to Luanshya central police were a medical report was issued and she was treated at Thomson hospital, which lead to the apprehension of the accused.
Meanwhile, Shamfuti who pleaded guilty in matter, denied having found Mumbi at a tavern but that she caught her naked with her husband in their matrimonial home.
In mitigation Shamfuti pleaded for leniency from the court.
In passing judgment Magistrate Banda said he was alarmed by the trait of married women taking the law into their hands and initiating mob justice.
Banda however warned Mumbi to stay away from married men because next time she would be beaten to death or contract the deadly sexually transmitted disease.
But the Juvenile pleaded not guilty and his case was adjourned to 28 July for commencement of trial.
The family of the late president Levy Mwanwasa’s niece Tiberth Musambachime have thanked President Sata for visiting their relative at hospital.
Family representative Evelyn Mwanawasa said President Sata, who was in South Africa on Saturday when Ms Musambachime was evacuated to Milpark Hospital, waited and visited the patient.
“We are very grateful to the Head of State for the gesture in evacuating and visiting the patient at the hospital. He waited for her until she arrived to ensure he checked on her condition.
“People were saying the Mwanawasa family was bitter with President Sata but it is people saying that and not us,” Ms Mwanawasa said.
She described the condition of Ms Musambachime following her evacuation to South Africa as having slightly improved.
Meanwhile, President Sata’s son, Kazimu, who has been admitted to Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, last evening went into theatre for fracture procedures.
Zambia’s Ambassador to South Africa Muyeba Chikonde said in an interview yesterday that Kazimu was taken to theatre last evening.
Mr Chikonde said doctors had said that he was out of danger.
He also confirmed that former Republican president Rupiah Banda had been to visit Kazimu and another accident victim Tiberth Musambachime earlier in the day.
“He has just gone into theatre this evening. The doctors have also said that he is out of danger,” Mr Chikonde said.
Kazimu was involved in a road accident on the Ndola-Kitwe dual carriage way and he and Ms Musambachime were evacuated to Milpark Hospital.
President Sata Chats with Rupiah Banda during the Church Service of BY Mwila
Zambia’s Fourth President Rupiah Banda today visited President Michael Chilufya Sata’s son, Kazimu, who is admitted to Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The former head of State was relieved to find that Kazimu was making steady progress. Mr Banda wished him, and the other two accident victims still in hospital, God’s blessings.
Mr Banda arrived at the hospital around mid-day and was received by Kazimu’s mother and his wife, Tiwonge, who were by the bedside.
The former president, who was accompanied to the hospital by his administrative assistant Mikatazo Wakumelo, also visited former Indeco director Brian Moyo.
On Saturday, President Sata visited his son Kazimu who is admitted at Milpark hospital.
Kazimu Sata was on Tuesday involved in a road traffic accident on the Kitwe-Ndola dual carriageway.
The accident happened around 17:30 hours near Kitwe’s Moba Hotel when the vehicle in which he was travelling overturned.
Kazimu was evacuated to Johannesburg, South Africa, for specialist treatment for injuries suffered in the road traffic accident
Alliance for Better Zambia president Father Frank Bwalya blows a whistle against the government’s refusal to release the Zambian draft constitution
THE PF in Northern Province says the State must appeal the acquittal of outspoken Alliance for better Zambia ( ABZ ) leader Fr. Frank Bwalya.
PF provincial secretary Evarist Chellah says it the ruling party in the area strongly felt that the court did not take into account all the evidence presented by the complainants.
Mr. Chellah said the party in the province was unhappy with the court’s decision on the matter.
Alliance for Better Zambia (ABZ) president Frank Bwalya was recently acquitted Father Bwalya for defaming President Michael Sata by referring to him as ‘Cumbu-Munshololwa ( a potato ) ’’.
Bwalya said this in January this year during a live radio broadcast on Kasama’s Radio Mano.
Delivering judgment, Kasama Principal Resident Magistrate Vincent Siloka stated that he found nothing defamatory in the word ‘cumbu munshololwa’ as it merely referred to a person who does not listen to advice.
Magistrate Siloka said he understands that ‘cumbu munshololwa’ is just one of the many Zambian sayings and idioms used by Bembas.
He noted that convicting Bwalya would amount to inhibiting freedom of expression and censured the accusers of having fabricated the word Umuwelele in a bid to fix the Fr. Bwalya.
Magistrate Siloka emphasized that freedom of expression should be respected in a democratic state like Zambia.
Commenting on his acquittal, Bwalya said the victory was a triumph for democracy, good governance and the rule of law.
Health Deputy Minister Chitalu Chilufya (right) talks to University Teaching Hospital managing director Lakson Kasonka (in dark grey suit,right), as others look on after officiating at the handover of three buses and one utility vehicle worth K1.8 million in Lusaka
Government is concerned with the rate at which the public health sector is losing professionals to the private sector after spending huge sums of money training them.
Health Deputy Minister, Chitalu Chilufya says government cannot continue spending money on training staff only to loss them to the private sector.
Dr Chilufya has directed all medical superintends to ensure all staff trained at government expense are bonded.
He said this when he addressed public health workers at Kasama General Hospital.
Meanwhile, Tourism and Arts Minister Jean Kapata says her Ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure that some of the 6 hundred and 50 health posts being constructed are built near tourist sites.
Ms Kapata has told ZNBC News in an interview that it is gratifying that Health Deputy Minister Chitalu Chilufya has directed health authorities in IKELENGE, North Western Province, to construct one health post at the source of the Zambezi River.
She says tourists and workers who man tourist sites encounter difficulties in accessing health facilities.
FILE: Kabwata MP Given Lubinda verifies the delegates list from his constituency
Aspiring Kabwata Member of Parliament Clement Tembo says he will continue day-dreaming until incumbent Kabwata MP Given Lubinda is unseated.
Reacting to Mr. Lubinda’s statement that he is dreaming if he thinks he will become the next area MP, Mr. Tembo has told Qfm news in an interview that he is grateful that Mr. Lubinda has taken note of his dream which he says will become reality.
And Mr. Tembo has denied assertions that he has begun campaigns in earnest ahead of 2016 general elections.
He says by having solid waste in the constituency removed he is merely introducing himself to the people as well as contributing to improving hygiene standards in the constituency.
Mr. Tembo has also denied being sponsored by people who want to see Mr. Lubinda lose the Parliamentary seat in the next general elections.
He says all the money he has been using to have garbage collected in Kabwata constituency is from his own sources of income.
Mr. Tembo adds that he is currently assessing which political party he will join which reflects his vision.
The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) has expressed concern at government’s activities in constituencies with pending by-elections.
FODEP Executive Director MacDonald Chipenzi in a statement to QFM News says such activities are likely to be misconstrued to be apparent electoral campaign activities.
Mr. Chipenzi says the release of 2,000 x 50kg bags of relief maize to Zambezi West constituency is an apparent act of electoral campaign on the part of government on behalf of the ruling party.
He says this is so because it is happening barely a week after the Electoral Commission of Zambia announced the holding of by-elections in five constituencies Zambezi West inclusive.
Mr Chipenzi says FODEP is in receipt of disturbing reports from its monitors on the ground in Zambezi District in North-Western Province that government has released relief maize for distribution in an area where a by-election is pending.
He states that the 2,000x50kg bags of relief maize to be distributed to Zambezi West constituency ahead of the parliamentary by-election on 11th September, 2014, are purportedly from the Zambezi Food Reserve Agency (FRA) depot.
He adds that reports reaching FODEP are that the relief maize would be distributed through the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries as a lead NGO located within Zambezi District.
Mr. Chipenzi says FODEP advises all stakeholders to be wary of electoral malpractices and corruption which may come in various ways to avoid electoral petitions especially in periods when the Electoral Code of Conduct is not applicable.
He has further advised government that though the distribution of relief food to concerned communities is important and a government duty, it should be mindful of the circumstances prevailing at the time of embarking on such exercises to avoid speculations from stakeholders.
Forest Rangers have reduced Mufulira Wanderer’s lead at the top of the FAZ Division One North table to just one point after thrashing Lime Hotspurs 3-0 on Saturday.
Goals from Green Mumba, Owen Kaposa and Binene Walta helped Forest to reclaim second spot on the 18-team table.
The Dolla Hill outfit have now collected 31 points from 18 matches played.
Forest displaces Kalulushi Modern Stars who drew goalless with Chambishi in the Kalulushi derby on Sunday.
Kalulushi are now third on the log with 30 points, two points behind Wanderers.
Meanwhile, Wanderers lost 0-1 to Kitwe United away at Garden Park Stadium in Kitwe on Sunday.
Striker Allan Mulemena scored the lone goal in the 9th minute as the Buchi Boys moved into joint fourth place with Chambishi.
Chambishi who enjoys a superior goal difference have 29 points together with Kitwe.
There were also wins for Mufulira Blackpool, Mining Rangers and Kansanshi Dynamos.
Uganda international striker Tony Odur on Monday arrived in the country to officially join FAZ Super League champions Nkana from Kampala City Council Authority.
Odur has signed a one-year deal with the Wusakile side.
The 29-year-old player landed at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola around 10h00 and was received by Nkana secretary Ken Mwansa.
Odur was later taken to Nkana Stadium.
Mwansa said:”He arrived this morning at 10h45 and signed a one year contract.”
Odur scored 15 league goals for Kampala last season.
“We expect him to fill the vacuum left by Evans Kangwa and help us to retain the league,” he added.
Odur is expected to join Nkana in training on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the striker is ineligible to play for Nkana in the CAF Confederation Cup as he has already featured for KCCA in the CAF Champions League.
MMD National Secretary Muhabi Lungu has expressed happiness at the comments attributed to Dr. Michael Kaingu, former Vice President of the Party and MP for Mwandi, as reported in the media and said this is a very welcome development which will go a long way in the on-going rebuilding strategies of the party’s image and structures countrywide.
Mr. Lungu has said that the party has gone through some very difficult and stressful times which put a lot of strain on the party and put a severe test on the capacity of the party to uphold its mature democratic principles. He expressed joy that the party has successfully weathered the vicious storm, which was also a severe test on the capability of the leadership of Dr Nevers Sekwila Mumba as its President.
Mr. Lungu has said MMD is the mother and torch bearer of democracy which it introduced with Multi-Party Politics in Zambia in 1991 and therefore shoulders immense responsibility in practically demonstrating that when faced with challenging situations, it will show the country and other political parties how to manage internal affairs in a transparent and democratic manner.
He said Honourable Kaingu is a valued and dearly loved member of the MMD and many of our members countrywide who expressed anxiety at the recent disturbing events in the party will be extremely relieved and happy at this development. MMD is a mature party where members can differ but still remain intact and has now demonstrated that it is ready to take on the heavy responsibility of managing the affairs of the country and taking it back to the path of progress and prosperity disrupted 3 years ago.
The National Secretary said this occasion is befitting to send a message of goodwill to all those MMD members who may have wondered off, who had lost hope, but who share the party’s vision of democracy, freedom of expression, freedom to differ but reconcile, to bury their differences and come back home and participate in the task of rebuilding our beloved MMD and prepare to take back the reigns of government in 2016.
Civil rights activist Brebner Changala has asked the Judicial Complaints Authority (JCA) to take appropriate action against Judge Isaac Tantameni Chali for alleged misconduct and intimidation of litigants.
In a letter to the Chairperson of the JCA dated 18th July, 2014, Mr Changala said he was disturbed by the action of the judge who discredited his application for judicial review in which he had asked the court to compel Cabinet to establish a medical board to determine the health and mental status of President Michael Sata.
He explained that he was shocked when the judge attacked his person and also attacked the Daily Nation Newspaper which was not even party to the proceedings.Mr Changala has since demanded for a written apology from Judge Chali.
The civil rights activist has complained against Judge Chali’s ruling which disparages himself and the Daily Nation.
The paragraphs complained of in the ruling read;
‘the Daily Nation Newspaper whose reports appeared to him to be unguarded to the point of being reckless scandal-mongering’, the applicant was a ‘busy body that had impressed him as the kind Lord Diplock talks about” and that which referred to Mr Changala as “one who appears to have a misguided or trivial complaint of administrative error’.
Mr Changala complained that the conduct and comments against his person were inappropriate and should be frowned upon by all well meaning citizens including the judiciary.
“I find such remarks extremely offensive and grossly inappropriate in such circumstances. I thus demand for an apology for the sentiments that the judge uttered in his ruling against my person and the same be in writing failing which I ask that the chairperson of this Authority should take appropriate action against the judge as this flies in the teeth of misconduct on the part of the judge and an act of intimidation addressed at litigants who would want matters resolved through our perceived independent judiciary,” he said.
Mr Changala further said the action by the judge also demonstrated that the ruling was done purely out of sheer mischief and lack of understanding the function and duties of the office he was holding.
Two week ago, the civil rights activist sued the Attorney General by filing a Writ of Mandamus to compel Cabinet to constitute a medical board to investigate the health and mental status of President Michael Sata.In his ruling judge Chali dismissed the application and said that Mr Changala was a busy body.
President Sata and the first lady visiting the Presidents son Kazimu at Milpark hospital Johannesburg
“How can he not tire?” I write in my journal. “For years, with a cigarette dangling on his lips, he has been cruising at supersonic speed with no brake pads and no regard for humps, sharp corners, and dangerous alleys.”
I continue: “Everything about him has been drumfire and of volcanic temperament, his voice—always yelling, cursing, condemning, teasing, and silencing; his walk—always in haste, to court, to rallies, to everywhere; his finger—always wagging at this and that, he and she; his lungs—always aflame and in smoke; his heart—always pumping with anxiety, exasperation, aggravation, resentment, ire, irritation, vengefulness…how can he not tire?”
This is how I begin to chronicle the current state of President Michael Sata, a man well deserving of an Oscar for Best Actor in a drama. The word “drama” is defined here as “an emotional or unexpected series of events or set of circumstances” deliberately caused by a fatigued and indisposed president. My chronicle is written in a clairvoyant manner. It connects contemporary events to the future and poses the question: what would happen if the president were to retire today?
The question on everyone’s mind
Let’s be honest here, it is a question radiant on everyone’s mind, including his wife, his son Mulenga, Guy Scott, Wynter Kabimba, and Geoffrey Mwamba. It is also on the lethal minds of PF party militias—Geoffrey Chumbwe, Julius Komaki, Kennedy Kamba, Yelisa Nkhondowe and other gun-trotters and panga wielders. Notice how I have deliberately omitted Alexander Chikwanda, Given Lubinda, Chishimba Kambwili, Fackson Shamenda, Robert Sichinga, Emmauel Chenda, Wylbur Simuusa, Professor Nkandu Luo, and other cabinet ministers. I shall explain why in a moment.
[pullquote]He does not want us to know ‘cos we will do to him what he did to Mwanawasa and others and demand that he abdicates the throne[/pullquote]
In my journal I write: “When at last he has won, and the country expects much of him, fatigue and illness have overwhelmed him. We had seen it coming on that inauspicious day in 2009 when he was airlifted to South Africa. When he returned he thanked President Mwanawasa profusely. As soon as he became president he began to scout for hospitals around the world that could treat his ailment and ended up in Britain and India. This time around, he chose Israel under the guise of a working holiday. His presence at Sheba Medical Center remains undisputed more so after being confirmed by an Israeli official.”
I continue: “We knew that wherever the president was, he would need a doctor, a good one for that matter. He may wish not to disclose his illness, but we surely know he’s not enjoying good health.” I also speculate: “He does not want us to know ‘cos we will do to him what he did to Mwanawasa and others and demand that he abdicates the throne.”
“What if Sata was forced to retire today?” I ask myself again.
PF-a sanctuary for dangerous barbaric hordes
Before I proceed, let me take a deep breath for I feel as if I have just fallen in the wretched viper’s dungeon. Some of the people I have mentioned in this article are of inhuman and cruel disposition. No one messes with their party and its leader Michael Chilufya Sata alias King Cobra. By virtue of its composition the Patriotic Party is a sanctuary to some of the most hyper-vigilant, and dangerous barbaric hordes. Some are jailbirds and schizophrenics with heinous crimes on their backs.
“PF is their safe haven,” I write. “It is where they conduct their sick and demonic activities like hacking and beating up opponents. These men found at PF Lusaka Province, the Copperbelt, and other parts of the country, are the number one source of worry should their creator retire today.”
Notice I apply the word “creator.” Why? It is because Sata created them to remove Kaunda in Zambia’s most deadly riots, and used them again to become president in 2011. Let me correct myself; he created them to become Member of Parliament of Kabwata in his UNIP days, upgraded them, and spread their tentacles to the MMD.
With this in mind I proceed to write: “Today, Sata’s cadres have become such a powerful militia and altered the tranquility of the country; to the extent they have rendered Sata himself dissolute, enfeebled, and impotent. They have scoured state’s authority and extricated government. Armed with some of the most dangerous weapons which they use with impunity, they have maimed adversaries and come close to assassinating opposition leaders. If he were to retire today, they would ignite a bloody inter-party bath.”
Kabimba vs Mulenga Sata vs Geoffrey Mwamba
To this I add: “As Sata grapples with serious health issues in swallowed tongue fashion, a ring of fire smolders in this own party. Three cadre camps are plotting against each other and are about to wage a battle enough to incinerate the party and give hope to the opposition. The camp commanders; Wynter Kabimba, Geoffrey Mwamba, and Mulenga Sata are operating in the shadows, strategizing how to outdo each other.”
Of combustible Kabimba, I write: “Having recently tasted power as acting president, Kabimba is hoping to triumph by maneuver rather than battle. Rumors of a quiet succession might help him win, that is if Sata does not U-turn and handover the instruments of power to his son. Unpopular among the high and rank of his party, Kabimba who has been Sata’s lackey has mastered his master’s dirty tricks. Sata has taught him to bite his enemies like a pitbull. He has taught him that violence and intimidation are the weapons of power. Since he has been PF Secretary General he, like Sata, has been running the party autocratically. Mind you, in his war room, Guy Scott is the generalissimo.
Of Guy Scott I write: “Ladies and gentlemen, you might as well kiss the Sata-Scott relationship goodbye. Guy Scott who has known the Satas from time immemorial has just confirmed that Mulenga does not qualify as president by virtue of his mother being a Malawian. He has tried to retract the statement, but he surely knows what he is talking about. With such an utterance, Scott has touched the raw nerve of his closest friend, and is likely to seek refuge in Kabimba’s stead should Sata retire today.”
Also, Kabimba has tied knots with some of the most influential cadres like Geoffrey Chumbwe, Kennedy Kamba, Goodson Banda, and Chanda Mfula who are capable of assembling a militia enough to cause havoc as never experienced.
Kabimba-Mulenga Sata’s headache
Kabimba is Mulenga Sata’s main worry. Mulenga knows Kabimba is already rattling the Sata dynasty. His recent staged trip to South Korea, a country with no significance to Zambia was a way of seeking approval for a “predetermined choice,” and the triumphant return was meant to show Kabimba who the designated heir was. Mulenga truly believes he can succeed his father, after all his ascendancy to power has been easy so far, first as mayor of Lusaka and as president of the Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ). He has been further encouraged by the scores of “drunk” and “deceived” cadres who flocked to the airport to welcome him on July 5, 2014. He is hoodwinking them to believe that a vote for Mulenga is a vote for Daddy.
Mulenga Sata’s arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport
In my journal I write: “While Mulenga was shaking hands with cadres and promising them opaque beer, a flabbergasted Acting President Kabimba was making phone calls to Lusaka Province leaders to find out who authorized them to besiege the airport. Obviously he was disheartened at the news that a multitude was chanting “Mulenga Sata for 2016.”
I continue: “It is difficult to tell who Mulenga supporters are. I doubt it is Chumbwe, Kamba, Banda, and Stardy Mwale of the copperbelt. They have been causing havoc on behalf of Kabimba who has rewarded them handsomely. I also doubt Robert Chikwelete, and Julius Komaki who once supported former Defense Minister Geoffrey Mwamba (GBM) would join his camp.” But again all these cadres are chameleons with a “show me the money” attitude.
GBM – a serious contender
Did I just mention heavyweight GBM? Although an underdog, the banished Geoffrey Mwamba is not a complete right off. If Sata were to retire today, Mwamba would thrust himself back in the mainstream, scrape enough support, and become a serious contender. Perhaps the most companionable of the three, he seems to have left a strong mark on the minds of many people after resigning from his post in support of the ungazetted Paramount Chief Chitimukulu. Since his ambitions were interpolated he has lived a desolate life with full support from the chief’s lieutenants and a good chunk of Bembas and others. Indeed, in a political arena in which Kabimba and Mulenga are the only strong contenders, Mwamba stands a better chance.
In the end I write: “These three men I have chronicled are the only hopefuls in the PF at the moment, or are they?” How about Dr. Kaseba Sata, will she be kind enough to let her step-son Mulenga carry the family mantle? Mulenga is already a notch ahead, therefore, any presidential ambitious by her will mean locking horns with her very own step-son. How about Given Lubinda and Chisimba Kabwili? At the moment they are both living in fool’s paradise. The remaining cabinet ministers have never shown any presidential ambition. In fact, some never thought they would become ministers. Where is Willie Nsanda in all this? Good question. “He’s the employed hyena, happy to make a meal of what the lions leave behind.”
Then I conclude: “of course there can be only one ruler. In a party where ego and power are the order of the day and violence is the means to settling scores, an embittered power struggle will be waged in a do-or-die winner-take-all. Remember the PF cadres are confused who to support. If Sata were to retire today, it is possible they would drive wedges into their adversaries, literally. This is what must be avoided by all means.”
Notice how I end without bringing in the opposition. Why? Answer: Because the opposition is at the moment too split to win an election.
Kabwata Member of Parliament Given Lubinda has charged that aspiring Kabwata Member of Parliament Clement Tembo is day dreaming if he thinks he can become the next area MP.
Mr. Lubinda has told QFM News in an interview that he is not threatened by Tembo’s campaign programmes including the collection of solid waste in the constituency.
He says Tembo has the right to aspire to be what he wants and that he should continue doing so for as long as it is within the confines of the electoral law.
Mr Lubinda says he is confident that even the electorates in Kabwata are not moved by Tembo’s earnest campaign ahead of the 2016 elections.
He adds that his constituency office in collaboration with the Lusaka city council waste management unit has been trying its best to ensure that garbage in the constituency is collected at the appropriate time.
And Mr. Lubinda has challenged the Lusaka city council to produce receipts books of the receipts issued to Mr. Tembo for hiring the refuse trucks used to collect garbage in the constituency.
Meanwhile Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) says it is always guided by the election timetable with regards to aspiring candidates and when they should start their campaigns.
ECZ public relations Manager Cris Akufuna says the commission will issue a comprehensive statement with regards Mr Tembo’s campaigns in Kabwata after getting to the bottom of the matter.
