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Champions Nkana are eyeing third place on the FAZ Super League table as they face Nchanga Rangers in a delayed Week 10 match at Nchanga Stadium in Chingola on Saturday.
Nkana can dislodge third placed Power Dynamos who sits on 28 points if they beat Nchanga to increase their tally to 29 points.
Nkana a visiting Nchanga just three days after losing to Zesco United 1-0 in a home midweek rescheduled match played in Kitwe.
Last season, Nkana trounced Nchanga both home and away on their journey to winning the league title.
However, Saturday’s encounter looks unpredictable as observed by Nchanga coach Fighton Simukonda.
“If I were a fortune teller I would have told you who will win the match,” Simukonda said.
Of late Nkana have been inconsistent in their performance.
“They (Nkana) want points and we too want points so it will be 50-50,” he said.
Struggling Nchanga have so far garnered 17 points from 14 matches.
Vice President Guy Scott says he was not campaigning for anyone when he said the amended 1996 constitution excluded Lusaka Mayor Mulenga Sata and Kabwata Member of Parliament Given Lubinda from standing for President because of their parentage.
Responding to a question by Kabwata Member of Parliament Given Lubinda during the vice president’s question time, who wanted to find out whether the office of vice president now has the authority to discuss people’s parentage and to declare which people qualify to hold public, Dr Scott said there was no hostility in his statement.
Dr Scott says he was merely explaining what the current situation is with the 1996 amended constitution when names of Given Lubinda and Mulenga Sata came to his mind.
He says the parentage clause in the constitution excludes a lot of people, adding that the amendment needs to be removed from the constitution.
Meanwhile the Oasis Forum says the PF Government should realize that the issue of enacting a new constitution will not die a natural death until the country has a supreme law that will stand the test of time.
Oasis Forum Chairperson Suzanne Matale says her organization is hopeful that government is listening to the plea of the people on the constitution.
Reverend Matale says the Zambian people want a new constitution before the 2016 general elections.
She states that the enactment of the country’s new constitution has actually been delayed and should have been completed by now.
Rev Matale has told Qfm News that this is because all that was supposed to be done before the constitution is enacted has already been done, hence the need to have the constitution enacted immediately.
File:MINISTER of Youth and Sport Chishimba Kambwili
The Anti-Corruption of Zambia (ACC) has concluded investigations into alleged Abuse of Authority office against former Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary for administration Anna Mwitwa Mwewa.
ACC Spokesperson Timothy Moono says the commission is currently assessing evidence of its investigation for possible prosecution.
Mr. Moono has also disclosed that the commission’s investigations into alleged Abuse of Authority office against Youth and Sports Minister Chishimba Kambwili over congratulatory advertisements placed in print media regarding his acquisition of his degree from Copper Stone University have also been concluded.
He says the gathered evidence is currently being assessed.
Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka this morning, Mr. Moono has also disclosed that investigations into alleged Abuse of Authority of office by former Deputy Ministers Ronald Chitotela and Rogers Mwewa involving CDF funds have also been concluded.
Mr. Moono says the commission is to this effect analyzing the evidence gathered.
And investigations into suspected corruption in the manner a contract for the installation of Security facilities in Lusaka was awarded to ZTE have been concluded.
Mr. Moono has disclosed to journalists that though the allegations were proven in this matter, the commission did not prosecute anyone for the offence due to legal technicalities.
He however says the commission has submitted recommendations to the Ministry of Home Affairs for administrative action.
The ACC spokesperson has further disclosed that investigations into suspected corruption in the manner contracts were being awarded to companies to undertake preparatory works for the UNWTO Conference that was held in Livingstone have also been concluded.
Mr. Moono has further disclosed that investigations into alleged Abuse of Authority office against former Tourism and Art Minister Sylvia Masebo in the manner she cancelled hunting concessions awarded by ZAWA are still ongoing and nearing competition.
HH at a media briefing at the party’s secretariat in Lusaka
United Party for National Development (UPND) President Hakainde Hichilema has charged that confusion has rocked the ruling Patriotic Front citing the party’s alleged struggle to find a candidate to field in the the Mangango parliamentary by-elections.
Addressing a media briefing in Lusaka today, Mr Hichilema says the PF allegedly struggled yesterday in Mangango to come up with a candidate to field until the last minute when they settled for a former councilor.
Mr. Hichilema says the disorganization in the ruling party can greatly affect the development of the country.
He wonders how the ruling PF will manage to convince the people of Mangango that they will take development to the area when they have failed to fulfill their promises.
And commenting on the state of affairs in the Agriculture sector, Mr.Hichilema says government should give priority to the sector stating that it remains the backbone of the country’s economy.
And responding to a question from a journalist over Civil Rights Activist, Brebner Changala’s application for a medical body to examine the health of the President, Mr. Hichilema says his party will not be issuing statements on the health of President Michael Sata.
He says his party will simply be waiting for statements from State House on the health status of the President.
Meanwhile, former Chavuma Member of Parliament and District Commissioner, Jerry Musole and a senior PF member in Kafue Victor Bupe have defected to the UPND citing alleged confusion in the ruling party.
Gender Minister Inonge Wina addressing a rally at Mangango market shortly after PF candidate Rogers Lingweshi Lyambai filed in his nomination successfully at Mangango primarty school
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Gender Minister Inonge Wina (in purple) Sylvia Masebo Chongwe MP,Joster Majoro Kaoma DC and the candidate for Mangango Rogers Lingweshi Lyambai at the meeting in mangango
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PF candidate for Mangango Rogers Lingweshi Lyambai speaking to journalists shortly after successfully filing in his nomination
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Gender Minister Inonge Wina , Sylvia Masebo Chongwe MP and the candidate for Mangango Rogers Lingweshi Lyambai having the light moment shortly he successfully filed in his nomination at Mangango Primary school
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Gender Minister Inonge Wina ,and the candidate for Mangango Rogers Lingweshi Lyambai walk side by side
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Sylvia Masebo Chongwe MP speaking to journalists whilst flanked by PF the candidate for Mangango Rogers Lingweshi Lyambai (l) and Gender Minister Inonge Wina during the filing in of nominations at Mangango primary school
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Returning Officer Mutayachalo Kingsley checking details of PF candidate for Mangango Rogers Lingweshi Lyambai and his agents during the filing in of nominations at Mangango primary school
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Assistant Returning Officer Gloria Phiri checks details of PF candidate for Mangango Rogers Lingweshi Lyambai and his agents Mundele Likongo during the filing in of nominations at mangango primary school
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Assistant Returning Officer Gloria Phiri entering details of 4th Revolution party candidate for Mangango Mukumbuta Kabuyana and his agents Bennie Chitumbu during the filing in of nominations at Mangango primary school
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UPND candidate for Mangango Gondwin Putu speaks to journalists shortly after succesffully filing in of nomination
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MMD candidate for Mangango Charles Mwenzala speaks to journalists shortly after succesffully filing in of nomination
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Returning Officer Mutayachalo Kingsley checking details of MMD candidate for Mangango Charles Mwenzala and his agents during the filing in of nominations at Mangango primary school
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Assistant Returning Officer Gloria Phiri entering details of MMD candidate for Mangango Charles Mwenzala and his agents Bennie Liwoyo during the filing in of nominations at Mangango primary school
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Assistant Returning Officer Gloria Phiri entering details of UNIP candidate for Mangango Janet Chingumbe and her agents Charity Muwane during the filing in of nominations at Mangango primary school
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UNIP candidate for Mangango Janet Chingumbe flanked by Charity Muwane speaks to journalists shortly after successfully filing in of nomination
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ADD candidate for Mangango Mwene Naluwa flanked by ADD president Charles Milupis peaks to journalist shortly after successfully filing in of nomination
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Assistant Returning Officer Gloria Phiri entering details of ADD candidate for Mangango Mwene Naluwa and his agents Helga Muchimba during the filing in of nominations at Mangango primary school
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Central Province Minister Obvious Mwaliteta (right) with Munda Ward aspiring Candidate Admson Kapapa (left) flashing the PF symbol after successfully filling nominations in Luano District
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CentralProvince Minister Obvious Mwaliteta (right) with PF Supporters after successfully filling nominations in Munda Ward by- elections in Luano District
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Election Officer for Munda Ward by- elections in Luano District Matengu Joseph (right) checking electoral details with Central Province Minister Obvious Mwaliteta and PF Ward Candidate Admson Kapapa during the filling of nominations
FILE: An amatuer video producer takes time to smoke marijuana during the Bob Marley Memorial concert in Lusaka west.
The opposition Forum for Democratic Alternative Party says arguments being forwarded by fellow opposition leaders Peter Sinkamba of the Green Party and People’s Party president Mike Mulongoti on the legalization of marijuana should not be entertained as the duo have not provided answers as to how the abuse would be kept in check.
FDA president Ludwig Sondashi said his party does not support the idea of legalizing the drug as it will add to the already existing challenge of alcohol abuse which he blamed to be partly responsible for the increasing carnage being witnessed on our public roads.
He noted that the country is finding it hard to cope with alcohol abuse hence legalizing marijuana would not be in the best interest of the nation which has had to cope with increased road accidents as well as low productivity due to alcohol intake.
“As Forum for Democratic Alternatives party (FDA), we wish to register our support for the view not to legalize the use of marijuana in the Republic of Zambia.
“Arguments advanced by both the Green party leader Peter Sinkamba and most recently by People’s Party president Mike Mulongoti do not merit the legalization of marijuana as they have not provided for how abuse would be kept in check.
“As things stand the nation has to cope with alcohol abuse which is partly responsible for the increasing carnage being witnessed on our public roads and for lowering productivity in the country,” Mr Sondashi said.
The Supreme Court has thrown out a bail application pending appeal by Musician General Kanene.
Supreme Court Judge Albert Wood ruled that the appeal case will be heard in less than two years and there is no possibility that Clifford Dimba alias General Kanene would have completed his 18 year jail sentence for defilement.
Judge Wood has ruled that Kanene will remain in custody until when his case comes up for hearing next year.
General Kanene’s lawyer Treshford Chali has however disclosed that he will appeal against the ruling before a full bench of the Supreme Court.
“What was happening today was the bail hearing application to a single Judge but he has denied it. So the option we have is to make the same application to a full Supreme Court bench,” he said.
General Kanene was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for defilement by the High Court this year.
And Mr. Chali has refuted reports that his client is on hunger strike.
“These reports that Kanene collapsed and he is not eating are not true. My client is in high spirit and he is coping very well,” Mr Chali said.
Future leaders-Pupils from Kamwala High School saying a poem on Africa Freedom day 2011
As Zambia celebrates jubilee this year, there is no doubt that this beautiful southern african country is at the crossroads.
As far as I can possibly envision or imagine, Zambia is not in a particular crisis. But, it is safe to say we have reached a major crossroad.
Accumulative reports indicate that our president is unwell, state house has since denied as baseless all these reports going round.
However, if these reports are true, we need to prepare for eventualities. In other words, who will take over if president Sata would step down or cease to be president today?
[pullquote]Zambians are now tired of lip service[/pullquote]
The list of those in waiting for plot one is too long to be printed out. Nevertheless, our prayer is, just as we see in the words of scripture Psalm 23…..we have Jehovah Roi, the God who sees(watches), we pray that HE intervenes to give us that suitable next leader.
There is too much clutter to think a sober leader will emerge out of. It is our prayer that the anointed one for Zambia’s leadership shall not be man’s expected, but one picked by God himself as in the story of David when Jehovah Roi selected from a handful of Jesse’s sons.
The call is rightly so upon the church, the bride and pride of Christ, to arise in the power of prayer asking God to provide what is best for Zambia.
Zambia deserves better only because God loves his people more than anything. We need a strong leader to help Zambia rise to a position of leadership in the region. However, before we think region, let’s think Zambia.
May God grand us a proven leader who has served faithfully in the community. A leader who has a past record of integrity and willingness to embrace all shades of Zambians and mostly the vulnerable and weak.
Zambia deserves a leader devoted to serve her people with a heart to uplift the plight of many.
Suffice to say that the drama has just began. The drama for the fight for state house. The list is filled with looters, plunderers, opportunists, chancers and imposters. But in the midst of such a twisted environment, there must be that one, committed to lead this nation to harmony and prosperity.
Truly Zambians are now tired of lip service. We are worn out by leaders who have settled and agreed to all forms of corruption as a way of life, those whose roots are deeply embedded in bribery and nepotism.
We say no to any leader who turns a blind eye to misuse of government position and office. Those who encourage money laundering and promote bribery and extortion.
Such leaders should know that their days are numbered. We want leaders who will uphold the rule of law and do away with all forms of repression towards all opponents as well as bring an end to police brutality.
With that said, I have come to my full realization that Zambians are not stupid. We now know what we are capable of and what we want. The days of empty promises are long gone. The days of holding on the fake promissory notes are done with.
As we examine the list of our next potential presidential candidates regardless of political affiliation, let’s run them through the litmus test. How effective have they been in their community before they aspire for the highest office in the land?
Six candidates have successfully filed their nominations in the Mangango parliamentary seat with the call by the candidates who were accompanied by their party officials and members declaring themselves read for the political battle in the field.
Meanwhile, the nominations were characterised with violence-free amid tight security by the Zambia Police Officers.
The candidates are ruling PF’s Rodgers Lingweshi, MMD ‘s Charles Mwenzala, UPND’s Godwin Putu, Naluwa Mwene of ADD, UNIP’s Janet Chingumbe and Mukumbuta Kabuyana of the Fourth Revolution party.
Returning Officer Kingsley Mtayachalo officially announced that the candidates have successfully filed in their nominations and advised them to adhere to the Electoral code of conduct.
MMD Chairman for Elections Kenneth Chipungu charged that their candidate is automatically going to retain the seat having being served as former councillor for the area.
“Our candidate has been a Councillor before so you don’t expect to fall butto change to another level which MP,”Mr. Chipungu said.
Ruling Patriotic Front (PF) Chairperson for Elections Sylvia Masebo said the party had not ‘imported” a candidate but a local resident who is much familiar with the sufferings of the people.
Ms. Masebo said Mr. Lingweshi, a former civil servant had wisdom and served as a former civil leader in the previous UNIP and MMD government as a Councillor for Mangango Central Ward.
She said the party structures and members in Mangango constituency unanimously agreed to pick Mr. Lingweshi as they all wanted real development to trickle down to the grassroots through the government of the day and under the able leadership of President Michael Sata.
Ms. Masebo, however, observed that people in the entire constituency were in favour of former MP, Robert Taundi Chiseke but because of legal issues surrounding him (Chiseke), the ruling party made a change in consultation with the people and the party leadership.
ADD leader Charles Milupi said condemned violence that had marred previous nomination exercises and expressed gratitude in the manner the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) had managed to facilitate the filling-in of nomination papers.
UNIP candidate Janet Chingumbe charged that men MPs voted in the past had lamentably failed to deliver to the aspirations of the Mangango constituents/people.
Ms. Chingumbe appealed to the electorates to vote and give her a chance this time around in order to bring development closer to the people as she hails from the area.
PF National Chairperson Inonge Wina hoped that the forth-coming Mangango parliamentary elections should reflect the peace Zambia was enjoying in view of the 50th independence anniversary.
Ms. Wina appealed to other participating political parties in the constituency to avoid character assassination, slander and personal vendetta as they are detrimental to Zambia’s democracy.
“We don’t want elections based on violence, personal vendetta and slander. I’m happy that this nomination of filing in nominations here in Mangango Polling Centre has gone violence-free, ” she said.
The Mangango seat fell vacant following the nullification of Robert Chiseke who also former Commerce Deputy Minister.
The Forum for Democratic Alternative (FDA) has challenged government to clear the anxieties that have gripped the nation regarding the republican president’s health and put a stop to speculations which are exposing the presidency to ridicule both locally and internationally.
FDA President Ludwig Sondashi says It is essential and imperative for government to clear the anxieties that has gripped the nation ever since the head of state travelled to Israel for a working holiday.
Mr. Sondashi noted that conflicting and contradictory statement from senior government officials are only fueling speculations about the president’s health.
“The country is getting chocked with speculations, rumours and innuendos about President Sata’s physical health. It is essential and imperative for government to clear the anxieties that has gripped the nation ever since the head of state travelled to Israel for a working holiday.
“Conflicting and contradictory statement from government particularly from Vice – President Guy Scott and acting Information and Broadcasting Minister Mwansa Kapeya have not helped and to top it all up President Sata’s arrived back home from Israel has been shrouded in secrecy fueling speculations that the head of State is not in sound health.
“Speculations, rumors and innuendos are just exposing the presidency to ridicule both locally and internationally as can be seen by an application to compel government to constitute a medical board to examine the physical and mental status of the president which has been filed in the high Court by a civil rights activist Brebner Changala,” Mr. Sondashi said.
[pullquote]“The country is getting chocked with speculations, rumours and innuendos about President Sata’s physical health. It is essential and imperative for government to clear the anxieties that has gripped the nation ever since the head of state travelled to Israel for a working holiday.[/pullquote]
The opposition leader further challenged government to issue a comprehensive statement as the regards the health of the president.
“As a Party we would like government to make a comprehensive statement regarding the health of the head of State as it was creating a lot of anxiety among citizens.
“Lastly it has become absolutely necessary in Public interest to consider the state of the health of the head of state bearing in mind that the health of President can not be hidden from the Public forever sooner or later the truth is bound to come out,” he added.
And the Opposition Forum for Democracy and Development has challenged republican president Michael Sata to show that he is well and performing his duties by swearing in the Attorney General and Solicitor General whose names were recently ratified by parliament.
FDD spokesperson Antonio Mwanza says the president should immediately swear in the duo as their constitution value is of great importance to the smooth operations of government.
Mr. Mwanza noted that being the principal legal adviser to the government it is imperative that the Attorney General is sworn in without further delay.
“The failure by president Michael Sata to swear in the Attorney General and the Solicitor General is a great source of worry looking at the constitution functions that these offices have.
“The Attorney General is the principal legal adviser to the government; he is in charge of drafting all government bills and there is no government contract or government agreement that can be concluded without the legal advise of the Attorney general.
[pullquote]”The failure by president Michael Sata to swear in the Attorney General and the Solicitor General is a great source of worry looking at the constitution functions that these offices have.[/pullquote]
We wonder why the president has failed to swear in the Attorney General and the Solicitor General long after parliament had approved these names; dose it mean that government has stopped having agreements and contracts or it is doing that without the advise of the Attorney General?” Mr. Mwanza wondered.
He also noted that the failure by the republican president swear in the duo is an indication that the country is on autopilot which needs to be stopped as the nation risks collapsing if it continues in the same direction.
“This surly indicates that the country is on autopilot and it has to be stopped because there is no government that can effectively function without the expert advise of the Attorney General so we are challenging president Sata to swear in the Attorney General and Solicitor General failure to which we shell be left with no option but to take legal action,” Mr Mwanza said.
FINANCE Minister Alexander Chikwanda has appealed to Britain to relax economic sanctions against neighbouring Zimbabwe as the continued action was also negatively affecting Zambia’s growth ambitions.
Mr Chikwanda said this when he met United Kingdom Secretary of State for International Development Justine Greening at his office for bilateral discussions focused on expanding existing relations between Zambia and Britain.
“We are appealing to Britain to help some of our neighbouring countries like Zimbabwe, our economies in this region are inter-linked, when there is a problem there, it spills over to us,” Mr Chikwanda said.
Mr Chikwanda thanked Britain for being a close ally in aiding the improvement of key economic sectors such as health, education as well as several other reform programmes including the tax system.
Mr Chikwanda said Zambia needed as much as donor countries to reduce its dependence on donor support through growing its own economy and was determined to achieve this target.
“Zambia highly appreciates your support, we are your brother but we need to be self reliant, we cannot continue depending on aid. We need to grow our economy and reduce donor dependence. Your visiting shows the cordiality of relations between Britain and Zambia,” he said.
Meanwhile, Britain has pledged unwavering support to Zambia’s development agenda, announcing that several investment windows will open to woo increased investment from Britain.
Ms Greening said Britain remained committed to help Zambia yield results from its development strategy through various reforms.
She said two trade delegations would soon visit Zambia to look at investment opportunities while an international investment meeting was scheduled for London to help drive Britain investment to Zambia.
“DFID is a very strong partner to help economic development and we want to be part of this strategy. We need to work together to increase investment and in human capital development,” she added.
She said Zambia’s relations had been longstanding and successful and that this should continue.
Ms Greening was in the country to among others deliver a keynote address during the Regional Symposium on Ending Child Marriages held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka and hosted by First Lady Christine Kaseba and Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkandu Luo.
Kalumbila Minerals in Solwezi will pay about K2 million as compassionate fee to families whose ancestral graves will be exhumed to pave way for mining operations.
Musele Ward Councillor, Olix Kakwata, confirmed to ZANIS in an interview in Solwezi that the mine will pay K6, 000 to the next of king of the affected families for each grave that will be exhumed.
Councillor Kakwata explained that about 200 old graves out of the 360 identified graves that are lying within the mining surface rights will be exhumed and reburied in the existing burial sites within Senior Chief Musele’s chiefdom.
He said the rest of the graves will be fenced and lay tombstones on them.
The compassionate fee is meant to caution the costs that the families will incur to rebury the remains of their ancestors following the relocation of villages in the area to pave way for mining operations.
A comment from Kalumbila mine management failed as they could not be reached by mobile phone by press time.
FIRST Lady Christine Kaseba has called for the introduction of a new law to criminalise perpetrators of early marriages to help curb the vice.
Dr Kaseba said criminalising the act was the only sure way of fighting early marriages to ensure the protection of the girl-child as well as seeing a reduction in such practices.
Dr Kaseba said the current percentage of girls being married off before the age of 17 was high in the country and needed to be reduced by 2015 through the establishment of stiffer penalties.
Speaking during the official launch of the Regional Symposuim on Ending Child Marriages at Lusaka’s Mulungushi International Conference Centre on Wednesday evening, Dr Kaseba said there was need to strategise on how best the vice could be completely curbed.
“It is sad that 46 per cent of women had been married off before the age of 14 years, the victims are subjected to devastating effects and become victims of gender and domestic based violence, physical abuse and neglect, I urge law makers to consider criminalising this offence,” she said.
Visiting United Kingdom Secretary of State for International Development Justice Greening said Zambia had enjoyed an impressive economic growth and had seen 1.2 million more children in schools and 40 per cent reduction in child mortality.
She commended Zambia’s commitment to scaling up social protection to those living in extreme poverty saying the country’s economic and social development had been underpinned by its political development.
“Today Zambia is known across Africa as a model of democracy. Zambian people are not only voting in free and fair elections, they have a genuine say in the running of their country and at the same time we know there are still real development challenges for Zambia to overcome,” Ms Greening said.
“We recognise that Zambia’s growth is in Britain’s interests as well as yours. And the British High Commission here is working closely with the Zambian government to improve our two countries’ business links and promote trade,” she said.
As the mid-season Zambian football transfer window runs from July 1st -23rd, a number of Super League clubs have expressed interest in beefing up their squads prior to the second half of the campaign.
Power Dynamos wants to re-sign midfielder Joseph Sitali and striker Luka Lungu from Congolese side Don Bosco.
Sitali and Lungu are currently training at Arthur Davies.
Power are also understood to be interested in K-Stars midfielder Patson Daka who is on loan at Nchanga Rangers.
Meanwhile, Nkana are reported to be eyeing Red Arrows talented midfielder Shadreck Malambo plus Konkola Blades defenders Amos Simwanza and Chewe Mukuka.
Elsewhere, Blades midfielder Misheck Chaila has been linked with a move back to Kabwe Warriors.
From Lusaka, Red Arrows are planning to recall winger Timothy Mbewe from National Assembly where he has been fantastic so far this season.
And inspirational Green Buffaloes skipper Dennis Banda is expected to return from a long injury lay off when the league resume.
