B1 and Leo Muntu released the video for their song “Sokola Bonzo”
Song Produced By: Jerry Fingaz ; Video By: RedDot Inc
BY KAPA187
ACC begin begins investigating PF MP and N/W Provincial Minister for Corruption
THE Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has commenced investigations into reports of alleged corrupt practices involving Patriotic Front Mongu Central member of Parliament (MP) Nathaniel Mubukwanu.
The 2012 Auditor-General’s report revealed that Mr Mubukwanu, who is also North-Western Province Minister, irregularly influenced the awarding of K452,000 constituency development fund (CDF) contracts to unqualified contractors.
ACC public relations manager Timothy Moono said in Lusaka yesterday that the investigations follow a thorough analysis of the allegations of corruption levelled against Mr Mubukwanu in the 2012 Auditor-General’s report.
“We have commenced investigations into the reports of corruption against Mr Mubukwanu,” Mr Moono said.
He said he would give a comprehensive report within this week.
Recently, Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) executive director Goodwell Lungu called for the suspension of Mr Mubukwanu for alleged procurement irregularities involving CDF as cited in the 2012 report.
Mr Lungu called on President Sata to suspend Mr Mubukwanu.
He said TIZ is dismayed to learn that Mr Mubukwanu allegedly irregularly directed Mongu Municipal Council to award contracts in the allocation of two projects.
Ronald Chitotela and Rodgers Mwewa were fired in December last year as deputy ministers of Labour and Agriculture, respectively, as the ACC instituted investigations into their alleged misuse of CDF.
President Sata said he could not work with the duo when they were being investigated for corrupt practices.
Mr Chitotela is Pambashe MP while Mr Mwewa is Mwansabombwe lawmaker.
President Sata also fired permanent secretary for administration at Cabinet Office Ann Mwewa for alleged corruption.
Government intensifies efforts to set up airline
GOVERNMENT has intensified efforts to re-establish a national airline to help boost the country’s tourism sector.
Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication Yamfwa Mukanga said a committee set up for the re-establishment of a national carrier has come up with recommendations which have since been taken to Cabinet for approval.
Mr Mukanga said in Lusaka yesterday that the absence of a national airline has negatively affected the development of tourism, non-traditional exports and other industries that rely on tourism.
“There is a lot of commitment towards the re-establishment of a national airline. The ministry has tabled the recommendations to Cabinet for approval and once this is done, we will go ahead to establish the national airline.
“As a ministry, we want to assure the nation that the establishment of a national airline for Zambia is underway,” he said.
Mr Mukanga said some big international airlines have expressed interest to partner with Zambia on the re-introduction of a national airline.
The minister, who declined to name the airlines as the matter was yet to be tabled before Cabinet, said some big international carriers are keen to partner with the country so that they could paint their planes in Zambian colours and employ local people.
He said other airlines are also interested in buying or financing the purchase of new planes for the country.
Mr Mukanga said government has learnt many lessons in the past and hence Cabinet will assess all the options on the table and come up with the best decision on behalf of the Zambian people.
Mr Mukanga further said many countries have expressed willingness to help Zambia re-establish a national airline.
He said his ministry is also doing feasibility studies to determine how much it will cost government to re-establish a national airline.
The minister said government is working hard to reposition Zambia as an air transport regional hub.
President Sata should be the last old president for Zambia-Lusambo
Press statement for immediate release
PRESIDENT SATA SHOULD BE THE LAST OLD PRESIDENT FOR ZAMBIA
As MMD youths, we wish to reiterate our earlier call for young Zambians to position themselves for leadership of this great nation.
History shows that young people in Zambia have sacrificed tremendously for the development of Zambia. In 1964, youths marched the Cha Cha Cha way and freed the country from colonial rule. In 1991, youths rallied and ushered in a muti-party democratic dispensation and the same youths defended constitutional order during the third term debate and recent history also shows that young Zambians brought about the 2011 revolution.
With such historical benefits, it goes without saying that 2016 provides the best opportunity for young Zambians to effectively participate in governance of this great nation.
With all the valuable lessons learnt since 1964, Zambians youths are now more than ready to get the mantle from old politicians. We believe that the Zambia we now have today would have been far much better if space was created for effective youth participation.
Zambian youth is astute, knowledgeable, assertive and ready to govern. Space in the governance system should be created for the youths to participate.
As long as political leadership remains a preserve of the old politicians, economic empowerment of the young people will remain a dream. The level of economic deprivation among the youths of Zambia today is a crisis.
Majority youths are languishing in high levels of poverty. A simple analysis shows that very few youths below 35 own any serious property in any part of Zambia.
In Kabulonga suburb for instance, all the key properties in that area are owned by old people. As long as young people do not have access to leadership positions, we might as well forget about having a wealthy nation.
All the government contracts are awarded to companies and organisations owned by old people. The young people do not have access to any form of economic support to sustain their livelihoods.
The future of Zambia is in the youth. We therefore condemn attempts by some old politicians to wish to cling on to power. Miscalculated attempts by some old politicians to bar and discourage young politicians from ascending to key leadership roles should be condemned by all well-meaning Zambians.
We should stand together and denounce the habit by old politician to trample on the rights and opportunities of young people and ensure that political space is created for their meaningful contribution.
This call for young leadership in politics is across party lines and should therefore be embraced by the political structure of this great nation.
Issued by: Bowman Lusambo-MMD Die Hard National Youth Coordinator
08/07/14
Government releases K1.6 billion to various ministries and statutory agencies
GOVERNMENT has released K1.6 billion to various ministries and statutory agencies in an effort to stay on course with moving public expenditure from predominantly consumption to capital in order to reduce poverty.
The Treasury released these funds between June 30 and July 4, this year so as to stay on course with realignment of public expenditure from predominantly consumption to capital, poverty reduction and employment creation activities.
In a statement yesterday, Ministry of Finance head of media and public relations Chileshe Kandeta said some of the ministries, provinces, and other spending statutory agencies that received funding are Local Government and Housing, Education, Health, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Home Affairs, Chiefs and Traditional Affairs, Defence, and Foreign Affairs.
Others are the Judiciary, Electoral Commission of Zambia, National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA), Public Service Pensions Fund, Public Service Commission, the Zambia National Building Society (ZNBS), and various provinces.
The Treasury released K342.8 million for foreign currency purchases, of which K307 million went towards repayment of arrears owed to PTA Bank for fuel purchases, K35 million was shipped to Zambia’s foreign missions for staff emoluments, and K1.8 million was a scheduled external debt amortisation.
These transactions, Mr Kandeta said, had a tow on the exchange rate, however, forex demand is expected to taper-off this week.
Government recapitalised the ZNBS with K165 million from proceeds of the 1 billion sovereign bond.
Mr Kandeta said the funds had significantly improved the resource base for ZNBS.
It was anticipated, he said, that there would be improved onward lending to the public as mortgages in form of home purchase loans, construction loans, home improvement loans, and loans under employer assisted schemes.
The Treasury also released K378 million to the Ministry of Education of which K240 million is for school infrastructure projects in various provinces while K10 million is an allocation for student tuition fees.
The Ministry of Health got K152.6 million for infrastructural projects, of which K95 million is targeted at capital projects and procurement of medical equipment for modernisation of health service delivery in Zambia. The Ministry of Local Government and Housing received K43 million, of which K2 million was appropriated for construction of markets and bus stops.
Mr Kandeta said the Ministry of Defence received K30 million for purchase of earth moving equipment, an important step in ensuring that the local capacity of the infrastructure sector is enhanced and so the Ministry of Finance was optimistic of delivery timeliness and better quality infrastructure works.
For scheduled construction of chiefs palaces, the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs received K4 million towards ongoing works.
NAPSA was given K25.3 million while the Public Service Pensions Fund received K21.7 million as employers share towards June, 2014 pension contributions.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia was given K5 million for the forthcoming by-elections.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives got K60 million for crop purchases affirming Government’s commitment to the Food Reserve Agency paying farmers on time to accelerate development and poverty reduction at grass-root level.
Meanwhile, Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba has appealed for timely implementation of the programmes which have benefitted from the K1.6 billion funding, not only to maintain the positive growth of the economy, but also to ensure that the implementing agencies take advantage of rain-free weather conditions.
“At all levels of governance, it is also important that everyone familiarises themselves with the statutes, regulations and guidelines on management and administration of public funds to ensure that the intended beneficiaries are touched by these resource outlays, in a timely, positive and sustainable manner.
“We must not wait for the next rains to catch-up, therefore, the Treasury will not hesitate to re-call idle funds being kept by some ministries in commercial bank accounts, for re-allocation to needy programmes,” he said.
Mr Yamba said funds should be utilized for the intended purposes so that the results would be beneficial to Zambians and reassuring to the international community about the Government’s ability to transform the Zambian economy into one of the best in Africa.
Political parties to name their adopted candidates today for the August 19 by-election
THE Ruling Patriotic Front (PF), United Party for National Development (UPND) and MMD will today announce their adopted candidates for the Mangango Constituency by election slated for August 19, this year.
The three political parties said in separate interviews yesterday that they were in their final stages of consultations among senior party officials before announcing the adopted candidates.
PF Secretary General Wynter Kabimba said in an interview yesterday that the party had completed the adoption process and was only waiting for approval.
“We shall announce the adopted PF candidate tomorrow (today), the process has already been completed except for minor concerns but will not derail the announcement,” Mr Kabimba said.
MMD deputy national secretary, Chembe Nyangu said the Provincial officials had finished the process and sent the adoption papers to Lusaka for finals perusal.
“We want to wait for the papers to arrive here, they are coming by bus as they were sent yesterday before announcing, we shall actually rely on the recommendations by the Provincial officials,” Mr Nyangu said.
UPND deputy spokesperson, Edwin Lifwekelo said his party’s national management committee would hold a meeting today to ratify the name of the preferred candidate as per procedure before officially announcing the candidate.
He said the said candidate was a strong contender who would give other candidates a tough time during campaigns because he was a well known person in Mangango and was hard working.
“This candidate is subject to ratification by the party’s national management committee, we already have one but the due process had to be followed before the name is officially announced,” Mr Lifwekelo said.
The by- election was necessitated after the nullification of the election of MMD’s Robert Taundi Chiseke by the Supreme Court on May 19, 2014 on grounds that his election was fraught with electoral malpractices.
PF losing candidate Richard Simbula had petitioned the election of Mr Chiseke alleging illegal and corrupt practices.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has since set Tuesday, August 19, 2014, as the date on which parliamentary by- election for Mangango constituency in Western province would be held.
Before the nullification of his seat, Mr Chiseke served as Deputy Minister for Commerce, Trade and Industry.
Aspiring candidates wishing to contest the by-elections are expected to file in their nomination papers tomorrow on July 10, 2014.
The campaign period would commence from July 10 after the nominations and end on Monday August 18, 2014 at 18:00 hours.
Islamic Council of Zambia condemns Boko Haram attacks
Islamic Supreme Council of Zambia (ICZ) has condemned the continuous havoc by Boko Haram against innocent people in Nigeria.
ISCZ President, Suzyo Zimba, says it is unfortunate that the suspected Islamist militant group, Boko Haram, has continued to cause terror among the local people in Nigeria.
Mr Zimba said in an interview with ZANIS that the Nigerian government need to seriously dialogue with the terrorists in order to find a lasting solution.
He said it is disastrous that clashes have persisted between Boko Haram militants and the Nigerian government forces resulting in deaths of innocent citizens.
Mr Zimba said there is need for concerted efforts by world leaders in order to bring sanity in North-east Nigeria where the Boko Haram has been causing havoc.
The recent abduction of school girls follows fights between Nigerian soldiers and Boko Haram militants resulting in 50 rebels being killed as the Nigerian military repelled an attack on its military base.
Six Nigerian soldiers, including the commanding officer, died during the clash.
More than 200 school girls who were abducted in April are still being held captive by Boko Haram militants who seek to establish a fundamental Islamic state in the country’s North.
Meanwhile, about 60 girls and women kidnapped in North-east Nigeria last month, have reportedly fled their captors.
The ISCZ has been instrumental in spearheading peace and unity among religions in Zambia.
Can Zesco disconnect Nkana?
Nkana target third place on Wednesday when they host Zesco United at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe in a rescheduled 2014 FAZ Super Division Week 12 game.
Nkana are currently fifth on the table on 26 points from 13 matches played with two games in hand.
Victory over second placed Zesco will lift them within one point of the latter who have played 14 games this season and are three points behind leaders Zanaco.
“Zesco is a big team but again we are playing at home and the way we are playing I still have confidence we can get maximum points,” Nkana coach Zeddy Saileti.
However, Nkana have a poor home record against Zesco whom they have yet to beat in Kitwe.
Zesco has come away with four draws and two wins since the Ndola club returned to the FAZ Super Division in 2004.
But assistant coach Tenant Chembo, who is standing in for George Lwandamina who is away in Lusaka on a CAF coaching course, said they will not underestimate their hosts despite the good fortunes in Wusakile.
“We are taking the game seriously as at this point we do not want to drop any points,” Chembo said.
A win for Zesco will send them within a point of Zanaco before returning to action after the mid-season break on July 19.
[standings league_id=1]
TAZARA in US $80m boost from Tanzania and Zambia Governments
(left) addresses new Zambia Railways Board members at his office as
the new Board Chairperson Davies Chama looks on in Lusaka
The governments of Tanzania and Zambia, who are the two shareholders of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), have agreed to inject US $80.00 million into the operations of TAZARA in the next 12 months.
Of this amount, US$ 9.20 million is to be disbursed immediately to cater for two months of the outstanding employees’ salary arrears and some working capital.
This came to light during the TAZARA Council of Ministers meeting held in Lusaka, Zambia, on Friday 4 July 2014.
The meeting resolved to inject funds in the Authority following months of low productivity and operational disruptions due to various factors including frequent breakdowns, accidents, unstable labour atmosphere and lack of working capital to pay salaries and procure fuels and lubricants for the trains, all resulting in recurrent work stoppages.
Speaking during the meeting, the Tanzanian Minister of Transport, Harrison Mwakyembe, who is the current Chairperson of the Council of Ministers, said the Tanzanian government was encouraged by the commitment of the Zambian government towards TAZARA.
Dr Mwakyembe reiterated his government’s commitment to look for resources in order to ensure that TAZARA’s operations are boosted for the company’s smooth running.
“We are delighted and greatly encouraged by the unprecedented commitment and support shown by our Zambian partners towards TAZARA.
“In line with the commitment shown by Zambia, I take this opportunity to reiterate our commitment as Tanzania and affirm that we are willing and ready to find resources in order to ensure that TAZARA’s operations are boosted to a level where we shall all be comfortable,” Dr Mwakyembe said.
He said in a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today that the two governments would not allow TAZARA to collapse.
And his Zambian counterpart, Yamfwa Mukanga urged the two countries to enhance their commitment in order to turn around the company.
Mr Mukanga said there was also need for the two governments to find lasting solutions to challenges that the railway line was facing.
“We all must put in what we can so that this company is turned around. If we are all committed, this company will be turned around. We must find lasting solutions,” said Mr Mukanga.
The Zambian minister further said since the two governments were showing serious commitment by heavily investing resources in TAZARA, it would also be expected that management and employees would equally perform.
“Performance will no longer be an option and measures will be put in place to ensure that each and every position is monitored for performance so that those who are not performing are weeded out immediately,” he said.
Also in attendance were the Zambian Minister of Finance, Alexander Chikwanda, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Robert Sichinga, and the Tanzanian Deputy Minister of Finance, Adam Malima.
Others included the two Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Transport in Tanzania and Zambia, Shabaan Mwinjaka and Charles Sipanje, respectively as well as the management team of TAZARA.
ZANIS
PF systematically destroying agriculture set up in the country-Kunda
Opposition Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) Muchinga member of parliament who is also the party’s Youth National Chairperson Howard Kunda says the PF government is slowly destroying the agriculture sector in the country.
Mr. Kunda said since getting into office the PF has systematically destroyed the agriculture set up left behind by the former ruling party which ensured that country had “real” bumper harvests for three consecutive years and ensured that mealie meal prices were low in the country.
He noted that since the PF got into office the agriculture sector’s performance has dwindled owing to the lack of policy direction by the government.
He explained that as youths in the opposition they find it disheartening that the agriculture sector which is suppose to be an alternative source of employment for the many unemployed youths has been neglected by the current government.
Mr. Kunda noted that the PF has failed to completely deal with the challenges as the sector has been facing problems every season making it difficult for small scale farmers who depend on farming for their livelihood.
Mr. Kunda advised the PF to listen to advise as being adamant is not only hurting the farmers but the country at large.
He said the PF should understand that pronouncements should be backed tangible actions which he said the PF seems to be clueless about as they continue making promises and raising people’s hopes without actions to back up their promises.
Mr. Kunda was commenting on the failure by the government to commence the purchasing of maize which the minister announced that would start on 1 July 2014.
Pray for new heroes and heroines, Fr. Bwalya
The Alliance for Better Zambia ABZ has urged Zambians to use this year’s Heroes and Unity days to pray for the emerging of new heroes and heroines.
ABZ leader Father Frank Bwalya says given the blessing that this year’s celebration coincides with our independence golden jubilee celebration it is important to use the occasion to pray for continued unity in the country.
Father Bwalya however, says ABZ thinks that it is uncalled for to continue talking about fallen heroes and heroines at a time when the country needs current heroes and heroines to deal with challenges of the time.
Below is the full statement
ALLIANCE FOR BETTER ZAMBIA (ABZ)
PRESS STATEMENT
JULY 6, 2014
SUBJECT: ABZ MESSAGE FOR THE HEROES AND UNITY DAYS
Zambians should use this year’s Heroes and Unity days to pray for the emerging of new heroes and heroines. Given the blessing that this year’s celebration coincides with our independence golden jubilee celebration it is important to use the occasion to pray for continued unity in our country.
However, we think that it is useless for us to continue talking about fallen heroes and heroines at a time when our country needs current heroes and heroines to deal with challenges of our time. Our country is confronted with numerous socio-economic and political challenges that require the kind of heroism we have seen in the past to solve.
It is importance to remember and celebrate the heroism of our departed brothers and sisters but it is even more important to pray for the rising of heroes and heroines in our time.
Against this background, we urge President Michael Sata to take advantage of this opportunity to become a hero by responding positively to demands for a people driven constitution.
For sure, Zambians will see Mr Sata as a hero if he puts an end to reckless wastage of tax payer’s money on constitution making processes by delivering a good constitution to stand the test of time.
Since the impasses between government and the public over demands for a people driven constitution have turned out to be devise, President Sata will enhance his leadership credentials by uniting the country by honouring his promise to deliver a people driven constitution in the manner outlined in the PF manifesto.
Finally, we encourage all citizens to perform simple actions of heroism by engaging in activities that unite people. Only unity can guarantee continued stability in our country which is necessary for accelerated development.
Fr. Frank Bwalya
ABZ LEADER
Current political and social atmosphere not conducive for uniting, opposition
Two opposition political parties has observed that it is difficult to archive unity in the country due to the current political and social atmosphere obtaining in the country.
Opposition Forum Democracy and Development FDD has observed that unity can not exist without ensuring that parameters and factors are put in place for its existence.
And opposition National Restoration Party NAREP National Secretary Jevan Kamanga says the country’s democracy should be a uniting platform people as opposed to using it to fight one another.
Speaking when the duo featured on a special program on Muvi tv this morning FDD spokesperson Antonio Mwanza said unity can not exist in a vacuum hence the need to put up measures that will ensure its existence and sustenance.
He noted that there is need to ensure that the national cake is shared equitably something he said can only be guaranteed by having a constitution that guarantees people their rights.
“You can not have unity of purpose when you are still using a constitution that was left behind by foreigners. How can you have unity of purpose when 50 years after independence you are still using a non-Zambian generated constitution; you can never have unity when the laws that bind you as a nation are imposed on you by foreigners.
” You can not have unity when there is no proper sharing of the national cake. The constitution that we are fighting for right now is the constitution that will guarantee the rights to food, right to shelter, right to education and right health.
They can never be unity if our children go to different schools; some children go to schools that well equipped, they have books and teachers are there while for some of us that came from the compounds our children go to schools that have no teachers and have outdated materials, therefore making my son who comes from the compound and yours coming from ‘Mayard’ to different sets of access to health education access to basic necessities such as food and shelter that is why we need a new constitution that will ensure that social and economic rights are equal in the country,” Mr. Mwanza noted.
He noted that politician are dividing the nation instead of building it.
He added, “we cannot have unity in the country when we are being divided on political, regional and tribal lines and all these things are being done by the politicians. You cannot unity in the country when HH is forced out of a radio station through the roof, you cannot have unity when president Nawakwi is harassed by the police when she wants to have a meeting at her offices, there can never be unity when Dr. Mumba is forced out Vubwi by the police.”
Mr. Mwanza however said the nation should define what it wants to unity for as opposed to people just saying the nation should unity on a common purpose.
And NAREP National Secretary Jevan Kamanga unity should not be misconstrued to lack of divergent views from the opposition.
Mr. Kamanga said in democracy people are suppose to express themselves with the government intimidating them.
He said the opposition should be at liberty to express themselves if they feel the government of the day is not doing things right as that does not bring dis- unity but instead be part of the uniting force of the nation.
The opposition leaders further wondered how the nation when the president keeps refusing to meet opposition leaders to dialogue over national issues.
UK Secretary of State for International Development to attend Event to be hosted by First Lady on Thursday
United Kingdom (UK) Secretary of State for International Development, Justine Greening, is scheduled to visit Zambia between the 9th and 10th of July to add support to ending child marriage campaign.
Ms Greening will deliver the keynote address at the Regional Symposium on ending Child Marriage being hosted by the First Lady, Christine Kaseba, and Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs, Nkandu Luo.
The symposium will highlight both the dangers of child marriage and the long term harm it does to communities.
The Secretary of State said she was delighted to be visiting Zambia, noting that the UK has supported Zambia ever since its independence, and has a very substantial cooperation programme.
She said she was particularly pleased to be coming to Zambia just three months before the 50th anniversary of Zambia’s independence.
This is according to a statement released to media in Lusaka today by the Press and Public Affairs Section of the British High Commission in Lusaka.
Ms Greening expressed delight to be given the opportunity to speak at the symposium, saying child marriage is a huge problem in Zambia with nearly two in five girls married off before they are 18.
She commended the Zambian government for being the first African Union (AU) country to launch a campaign to end child marriage.
“It is great to see how much the movement is growing in momentum,” Ms Greening said.
The visit is part of a wider UK Government campaign to put the global spotlight on ending child marriage.
As part of this campaign, UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, will host an international Girls Summit in London on July 22.
During her visit, the Secretary of State will also explore trade linkages between the UK and Zambia to promote economic development.
The visit also comes barely a week since United States Vice President Joe Biden’s wife, Jill visited the Southern African country.
Will the guy go scott-free?
Mechanism (APRM) report from Vice President Dr Guy Scott at State
House in Lusaka
An attack on the rulers family
They say all good things come to an end. And there can also be an “au revoir” between the best of friends. Vice-President Dr. Guy Scott may well be thinking about that.After a nebulous and self-defeating reference to the President’s son, Mulenga Joel Sata—automatic heir to the throne if Zambia was a monarchy—Dr. Scott may have stuck his finger out in President Sata’s face!
Nothing beyond the understandable. Go into any memory bank of rulers (kings and presidents); they never take kindly to aspersions on their spouse and children. They perceive an attack on any member of their family as an attack on themselves. That’s just the way it is.
In a way, Shakespeare meant such a menu when he declared; “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.”
Whether it is American President Barak Obama or South African President Jacob Zuma, they all look an unattractive sight when their families are disparaged by anyone.Rulers know that any perceived sleight of hand against their household is a volatility that goes viral. It sends a huge statement out. Sometimes, it re-opens old wounds. In the case of Mulenga Sata, attention shifts to his mother, the distinguished former headmistress of the Kamwala Secondary School, sister of Zambia’s first international film actor, late Edwin Manda of the Touch of the Sun fame.
It will be significant to indicate that the movie; Touch of the Sun, a 1979 British-American comedy film was directed by Peter Curran and starring such names as Oliver Reed, Sylvaine Charlet, Peter Cushing and Wilfrid Hyde-White. Also released as No Secrets!, it was the story of an American space capsule which crash-landed into an African dictator’s territory. The ruler, Emperor Sumumba (acted by Manda), refuses to return it and demands a massive ransom. An American secret agent is assigned to recover it.
It explains why the Lusaka mayor’s response to Dr. Scott was fast and furious. He must have been badly hurt by his father’s friend, a man whom he probably endears as an “Uncle.” Two weeks in politics can be such a long time. A long time indeed, where, already, verbiage is changing!
Scott and Sata -inseparable until now
Perhaps until now, political communicators saw Dr. Scott as one you can liken to President Sata’s Siamese twin brother albeit in a different skin colour. The two were inseparable whether as smokers then, as MMD MPs and Ministers and as lone wolves at the formation of the Patriotic Front (PF).
Jocularly, some people even say PF for too long comprised only two people—Sata and Scott. Now Dr. Scott must meet the challenge of offending a King in ways that threaten what is among the greatest achievements of his Vice-Presidency—the glue that holds PF together. Until now.
A Biblical example of the sort of wrath Dr. Scott should expect from Mr. Sata is found in Esther 7 verses 6-10:
And Queen Esther (wife of the King) said, “the enemy is this very Haman (the King’s number two). So Haman was terrified before the king and queen. Then the king arose from his seat and went into the garden (not Israel), he was very angry. On his return, he found Haman had fallen across the couch where the queen was. Then the king said, “will he also molest the queen while I am in the house?” As the word left the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face (he was taken away to hang on gallows he had prepared for someone else).
In these matters of a ruler’s family, it is either their way or the Highway! Examples should abound in Zambia and questions asked on whether anyone who crossed successive First Families from Dr.Kaunda, Dr.Chiluba, Dr.Mwanawasa or President Banda’s era, was ever invited to a fete at Plot One.
Unfortunately for Dr. Scott, perceptions in politics are reality. Political communications’ tradition will judge his statement on Mulenga Sata as a roll-call of de-christening the Lusaka Mayor from a possible PF succession race.
Only Dr. Scott knows why as an experienced politician he put his job on the chopping block and roused controversy by inadvertently ensuring the PF does not have wider horizons in the event of a succession contest. Maybe he has the bit between his teeth. Why mention a Lusaka mayor and a Kabwata MP who are not even cabinet ministers?
Whether Dr. Scott likes or loathes this discourse, his statement on Mulenga Sata possesses the asset of unmatched timing. He mentions names outside whatever Cabinet inner circle and fingers the President’s son.
Could it be that in PF circles Mulenga Sata and Given Lubinda are the names being bandied about in the event of a PF succession race? Curious succession elimination, then—Or else let someone prove that it’s reasonably possibly true no such malice was intended.
Whatever Dr. Scott’s political reasoning, he may not escape the judgment—albeit misinterpretation—of a king for his rails against his son without looking in the mirror and understanding the potentially devastating effects of bounded rationality.
On his return from a far-off land, the king who may have thought “surely, they will respect my son,” will most likely look up at Dr. Scott’s statement on Mulenga Sata, with a scowl.
And yet all credit to Dr. Scott, he has served us well as Zambia’s first Caucasian Vice-President since Independence: he gave us a light complexion that amazed the world, he has run his race but maybe this too is fast coming to an abrupt end.
By Samuel Ngoma
________________________________________________________________
The Author is a veteran Zambian Journalist and former diplomat to Belgium
________________________________________________________________
Kasama farmers angered by FRA delay to open market
The delay by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to kick-start the maize buying season has angered farmers in Kasama.
The visibly annoyed farmers, who stormed ZANIS offices, complained that the FRA has not heeded to government announcement to start buying maize on July 1, 2014.
Group spokesperson, Alfred Chanda, said farmers were disappointed as the delay is likely to impact negatively on their planning for the 2014/2015 farming season.
Mr Chanda noted that the farm inputs for the next season were already in the district hence the need for them to sell the maize and pay for the inputs.
He reviewed that farmers were now panicking because they there was no official communication as to why the FRA has delayed.
Mr Chanda appealed to authorities to quickly intervene in the matter before unscrupulous trader’s take advantage of the situation to buy the grain at low prices.
And Mercy Nawelwa, 67, has appealed to government to rescind the earlier decision to reduce on the satellite depots in the district.
Ms Nawelwe charged that government should instead consider increasing the already existing number in order to make farming an attractive business venture.
But when contacted for a comment, FRA Regional Coordinator, Martin Mangenda, hoped that the buying would start mid-July because the moisture content was still very high.
Mr Mangenda said the FRA is still monitoring the moisture levels, adding that immediately it lowers the buying will commence.
He appealed to farmers to remain calm.