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Zambian Youth speak out against Human Right injustices in Zambia

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Zambian Youth speak out against Human Right injustices in Zambia
Police officers manhandle a UPND cadre
File picture:Police officers manhandle a UPND cadre

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is deeply concerned by the human rights situation in Zambia, YALI has noticed in the recent past the increased human rights violations especially by those who perceived not to be pro PF and most the citizen’s that suffered these violations are mainly members of the opposition and civil society.

On 31st May 2013 members of church and civil society where attacked at Matero BIGOCA church this because the perceived PF carders didn’t agree with the prayers that was being held on the removal of subsidies, recently opposition leaders from FDD, UPND, MMD and NAREP have either been harassed or blocked conducting their meetings especially when they are not being conducted in Lusaka.
[pullquote]What kind of law is this that is only applied one side?[/pullquote]

This is an assault on our democracy and a direct violation on our human rights and fundamental freedoms granted by our Republic Constitution which is the supreme law of the Zambia. One wonders why is it that when leaders from the ruling party are moving around Zambia there no restrictions made by the police and but if it the opposition there will so may restrictions and sometimes leaders of opposition parties are either arrested or taken in for questioning? What kind of law is this that is only applied one side? Are opposition leaders and members of CSOs not Zambians? Is it that people from the ruling party are more Zambians that the rest of the populous and have special rights that other Zambians don’t have? The Constitution of Zambia provides for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Zambians and not only those from the ruling party.

Part Three of the Constitution of Zambia provides for Human rights and fundamental rights, Article 21 (1) provides that “Except with his own consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of assembly and association, that is to say, his right to assemble freely and associate with other persons and in particular to form or belong to any political party, trade union or other association for the protection of his interests.” While Article 22 (1) provides that, 1) Subject to the other provision of this Article and except in accordance with any other written law, no citizen shall be deprived of his freedom of movement, and for the purposes of this Article freedom of movement means –
(a) The right to move freely throughout Zambia: (b) the right to reside in any part of Zambia; and (c) the right to leave Zambia and to return to Zambia.

The harassment of radio stations and journalist deprives our citizen’s to have access to well researched and credible information. YALI has noticed the trend by our political leaders want to harass our journalists and media houses, this trend is most unfortunate it stifles innovation and investigative journalism in our country the continued threating of these media houses makes accountability and transparency unattainable. YALI has also noted with great sadness the continued harassment of citizens and political players who appear on certain radio stations, one of the opposition leaders had to use the roof to exist the radio station at Sun Radio station on the copperbelt, this because carders armed with all sorts of weapons were waiting for attack him. This most unfortunate this is the kind barbarisms that this country cannot accept and YALI condemns such acts in the strong terms possible.

One should understand that people have different backgrounds and ideologies and it is quite difficult for them to think in a similar manner. Studies have shown that even identical twins can never think the same, who are different political parties to think the same? They might think in similar way in same matters but not in all matters, this means that people are bound to disagree at one point but this it does not mean people should use pangas and other violent tools to solve their difference, dialogue is the best recipe to resolve matters, Zambians have never know this kind of behavior and it should not be tolerated by all well-meaning Zambians.

Article 20 (1) of the Constitution of Zambia states that, “Except with his own consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of expression, that is to say, freedom to hold opinions without interference, freedom to receive ideas and information without interference, freedom to impart and communicate ideas and information without interference, whether the communication be to the public generally or to any person or class of persons, and freedom from interference with his correspondence.” It is also important to highlight that Zambia’s global ratings on freedoms globally has dropped from partially free to not free.

In the same vein we don’t expect the thoughts of citizen’s to limited to certain ideologies and briefs if not then there is ground for them to be attacked, as YALI we feel that is wrong and people should be allowed to think differently.

Article 19 (1) “Except with his own consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of conscience, and for the purposes of this Article the said freedom includes freedom of thought and religion, freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others, and both in public and in private, to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance.”

YALI believes that our political leaders should listen more to their opponents especially when they disagree so that they learn where the disagreement is coming from and try to build dialogue and find a solution, learning to co-exist is very critical in a multi-party democracy like Zambia.

Lastly YALI has been concerned about the violence in the country that is perpetuated by political carders, we believe that there is a bigger role that our young people can play in society other than of that of being used as violent carders, we believe that our young people should be integrated more in more progressive activities in their parties and violence should be condemned by all political parties top leadership and those who are involved should brought to book by both their part and law enforcement agencies. What are the spillover effects of this violence on the economy and country?

  1. Uncertainty, due to the continued violence and lawlessness there is increased uncertainty by both local and international investors on putting their money in an economy that has elements of lawlessness their investments are treated for instance violence in the central business district.
  2. Loss of life through death,
  3.  Increased crime as this carders with weapons may resort to use them for other violent crimes against citizens and may other effects.

Our appeal/Recommendations

  1.  To the Zambia Police Force, we call on the police to enhance their levels of professionalism in dealing citizens of this country regardless of their political affiliation, Dr. Martin King Luther once said “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” Our call is similar to that of Dr. Martin Luther, our call is that our police should cherry-pick how to apply the law. The law should applied to the latter regardless of who is involved and impartiality should be maintained as the police conduct their duties.
  2. The police conduct basic training on various human rights that our citizens have and how they have go about them to avoid infringing on their rights, especially the application of the Public Order Act which has been abused in its application.
  3. Political parties should redefine the role of the young people in their political parties and young people should take-up the mantle leadership in their parties and influence policies that will help solve our generational challenges and not being used as tools of violence.

Conclusion

Zambia has been a role model to most countries in Africa and the deteriorating democratic space has many effects on the countries credentials globally, it has also many effects domestically the collateral damage might be too much for PF government to handle, our call as YALI is that let the PF government uphold the rule of law and respect peoples human rights regardless of their color, political affiliation, tribe, etc. The PF being the party in power should spearhead nonviolence and dialogue. Zambia needs to take a leaf from countries that faced violence and anarchy and avoid this by all means possible.

Mundia Paul Hakoola
Executive Board Secretary
Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)

The Chitimukulu Impasse: Your questions answered

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The attached correspondence with LAZ are my further comments in response to online bloggers who wanted further information on the current issue that is ‘eating up’ our Bembaland. In spite of World Cup the papers are submitted in the hope of having a focused exchange of views and, hopefully, contribute to the amicable solution of an unnecessary public wrangle by the Zambian Government and thus strengthen and improve on our democratic governance and political culture.

The two documents, written to LAZ nine years ago (on 19th August 2005 and NOT 2009 as earlier stated), are meant to assist with a reasoned and productive response by bloggers; they were prompted by bloggers, particularly Nostradamus, Chitutuma, Mei Mutungu, Mulenga and Jelita, and Bupe Chanda. We may NOT always agree but let us address the issues raised, so that we can all benefit from any such discourse. In spite of World Cup we can still dialogue to keep Mother Zambia on course.

One blogger ‘@ Let me say this…’ wanted to know the role of the House of Chiefs. The Republican Constitution provides that the House of Chiefs “shall be an advisory body to the Government on traditional, customary and any other matters referred to it by the President”.

I consider the Chitimukulu saga to be of national concern and hence I do not write in order to ‘launch’ my political campaign! I have previously written to LAZ when other chiefs were threatened by the Government such as Senior Chief Nzamane and Chief Jumbe of Eastern Province.

Godfrey Miyanda,
Brigadier General,
Heritage Party
[17th June 2014]

A paper sent by Brigadier General Godfrey Miyanda to LAZ in 2005

RESTORING THE AUTHORITY OF TRADITIONAL RULERS

(A suggestion by Brigadier General Godfrey Miyanda)

PROPOSAL/RECOMMENDATION

It is proposed or recommended that the Judicature be modified or revised to embrace or include the traditional system of dispute resolution, based on the current Constitutional provisions as reflected in Part XIII of the current Constitution. It is contended that this change will not entail the amendment of the Constitution but instead will require an Act of Parliament to bring it into force. The Act of Parliament will derive its force or authority from Article 91 of the current Constitution (see below).

BACKGROUND

At a consultative conference organised by the Eastern Province Royal Foundation from 4th to 6th August 2005, at Luangwa House, Chipata, the following resolution was passed, inter alia that “The Royal Foundation be empowered to handle issues of succession instead of the courts”.

The author of this paper was in the Group that discussed and made recommendations which resulted in the above resolution. However, the resolution as framed by the Rapporteurs, is a misreporting of what was resolved in the Group discussion. The version as recorded is indicating that these disputes be excluded from the Court system, which is the very opposite of what the recommendation was. The author can confidently state that the import of this resolution was to enable the traditional leadership to deal with all “traditional disputes” to their finality, instead of the current position where they are taken to the High Court and eventually finally determined by the Supreme Court. In short the resolution was asking that the Court system to be re-arranged in such a manner that there be provision for the traditional courts to dispose of matters that fall under their jurisdiction, by bringing the “traditional courts” within the court system and , if need be, ending up in the House of Chiefs sitting as “a final court”.

THE COMPLAINT IN PERSPECTIVE

Generally the Chiefs have complained of “not being respected and being dragged” to ordinary courts of law and there being embarrassed by their subjects. Essentially the Chiefs were asking that “their authority be restored”. According to one remark, the Constitution has completely ignored them. In fact they feel that the new (proposed Mung’omba) constitution is better than the current one in this regard. This remark has prompted this further inquiry into the grievance and suggest what can be done. This paper does not discuss the debatable pros and cons of “chiefs not being dragged to courts”. This is an entirely different kettle of fish and would distract attention
from the immediate question being examined.

CURRENT LAW

Article 127 of the 1996 Constitution of the Republic states as follows in Part XIII:

“Article 127 (The Institution of Chief):
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(1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the Institution of Chief shall exist in any area of Zambia in accordance with the culture, customs and traditions or wishes and aspirations of the people to whom it applies.

(2) In any community, where the issue of a Chief has not been resolved, the issue shall be resolved by the community concerned using a method prescribed by an Act of Parliament.

Article 128 (Concept and principles relating to the Institution of Chiefs): The following concepts and principles shall apply to Chiefs:

(a) the Institution of Chief shall be a corporation sole with perpetual succession and with capacity to sue and be sued and to hold assets or properties in trust for itself and the people concerned;
(b) nothing in paragraph (a) shall be taken to prohibit a Chief from holding any asset or property acquired in a personal capacity; and
(c) a traditional leader or cultural leader shall enjoy such privileges and benefits as may be conferred by the Government and the local government or as that leader may be entitled to under culture, custom and tradition”.

GENERAL COMMENT: The Mung’omba Commission has reproduced Articles 127 and 128 almost verbatim, except that they have excluded Article 129 which reads in the following terms:
“A person shall not, while remaining a Chief, join or participate in partisan politics”. However this is not part of the case that is being canvassed in this paper. Both Articles 128 and 129 are reproduced only for completeness and to enable easy reference but ARE NOT the subject of this short paper.

[pullquote]It is contended that as presently framed in Article 127, the authority and/or mandate for the management and resolution of disputes in a traditional setting is reposed in the communities[/pullquote]

SPECIFIC COMMENT ON ARTICLE 127:
It is contended that this Article “recognises” the Institution of Chief in Zambia. It appears that prior to this provision, there was no such acknowledgement in the Constitution. In fact there are reports suggesting that the leadership of the First Republic had planned to completely abolish the Institution of Chiefs.

It is contended that as presently framed in Article 127, the authority and/or mandate for the management and resolution of disputes in a traditional setting is reposed in the communities, that is to say the Chiefs and their subjects. It is thus contended and canvassed that the “authority” of chiefs has not been taken away; but that instead the Constitution has been ignored or misinterpreted. Of course there have been overzealous Ministers, especially those of the Local Government Ministry, who are the main culprits, as well as the Presidents themselves.

But the Chiefs themselves fell for the political ploy by accepting to serve in political appointments such as Member of the Central Committee (MCC) or District Governor (DG). They ended up turning up at airports to await the arrival of their subject who was now their political leader; or driving in the night to Lusaka to go and report about events in their District to the President. In a way, they themselves surrendered their “authority” to politicians, albeit by the trick of politicians. It was like Esau the First Born son, giving up his birthright to his young brother Jacob the Dribbler. So the Chiefs had a hand in the later developments of the loss of their “authority” to their subjects in political offices.

It appears that prior to the 1996 Constitution no such “recognition” of traditional authority as is provided for in Article 127 was contained in the Constitution. In the short time in which this paper has been prepared it is possible to miss out the constitutional provisions that may suggest otherwise; for this an apology is given in advance. But a cursory glance at the Northern Rhodesia 3 (Constitution) Order-In-Council 1962 and Section 4 of the Zambia Independence Order 1964 indicates that this may be the only detailed reference to chiefs, the House of Chiefs Regulations.

Regrettably, at the time of writing this paper the author did not have a copy of the Chiefs Act. So his comments in this regard may not be well-informed. However his recollection of the Chiefs Act is that it grants the Republican President the power or authority to “recognise” chiefs. He has not been able to find a definition of the word “recognise or recognition” in the Constitution or even in the Chiefs Act. However the nearest we get to a definition is in Article 139 (1) where it is stated that “ ‘Chief’ means a person RECOGNISED BY THE PRESIDENT under the provisions of the Chiefs Act or any law amending or replacing that Act as the Litunga of Western Province, a Paramount Chief, Senior Chief, Chief or Sub-Chief or a person who is appointed as Deputy Chief”.

Since Article 127 already acknowledged the existence of the Institution of Chief in accordance with the culture, customs and traditions or wishes and aspirations of the people to whom it applies, it follows that there is nothing for the President to “recognise or refuse to recognise”. This process must be left entirely with the local people themselves.

Government should just be informed and should take note of the decision of the community, provided this is in
keeping with the customs and traditions of the area. If the worry is the expertise and/or uniformity of justice in the proposed court system, it is suggested that programmes for the researching and codification of the practices and procedures be undertaken, taking into account the spirit and letter of Article 127. Subsequently training can be conducted in the intricacies of “traditional law”! I am certain that LAZ can find the manpower to undertake such an important national assignment.

WAY FORWARD

Article 91 of the 1996 Constitution of the Republic of Zambia provides as follows:

“91. (1) The Judicature of the Republic shall consist of:
(a) the Supreme Court of Zambia.
(b) the High Court for Zambia.
(c) the Industrial Relations Court.
(d) the Subordinate Courts.
(e) the Local Courts; and
(f) such lower courts as may be prescribed by an Act of Parliament”.

It is suggested that this Article is sufficient to bring up the necessary Act/rules/regulations without major amendments of the Constitution. Already, under current procedures, there is provision for the use of Court Assessors to assist the ordinary courts where the Court needs such assistance in traditional matters. But instead of Magistrates and High Court Judges using assessors, the task should be given back to the Chiefs themselves, of course ensuring that by chiefs we are talking about the chiefs and their subjects.

The office of the Chief Justice can provide the necessary guidance and expertise to usher in the new “division” of the Judicature.

CONCLUSION

The ideas in this paper are not exhaustive but have been hurriedly prepared in the light of the potential for the country to dismiss the Eastern Province Royal Foundation as a partisan, tribal or regional escapade. If need be, the thoughts can be expanded should LAZ require amplification or 4 clarification. But it is believed LAZ itself can take up this issue and add meat to it in the national interest.

GODFREY MIYANDA
BRIGADIER GENERAL

19th
AUGUST 2005

miyanda letter

Zambia’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Fellows arrive in the United States.

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YALI

The 21 Zambians Fellows participating in the United States Government Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) have arrived in the country for a six week intensive program.

The fellows who have been sent to various public, private institutions and academic institutions, including twenty different universities in the United States, are part of the initiative launched by President Barrack Obama to support young African leaders.

The Zambian fellows drawn from various professional backgrounds join several other fellows from other African countries for the six week program that will culminate into a summit to be graced by president Obama in Washington DC.

Embassy of Zambia Charge d’ affairs James Chisenga attended the official opening ceremony at Morgan State University in Baltimore Maryland, one of the twenty universities hosting the Zambian fellows.

The prestigious Morgan State University in Baltimore Maryland, is hosting two of the 21 Zambians who are specializing in the field of Public Management.

Mr. Chisenga welcomed Sombo Kaweza and Bwalya Zimba to the US and to the program.Speaking at the opening ceremony, Morgan State University President David Wilson, urged the fellows to share and learn from their experiences and world view.He observed that moving together in unity and togetherness determines the success of many new political, economic, social, technological and educational developments

Kabimba must be arrested

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Winter Kabimba shares a light moment with First Lady Christine Kaseba
Winter Kabimba shares a light moment with First Lady Christine Kaseba

Patriotic Front (PF) secretary general Wynter Kabimba must be arrested immediately for breaking the Zambian immigration laws and the electoral regulations by smuggling foreigners into the country to illegally participate in the country’s electoral process thereby introducing extraneous influence on the outcome of the elections,” Alliance for Better Zambia (ABZ) president Frank Bwalya has demanded.

And the MMD says it has always suspected foul play in the results of the 2011 general elections and that the revelations by the Justice Minister had effectively rendered the PF government illegitimate.

Fr Bwalya has stated that what Mr Kabimba did was a criminal act and that President Michael Sata had an opportunity to demonstrate that there were no sacred cows in his government by immediately dismissing his Justice Minister for engaging in electoral criminal acts.

Fr Bwalya said the revelations that Mr Kabimba smuggled Kenyan nationals into Zambia through Nakonde border to assist the PF with Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) during the 2011 tripartite elections amounted to a serious criminal offence over which the Justice Minister could immediately be arrested.
On Friday last week, Mr Kabimba was quoted in some section of the media revealing that he smuggled some Kenyans through the Nakonde boarder to help the PF with Parallel Voter Tabulation (PVT).

The ABZ leader said Mr Kabimba knew that his action of smuggling foreign nationals to illegally participate in the 2011 general elections hence his confession that had the former president Rupiah Banda and the MMD won the elections, he would have been jailed.

“Mr Kabimba knew that his action was against the immigration laws of our country hence his confession that if the MMD government discovered his wrong doing, he could have been jailed. Against this background, we demand for professionalism and impartiality on the part of the police in dealing with this very serious matter. The police and other law enforcement agencies should demonstrate that they do not practice selective prosecution by dealing with the confession of Mr. Kabimba in the same manner that they deal with those of us who are perceived to be enemies of the government. The police should show that no one is above the law,” Fr Bwalya said.
Fr Bwalya said what was more surprising was that Mr Kabimba chose to smuggle citizens of a Southern Africa Development Committee (SADC) country into Zambia when they could have entered the country legally.

He said it was the conclusion of his party that the people Mr Kabimba smuggled into Zambia could have had criminal records or similar impediments to prevent them from entering Zambia..

“The revelation of Mr Kabimba has come as a big shock for some of us who participated in PVT for PF. We knew that some foreign assistance could have been received in terms of procuring equipment and funds but we are shocked that illegal activities were also part of the noble work of PVT,” Fr Bwalya said.
He explained that it would be a waste of time for Zambians to demand that President Sata should fire Mr Kabimba as Justice Minister and secretary general of PF because it was certain that the Head of State knew about this criminal activity.
He has challenged President Sata to demonstrate that there were no sacred cows in his government and party by dismissing Mr Kabimba as Justice Minister and secretary general of PF.

He said the President should also ensure that no political interference was allowed in Mr Kabimba’s investigations.

‘Since the chief executive officer of the ruling party who is Justice Minister has confessed to this kind of wrong doing, we should all shudder to think of what the PF government is capable of doing with the advantage of incumbency. It would not be far-fetched to conclude that PF would do worse things to win elections in 2016. As such, we reiterate our call for Zambians to be united and remove PF after one term and save our country from turning into a banana republic,” Fr Bwalya said. MMD national treasure Mwansa Mbulakulima said he was shocked and dismayed when he heard Mr Kabimba confessing on the Zambia National Broadcasting Cooperation (ZNBC) that he had smuggled in Kenyans through the Nakonde border to illegally participate in the 2011 general elections.

Mr Mbulakulima said the former ruling party had always suspected that there was foul play in the results of the 2011 elections and would therefore embark on enforcing the provisions of the law to ensure that Mr Kabimba was held accountable for breaking the country’s immigration and electoral laws.
He said the MMD would start reviewing the process of the 2011 general elections and results to establish exactly the assignment and roles the Kenyans played in the 2011 general elections.

He said following the revelations and confessions by Mr Kabimba, police should move in and immediately institute investigations because it was clear that the 2011 general elections were not free and fair. “We are extremely disappointed that we could have fraudulent people who could manipulate the results of the 2011 general elections. We are wondering why the police cannot move in and arrest him because Mr Kabimba has publicly confessed of having committed a criminal offence by smuggling foreigners to illegally participate in our electoral system. We watched in shock and dismay Mr Kabimba confessing on ZNBC. We have always suspected that there was foul play in the 2011 election results but now that Mr Kabimba has confirmed our suspicions, we shall enforce the provision of the laws so that the Justice Minister could account for his criminal acts,” Mr Mbulakulima said

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) said it would not be able to comment on Kabimba’s confessions but rather watch the situation until after the commissioned understood the full context of the Justice Minister’s statement.

Prosecute Mutembo Nchito for lying to parliament, Mulusa challenges Speaker

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Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini
Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini

Speaker of National Assembly Dr Patrick Matibini has been challenged to summon and prosecute Director of Public Prosecution Mutembo Nchito to Parliament for having lied during his ratification process, which is a serious criminal offence.

The challenge has been thrown by former Solwezi Central MP Mr Lucky Mulusa who said prosecuting Mr Nchito would serve public interest beyond the narrow aim of merely ensuring that the Speaker’s office was not brought into disrepute.

Commenting on the recent summoning by Parliament of two opposition leaders, UPND’s Mr Hakainde Hichilema and APC’s president Mr Nason Msoni, Mr Mulusa said before calling the two leaders it was important to remind the Speaker of a more serious criminal offence involving the DPP.

In a letter to the Speaker dated June 15 Mr Mulusa said: “You will recall Sir that about this time last year I raised the issue of Mr Mutembo Nchito, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) having lied to Parliament during his ratification process,

“This act Sir, under Cap 12 of the Laws of Zambia is a more serious misdemeanor than the ones alleged to have been committed by Mr Hichilema and Mr Msoni,”
Mr Mulusa said failure to summon Mr Nchito first would cause Parliament to be the body bringing the office of the Speaker of Parliament into contempt, ridicule and disrepute.

Mr Mulusa quoted section 104 of the penal code which states “ any person who before the Assembly or any authorized committee intentionally gives a false answer to any question material to the subject of inquiry which may be put to him during the course of any examination shall be guilty of an offence against section 104 of the penal code”.

He said Mr Nchito gave a false answer to the committee which had shared concerns with him that it was the PF government’s wish that former president Mr Rupiah Banda immunity be lifted.

Mr Nchito’s assertion that Mr Banda targeted him and that of the downfall of Zambian Airways, a company sop dear to his heart, was a consequence of that targeting, would compromise his position.

It was also pointed out to Mr Nchito that the prosecution of Finance Bank owner Dr Rajan Mahtani whose bank he (DPP) was indebted to, was awaiting the new DPP’s instruction.

But Mr Nchito allayed these fears by stating that he would not personally prosecute Mr Banda and that he would declare interest in any matters involving Dr Mahtani.
“Interestingly to note, Sir, that Mr Nchito despite assuring the committee, nevertheless went on to enter two nolle prosequi favour Dr Mahtani,” said Mr Mulusa.
He said Dr Mahtani in turn discontinued claims against him (Mr Nchito) for the US$4.2 million loan owed to Finance Bank by Mr Nchito, adding that by this action Dr Mahtani was possible caused to commit possible corporate fraud.

“Unless the Zambian Revenue Authority clarifies that the US$4.2 million Nchito debt write off was not allowable expense for the purpose of taxation, Dr Mahtani possibly also evaded tax payments as a result of lost interest income from which the public should have earned VAT on interest income and corporate tax on net income,” said Mr Mulusa.

He said if the Speaker should neglect prosecuting Mr Nchito then he would also run the risk of abetting crime as there was no provision under the law that allowed him (Speaker) to cast a blind eye to an act of criminality of that nature.

He said the Bank of Zambia too needed to ensure that banking activities were devoid of actions that threatened stability in the financial sector.
“The external auditors of Finance Bank should also have called the attention of the shareholders to this single action of debt swap for personal liberty by a shareholder using bank resources.

He said the bank resources were public depositors money and that meant they were more entities that abrogated their duties and may also be summoned to appear before Parliament.

“You will notice that his misdemeanor has had far reaching consequences and has affected the general public directly and contributed to the loss of public confidence in our legislative and judicial system, “It will be a more honourable case to purse than the mundane alleged misdemeanors by Mr Hichilema and Mr Msoni,” said Mr Mulusa

Government, UPND hold closed door meeting on the application of Public Order Act

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HOME Affairs Minister Ngosa Simbyakula cuts ribbon to flag off the march past for Labour Celebrations in Kitwe
HOME Affairs Minister Ngosa Simbyakula cuts ribbon to flag off the march past for Labour Celebrations in Kitwe

HOME Affairs minister, Ngosa Simbyakula, and other ministry officials yesterday held a closed door meeting with the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) leadership to discuss the application of the Public Order Act (PoA) by the police.

The Ministry of Home Affairs was represented Dr Simbyakula, who chaired the meeting, the Deputy Minister, Stephen Kampyongo and the Permanent Secretary Dr Peter Mwaba.

Also present was the Deputy Permanent Secretary Willies Mangimela and Home Affairs Head of Public Relations, Moses Suwali.

The UPND delegation comprised vice president politics, Canisius Banda, general secretary Winstone Chibwe, chairman of information and publicity Charles Kakoma and his counterpart Edwin Lifwekelo.

Also in the delegation was Martha Mushipe, the Party lawyer and chairman international relations, Mulondwe Muzungu.

According to a joint press statement released yesterday, during the meeting, the UPND, through Mr Banda brought out concerns as raised in a letter dated June 11, 2014, written to Dr Simbyakula which included alleged biased application of the PoA by the police, police brutality, issues to do with land encroachment and grabbing of land.

Mr. Banda also made an appeal to the Minister on the letter written by the Grand Coalition on the constitution (Presidents of Political Parties as well as stakeholders) to republican President Michael Sata in which stakeholders requested for an Indaba.

Also prominent in the meeting was the need to regulate the presence of party cadres and police presence at court premises to avoid anarchy as witnessed in the past.

Responding to concerns, Dr Simbyakula assured the delegation on the concerns raised that the ministry would take up the issues raised seriously so as to find long lasting solutions.

On the application of the Public Order Act, the Minister advised the UPND leadership on the need to engage the police as much as possible so as to come up with alternatives in case they were denied
notification.

He further advised the meeting that his doors were open for dialogue as and when they faced challenges with notification to the POA.

The Minister further stated that there was room to amend the PoA if the stakeholders felt the need to do so as the order was ‘not cast in stone’.

On the concern regarding alleged police brutality, Dr Simbyakula said that government was in the process of establishing a school for re-orientation of police officers so that they were in conformity with the provisions of the PoA.

Government puts up tents for homeless Kitwe residents whose houses were demolished

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Erected tents at Helen Kaunda Secondary School grounds for the homeless Mindolo North squatters whose houses where demolished
Erected tents
at Helen Kaunda Secondary School grounds for the homeless Mindolo
North squatters whose houses where demolished

THE Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) have erected tents at Helen Kaunda Secondary School grounds for the homeless Mindolo North squatters whose houses where demolished two weeks ago.

The DMMU has offered humanitarian aid to residents affected by the demolition exercise by the Kitwe City Council (KCC) on houses built on illegally acquired plots on land belonging to Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) and Phoenix materials.

The team which is under the Vice Presidents’ office has put up over 100 tents and would erect more after undertaking a further assessment of the situation in the area.

The squatters have however vowed not to leave the Mindolo North because the land was duly offered to them.

They have since erected makeshift stalls while others have put up bricks to make temporal shelters.

KCC spokesperson Dorothy Sampa when contacted over the refusal by the squatters to relocate referred queries to the office the District Commissioner as it was the DMMU that was handling the programme.

Meanwhile Green Party President Peter Sinkamba has appealed to the KCC to allocate alternative land to the affected families.

Mr Sinkamba said land for the affected families should be quickly secured to assist stranded families.

He said green party was ready to assist the affected victim’s source funding from cooperating partners for the construction of new houses in legally acquired areas.

Erected tents at Helen Kaunda Secondary School grounds for the homeless Mindolo North squatters whose houses where demolished
Erected tents
at Helen Kaunda Secondary School grounds for the homeless Mindolo
North squatters whose houses where demolished

Copperbelt UPND Chairman summoned by Police for allegedly saying the president is unwell

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Copperbelt UPND Chairman summoned by Police for allegedly saying the president is unwell

Sata returns 1

COPPERBELT United Party for National Development (UPND) chairperson, Elisha Matambo has been questioned by police for allegedly uttering an alarming statement over the health of President Michael Sata.

Mr Matambo was warned and cautioned at the Kitwe district police headquarters where he was summoned for interrogation yesterday.

The Copperbelt UPND chairperson was summoned for interrogation in connection with a statement attributed to him that President Sata was unwell and that the country would soon be having a presidential by-election.

Mr Matambo who arrived at the district police headquarters around 11:25 hours confirmed after the interrogations that lasted for about 40 minutes that he was warned and cautioned over the alleged alarming statement.

“Police summoned me on allegations that I said President Sata is going to die and that people should prepare for a by-election but I have denied that because it is just an allegation,” said Mr Matambo who was accompanied by his lawyer Tom Shamakamba and UPND Copperbelt spokesperson Kennedy Kalunga.

Mr Matambo described the action by the police to interrogate him as mere intimidation to which he vowed never to succumb.

He accused the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) of using the police to instill fear in him so as to silence the UPND in the province.

Copperbelt Police chief, Joyce Kasosa when contacted said Mr Matambo’s interrogation was in relation to a statement attributed to him while at a UPND meeting in Kitwe on June 7, this year, where he alleged that President Sata was ill and that the country would soon be headed for a by-election.

“Mr Matambo has been warned and cautioned over the alarming statement where the UPND is going round telling people that President Sata is ill and the country will soon be going for a by-election,” she said.

Ms Kasosa said police only warned and cautioned Mr Matambo but that investigations into the matter had since been instituted.

New East PF chairperson pledges to re-unite the party in the province

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NEWLY appointed Eastern Province Patriotic Front (PF) Chairperson Atanny Mwamba has pledged to foster unity in the ruling party in the province.

Mr Mwamba said yesterday following his appointment by President Michael Sata as a provincial chairperson that he would work with every person in order to foster unity in the party.

He explained that he would not allow others to be segregated but to accommodate every member in his team.

“Either they were against me or not but I want to accommodate everyone in order for the party (PF) to grow in the province. I will not segregate but work with everyone,”Mr Mwamba said.

He said he would also work towards reviewing the suspensions slapped by the previous executive led by former provincial chairperson Lameck Mangani.

He said he would work on all the cases to see if the suspensions were valid or not.

“In few days, I want to see if these suspensions are valid or not,” he said.

Mr Mwamba extended an olive branch to Mr Mangani saying he had no ill feeling on him.

When reached for a comment, Mr Mangani promised to issue a comprehensive statement on the matter.

Last week, PF Secretary General Wynter Kabimba gave a 30 day ultimatum to Mr Mangani to lift the suspensions slapped on alleged erring members.

Government warns councils against illegal land allocation

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Local Government and Housing Minister Emmanuel Chenda
Local Government and Housing Minister Emmanuel Chenda

Government has warned of stern action against councilors in the habit of abandoning their civic responsibilities for illegal allocation of land at the expense of serving communities.

Local government minister Emmanuel Chenda says his ministry will not entertain inappropriate procedures in land allocation.

Mr. Chenda advised mayors, council chairpersons, councilors and principal officers to show exemplary leadership and observe highest moral standards that will reverse the negative public perception of councils.

The minister said this in a speech read on his behalf by his deputy Nicholas Banda at the two day local government association of Zambia extra ordinary conference held in Solwezi District, yesterday.

Mr Chenda has since appealed to the local government association to sensitize its members on the consequences of illegal land allocation.

Speaking when he delivered a vote of thanks, Chinsali Town Clerk Patrick Kambita said with the political will shown by government, councils are determined to deliver to promises of people despite obstacles being faced.

ZANIS

NAREP welcomes ECZ proposal for increase seats

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NAREP
NAREP

The National Restoration Party (NAREP) has commended the Electoral commission of Zambia (ECZ) for proposing to increase the number of constituencies from 150 to 235.

NAREP Lusaka District Vice Chairman Frank Sichone says the move should not only be attributed to the new districts that have being created but also to the increased population in the country.

Mr Sichone said in a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka today that the size of the current constituencies are so big resulting in area members of parliament failing to meet the needs of all their electorates.

She said in this regard, the increase in number of seats will enable more Zambians have access to basic needs through the constituency development funds and in any other means.

Mr Sichone has since appealed to government to support the move and increase budgetary allocation for the exercise to be achieved.

He further called on government to speed up the process of paying suppliers for goods and services delivered.

Mr Sichone stated that it has come to the attention of NAREP that government, being the major player the country’s economy, takes more than 30 days required for them to pay suppliers.

He said this is affecting many businesses as access to capital is difficult in the country, adding that the situation has affected many company’s liquidity.

He said government should not only prioritize payments for construction projects going on such as roads, universities among others but should equally pay for other services on time.

Mr Sichone noted that without speedy payments to suppliers, the growth of companies in the nation and the growth of the economy will negatively be affected.
The ECZ recently called for increased number of parliamentary seats after government’s initiative to open up more districts in the country.

Depleting fish stocks in Luapula worry Government

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The kapenta fishing rigs that are parked on Sekula Island
The kapenta fishing rigs that are parked on Sekula Island

Government has bemoaned the declining fish catches on the Mweru-Luapula Fishery in Luapula Province.
Nchelenge District Commissioner (DC) acting Bennie Mwansa says government is deeply concerned with Depleting fish stocks due to over-fishing and the use of illegal fishing gears on the natural fishery.

Mr. Mwansa said the government will soon take strong measures to secure the gazetted fish breeding areas of the Mweru-Luapula Fishery to harness the free fall of the fish catches in Nchelenge District of Luapula Province.

He said in an effort to redress the situation the government through the department of fisheries will restock the Mweru-Luapula Fishery with red breasted and green headed breams that are high yielding.

The District Commissioner Mr. Mwansa was speaking when he officiated at this year’s District Agricultural and Commercial Show which was held at the Farmers Training Centre (FTC) in Nchelenge, yesterday.

However, he said there is need for concerted efforts by all the stakeholders to reverse the free falling trends of the fish stocks and urged for the involvement of the traditional leaders and other agencies in the fishing industry.

He also urged the fishers to diversify to other activities such as beekeeping, cultivation of various crops and fish farming to lessen the pressure on the natural fishery.
And Mr. Mwansa has called for the change of the mindset among the small scale farmers in Nchelenge District of Luapula Province and the country as a whole.
The acting DC said the Patriotic Front government manifesto encourages the farmers to shift from the maize cultivation to diversification to ensure household income and food security.

He noted that crops such as cassava, sweet potatoes, bulrush, finger millet and paddy rice among others are cost effective and cheap to grow.
He said the government is making progressive measures in the agriculture sector such as the provision of the subsidized inputs through the Farmer Inputs Support Programme (FISP) as a way of empowering farmers.

He also said the government is striving to revamp the livestock sector through effective livestock disease fight and control.

Mr. Mwansa assured the farmers that the government will continue with the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) during the 2014/2015 farming season and that through the Food Reserve Agency

Mulenga Sata scoops the position of president of the Local Government Association of Zambia

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NEWLY elected Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ) president Mulenga Sata being congratulated by association chairman John Kabungo after his election as president
NEWLY elected Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ) president Mulenga Sata being congratulated by association chairman John Kabungo after his election as president

Lusaka Mayor Councilor Mulenga Sata has scooped the position of president of the Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ) in a tightly contested elections held in Solwezi today.

Councilor Sata was challenged to the top position in the Local Government Association by UPND and former Mayor for Livingstone City Council Councillor Aggrey Njekwa.
Councillor Sata got 47 votes while Councillor Njenkwa accrued 36 votes.

Ndola Mayor Samuel Munthali despite withdrawing his candidature in the race polled seven votes.

Meanwhile, Mr Sata has called for sustainable development in local authority’s country wide through the generation of revenue from the available economic activities present in the area of operation.

“Those in Chipata can collect bicycle levy, those in Mazabuka can collect sugar cane levy and those in Chongwe, if you want, you can collect plane levy from the upcoming airport,” he said. He said there was need for local Government to stop competing but be seen as partners in the administration of this country.

Former association president, Daniel Chisenga congratulated the new executive of the association and said that there was need to promote sustainable development in local authorities.

Mr Chisenge called on Mr Sata and his members to continue the advocacy on improved condition of service for councillors.

LGAZ chairperson John Kabungo urged the new executive to accommodate all those that had lost the election and promote gender equality.

“There are so much gender imbalances in the LGAZ and we are worried about it. I am urging all of you councilors to encourage female members to take interesting in mayoral ship so that they can come here and be part of us,” he said.

Others elected were Zakiel Mbao as honoury treasurer for the association. Francis Bwalya, Bellard Makwemba, Jailosi Phiri and Peter Kikatula went through unopposed as chapter vice Presidents for Northern, Southern, Eastern and North-Western Provinces.

Maybin Kalambwe for Central and Moses Chongo for Luapula Province also went through unopposed while Jordan Mwansa was elected vice President for Copperbelt after beating two other contenders and Bright Tombi Tombi is the vice President for Western Province.

Gibson Sinkala was elected as chapter vice President for Lusaka Province while Chaswe Ronald Katongo was elected vice President for Muchinga Province.

NEWLY elected Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ) president Mulenga Sata being congratulated by supporters after his election at Solwezi’s Kansashi Hotel
NEWLY elected Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ) president Mulenga Sata being congratulated by supporters after his election at Solwezi’s Kansashi Hotel
NEWLY elected Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ) president Mulenga Sata being congratulated by supporters after his election at Solwezi’s Kansashi Hotel
NEWLY elected Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ) president Mulenga Sata being congratulated by supporters after his election at Solwezi’s Kansashi Hotel

Nkana’s unbeaten league run on the line

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Nkana prepare to guard their unbeaten league run this season when they play a bruised Zanaco on Wednesday.

The 2013 defending league champions host the main contenders to their crown Zanaco in Wusakile in a delayed Week 5 game.

League leaders Zanaco come into the game just four days after suffering their first league defeat of the season after falling 1-0 at home to Zesco United.

Nkana on the other hand are looking to return to winning ways after they were held to a 1-1 draw by their archrivals Power Dynamos in last Saturday’s Kitwe derby at the same venue.

“This will be a very interesting match, Zanaco also want to use the match to recover from their loss and we want to pick maximum points,” Nkana coach Zeddy Saileti said.

Nkana have not won a competitive game since May 31 when they whitewashed Green Buffaloes 5-1 in Kitwe.

The defending champions have 14 points from eight games played with five games in hand while Zanaco have 29 points from 12 games played.

A win for Nkana over Zanaco will lift them from eighth to seventh position on 17 points, displacing Green Eagles who currently occupy that slot with 16 points.

Zambians urged to register in ongoing voter registration en masse so as to vote out PF

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File: 75-year old Besinati Zulu casting her vote
File: 75-year old Besinati Zulu casting her vote

The worsening instability in the nation

It is disheartening to note that ever since PF took over its governance of this country, Zambia has never experienced peace, stability and harmony. Uncertainty and confusion seems to be the order of the day.

PF must know that the days of one man rule, one party rule and in pot dictatorship has gone with UNIP and Dr Kaunda and never to come back. This confusion we are experiencing will only disappear when PF is voted out of office.

We therefore call upon peace loving Zambians from all walks of life be it journalists, nurses teachers, marketeers etc. to stand firm and not to be intimidated by PF outdated tactics we are seeing. They should therefore register in numbers with the ongoing voter registration in order to vote out this dreadful PF government when time times.

We should continue being patriotic and feel for one another. Let us not allow this crop of dictators to divide us.
Zambians should therefore critically study proposed NAREP blue print, modify it or give suggestions to ensure that PF will effectively be defeated in 2016 and allow for interim government for nine months which will put in place a level playing field for all and bring freshness and sanity in the political arena in order to rebuild new Zambia.

Charles Maboshe
Vice President
National Restoration Party (NAREP)

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