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Zambia have excused their TP Mazembe stars from the June 6 friendly against Japan to be played in the United States.
Mazembe have a CAF Champions League match against Zamalek in the same week Chipolopolo will face Japan- who are preparing for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The Mazembe players who were set to be named in the Zambia squad to face Japan are midfielder Rainford Kalaba, striker Given Singuluma and defender Kabaso Chongo.
FAZ president Kalusha Bwalya revealed that Nkana players Ronald Kampamba and Evans Kangwa have also been excused from the Japan friendly.
Nkana are scheduled to travel to Tunisia to face Etoile du Sahel in the CAF Confederation Cup on the same weekend Zambia will be in the US.
“We did not want to disturb players from Nkana and TP Mazembe because of their important matches. So we have excused them from the Japan friendly,” Kalusha said.
PF National Youth Chairman Chishimba Kambwili has attacked the UPND describing the opposition party as a violent and tribal grouping that will never form Government.
Mr Kambwili has since likened the UPND to South Africa’s Inkhata Freedom Party which he said has gone into extinction because of its violent nature.
Addressing a media briefing at his office in Lusaka, Mr Kambwili said Zambians will continue rejecting the UPND because it is full of violence.
Mr Kambwili who is also Youth and Sports Minister was commenting on the recent confusion at the Magistrate Court involving UPND cadres which resulted in a dozen party members sustaining injuries after a car bashed into them.
“You remember the Inkhata Freedom Party of South Africa, where is it today? It has died because of its violence. Members of the Inkhata Freedom Party were moved around South Africa with spears threatening people all over the place and the people rejected it. This is what will happen to the UPND very soon,” Mr Kambwili said.
He said the UPND is tribal and violent and accused party leader Hakainde Hichilema of wanting to use violence to go to State House.
“HH knows that Zambians can never vote for him so he is trying to use violence and cause confusion in the country so that the international community can condemn this government, we know his tricks and this is why I have told our youths not to react to the UPND’s provocation,” he said.
Mr Kambwili also ruled out possibilities of dialogue between PF and UPND youths.
“We cannot dialogue with people from the UPND because they are not sober minded. Even if we called them for a meeting here they will pick up a fight, how do you then dialogue with such violent and unruly people?”
TWO babies from the same family aged one and three have drowned in a well in Kitwe’s Chipata Township.
Joyce Kafula Mushota aged one-year-eight months and Mwila Salanga, three, both of 08/8 Chipata Township, fell into the well at their home, while playing.
Copperbelt Police Chief Joyce Kasosa confirmed the incident that happened on Tuesday at around 15:00 hours.
“The babies were left alone at the house by their parents who went out to visit within the neighbourhood,” she said.
She said members of the public reported the case to the police who went to the scene and retrieved the two bodies.
Ms Kasosa said the bodies of the two were laying in Kitwe Central hospital mortuary waiting for a postmortem.
She appealed to members of the public to always ensure that children were under the care of adults all the time.
Ms Kasosa stressed that children, if left alone, were capable of doing anything that might lead to death.
Meanwhile, 12 vehicles were reduced to shells after the garage they were parked in caught fire in Kitwe.
Ms Kasosa confirmed the incident that happened yesterday at around 02:30 hours at Jose Muku Garage.
Ms Kasosa said it was believed that the fire was caused by an electrical fault in one of the vehicles.
She said 10 of the 12 vehicles that were burnt were runners and that the value of the damages had not yet been calculated.
Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Minister Yamfwa Mukanga (left) addresses new Zambia Railways Board members at his office as the new Board Chairperson Davies Chama looks on in Lusaka
Government says it has developed a Vendor Rating System (VRS) that will monitor and evaluate the performance of all contractors in the country.
Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Minister Yamfwa Mukanga said the vendor rating system will enable government to evaluate and monitor the countrywide construction projects both in quality and time management.
Mr. Mukanga said any contractor found wanting will be rated poorly and will find it difficult to work with the Road Development Agency RDA.
ZANIS reports that Mr. Mukanga , who said this in an interview in Lusaka today, further implored contractors to apply diligence and excellence in their execution of duties.
And Mr. Mukanga has warned that government will not tolerate shoddy works and abandonment of projects by some local contractors.
He said government was spending huge sums of money through poor performances occasioned by some local contractors.
Mr. Mukanga stated that government is creating a conducive environment for all contractors to expand their services while waiting to be executed under the Link Zambia 8000 project and other major road projects.
Meanwhile, the Small and Medium Scale Contractors Association of Zambia (SMSCAZ) has praised government for demonstrating a strong will in the road construction industry.
SMSCAZ president Mutale Mpepo told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that government has remained consistent in ensuring that all construction projects are completed within time.
Mr. Mpepo however called on government to continue empowering small scale contractors as they continue to supplement government’s efforts in employment for Zambians.
Mines, Energy and Water Development Minister Christopher Yaluma
Mines and Minerals Minister Christopher Yaluma has revealed that Government has no plans to nationalize Konkola Copper Mines.
Mr Yaluma told a packed news conference in Lusaka Tuesday afternoon that Government will not go back on its policy to privatize the mines.
“We made the decision as a Government to put the mines in private hands and we have received some benefits on one hand and yes we have been ripped off on the other but we are not going to go back on our policy decision to private the mines,” Mr Yaluma said.
Mr Yaluma also admitted that the US$ 25 million that Vedanta Resources Plc paid for KCM was insufficient.
“It is true that they bought the mine for a song. We didn’t do our homework as a nation then and our audit of KCM operations has revealed that KCM did not bring in any fresh investment as promised, they just started reinvesting the same funds generated from sales proceeds against the original agreement,” Mr Yaluma said.
He also revealed that the audit conducted by a technical audit committee chaired by Dr Sixtus Mulenga showed that KCM was heavily in debt and faced threats of insolvency as at 30th September 2013.
“Following the announcement by KCM to retrench 1,529 employees, Government appointed a technical audit committee to audit the operations at KCM and recommend the course of action to be taken to preserve jobs. Contrary to the assertion by KCM that the planned mechanization of mining methods, the audit established that there was no plan linking the two. The problem was the mismanagement of the business,” he said.
He added, “The mismanagement was evidenced by threat to insolvency. As at 30th September 2013, KCM’s total liabilities of US$ 1.567 billion exceed the current assets by US$ 123 million. Consequently, KCM was unable to meet its obligations as they fall due.”
Mr Yaluma also blamed the company’s operational problems to the high turnover of Chief Executive Officers and high exodus of skilled Zambian professionals.
‘The main problem is that when Vedanta took over the mine, it did not have any business plan or a mining plan for the company.”
The Mines Minister disclosed that Vedanta Resources has up to now not complied with its commitment to inject US$ 397 million into KCM as foreign direct investment.
“Following the submission of the audit report, My Ministry engaged Vedanta shareholders and KCM’s top management to find means an ways of steering the company out of the desperate situation. Through this dialogue, a business plan to improve operations at KCM was developed and agreed upon by both parties,” he said.
“The business improvement plan targets to incrementally ramp up production from 132,318 tons of finished copper in 2013 to 178,994 tons by 2017. To achieve this, the company committed to inject US$ 250 million into production operations and US$ 30 million into smelter operations to improve flow of concentrates.”
On the video showing Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal mocking Zambia about the sale price, Mr Yaluma said Government will institute investigations into the matter using appropriate channels.
“Some of the issues that the Vedanta Chairman alluded to in the recent media reports especially touching on the company’s revenue and its profitability will require investigation by the Government. We as Government shall ensure that at the end of the day, the people of Zambia get a fair share of the returns from the mineral wealth,” Mr Yaluma said.
Joseph Musonda is uncertain over his future at demoted South African side Golden Arrows.
Musonda has been at Arrows since 2006 after joining them from Zesco United.
Arrows this past season ended a 15-year non-stop stay in the South African PSL.
“I don’t know if I will go back but we have to wait and see before we talk about those things,” Musonda said.
Musonda is currently back in the country and has joined the home-based Zambia team at the ongoing monthly training camp in Lusaka that ends on Wednesday.
“It is good to be back here to the national team to train with these guys,” Musonda said.
“I have seen some new players which shows that there is a lot going on in football here.”
Mines Minister Christopher Yaluma says Government will not nationalize Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) in view of recent revelations by Vedanta Resources Chairman Anil Argawal that the mine has been giving him profit exceeding $500 million per year.
Mr. Yaluma has however warned investors in the Mining Sector that government will not hesitate to take necessary action against any fraudulent activity to prevent loss of much needed government revenue and save jobs.
Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka today, Mr. Yaluma says as at 30th September 2013, KCM’s total liabilities of one point five billion US Dollars (USD1.5 billion) exceeded the current assets by US $123 million, and that consequently KCM was unable to meet its obligations as they fall due.
Mr. Yaluma has revealed that Vedanta Resources Plc has up to date not complied with its commitment to inject three hundred and ninety seven million US dollars (USD 397 million) into KCM as foreign direct investment.
Mr. Yaluma states that from the time Vedanta Resources acquired KCM, two point eight billion dollars made up of internally generated funds by KCM, bank loans and finance leases, was injected in capital projects which included the Konkola Deep Mining Project (KDMP), concentrator expansion at Konkola mine, the new concentrator and smelter at Nchanga mine.
He says when taking over KCM, Vedanta Resources committed itself to provide a bank guarantee of four hundred million dollars towards the outstanding loans that KCM had on its books.
Mr Yaluma states that government will ensure that KCM meets its obligation of recapitalizing the mine, paying off its debts to lenders, suppliers and contractors including concentrate suppliers.
And Mr Yaluma says the issues that the Vedanta Chairman alluded to in the publicized video especially those touching on the company’s revenue and its profitability will require investigation by the government.
Mr. Yaluma says government will ensure that at the end of the day, the people of Zambia get a fair share of the returns from their mineral wealth.
He has assured investors in the mining industry that government regards them as partners and as such government will endeavor to dialogue to resolve any arising issues.
FILE: HH Speaking to Journalist after pearing for mention
UPND president Hakainde Hichilema says he is humbled with the spiritual blessings, guidance, and prayers he keeps receiving from members of the clergy from various churches.
And Mr. Hichilema has commended men and women in uniform from various parts of the country who are acting professionally despite the oppressive and dictatorial environment they work under.
In an interview after he attended weekend prayer congregations in Choma, Mr. Hichilema said he always feels honoured and at peace when he is with various congregations and receiving guidance and prayers from men and women of God.
“We in UPND have respect for various faiths and religions. And we believe that through the prayers and blessings as well as guidance we are receiving from men and women of God, we shall be humble servants of the people. Our promise is that we shall not let them down when they entrust us with the affairs of the nation in 2016. And we shall continue to interact with them even when we are in government, instead of running away into hiding,” he said.
On Saturday, Mr. Hichilema was part of the countrywide prayers to press for a new constitution that was held in Choma town at the St.Mary’s Catholic Church.
On Sunday, the UPND leader with his entourage that included vice-president Dr. Canisius Banda, National Chairperson Mutale Nalumango, and others were invited to attend the New Apostolic national prayer service that was broadcast live on ZNBC main television channel and beamed in all their churches countrywide.
And Mr. Hichilema commended the men and women in security forces that are acting professionally despite threats and intimidation.
In an interview, Mr. Hichilema says he keeps receiving reports of some police officers being harassed and intimidated for attempting to offer security to our members.
“We know there are PF cadres in the police service and other security wings, but there are also a good number of men and women who are acting professionally, especially when it comes to the implementation of the archaic Public Order Act and offering us and other law abiding citizens security. In fact, some of them are now being threatened with transfers and even dismissals for acting professionally. They should know that we are with them and when our time comes, we shall reward those who are acting in national interest,” he said.
Mr. Hichilema said police officers and other security wings are also people who are suffering like many other Zambians under the PF government.
“There is massive hunger and poverty in police camps just like in many people’s homes. Some of them are failing to send their children to schools and later alone have decent meals. They are also feeling the some economic hardships that other Zambians are feeling under the PF regime. We commend those who are acting professionally in maintaining the peace despite threats of violence from PF thugs,” he said.
Former Special Assistant to late President Levy Mwanawasa for Policy and Project Implementation and Monitoring Jack Kalala has defended the Mwanawasa administration over the sale of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM).
Mr Kalala said the Mwanawasa administration handled the sale of KCM to Vedanta above board.
And Mr. Kalala says Zambians should direct their anger at the people who reversed the windfall tax instead of condemning Mr Mwanawasa who did everything in his power to ensure that Zambians get a fair return on their mineral resources.
Speaking at a Press Briefing in Lusaka today, Mr. Kalala said the Levy Mwanawasa government saw it fit to sale the mine because it was spending too much on it as the government was losing 1million US dollars per day to keep the company open.
Mr Kalala revealed that the Zambian government sold the mine for US $25 to Vendeta after the involvement of Stanchart UK and some experts while the asking price was $400 million.
He explained that sale of the mine was split into two the first being the already operational KCM which went at $25 million and the other money was to be spent on developing the Konkola deep was has since be realized and adds to the over 800,000 metric tones the country is producing now.
Mr Kalala said the sale of KCM was a tactical “Donche Kubeba” strategy where the Mwanawasa administration sold the mine but at the same time introduced windfall tax as a way for government to collect dividends from the mines.
He said Dr Mwanawasa had the vision for the country stressing that the late president knew that copper prices were not going to be good all the time and that was why he asked his team to come up with programmes where proceeds from the mines were to be invested.
[pullquote]Mr Kalala said the sale of KCM was a tactical “Donche Kubeba” strategy where the Mwanawasa administration sold the mine but at the same time introduced windfall tax as a way for government to collect dividends from the mines.[/pullquote]
Mr Kalala called on Zambians to take to task all those that participated in the removal of windfall tax for them to explain why they did so.
Mr Kalala charged that the removal of the windfall tax was criminal as it denied the Zambian people a share of the country’s natural resources.
Mr. Kalala further condemned former President Rupiah Banda for removing Windfall Tax on Mines and described the act as criminal.
He called on the public to take the people who were in charge of the country and make them tell the nation why the removed the windfall tax which had the backing of donors.
He said instead of condemning Mwanawasa and the current owner of KCM Anil Agarwal, Zambians should seat down and reflect on who to blame.
Meanwhile, the former President’s Aid has asked President Michael Sata and his Patriotic Front government why they have not reintroduced the Windfall Tax which he said was the cushion to the selling to KCM at a low price of US $25million.
He said instead of condemning Mwanawasa and the current owner of KCM Anil Agarwal, Zambians should seat down and reflect on who to blame.
PF should further be answerable to Zambians why they have not reintroduced the Windfall Tax
And Mr. Kalala has told Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda to resign for insulting Zambians that “those calling for Windfall Tax are Lunatics”.
He said if he does not then President Michael Sata should fire him.
He advised the public not to allow the Finance Minister to continue in his office as doing so would vindicate his statement that Zambians are lunatics for calling for the re introduction of the windfall tax.
George Lwandamina has described Saturday’s loss at Green Eagles as the darkest moment with three months gone into his early reign as Zesco United coach.
Eagles flattened Zesco 3-1 to send the three-time champions to their first league defeat of the season.
Zesco were sent reeling with three first half goals that all came in the opening 30 minutes of the first half.
“It was a dark day for Zesco we didn’t play well more especially in our defensive functions,” Lwandamina said.
“They were costly mistakes in the first few minutes and they capitalised on that.
“The game became difficult for us when we were down 3-0 and all the efforts we wanted to put on the pitch were not coming forthwith.”
The defeat sent Zesco tumbling from second to fourth on the table with 18, two behind new leaders Zanaco.
A Zambia Air Force (ZAF) helicopter takes off from the site of a fatal ZAF plane crash on York Farm on Mumbwa road
On behalf of the United Party for National Development and indeed my own behalf, I offer my deepest condolences, first to the families of Major General Muliokela George Muliokela and Col Brian Mweene who both lost their lives tragically, yesterday following an air crash in the outskirts of Lusaka.
I would also like to pass a message of condolences to the ZAF Commander Lt. General Eric Chimese and the people of Zambia on this event that has shaken the core of our Zambian Airforce. Colleagues these officers were highly trained men in uniform, with impeccable records individually. The loss to the nation is immeasurable as these men demonstrated their dedication to duty in a manner that befitted men of their stature. Words fail to describe the sense of loss we feel as a party and as an individual on this occasion.
Colleagues, country men and country women, let us accord our departed colleagues the sort of respect that can only be accorded men that gave all their lives to the nation. We owe to them to carry out our observance in a peaceful and collegial manner because the two men were an embodiment of peace as we struggle to find men and women that can match the skill and dedication of the two departed colleagues. It takes time and effort to train an officer to the levels the two officers had reached.
Lastly as we mourn our departed colleagues, I appeal to the Government through Hon Edgar Lungu to investigate the cause of these accidents fully. The frequency with which these accidents are happening is a cause for worry to all Zambians. I trust that whatever the outcome of the investigations, the nation will be kept informed.
Colleagues I joined you in mourning the two colleagues and may their souls rest in peace and God bless you all.
President Sata greets Service chiefs on arrival the ZAF commissioning Parade in Livingstone on May 9,2014 -Picture by T.Nsama
President Michael Sata has said that he is deeply saddened at the tragic death of Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Deputy Commander Major. Gen. Muliokela Muliokela and Colonel Brian Mweene, who died in a plane crash in Lusaka West on Monday.
In his message of condolences to the Muliokela and Mweene families, President Sata expressed shock at the death of the two senior airforce officers.
“As Commander-in- Chief, it is with sadness that I have learnt of the death of Gen. Muliokela and Col. Mweene whose untimely demise is a great loss not only for our defence forces, but for the country as a whole,” President Sata stated.
“On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Zambia and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to express our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Zambia Air Force.”
The Head of State stated that the duo would be deeply missed by the people of Zambia.
“The late Gen. Muliokela and Col. Mweene were vibrant pilots who discharged their duties professionally and leave a legacy of great patriotism and passion for the country and its defence forces. Our brothers will be sorely missed by all who knew them for the ideals that they firmly stood for, having dedicated their lives to selfless service of the Zambian people up to the time of death,” the President stated.
“During the period of mourning, we commiserate with you and join you in spirit, prayerful reflection, and beseech the Almighty to grant the bereaved family and the entire air force his abundant mercy, solace and fortitude to bear the burden of this great loss. May the souls of our departed compatriots rest in eternal peace.”
1 First Lady Dr. Christine Kaseba with Northern Province Minister Freeedom Sikazwe at Kasama International airport today when she made a stopover enroute to Muchinga Province where she is expected to launch the safe motherhood programme. Looking on is Lukashya member of Parliament Alfridah Kasembe
2 First Lady Dr. Christine Kaseba with Northern Province Minister Freeedom Sikazwe and Lukashya Member of Parliament Alfridah Kasembe at Kasama International airport today when she made a stopover enroute to Muchinga Province where she is expected to launch the safe motherhood programme
3 First Lady Dr. Christine Kaseba (fist) addressing people at Kasama International airport today when she made a stopover on her way to Muchinga Province where she is expected to launch the safe motherhood programme. Looking on is Lukashya member of Parliament Alfridah Kasembe
4 Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants President Wesley Beebe giving a certificate whilst shaking hands with a Professional level graduate Francis Alutuli during the 7th ZICA Graduation Ceremony at Government Complex where more than 300 graduated
5 Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants ZICA Professional level graduates celebrates in style during the 7th ZICA Graduation Ceremony at Government Complex where more than 300 graduated
6 Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants President Wesley Beebe giving certificates to Licentiate level graduates during the 7th ZICA Graduation Ceremony at Government Complex where more than 300 graduated
7 Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants President Wesley Beebe giving a certificate to a technician level graduate Getrude Chileshe during the 7th ZICA Graduation Ceremony at Government Complex where more than 300 graduated
8 Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants President Wesley Beebe (r) Tom Thewo Vice President ZICA and Chief Executive Officer Chansa Chiteba celebrating with graduates no in picture during the 7th ZICA Graduation Ceremony at Government Complex where more than 300 graduated
9 School going children with showing placards during the solidarity march past of ‘Bring Back Our Girls’ campaign against Boko Haraam who abducted over 200 girls in Nigeria.This was in Chipata
10 School going children with showing placards during the solidarity march past of ‘Bring Back Our Girls’ campaign against Boko Haraam who abducted over 200 girls in Nigeria.This was in Chipata
11 School going children with showing placards during the solidarity march past of ‘Bring Back Our Girls’ campaign against Boko Haraam who abducted over 200 girls in Nigeria.This was in Chipata
12 School going children with showing placards during the solidarity march past of ‘Bring Back Our Girls’ campaign against Boko Haraam who abducted over 200 girls in Nigeria.This was in Chipata
13 Counterfeit Samsung branded phones valued at K867,000 intercepted in a joint operation of the Zambia Police service and the Cycorps Zambia Limited being displayed at the freedom stature yesterday during the World Intellectual Property day held at theFreedom statue under the theme “MOVIES A GLOBAL PASSION “
14 Commerce Minister Robert Sichinga with his permanent Secretary Siazongo Siakalenge looking at a counterfeit Samsung branded phone as Intellectual Property ( IP) specialist Kingsley Nkonde explains. This was during the World Intellectual Property day held at the Freedom statue
15 Commerce Minister Robert Sichinga with his permanent Secretary Siazongo Siakalenge looking at a pirated DVD for Malawian musician Skeffa Chimoto which has a combination of the Zambian and Malawian holograms. This was during the commemoration of the World Intellectual Property day held at the Freedom statue yesterday under the theme “MOVIES A GLOBAL PASSION “
16 Expansion of Township Roads on the Independence Avenue by China Geo Company (CGC) in Mongu District of Western Province has commenced
17 Expansion of Township Roads on the Independence Avenue by China Geo Company (CGC) in Mongu District of Western Province has commenced
18 Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) CEO Anthony Bwembya (l) confers with Western Province PS Augustine Seyuba (r) as Western Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Liomba Mwangala (c) looks on during Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Stakeholders Workshop at Country Lodge in Mongu District, Western Province
19 Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) Induna Kalonga (l) confers with Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) Board Chairman Wilson Nyirenda SC (c) as Western Province PS Augustine Seyuba (r) listens on during Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Stakeholders Workshop at Country Lodge in Mongu District, Western Province
20 Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) Induna Kalonga (l) exchange notes with Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) Board Chairman Wilson Nyirenda SC (c) as Western Province PS Augustine Seyuba (r) and Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) CEO Anthony Bwembya (2nd l) look on during Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Stakeholders Workshop at Country Lodge in Mongu District, Western Province
21 Lifeline/childline Zambia programmes and monitoring manager Mr Don Miyanda hands over a book to 8 year old Jessics Kainda a grade 3 pupil at ngwerere basic school to commemorate the international childline day held at Garden park in Garden compound
22 -Lifeline/childline Zambia centre councillor Pamela Luputa hands over a shirt to 12 year old boy elias Zulu to commemorate the international childline day held at Garden park in Garden compound.looking on (centre) is Lifeline/childline Zambia programmes and monitoring manager Mr Don Miyanda
23 PALL bearers carry the casket of the late chieftainess Kucheka of the Luvale people of Zambezi on Friday. Walking behind the casket from left to right is Chiefs and Tradition Affairs deputy minister Josephine Limata, Agricultural and Livestock minister Wilbur Simussa and North-Western province minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu.
24 Late chieftainess Kucheka of the Luvale people who died in Lusaka on Saturday was put to rest at the Kucheka royal burial grounds near Kashiji river on Friday in Zambezi West bank.
25 Chiefs and Tradition Affairs deputy minister Josephine Limata (left) with Agricultural minister and North-Western province Nathaniel Mubukwanu console senior chief Ndungu (right) of the luvale people of Zambezi during the burial of late chieftainess Kucheka at the Kucheka royal burial grounds near the Kashiji river on the Zambezi west bank on Friday. The late chieftainess Kucheka who died in Lusaka was the younger sister to senior chief Ndungu.
26 Late chieftainess Kucheka of the Luvale people who died in Lusaka on Saturday was put to rest at the Kucheka royal burial grounds near Kashiji river on Friday in Zambezi West bank. Above, from right to left, North-Western province minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu with Chiefs and Tradition Affairs deputy minister Josephine Limata and provincial permanent secretary Amos Malupenga during the burial of late chieftainess Kucheka.
27
28 GOVERNMENT says it will revamp operations once it takes over the Mununshi Banana scheme in Mwense District. Currently, most equipment at the Banana plantation is broken down. In the picture, Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo inspects one of the broken pumps recently
29 Dr Mumba celebrates his birthday
30 Dr Mumba cuts his 54th birthday cake
31 Dr Mumba enjoying family time during his 54th birthday party
32 Dr Mumba poses for a photo with family and party members after his birthday party
33 Dr Mumba shares his birthday cake
34 Dr Mumba with family members during his surprise birthday party at his residence
35 Multichoice Public Relation Officer Mumbi Mutale (Right ) presents a GOtv Decoder & Antenna to Isaac Chansa (Left). Isaac Chansa was the man of the match for Sundays match Zanaco vs. Indeni , Zanaco moved to the top of the league standing for the first time this season after a resounding 4 – 0 win over Indeni.
36 Zambia’s Mohammed Essa in action during the spectator stage of the Airtel Money Zambia Motor Sport Association 2014 motor rally at the Showground in Lusaka
37 Zambia’s Mohammed Essa in action during the spectator stage of the Airtel Money Zambia Motor Sport Association 2014 motor rally at the Showground in Lusaka
38 Zambia’s Mohammed Essa in action during the spectator stage of the Airtel Money Zambia Motor Sport Association 2014 motor rally at the Showground in Lusaka
FILE: Heritage Party President Brig Gen Godfrey Miyanda
STATEMENT: COMMENT ON THE CHIPIMO/ NAREP CONSTITUTION FORMULA – BY BRIGADIER GENERAL GODFREY MIYANDA 19TH MAY 2014
The Chipimo/NAREP formula for the resolution of the constitution impasse in Zambia sounds attractive. But unless further clarified, the suggestion seems to be a vote-catching scheme disguised as a legal/constitutional option (‘this is part of our campaign’, said President Chipimo on ZNBC 18th May 2014). For now I avoid faulting the practicality of the idea but draw attention to some fundamental “constitutional” aspects that have been left hanging by the Chipimo/NAREP formula.
This formula effectively seeks to suspend the Office of President established under Article 33 (1) which states that “There shall be a President of the Republic of Zambia who shall be the Head of State and of the Government and the Commander-In-Chief of the Defence Force”. I am afraid that under this scheme the country, and especially the Defence and Security Services, shall become a headless chicken, as the whole of Part IV which establishes the system of our current political set up would also be suspended, leaving the Legislature and the Judiciary in suspended animation WITH NO EXECUTIVE arm because the dummy elected as ‘president’ would be a mere glorified Chairman of the NCC or CRC. Zambians are being asked to elect a so-called president whose only function is to bring forth a new constitution, which power even the current Constitution does not give to the substantive President under the current three-tier system of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.
Effectively the Chipimo/NAREP formula will create a vacuum where there will be no government as envisaged in the current Republican Constitution and specifically in Articles 33, 34 and 35. This is a sophisticated coup d’état, preventing the election of a President in terms of the said Articles 33, 34 and 35, but using uninformed Zambians to achieve a not so noble purpose of manipulating the current Constitution, which is the very sin the PF regime is being accused of. The formula is assuming that there will be no emergencies in the nine month period or that there will be no other urgent government functions that require executive attention and yet the current law is that executive power is reposed in the President. If there is an emergency what mandate will the so-called non-partisan Senior Citizen have to act since he is barred from doing anything besides bringing forth a new constitution? Where will you find this non-partisan creature in Zambia today? Twenty years ago maybe; today there is no one who is non-partisan: the military, police, intelligence, the Church, NGOs, chiefs (especially them), sports organisations, students, kaufela! In good governance there is always need for continuity. If there is need to go the Chipimo/NAREP way then the Legislature and the Judiciary must surely go together with the Executive so that we may start afresh!
And what of the cost of a general election immediately followed by another one to elect a substantive president? Even with the explanation that we shall only vote for the President it should be noted that the whole country would still be going out to vote, preceded by full-fledged campaigns by political parties and other stakeholders! What is the justification – the same tired cliché that democracy is expensive? Perhaps NAREP has a further explanation for this contrived conundrum!
Until a plausible explanation is given, I urge citizens for now to say NO. Even if those saying no shall be in the minority, they should go forth and keep shouting “Sorry, Mr and Mrs Majority, this time you are wrong, Double Wrong”.
GODFREY MIYANDA,
BRIGADIER GENERAL,
HERITAGE PARTY
[19TH MAY 2014]
