Zone Fams Jay Rox and former Big brother Housemate CLeo Ice Queen have released a new single called “ITUNTULU”
Ituntulu means to have it all and not just a little bit. This song can best be described as an upbeat love song with a dancehall feel. Jay Rox is currently working on a project to be fully announced soon.
Listen/download it here
http://bit.ly/ItuntuluSpeedy
http://bit.ly/ItuntuluReverb
http://bit.ly/ItuntuluCloud
BY KAPA187
It has been brought to my attention that there are certain political elements who have gone on rampage trying to drive a wedge between Honourable Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba (popularly known as GBM) and myself by spreading false rumours that I have deserted him. These rumours might have arisen from the fact that Kelvin Sampa has promised to give a motor vehicle to Bashilubemba and this was done while I was in South Africa and anyway why should they not accept the gift?
In the first place I want to make it abundantly clear to political opportunists that I am a traditional ruler and as such in every situation I must always be focused and take a superior moral ‘’stand’’ than politicians. As far as the political game is concerned ‘’there are no permanent enemies,’’ and I must never therefore take an aggressive position when politicians are in conflict because when as usual they ‘’politically reconcile’’ I can be in a very awkward and embarrassing position.[pullquote]Zambia’s poverty did not just happen; it was caused[/pullquote]
We have to understand that a ‘’stand’’ is not necessarily a point of view. Taking a ’’position’’ requires us to choose to either for or against a certain issue, but taking a ‘’stand’’ recognizes all points of view and allows each one to exist and be heard. There is therefore a difference between taking a ‘’position’’ and taking a ‘’stand.’’ The best example, is from South African President Nelson Mandela who is greatly renowned for conciliating the ‘’Blacks’’ and the ‘’whites’’ in South Africa. Mr. Mandela did not take sides. He did not take on a ‘’position,’’ instead he took a ‘’stand.’’ He came to the realization that the oppressors were equally important to be liberated too, as much as the oppressed. Therefore Mr. Mandela took a ‘’stand’’ for the liberation of all races.
Tolerance is a virtue whereby one accepts other people’s views, without necessarily agreeing with them. I personally believe in the liberty of my conscience because I am a freethinker; a predator and not a victim to the whining and victim-type mentality which therefore puts me in total control of my thought-life or one determined to employ my mental faculties to the maximum. I can therefore never be a convert to anybody’s opinions whether political or otherwise. And I feel totally liberated because one of the tenets of being principled is the ability to tell people what they need to know, rather than what they want to hear. I believe in the biblical teaching that all men are equal and this has behooved me to understand that it means matching brain-power for brain-power with anybody.
Honourable Mwamba has risked his own life besides his businesses by standing on the principle of being loyal not only to me personally but to the Bemba people and tribe. Honourable Mwamba being a member of the Bemba royal family failed to betray his tribe for the sake of money and position. In fact before Honourable Mwamba had paid a courtesy call on me in Kasama, he even took a precaution measure by inviting two officers from the Office of the President to monitor our meeting. But President Sata censured him ‘’for failing to show collective responsibility on his part as a Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament for the ruling party.’’ (The Post 24th December 2013).
And consequently Honourable Mwamba resigned as Defence Minister: ‘’
…it’s important for Zambians to know that I hail from the Bemba royal family and it is therefore unacceptable for President Sata to stop me from visiting my grandfather. There is no way I am going to forsake my own blood for the sake of politics. So for me as GBM, I am sorry. I am a very principled person and I resign from government.’’
The courage and conviction he displayed is admirable. His fearless and strongly worded statement stands out as an example of courage rooted in Bemba culture. The Bemba being a born-warrior regards “the innate temperament trait” as his only survival instinct and strongly believes that fear and coward-ness are the gateway to self-destruction. And hence the saying “cibe cibe, umwenso ni mfwa.” GBM didn’t compromise on his convictions and beliefs in-spite of what he was risking.
During the 2014 Easter commemoration, a Catholic priest, Father Charles Chilinda in his sermon said, ‘’…but like in all political spheres, power is femoral, transient and short-lived as well as delusional because reality often catches up with an unexpected vengeance.’’
It is far beyond comprehension that President Michael Sata and being a Catholic Head of State has such intense hatred for me that he had even instructed his cabinet ministers to hate me and never to speak to me.
Zambia’s political formula is based on Britain’s Westminster model and the cabinet therefore emerges as the government summit. The powers of cabinet ministers and of the executive are generally without restrictions. This in actual fact means that his intense personal hatred for me has even been translated into Zambia’s national policy. What is amazing is that when President Sata took the oath of office, he pledged that he would rule the country in line with God’s Ten Commandments!
Honourable Professor Nkandu Luo took the opportunity of the ‘’cabinet collective responsibility of hatred’’ to settle her personal scores with me, but unfortunately her enthusiasm to destroy me totally blinded her to reality. She accused me of ‘’masquerading as Senior Chief Mwamba’’ (The Post 1st May 2013). And on 8th instant The Post came up with the front page headline: ‘’Sosala masquerading as Chief Mwamba-Sata. ” (ibid.) My Cambridge Advanced Learners’ Dictionary defines the word ‘’masquerade’’ as ‘’behaviour that is intended to prevent the truth about something unpleasant or not wanted from being known.’’
In the Supreme Court Judgement No. 25 of 2008 between Chief Mpepo (Ackson Chilufya Mwamba), appellant and Senior Chief Mwamba (Paison Chilekwa Yambayamba), respondent reads on J18__ 623:’’In the case of the Bemba customary law of succession, it is generally agreed by the parties that a chief below Chitimukulu, it can be Senior Chief Mwamba, Senior Chief Nkula or indeed any other, is chosen or appointed by the Paramount Chief-in-council. When the choice of a Chitimukulu is an issue, the body mandated to make the appointment is known as Bashilubemba. The composition of the two bodies, including the necessary quorum for transaction of business, was not part of the evidence. Besides, what the evidence failed to establish is the role of Chandamukulu, the Queen Mother (including Mukukamfumu, the Queen for Chinsali side), in the selection process of Chitimukulu and the chiefs below Chitimukulu,’’
And accordingly, the Bemba Royal Electoral College (inchenje Council) held a meeting on 6th October 2007, which was chaired by Mwinelubemba Chitimukulu Chilufya Mwango and twenty-one Bashilubemba were in attendance. And also in attendance was the then Principal Local Government officer, Nixon Nkwapu, Provincial inspector of Government transport, W. Wilombe and the Administrative officer, Kasama Municipal Council, Abias Sikamanga. I was subsequently recognized as Senior Chief Mwamba of the Bemba people through Statutory Instrument No. 93 of 2008.
I later learned that another contribution to my hatred arose after Africa Opportunity Co-ordination Organization Board in Nairobi wrote to me: ‘’ With your royal position and high level of traditional knowledge and experience of the traditional norms and culture in Zambia, Africa AOCO board has appointed you to spearhead the formation of Pan African Development Committee in chiefdoms not only in Zambia, but in Africa as a whole.’’ And since her preferred candidate was not picked and so she decided to destroy me internationally by accusing me of masquerading as Chief Mwamba.
Professor Nkandu Luo also went on to mislead the Commissioner of Lands that I had not been gazetted but was only masquerading as Senior Chief Mwamba. And in turn the Commissioner of Lands in his letter dated 8th May 2013 to the Kasama Municipal Council Town Clerk wrote: ‘’It has been brought to my attention that Mr. Henry Kanyanta Sosala was just sitting-in as Senior Chief Mwamba was in fact not recognized as chief by the Government and therefore had no mandate to give out land…….there must be an immediate repossession of all pieces of land which were illegally given under his hand.’’
My reply to the Commissioner of Lands in my letter of 16th instant was very simple: ‘’If I had not been recognized, why then have I been de-gazetted as per Statutory Instrument No. 34 of 2013 dated 8th May 2013.’’
Andrew Roberts in A History of the Bemba wrote: ‘’…..Amid the upheavals of the twentieth century, the Bemba have retained a sense of corporate continuity and communal pride through the survival of their political structure, a living testimony of their imperial past.’’
It is therefore the responsibility of every genuine Bemba (umu Bemba inkonko) to instill into the hearts and minds of our youngsters the fearlessness and resolute firmness spirit of Bemba culture since extremism is a virtue in defence of personal and tribal liberty; to uphold Bemba values and consciousness and be ever-ready to stand on guard for Bemba sovereignty which is sacrosanct. They must never allow the Bemba transcendent revolutionary enthusiasm to be quenched. Chairman Mao said, ‘’The specific content of patriotism is determined by historic conditions.’’ (Selected Works Vol. II p. 196).
Honourable Mwamba’s name is etched among principled Bemba politicians of conscience. Mr. Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe resigned as Zambia’s Republican Vice-President because ‘’The people from Northern part of Zambia, the Bemba-speaking people have suffered physically and sometimes been beaten. They have suffered demotions and suspensions because of my being Vice-President. I cannot sacrifice any longer these people. If such activities continue, they would lead to difficulties in the nation.
I, therefore, refuse to be part and parcel of any bloodshed that may be the result of self-aggrandizement.’’
22nd August 1970 is still very vivid in mind when we assembled at the government house lawns and the colossus announced the formation of the United Progressive Party (UPP):
‘’This is a very historic moment, the revolutionary spirit adopted before independence has gone. Independence is good, but it is meaningless and useless if it does not bring fruits to the masses.
Most of the leaders have turned into opportunists. We have lost the love for the people and political direction. We have fallen victims to flattery from imperialists and we no longer mind what happens to the people of Zambia or to their children’s future. We have lost our national objectives: we have lost the revolution, we have killed UNIP, it may be there in name, but it has no spirit and has no strength. It has no democratic principles and stands empty and stagnant. The whole leadership is corrupt. The nation has no discipline, neither has it got a disciplined party to carry out the revolution. Revolution demands sincerity, dedication, selflessness, devotion and pure sacrifice…’’
UPP was banned in order to pave way for UNIP’s one-party dictatorship. Even after being banned the phoenix-like UPP was causing sleepless nights within UNIP. For example, after former UPP members were disqualified from standing as UNIP candidates in Luanshya for the Roan-Mpatamatu Mine Management Board, they stood as independents and won, thereby proving the hold Mr. Kapwepwe’s party had in the country.
We at the tail-end of history are witnessing what Mr. Kapwepwe prophesied. An international organization, the National Citizens’ Coalition reported in Social Watch Report 2002: “When former President Chiluba took office from President Kaunda in 1991, the poverty rate was 56 per cent. When he left government, poverty had risen to upward of 80 per cent. Large-scale corruption had diverted resources meant for the people of Zambia, while they watched in sorrow and desperation as their country headed towards becoming the poorest in the world.…..Former Chiluba’s government was the most corrupt in the history of this country. Resources that should have been used to improve the people’s quality of life were misappropriated in grand corruption episodes..”
And on Mr. Kapwepwe’s assertion: ‘’We have fallen victims to flattery from imperialists and we no longer mind what happens to the people of Zambia or to their children’s future.’’ The Social Watch Report noted: ‘’A characteristic feature of Zambia’s poverty is that the government and the international institutions bred it. Zambia’s poverty did not just happen; it was caused.’’
The Zambian society is split into the minority class of economic winners who inhabit a cosmopolitan world of affluence and a growing underclass with little or no hope of economic ascent. A Catholic priest, Father Peter Henroit warned of ‘’Zambia moving towards economic apartheid…poverty is not just a political and economic issue, but also a moral problem which can segregate citizens on lines of the apartheid regime of South Africa. We had a problem of apartheid, which divided people on racial basis. We are moving towards economic apartheid in Zambia which can divide us on poverty lines..’’ (The Post 31st October 2004)
According to BBC Focus on Africa programme on12th April 2002, Zambia was counted among the ten most corrupt nations of the world. Corruption has produced a new breed of politically important middlemen, brokers and liaison officers since crooks know that it’s only through politics that they can become rich overnight through kick-backs on large international deals.
Isaac Chipampe wrote:
‘’Indeed after 1991, I saw few of the original wealthy people maintaining their riches. To the contrary, a new crop of wealthy people emerged. They never borrowed from financial institutions; they never discovered anything comparable to Bill Gates’ Microsoft; they never owned any business that had a workforce or machinery or even buildings to show for, and never invested in anything apart from being co-opted in government as political appointees. Government became their major source of wealth.’’
Chibamba Kanyama wrote: “One of my most serious challenges as a business journalist is to find entrepreneurs worth profiling. On the face value, it looks easy to find a man or woman to feature in a television programme. But there are not many people possessing the courage to discuss their businesses. Many know that their businesses have no business genealogy. A number of properties and assets have been acquired through corruption, drug trafficking and fraud. Simply put, they have no business story worth documenting.”
John Phiri sarcastically asked: “….which universities did these educated fools go to where they were given out degrees, masters and PhDs on how to plunder a nation’s funds.” The late Honurable Mundia Sikatana said, ‘’We are rotten as a nation.’’ (The Post 7th March 2003).
After the death of the colossus, the observer in a column of the Times of Zambia entitled ‘’New Chapter’’ vindicated Mr. Kapwepwe’s stand:
‘’In his 1971 speech, Kapwepwe came openly on what he felt about his tribal group. If he hadn’t left UNIP, he would have continued in power. The fact that he spoke openly is a measure of his honesty. He was a tough nut to crack, a restless and uncompromising fighter for rights…..Kapwepwe disliked anything that disturbed the people of Zambia and made them into virtual slaves. He was prepared to fight and die for Zambia. Kapwepwe’s best asset in colonial days was his worst liability after independence.’’
Mr. Victor Chisanga Ng’andu (later Senior Chief Nkula VIII) resigned as agriculture minister and he wrote to President Kaunda: ‘’I have been fighting my conscience for a long time and I thought things might improve in this government. The UNIP government has produced corruption and economic chaos. And I have no intention of being dishonest to myself, to you or to the people of this country.’’
Mr. Michael Chileshe, then District Governor for Choma said: ‘’Had we wanted, we would have remained silent in the corrupt government and would have been earning very large salaries, but there comes a time when silence means betraying your own kith and kin – so we quit.’’
President Kaunda was at variance with Senior Chief Nkula (alias Dickson Mutale Chitabanta) of Chinsali District. Senior Chief Nkula grew up together with President Kaunda during their childhood at Chinsali. In the opinion of many people, Senior Chief Nkula stuck to traditional values which required President Kaunda to pay a courtesy call on him and not vice versa. Besides, the chief knew in detail the background of President Kaunda’s parents who came from Malawi. On the other hand, in an exhibition of power, President Kaunda suspended Senior Chief Nkula for being disloyal to him.
In March 1975, President Kaunda appointed a one-man Commission of Inquiry headed by Mr. Davidson Nyambe Muttendengo. The Report was presented in February 1976 to President Kaunda, but its contents were not publicly disclosed.
It was an inquiry into the question of the withdrawal of recognition accorded under the Chiefs Act to Dickson Mutale Chitabanta as Senior Chief Nkula of the Bemba people of Chinsali District, with the following terms of reference:
Article 95: The Commission found it convenient to deal with its findings or conclusions under four headings relative to its terms of reference as follows:
(1) Standing of Suspended Chief and Whether or Not He Ceased to be Entitled Under African Customary Law to Hold the Office of Senior Chief Nkula.
Article 96: The overwhelming view in the evidence received by the Commission was that unless the suspended Chief is stripped of his office by the Paramount Chief and the Bashilubemba, in consultation with other Bemba chiefs, he retains it, whatever action Government may take. In other words, he remains the keeper and guardian of the Babenye (tribal relics) with the right to be buried at Mwalule – a right which no Government appointed successor would enjoy.
Article 97: It is clear from the evidence received that Mr. Dickson Mutale Chitabanta has not ceased to hold the office of Senior Chief Nkula and that he will continue to be so until and unless the Paramount Chief and the Bashilubemba in consultation with all Chiefs decide otherwise.
GOD BLESS
Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda has congratulated outgoing ZNBC Director General Chibamba Kanyama on his appointment as Communications Advisor at the International Monetary Fund in Washington, United States of America.
“As governor of Zambia at the IMF, I was extremely pleased to learn of your appointment to a very significant position at the Fund. I warmly congratulate you”, said Mr. Chikwanda in a letter addressed to Mr. Kanyama.
Mr. Chikwanda has said the appointment of Mr. Kanyama was on the basis of the latter’s sound credentials.
“In your assignments, you have always served with passion and remarkable distinction which will stand you in good stead in your job at the IMF. I am persuaded beyond all doubt that you will be a big plus for our country. I wish you well in all your endeavours,” wrote the Minister.
Over the weekend, Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation Director General Chibamba Kanyama said that he will resign to take up a new role at the International Monetary Fund as Communications Advisor.
He was appointed ZNBC Director General on March 6th, 2012, taking over from Joe Chilaizya. Both Mr Kanyama and ZNBC Board Chairman John Mulwila confirmed the development. Mr Kanyama will start his new role at the IMF on July 7th 2014.
Mr Kanyama wrote on his Facebook page that “I leave ZNBC on June 15th, 2014 to take up an appointment with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as Communications Advisor. I joined ZNBC on March 6th, 2012 and the past two years at the helm of the Corporation provided me with an incredible experience.”
“ZNBC is a dynamic organization that holds great promise towards changing the socio-cultural and economic dynamics of Zambia. I am grateful the Government has shown willingness to continue supporting ZNBC so that it fulfills its mandate, given the backdrop of anticipated digital migration. “
He continued, “ZNBC employees are enviable professionals to work with. With reduced external interference in operations, as witnessed in the last two years, the public should expect international level service provision. I implore the public to continue supporting the staff that is committed to execute national assignments in public interest.”
“I take the opportunity to pay tribute to the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Michael C. Sata for supporting the Office of Director General. He never interfered in my operations but encouraged me to function as required by CAP 154 that governs the operations of ZNBC. I thank all the Ministers and Permanent Secretaries that served at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for having given guidance to my office, particularly during the period ZNBC had no Board of Directors.”
Mr Kanyama added, “I greatly value the mentorship I received from the Board of Directors Chaired by John M. Mulwila. Appreciation also goes to the management and staff of ZNBC for having participated in the big vision that sought to reposition ZNBC as a true public broadcaster. It is my desire and hope that the dream will be fully realized.”
“Finally but not least, to all ZNBC stakeholders, particularly members of the public, that gave me encouragement to provide leadership at the Corporation. I do hope that the public will continue to render support to my successor and ZNBC at large.”
COPPERBELT University (CBU) management has awarded academic staff salary increments ranging from 12 to 22 per cent.
This follows the successful signing of the CBU 2014 collective agreement between management and the Copperbelt University Academic Union (CBUAU).
CBUAU general secretary Elaston Njovu who confirmed the development in an interview in Kitwe at the weekend described the signing of the 2014 collective agreement as a landmark achievement.
“Harmonisation was the basis for the CBU 2014 collective bargaining process and under this we were looking at harmonisation of salaries, conditions of service and positions.
“You may wish to know that academic staffs at Copperbelt University were below University of Zambia and Mulungushi University salary scales,” he said.
Mr Njovu said the disparities in the CBU and UNZA academic staff salary scale attracted a percentage demand of 50 per cent and above.
He said in their negotiations, the unions emphasized the need for CBU management to harmonise academic staffs’ salaries in line with Government’s policy.
He said with the successful signing of 2014 collective agreement, CBU
academic staff salaries were now almost the same as those for their
counterparts at UNZA and Mulungushi.
“Despite being lower, we accepted the offer because the union took
into consideration the huge wage bill management will have to sustain
after the recent negotiations,” he said.
He thanked Government for the continued and sustained support to CBU
management in terms of operations and infrastructure development.
GOVERNMENT has procured 105 cattle at a total value of K555,000 under the Poverty Reduction Programme in southern province.
Southern province acting provincial agricultural coordinator Max Choombe says the animals were procured for the cattle restocking programme in southern province.
Dr. Choombe says that 84 animals will soon be dispatched to Kazungula district in which 80 are female and 4 are improved breed of bulls.
He further stated that the animals will be dispatched to Mochipapa livestock centre to continue with the multiplication programme to improve the progeny.
The Acting provincial agricultural coordinator said during his presentation of a status report for the province in the agriculture sector to minister of agriculture and livestock Wylbur Simusa in Choma, today.
He explained that government through the ministry of agriculture and livestock will rehabilitate and construct 335 dipping tanks in southern province to control and contain cattle diseases.
And speaking in an exclusive interview , in Choma today Dr. Choombe said a further K13 million has been set aside in this year’s budget for cattle restocking in the province.
Dr. Choombe said all the 13 districts in southern province are ear marked to receive K1 million for cattle restocking programme.
The beneficiary districts include, Livingstone, Kazungula, Kalomo, Choma, Sinazongwe and Zimba.
Others are Namwala, Pemba, Gwembe, Monze, Mazabuka, Chikankata and Siavonga districts, respectively.
Dr. Choombe was optimistic that central government will expedite the disbursement of the K13 million for cattle restocking in this year’s budget to flag off the programme of cattle restocking as soon as possible.
GOVERNMENT has urged officers working in Zambia`s foreign missions to unite and adopt a culture of working together if the country is to achieve its objectives as outlined in its Foreign Policy.
Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, George Zulu, said this in Pretoria yesterday at a dinner hosted in honour of a delegation of Zambian election observers under the SADC Electoral Observation Mission. The dinner, held at the residence of Zambia`s High Commissioner to South Africa, Mr. Muyeba Chikonde was also attended by Zambia High Commission staff. Mr. Zulu led the Zambian delegation to the May 7 South Africa national and provincial elections.
He said officers in Missions should realise that they were all Zambians and should not allow tribe to divide them.
“You should all unite so that we achieve greater things as a country. There should be no Tonga, no Bemba or Lozi; everybody is Zambian,” Mr. Zulu said.
He said Zambians should emulate President Sata and First Lady, Christine Kaseba, who have not shown segregation of any one based on tribe.
“Zambia is lucky to have a very nice President and a nice First Lady. I have never seen the First Lady angry. She is always smiling with everyone. That is the spirit of Zambians; always happy wherever they go. I am happy that the High Commissioner at our Mission in Pretoria has maintained this cohesion among the Zambian staff.”
Mr. Zulu commended His Excellency Chikonde, for inspiring officers at the Pretoria Mission to embrace high levels of professionalism. He said Pretoria stood out from among Zambia`s 33 Missions for not registering problems during audits.
He said Government was happy that the Mission has maintained good relations with South Africa`s African National Congress (ANC).
“There is not a single minister in today`s Government in South Africa that has not lived in Zambia. Everyone, including President Jacob Zuma, knows Lusaka. We are, therefore, happy that you have continued to maintain the good relations that existed from the times of UNIP.”
He advised other Zambian Missions abroad to match what Pretoria was doing.
The Permanent Secretary has also advised staff serving in Missions abroad to ensure that they were exemplary in their work if they were to avoid being recalled. Mr. Zulu said there has been a number of recalls recently because President Sata wanted people to work.
“Sometimes we recall ourselves because of what we do. Please, you should know why you have been sent out there.”
Mr. Zulu also took time to brief Zambian Mission staff on the PF Government`s achievements over the last two years.
He said Eastern Province has for the first time seen train services introduced while the road network was being worked on throughout the region. He said with the construction of the Luangwa road, people coming from Eastern province will no longer need to go through Lusaka when travelling to Chirundu or Zimbabwe while more routes are being opened up to have shorter routes into the northern region of the country.
Mr. Zulu said the Pave Zambia 2000 Project currently underway, will change the face of the country once completed.
Fuel storage tanks are also being constructed in strategic parts of the country with the latest one having just been completed in Mpika.
The Permanent Secretary said Government has also improved conditions of service for civil servants, who apart from getting salary increments, were now able to get loans from financial institutions, among other incentives.
Mr. Zulu advised Zambians abroad to join in the country`s 50 years independence celebrations adding that Government has made financial and material resources available for the event.
“We want Missions to engage Government so that you celebrate in a big way. Bring along other nationals from all spheres of life to join you as you celebrate this memorable occasion.” Mr. Zulu said.
The dinner was also attended by Foreign Affairs Director in charge of the Political Desk, Mr. Chalwe Lombe, his assistant, Mrs. Isabel Lemba and officials from various Government Ministries and Departments.
The Zambia Civil Society Organisation for Scaling up Nutrition Alliance (CSO-SUN) has called for concerted and concrete actions to tackling malnutrition in Zambia.
According to official statistics, about 45 percent of all Zambian children below five years are stunted.
CSO-SUN National Coordinator William Chilufya observed that malnutrition is a serious social and economic problem that needs to be tackled decisively.
Mr Chilufya was speaking at Katoba Primary School in Chongwe District during the Global Day of Action, a day when civil society across the globe speaks out together for improved nutrition.
The event was graced by Chongwe Member of Parliament Sylvia Masebo.
The Global Day of Action highlighting the power of coming together and making the case publicly for strong action by national and global leaders.
The Global Day of Action was a key part of ensuring such strong commitments made by leaders from around the globe at the Nutrition for Growth event held in London on 8th June 2013.
“Through this event, we want to bring attention to our leaders and households on the importance of nutrition so as to increase the public and political profile of nutrition in Zambia. We want to continue growing public pressure on national leaders to continue their focus on nutrition,” Mr Chilufya said.
He added, “To deliver commitments made in national plans and those made by our Vice President Guy Scott in London. We need to resolve malnutrition problem in Zambia because malnutrition in the most critical 1,000 years, from conception until two years is a serious challenge,” he said.
Mr Chilufya said investments in nutrition development could transform economies and boast Growth Domestic Product by as much as 3 to 11 percent.
“We believe as civil society that every woman and child have a chance to fair chance to life and all human being have a right to adequate and nutritious food and free from hunger,” he said.
He added, “Many children that survive ill effects of early childhood malnutrition results in poor cognitive development, decreased production and life expectancy because malnutrition affects the poorest the most, it is a fundamental driver of poverty and inequality.”
Mr Chilufya said malnutrition and its adverse impacts can be prevented through coordinated actions by government, civil society and businesses.
“The first step is ensuring that we all support national nutrition programmes. Without concerted and coordinated actions across government, progress against malnutrition will be insufficient.”
“We call upon our leaders at key ministries such as agriculture, education, Community Development take up their front role in implementing nutrition strategies and actions,” he said.
“A year ago Governments made further commitments to address this problem, fulfilling these will be inseparable to tackling malnutrition. We call on our leaders to prioritise fighting malnutrition and by ensuring financial commitments are in place to deliver on their promises,” Mr Chilufya said.
The Treasury has released K418.5 Million for debt service, development programmes and government operations.
K14.4 Million was released for the rural roads infrastructure programme in various provinces such as Central, Copperbelt, Luapula, and North-western.
ZANIS reports that this is according to a statement signed by Ministry of Finance Public Relations Officer Chileshe Kandeta , today.
Secretary to the treasury Fredson Yamba says in the statement that most farmers who have produced the expected 3.3 million metric tons bumper harvest for the 2013/2014 season are expected to benefit from the rural roads programme.
Mr. Yamba explains that this was because the yields will efficiently be transported from their fields to relevant sheds and crop markets across the country.
The Treasury has given K 8.5 Million to the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives of which K2.5 million is targeted at programmes related to controlling the spread of the African swine fever and a further K6 Million for aerial crop spraying.
Financing of these programmes is consistent with government’s long-term objective to fully diversify the economy, with agriculture as one of the leading sectors, says Mr. Yamba.
The Drug Enforcement Commission has been given K1.6 million for operations while the Zambia Prison Service got K12 Million for purchase and operation of speed boats as part of the government’s programme for strengthening the capacity of the law enforcement fraternity.
K8 Million has gone towards Foreign Service expenses while Ministry of Youth and Sport received K5 Million for the Youth Development Fund and the Ministry of Community Development Mother and Child Health received K2.5 Million for women empowerment programmes.
Other state entities that received funds include the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Labour, and the Anti-Corruption-Commission.
K227 was released to finance the servicing of the domestic debt.
Mr Yamba said Zambia cannot afford to slip-up on debt obligations because of the credit-rating by internationally recognized agencies, Fitch, and Standards and Poor’s, respectively.
He said the successes which the economy is scoring are not a twist of luck but planned programmes complimented by the toils of citizens, who, on a daily basis, continue to grasp the opportunities for empowerment and business development created by the government, and turn these into personal wealth, jobs for the people, and profits for their businesses.
Mr Yamba said people should participate in economic transformation programmes with open minds by taking greater interest in monitoring the implementation of projects in their localities.
The Secretary to the Treasury said participation in, and ownership of development programmes, is essential to the country’s successful socio-economic adjustment adding that it is also one way in which the government could be held accountable on utilization of tax payer’s resources.
ZANIS
Over 150 Parliamentarians from Southern and East Africa are scheduled to attend a Public Accounts Committees Conference at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka.
The joint Accountability Conference for the Eastern African Association of Public Accounts Committees (EAAPAC) and the Southern Africa Development Community Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (SADCOPAC) will be hosted by the National Assembly of Zambia from 12 to 15 May 2014 .
ZANIS reports that Clerk of the National Assembly of Zambia Doris Mwiinga disclosed the development in a statement in Lusaka, today.
Ms. Mwiinga says the four day conference will be held under the theme “Enhance public accountability and transparency in the management of natural resources – Role of Public Accounts Committees(PACs)”.
Zambia is a member of SADCOPAC which is an autonomous and independent association of Public Accounts Committees from SADC States established to promote mutual support.
The association endeavours to foster the exchange of ideas, knowledge and experiences in promoting accountability, good governance and transparency in the SADC states.
The Parliamentarians will be expected to employ SADCOPAC as a recognised voice of Public Accounts Committees in the SADC Community and learn from the East African experience.
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia Mukondo Lungu will officially open the four day event tomorrow, Monday 12th May 2014 .
ZANIS
Government says it will increase the number of Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) beneficiaries to 1,000,000 vulnerable but viable farmers.
Agriculture and Livestock minister Wilbur Simusa says the move is aimed at continuing registering increased crop yields to ensure national and household food security.
Mr. Simusa has noted that government will to this vain procure 106 metric tonnes of urea fertilizer and 103 metric tonnes of compound D fertilizer to carter for the targeted 1,000,000 beneficiary vulnerable but viable farmers.
The minister said when he met agricultural officers drawn from all districts and provincial heads of government departments in the agriculture sector in southern province at the ZNFU conference room in Choma, today.
He says his ministry will ensure that fertilizer are distributed to farmers on across the country by August to enable t farmers to adequately prepare for the 2014/2015 farming season.
Mr. Simusa disclosed that government has given Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) to supply D compound fertilizer.
He said the quantity that has been given to NCZ to produce will continue being offloaded to the farmers as the company continues producing the commodity to expedite the distribution exercise.
‘’Government will not wait for the whole consignment to be produced by NCZ but as they continue having enough stocks truckers will be laden with fertilizer to be dispatched to farmers in all districts,’’ said Mr. Simusa.
Mr. Simusa directed all senior members of staff in the ministry in all the provinces to dispatch fertilizer to the farmers immediately it arrives in each district in the country.
Meanwhile, southern province agriculture members of staff have unanimously agreed to increase the production of maize to 750 metric tonnes during the 2014/2015 farming season.
Southern province acting provincial agricultural coordinator Dr. Max Choombe told Mr. Simusa that small scale farmers in the province were producing 1.9 metric tonnes per hector.
Dr. Choombe on behalf of all members of staff who supported his move pledged to work extra hard to increase the crop production per hector from the current 1.9 metric tonnes to 3 metric tonnes per hector if they are to meet the targeted production of 750 metric tonnes in the province.
PATRIOTIC Front secretary General Winter Kabimba has directed all party District Committees in Southern Province to commence identification of candidates ahead of the 2016 elections.
Mr. Kabimba, who is also Justice Minister , has advised all the ruling party committees in the province to start identifying eligible candidates for the national elections.
He further directed P.F District Committees to rally behind and support individual P.F party members who will be identified and selected as candidates instead of fighting them.
ZANIS reports that the PF General Secretary said this during a meeting with villagers in Chief Mweemba’s area at Kanchindu Primary School in Sinazongwe District yesterday,
He expressed confidence that the P.F stood a better chance of scooping the 2016 polls going by statistics of the previous elections held in the Country.
Mr. Kabimba also called upon Kanchindu Community members in Sinazongwe District and the rest of the people of Southern Province to work with candidates that will be identified for the party ahead of national elections.
He also commended people of Kanchindu and Sinazongwe District as a whole for their support rendered to Sinazongwe Member of Parliament Richwell Siamunene who is also Western Province Minister.
Mr.Kabimba said it was very unfortunate that UPND the party that Siamunene belonged to, turned against him when accepted the appointment.
He said Mr. Siamunene accepted the appointment to the position of deputy Minister after consultations with the people of Sinazongwe Constituency because he wanted it to be easy for him to bring about development for them.
Mr.Kabimba said President Sata wanted to run an inclusive Government by appointing members of parliament from the opposition parties and reunite the Country as one Zambia One Nation.
He said if President Sata did not like the people of Southern Province as being perpetrated by the opposition UPND party, some members of parliament and ministers could not have been appointed such as Provincial Minister Daniel Munkombwe, Richwell Siamunene and he himself as Secretary General of the P.F party and Justice Minister.
Mr. Kabimba also dispelled accusations of his P.F being traitors by some opposition leaders adding that leaders in the P.F were patriotic Zambians .
He called on the community in Kanchindu and Sinazongwe District as whole to remain bold and firm by supporting their current member of parliament Siamunene for P.F in 2016 once the UPND decide to do away.
He challenged people of Sinazongwe District to be careful with some opposition leaders that were busy deceiving them about the P.F Government.
Mr.Kabimba said they were same people who were busy approaching President Michael Sata every time they needed something including business and contracts yet deceiving people that the P.F Government was not there for them.
He advised people in Sinazongwe District and the entire Southern Province never to accept leaders that were using tribalism to divide the nation at the expense of development.
Mr.Kabimba challenged the people of Southern Province to desist from entertaining such leaders that kept on identifying themselves across tribes.
ZANIS
Coach Beston Chambeshi has hailed the performance of Konkola Blades in Saturday’s away 3-1 win over Nchanga Rangers in Chingola.
Konkola convincingly thumped Nchanga in this FAZ Super League match thanks to Elson M’kandawire’s double and Francis Simwanza’s goal.
Chambeshi said thrashing Fighton Simukonda’s side at home was not easy.
“I thank the boys for the job well done. The boys have put up a good fight it was not an easy game,” he said.
Nchanga coach Simukonda described the loss as painful.
“It’s a painful defeat. We didn’t play well in the first half and lost the game in the first half,” he lamented.
Simukonda demanded that Nchanga improves their performance.
“We just have to work hard. We have to go back to the drawing board.”
Nchanga have eight points from eight matches after recording two wins, two draws and four defeats.
Indeni on Sunday celebrated after holding Nkana to a goalless draw in a FAZ Super League match at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Indeni players, coaches, officials and fans jubilated after referee Stanley Hichiwa brew the final whistle to end the lunch-time kick off Week 8 match.
The stalemate halted Nkana’s recent two-game winning streak that saw the defending champions beat Kabwe Warriors 5-0 and Konkola Blades 2-1 in four days.
On the pitch, keeper Humphrey Mwenya made several saves to keep the Ndola side into the game as Nkana wasted a litany of chances in both halves.
Two of those opportunities fell on second half substitute Kelvin Mubanga who was denied twice from close range by Mwenya.
Mubanga who replaced Shadreck Musonda saw his 72nd minute shot stopped by Mwenya before he was denied in a similar manner on 90 minutes.
On the other hand, Indeni had a penalty appeal turned down by Hachiwa after striker Djunese Kanda fell down in the box from a Maybin Chishimba challenge.
Opposition NAREP President Elias Chipimo has proposed a grand plan to usher in an interim President for Zambia who will be tasked to come up with a new constitution.
The Blueprint entitled: “The Restoration of Zambian Democracy” is aimed at uniting opposition parties and other stakeholders to coordinate a mass movement of voters that will elect a neutral presidential candidate for a limited period of no more than 9 months.
Mr Chipimo made the proposals during a media briefing held at the NAREP Secretariat in Lusaka Sunday morning.
Below is the full statement from Mr Chipimo.
A collective misery is being experienced across all sectors of society in Zambia. The high cost of living and the denial of basic rights and freedoms have combined to create a deep sense of despondency and concern about Zambia’s future. With a government that is directionless yet steadfastly determined to hold onto power at any cost, intolerance is increasingly being exhibited by those violently championing the cause of the ruling party in the face of a powerless law enforcement machinery that has consistently turned a blind eye to the violation of people’s rights.
A well-written, people-driven constitution would prevent such abuses from continuing. It is for this very reason that the PF seem determined not to enact a new one. They pretend to the nation and to the world that they want to prioritise development when the real reason for their resistance is that they want to hold onto power solely to benefit themselves and their supporters. They care little for who might be injured in the process.
While it may seem as though the situation is hopeless, all is not lost. There is a way – acting collectively – that we can reverse the undemocratic trend that has gripped our nation.
Through perfectly legal means, the people of Zambia can legitimately remove the obstacles standing in the way of a people-driven constitution and restore our journey towards tolerance, inclusiveness and a better life for all.
Without a new “people-driven” constitution, the exercise of political power – particularly under the PF – will continue to be deliberately concentrated in the hands of the few.
Corruption and political violence will not be stamped out but will instead become more prevalent. Poverty and unrelenting hardships will continue to define the lives of the poor. The high cost of doing business will consistently hamper the growth of local entrepreneurs and drive away vital investment flows. Job creation will remain an empty promise.
Overcoming these unfortunate realities will require a new constitution. The procedure by which this can be achieved, even in the face of determined resistance from the PF, is set out in this blueprint entitled: “The Restoration of Zambian Democracy”.
If the Plan works, it will unite opposition parties and other stakeholders to coordinate a mass movement of voters that will elect a neutral (i.e. non partisan) presidential candidate for a limited period of no more than 9 months. The primary responsibility of this person will be to usher in a new constitution and oversee the creation of a level political playing field under which fresh and more inclusive elections can be held as soon as all the necessary measures are put in place.
In the absence of unity, a divided opposition could see the continuation of the system of abusive control and intimidation that has characterised the short period of governance by the PF.
The uniting of opposition parties and other stakeholders is not aimed solely at ejecting the PF from power but is intended to ensure that a new constitution will be enacted as quickly as possible and that fundamental rights will be protected in the run up to free and fair elections (which the PF would be expected to participate in if they so wished).
The steps set out below are not intended to substitute but to complement ongoing efforts being undertaken by the Grand Coalition of civil society and political parties that was formed to secure the enactment of a people-driven constitution before the 2016 general elections.
However, given the means at the PF’s disposal to delay the enactment of a new constitution, this proposed approach essentially guarantees a final date by which a new constitution would be in place and will prevent the PF from continuing to abuse powers and terrorise citizens.
The Plan is based on the expectation that the PF will resist every attempt to force them to enact a new constitution prior to the 2016 general elections.
The objective of the Plan is to unite the nation towards electing a politically neutral interim president of Zambia for a limited period of no more than 9 months, who will serve with an equally neutral and competent cabinet to execute the following 5 point mandate:
1. Appoint a caretaker administration (including a vice president and ministers pre-approved by stakeholders) to manage the economy and ensure normal operations of government during the interim mandate period.
2. Finalise the constitution-making process and prepare for a national referendum and fresh elections within 9 months.
3. Amend all laws that have been used to undermine democratic freedoms to prevent them from being applied against political opposition and civil society (i.e. the Public Order Act, the NGO Act, the Penal Code and similar laws).
4. Appoint professional and politically neutral persons of stature to lead state institutions and law enforcement agencies that will protect democratic freedoms (i.e. Anti-Corruption Commission, Drug Enforcement Commission, Police Service and similar organisations).
5. Ensure continuous voter registration and make all necessary arrangements to conduct fresh general elections at the end of the interim mandate period under a new voters roll.
The interim president ushering in these changes should ideally be: (i) someone that is senior citizen with national stature and appeal; (ii) of independent financial means; (iii) non-partisan; and (iv) obligated and committed to steping down and declining to stand in the subsequent elections that would be conducted under the new constitution.
These terms and conditions would form part of a broad “Framework Agreement” between all participating stakeholders and would be published widely for purposes of national accountability.
The role of parliamentarians (who would be elected during the interim period to serve an interim mandate) will be to pass the necessary laws to support the Plan in accordance with the Framework Agreement and to enact an overall law that will ensure there are no delays or deviations to the Plan.
All (or the majority of) stakeholders will need to agree the Plan in writing.
Stakeholders will include members of political parties as well as any sympathisers within the PF that have seen the error of their own leadership in denying the Zambian people a new constitution.
The devil will be in the detail so it is important that the mechanics of how the whole process will unfold be set out as fully as possible in the Framework Agreement (including naming the positions to be affected and identifying the candidates to be appointed).
This will be the hard part and, again, will require the collective efforts of a majority of parliamentarians that will include members of the ruling party that are prepared to put country before narrow partisan or personal interests.
It is likely that the PF administration will do everything it can to intimidate stakeholders. Sound legal protection measures will therefore need to be in place in anticipation of any attempt by authorities to criminalise the Plan and it’s promoters.
Working committees (similar to those aligned to the Grand Coalition on the Enactment of a new Constitution) would be tasked with drawing up and agreeing the Framework Agreement and setting out a roadmap for implementation.
The costs associated with the Plan and how the funds would be raised and applied would need to be factored into the implementation roadmap.
If the country is for any reason required to hold an unscheduled presidential election, it may then even be possible to enact a new constitution before scheduled elections in 2016.
Let us not celebrate our forthcoming Jubilee in continued misery. Let us celebrate it in hope and with the same determination we were able to muster in uniting ourselves to defy and defeat
The plan to elect a politically neutral leadership for a limited period of time that will usher in a constitution that will stand the test of time can be the defining political contribution of our generation. We owe it to ourselves and to future generations to take every legitimate action to prevent continued violence, intimidation and financial misery from becoming a permanent feature of our social, political and economic landscape.
We ask all politicians and all political and non-political stakeholders to set aside partisan and personal interests. We ask them to support this Plan and negotiate and sign a comprehensive Framework Agreement that will usher in long overdue constitutional change in Zambia in order to liberate our people from poverty and the tyranny of excessive state power.
In the grand design of our nation’s history, implementing this Plan will be a major milestone for posterity and will demonstrate a unity of purpose that will define our future democratic credentials for the centuries that will follow our much cherished Jubilee. Let us not squander the opportunity to unite the nation around a cause that is greater than the aspirations of any one person or any one party.
If we remain united in this cause, all the armies in the world will not be able to stop an idea whose time has come.
Elias Chipimo
President
National Restoration Party
11 May 2014
Regards
NAREP Secretariat
A happy Mothers day to all our esteemed LT moms.May God richly bless you as you raise the next generation selflessly and with hearts full of love.
LT Team
© Lusaka Times
