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UPND urges state security agencies to protect all Zambians regardless of political affiliation

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THE United Party for National Development UPND has called upon state security agencies to be professional in promoting peace and protecting Zambians regardless of their political affiliations.

Speaking during a press briefing in Livingstone yesterday, UPND Livingstone District Chairperson Michael Kangai said violence should not be allowed at any level because it was not a good thing.

“We therefore call upon state security agencies to be professional in securing Zambians and ensure that all Zambians are protected regardless of their political affiliation.

What will happen tomorrow if instruments of power and authority exchange hands?” he said.

Mr Kangai urged the Patriotic Front PF to allow other political players to visit certain areas in the country.

He said UPND had seen its party President Mr Hakainde Hichilema’s life was threatened following the recent attack on the Copperbelt.

Mr Kangai said the recent attacks on Mr Hichilema were in full view of the police and demanded that the culprits be brought to book.

He said urged Defence Minister Edgar Lungu to ensure that there was total internal security in the country.

He said any violent attempts on the UPND’s leader would result into strife that the country had never seen.

“We shall not tolerate barbaric acts from PF. Any attempts on our party President’s life will result into such strife as never seen before in our country,” Mr Kangai said.

Mr Kangai also demanded that the country has a new constitution before the 2016 elections.

American couple constructs a Secondary School in Livingstone at a cost 0f $600 000

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Terry Schwartz and his wife Nina during the official launch of Terry Schwartz on Wednesday afternoon.
Terry Schwartz and his wife Nina during the official launch
of Terry Schwartz on Wednesday afternoon.

AN American couple Terry and Dina Schwartz has constructed a Secondary School in Livingstone at a cost of US$ 600, 000.

The school, which is owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA) and located in Livingstone’s Highlands Township, has already employed 10 teachers and enrolled more than 70 pupils.

Province Education Officer (PEO) for Southern Province Stephen Chishiko commended Mr Schwartz and the SDA church for supplementing Government efforts in the provision of quality education in the country.

Mr Chishiko said the new School would help to improve the learning culture in the tourist capital and Zambia at large.

He said this in Livingstone on Wednesday afternoon in a speech read for him by Southern Province senior education standards officer in charge of special education Benson Zemba during the commissioning of Terry Schwartz SDA Secondary School.

“Today marks another milestone in the partnership between the Government and the SDA Church in Zambia.

The Government has high expectations from the new management in place, the teachers and pupils as well as the support from parents,” Mr Chishiko said.

He urged the school authorities and other stakeholders to jealously safeguard and maintain the infrastructure which was built at a huge cost.

SDA Zambia Union Conference president Harrington Akombwa said education was the best gift that should be given to the future generation.

Dr Akombwa said education opened avenues for the developing the country and commended Mr Schwartz for the gesture.

He also paid tribute to the Ministry of Education through the PEO for helping to secure land for the school.

“We welcome you to the Adventist system of education where we reach to the mind and develop the whole person socially, mentally and spiritually.

I want to encourage you to bring your children to our Adventist schools in Zambia where we teach our learners to be upright and shun evil or immoral vices,” he said.

And Mr Schwartz said the couple would construct more school infrastructure before the end of this year.

He said he was grateful that Livingstone was growing and that the Government had warmly received him.

Mr Schwartz said the couple had been to more than 25 countries in Africa to build schools and Zambia was the friendliest and exceptionalcountry so far.

“I anticipate more schools will be built in Livingstone. We will do all we can to make that happen.

I have been doing this kind of work for last 45 years and this is our 25th trip to Africa to build school,” he said.

Dr Mubitana Ward councillor Stanley Ngoma said the opening of new Secondary school was timely as it was going to provide additional infrastructure for learners.

Mr Ngoma said it was not a hidden fact that there was a growing demand for secondary schools in Livingstone.

In a vote of thanks, Terry Schwartz Secondary pupil Hannah Kanyanda said the pupils were ready to uphold both spiritual and academic standards.

Terry Schwartz and School head teacher Howard Mbula water a tree during the official launch of Terry Schwartz SDA Secondary School In the middle is Terry Schwartz SDA Secondary School
Terry Schwartz and School head teacher
Howard Mbula water a tree during the official launch of Terry Schwartz SDA Secondary School
In the middle is Terry Schwartz SDA Secondary School
Terry Schwartz SDA Secondary School pupils (in front) and other delegates during the official launch of the School on Wednesday
Terry Schwartz SDA Secondary School pupils (in front) and other
delegates during the official launch of the School on Wednesday
Southern Province senior education standards officer in charge of special education Benson Zemba (middle) inspects a guard of honor mounted for him by Terry Schwartz SDA Secondary School as Zambia Union Conference president Harrington Akombwa (behind Mr Zemba) follow.This was in Livingstone on Wednesday afternoon during the official launch of Terry Schwartz SDA Secondary School
Southern Province senior education standards officer in charge of
special education Benson Zemba (middle) inspects a guard of honor
mounted for him by Terry Schwartz SDA Secondary School as Zambia Union
Conference president Harrington Akombwa (behind Mr Zemba) follow.This was in Livingstone on Wednesday afternoon during the official
launch of Terry Schwartz SDA Secondary School

National Aids Council bemoans the low usage of condoms among Zambians

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The other side of a condom. A 4 year old boy of Chienge District in Senior Chief Puta's area in Luapula Province playing with an inflated male condom
The other side of a condom. A 4 year old boy of Chienge District in Senior Chief Puta’s area in Luapula Province playing with an inflated male condom

THE National Aids Council (NAC) has bemoaned the low usage of condoms especially the female condoms among Zambians.

NAC Civil Society Coordinator Scrivener Kambikambi said his organisation was worried on the low usage of female condoms in the country.

Speaking in Livingstone yesterday during the condom use campaign dubbed “ CONDOMISE”, Mr Kambikambi said his organisation had embarked on a national wide campaign for condom use in order to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.

He said despite the country’s prevalence rate dropping to about 14.3 per cent, there was need for continued sensitisation on the use of condoms.

Mr Kambikambi said NAC wanted to explore all possible ways of how people in communities could access and use condoms.

“We have realised that there are bottom necks in the distribution of condoms so we want to use non health facilities such as Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) to reach out to as many people as we can,” Mr Kambikambi said.

Mr Kambikambi said condom use was one of the most effective ways of preventing HIV/AIDS in the country.

He said Medical Stores currently had about 40 million pieces of uncollected condoms which were supposed to be distributed to communities.

Mr Kambikambi said the organisation was also faced with a challenge of clearing the air on the distribution of condoms in schools because some sectors of society claimed that the introduction of condoms in schools was meant to promote promiscuity.

He said NAC was doing so because some pupils were sexually active and they needed to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases and un-wanted pregnancies.

“As a country we are getting somewhere because the country’s prevalence rate has now dropped to 14.3 percent. A lot of people are on medication but the battle is far from being won,” Mr Kambikambi said.

Mr Kambikambi said the low use of female condoms was also attributed to cultural and traditional beliefs which in most cases did not allow women to have sex matters in homes.

“So we want women to realise that that can also be in control. We want them to decide because we know they can have control over it,” Mr Kambikambi said.

Sata has no moral right to counsel traditional establishments – Father Bwalya

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UPND president Hakainde Hichilema confers with Alliance for Better Zambia leader Father Frank Bwalya
UPND president Hakainde Hichilema confers with Alliance for Better Zambia leader Father Frank Bwalya

Opposition Alliance for Better Zambia (ABZ) president Frank Bwalya says President Michael Sata has no moral right to counsel traditional establishments on succession disputes.

Fr. Bwalya says this is because of the position President Sata has taken over the installation of Chitimukulu the Paramount Chief of the Bemba speaking people.

In a statement issued to Qfm News, Fr. Bwalya notes that it is also a well known fact that President Sata has personally blocked the installation of Henry Kanyanta Sosala as the new paramount chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba speaking people.

He says as far as he is concerned there is no succession dispute over the installation of Henry Sosala but that the Head of State has created that dispute.

The ABZ president says in the process of trying to block Henry Sosala from ascending to the Chitimukulu throne, the President has further abused his powers besides exhibiting a kind of haughtiness that has made him to allegedly lose authority on traditional succession disputes.

He says it is for this reason that his party continues to pray that the Head of State will realize that the position he has taken against Henry Sosala is allegedly illegal and has allegedly created unnecessary emotional stress and tension in the country.

Fr Bwalya adds that it is also his prayer that the President realizes that his position to block the installation of Henry Sosala as the perceived rightful new Chitimukulu may have also caused a lot of mental and physical torture on the part of the Bemba Royal Establishment.

He says his party urges all Bemba people not to relent in demanding justice on the issue of the installation of their paramount chief, adding that other chiefdoms should also consider coming to the aid of the Bemba speaking people.

Mwale not happy with training facilities in Tunisia

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Nkana coach Masauso Mwale is not satisfied with the training facilities offered to his team by Tunisian club CA Bizertin prior to Sunday’s crucial CAF Confederation Cup match in Bizerte.

Mwale expressed shock that Nkana trained on a ground with an artificial turf when the pitch at the match venue 15 October has natural grass.

Earlier on Thursday morning, Nkana had their first training on the lawn of the team hotel Bizerta Resort as the team waited to be offered a training ground.

“We could have loved to train on natural grass but there is nothing we can do,” Mwale said.

However, he was happy that Nkana managed to train at Bsiri grounds on Thursday afternoon.
“It is good that we have had a feel of the pitch.”

And Mwale is hopeful that key defender Billy Mwanza who has a groin problem will be fit for the match.

“Billy has come back in training and looked better. This is positive for us, he will get better,” he said.

Nkana and Bizertin drew goalless in the first leg tie in Kitwe.

Fuel increments, Kwacha depreciation adversely affecting manufacturers-ZAM

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Over 200 fuel tankers which were marrooned at Tunduma in Tanzania have started moving into Zambia as seen in the picture

Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) says the increments in fuel and depreciation of the kwacha has adversely affected manufacturers in the country.

Speaking in an interview ZAM Chief Executive Officer Maybin Nsupila said manufacturers in the country have already been finding it hard to compete against their counterparts in the region as fuel in the country has always been higher than other countries hence recent fuel increment adds to the already high cost of production of goods and services.

Mr Nsupila explained that adding to the expensive fuel is the depreciation of the kwacha against the dollar and other major foreign currencies which has led to imported raw materials being expensive.

He noted that though there maybe external forces that has pushed the Kwacha government should have mechanisms that should protect manufacturers in the country thereby protecting the public as the effects trickle down to them.

“It is challenging in the sense that the depreciation of the currency has happened in other countries around the region as they are reasons that has led to that,”

“For example; the economist will tell you that the US has adopted a policy of holding on to their dollar which has affected the quantity of the dollar on the market but that is not to say that they’re no domestic dynamics that we haven’t handled properly that are adversely affecting the kwacha and obviously its from the kwacha point of view that we see fuel being adjusted,”. Noted Mr Nsupila.

He further explained that same domestic dynamics have negatively affected manufacturers through the sourcing of raw materials hence the need to come up with measures that will protect manufacturers in the country and ensure that they are competitive.

Last week ERB adjusted fuel prices attributing the increment to the depreciation of the kwacha against major foreign currencies.

Zambia’s careful approach to GMO adoption praised

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cotton-field1
The Cotton Board of Zambia has urged government to continue with its precautionary approach towards the adoption and commercialisation of biotech crops.

Board Secretary Dafulin Kaonga said although a number of African countries have already adopted genetic modification of crops with a view to improve productivity, Zambia should be cautious in taking such a step in order to negate any possible negative effects on the country and its people.

Mr. Kaonga said the precautionary approach the country has taken was good because it treats the adoption of genetic modification on case by case basis and also ensures that all possible risks were determined before commercialisation can be allowed.

He said that the precautionary approach should however not be the reason why farmers cannot access the technology if it was proved to be beneficial.

Mr. Kaonga, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Cotton Board of Zambia, was speaking when he officially launched a report on the global status of commercialised biotech and genetically modified crops at the University of Zambia School of Agricultural Sciences in Lusaka today.

“As our neighbouring countries adopt genetic modification of crops before ourselves, we run the risk of having the seed for genetically modified crops illegally thereby threatening the country’s entire agriculture sector,” Mr. Kaonga said.

He noted that one of the poignant arguments against genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has been the high cost of seed and technology fees saying government should consider engaging potential biotechnology companies for more favourable terms of engagement with Zambian farmers once the technology is adopted.

Mr. Kaonga said this will create a win-win situation where both the technology provider and the farmer benefit.

He has since urged government to consider investing in capacity building in modern biotechnology adding that once the human resource base and infrastructure is adequate, the country will be able to develop its own genetically modified crops which will be available to farmers at a lower cost.

Mr. Kaonga noted that the Cotton Development Trust (CDT) has already made headways in applying for permission to undertake research on biotech cotton.

He said this technology holds significant promise in reducing the burden of pest control in cotton.

Mr. Kaonga further stated that there was need for CDT and other research institutions in Zambia to also explore other methods of pest management such as varietal resistance and integrated pest management.

He said this will ensure that farmers have access to relevant technologies which will enable them sustain profitable yields in the absence of genetically modified cotton.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kaonga has commended government for recognising the role that modern biotechnology plays in improving the livelihoods of the people.

He said this was evidenced by the formulation of the national biosafety policy and subsequent enactment of the biosafety act number 10 of 2007.

He also observed that government has gone further and appointed the board for the National Biosafety Authority.

Mr. Kaonga hoped the appointment of the board would facilitate the review process of applications that will be brought before the authority.

Speaking earlier, Zambia Cotton Ginners Association Executive Secretary Bourne Chooka noted with concern that the production of cotton seed in the country has been fluctuating.

Mr. Chooka said the production of cotton seed which hit its highest at 275, 000 metric tonnes for the 2011/2012 season dropped to 100, 000 metric tonnes in the 2012/2013 season.

Nevers Mumba makes a passionate appeal to all NEC members to attend Saturday’s meeting

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Nevers Mumba makes a passionate appeal to all NEC members to attend Saturday’s meeting
MMD president Nevers Mumba tries to control the crowd that gathered to show solidarity to Rupiah Banda at the DEC offices.
File: MMD president Nevers Mumba

MMD President Nevers Mumba has made a passionate appeal to all members of the National Executive Committee to attend Saturday’s meeting.

In a statement issued in Lusaka, Dr Mumba stated that it is important that every NEC member attends the meeting to assist the party resolve whatever issues need to be overcome.

“I wish to appeal to every NEC member to come to the meeting seeking to assist the party resolve whatever issues need to be overcome and that we all come in the spirit of peace and not to create a situation which will be injurious to the party. It should be our intention that all will behave in a manner befitting of an institutionalized party that has served in government for 20 years,” Dr Mumba said.

He added, “Six weeks ago, on the 15th of March 2014, the National Executive Committee of the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy convened a meeting which discussed a number of issues relating to general party organization. At that meeting, it was agreed that the position of the National Secretary needed to be filled in substantively. It was unanimously agreed that an opportunity should be given to the general membership of the party to apply for this position so as to allow for an open and transparent election by the NEC to be conducted within 21 days.”

“It is keeping in conformity with our own resolution that a meeting of the National Executive Committee has now been convened for Saturday 26th April 2014. Sufficient consultation was done in setting this date and everyone has been informed formally for this meeting. As already indicated, the agenda is the same as this is merely a continuation or a resumption of an adjourned meeting,” Dr Mumba said.

He said it is therefore expected that the primary agenda item will be to conduct the election of a National Secretary and conclude on other matters such as the Strategic Plan which was presented for consideration.

“However, and since a number of events and developments have transpired in the past six weeks, I will seek the indulgence of the meeting to discuss any other matters that the members feel need to be discussed so that we can agree on a clear direction forward,” he said.

The MMD leader said, “We all must respect our constitution and our own rules and regulation in the manner we conduct ourselves.”

He said no one is going to be ambushed or prevented from attending the meeting.

“The general party members and cadres should allow their leaders to hold a fruitful meeting that will see the party fulfil its mandate of providing checks and balances and eventually be in contention for the coming by-elections and general election.”

“Once again, I appeal to all NEC members to be present and use this meeting to resolve all issues as we seek to provide necessary hope to the many Zambians who believe that a new and rebranded MMD is the only alternative to PF at the next polls.”
Sincerely, it is my hope and prayer that we will all do what is in the best interest of the party,” Dr Mumba said.

Rising food costs push up April inflation

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food2

The annual rate of inflation for the month of April 2014 has increased to 7.8% compared to 7.7% for the month of March 2014.

Central Statistical Office Director of Census and Statistics John Kalumbi told a media briefing this morning that the marginal increase in inflation is as a result of an upward price movement of non-food items such as cement, motor vehicles and charcoal.

And Mr. Kalumbi has disclosed that Western province had the highest annual rate of inflation at 9.3 % followed by North Western province at 9.2% while Central province had the lowest annual rate of inflation at 6.2%.

A comparison of retail prices shows that the national average price of a 25Kg bag of Breakfast mealie meal increased by 1.1 percent from K 72.55 to K 73.37 between March and April 2014.

The national average price of 1 Kg dried Kapenta-Siavonga increased by 5.0 percent from 94.27 to K 99.01.

And Mr. Kalumbi has revealed that Zambia recorded an increase in trade surplus valued at K84 million in March 2014 compared to K55 million recorded in February 2014.

He said the increase in trade surplus is mainly attributed to a rise in traditional exports.

Izwe loans lists on the LuSE, hopes to raise K256 million

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LUSE

Micro finance lender Izwe Loans has issued a K265 million medium term note programme on the Lusaka Stock Exchange to fund its fast growing business in Zambia.

Izwe Loans which becomes the first micro lender in Zambia to use the stock exchange to raise capital hopes to use the funds to extend loans to people who have no collateral.

Under the programme, flexible terms, rate structure, secured and unsecured notes will be offered to the investing public.

A medium term note programme is a bond that facilitates a company’s raising of money as and when it requires it.

Izwe has already issued three kwacha based bonds of K 20 million each out of the K 265 million and they have also issued a US$10 million at an interest rate of 13 percent.

The Lusaka Stock Exchange and the Securities and Exchange Commission has given their approval to Izwe loans for the note programme which has been sponsored by African Alliance Securities Zambia Limited.
LuSE Chief Executive Officer Brian Tembo who spoke on the sidelines of the listing event said the listing is a major milestone in the growth of Izwe loans and the development of the bond market on the LuSE.

“By coming the LuSE, Izwe will not only have access to the capital it needs for growth but it also provides investors with an alternative to what is currently offered in the fixed income market here in Zambia,” Mr Tembo said.

At the listing ceremony in Lusaka on Thursday, Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba said Izwe’s listing is another sign of investor confidence in the Zambian economy.

“I do recall that we last gathered here in the last quarter of 2013 when we launched a domestic bond issuance by the International Finance Corporation. I am glad to be back to commemorate the listing of yet another bond, a sign that we are seeing confidence and growth in our domestic bond market,” Mr Yamba said.

Mr Yamba said the listing is also an indication that local companies are beginning to view the LuSE as a real and effective platform for raising of relatively cheaper longer term capital.

Over Dependance On Externally Developed Technologies Worries Government

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Over Dependance On Externally Developed Technologies Worries Government

Dr JOHN PHIRI
Dr JOHN PHIRI

Government says it is concerned with country’s dependence on externally developed technologies and importation of finished goods and services.

Education Minister Dr John Phiri said the continued importation of goods and service as well as over dependance on externally developed technologies is worrying and that it is undermining governments efforts of creating employment for the locals which is highly dependent the growth of local industries and home grown technologies.

Dr Phiri observed that the continued exporting of the country’s raw materials with little or no value addition is also hurting the much needed local industrial growth.

“Zambia has continued to export raw materials with little or no value addition and this has been to the detriment of growth of our local industries. This situation undermines government’s efforts of creating employment,” Dr Phiri said.

And Dr Phiri said government recognizes the importance of Science, Technology and Innovation in the development of the country.

“Science, Technology and Innovation is vital in any economic growth process and leads to greater economic competitiveness, industrial growth and improved standards of living hence the reason government’s focus on there promotion as a major contributor to value addition, industrial and economic growth as well as overall improvement in the quality of life for the citizens of Zambia,” he noted.

Dr Phiri said this in a speech read on his behalf by his deputy Patrick Ngoma when he officiated at the Science, Technology and Innovation symposium in Lusaka today.

Meanwhile Dr Phiri bemoaned the low usage of Science, Technology and Innovation in trying to improve the lives of people in the country.

He observed that by using science, technology and innovation communities can benefit in a number of ways including food security, human health, livestock production and competitiveness of local industries among other benefits.

The symposium will try to find ways of strengthening the country’s Science, Technology and Innovation human resource; improving funding for Science, Technology and Innovation programs, improving investment in research and development programs; as well as commercializing research and development products.

U.S. and U.K. Announce Additional $10 million for Helping Survivors of Gender-Based Violence

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LUSAKA – At today’s launch of the Ng’ombe Clinic One-Stop Center, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.K. Department for International Development (DFID) announced an additional $10.2 million in funding to fight gender-based violence and give survivors greater access to clinical services. These supplementary funds, provided by DFID through USAID, will, with the support of the Ministry of Health, double the number of one-stop centers across Zambia from 8 to 16.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a serious global health and human rights scourge that knows no social, economic, or political boundaries. The Zambian government is taking great strides to combat GBV and encourages international partners to join the fight. The 2007 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey indicated that almost half of all women suffered some form of physical violence. One-stop centers have been set up to help survivors of GBV. Today, USAID, with funding from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), DFID, and the Zambian government opened one-stop center No. 8 in the Ng’ombe compound area of Lusaka. The new center is administered by World Vision through the GBV Survivor Support project, which is one of three U.S. and U.K. government-funded sexual- and gender-based violence prevention and response programs in Zambia.

“The United States is pleased to join the Ministry of Health’s fight against GBV through the continued expansion of the one-stop centers at health clinics,” commented USAID/Zambia Mission Director Dr. Susan K. Brems. “Through the Zambian government’s initiative and leadership in placing medical care and access to police and legal services in one location, together we are able to serve the broader community. People at every level have a role to play in stopping gender-based violence in their communities.”

The Head of DFID Zambia, Kevin Quinlan, added, “Globally one in three women is beaten or sexually abused in her lifetime. Violence is used to intimidate, humiliate and discredit women, forcing them into silent second-class citizenship. The time for suffering in silence is over. That is why the U.K. government is pleased to support the Zambian government to eliminate gender-based violence in the country.”

As a successful model for an integrated response to sexual- and gender-based violence, the one-stop centers are the first of their kind in Zambia and have been developed to ensure prompt and comprehensive services to survivors of violence. Each one-stop center offers survivors a multitude of services: medical help from professionals; collection of criminal evidence by police; legal advice and crime reporting guidance; and psychological care through counseling and access to survivor support groups.

In addition to the GBV Survivor Support project, USAID, through PEPFAR and DFID, funds the GBV Access to Justice and GBV Prevention and Advocacy projects. With $27.4 million in funding over a five-year period, from 2013 to 2018, the three GBV projects will reach five million adults and children with preventive messages, assist 47,000 survivors, and train 160 police and 65 prosecutorial personnel.

Kafumukache sneaks into State House, receives K20,000 to destabilize MMD NEC meeting

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Kafumukache sneaks into State House, receives K20,000 to destabilize MMD NEC meeting
MMD National Youth Secretary Tobias Kafumukache addresses journalists at the party secretariat in Lusaka
MMD National Youth Secretary Tobias Kafumukache addresses journalists at the party secretariat in Lusaka

MMD National Youth Secretary on Tuesday sneaked into State House and met President Sata who handed him with K20, 000 with a mission to fight moves to hold the planned MMD National Executive Committee meeting.

Impeccable State House sources revealed that Kafumukache arrived at State House at 09:30 Hours and was quickly ushered in into a meeting with President where he received K 20,000 to cause confusion in the MMD ahead of the much anticipated NEC meeting.

Kafumukache was immediately tasked to recruit some MMD members in Kanyama, Chawama and Mandevu constituencies who will go to the media houses to denounce the NEC meeting.

The sources said Kafumukache was promised a further K 20,000 if he succeeds in derailing the MMD NEC meeting which was originally planned for this Saturday.

“He met the Boss (President Sata) on Tuesday, the records even at the gate can prove that. Ask him what he came to do at State House and we can prove him wrong. He is getting money from the Boss to kill the MMD,” the source said.

The source added that Kafumukache infact distributed part of the money some MMD officials Tuesday evening.

[pullquote]When called on Wednesday about his State House visit, Kafumukache said he is a Zambian citizen who should not explain reasons for visiting the Head of State.[/pullquote]

Kafumukache was all over Lusaka radio stations and other media houses on Wednesday threatening to mobilise youths in Lusaka Province and ensure that the NEC meeting is not held.

He was quoted by Hot FM Lunch time news saying “Dr Nevers Mumba’s call for a NEC meeting this Saturday is illegal. As youths in Lusaka Province, we shall ensure that the meeting does not take place because the National Chairman and the National Secretary have not been informed. It is not Dr Mumba’s job to call for a NEC meeting, it is the sole mandate of the National Secretary.”

When called on Wednesday about his State House visit, Kafumukache said he is a Zambian citizen who should not explain reasons for visiting the Head of State.

But MMD President Nevers Mumba has insisted that the NEC meeting shall proceed as long as a quorum is formed.

The planned NEC meeting is crucial to the party’s survival as it is expected to appoint a new National Secretary who is tipped to be Muhabi Lungu.

The NEC meeting is also expected to sternly deal with some senior MMD officials who have refused to support Dr Mumba as President of the former ruling party.

Michael Kaingu to ask the police to stop scheduled MMD NEC meeting

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MMD Vice president, Michael Kaingu
MMD Vice president, Michael Kaingu

MMD vice-president for politics Michael Kaingu has decided to report party president Nevers Mumba to the police today in a bid to stop him from convening a national executive committee (NEC) meeting this Saturday.

The meeting is scheduled to fill the vacant position of national secretary.

Dr Kaingu said yesterday that police should not allow the NEC meeting to take place on Saturday because the security of some senior leaders is not guaranteed.

Dr Kaingu, who is Mwandi member of Parliament (MP), said he will personally report the matter to Lusaka Central Police Station today because MMD youths led by Bowman Lusambo have allegedly threatened to beat up senior leaders perceived to be against Dr Mumba.

He alleged that Mr Lusambo and other youths are on record that they will beat him if he and other NEC members calling for an extraordinary convention attend the meeting.

“The group which is led by a young man called Lusambo is threatening to beat us who are perceived not to support Nevers Mumba, the group where I belong with Siliya, [MMD spokesperson Dora Siliya], Mulusa [former Solwezi Central member of Parliament Lucky Mulusa] and others,” Dr Kaingu said.

He said it is unfortunate that Mr Lusambo has allegedly been threatening to “sort out” senior leaders through the media if they turn up at the NEC meeting.

“Meanwhile, we have been invited for the same meeting. If we have to attend this meeting, what is logical is that we should also carry with us protection, whatever protection we shall have within ourselves and within our youths. We have to call for youths also, and that will mean clashes with that group,” he said.

“If the police are going to allow that meeting to go ahead, they will be courting violence. The duty of the police is to stop crime and this meeting provides an opportunity for crime to be committed, so it should not be allowed to go ahead.”

When contacted, Dr Mumba said the correct position on the NEC meeting will be communicated by acting national secretary Chembe Nyangu.

“The correct position comes from the national secretary, he is the only one mandated to issues a statement about NEC meetings.

The media have to wait for a statement from the secretariat but the meeting is scheduled within this month,” Dr Mumba said.

But according to a circular dated April 17, the MMD is scheduled to hold its NEC meeting on April 26 and it has invited all NEC members to attend.

And Mr Nyangu said he has not received instructions from Dr Mumba to postpone the NEC meeting following security concerns by some senior leaders.

“I have not received any instruction from the president to cancel the meeting because the one who called for the meeting is the president,” Mr Nyangu said.

He said although some MMD members want the NEC meeting to be postponed, it is up to Dr Mumba to make the decision.

Government launches the single dosage Antiretroviral Treatment

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Health Deputy Minister Chitalu Chilufya (right) talks to University Teaching Hospital managing director Lakson Kasonka (in dark grey suit,right), as others look on after officiating at the handover of three buses and one utility vehicle worth K1.8 million in Lusaka
Health Deputy Minister Chitalu Chilufya (right) talks to University Teaching Hospital managing director Lakson Kasonka (in dark grey suit,right), as others look on after officiating at the handover of three buses and one utility vehicle worth K1.8 million in Lusaka

GOVERNMENT has launched the single dosage Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) which will help increase eligibility of children and adults to be put on the life supporting drug.

Health deputy Minister Chitalu Chilufya said during the launch of the new guidelines that about 90, 000 children in Zambia were in need of ART but only 49, 000 were receiving the treatment representing 55 percent coverage.

“With the guidelines launched today, we anticipate a surge in eligible patients, to this effect Government has made a provision of US$ 45 million for procurement of ART this year with supplementary funding from supporting partners,” Dr Chilufya said.

The guidelines were launched during the second national paediatric and adolescent Art conference held at Lusaka’s Intercontinental Hotel yesterday.

“The core approach recommended in these new guidelines is to start treatment earlier, as the evidence now shows, earlier treatment brings the dual advantage of keeping people healthier, longer and dramatically reducing the risk of transmitting the virus to others,” he said.

He said the once-per-day combination pill was now recommended for all adults living with HIV, including those co-infected with tuberculosis, hepatitis, and other infections.

Dr Chilufya was happy that Zambia was the only country in the sub-Saharan region to make this bold decision of having universal access to ART for children of 15 years and below as part of the National ART policy.

He said the guideline set high standards of care such as integrating HIV testing and counselling and care services, providing immediate CD4 testing with a rapid turn-around of results.

He said the guideline underscored the long term health of pregnant women and mothers living with HIV as well as those of their children.

“The guidelines also recommend that pregnant women and children under the age of 15 years start treatment immediately after diagnosis,” he added.

He said with the new guidelines in place, government’s plan to attain 80 percent coverage by 2015 remained in sight.

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