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Angry Patriotic Front cadres led by Itezhi Tezhi district chairperson Beaton Manje have descended on the District Commissioner’s office demanding his removal.
The uncompromising cadres locked the office of the DC Roy Nang’alewa and grabbed the keys of his official vehicle.
The cadres who marched from Masemu area arrived at the DC’s office around 09:00 hours yesterday and ordered government workers to move out.
The cadres are reportedly infuriated by reports that the DC who is reportedly on local leave still goes to the office.
The PF cadres questioned why the door to his office was open instead of being locked.
Recently, PF constituency chairperson Namakau Kaingu accused the DC of blocking the work of the party in Itezhi tezhi.
Ms Kaingu made the allegation when Vice President Guy Scott visited the area two weeks ago.
She said there was no way they could have a DC who was hindering the progress that the party was making in the area.
Ms Kaingu further said the party was not happy with statements attributed to the DC on the Zambian Watchdog where there are statements discrediting the PF government.
But Police in Itezhi Tezhi resolved the matter and later re-opened the offices.
Meanwhile, Irate Mkushi Residents believed to be Cadres from the ruling Patriotic Front(PF) Party locked up the offices of the Council Secretary(CS) on Thursday.
PF Central Province Chairperson Benson Chali confirmed to ZANIS that District and Constituency Officials had acknowledged that the Cadres had locked up the offices as a gesture to protest against the District Council Secretary.
Mr. Chali explained that the Cadres complained that they had grievances against the CS that are related to working culture as well as alleged indifference towards the PF Party structure in the District.
Mr. Chali said that the Cadres alleged that the CS worked in isolation as they believed that he executed all the decisions without consulting the Councilors in the Council Chamber.
He said that Cadres were also critical of the work culture of the CS, saying that he allegedly did not designate work to the Deputy CS whenever he was out of the station.
He cited the issue of the plots that were advertised for sale by the Council, saying that the CS had monopolized the decision making with regards to fixing the prices of the plots.
Mr. Chali said that it was not surprising that the sales of these plots had disappointed as the K50 per square meter price was deemed to be too expensive by many people.
He said that the manner in which the CS is believed to have handled the sale of plots had only resulted in making Mkushi a very expensive location to buy Titled plots.
He mentioned that apart from the dissatisfaction with the CS, Cadres were also unhappy with the employment trend at the Council, explaining that several people from outside Mkushi are said to have taken over jobs that included CDEs(Casual daily Employees).
Mr. Chali appealed to the Public Service Commission to look into the matter, adding that it was saddening to learn that the Council’s Fire department had recently employed 7 untrained people from outside Mkushi.
He said that this employment trend was also contributing towards precipitating the Cadres anger towards the Council.
Meanwhile, Management at Mkushi District Council declined to comment on the issue involving the PF Cadres and the CS Everty Ng’andu.
Kobil filling station. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS/MONGU
Mongu district has been hit by a fuel shortage which has paralyzed both government and business activities in the district.
A check by ZANIS yesterday morning found a queue of motorists at Kobil filling station searching for the commodity.
One of the motorists Mwambo Mbikusita complained that the shortage has negatively affected business in the district.
And Moses Misapo noted that most motorists have packed their vehicles due to lack of the fuel in the district.
However, Suban Filling station Manager Abdinur Yasin told ZANIS in a separate interview that the situation is being addressed from Lusaka and that supply would soon be restored.
Meanwhile, the four major filling stations in Mongu including Kobil, Suban, Total and Puma have not received fuel in the past two days.
A 42 year old woman of Chinsali has been arrested for allegedly murdering her 50 year old husband.
Peggy Chewe of Makoba village in chief Nkula’s area in Chinsali district of Muchinga province was arrested yesterday around 11:00 hours.
The arrest has been confirmed to ZANIS in Chinsali yesterday by Muchinga province deputy police Commissioner Bonny Kapeso.
Mr. Kapeso said Chewe hit her husband with a stick on the head after a domestic dispute erupted on Tuesday around 20: 00hours after he followed her at her house.
He said the deceased sustained a deep cut on the head and later went to his home where he died in his sleep.
It is believed that the couple Chewe and Bupe where on separation for over two years.
The body of Bupe is currently lying in Chinsali district community hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem while Chewe is detained at Chinsali central police station and will appear in court soon.
Mr. Kapeso has since warned people in rural areas not to take the Law in their own hands when aggrieved.
President Michael Sata, First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba, Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini and Mrs Matibini walks towards Parliament buildings at the official opening of the House in Lusaka
Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini has has advised parliamentarians against engaging him into partisan politics.
Speaking in parliament yesterday, Dr. Matibini urged the MPs to choose platforms where they could discuss matters of politics but not in the House.
Dr. Matibini also said that he is monitoring the continued absence of some opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) during proceedings in the House.
Last week, the speaker formally received two complaints against the opposition MPs who included those currently serving in the Privilege Parliamentary Committee and assured that the complaints would soon be processed accordingly .
The Speaker disclosed in parliament yesterday that the absence of the opposition members was unjustified and expressed displeasure at the development.
He reminded the members to be fully committed and attend all parliamentary business.
Most of the opposition MPs mainly MMD and UPND seats were desertedtoday in the Chamber prompting Kafue MP Mr. Obvious Mwaliteta, who is also Central Province Minister, to rise on a serious point of order to which the Speaker accordingly advised.
Dr. Matibini said this when he made a ruling in the House today following a point of order raised by, Mwaliteta who wanted to find out if UPND MPs were in order to continue absconding from the House during parliamentary debates.
“I have explained this before that the continued absence of the opposition MPs is totally inexplicable. I must remind you all honourable members of this House that you must be present in the House during deliberations at all times. l will continue monitoring the situation which is unjustified at the moment but l can assure you that action will be taken sooner than later,” the Speaker said.
ames Thornton – BRITISH High Commissioner to Zambia
The British High Commissioner to Zambia James Thornton has said that it has become increasingly clear that Zambia’s own actions will determine its future. Speaking yesterday on the challenges facing Zambia over the next 15 years in regards to economic development at the “Shaping our Future” Conference at Radisson Blu hotel, Mr Thornton said that it was up to Zambians to determine how the country develops in the next years and decades.
The one-day conference, hosted by the British Council, brought together current and future Zambian leaders to discuss private sector investment as well as innovation and skills development among young people.
Below is the full speech
SPEECH FOR SHAPING OUR FUTURE CONFERENCE, 6 MARCH 2014
Wayne Harper, Country Director, British Council
Senior Government Officials
CEO’s present
Distinguished guests
Members of the press
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen
All protocols observed
I am delighted to be speaking at this conference, organised by the British Council with substantial funding from the High Commission.
The British Council has a well-deserved high reputation here in Zambia, doing important work on education and entrepreneurship. It is great to welcome the Council’s new Director, Sean Harper, to Zambia. I am sure he will lead the organisation to yet greater heights.
I want to talk today about the challenges for the future that Zambia faces.
I think it is increasingly recognised that it is Zambia’s own actions that will determine its future.
We learned the other day that Zambia’s GDP is 25% larger than previous figures had indicated.
That puts Zambia much more firmly within the ranks of lower middle income countries.
The United Kingdom, through our Department for International Development, commonly known as DFID, has a long-standing presence here and is doing work in a wide range of areas.
Its contribution is substantial – yet also very small.
Substantial because it amounts in this UK financial year (April 2013 to the end of this month) to over £70m. That is about Kw690m at today’s exchange rates. That feels like a lot of money. Small because it amounts to less than half a percent of Zambia’s recalculated GDP.
We want to make a difference to Zambia’s prospects, but with only half a percent of GDP to play with, we have to work hard at it. Increasingly we look at what we do to support institutions or economic structures that will themselves deliver bigger changes than we would be capable of on our own.
All cooperating partners combined now spend in the order of 4% of Zambia’s GDP – a sum now less than the tax raised from the mining sector.
So what does Zambia need to do to ensure a bright future?
How Zambia develops over the next years and decades is up to you.
I think there are eight things that the country needs to think about.
(People tell me that you should make only three main points in a speech. They are right. But I am sure you will be able to follow me.)
1. Vision for the economy
Firstly, Zambia needs to consider broadly what sort of economy it wants to have twenty years from now. What sort of economic production do you envisage taking place?
Once that has been worked out, then you need to work out what conditions need to be put in place to encourage the development of such production.
The Government is currently revising the Sixth National Development Plan. I hope that the revised version will have clarity about those two issues.
2. Mining
The second issue is mining. I assume that, given the country’s copper reserves, mining will be part of that vision for the economy of the future.
In recent years Zambia has been very successful in growing its mining sector. Since 2000, at the time of the privatisation of the mines, copper production has grown from 257,000 tonnes per year to 850,000 tonnes in 2013.
Clearly a lot of investments that were begun some years ago are still in train and have yet to come on stream.
But I am not aware of many recent announcements of major new investment decisions.
If new investments are not being embarked on, we need to ask why, and whether anything can be done about it.
3. Diversification
My third point is about diversification away from mining.
The increase in mining output has been the main driver of Zambia’s phenomenal economic growth over the last dozen years or so. Without it, Zambia would still be struggling to reach lower middle income status.
But sooner or later, the easier to extract copper reserves will be used up. Production will plateau and will eventually decline. Zambia needs to think about how the current mining boom can be used to lay the foundations for broader economic development.
For that, the income from mining needs to be used well, to invest in physical infrastructure and, even more important, the development of human capabilities.
Actually, of course, people have been talking about the need for diversification away from mining for a long time now. Ten years, to my knowledge; but I suspect in reality for much longer than that.
Some diversification has clearly taken place. So-called non-traditional exports have been rising in the last eight to ten years. A lot of the non-traditional exports have been agricultural products, but they also include light manufacturing.
But it seems to me that there needs to be a debate about why more has not been achieved in this area.
One issue is the exchange rate. People are worried about the falling Kwacha. But the value of the Kwacha stabilised in about 2002 at about 5,000 to the dollar. There has been some fluctuation since then, but today’s rate, twelve years on, of less than six rebased Kwacha to the dollar is not a big movement.
Furthermore, there has been a lot of inflation in those twelve years. In real terms, the value of the Kwacha has increased significantly.
There are clearly disadvantages to a falling Kwacha. But one advantage of a Kwacha that was weaker over the long term would be that local production would find it easier to compete against imports.
4. Governance structures
The fourth thing a country like Zambia needs to do is to ensure that governance structures are right.
Governments need to be able to make effective, properly thought-through decisions for the benefit of their people.
Governments raise their money through taxation of individuals and companies. No-one likes to be taxed. It is important that government services are delivered effectively, with constant vigilance to ensure there is no wastage or syphoning-off of tax revenue.
It is only through good governance that mining revenues will translate into inclusive growth. It is these structures that make sure that funds are collected and managed in a transparent way for the benefit for the country.
The rule of law needs to be policed through an efficient judicial system.
Much of what the government does has an impact, either positive or negative, on business.
In the UK an assessment is done on the impact on business of every single regulation or piece of legislation, before it is brought in. This assessment is premised on strong consultation with businesses themselves.
The Zambian Government is spearheading such a process here. We are supporting them through technical advice from the UK’s better Regulation Office. But the key thing will be for it to be implemented properly by all the line ministries.
If done well, this assessment process should, over time, make Zambia an easier place for both domestic and foreign businesses to operate.
5. Education
The fifth thing the country needs to focus on is education. Like Nelson Mandela puts it “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
The OECD, a policy forum based in Paris, looks hard at drivers of economic growth. It says that the biggest single factor affecting long-term growth is education.
Zambia is good at getting children to enrol at primary school. But the government recognises that standards of education in schools are low. DFID is working with them to remedy this.
The type of education you receive is crucial. Do you just learn facts, or mathematical techniques? Or do you learn to think, to construct arguments, to solve problems?
It is because we insist on the development of such skills that British universities have such a good reputation. Many Zambians have discovered that at first hand by studying in the UK.
We also have globally recognised qualifications in vocational and professional subjects. Our host today, the British Council is administering over 40,000 UK examinations to over 15,000 candidates a year in Zambia.
With the world leaning more to a knowledge economy it is becoming increasing easier to get a more rounded education. With the increasing access to smart phones and internet penetration it is my hope that education services will become more accessible.
6. Entrepreneurship
The sixth thing the country needs to do is to promote entrepreneurship among its people.
Other countries have entrepreneurs who have really made it big. One thinks of Aliko Dangote of Nigeria.
There seems to be very few companies of any size that are owned by indigenous Zambians. I am not sure why that is.
I know that there are a lot of new entrepreneurs here – Bongo Hive is a good example.
What is it that will help small Zambian companies grow into large ones?
The Zambian Government is keen to develop SMEs. The increase in the capital requirements for banks here was intended to raise the amount of money available for companies to borrow. And the caps on interest rates were imposed in an attempt to ensure that companies could borrow at sensible rates.
You will have your own views as to whether the measures taken were the most effective ones to achieve the intended aims.
DFID is about to start a programme to look at the obstacles to SME creation, and to propose technical solutions.
7. Foreign investment
However, home-grown enterprise will take time to expand. In the meanwhile there is a particular need for foreign investment. The seventh task for Zambians is to ensure that the country is an attractive place for foreign companies to operate.
I will say a bit more about this theme, as it is of course of direct relevance to British companies!
There is of course intense competition for foreign investment. Every country wants to attract it.
The United Kingdom puts a lot of effort to attracting companies from overseas to set up operations in our territory and create jobs there.
I am sure all Zambia’s neighbours are doing the same.
I know that many multinationals consider many more investment projects than they have the capital to pursue. We will never get to hear about the ones they reject.
To put it bluntly, Zambia has to beat the competition. Competition not just from neighbouring countries but also from other producers in the developing world such as China and Vietnam.
Mining companies have to go where the ore is. Manufacturers can set up anywhere.
[pullquote] Like Slavery and Apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. YOU can be that great generation.[/pullquote]
Why would a company set up here?
Some service companies – banks, insurance companies or supermarkets – will come because of the growing Zambian middle class with money to buy what they have to offer. But Zambia is still a small market. As I said before, the country needs to think about what it can export.
What will attract companies wishing to produce for export?
Things like a competitive cost base, a productive workforce, not too much red tape, policy certainty, political stability and security of investment.
Companies also want the flexibility to run their affairs in their own way. If they recruit staff for whom they subsequently have no use, they want the freedom to pay them a reasonable severance package and let them go.
It is a paradox that, in order to attract new jobs, you have to accept that some old jobs may have to go.
Companies also want to be able to bring in senior staff who know their business. Excessive restrictions on work permits for expatriates can put companies off investing here.
8. Inclusive Growth
And the eighth and last thing the country needs to do is to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to share in the country’s development.
The inequality between rich and poor in this country is really striking. It is clear that much of the benefit of economic growth is accruing to the middle classes here in Lusaka. The increase in traffic on the roads here is testament to that.
The poor and isolated, particularly those in rural areas, all need to be able to access education and other public goods. They need to be able to improve their farming techniques, and sell their produce.
DFID will remain focussed on support to the poor. Not just because there is a moral imperative to help those who are in most need, who suffer most. But because there are massive economic gains to be made by giving them even basic opportunities.
The government thus has a fundamental role to provide opportunity and incomes for all. The government’s 700% increase in the funding for the social transfers scheme is a step towards attainment of this dream. We are pleased to have played a key role in piloting that scheme.
Conclusion
Ladies and Gentlemen
I have two final thoughts. First, a senior advisor to Tony Blair once said, after stepping down from working in government that governments tended to overestimate the influence they could have in the short term. But they tended to underestimate the influence they could have in the long term.
It is only in the last few years that the economic liberalisation put in place by Frederick Chiluba has borne the greatest fruit.
The choices that are made now will make a big difference to how this country will fare in ten or twenty years time.
My second message is that you here today can play a big role in shaping those choices.
Nelson Mandela once said, “Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice. Like Slavery and Apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. YOU can be that great generation. Let YOUR greatness blossom.”
Prominent Lusaka lawyer Nellie Mutti has been arrested and charged with 33 counts relating to theft and forgery in connection the payment of more than K35 million to former government employees.
Ms Mutti of Lukona Chambers was arrested in Lusaka today but released on police bond waiting for court appearance on March 23, 2014.
Assistant police spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga confirmed in an interview in Lusaka today that Ms Mutti had been charged with forgery contrary to section 342 of the Laws of Zambia.
“She has also been charged with uttering of a contract as well as 31 counts relating to theft which is contrary to section 272 of the Laws of Zambia,” Mr Hamoonga said.
The arrest of Ms Mutti comes barely weeks after the police recorded a warn and caution statement from the legal practitioner after being accused of stealing more than K35,951,705.08.
The money was part of the Government release for 3,523 retirees that left their employment under the voluntary separation in late 1990s.
Ms Mutti represented the 3,523 retirees under the Voluntary Separation Association of Zambia (VSAZ) in a long protracted legal battle to claim the pensioners’ benefits.
She won the case on behalf of the retirees and the government recently started paying the pensioners’ through her law firm.
However, it is alleged that 751 former retirees could not claim their benefits and Ms Mutti pocketed all the money instead of returning it to Government.
Ms Mutti has also been dragged to court by the former civil servants who are now demanding for a refund after accusing the legal practitioner of making irregular deductions from their money.
According to the claim, the deductions by Ms Mutti were in three categories namely, 10 per cent legal fees, 10 per cent handling fees and 16 per cent VAT.
The deductions were made from the K468,161,166.23 that was released by the government for the retirees through Lukona Chambers after they had a 2002 judgment that went in their favour.
The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) said recently that its disciplinary committee as well as the Legal Practitioners’ Committee were currently sitting to decide whether there was any professional misconduct by Ms Mutti over the same matter.
The Black Friday Campaigners and the Grand Coalition on the Demand for the release of the People Driven Constitution supports fully the action taken by the Opposition and Independent Members of Parliament to protest in Parliament as they demand for the Immediate Release of the document from President Michael Sata and the Patriotic Front Government.
The Black Friday Campaigners would like to urge Members of Parliament, Members of Civil Society, Members of the Church, the Students and indeed all Zambians to wear Black tomorrow, Friday (7th March, 2014) as the debate gets into another gear in Parliament.
We expect the Executive’s response through the Minister of Justice, Hon. Wynter Kabimba to the motion about the Road Map raised by Opposition Member of Parliament Hon. Garry Nkombo tomorrow Friday, 7th March 2014, to be in favour of the people. It is with this background that we appeal to all ZAMBIANS to be clad in BLACK as we all throng the National Assembly galleries and listen to the debate.
As the Black Friday Campaigners we are of the considered view that Zambians have the greatest opportunity to give unto themselves their own constitution now which clearly defines the destiny of the nation.
This is the time to say no to anyone that wants to hijack our People Driven Constitution. It’s now or never. Stand up and be counted. You must be counted on the right side of history. Power lies with the people, the Zambians.
As a people we did it in 1991, in 2001 on the third (3rd) term maneuvers, in 2011 and we have faith that this time around we shall do it in style. We need our constitution NOW!!!
The Planned Parenthood Association has called for the scaling up political will in reducing teenage pregnancies in the country.
PPAZ Executive Director Edford Mutuma said reducing teenage pregnancies should be a national agenda.
An average of 17,600 young girls drop out of school per year in Zambia, a country with a fertility rate as high as 6.2 and maternal mortality still at 591 per 100,000 live births.
Mr Mutuma said young girls should be valued as a virtue and government should take the lead to ensure that our young girls complete their education and are inspired to be economically empowered.
The PPAZ Executive Director noted that as long as women are still dropping out of school and dying, it will be very difficult for Zambia to inspire to realise Vision 2030.
He said teenage pregnancy is a menace to our society adding that ending it is a struggle that needs to receive as much attention and focus as the struggle against HIV.
Mr Mutuma said politicians should use their strategic advantage to take up this issue seriously.
He said this in a statement ahead of this year’s International Women’s Day which falls on Saturday, August 08 2014 under the theme ‘Inspiring Change’.
“As we celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day, women in Zambia need to be inspired to be equal partners in the overall national development which also includes reducing the number of women who die during pregnancy and childbirth and also due to unsafe abortions,” Mr Mutuma said.
He said the key factors that need to be considered in this inspiration are the promotion of gender equality, investment in sexual and reproductive health and rights, increase political will, ensure adequate financing and encourage men involvement in women inspiring change.
“Gender equality and investing in sexual and reproductive health and rights are essential for growth and poverty reduction as they are key to reaching our National Development Goals including the MDGs, however, gender inequalities are still entrenched in many of our Zambian cultural, social and political systems,” he said.
He added, “We need to see more investment in family planning and reproductive health for our women especially those in hard to reach areas. This will significantly save lives and create hope for our women.”
“In this regard, the government has put in strong mechanism that ensures the access to services for our rural community however; this should be matched with investing in human resources, improving health infrastructure and demand creation for health services.”
Mr Mutuma said Zambian men should take up the challenge to support women adding that this is the only way the country is going to have meaningful improvement in the promotion of gender equality.
“We want men as Agents of Change, men as promoters of gender equality and supporters of women’s health. We need men who will break the silence and the social norms to improve conditions for women.
Who are the women behind the maternal mortality statistics? They’re our mothers, wives, sisters, daughters and friends. Men have to completely change their attitude to improve the women status in Zambia,” he added.
The Government of the United States has said that is disappointed by the decision of the Government of the Republic of Zambia to appeal the case of Paul Kasonkomona for allegedly “soliciting for immoral purpose.”
In a statement released to the media today, the US Government urged the Government to drop its appeal case as the Zambian constitution guaranteed the freedom of expression.
Last month Magistrate Lameck Ng’ambi acquitted a human rights activist on charges of promoting homosexuality. Paul Kasonkomona was charged with “soliciting for immoral purposes” after arguing for gay rights on a MUVI TV in April 2013.
Magistrate Lameck found that the state had failed to prove its case.
Mr Kasonkomona told AFP his acquittal was a “landmark judgement” and vowed to keep to speak out “for the rights of all Zambians”.
Below is the full statement
EMBASSY OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA
NR/1016/03/06/14
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Janet Deutsch
March 6, 2014 Public Affairs Officer
Phone: 357000
United States Urges Dropping of Appeal Against Paul Kasonkomona
Lusaka – The Government of the United States is disappointed by the decision of the Government of the Republic of Zambia to appeal the case of Paul Kasonkomona for allegedly “soliciting for immoral purpose.” When acquitting Mr. Kasonkomona, Magistrate Lameck Ng’ambi issued an eloquent statement about the importance of free speech in a democracy. The Zambian constitution also guarantees this fundamental right.
We urge the Zambian Government to drop its appeal in this case. Freedom of speech is a fundamental right to be respected and embraced.
The U.S. Department of State on February 27, 2014 released the 2013 Human Rights Report on Zambia and other countries around the world. This report details further restrictions on the freedom of speech and other human rights concerns. The report can be found online at: www.HumanRights.gov.
Patrice Beaumelle has praised two-goal hero Evans Kangwa and midfielder Rainford Kalaba’s performances against Uganda in Wednesday’s friendly at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Nkana striker Kangwa and TP Mazembe midfielder Kalaba made a glowing return to action for Zambia after an eight and seven month’s absence from the fold respectively.
“You know we call Rainfoird Kalaba ‘The Master’. He can make the difference and he made some very good moves and was one of the players in the match that made the difference,” Beaumelle said.
“The team worked well together and when we were down he was one of the boys that made the difference, who pushed and created chances.”
Meanwhile, Beaumelle saluted Kangwa after coming on in the 28th minute for the injured Rodgers Kola to score a second half brace that handed Zambia the win.
“Everybody is bringing something to the team like some with experience and others without experience,” Beaumelle said.
“Like Evans Kangwa he can in and scored two lovely goals and I am happy for our local players and I want to congratulate him.”
It was the second successive time that Kangwa had scored a brace for Zambia since August last year in a 2-0 win over Botswana in a 2014 CHAN qualifier also at Levy Stadium.
Chipolopolo keeper Kennedy Mweene will be out of action for more than a week after suffering a concussion in Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Uganda in a friendly in Ndola.
Mweene was hit in the face by Uganda’s Emmanuel Okwi at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium before being replaced by Joshua Titima.
Zambia team doctor Joseph Kabuongo said:”Kennedy suffered a trauma to the head during the first half and was rushed to the hospital where he was observed for almost three hours.”
Dr. Kabungo said he has talked to Mweene’s coach at Mamelodi Sundowns Pitso Mosimane over the keeper’s condition.
“I recommended to Pitso immediately after the match that Kennedy takes a rest for the next seven to ten days before he is allowed to take part in competitive matches,” he said.
Mweene was expected to fly back to South Africa on Thursday.
He will miss Sundowns’ league match against AmaZulu set for Sunday.
President Michael Sata with diplomatics accredited to Zambia after a closed door meeting at State House
President Sata today held a closed-door meeting with members of the Diplomatic Corps and International Organisations accredited to Zambia.Concerning the Constitution President Sata said his government has to factor the logistical and financial repercussions in order not to derail other pressing developmental projects.
With regard to the numerous by-elections President Sata said although, the Patriotic Front won the elections,they felt that had it not been for the malpractices, the PF would have secured more seats and won the presidential election by a wider margin.He assured the diplomats that the PF Government is very committed to elections that are free of violence and free of electoral corruption.
Below is the Full Press Statement
LUSAKA, Thursday, March 6, 2014 – His Excellency Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata, President of the Republic of Zambia, has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to the process of Constitution review.
During a closed-door meeting with members of the Diplomatic Corps and International Organisations accredited to Zambia, President Sata assured the nation and various stakeholders including diplomats that Government is still committed to the process of Constitution review.
“In this regard, after the receipt of the report from the Technical Committee, Government will consider the recommendations, because we have to factor the logistical and financial repercussions in order not to derail other pressing developmental projects,” he said.
On the issue of parliamentary by-elections, President Sata said Government acknowledges that democracy, good governance and the rule of law, as well as an enabling environment were essential for national development.
“It cannot be disputed that there was massive distribution of inducements and other malpractices during the 2011 elections. Although, the Patriotic Front [PF] won the elections, we felt that had it not been for the malpractices, the PF would have secured more seats and won the presidential election by a wider margin,” the President said.
“Individual losing parliamentary candidates have decided to exercise their Constitutional right and the courts have made their independent decisions to nullify some elections and consequently by-elections have to be held. This is what the laws of the land prescribe and as a responsible Government we have to follow the law.
“Be assured that Government is very committed to elections that are free of violence and free of electoral corruption. Allowing corruption in elections has the potential of robbing Zambians of their right to freely choose their candidates. Corruption, if not checked can also open the gate to organised crime in elections.”
President Sata said Government has focused on the four key sectors of education, health, agriculture and local government and housing, as evidenced by increased funding allocations in the 2014 budget to these sectors.
The Head of State reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to working with the international community and further strengthen the already existing good ties for the mutual benefit of both countries.
“I would like to appreciate the participation of all our cooperating partners in our infrastructure development agenda,” he said.
And Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and High Commissioner of the Republic of Botswana, Her Excellency, Tuelonyana Oliphant said the increasing number of diplomatic representation in Zambia is an indication of the respect, which the international community has for the values and principles, which are the cornerstone of the country’s social, cultural and economic transformation.
She said Zambia continues to be an influential and respected player both on regional and international affairs.
On national development, High Commissioner Oliphant said the Diplomatic Corps have followed with great interest the Government’s development agenda especially efforts to attract Foreign Direct Investment [FDI] for the purpose of economic development, job creation and reduction of urban- rural inequalities.
“We have also followed the revised 6th National Development Plan 2011- 2016 and its emphasis on people centred development. We appreciate the Government’s focus on human resource development, improvement of health services and provision of piped water and good sanitation facilities, as essential factors for economic growth and poverty reduction,” she said.
She further said Government’s impressive record in improving the lives of Zambians through communication and transport links such as the Link Zambia 800 project and Lusaka Ring Road project is commendable.
“The on-going infrastructure development projects to link Zambia with its neighbours and the booming construction industry such as the upcoming international airport, residential and office buildings, shopping malls, internet connectivity and provision of other social services are some of the indicators of a growing economy,” High Commissioner Oliphant said.
The meeting was attended by Vice-President Dr Guy Scott, PF Secretary General and Minister of Justice Hon. Wynter Kabimba and several Cabinet ministers.
Issued by:
GEORGE CHELLAH
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
Tourism and Arts Minister Sylvia Masebo arrives at the Supreme Court buildings in Lusaka yesterday to attend sittings of a tribunal that has been appointed to investigate her
Tourism Minister Sylvia Masebo this morning testified before the Roydah Kaoma tribunal that she was directed by President Micheal Sata to dismiss senior Zambia Wildlife Authority Management and dissolve the ZAWA board.
Ms. Masebo told the tribunal that government deemed it fit to dissolve the ZAWA board as it would undermine her authority as Minister.
And Ms. Masebo told the tribunal that ZAWA owed a staggering K2.4 billion to various institutions when she took over as Tourism Minister in 2012.
Ms. Masebo said she discovered when she was appointed Tourism Minister that Zambians of foreign origin had more influence on the operations of ZAWA because senior management was allegedly corrupt.
She said donors had no kind words for ZAWA due to the gross financial mismanagement that was being perpetrated by top management.
Ms. Masebo alleged that there were rampant thefts in ZAWA but it was difficult to detect because there was a syndicate at the institution as most employees are related.
Ms. Masebo told the tribunal that she unearthed a scam upon her appointment to export over two hundred sable animals to South Africa.
She further revealed that she had difficulties in accessing information from ZAWA because management had been deliberately concealing information.
And Ms. Masebo told the tribunal that it was inevitable to cancel the tender for the 19 hunting blocks because the mafias running Zambia’s wildlife sector were externalizing 97% of the proceeds abroad.
She lamented before the tribunal that most of the safari operators were not registered companies and were not paying any tax to government.
The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) has observed that the extent of protests by opposition Members of Parliament over the new constitution should compel President Michael Sata to listen to the pleas of the Zambian people.
FODEP Executive Director Macdonald Chipenzi said demands for a new constitution by opposition MPs right inside Parliament is a protest of frustration by the people’s representatives.
Mr. Chipenzi said it will not help the Executive to keep quiet or ignore such demonstrations.He told Qfm News in an interview that the appeal of his organization for the government to respond to the concerns that are being raised on the constitution.
Mr Chipenzi said it will be naive for Cabinet to overlook its responsibility to be held accountable by the legislature on the issue of coming with a new constitution.
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When you have people asking for something and you keep quiet or ignore them, then you are forcing them to behave in a certain manner
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Meanwhile the Non-Governmental Organisations Coordinating Council has backed the actions of opposition Members of Parliament in Parliament in pressing for the release of the draft constitution.
NGOCC Board Chairperson Beatrice Grillo observed that the actions of the opposition MPs are as a result of government being quiet on the issue hence their actions are justified.
She said her organisation will use every legal means possible to ensure that the constitution is released.
Mrs Grillo said lack of dialogue on such a serious national issue will always force people to act and behave in a certain manner as can be seen from the actions of the opposition MPs who have continued to disrupt parliamentary proceedings in parliament.
“As NGOCC we do not condone unruly behavior in any form but I think we need to look at why people are behaving like that, its because there is no process for dialogue. When you have people asking for something and you keep quiet or ignore them, then you are forcing them to behave in a certain manner,” said Mrs Grillo.
Meanwhile, Mrs Grillo has advised the government to stop blaming others on the constitution making process saying pointing fingers will not help anyone.
She called on government to embrass dialogue as the issue of the constitution making process is a delicate national issue which needs to be handled with care, tolerance and respect and does not require for anyone to start passing blame from one place to another.
“This is a national issue and passing blame from one place to another will not help, all the government needs to do is to announce the day they are going to give the President and all of us the final draft constitution so that we look at it and agree on the way forward”. She said”.
Ms Grillo added that there is nothing that will stop the public from demanding for constitution as they feel strongly about it and that the only way forward is to dialogue without pointing fingers at anyone.
The NGOCC Board Chairperson further reiterated her organisation’s resolve to push for the release of the constitution using every possible legal means.
“For us as NGOCC we want to reiterate that we will use every possible means to demand and ensure that we get the constitution” She said.
Mrs Grillo’s remarks follows Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba’s latest comments were he has blamed Opposition MPs for the delay in the release of the draft constitution.
