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The Weekend in Pictures
Zambians need a generational change of leadership – HH
United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema says Zambians need a generational change of leadership and not being taken backwards.
Mr Hichilema said the Patriotic Front went into government without a plan for the country, but for purposes of sharing jobs amongst themselves.
Speaking to Q fm, Mr Hichilema said the Patriotic Front lied to the people on a number of things which they have failed to fulfill.
[pullquote]Mr. Hichilema adds that President Michael Sata has changed from being a man of action to man of negative action[/pullquote]
Mr. Hichilema pointed out that miners and mine contractors have lost jobs, while mealie meal prices have gone up among other things which is a clear indication that the PF has failed to run the country.
He said he had warned the people of Zambia against voting for the PF in the 2011 elections and now he is being vindicated.
Mr. Hichilema added that President Michael Sata has changed from being a man of action to man of negative action.
[QFM]
Welcome Back Fr. Bwalya, But….
By Rev Kapya Kaoma
Am I the only person who wondered what had happened to Fr. Bwalya after September 2011? Honestly, I want to know where he went when PF controlled Police attacked opposition cadres and their leaders. Where was he when Kabimba intimidated the Anti-Corruption Commission? How about when his fellow Roman Catholic priest was arrested and deported for standing up for the rights of farmers?
Fr. Bwalya’s aspirations for public office are commendable. After all, he has the democratic right to do so. But, I wonder whether he has the right to lie to Zambians. Bwalya is no johnny-come-lately to Zambian politics; so for him to pretend to see PF wrongs now is disingenuous. I understand that it demands moral courage to withstand the temptations of power and money – you can ask Pastor Nevers Mumba. Seriously, if Bwalya could not tell that the PF government had lost direction until last week, I doubt his sanity.
[pullquote]the most tyrannical of governments are those which make crimes of opinions, for everyone has an inalienable right to his thoughts.[/pullquote] I have consistently questioned PF’s misuse of power. Some people say that I am bitter and rightly so. I am bitter that our nation is slowly becoming like Zimbabwe. The selective application of the law, the arrest of citizens for expressing their views on governance and the arrogance of PF cadre-ministers demand prophetic rage. I am reminded of the words of the Jewish-Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza: “The most tyrannical of governments are those which make crimes of opinions, for everyone has an inalienable right to his thoughts.” These words aptly define what the PF government has become – a dictatorship.
No day passes without hearing about a politically motivated arrest or persecution. Ironically, only members of the opposition are arrested.. Our police, courts, and Anti-Corruption commission are now instruments of oppression – making vicious dictators like Robert Mugabe angels! As long as they kiss Sata’s boots, criminals are left to roam our streets in cars bought with our tax Kwachas
[pullquote]Bwalya is no johnny-come-lately to Zambian politics; so for him to pretend to see PF wrongs now is disingenuous[/pullquote]
Surely Fr. Bwalya should know that we, the church leaders are Christ’s voice for the oppressed. As for politicians, they will always be politicians – always looking to the next election. If that means lying or pitting tribes against each other, they will do so – after all, politics is a game of divide and rule. That is why I personally cherished Bwalya’s role during the MMD era; he was a resilient prophet, always speaking the truth to power. But then he disappeared and only returned to head the board of ZESCO. Had Bwalya maintained his integrity, he would have remained the most crucial and influential voice in Zambia – always reminding politicians of what God demands – mercy, justice and righteousness.
Bwalya should have known that politicians are not the messiahs but sinful individuals – Chiluba, Mwanawasa, Banda and Sata. As a moral voice, Bwalya should have maintained his prophetic stance rather than sacrificing it to PF. From now on, PF will invalidate his voice as that of a bitter failed politician.
Here is my word of caution to my fellow religious leaders. If your goal is to become a politician, be transparent about it. Don’t use the Church to launch your political career. Zambia needs religious leaders with integrity – willing to stand on the side of the oppressed. We, the religious voices are the ones who carry the burden of watching the poor die from poverty and curable diseases; and the frustrations of families that are denied justice because of their social and economic status. Sadly, Fr. Bwalya dumped this royal calling for Sata’s PF.
[pullquote]It is a fallacy for opposition leaders to expect PF to look after their interests.[/pullquote]
That said, I want to clear one issue – the poaching of opposition MPs. While many of us want PF to stop poaching MPs to ensure multi-party democracy in the nation, I bet to differ. Political science 101 is simple; exploiting your opponent’s weaknesses is key to winning an election in multi-party politics. PF has found a working strategy – divide and rule. PF knows that it can’t compete on the policies, so dividing the opposition is key to winning the 2016 elections.
It is a fallacy for opposition leaders to expect PF to look after their interests. Each time the opposition fights itself, it is Christmas to PF. We all know that since 1991, our MPs have behaved like street prostitutes – always selling themselves to the highest bidder. So it is up to the opposition parties to find a counter strategy. Until MMD and UPND MPs reject PF pecuniary advances – PF will ensure its hold on power.
I also disagree with those who feel that MPs can’t switch political parties. Unless we reject the fundamental right to free association, barring lawmakers to switch sides is trumping on their fundamental rights. While the issue of by-elections is costly, we should be careful not to sacrifice our fundamental rights on the premise of economics. It is for this reason that I congratulate Bwalya’s ambitions for political office. Good luck my brother with your new party and yellow card campaign – I bet Zambians have short memories.
Taima and Chishiba are practicing politics of the belly-MMD youths
Youths from the opposition MMD have charged that former Solwezi East MP Richard Taima and his Kafulafuta counterpart James Chishiba dumped the MMD for their selfish interests.
MMD Die Hard Youth National Coordinator Bowman Lusambo stated that the two former MPs left the MMD because they are practicing politics of the belly.
“All these people resigning from their parties to join the PF are doing so to satisfy their bellies and those of their families,” Mr. Lusambo said.
“The people who are moving from our party are the people who are doing belly politics, it is very sad that they are putting their interest first at the expense of the greater good of their constituents,” he said.
“As for Chishiba, we the youths of MMD labored for this man to be elected in Kafulafuta. I personally worked hard to see to it that he wins Kafulafuta even his wife could bear me witness and this is how he had repaid his people.”
“We are very discouraged in the manner our MPs are being conned into joining the PF and abandoning the people that voted for them. It is very disappointing but we as youths in MMD we are not shaken because the MMD is a community party with roots on the ground,” he said.
Mr. Lusambo added, “The MMD has never been with Chishiba. This man abandoned the people of Kafulafuta since he was elected. He doesn’t live there with the people that voted for him. He is based here in Lusaka in Libala Township and he has failed to initiate any development in Kafulafuta.”
Mr. Lusambo recounted that it was not easy to campaign for Mr. Chishiba especially that he was viewed as a foreigner since he does not hail from the Lamba Land.
“He is not Lamba by tribe, he just worked closely with the Lamba in Kafulafuta and they trusted him with their vote and now he had abandoned them.”
Mr. Lusambo said the road from Mutaba School joining the Ndola main road is in a bad state and wondered how Mr. Chishiba had been utilizing Constituency Development Funds.
The MMD Die Hard Youth Coordinator urged Zambians to reject the current trend of bye elections.
“This thing of bye elections is just too much, and when we say the PF is taking us into a one party state, this is the thing we mean,” he said.
“People at UTH are dying from diseases that could be treated. Villages at Chitulika were the President comes from are failing to eat three meals a day. It does not mean you can serve the people only when you are a Minister.”
Mr. Lusambo advised Mr. Taima and Mr. Chishiba to emulate late UNIP Roan MP Cameron Pwele who refused ministerial offers from late Dr. Chiluba and Dr. Mwanawasa.
“I personally have great administration for the late Mr. Pwele, he stood his ground and worked for the people of Roan Constituency even when the government wanted to buy him off and those are the type of people we need in politics,” Mr. Lusambo said.
RTSA to suspend road service licence of transporters hiking fares illegally
The Road Traffic and Safety Agency (RATSA) has threatened to suspend road service licences for bus operators who have allegedly implemented hiked bus fares without following laid down procedure.
RATSA Executive Director Zindaba Soko said the agency will not hesitate to suspend road service licences for bus operators who have decided to disregard the law.
Mr. Soko told ZANIS in Lusaka today that bus operators were fully aware of the procedure that should be followed before implementing bus fare hikes since this was not the first time transport charges are being adjusted in the country.
He further explained that representatives of a group of luxury buses operators has written to the agency requesting for an adjustment of bus fares by today, 6th May 2013.
He said these were advised to wait for feedback from the agency.
Mr. Soko also said the agency has not refused to accord an upward adjustment in bus fares saying a concrete date for the desired increase can only be communicated after discussions have been concluded by all concerned stakeholders including the Ministry of Transport, Communications, Works and Supply.
He disclosed that the agency will today meet all bus operators and stakeholders to discuss the way forward regarding bus fare increment.
And Public and Private Drivers Association of Zambia president Josiah Majuru said local bus operators were still waiting for further instruction from government before they can implement the hiked fares.
Meanwhile, Lusaka Bus Operators Association chairperson Ismail Kankara said his members have abided to government’s directive and will wait for the outcome from a meeting that will be held today between government and transport stakeholders.
Yesterday, some long distance luxury bus operators allegedly hiked bus fares despite warnings from government that it will be illegal for anyone to effect the hiked fares.
The decision to adjust bus fares upwards was necessitated by the increase of about KR1.65 per litre of fuel last week.
ZANIS
MMD will not hold an extra-ordinary convention as being demanded-Kaingu
THE MMD has said it will not hold an extra-ordinary convention as called for by some party organs, MMD vice president Michael Kaingu has said.
Dr Kaingu said the party’s constitution already stipulated that the party president reserved the right to call for a convention and also mandated him to stay in office for a period of five years.
He said during a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday, that calls for a convention were misplaced.
He also called for the resignation of Republican Vice President Guy Scott regarding a statement he issued in the Guardian Weekly Newspaper.
He called on the Government to issue an apology to South Africa, over Dr Scott’s alleged disparaging comment.
Dr Kaingu said sentiments attributed to Dr Scott had negatively affected Zambia’s standing in the region and in Africa.
He said as a nation, Zambians were proud of their contribution towards the liberation of other countries and that it was not fair for Dr Scott to undo the good that the country had garnered over the years.
“We demand that he resigns. We have had situations in the MMD where people were compelled to resign like was the case with Dora,” he said.
And Former Ambassador to China and chairperson for international relations, Joyce Musenge said issues of diplomatic friction between two nations required to be resolved amicably.
“In diplomacy we can’t wait for the Vice-President to explain the context of his remarks, this is a disservice to the historic friendly relations that the two countries enjoyed,” Ms Musenge.
Dr Kaingu also welcomed Father Frank Bwalya’s move to join active politics.
He said he had rescinded his earlier statement that he wouldo resign from the party if Fr Bwalya were to join, calling it a slip of the tongue.
“The other thing that I should say is that Fr Bwalya is welcome to join the party, I know I said that I would resign if he joined but that was a slip of the tongue,” he said.
Government rescinds demolish squatters, will instead upgrade all compounds in the country
Government in Siavonga district has rescinded its earlier decision to demolish the problematic squatter settlements in the district.
District Commissioner, Brave Mweetwa said the Patriotic Front government will instead upgrade all squatter compounds in the country in order to make them inhabitable for the community as enshrined in its manifesto.
Mr Mweetwa said government will not demolish squatter settlement because the patriotic front government is a pro-poor and that it understands the problems people are faced with.
He made the re assurance last week at his office, when he addressed representatives from Miyanda resettlement area and members of the clergy who are engulfed in a land wrangle near Mitcho compound.
Mr Mweetwa said that as head of government in the district he was not going to sit and watch the land wrangles in the district to continue.
He also said that he will not allow the district council to play hide and seek games in the resolution of the land wrangles in the district.
Meanwhile the district head has instructed the affected churches and the community in Miyanda settlement to halt all the construction works until all the outstanding issues are resolved by the local authority.
ZANIS
Yellow fever assessment well received
Kabompo District Medical Officer, Stephen Shajanika has expressed happiness in the manner people in Kabompo and Manyinga districts have embraced the yellow fever risk assessment exercise being conducted by the Ministry of Health in North-Western province.
Dr Shajanika told ZANIS that he is happy with the good response from the members of the public in the four selected areas where the yellow fever risk assessment is being conducted to determine the risk of yellow fever in humans.
He identified the selected areas as Maveve and Kabompo central in Kabompo district and Kaula and Lunsongwa in Manyinga district.
Dr Shajanika said people are responding well to data collectors who are collecting blood samples and mosquito species as well as asking questions to gather information on yellow fever illnesses in those
areas.
ZANIS
Couple to appear in High court for causing bodily harm to their children
The couple which dipped hands of their two children in hot water for stealing beans has been committed to the High Court by Luwingu Magistrate Davy Simfukwe following instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Appearing before Luwingu Magistrate Simfukwe were Lazarus Kasonde 24 and Maureen Chanda 28 of Chilekwa Chisanga Village in Chief Chipalo of Luwingu district in the Northern Province who are facing two counts of murder and grievous bodily harm contrary to the laws of Zambia.
Particulars of the offence in count one were that, Lazarus Kasonde and Maureen Chanda on 14th February 2013 jointly and whilst acting together did cause grievous bodily harm to the two children and later one of them died in the district hospital.
After the baby died in the district hospital the couple was spotted trying to dispose of the late Jane Mukupa in the nearby grave yard and the matter was reported to Zambia police in Luwingu.
The children found their fate after they decided to eat the beans which were meant for supper after severe hunger hit. They searched for food but found a pot of beans hidden in the bedroom under the bed of their parents.
The duo are facing a murder case involving their daughter Jane Mukupa aged 3 who died of severe burns while in count two the couple stand charged with the offence of unlawful wounding or causing grievous bodily harm on Harrison Chanda aged 5 years respectively.
“The matter is coming up for mention, however, we have received the instruction from the DPP’s chambers for committal to the High Court of Zambia for summary trial,” said Prosecutor Oscar Nyembe.
“Pursuant to the certificate for summary trial issued by the DPP and pursuant to powers conferred on me by section 222 of the criminal procedure cord chapter 88 of the laws of Zambia, I accordingly commit both accused persons to the High Court of Zambia. Both the accused person will be informed of their trial date in the next High Court session. Both are remanded in custody,” Mr Simfukwe said.
The couple is facing two counts of which one is murder contrary to section 200 and grievous bodily harm contrary to section of chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia respectively.
ZANIS
GBFC will bounce back says Dennis Banda
Green Buffaloes captain Dennis Banda says Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Kabwe Warriors is not the end of the world for his side.
Warriors ended Buffaloes’ six match unbeaten run in the FAZ Super Division with a victory in the Week Seven match at Godfrey”Ucar” Chitalu Stadium in Kabwe.
Banda believes the defeat at Warriors was a lesson to the Patrick Phiri coached side.
“Not the end of the world for Green Buffaloes. Not all days are Sundays,” he wrote on the Buffaloes face-book page.
“Every defeat, every heartbreak and every loss contains its own lesson on how to improve your performance,” Banda added.
Buffaloes have garnered 10 points after recording two wins, four draws and one loss.
Mayuka makes third 2013 Saints appearence
Striker Emmanuel Mayuka made his third successive Premiership appearance on Saturday for Southampton since returning from the Africa Cup in January.
Mayuka came on in the last 25 minutes for 14th placed Southampton in their 1-0 away loss at fifth positioned Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
And in Portugal, defender Emmanuel Mbola did not play for Porto reserves over the weekend for whom he has made just one appearance in 2013.
In Romania, Fwayo Tembo played the full 90 minutes in fifth placed Astra Giurgiu’s scoreless away draw with 10th placed Otelul Galati on Saturday while in Belgium on Friday, his former EduSport teammate striker Rodgers Kola was on the bench in KAA Gent’s 1-1 away draw at Mons.
However, there was good news in Holland where striker Jacob Mulenga on Sunday scored his 13th goal of the season for Dutch side Utrecht in a 4-2 away win over Heerenveen.
And in China, Christopher Katongo played the full 90 minutes but was not on target in promotion leaders Henan Jianye’s 3-0 away win at 10th placed Shijiazhuang.
Sunzu Linked to Fulham
Chipolopolo defender Stoppila Sunzu has been linked with a summer move to Fulham.
Daily Star Sunday reports that Fulham could sign Sunzu ahead of Sunderland, who tried the central defender earlier in January.
The arrival of manager Paolo Di Canio at Sunderland is said to have dashed the player’s hopes of joining the Black Cats.
TP Mazembe rates Sunzu around £4million.
The 2012 Africa Cup winning defender has previously been linked to Reading and Arsenal.
Tax avoidance by multinational companies still rampant in Zambia-Action Aid
Action Aid Zambia has observed that tax avoidance by multinational companies that are operating in the country was rampant and widespread.
Country Director Pamela Chisanga disclosed that following her organisation’s revelation of alleged tax avoidance scandal by Zambia Sugar, many informants have come out to testify of tax avoidance bordering on tax evasion by many companies in the country.
Ms. Chisanga told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that Action Aid would name other companies that were involved in tax evasion but will have to verify this information before doing so.
She has since urged government to tighten up its regulatory roles in order to seal all the loopholes being used by companies to avoid paying tax.
She said the country has the potential to generate a lot of resources to finance most of its developmental programmes but this potential was being stifled by companies that do not want to meet their obligations.
Ms. Chisanga said government only needs to put in place systematic measures to curb tax avoidance.
She has since urged government to also review tax codes in order to do away with those (codes) that do not favour the country and which the multinationals were using to avoid paying tax.
Ms. Chisanga said while it was good to have foreign direct investment and a conducive investment climate, the country must not take on board legislation that encourages foreign nationals to exploit the country’s resources.
Meanwhile, Ms. Chisanga has praised government for introducing a new law that allows the Bank of Zambia to regulate and monitor foreign exchange flows in a bid to curb tax avoidance by multinationals that are operating in the country.
Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda recently signed statutory instrument number 32 of 2013 that will take effect on 16th May this year.
The objective of the statutory instrument is to monitor the balance of payments in a transparent and accountable manner.
Ms. Chisanga said her organisation welcomes any measure that aims at curbing tax avoidance by companies that have invested in the country.
She said the introduction of statutory instrument number 32 was a good move that will bring some control on how money moves in and out of the country.
Ms. Chisanga however stated that the new law was not very effective as it only targets small enterprises that are operating in the country rather than the big multinationals.
She said the new law also has the potential to encourage illicit trade in foreign exchange.
ZANIS
Police arrest homosexuals, medical tests prove they were practising sodomy
Alert police in Kapiri Mposhi have today arrested two men for allegedly practicing homosexuality.
ZANIS reports that Central Province Commissioner of Police Standwell Lungu has confirmed the development in an interview in Kapiri Mposhi today.
Mr. Lungu named the suspects as James Mwape and Philp Mubiana both aged 21 years and residents of Ndeke Compound.
He said the duo have since been charged for having sex against the order of nature contrary to the laws of Zambia.
The two were arrested over the weekend after a tip-off from concerned members of the public who alleged that the suspects were married.
The two have been living together as man and wife in Ndeke area.
From the medical tests conducted on the suspects at Kapiri Mposhi District Hospital proved that they had been practicing sodomy, Mr. Lungu said.
The Police Commissioner said Philip had been acting as wife while James as man in the relationship which has existed for some time now.
“We have arrested two 21-year-olds and charged them for sodomy for having sex against the order of nature … they have been living together and having sex against the order of nature”, Mr. Lungu said.
He said the two who have since been granted police bond will appear in court on Wednesday this week.
Recently, government decreed that it will stiffen laws against homosexuality.
Minister of Youth and Sport Chishimba Kambwili said Government will help the people of Zambia to fight the vice with vigour.
He said on a commercial radio chat show, Let the people talk, that government will “not tolerate nonsense” and that homosexuality will not prevail in this country.
“We don’t want Zambia’s children to be taught any vice. We will not tolerate homosexuality. Those who want to promote homosexuality in Zambia are wasting their time. If anything, we are planning to stiffen laws against homosexuality,” he said.
And US-based Zambian Evangelist Edward Chomba said homosexuality should not be given a chance in the country.
Speaking during the same programme, Bishop Chomba said if homosexuality is given a platform for debate, “it will grow deep and derail our customs”.
ZANIS
Finance Minister signs Statutory Instrument allows BOZ to monitor foreign currency flows
Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda has signed a Statutory Instrument (SI) that brings into force the Bank of Zambia (Monitoring of Balance of Payments) Regulations 2013, whose objective is to monitor Balance of Payments in a transparent manner.
This is according to a statement released in Lusaka yesterday by the ministry’s public relations officer Chileshe Kandeta.
Mr Kandeta said in view of the signing of the SI, “the ministry of Finance takes this opportunity to affirm that in no way do the regulations stipulated in the SI 32 of 2013 constitute any intentions,implied, disguised, concealed or otherwise by any other definition, to introduce exchange controls in Zambia.”
He said the ministry appealed to the public to ensure that instead of denigrating the regulations, the measures should be seen as a significant step towards creating high transparency standards in managing the Zambian financial system.
The regulations apply to financial service providers licensed under the Banking and Financial Services Act, importers of goods or services exceeding US$10 000 or the equivalent in other foreign currency, exporters of goods or services exceeding $10 000 or equivalent in other foreign current and financial service providers designated under the National Payment Syatems Act, 2007.
Among others, and in relation to outflows, the BoZ would monitor the value of any imported goods, the value of any imported services including management services, loans granted to non-residents, trade credits from non-residents and investments made in form of equity or investments made in form of debt securities outside Zambia by persons resident in Zambia.
Mr Kandeta said in relation to inflows, the BoZ would monitor, among others, the value of goods or services exported out of Zambia, profits or dividends received in respect of investments abroad, borrowings from non-residents and trade credits to non-residents, investments in the form of equity from abroad, investments in the form of debt securities from abroad and receipts of both principal and interest on loans for to non-residents.
In relation to international transactions, the BoZ would monitor, among others, the value of imported or exported manufacturing services or goods to or from non-residents, the net cost effect of telecommunications services, the value of international transport, courier and postal services and international money transfers into and out of Zambia.
“The people of Zambia have been complaining about lack of reliable and accurate information on the resources that are generated in the country or which come from foreign sources, to develop Zambia. This is an opportunity for affected players to ensure that accurate records on foreign exchange transactions are maintained and this is the way to go for a country endowed with resources but whose capacity to unroll development to higher echelons has been hampered by poor transparency and accountability practices,” me Kandeta said.