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Lesotho will prepare for next months away game to Zambia with a friendly against Bafana Bafana.
According to safa.net, Lesotho will host the 1996 champions in Maseru on June 1.
The match will be a buildup for Lesotho’s trip to Ndola where they will face Zambia in a 2014 World Cup Group D qualifier at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on June 8.
Lesotho came from behind to hold Zambia to a 1-1 draw in the two sides Group D first leg meeting on March 24 in Maseru.
Zambia lead Group D on seven points, one ahead of second placed Ghana at the halfway stage with three games played.
Lesotho are third on two points while Sudan are bottom with one point.
Meanwhile, a home-based Zambia team is expected to face Namibia in Windhoek on May 24 and prior to that have a proposed training camp in Oman.
Police in Kapiri Mposhi have revoked police bond for two men arrested over the weekend for engaging in homosexuality after they were found in the act again.
ZANIS reports that Central Province Commissioner of Police Standwell Lungu who confirmed the development in an interview in Kapiri Mposhi, today.
Mr. Lungu said the suspects will now be kept in police custody pending court appearance.
He said the couple was discovered in the act last night and was apprehended by their relatives in Ndeke Compound.
Police have since slapped additional counts on the duo.
The Police Commissioner said the Medical Tests carried out on the two at the Hospital today proved consistent to the report that they engaged in anal sex last night.
“ We have revoked police bond and re-arrested the two men for again engaging in the act which they were arrested on in the first place they will remain in custody until they appear in court.. we have given them more counts”, Mr. Lungu said.
Over the weekend police arrested James Mwape and Philp Mubiana both aged 21 and residents of Ndeke Compound in Kapiri Mposhi for engaging in Homosexuality.
They were arrested after a tip-off from the members of the public that the suspects were engaged in homosexuality.
The two have been living together as man and wife in Ndeke area.
Mr. Lungu said the medical tests conducted on the two proved that they had been having sex against the order of nature.
The Police Commissioner said Philp had been acting as wife while James as man in the relationship which has existed for some time now.
ZANIS
NAREP has issued a statement condemning what it called the unjustified increase in the take home benefits of senior government officials. In a statement made available to the media by the party secretariat, NAREP explained that the increase was as a result of the fuel subsidy reduction and subsequent increase in the pump price of fuel.
“Every Deputy Minister is entitled to receive the cash equivalent of at least 800 litres of fuel per month. What this means is that now the fuel price has increased, each Deputy Minister and Cabinet Minister will receive more money in their pockets while the people of Zambia continue to struggle with the rising prices of goods “, read the statement
“The entitlement to 800 litres of fuel means that with the additional amount that needs to be paid as a result of the fuel increase, each Deputy Minister has now had a salary increment of about KR1440 or K1, 440,000 in the old currency.”
“Bus operators are being asked to be patient and not increase fares, while students at the University of Zambia are being asked to pay more for the bursary application form at short notice.”
[pullquote]Does Government really need to have more than one deputy minister per ministry and even 3 deputy ministers in four different ministries?[/pullquote]
“An on the spot check has indicated an alarming increase in the price of commodities and this is as a direct result of the recent removal of the fuel subsidy. These increases could have been better managed had the Patriotic Front administration adopted a more inclusive approach towards decision making.”
“To avoid causing further misery to an already battered citizenry, we urge the PF administration to engage in broader consultation with stakeholders before making decisions of this nature.”
“Is this really the time to be triggering more unnecessary by-elections? Does Government really need to have more than one deputy minister per ministry and even 3 deputy ministers in four different ministries?”
“The removal of fuel subsidy should have been staggered and measures put in place to cushion the impact on the most vulnerable Zambians, many of whom are wallowing in poverty and lack decent employment.”
Former Deputy Minister of Works and Supply Lameck Mangani speaking during the press briefing at Pine View guest house in Chipata
Supreme Court Judge Marvin Mwanamwambwa has upheld the High Court’s decision to nullify the election victory of MMD’s Mtolo Phiri in the 2011 Chipata Central parliamentary election.
The election result was petitioned by losing PF candidate Lameck Mangani.
This means that another bye election will be held within 90 days.
Delivering judgement this morning, Judge Mwanamwambwa said the High Court’s decision to nullify Mr. Phiri’s election victory was not a misdirection at law.
He said there is credible evidence that the MMD candidate involved himself in activities that breached Section 93 sub section 2 C of the Electoral Act of 2006.
Judge Mwanamwambwa ruled that by making a cash donation to a Church organisation in Chipata where he also introduced as a candidate, Mr. Phiri involved himself in electoral corruption.
The other grounds for the nullification of the Chipata seat were that the MMD sunk boreholes in the constituency during the election campaign period which may have swayed the voters.
And Mr. Mangani’s jubilant supporters celebrated shortly after the judgement was delivered by honking their vehicles and dancing outside the court premises.
In interviews with Journalists, Mr. Mangani thanked his lawyer Nchima Nchito and all the witness that testified in the matter.
He said the matter had taken long but that he was happy with the decision because campaigns for Chipata Central in 2011 were full of electoral malpractices.
President Sata with Vice-President Dr Guy Scott on arrival for the closed door meeting with Chiefs from Muchinga Province at State House on March 25,2013 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
President Michael Sata, has dismissed assertions that the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) government is inducing parliamentary by-elections.
President Sata, who described the claims as idle and trivial speculation urged those criticising the concept of by-elections to be clear-headed and honest when expressing their views.
“Our Constitution is clear on the circumstances and procedures under which parliamentary or local government by-elections are permissible. And all registered political parties are at liberty to exercise their Constitutional right to participate in any subsequent contest that might arise,” President Sata says.
“Therefore, as an administration devoted to the rule of law, we find this deliberate attempt to debate democracy and its price, mischievous and time-wasting. As far as we are concerned we have not violated any law and we see no grounds for such blatant pretence from the critics of this legally recognized act.”
The Head of State wondered what critics of by-elections wanted the government to do in situations where an elected representative dies, crossover, resigns or loses an election petition in Court.
“These are straightforward matters and we should not play to the gallery on such essential affairs of governance. As leaders we should embrace sincerity and constantly endeavour to provide direction in the search for viable remedies to the numerous challenges facing our people,” President Sata says.
“The PF government remains steadfast to the concept of inclusivity and open its doors to all stakeholders as we seek to address the social and economic challenges to create a better Zambia for all in line with our party manifesto.”
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening democracy, equality and respect for the will of the Zambian people.
President Sata thanked all political stakeholders who have chosen the interests of the Zambian people ahead of meaningless partisanship.
1.A boy ponders his next move after watching a brass band performance at a church in Kalikiliki township
2.An unidentified girl tries to get onto a light truck in Kalikiliki township
3.Two unidentified youths dealing in scrap metal wait for customers in Kalikiliki township
4.Some youths in Kalikiliki twnship ferrying water for home use from a nearby communal tap
5.Some young girls interact along a dusty road in Kalikiliki township
6.Children make their way along a road littered with garbage in Kalikiliki township
7.A physically challenged man wheeling himself along a dusty road in Kalikiliki township
8.An enterprising youth arranging his wares at a makeshift stall in Kalikiliki township
9.An unidentified youth ferries a bag of mealie meal in Kalikiliki township
10.A girl carrying vegetable and Irish potates for a meal in Kalikiliki township
11.An enterprising youth at work at his metal fabrication station outside his rented house in Kalikiliki township
12.A man cycling along a road in Kalikiliki township
13.A man cycling along a township road in Kalikiliki township.
14.Zambia Episcopal Conference spokesperson Father Paul Samasumo during the World Press Freedom Day speeches in Lusaka
15.The 2013 World Press Freedom Day message for Zambian scribes imbedded on a T-shirt in Lusaka
16.Some Post newspaper employees marching during the World Press Freedom Day celebration in Lusaka
17.Some of the musical instruments for the Zambia Army Brass band during the World Press Freedom Day celebration in Lusaka
18.Some journalists interact during the World Press Freedom Day in Lusaka
19.Some of the journalists following proceedings during the World Press Freedom Day celebration in Lusaka
20.Some of the journalists following proceedings during the World Press Freedom Day celebration in Lusaka.
21.One of the new associations on the Zambian media scene called Zambian bloggers Network was among the groups that participated in the 2013 World Press Freedom Day celebrations in Lusaka
22.One of the new associations on the Zambian media scene called Zambian bloggers Network was among the groups that participated in the 2013 World Press Freedom Day celebrations in Lusaka.
23.One of the journalists following World Press Freedm Day activities through sunglasses in Lusaka
24.Journalists and other observers inspect a house that was erected by journalists as part of the 2013 World Press Freedom Day celebrations in Lusaka’s Kamanga Township.
25.Information and Broadcasting Minister Kennedy Sakeni (c) with Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga during the World Press Freedom Day speeches in Lusaka
26.A Zambia Army trumpeter blows his nstrument during the World Press Freedom Day celebration in Lusaka
27.A Zambia Army trumpeter blows his instrument during the World Press Freedom Day celebration in Lusaka.
28.A journalist holding on to the 2012 Media Institute of Southern Africa So This is Democracy report after the launch during the World Press Freedom Day in Lusaka
29.A journalist capturing video footage of World Press Freedom Day activities in Lusaka
30.A dancer entertains the audience during the World Press Freedom Day celebration in Lusaka
31.A boy walks in front of a house that was erected by journalists as part of the 2013 World Press Freedom Day commemoration in Lusaka’s Kamanga Township
32.A girl joining the crowd looking at the house that was erected by journalists as part of the 2013 World Press Freedom Day commemoration in Lusaka’s Kamanga Township.
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.
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.
Richard Taima soon after announcing his resignation. Next to him is PF Tunvwaganai Ward Councillor Tarzy Sichalwe.
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.
Mini buses are operating out side the Kulima Tower
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.
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 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.
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.
