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FILE: President Michael Sata with Malawian High Court Judge Lovemore Chikopa (second l), Justice Naboth Mwanza (r) rand Justice Thomas Ndhlovu (far l) after a swearing-in at State House.
THE Supreme Court has set May 9 this year as the date for judgment in a matter in which the Lusaka High Court halted proceedings of a tribunal appointed by President Michael Sata to investigate the alleged misconduct of Supreme Court judge and two High Court Judges.
This is in a case in which Supreme Court judge, Phillip Musonda, two High Court judges Nigel Mutuna and Charles Kajimanga have dragged the Attorney General to Court asking it to quash Mr Sata’s decision to constitute a tribunal to conduct investigations of their alleged misbehaviour or incompetence.
But in her ruling High Court judge Fulgence Chisanga granted the trio leave to seek judicial review in the matter which operated as a stay of Mr Sata’s decision to appoint a tribunal and suspend the judges and any adverse measures against the applicants.
The State having been not satisfied decided to appeal in the Supreme Court against Ms Chisanga’s ruling which operated as a stay to stop proceedings of a tribunal to investigate them on allegations leveled against them.
According to a notice of judgment issued yesterday by the master of the Supreme Court, Dories Nambela stated that the appeal would be heard and determined by the Supreme Court sitting on Thursday next week.
“ Take notice that the above mentioned appeal will be heard and determined by the Supreme Court sitting in Lusaka on Thursday next week at 14:30 hours, for any reason if any part would be ready to attend file notices in advance,” she said.
President Michael Sata has directed the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education to construct secondary schools in Chieftainess Nkomesha Mukamambo II’s area in Chongwe.
Mr. Sata issued the directives yesterday during the laying of a foundation stone for the construction of Chalimbana University in Chongwe district.
“Education minister ensure secondary schools are opened in all the chiefdoms of Chieftainess Nkomesha Mukamambo II,” he directed.
The Head of State said it was important that more schools are built so that children can have easy access to quality education.
He has since admonished the people of Chongwe to look after Chalimbana university infrastructure jealously when it is constructed.
He said the construction of the university was a project of Chongwe residents hence the need for them to look after it.
And Chieftainess Nkomesha Mukamambo II said the people of Chongwe district will support the PF government in all its projects.
She praised President Sata for initiating the construction of the university adding that the land has been lying idle for a long time.
Meanwhile, Chieftainess Nkomesha Mukamambo II has appealed to government to consider utilizing the land she gave the state to construct a police camp in Chongwe.
She lamented that nothing has been done on the piece of land she released to government for constructing of police housing units and an office block when the MMD was still in power.
The traditional leader revealed to President Sata that police officers in Chongwe have no houses, a situation that has forced them to rent houses elsewhere.
The Chieftainess further disclosed that the police was also renting an office from the Chongwe district council which the officers were using for their day to day work.
Meanwhile, Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education Minister John Phiri said the PF government was delivering according to the campaign promises it made to the electorate.
He stated that during the 2011 pre-election campaigns, Mr. Sata promised the people f Chongwe that PF will turn Chalimbana College into a university once elected into office, a promise the party has since honoured.
And Lusaka Province Minister Freedom Sikazwe said the construction of the university has excited the people of Chongwe.
He reiterated that the people of Chongwe have been crying for Chalimbana College to be upgraded into a university for a long time now.
Mr Sikazwe said the university will help to absolve pupils who are not taken by other higher learning institutions.
Zambia has assured South Africa the countries will continue to have close ties following reports of insulting anti-South African remarks by Zambia’s Vice President Guy Scott.
Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Muyeba Chikonde was summoned to the International Relations and Cooperation Department to explain Scott’s remarks.
Chikonde saw the Deputy Director General for Africa Ebrahim Salei and told him that Scott was on holiday and could not be asked if the reported remark that South Africans are backward, arrogant troublemakers was true.
Chikonde assured the public that even if they were true, they did not reflect Lusaka’s view of South Africa.
He said the countries’ presidents remained close.
“Zambia is a second home for South Africans”. Chikonde said.
When he returns from holiday, Scott will be asked if the reports were accurate
FILE: President Michael Sata talks to Zulu Burrow Consultant Engineer Levy Zulu, when the President inspected the Chiawa-Chirundu road construction
President Michael Sata today launched the 61 kilometres multi million Kwacha rebased Chalimbana-Lwimba-Katoba road project in Chongwe district of Lusaka province.
The project is part of the link Zambia 8,000.
The road will link Chongwe district via Kafue to Chirundu and Luanga districts respectively.
Speaking during the launch which was at the junction of Chongwe and Chalimbana road, President Sata said investors can only be wooed to do business in Zambia if the road network is improved.
President Sata said the launch of the Chalimbana-Lwimba-Katoba road project was important for attracting investment to Chongwe district.
Mr. Sata recalled that in the past, road development projects were associated with election campaigns.
He however noted that his government would develop the country’s road network even when there was no looming election.
And President Sata has said many people have suffered complications as result of dusty emanating from gravel roads.
He has since directed the Road Development Agency (RDA) to ensure that roads in Chongwe district were tarred.
He said Lusaka province should start developing eastwards so as to open up Chongwe to development.
Meanwhile, President Sata has advised Chieftainess Nkomesha Mukamambo II to write to government any problems affecting the chiefdom.
He said his administration will be ready to respond to the problems raised in writing and addressed to the government.
In a related development, Mr. Sata implored ministers to frequently visit Chongwe district in a bid to establish themselves.
And speaking earlier at the same function, Chieftainess Nkomesha Mukamambo II thanked President Sata for hearing the cries of the people of Chongwe concerning the upgrading of the Chalimbana-Lwimba-Katoba road.
The chieftainess disclosed that the people of Chongwe have for a long time been crying to have the Chalimbana-Lwimba-Katoba road upgraded and tarred.
She said she almost lost her chieftaincy for calling on government to upgrade the named road.
The traditional leader said she suffered for asking on behalf of the people to have the road developed as many institutions of education are along the same road.
Chieftainess Nkomesha Mukamambo II said she has been calling for the tarring of the road for a long time now and she was grateful that her dream has come to a reality.
The chieftainess has since appealed to President Sata to continue hearing to the cries of many Zambians yearning for development in other parts of the country.
Meanwhile, Lusaka Province Minister Freedom Sikazwe said the tarring of the Chalimbana-Lwimba-Katoba road will help enhance agriculture in the area.
He said farmers will have easy access to the market due to the improved road network.
Mr. Sikazwe said previous administrations paid a deaf ear to the cries of the people of Chongwe concerning the tarrying of the road.
He said the MMD government used the Chalimbana-Lwimba-Katoba road as a campaign tool.
Information and Broadcasting Services minister Kennedy Sakeni
The Zambian Government has distanced itself from Vice president Guy Scott’s remarks which have sparked a diplomatic row that South Africans are backwards.
Chief Government Spokesperson Kennedy Sakeni has said that Dr Scott made the remarks in his own individual capacity and that his remarks are not representative of the government.
Mr Sakeni told QFM in an interview that however the diplomatic row caused by the vice present between Zambia and South Africa will be handled diplomatically.
Dr Scott is quoted in Wednesday’s edition of the Guardian newspaper of the UK as having referred to South Africans as being backwards in historical development.
Mr Sakeni has also dismissed assertions that the Vice President’s remarks will affect Zambia’s bilateral relations with South Africa.
He said that Zambia will not demonize South African in any way as the two countries have been sharing cordial relations for a long time.
Out spoken Catholic priest Father Frank Bwalya has announced that he is immediately forming a political party.
Fr Bwalya who recently resigned his position on the ZESCO board as Chairperson in a move he said was meant to reclaim his voice, says President Michael Sata has lost it and that time has come for Zambians to start waiting for the next messiah.
He said President Sata is no longer the same caring person Zambians knew before he became president.
He said he made the decision to form a political party last night as part of the visions that God has been showing him.
Fr Bwalya said he has a vision for a Zambia which will have not street kids among other things.
He added that people challenging him to form a political party are scared because they know that their stay in power is threatened.
QFM News reports that Fr Bwalya said his political legacy in Zambia has dawned, and has promised to introduce a new type of politics.
He has further announced the launch of a yellow card campaign against the PF government for failing to keep mealie meal prices low and its selective prosecution.
And Fr Bwalya says he will not reveal the name of his political party until such a time when it is right to do so.
He said this is to void the hijacking of the name of his yet to be launched political party.
And Youth and Sport Minister Chishimba Kambwili accused Fr Bwalya of being a bitter and confused priest who is running mad.
Mr Kambwili who is also PF national youth Chairperson accused Fr Bwalya when he called in to Radio Phoenix’s ‘Let The People Talk’ were Father Bwalya was featuring of misleading the people of Zambia.
He advised Fr Bwalya to go back to his calling and let go his bitterness.
Mr Kambwili accused Fr Bwalya of having approached him to form a political party when he was removed as Foreign Affairs Minister something he turned down.
He said Father Bwalya has had presidential ambitions for a longtime.
President Sata with first president Dr Kenneth Kaunda during the Labour Day Commemoration at Freedom Statue in Lusaka on May 1,2013-Picture by THOMAS NSAM
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L-R: Labour Minister Fackson Shamenda, President Sata, First president Dr Kenneth Kaunda and acting Chief Justice Florence Mumba during the Labour Day commemoration at Freedom Statue in Lusaka on May 1,2013-Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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President Sata greets Prof Mufumbe Chintu during the Labour Day commemoration at Freedom Statue in Lusaka on May 1,2013-Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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President Sata speaks with UTH’s prof Mufumbe Chintu during the Labour Day awards at Freedom Statue in Lusaka on May 1,2013-Picture by THOMAS NSAM
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President Michael Sata congratulates UTH’s Nawa Muchemwa during the Labour Day awards presentation ceremony at the Freedom Statue in Lusaka on May 1,2013-Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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WORKS, Supply, Communications and Transport Minister Christopher Yaluma (right) flanked by Zambia National Congress of Trade Union representative Betty Mutambo watch as fire fighting vehicles spray water on trees during commemoration of this year’s Labour Day in Kasama
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Ndola Central Hospital Staff demonstrating what they do when attending to Patients in the Hospital during Labour day cerebrations in Ndola
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Nurses displaying their skills during the commemoration of the World Labour Day at Villa Grounds in Livingstone
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A ZESCO van participates in the commemoration of the World Labour Day at Villa Grounds in Livingstone
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From right: Gender Minister Inonge Wina, Deputy Labour Minister Ronald Chitotela, Livingstone Member of Parliament Lawrence Evans and ZCTU 1st deputy president Chishimba Nkole during the commemoration of the World Labour Day at Villa Grounds in Livingstone
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Zambezi Nkuku workers marching during the commemoration of the World Labour Day at Villa Grounds in Livingstone
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Group 3 Security workers salute Gender Minister Inonge Wina (not in picture) during the commemoration of the World Labour Day at Villa Grounds in Livingstone
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Livingstone City Council cleaners marching while displaying their working instruments during the commemoration of the World Labour Day at Villa Grounds in Livingstone
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Majorettes salute Gender Minister Inonge Wina (not in picture) during the commemoration of the World Labour Day at Villa Grounds in Livingstone
Bet international board have tipped zambias Zonefam, Slap d and Mc dementor & Decordha as artiste who could be nominated this year amongst other artiste from other countries.Thes artistes did tremendously well last year with their music.Mc dementor & decordha whose song “starz life” which featured soulja boy
The video which won several awards including best animated hiphop video out of africa.The zambian american based group have also worked with the likes of dj khaled, ace hood, wiz khalifa, kendrick lamar etc.They are now on tour promoting Africas biggest dance movement “Tinkin Tal“.
Zambian rapstar Slap dee did tremendously well last year.he had the whole of Zambia talking after amassing five Awards to his name by beating the highly anticipated favourite macky 2 who undoubtedly illuminated during the ZNBC’s Born and Bred Awards last year
The zonefam crew has so far registered notable success such as performing at the last year Big Brother Amplified eviction show and on 2012, together with C.R.I.S.I.S, received a nomination for the most gifted newcomer for the 2012 Channel O Music Video awards.
L-R: Labour Minister Fackson Shamenda, President Sata, First president Dr Kenneth Kaundaand acting Chief Justice Florence Mumba during the Labour Day commemoration at Freedom Statue in Lusaka on May 1,2013-Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
By Lee Elias Tembo
Zambia, like many other countries across the globe commemorated the international Labour Day which falls yearly on the 1st of May and underlines the importance of the worker’s rights, their hard work and remembering that labour is the backbone of any economy and life in general.
However, getting down to the nitty-gritty, the speech which was presented by his Excellency Mr. Michael C. Sata, president of the government of the Republic of Zambia can not go without sound debate and analysis. Having taken enough time to read part of his verbatim as reported in several online news tabloids, I have been subjected to critically digest his speech in the hope of finding its relevance vis-à-vis the international Labour Day commemoration.
By and large, his Excellency’s speech did not seem to rationally address the many challenges that the Zambian labourers are facing on a daily basis such as low incomes, dangerous working conditions, demotivation and ill-treatment by investors that himself once called “infesters” to name but a few.
Rather, his speech opened up a “Pandora’s box” of political bickering, mediocre comedy to some and demonization of his political opponents whom he alleged to be ashamed of the lies that they have been peddling about his health, hence shunned the commemoration. Why would his healthy become a subject matter at such an important international event? His Excellency has forgotten that while in opposition, he is the one who made endless and provocative fun at the health of his predecessor Mr. Levy P. Mwanawasa SC. (R.I.P) and always wanted it to be in the public domain.
The president should have been able to distinguish between an international commemoration and a political party event. In as much as he has got the prerogative to express his feelings, there are always better avenues where such matters could be addressed without attracting much debate and criticism from other political players. Your Excellency, this is not the time to irrationally scold your political opponents but rather fulfil a mammoth of promises you made prior to your election as the president of the Republic of Zambia as well as instil lost hope and confidence in your governance system.
Chief Government Spokesperson and Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Kennedy Sakeni has warned Patriotic Front youths to stop threatening Father Bwalya.
Mr Sakeni said that the PF government does not condone any form of threats that boarder on violence.
PF Lusaka provincial youths demonstrated against Fr. Bwalya for allegedly insulting Michael Sata.
Mr Sakeni also said that Father Frank Bwalya was free to join the political arena and aspire for presidency, adding that Zambia is a democratic nation and anyone is free to enter politics and it was up to the people of Zambia to judge and decide whether they want him or not.
Meanwhile, Government say it will remain committed to creating a safe and conducive environment for journalists and media workers in order for them to effectively contribute to the development and the wellbeing of the country.
And government says this year’s World Press Freedom Day marks a landmark when the media industry in the country has made tremendous progress because of the Patriotic Front (PF) Government’s commitment to liberalise the media.
Chief Government Spokesperson Kennedy Sakeni said government has freed the media and it is now able to carry out its noble role of informing educating and entertaining the public in a more professional manner.
Mr Sakeni, who is also Information and Broadcasting Services Minister, said the PF government has accelerated the issuance of radio and television licences since coming into power in September, 2011.
Zambia today joins the rest of the world in commemorating the World Press Freedom Day under the theme “Safety of Journalists and Media Workers”.
And Mr Sakeni has disclosed that there are now a total of 60 private and community radio stations and ten private television stations on air countrywide, adding that Zambia still remains a visible and active player in media advocacy in the region.
Mr Sakeni also said the development has put Zambia among the top countries on the African continent with the most open and liberalised airwaves.
He further disclosed that government has finally put in place the long awaited Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) and that the process of engaging the first ever IBA Director will soon be completed .
Meanwhile, Mr Sakeni has disclosed that the Access to Information Bill will soon be tabled in the next sitting of Parliament.
Mr Sakeni has also said the election of Zambia to the United Nations Committee on Information which is mandated to promote a global information and communication will foster peace and understanding among many nations.
THE case in which former Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, Ronnie Shikapwasha and his co-accused person are facing charges of diversion of public funds has been allocated to magistrate Obbister Musukwa.
Chief Resident Magistrate, Joshua Banda who is among the four that recused themselves from handling the matter since it was taken to court re-allocated it to Kasama Principal Resident Magistrate Musukwa yesterday.
Others jointly charged with Shikapwaha are his former Permanent Secretary, Samson Phiri and journalist, Chanda Chimba.
Others that recused themselves were magistrates Mwaka Mikalile, Aridah Chuulu and Ketrina Walusiku on grounds that she was taking up a new position at the Sheriff’s office while others cited moral grounds.
The trio could, however, not take plea because the new magistrate scheduled to take up the matter was not yet in Lusaka. The matter was then mentioned by magistrate Boniface Mwiinga.
In the first count, Lt Gen Shikapwasha and Dr Phiri were charged with abuse of authority of office for arbitrarily directing, and in disregard to defamation laws, the ZNBC management to broadcast Chimba’s Stand up for Zambia documentaries.
The two are in the second count also charged with a similar offence where it was alleged that they arbitrarily disregarded professional legal advice not to broadcast the said “Stand up for Zambia” on ZNBC and committed the government to liabilities and legal fees emanating from the documentaries.
Chimba is in the third count charged with unlawful printing and publication and it is alleged that he unlawfully published a newspaper called “Stand Up for Zambia” without registering it with the National Archives of Zambia.
He is in the fourth count charged with a similar offence as in the previous where it was alleged that he unlawfully published a newspaper called News of our Times.
Dr Phiri is in the fifth count charged with abuse of authority of office where it was alleged that he arbitrarily directed the ZNBC to repeat Chimba’s “Stand up for Zambia” documentaries at no fee.
Chimba is in the sixth and last count charged with possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime for allegedly possessing an accumulated total K611, 440,433.12 which he paid for his private media and printing services to ZNBC, Muvi television and the Zambia Daily Mail.
The matter was adjourned to May 13, this year for plea.
Don Moen mobbed by journalists upon arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport
Visiting renowned American Gospel Artist Don Moen has advised Zambian gospel artists not to imitate other famous Christian artists if they are to succeed in their musical gospel career.
Mr. Moen said Zambia has a lot of talent especially among the upcoming gospel artists.
He stressed that the upcoming gospel artists should aim for originality in their music carrier and not imitation.
Mr. Moen noted that when musicians attach authenticity to their talent, the Holy Spirit will open new doors in their career.
He explained that authenticity will greatly assist Zambian gospel artists to market the country’s culture.
Mr. Moen has since implored the struggling gospel artists not to give up but to continue believing in God and working hard.
He has also committed himself to helping young upcoming Zambian gospel artists.
And Mr. Moen has praised Bread of Life International Church for constructing the blessing centre.
Speaking to Journalists after the conducted tour of the facility, Mr. Moen said he was inspired with the facility.
He said the construction of the Blessing centre was a clear testimony that nothing is impossible if people work together.
Mr. Moen is tomorrow expected to feature as a Guest Artists during the unleashing kingdom concert at the Blessing centre.
And Mount Zion Christian Centre Senior Pastor Bruce Msidi said all was set for tomorrow’s concert.
Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda says skilled man power is the greatest resource for any country.
Mr Chikwanda said investing in skills training was vital as most countries had developed by exporting skilled labor to other countries.
Speaking when he held a farewell luncheon for outgoing Standard Chartered Bank Managing Director Mizinga Melu at Lusaka’s Intercontinental Hotel, he said many Zambians in the diaspora continued to project a positive image of the country by excelling in various sectors in which they worked.
He said the fact that Ms Melu had been selected to head one of the biggest banks in Tanzania was testimony of the quality manpower existing in Zambia.
He said women were slowly taking up a significant portion of the human resource as evidenced by the high number of women currently holding positions of influence in Zambia.
“We have seen a number of women really making our country proud. There is Margaret Mwakakatwe, Charity Lumpa and many others who have lifted the Zambian flag high so I have no doubt that Ms Melu is going to be a good ambassador,” Mr Chikwanda said.
Ms Melu said the current government had fulfilled its promises by reducing corporate tax which the banking sector had for a long time complained about being too high.
She said the Ministry of Finance under the leadership of Mr Chikwanda had proved to be accommodating to the banking sector through the professional manner in which it was operating.
She said ABSA Bank had offered her a job because of the success which her bank Standard Chartered Bank had scored in collaboration with the Government.
“I suppose that the reason I am going is because Absa Bank was able to recognise the good things we are doing here,” Ms Melu said
THE Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has concluded questioning dissolved Board members of Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL), former Board vice chairperson Oliver Saasa has confirmed.
Professor Saasa said similarly the Office of the Auditor General had conducted similar questioning on the Board members and was availed with the relevant information.
The ACC and the Auditor General’s office had commenced investigations on corruption allegations against the dissolved Board members and suspended chief executive officer, Clive Chirwa.
This followed President Michael Sata’s directive to the ACC to probe the happenings at ZRL following differences between the then Board led by Mark Chona and Prof Chirwa.
Prof Saasa said the ACC was expected to conclude its findings within the next two weeks as it probes the institution’s management over allegations of corruption.
He said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that it was also important that all members including suspended CEO, Clive Chirwa, who was reported to have attempted to leave the country without clearance, were available for questioning over the allegations of corruption.
“The ACC has concluded questioning the former Board members and I was informed that investigations will be concluded within the next two weeks and it was our desire as Board members then, that the probe be instituted because of the irregularities that had befallen the institution,” Prof Saasa said.
Napsa Stars coach Peter Kaumba believes his side will soon bounce back to winning ways after starting the 2013 season on a low note.
Kaumba’s Napsa on Saturday hosts league leaders Nkana in the Week Seven match in Lusaka
Napsa have picked four losses, one win and a victory so far in the season.
“The team is playing very well we just have to start taking our chances. We are performing well,” Kaumba said.
At the weekend, Napsa lost to Power Dynamos 2-1 in Kitwe while Nkana thrased bottom placed
Lime Hotspurs 3-0 in Ndola to open a five-point lead at the top of the table with 16 points.
