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Lifting of RB immunity should not be seen as a way of settling old political scores-TIZ

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Lifting of RB immunity should not be seen as a way of settling old political scores-TIZ
President Rupiah Banda address a public rally at Mulambwa Ground in Mongu
File: Former President Rupiah Banda addressing a public rally

Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) has cautioned that the removal of former President Rupiah Banda’s immunity to answer corruption allegations should not be viewed as a way of settling old political score.

In a statement released to the media by the Zambia Chapter President Lee Habasonda, TIZ welcomed the lifting of Mr Banda’s immunity  , adding that it would provide him with an opportunity to be heard and clear his name of any allegations of corruption.

Below is the full statement

Transparency International Zambia Welcomes lifting of former President Rupiah Banda’s Immunity

Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) welcomes the lifting of immunity of former President Rupiah Banda but wishes to caution that this should not be seen as a way of settling old political scores. TIZ notes that the lifting of former President Rupiah Banda’s immunity will provide him with an opportunity to be heard and clear his name of any alleged wrong doing with regard to the many allegations of corruption, abuse of office and money laundering that have been levelled against him.

TIZ urges the former president to cooperate and allow the due process of law to take its course. If his actions were legitimate we believe he has no need to fear but utilize this chance to give his side of the story.

TIZ would also like to use this opportunity to remind the PF government and President Michael Sata in particular that the lifting of Mr Banda’s immunity should serve as a timely lesson that there is need at all times for leaders to respect and protect public resources on behalf of citizens who entrust them with authority and power.

We want to reiterate that the Zambian society needs leaders that plant seeds of integrity, accountability and transparency and not dishonest. We wish to add that TIZ will continue monitoring PF leaders and will not hesitate to support any efforts to ensure that any leaders who do not show good stewardship or fall short of the values relating to integrity, accountability and transparency are made accountable and face the law.

We also hasten to note that the lifting of immunity of a former Head of State is a very serious measure. To this end, we implore investigation agencies to ensure that this undertaking does not become an exercise in futility and neither should it be seen to be a political tool to victimise the former Head State.

We expect the cases to be on firm grounds given the attention the matter has received and further urge that the investigations should be done with the highest professionalism and seriousness they deserve. We have learnt lessons from the late Chiluba cases and these require to be taken into account this time around.

Lee M. Habasonda
Transparency International Zambia Chapter President

NAREP gives reasons for the resignation of their two key members

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PRESS STATEMENT

THE RESIGNATION OF THE NAREP NATIONAL SECRETARY AND TWO OTHERS

It is with great disappointment that we learn of the resignation of our National Secretary Mr. Mike Muyawala, Our Media Liaison Mr. Chilufya Luchembe and our chairman for mobilization Mr. Probby Chama. It is not surprising or worrying that the trio decided to leave the party and we wish them well as they take their next step.

We wish to bring it to the attention of the Nation that this resignation does not stop us as a party from prosecuting Mr. Muyawala and Mr. Chilufya for the money they failed to account for that was set aside for the campaigns in Mpongwe, a seat we were confident of winning as a party but failed because of the high levels of irresponsibility and lack of honesty demonstrated by them. We therefore wish to advise Mr. Muyawala and Mr. Luchembe to account for the money meant for campaigns but were diverted to their own pockets because of selfishness. I further wish to remind them that our party NAREP will start disciplinary charges against them until they account for the funds in question. It is very unfortunate that after rushing to the media, they failed to give reason as to why they were resigning from the party.

May I also state that their resignation is a blessing to the party as it came at the right time when the party is shaping itself with credible leadership that can be trusted by the Zambian people to run the affairs of this country. We are very much confident that the party has remained intact and will even be much stronger without the trio.

NAREP is a party that was founded on principles and shall remain principled in all that we do. With this in view, it is rather difficult for leaders who do not believe in our values which are excellence, integrity, responsibility, service, equity, humility, commitment, sense of community to remain in our party. We want to demonstrate good leadership and earn the respect and recognition from the people of this great nation.

In conclusion, we wish to inform the nation that NAREP will make public the next course of action that we intend to take against Mr. Muyawala and Mr. Chilufya. May I also worn Mr. Muyawala and Mr. Chilufya to stop issuing any statements about our party and instead concentrate on thinking of how they will pay back the funds the party entrusted in them to conduct campaigns in Mpongwe, but were regrettably not used for the intended purpose.

Henry Mwelwa

Copperbelt Chairman

16th March 2013

One juvenile dies after car lost control and hit six pedestrians

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Irate Chililabombwe residents on Saturday afternoon burnt a Toyota Corolla which lost control along the Chingola- Kasumbalesa road and hit six pedestrian resulting in the death of one juvenile.

The other five people who were hit by the same Toyota Corolla have been hospitalized.

The White Toyota Corolla, registration number ACP 6282 lost control around 12:40 hours hitting the six pedestrians who were standing along the road near PP Zambia area resulting in the death of a seven year old juvenile.

The driver of the vehicle identified as Winter Chilanga, 25, of house number W 418, Lubengele Township in Chililabombwe, ran away for fear of being lynched by onlookers.

The five pedestrians suffered severe injuries and are admitted to Konkola Mine Hospital where they are receiving medical attention.

Police sources said the officers that rushed to the scene were scared by the angry mob which was brandishing various weapons and by the time the police mobilized themselves, the car was completely gutted.

A truck from one of the local garages that attempted to tow the corolla from the accident scene had its wind screen broken by the mob.

One perpetrator in the setting of the car on fire has since been nabbed and charged with arson while the driver of the vehicle has also been arrested for causing death by dangerous driving.

ZANIS

PF Government committed to infrastructure development in education sector

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Copperbelt Province Minster Mwenye Musenge says the Patriotic Front government remains committed to improving educational standards and infrastructure development under the ministry of education countrywide.

Mr Musenge said government in the 2013 national budget has set aside funds to rehabilitate and construct more schools so that educational standards are taken to higher levels both in rural and urban areas.

Mr Musenge said this at a fundraising lunch for Lupiya Basic School of Masaiti district held at Savoy hotel in Ndola yesterday.

Lupiya Basic School is scouting for funds to rehabilitate infrastructure at the school and construct more classrooms, teachers’ houses and toilets.

Mr Musenge pointed out that government will therefore ensure that schools both in rural and urban areas receive the help they need in order for every Zambian child to have access to better education services.

He said government will also ensure that electricity reaches schools and sanitation facilities are improved.

Mr Musenge added that more houses for teachers both in rural and urban have also been earmarked for construction.

Mr Musenge also appealed to teachers’ countrywide to become leaders of integrity so that they bring pride to the country in their respective work.

Speaking earlier Masaiti District Educational Board Secretary (DEBS) Binos Mubonde said the district is faced with inadequate funds to improve infrastructure..

Mr Mubonde said it was pleasing that schools like Lupiya were taking initiatives to improving their schools’ outlook through such ventures.

He thanked the PF government for prioritising education in its manifesto as evidenced by the opening of four secondary schools on the Copperbelt.

Mr Mubonde said the task of raising educational standards was a mammoth one which requires the involvement and support of everyone.

ZANIS

Nkana Coach Hails Opening Day Win

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Nkana coach Masautso Mwale has hailed Kalampa’s 1-0 victory over Roan United in Saturday’s 2013 FAZ Super League opening fixtures.

New signee Festus Mbewe made a memorable debut scoring a 22nd minute solitary goal at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.

In a post-match interview, Mwale described Nkana’s win as a good beginning.

“It’s a good beginning and we will build from what we have achieved today (Saturday),” the ex-Zesco United coach said.

Mwale also saluted striker Reynold “Sate Sate” Kampamba’s display in the Week One days after recovering from a foot injury.

“Kampamba is a high profile player and if we can build him to play in all roles it will be good for Zambia,” he added.

This was Mwale’s first official match incharge of Nkana.

Mbesuma: We Still Respect Zanaco

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Collins Mbesuma says Orlando Pirates will not underestimate Zanaco despite enjoying a 1-0 away win in their CAF Champions League first round, first leg over their hosts on Saturday at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.

Mbesuma played an impressive opening 70 minutes despite not finding the target but did enough to torment his compatriots in his first competitive club game back in Zambia since 2003.

“We are waiting for the next return leg and we are not going to underrate them just because we beat them,” Mbesuma said.

“We are going to go all out they are a good team but we got one chance and scored.”

Mbesuma said he was also pleased with his performance before his was replaced by Oupa Manyisa in the 70th minute.

“My performance was okay you know you are playing away from home it is difficult all the time so you need to play tactically as the coach said so that you do not concede,” Mbesuma said.

Mbesuma now switches focus to Zambia who enter camp today in Johannesburg ahead of their March 24 away to Lesotho in a 2014 FIFA World Cup Group D qualifier in Maseru.

Government refutes assertions that President Michael Sata has fallen ill

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Government refutes assertions that President Michael Sata has fallen ill
President Michael Sata
President Michael Sata

Chief Government spokesperson Kennedy Sakeni has refuted assertions that President Michael Sata has fallen ill. Mr. Sakeni who is also Information and Broadcasting Minister said that the fact that the president has delegated the Vice President Guy Scott to officiate at national important events such as Youth and the Women Days does not mean that the president is sick.

Mr. Sakeni disclosed this to Qfm in an interview that President Sata is in good health and has been meeting his Cabinet Minister at State House almost on a daily basis.

Meanwhile, Vice President Guy Scott has arrived in New Delhi, India to represent Zambia at the The 8th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India Africa Project Partnership. The Vice President arrived at 19:40 hours local time at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Accompanying the Vice President is Dr Charlotte Scott, the second lady.

Others in the delegation include Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Emmanuel Chenda, Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication Christopher Yaluma and some Senior Government officials.

According to the programme released by the Zambian mission in India, Dr Scott is expected to pay a courtesy call on India’s Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.

Further, the Vice President during the official opening of the 9th CII –EXIM BANK Conclave on India-Africa Project Partnership will deliver an address in plenary.

The Vice President will also address and chair special sessions, to be held on, Zambia and India –Africa Infrastructure Partnership, respectively.

Dr Scott will also tour Angelique International Limited to discuss Rural Electrification and Agriculture projects in Zambia.

And in Udaipur, the Vice President will tour the World’s biggest Zinc Mine, which is owned by Vendatta, with an objective to look into modern mechanisation, technology, productivity and automation.

The tour will be with a view to exploring the possibility of boosting mining development in Zambia.

A visit to the International Technology Park in Pune is another engagement for the Vice President.

His visit to Pune is intended to explore the prospects of setting up an IT Park facility in the economic zone in Lusaka South, which will give drive to economic development in the service sector.

The Vice President will then travel by road from Pune to Mumbai where he is expected to experience the infrastructure and road network.

While in Mumbai, he will address the Mumbai Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

The 8th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India Africa Project Partnership was held in India last year under the theme, ‘Creating Possibilities: Delivering Value.’

According to the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)’s website, business results from its last held eight conclaves recorded significant achievements with 1510 projects worth USD 104 billion to have been deliberated.

CII with the support of the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Government of India are organising the said event.

The gathering offers an opportunity for participating countries to showcase their work to large numbers of decision makers from Africa.

More than 30 African countries of business leaders and officials will be in attendance.

Vice President Dr Guy Scott will represent Zambia at this year’s conclave.

Today’s Message: As You Wait

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bible

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen.”
(James 5:7, NLT)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

God has put dreams and desires in every person’s heart. But most times, there’s a season of waiting involved. Maybe you’re waiting for a relationship to improve; waiting to get married; waiting for a promotion, or waiting to overcome an illness. Much of life is spent waiting. But there’s a right way to wait and a wrong way to wait. Too often, when things don’t happen on our timetable, we get down and discouraged or anxious and fretful. That’s because we’re not waiting the right way.

Notice that today’s verse doesn’t say if you wait; it says as you wait. The fact is that we’re all going to wait. It goes on to say that we should consider how the farmer waits — patiently and eagerly. We’re not supposed to sit around and be discouraged; we’re supposed to be hopeful, positive and full of expectancy!

Today, no matter what you are praying for, expect things to change in your favor. Today could be the day that God turns it all around. As you wait with patience and expectancy, you’ll open the door for God to move. He’ll fight your battles, and you’ll see that abundant harvest He’s promised in every area of your life.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, today I choose to wait expectantly for You. I trust that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I put my trust and hope in You knowing that You have good things in store for my future in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen

CORRECTON: Warriors Lose, Kalulushi Takes Early Lead

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Zesco United spoilt Kabwe Warriors return to the Faz Super Division with an away win on a Saturday that saw promoted Kalulushi Modern Stars take the early lead on day-one.

Warriors were stunned at Godfrey “Ucar” Chitalu Stadium in Kabwe after Zesco secured the three points via a 45th minute lone goal from Tom Bakala.

They were similar 1-0 results for Power Dynamos, Nkana and Forest Rangers on the day that saw all four promoted teams tumble in Week One.

At Nchanga Stadium in Chingola, Martin Phiri’s 10th minute goal secured the three points for Power away to Nchanga Rangers.

In Ndola, Owen Kaposa scored a 42nd minute goal for Forest in their away derby win over promoted Lime Hotspurs.

Nkana coach Masauso Mwale began his tenure on a high when Festus Mbewe’s 22nd minute goal at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe secured their win over Roan United.

However, Kalulushi recorded the biggest score line when they beat hosts Konkola Mine Police 2-0 away at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.

Shadreck Phiri put Kalulushi ahead in the 25th minute before ex-Nkana and Kitwe United winger William Chinse put the result beyond doubt five minutes later.

On Sunday, Patrick Phiri takes Green Buffaloes to Woodlands Stadium for a grudge match against Napsa Stars who fired him last October.

Nkwazi will be home at Edwin Emboela Stadium where they host Konkola Blades.

Mighty Lose In League Opener

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‘Mighty’ Mufulira Wanderers have kicked off their 2013 FAZ Division One North campaign on a low note after losing 2-1 to National Assembly on Saturday.

This was in a Week One match played at Kachofa Stadium in Mufulira on Saturday.

Assembly left it late to beat Wanderers with striker Brian Chilando scoring the winner five minutes before full time.

Veteran striker Morgan Hanjema had put the ‘Parliamentarians’ in front with an early goal before Panji Kalulu equalised for the Mufulira outfit few minutes before the half time break.

Besides, Chilando and Hanjema, star-studded Assembly paraded several experienced players among them Newa Mwewa and Joe Lungu.

Meanwhile, Wanderers have temporarily shifted from Shinde Stadium, which is under rehabilitation, to John Kachofa Stadium the home of their sworn enemy Mufulira Blackpool.

Kapumbu: I Will Work Hard After Zambia Call-up

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New Chipolopolo call-up Fackson Kapumbu says he is not shocked to be included in the Zambia squad for the 24 March World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.

The Zanaco defender is in the 23-member team that is scheduled to regroup in South Africa on Sunday ahead of the away World Cup qualifier set for Maseru.

In an interview, Kapumbu told LT Sports that he had been looking forward to play for Chipolopolo.

“I am very happy to be called to the national team. I want to play against Lesotho,” he said.

“I am going to work hard in camp because I want to be in the starting line-up,” Kapumbu added.

Other local players in the squad are keepers Racha Kola of Zanaco and Joshua Titima of Power Dynamos, midfielder Mulenga Mukuka (Power), midfielder Rodrick Kabwe (Zanaco) and striker Bornwell Mwape (Nchanga Rangers).
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Zanaco Tumble at Home

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Zanaco’s stay in the Caf Champions League is looking very bleak after losing 1-0 at home to Orlando Pirates.

The Zambian champions were poor throughout and made a modest Pirates look very good.
Furthermore, two of Zanaco’s three Zambia call-ups were poor throughout right in front of Herve Renard who was in the stands.

Defender Fackson Kapumbu and the highly-rated Roderick Kabwe both failed to reach the bar set on the day by compatriot Collins Mbesuma.

Even ex-Pirates striker Davies Mwape showed more hunger than Kabwe against his old club throughout the game.

Meanwhile, Pirates secured their vital away win thanks to a 5th minute header from Ndumiso Mabena off a Daine Klate corner.

A draw in Soweto in a fortnight’s time will suffice for Pirates to advance to the second round of the Champions League.

Winner will play either TP Mazembe or Mochudi Centre Chiefs in the pre-group stage first leg on April 20.

Mazembe also won 1-0 in Gaborone today to setup a prospective big clash against Pirates next month.

Former President Rupiah Banda asks Zambians to remain calm

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Former President Rupiah Banda asks Zambians to remain calm
File picture:Former President Banda and former First Lady Thandiwe interact with deaf children at an orphanage in Lusaka.
File picture:Former President Banda and former First Lady Thandiwe interact with deaf children at an orphanage in Lusaka.

Former Rupiah Bwezani Banda, has said that he wishes to thank all Zambians for the solidarity shown to him during the period leading to and after the lifting of his immunity.

The former Zambian head of State, whose immunity was lifted by 80 of the Zambian Parliament’s 159 members on Friday evening, says he is deeply touched by the support that has come his way since the debate over the subject began.

“I watched the immunity debate on television in the company of my family and young colleagues. I could not help but admire and pricelessly appreciate the manner in which the opposition members of Parliament debated. I also received numerous phone calls of solidarity. I can give back nothing but my gratitude for the gesture,” President Banda says.

President Banda has further appealed to all Zambians to remain calm and show love towards one another. He adds that while he has the strength to withstand his new status, he wishes to remind all Zambians to equally have the strength to exercise self-restraint at all times and remember that Zambia is more precious than any individual interests.

“Lifting of RB’s immunity is shameful and retrogressive” – Nevers Mumba

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“Lifting of RB’s immunity is shameful and retrogressive” – Nevers Mumba
Nevers Mumba
Nevers Mumba

Opposition Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) president Nevers Mumba has described as shameful and retrogressive the move by the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) to have former republican President Rupiah Banda’s immunity removed.

Dr. Mumba said that the removal of Mr. Banda’s immunity has been done in disregard of the nation’s viewpoint as people in the country did not ask for such an action to take place.

Dr. Mumba has told Qfm in an interview that the removal of the immunity of the former president is only political retribution and not the fight against corruption.

He observed that it is cheap politics for the ruling PF to pass a motion of removal of immunity of the former head of state when Members of Parliament from the opposition had left the House in protest against such a motion.

Meanwhile, Chief Government Spokesperson Kennedy Sakeni has said that International Lawyer Robert Amsterdam is welcome to enter Zambia to defend his client the former president Rupiah Banda in court only if he meets the country’s immigration qualifications.

This follows Mr. Amsterdam’s affirmation on Friday that he will be ready to defend the former republic president in Zambian courts for any corruption allegations leveled against Mr. Banda if the Zambian government will be courageous enough to allow him enter the country.

Mr. Sakeni has told Qfm in an interview that if Mr. Amsterdam is to operate in Zambia as a lawyer, he also needs to be registered to practice in the country.

QFM

Removal of Rupiah Banda’s Immunity is a Farce, says his Lawyer

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Following the passage of a motion in Zambia’s National Assembly to remove the immunity of the former President Rupiah Banda, his international lawyer Robert Amsterdam describes the ruling party’s move as a “farce” that fails to pass the litmus test of legitimacy.

“We are disappointed but not surprised by today’s events,” said Amsterdam. “The ruling party’s witch hunt against the opposition began more than a year ago, including a defamation campaign against his son in which they failed to prove any wrongdoing. Now they want to start again with an attack against the internationally distinguished former president, with accusations based on light bulbs and lollipops.”

Banda’s international lawyer also questioned the manner in which the motion to remove immunity was passed:

“The Speaker allowed the motion to move forward despite repeated objections by half of the house, and proceeded to rush through the debate and vote despite a walkout by opposition MPs,” said Amsterdam. “Removal of presidential immunity is a serious measure, and one that should have broad multiparty support, or at least the dignity of a personal appearance by the head of state. Instead, the PF had to beg, borrow, and bribe by appointing opposition members as deputy ministers in order to just barely exceed 50% of the total seats.”

Amsterdam continued: “The removal of former President Banda’s immunity fails to pass the litmus test for legitimacy. Keeping in mind that this is the same government that only days ago fired live rounds into crowds of voters, the same people that have repeatedly arrested opposition leaders on bogus grounds, and the very same Justice Minister, Wynter Kabimba, who himself defiantly refused to answer corruption questions before the authorities, there can be little doubt about where the PF stands on matters of justice.”

“Removal of Banda’s immunity is totally unrelated to justice. It is a crass political strategy aimed at removing potential competitors to the successor of an ailing, enfeebled president,” said Amsterdam.

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