Join our community of SUBSCRIBERS and be part of the conversation.
To subscribe, simply enter your email address on our website or click the subscribe button below. Don't worry, we respect your privacy and won't spam your inbox. Your information is safe with us.
Community Development, Mother and Child Health Deputy Minister Jean Kapata
Patriotic Front (PF) Mandevu Member of Parliament Jean Kapata has cautioned United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema against insulting president Michael Sata.
Ms Kapata said that PF members and Zambians in general demand that Mr. Hichilema respect the Republican President as he is an elected official.
She said it’s unacceptable and highly provocative for Mr. Hichilema to label the president as having no brains.
ZANIS reports that the PF MP for Mandevu Constituency said this in an interview in Mpongwe yesterday.
She added that insulting the head of state was actually insulting the people of Zambia who voted Mr. Sata into office.
She said Mr. Hichilema who heads a small party must learn to respect the president and accept that he is in state house.
She said the way president Sata was working it will take a long time for the UPND or any other parties to form government.
According to Local media reports, the Opposition UPND leader is reported to have insulted the Republican President.
Mr. Hichilema is reported to have said this before being picked up in connection with the shooting of a PF cadre, Harrison Chanda.
Zambia recorded a 0.1 per cent slowdown in the annual inflation rate, from 7.0 percent in January 2013 to 6.9 per cent in February 2013.
This is according to the Central Statistical Office (CSO) Monthly Bulletin for February 2013.
Speaking when presenting the bulletin in Lusaka this morning, CSO Acting Director, Goodson Sinyenga, disclosed that on average, prices increased by 6.9 per cent between February 2012 and February 2013.
Mr Sinyenga explained that the slowdown in the inflation rate is mainly attributed to decrease in food prices.
He said of the total 6.9 per cent annual inflation rate in February 2013, food prices accounted for 3.5 percentage points, while non food items accounted for 3.4 percentage points.
Mr Sinyenga revealed that the annual food inflation rate decreased by 0.9 per cent from 7.6 per cent recorded in January 2013, to 6.7 per cent in February 2013.
He disclosed that a comparison of retail prices between January 2013 and February 2013, shows that the national average price of a 25 kg bag of mealie meal decreased by 5.5 per cent from KR57.56 to KR 54.41.
Mr Sinyenga further revealed that the annual inflation rate for non food items increased by 0.8 percentage points, from 6.3 per cent in January 2013, to 7.1 per cent in February 2013.Zambia recorded a 0.1 per cent slowdown in the annual inflation rate, from 7.0 percent in January 2013 to 6.9 per cent in February 2013.
This is according to the Central Statistical Office (CSO) Monthly Bulletin for February 2013.
Speaking when presenting the bulletin in Lusaka this morning, CSO Acting Director, Goodson Sinyenga, disclosed that on average, prices increased by 6.9 per cent between February 2012 and February 2013.
Mr Sinyenga explained that the slowdown in the inflation rate is mainly attributed to decrease in food prices.
He said of the total 6.9 per cent annual inflation rate in February 2013, food prices accounted for 3.5 percentage points, while non food items accounted for 3.4 percentage points.
Mr Sinyenga revealed that the annual food inflation rate decreased by 0.9 per cent from 7.6 per cent recorded in January 2013, to 6.7 per cent in February 2013.
He disclosed that a comparison of retail prices between January 2013 and February 2013, shows that the national average price of a 25 kg bag of mealie meal decreased by 5.5 per cent from KR57.56 to KR 54.41.
Mr Sinyenga further revealed that the annual inflation rate for non food items increased by 0.8 percentage points, from 6.3 per cent in January 2013, to 7.1 per cent in February 2013.
And Zambia recorded a trade surplus valued at KR192.8 million in January 2013 from KR 135.9 million recorded in December 2012.
This is according to the Central Statistical Office (CSO) monthly bulletin for February, 2013.
The bulletin shows that the country exported more than it imported in January 2013.
The bulletin also shows that Zambia’s major export products in January, 2013, comprised mainly of copper cathodes and sections of refined copper, which accounted for 76.9 per cent, followed by consumer goods which accounted for 14.9 per cent of the total exports.
According to the bulletin, Zambia’s major export destination in January, 2013, was Switzerland, which accounted for 41.0 per cent with the major export products being cathodes and sections of refined copper.
China was the second major destination for Zambia’s exports followed by the United Arab Emirates, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and South Africa.
The bulletin shows that the five countries collectively accounted for 88.1 per cent of Zambia’s total export earnings in January, 2013.
The bulletin indicates that in regional groupings, Asia was the largest market for Zambia’s total exports, accounting for 35.7 per cent, followed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region which accounted for 19.4 per cent in January, 2013.
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) was the third largest market for Zambia’s total exports in regional groupings, followed by the European Union.
Zambia’s major imports for January 2013 was South Africa , accounting for 26.1 per cent, with the major import products being structures and parts of structures, steel, and iron.
The DRC was the second major source of Zambia’s imports accounting for 22.1 per cent, followed by China which accounted for 9.7 per cent of the total value of imports.
Other sources of Zambia’s imports were the United Kingdom and Japan which collectively accounted for 9.5 per cent of the country’s imports.
The bulletin showed that in regional groupings, SADC was the major source of Zambia’s imports, accounting for 51.9 per cent in January 2013, followed by COMESA and Asia respectively.
Zambia has continued to record trade surpluses since January 2012 with the highest valued at KR473.2 million, recorded in August, 2012.
The lowest trade surplus was recorded in February 2012, valued at KR 47.4 million.
UPND president Hakainde Hichilema arrive for the Kabwata rally
The decision by the Electoral Commissions of Zambia to postpone the Livingstone Parliamentary by-election is unfortunate, United Party for National Development (UPPND) President Hakainde Hichilema has said.
Mr. Hichilema says the ECZ should have consulted all political and stakeholders instead of making a unilateral decision.
ZANIS reports from Livingstone that the opposition leader said this during a briefing in Livingstone, today.
He also regretted the death of the PF cadre Mr. Harison Chanda who according to police met his fate when UPND and PF cadres clashed on 25th February in Livingstone but blamed the PF for causing the violence.
He observed that it was sad that lives have been lost over mere elections.
“It is unfortunate that ECZ decided to postpone the election without consulting us the major stakeholders” said Mr. Hichilema.
The Livingstone by-election which was scheduled today has been postponed to 14th March by ECZ citing violence which rocked the city in the few days before the poll.
And Mr. Hichielema bemoaned the poor state of police cells saying they were not fit for any Zambian and called on the government to into the matter.
Mr. Hichilema who spent a night in cells after his arrest on Tuesday said it was important to improve conditions in all the prisons and holding cells and make them fit for humans.
“ Am very sad about the poor state of our police cells which has no water, mattresses and no ventilation and I think there is need for those responsible to look into this matter,” Mr. Hichilema said.
He envisaged that once voted his major priorities will include improvement in prisons and police cells to make them more habitable.
Movement for Multi-party Democracy, (MMD) constituency chairperson said the postponement of the elections was politically motivated.
Meanwhile, Districts Electoral officer Vivian Chikoti said all the ballot papers and other election materials will be transferred to Lusaka in a Chopper this afternoon adding that the move follows the postponement of the elections
“Happy are the peacemakers: they shall be called children of God” (Mt 5:9)
We, the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ), and the Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC), are extremely disturbed and greatly saddened by the violence and loss of precious life in the heat of the recent campaigns for the Livingstone parliamentary by-election. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of the deceased and all victims of violence. At the same time, we condemn in the strongest terms possible, any form political and electoral violence.
We further wish to appeal for calm and maximum restraint from the various political parties in Livingstone and also from the Zambia Police Service. It is incumbent on all of us not to do or say anything that might worsen an already volatile situation.
This is not the time for finger-pointing. What is needed now is for all stakeholders to do some serious soul-searching: Is this the level our politics has come to? Is this the path we want to pursue in our democratic dispensation?
Let us then commit this great nation to prayer. And may God bless us all!
Issued on 27th February, 2013 in Lusaka by the undersigned;
Rev. Suzanne Matale (General Secretary – CCZ)
Rev. Pukuta N. Mwanza(Executive Director – EFZ)
Fr. Cleophas Lungu (Secretary General – ZEC)
PRESIDENT Michael Sata arrives at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport to drama up support for Patriotic Front (PF) candidate Lawrence Evans in Livingstone
President Michael Sata has commended the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for valuing lives more than elections by postponing the Livingstone parliamentary by-election.
Mr Sata in a statement released to the media by his special assistant for press and public relations George Chellah, said this should demonstrate to all that the ECZ is operating independently and that violence will not be condoned.He said it is disgraceful and cruel that those who killed the PF member now want to pretend to be victims.
President Sata recalled that the PF lost a member in Rufunsa at the hands of UPND; and that another one has been lost in Livingstone at the hands of UPND yet again. He said these calculated acts of brutality are the enemies of democracy whose political thrust is abominable hate and intolerance.
[pullquote]Mr Sata said PF members should be proud of their record as a party that in their 10 years journey to victory; they showed love, care and compassion to every Zambian regardless of their political affiliation; and never killed or maimed any person during their struggle in opposition.[/pullquote] President Sata said the UPND leadership ought to be mindful that violence breeds violence and no one will benefit from a culture of bloodshed in politics.
He added that the UPND have decided that violence is profitable for them, which is why they shamelessly market their so-called ‘Mapatizya formular’, which is a coded language for attacking and maiming political opponents.
The Head of State said that as a responsible Government, sworn to safeguard, defend and protect lives and property in the country; they will not allow this culture to take root.He has since called upon the UPND in particular and all stakeholders in the governance of the country in general to condemn this systematic reckless loss of innocent lives because it will not benefit anyone.
Mr Sata has further warned the UPND in particular to either change their approach or face the full wrath of the law.He also urged PF members and other law abiding citizens to desist from retaliatory actions but let the law take its course.
Mr Sata said PF members should be proud of their record as a party that in their 10 years journey to victory; they showed love, care and compassion to every Zambian regardless of their political affiliation; and never killed or maimed any person during their struggle in opposition.
He said such is a record worth emulating by all those aspiring to rule the country in the future, stating that Zambia can only thrive on love and peace.
Voting in Mpongwe started on a good note with voters lining-up to cast their votes in the parliamentary by-election as early as 05:00hours
A check by ZANIS revealed that in most polling stations’ voter turn-out was steadily progressing well.
The first voter at the Farmer Training College polling station cast his ballot at exactly 06:01 hours.The atmosphere remains calm and voters are freely voting in the by elections whose results are expected to be announce in the early morning of Friday.
And the Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) has expressed happiness with the peaceful manner in which the Mpongwe by elections are being conducted.
FODEP Copperbelt Province Secretary James Phiri hoped the peace that has so far characterized the Mpongw by elections will continue even after the winner of the polls is announced tomorrow.Mr Phiri told ZANIS in an interview in Mpongwe today that it was also gratifying to note that the electorates in Mpongwe were eager to vote for their preferred candidate.He hoped the voter turnout which he said was impressive continue as the day progresses so that all the eligible voters can participate in democratically electing their representative.
The Mpongwe parliamentary by elections is been contested by Gabriel Namulambe of the ruling Patriotic Front, Rapson Chilufya of the United Party of National Development (UPND), Miniver Mutesa of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), Reagan Ndhlovu of the National Restoration Party (NAREP) and Kenny Kuveya of the United Independence Party (UNIP).
At Kalunkumya polling centre at Kanyenda primary school Returning Officer Masauso Phiri said voting was progressing well with the turn-out expected to rise later in the day.
“At this polling station everything is good. We are progressing well our clients are coming in one by one, am sure around midday the turn-out will increase,” he said.Mr Phiri said of the 1, 588 registered voters at the polling station, by press time about 30 voters had cast their votes.Mr Phiri further said the voting was going on well and that no incidents had been recorded since voting commenced.
A check at Mpongwe Farming Training Institute polling centre whose number of registered voters’ totals 3418, only 148 people had cast their votes by 07.00 this morning and the station has four streams.Presiding officer Sparkman Chilyabanyama described the turnout as low compared to past elections.
He however expressed optimism that the turnout would increase as the day progresses.
Meanwhile District Electoral Officer Winstone Kasonkomona said a helicopter was already in place to enable move the ballot boxes from far flung and hard to reach areas.He said the chopper provided by ECZ was used to transport officers and election materials yesterday.Mr Kasonkomona also said all election materials and personnel were in the centers and no problems have so far been encountered.
A Mpongwe resident has observed that the by-election should be viewed as a tool that would take development to Mpongwe.Mrs Agnes Kanama said despite which individual wins the seat the people of Mpongwe are only interested in the development of their area.She said all the five candidates want to develop Mpongwe and that whichever one wins must be supported by all residents so that the area can be developed.Mrs Kanama further urged the residents to refrain from violent acts that might disturb peace in the district.She said people who were inciting violence should be reported to the police so that law and order is maintained.
Mpongwe constituency has a total of 34, 642 registered voters,voting is expected to close at 18:00 hours.
President Michael Sata with Vice President Guy Scot and PF candidate for Mpongwe bye-election Gabriel Namulambe
By C. Chanda
Allow me to air out my view on the question or on this annual alarm of free education. Do you know how many people are illiterate because of the same promise? Do you politicians care how families strive to accommodate their children in schools?
Many people are suffering in order to pay high school fees and you fool them every year that they will be free education and quality education. If you say so, it means you know that people are paying these fees on non quality education.Instead of more money in our pockets but it less money in our pockets. Vice President Guy Scott please don’t take advantage of Zambian people with this government of yours.
[pullquote]we don’t see any progress be it the MMD or PF government.[/pullquote]
Implement what you promised in your manifesto.We beg you to abolish these fees and give a chance to a good and quality education to everyone in Zambia. One thing that all have observed is that you people just like uttering words to the public without any serious consideration to what you say. Moreover the same people you are promising free education have already paid high fees for grade nine and they will do the same for other children who will qualify to grade ten. The impression you people we put in government give us is bad, because we don’t see any progress be it the MMD or PF government.
By the way let me emphasize on the importance of education: the importance of education is that, it can have an impact on society, but seldom do we think on how society affects our educational system. We often ignore the fact that social norms, customs and traditions are deeply affected by education. Society and education are tightly bound entities and hence cannot be separated from each other. I think, society in itself, especially in Zambia is an educational institution. Social interactions that give us the ability to read people. Our customs and values shape our upbringing, thus molding our personalities. We learn from our surroundings; we learn from experience.
[pullquote]If you made these promises to the all Zambians it could have been better but you only talked to the voters in Mpongwe constituency as if it does not concern every Zambian[/pullquote]
It is so sad that many people have been denied this chance because of schools fees. We would be grateful towards PF government if it had looked in this matter by providing us with a platform to learn, grow and enrich ourselves. Vice president of Zambia, please don’t politicize education as a tool for election campaign, remember it is the future of the every child in Zambia.
We know your children go to better schools in Zambia or abroad and they usually write different exams from the poor Zambian child. I urge people of Zambia lets open our eyes and analyze what comes to our ears. If you made these promises to the all Zambians it could have been better but you only talked to the voters in Mpongwe constituency as if it does not concern every Zambian.Your manifesto is fake! I am a patriotic man but don’t fool us.
Kabwe district is experiencing a severe shortage of fuel at all the existing filling stations, except for Petrotech, since last evening.
ZANIS reports that from its survey at most Filing Stations in the area , today, long queues characterized most filling station in search of fuel.
At Puma, Juvena and Total filling stations, located within the town center, motorists were found queuing for Petrol and Diesel, with no indicator of the commodity being available.
Filling station Managers at Puma, Juvena and Total had indicated that they do not know when the country’s most essential commodity will be available at their filling stations.
They, however, declined to give further details on the matter, saying they have no information on why the commodity is scarce.
But Petrotech Manager, Walter Farinacci, said his Filling Station is not affected with the shortage because his company received enough fuel, yesterday.
Mr. Farinacci said he received 35000 Litres of Petrol and 21 000 Litres of Diesel and boasted that Petrotech has upped its fuel sales due to the high demand considering that it is the only filling station that has fuel, in town.
He, however, said there is a lot of pressure on his workers, who have been working tirelessly since last evening to relieve the queues and service more motorists.
But motorists in Kabwe have appealed to government to settle the fuel issue, once and for all, saying the supply of the commodity has been unstable for a long time, now.
One of the motorists, Mumba Chikwani, who is a bus driver, said government should state its position on the matter and explain why there has been a concurrent shortage of fuel in most parts of the country, lately.
Mr. Chikwani said the fuel shortage situation has impacted negatively on, not only his business, but that of his colleagues, too.
He said most of his colleagues have parked their vehicles because they cannot stand the long queues at Petrotech, while others have opted to go as far as Kapiri-Mposhi to purchase fuel.
He complained that he would not be able to meet his targets today, in terms of cashing, because he spent the whole morning on a queue at Petrotech.
In addition, his colleague, Moses Suhani, also a bus driver, complained that he had to go as far as Kapiri-Mposhi to purchase fuel because he could not withstand the long queues at the town’s only operational filling station.
Mr. Suhani said there is need for government intervention on the continued fuel shortages because it has a great impact, especially on the transport business community, who solely depend on its availability to earn a living.
He said for instance, he has to struggle to look for fuel because his boss will not accept stories pertaining to the unavailability of fuel.
Mr. Suhani said the issue must be addressed, immediately, so that motorists can go about their businesses, smoothly.
Meanwhile, most taxi drivers in Kabwe have parked their vehicles, saying they will only resume duties when the commodity is available at the other filling stations, because the queues at Petrotech are never-ending and standing there the whole day, is equal to parking the vehicles
The Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) says the late delivery of farming input is likely affect this year’s maize harvest in Kasempa district.
And Ministry of Agriculture and livestock also states that 1,512 farmers did not apply Urea fertilizer to their maize fields by 31st January 2013, a situation likely to result in a reduction of maize production.
This was disclosed during the District Development Coordinating Committee (DDCC) meeting which was held recently in Kasempa where it was revealed that late delivery of fertilizers would affect crop yields and increase poverty levels in the area.
ZNFU Kasempa Executive Manager, Cletus Lwiindi said during the meeting that the union is working towards encouraging farmers graduate from depending on farming inputs from government by promoting the Lima Credit Scheme.
Mr Lwiindi said 650 farmers members had access to the scheme and were able to buy fertilizer from Nyiombo Investment limited for this year’s farming season.
He however said some farmers were affected by the late delivery of fertilizer and recommended for government’s intervention in order to avoid the situation from reoccurring in the next farming season.
And in his report, District Agricultural Coordinator Gabriel Chitumbo highlighted areas where farmers received Urea fertilizer by 2nd February 2013, as Jifumpa, Kanongo, Njenga, Kamakechi, Mukunashi and Lubofu among others.
Mr Chitumbo attributed the shortage of fertilizers in the district to Nyiombo Investment which had sold fertilizers meant for famers to the ZNFU and created scarcity of the commodity.
Mr Chitumbo has since recommended for government and Nyiombo Investment Limited to build more storage sheds specifically for the Farmer Input Support Programme.
Meanwhile, the Zambia Meteorological Department is anticipating poor crop yields following the late distribution of farming inputs and dry spells experienced in some parts of the country during the early stages of the rainy season.
According to a Crop Weather Bulletin issued by the department for the period 11th to 20th February 2013, most of the top dressing fertilizer application was done late and well beyond the recommended crop stage while fertilizer distribution was still ongoing in some parts of the country
The Crop Weather Bulletin further states that water logging in some parts of Southern Province resulted in maize crops becoming stunted and turning yellow.
However, the Bulletin describes the crop condition as fair to good, but cautions that production was likely to reduce compared to last season mainly due to the delayed fertilizer distribution.
Furthermore, the Zambia Meteorological Department has assured that the late planted maize had a high chance of reaching maturity.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has said that the Commission will not stand by to see the good name that Zambia earned after the 2011 tripartite elections be tarnished by the continuous abrogation of the electoral regulations.
ECZ chairperson Irene Mabilima said that the Commission was deeply concerned with the rising levels of intolerance and violence by political parties during elections and the apparent disregard of the Electoral Code of Conduct and the Commission’s mandate to conduct elections by some stakeholders including the Zambia Police Service.
“The Commission wishes to remind all stakeholders that it is the only legally mandated body to conduct elections in Zambia and it will not stand by to see the good reputation that Zambia has been credited with worldwide following the 2011 tripartite elections being negated by the abrogation of electoral regulations and irresponsible conduct of some stakeholders,” she said.
She said all political parties were expected to ensure that their candidates, cadres and supporters abided by the electoral regulations, including the code of conduct.
She said it was unacceptable that at this stage of Zambia’s democracy, stakeholders should blatantly disregard the code of conduct as had been exhibited by some political party supporters and cadres by inciting and perpetrating violence.
Justice Mambilima said it was the responsible of the Political parties participating in elections to restrain their members and cadres from provoking their opponents and inciting violence.
She said it was also the responsibility of the Zambia Police Service to ensure perpetrators of violence and anyone caught abrogating the electoral code of conduct was dealt with firmly without fear or favour, irrespective of which political party they belonged.
The Commission hoped it would see an improvement in the electoral environment forthwith as Zambians only hadone country which should they should guard together with the hard earned democracy.
And Justice Mambilima has said that there shall be no political party campaigns in form of political party rallies, meetings and door-to-door campaigns between today and March 14, 2013 as the campaign period ended on February 26,2013.
She said Political Parties would only be permitted to campaign using the Print and Electronic media and that the Commission would also publicise the election date to the electorate in Livingstone through mobile publicity, print and electronic media.
Some pastors who have illegally built churches on the Solwezi Trades Training Institute (SOTTI) have threatened the institution staff with death if they insist on relocating them.
SOTTI Principal John Nshindamba disclosed this during a consultative meeting called by the District Commissioner Crispin Likando to resolve the impasse between the institution and the churches from Zambia compound that have encroached on their land.
Mr Nshindamba said the five churches have illegally built their structures on the college land and have been resisting leaving.
He complained that some pastors instead of engaging the College Board on the issue have been declaring that God should strike the members of staff to death if they interfere with the structures.
A representative from the Cornerstone International church Pastor Liberty Chabala said the land that they have occupied was given to them by God and they will not leave as doing so will result in loss of church members.
But Shalom Shalom Pastor Zebron Daka admitted that they have encroached on the college land and none of the churches have authority from council to occupy the land.
The pastors have however asked the college to allow them continue operating in the area saying they have spent a lot of money on building the structures.
And District Commissioner Likando said it was illegal for the churches to build structures on the college land as the piece of land has been reserved for future expansions of the institution.
The churches that face eviction include Shalom Shalom, Cornerstone International, Nazarene, Potters House and Divine Christ Church.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga
The long awaited Holograms have arrived in the country.
The Holograms were received today at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport by Information and Broadcasting Permanent Secretary Amos Mulupenga who was franked by Zambian artists.
Speaking shortly after inspecting the consignment of Holograms, Mr. Mulupenga said government spent 1 billion kwacha in the procuring of the Holograms.
He explained that when the PF government came into power, it found 50 million kwacha “then” allocated by the previous government in the yellow book for procuring of the Holograms.
“ The 1 billion kwacha spent on Holograms is a clear demonstration of government’s commitment in fighting piracy in the country, “Mr Mulupenga said.
He observed that some people thought government was paddling propaganda when government announced its intention to procuring Holograms.
Mr Mulupenga said government has once again proofed the doubting Thomas wrong with the arrival of Holograms in the Country.
He said it is the desire of the government to see to it that piracy is brought to a dead end through the use of Holograms.
He reviewed that Zambian Musicians have been crying for the Hologram for the last nine years adding that the PF government has managed to procure the Holograms in less than 11 months.
Mr. Mulupenga said government will always stick to what it promise to deliver to the people.
He said more details on how the Holograms will be used will be given out during the launch of the Holograms by the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services.
And a music board has praised government for honoring its promise of procuring the Holograms.
The Zambia Music Copyright Protection Society (ZAMCOPS) Board Chairman Edify Hamukale said the Musicians have been crying for a long time for the introduction of Holograms.
Mr. Hamukale was optimistic that with the coming of Holograms Zambian artists will be able to benefit from there works.
He said the introduction of Holograms will greatly assist in fighting piracy in the music industry.
Mr. Hamukale has since appealed to musicians in the country to rally behind government in the implementation of the Holograms.
And National Arts Council vice chairman Sankwe Kambole described the Holograms as national treasure.
He said the Zambian artists will never be ripped off from thire works with the coming of the Holograms.
UPND president Hakainde Hichilema waves at his supporters when he arrived for the Kabwata rally.
UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema has been granted bail of KR2000 in his own recognisance and two sureties living in Livingstone.
Mr Hichilema was arrested on Tuesday in the tourist capital and appeared before acting Principal Resident Magistrate Chola Musonda yesterday.
Hichilema, 50, of house number 1438 Servel Road in Lusaka pleaded not guilty to the charge of proposing violence Laws of Zambia.
Hichilema’s defence counsels consisted of Fredrick Chunga of Silweya and Company, Jack Mwiimbu of Mwiimbu and Company, Solomon Muzyamba of Muzyamba and Company as well as John Kapepe Jr. of MAK partners in Livingstone.
The Statement of offence is that on February 25, 2013 in Livingstone, Hichilema issued a statement on Radio Zambezi Fm which was meant to compute or stimulate his supporters to act in a manner which can result into violence.
Earlier in court when the matter came up for plea, Southern Province Police Commissioner, who is also a State Advocate Charity Katanga, made an application before magistrate Musonda to change the venue and transfer the case so that it can be heard in Kalomo, citing security concerns and that the accused may tamper with witnesses.
However, objecting to the application, lawyer Mr Chunga told the court that it was not appropriate for the State prosecution team to make such an application before the accused has taken his plea.
Another lawyer Mr Mwimbu told the court that the application can only be made after the accused takes his plea and that the prosecution should cite the law pertaining to the case.
“Your Honour, an application can only be made after the accused has taken plea. Let the prosecution cite the law pertaining to this particular case before you,” Mr Mwimbu said.
In response Ms Katanga said the matter could then proceed and that the application will be made later after the accused has taken his plea.
“It is my view that the suspect’s likelihood to interfere with witnesses must be established, the likelihood must be founded on facts and not mere speculations.
“As rightly pointed out by defence counsel this court has jurisdiction to act on the law and facts presented before it. It appears to me that this court does not enjoy jurisdiction to act on mere speculation. The State has objected to the bail application on grounds that the accused may interfere with its witnesses and on grounds of security concerns,” the magistrate said.
The court said “the issue relating to bail pending trial is governed by the criminal procedure code under section 132 and by virtue of the said section the court is empowered to grant bail to the accused person appearing before it if deemed fit. Further guidance can be drawn from the case of Irwin and the people.
The supreme Law of this country presumes all persons innocent until proven guilty, ” he said in his ruling over the application to shift the trial venue.
Mr Hichilema will come for mention on the March 27 and April 25, 2013 while trial dates have been set for the 26th, 27th and 28th of May.
Scores of UPND supporters were at the court house as early as 08:30 hours while proceedings only commenced after 12:00 hours when Hichilema arrived at the packed court house.
The Livingstone Magistrate court saw an unprecedented, long bail application in which
proceedings only ended after 15.30 hours while police had a tough time controlling the excited crowd.
Meanwhile the suspects in the murder of Harrison Chanda also appeared before the same court for reading of the case and magistrate Musonda told the accused to wait for the case to be heard by the High Court.
Before court was Brian Mulenga of Lusaka, and seven others who are jointly charged with murder.
Power Dynamos on Wednesday warmed-up for their weekend CAF Confederation Cup assignment with a 2-0 win over FAZ Division One North side Kitwe United in a friendly game.
Power take on Recreativo da Caala of Angola in Sunday’s away Confederation Cup preliminary round, return leg in Huambo.
Captain Thomas Nyirenda and striker Graven Chitalu were on the score-sheet for Power in the friendly match played at Garden Park Stadium in Kitwe.
The Beston Chambeshi coached side beat Caala 1-0 in the first leg tie at Arthur Davies Stadium in on February 17.
Faz says only Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka and Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe meet the grade to host local and international fixtures.
Arthur Davies is home ground to Power Dynamos while Nkoloma hosts games involving Red Arrows.
Faz spokesperson Erick Mwanza said all clubs had until the March 19 kickoff date of the 2013 league season to ensure all their home grounds met the minimum standards.
Mwanza said Levy Mwanawasa Stadium was exempt from the league grading.
“Where we are now only two stadiums meet the requirement for CAF international matches,” Mwanza said.
“We have Nkoloma and Arthur Davies these meet the requirements of club licensing.
“If we were to fully implement the law in so far as club licensing is concerned and stadia we would probably have two Arthur Davies and Nkoloma, I am leaving out Levy Mwanawasa.”
He said not even Sunset Stadium in Lusaka made the grade forcing Zanaco to play its continental games at Nkoloma.
