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The opposition UPND intends to write to the Chief Justice to request that a medical board be constituted to examine the mental state of President Michael Sata.
“We believe President Sata’s recent behavior and statements raise questions about his current state of mind and we want an independent medical board to examine him,” says UPND presidential adviser Douglas Siakalima.
He told a media briefing in Lusaka today that the UPND is concerned that the Head of State might issue some more statements that might cause chaos in the country.
“We are a responsible, patriotic and concerned political party. We are worried just like everybody else about the President’s state of health.”
Mr. Siakalima said the UPND legal team will be invoking the constitutional provisions that empower citizens to petition the Chief Justice to set up a medical board to look into the state of the President’s mind.
“As a trained psychologist, I can tell you that President Sata has been showing signs that warrant a mental check up by an independent medical board as enshrined in our republican constitution.”
[pullquote]“As a trained psychologist, I can tell you that President Sata has been showing signs that warrant a mental check up by an independent medical board as enshrined in our republican constitution.”[/pullquote]
He said the drafters of the constitution were not foolish to put in place such provisions in the constitution as they knew that one day, a man in State House might not be in stable mental health.
At the same media briefing, MMD’s Lawrence Zimba who recently had his Kapiri Mposhi seat nullified by the Supreme Court defected to the UPND.
“UPND is the only formidable opposition, this is the only party that can offer checks and balances to the PF. This government of the PF has failed, farmers in Kapiri are crying that there is no fertiliser.”
Early this month,Police in Livingstone recovered 19 copper cathodes and 92 bags of copper blisters as well as other scrap metal and 48 empty cartilages of ammunition in Dambwa Site and Service (DSS) area.
Police arrested six suspects in connection to the recovered items at a house near a place called God Knows where various items were recovered The suspects were Eliot Siamangani, 27, Elias Zulu, 24,Ian Liswaniso, 44, all of DSS,
Other suspects picked up were Martin Mbewe, 44, house number 221 Zambezi Sawmills, Jonathan Mujala with unknown age of house number CSC08 Cold Storage and Clive Mabuku,21, of house number B134.
Below are the pictures of the raid
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Police lead suspects into a van after recovering stolen copper blisters and copper cathodes in Livingstone
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A police truck ferrying stolen copper blisters and copper cathodes were discovered in Livingstone
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A house in Livingstone where stolen copper blisters and copper cathodes were discovered
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Police lead suspects into a van after recovering stolen copper blisters and copper cathodes in Livingstone
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Pictures of the two unidentified suspects who are occupants of a house in Livingstone where stolen copper blisters and copper cathodes were recovered
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Southern Province Commissioner of Police Charity Katanga displays copper Cathodes and a weighing instrument which were discovered together alongside copper blisters in Livingstone
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Southern Province Commissioner of Police Charity Katanga displays copper Cathodes and a weighing instrument which were discovered together alongside copper blisters in Livingstone
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Southern Province Commissioner of Police Charity Katanga (right) displays the remains of an ammunition found among stolen copper blisters and copper cathodes in Livingstone
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Police officers check stolen copper blisters and copper cathodes in Livingstone
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Police officers check stolen copper blisters and copper cathodes in Livingstone
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Southern Province Commissioner of Police Charity Katanga (left) and Livingstone District police Chief John Zimba (right) inspecting stolen copper blisters and copper cathodes in Livingstone
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Southern Province Commissioner of Police Charity Katanga (right) witnessing the uncovering of stolen copper blisters and copper cathodes in Livingstone
The Zambia Institute of Marketing has written to Toyota Zambia expressing displeasure over the company’s intentions to recruit a foreigner to head its Sales and Marketing Department.
Toyota Zambia recently ran some adverts in South African newspapers inviting applications to fill the position of National Sales and Marketing Manager in Zambia.
But Institute President David Kombe said recruiting foreign marketing professionals for jobs that could be done by Zambians is unacceptable.
Mr. Kombe said the institute wrote to Toyota to air its position over the matter in line with its powers under an Act of Parliament establishing the institute.
“We will not allow these foreigners who are not even our members to come in and get jobs that can ordinarily be done by Zambians. If Toyota advertised for those jobs locally, they will find the talent they need locally,” he said.
“Under an Act of Parliament establishing ZIM, we have powers to influence the issuance of work permits to foreigners coming to work here as marketing professionals and we will consider those options if Toyota fails to respond adequately.
He said the institute will use all channels to ensure that the matter is amicably resolved.
The Bank of Zambia has revealed that preliminary figures show that the Zambian economy grew by 7.3 percent last year, up from 6.8 percent recorded in 2011.
Central Bank Governor Michael Gondwe said the Zambian economy has continued to post strong GDP growth rates driven mostly by strong performances in the construction, agriculture, manufacturing and the transport sector.
Dr. Gondwe said construction sector was the best performer in 2012 growing by 15.3 percent from 8.9 percent recorded in 2011.
He however said mining and quarrying, the country’s economic mainstay is estimated to have declined by 13.2 percent mainly due to a fall in metal mining.
Dr. Gondwe was speaking in Lusaka last evening during the Bank of Zambia quarterly media briefing.
And on the economic outlook for the first half of 2013, Dr. Gondwe said Zambia’s economic prospects remains favourable with a projected GDP growth of 7 percent.
“We expect good performances in the agricultural, manufacturing and conservation sectors. In this regard, GDP is expected to be in line with the projected annual GDP growth rate of 7 percent,” Dr. Gondwe said.
“However, there are challenges to this outlook which include the fiscal cliff in the US yet to be fully resolved, spending cuts by some of the developed economies and a weak consumer and business confidence in most developed economies. Further a fall in the price of copper may reduce export earnings.”
Dr. Gondwe observed that although the average commercial bank interest rates have reduced, they still remain high beyond the reach of most SME’s.
He urged the commercial banks to lower their interest rates further in line with the Bank of Zambia Policy Rate.
Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Kennedy Sakeni yesterday reconstituted a national taskforce on digital migration in a move aimed at accelerating Zambia’s digital migration process.
The reconstituted 11 member team will be headed by Zamtel chief technical officer Sydney Mupeta, who replaces Luwani Soko as Chairperson of the Taskforce.
Mr. Sakeni, who is also Chief Government Spokesperson, said government was confident that it has assembled the right brains and right competences to successfully guide the nation in migrating from analogue to digital terrestrial television broadcasting within the stipulated deadlines.
He urged the taskforce to update the nation on the current roadmap on digital migration with particular emphasis on stakeholder and public sensitisation, consultation and participation to ensure a people driven digital migration process.
He stressed that the process should be inclusive of all stakeholders as both drivers and beneficiaries of the digital age.
Mr. Sakeni, who was flanked by his Deputy Minister Mwansa Kapeya, said it was government’s expectation that the reconstituted taskforce will engage in wide and extensive consultations with the public and other stakeholders in coming up with a policy framework on digital migration.
He called on all stakeholders to work with the government in making Zambia’s digital migration a success.
He also reminded the members of the taskforce that the International Telecommunication Union, a United Nations agency for information and communication technologies, has set June 17, 2015 as the deadline for all member countries to migrate from analogue to digital terrestrial television broadcasting.
At regional level, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) adopted December 31, 2013, as the deadline for digital migration.
This is in order to give countries in the region ample time to address teething challenges that may arise in the migration process ahead of the ITU deadline.
In view of both the ITU and SADC deadlines and the realistic timeline in which to mobilise resources, the government adopted December 31, 2014 as the date by which all analogue terrestrial television transmission shall be switched off in the country.
Mr. Sakeni has since congratulated the members of the taskforce on their well deserved appointments.
Other members of the taskforce include Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Acting Director for Planning, Press and Public Relations Beaton Kaluba, Ministry of Information Acting Chief Planner Boyd Chirwa, ZNBC Director of Engineering Malolela Lusambo and Airtel Head of Corporate Communications and Government Relations Jerome Kawesha.
Others are Casat television Managing Director Mutale Kaenga, Zambia Information Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) Director of Technologies and Engineering Patrick Mutimushi, Radio Christian Voice Technical Manager Francis Musonda, Ministry of Information Planner Philip Chilonga and Ministry of Information Public Relations Officer Susan Zulu.
‘Economic and social welfare consultants’ conducting their business
By Wesley Ngwenya
There are many things that Zambia could live without. I have been thinking about the following things for some time now. I think that these things would make Zambia a better country. Their existence is not doing this country a favor. As a result, they should be outlawed.
Salaula and all imported clothing
I think it is about time we pulled the plug on this one. In as much as Salaula brings branded clothing and Chinese poor quality clothes are cheaper it is all detrimental to our own industry. Imported clothing has created an inferiority complex to Zambians. We have all become accustomed to what is foreign. We think foreign is better than local.
I propose that we ban Salaula and other clothing imports altogether or increase the tariffs on them (We may need to go naked for a few years). In their place, we revive the local industries in Livingstone and Kabwe. We can begin making our own shoes, jeans, shirts, hats, and so on. In addition, there are many Zambian designers who are struggling to make a mark on the market. CEEC could empower these with loans and encourage all of us to support them. It will not be long before we export our clothes to all our eight neighbors.
Second hand vehicles
The problem of used Japanese vehicles is that they are not only creating a traffic nightmare on our cities but causing senseless deaths and unemployment. Zambia should ban second hand vehicles. Yes, this will mean that if you want a ride you go to the showroom and pick a brand new vehicle. This will mean that only people who seriously need a ride will be on the road. Unroadworthy vehicles will cease being on roads. There will be less traffic. Instead we shall create employment by using public transportation. We shall encourage investment in commuter trains. We shall encourage motor companies to set up plants in Zambia—thus creating long-lasting jobs. And maybe, we shall become more innovative and come up with our own effective mode of transportation.
English Soccer on TV or TV Completely
DSTV is one of the worst things that ever happened to Zambia in the last decade. This has made Zambians to be lazy and stop thinking altogether. Every week, we crowd in bars glued to screens and watch white people chasing a ball. People we don’t know. People we will never meet. And people who don’t care about us. Meanwhile, down the street our local league suffers from lack of spectators at their stadiums. They lack sponsorship. What is wrong with us?
I suggest that we ban television in Zambia for at least 10 years. Instead of watching soccer on television we go and watch live soccer at Nkoloma Stadium. Imagine what that would do to our league and players. It will not be long before we start importing players from other countries. How about other programs on TV, you may ask? Seriously, when was the last time you watched something sensible on Zambian television? How about we save ourselves money by closing all the useless television stations and go back to the good old radio?
Even better every school going child should be forced to read at least one book of his or her choice every week. The child will then give a report to the community librarian. Those who don’t read will face some kind of a penalty. Imagine what will become of Zambia—a nation of smart people.
Alcohol
Now, this is a sensitive one. I could get killed for this one. Zambians love their alcohol. Zambian Breweries is one of the most profitable companies in our country. Alcohol does not do this country any good. I suggest that alcohol be banned for 10 years so that each one of us focuses on developing our lives, communities and country.
We waste so much money on alcohol at the expense marriages, school fees, food, and other essentials. Every weekend marriages are broken and lives lost because of alcohol. Even the new laws of closing bars and clubs at certain times are not being adhered to. Let’s ban it for a certain period and see if it does our nation good.
Lobola
I still don’t get this primitive custom of paying for (buying) a wife. As long as a man “buys” his wife there will never be equality, in this country, between men and women. Abuse for women will never stop. Therefore, women can be protected if this custom is outlawed altogether. If I had one, I would never sell my daughter to anyone. This is also a way of making women get more independent instead of always looking up to men for everything. Many Zambian young women aspire to be nothing. They don’t work hard at school and instead bank on marriage as a form of security for their lives.
Parents are also quick to accept Lobola money because times are hard. Daughters have been auctioned to the highest bidder. Lobola continues to be a modern form of slavery. I know a cousin who was not allowed to divorce her husband simply because my uncle did not want to pay back the Lobola money. Meanwhile, this lady was beaten up with scars all over her face. I even suggest we constitutionalize this issue.
National Exams
When was the last time national exams served their purpose? Is it 20, 30, or 50 years ago? National Exams are useless and not objective at all. Every year, we subject our students to exams in grade seven, nine and twelve. Our exams are intended to punish not assess progress. The same is done in college. Twenty years ago, we talked about changing our system to continuous assessment and yet nothing has changed. Continuous assessment ensures that students are tested in various kinds of work at school—projects, reports, reading, group work, tests, writing and so on. Teachers are able to adjust their assessments according to the progress and ability of the children.
Times have changed and it is about time our country changed to stay competitive in today’s changing world. I am always shocked how a UNZA graduate is unable to operate a computer or write a business proposal. Let us teach our students things that are relevant to our nation. By the way, those outdated syllabi need to be thrown away.
Hate Speech and Tribalism
Many will agree with me on this one. This could not come at a better time than now when our country is at crossroads on this issue. It should be against the law to utter any hate against a member of any other tribal grouping. No parent, friend, teacher, politician, or president is allowed to demeanor another tribe. There is no small tribe. Therefore, all tribes should be treated equal. This means that government jobs should be given to all tribes of Zambia because there are many who qualify. Cabinet should reflect the diversity of tribal groupings in Zambia.
Let me begin with Edgar Allan Poe’s words: “In criticism, I will be bold, and as sternly, absolutely just with friend and foe. From this purpose nothing shall turn me.”
I am encouraged by the amount of personal attacks on me by some foes and PF cadres. Some are deep. It’s good. There are those who ask me where I draw the courage to sometimes be indecorous.
“From my president, His Excellency Michael Sata,” I tell them. “He’s my idol. He calls a spade a spade. He is shrewd and often drives his opponents over the cliff. Above all, he’s the only one, who over the years has enjoyed freedom of expression. Like the King Cobra he is, he has spat in the eyes of too many-a-soul and gone back to embrace them, as blinded as they are. Gifted with fiery words, he has uttered whatever has come to his mind and is still adored. Today, he’s my president, and for the PF cadre, one to die for. That, my friends, is talent worth emulating. I don’t care what you say.”
Why Michael Sata was my hero
I began to observe Mr. Michael Sata back in the 1980s. Most of us did not know him until KK appointed him governor of Lusaka in 1985. Suddenly, there was this superman, acerbic in tongue. In his hoarse voice, with cigarette in hand, and blazing eyes, he was like Marlon Brando of the “Godfather” fame, portraying the character of Vito Corleone.Like Corleone, he had his own “personal code of honor” and identity. He was rough, licentious, tough, persistent, ambitious, and put his work where his mouth was. When he walked the corridors of power, he did so with a swagger unmatched. Some cabinet ministers scampered, forgetting they were senior to him.
Confrontational and boorish at best, he spoke with fire in his mouth and perfected, to the utmost, the tone of combat speech. He used it to rough up indolent workers at LUDC. Before we knew it, Lusaka was squeaky clean.KK showered him with panegyrics and anointed him “Lord” of Lusaka. He alone was a “free man of the city.” He would go anywhere without prior notice and without knocking. He would say anything to anyone. It was freedom of expression at its best.
[pullquote]
He calls a spade a spade. He is shrewd and often drives his opponents over the cliff. Above all, he’s the only one, who over the years has enjoyed freedom of expression. Like the King Cobra he is, he has spat in the eyes of too many-a-soul and gone back to embrace them, as blinded as they are.
[/pullquote]
I said wow, where did KK find this rugged impetuous juggler. He was not a bon fide Lusakan like Dipak Patel. People who were born and bred in Lusaka were easily identifiable. We never saw Sata at Lotus Inn, Kalipinde, Woodpecker, Lusaka Hotel, Inter-continental, or at any of Lusaka’s watering holes. And yet, he would mold Lusaka to his whim. What do you call that? I said to myself “I wanna be like Mike.”
I mean no one, not even the late Charles Mando asked the questions: “Mr. Sata, where were you before you became governor? Give us a brief biography of yourself. Where were you born? Where did you go to school and what level of education did you attain?” “Who are some of your childhood friends?’
I bet Mando did not know that the then governor had served as constable in the colonial government. Knowing Mando, he would have asked; “Governor, what is this about you working as a cop for Roy Welensky?” Worse still, had Mando known that the governor had swept the Victoria Station platforms, he would have asked; “Governor, does the sweeping of the streets and collection of garbage in Lusaka have something to do with your experience in London?”
No, no one vetted the governor. No one dared. We were too gullible and mesmerized by him. He was fearless and dogmatic. Like former US Defense Secretary Donald Ramsfield, he bent conversations to his liking and answered his own questions on “Sunday Interview,” “Kabusha Takolele Bowa,” on the streets, and offices. And in all his answers he called a spade a spade. I asked myself, how does this man do it?Okay, some people may not understand what to “vet” means. Some of the “vet” synonyms include “examine” “scrutinize” and “investigate.” This is an important word in a democracy like ours. It means that every appointed and elected leader must be thoroughly cleansed.They must endure highly invasive background and criminal checks. Investigators must pull out all personal, educational, business, and health records, and put them under the microscope. They must visit the village or place where the person was born or grew up and interview his childhood pals. All the information must be made public so the aggrieved can table their sentiments. The governor was exempt by sheer arrogance. He was indispensable.
Did you know Michael Sata is one of the architects of Zambian Democracy?
File: Michael Sata and PF Cadres
Fast forward: September 22, 2011 is a historic day. The world watched as my “idol,” the 74-year old maverick, stood on the stairs of the Supreme Court with his right hand raised and took the oath of office. “I, Michael Chilufya Sata, having been duly elected to the…so help me God.”
With these words the PF leader was a democratically elected head of state. This is what some PF tin heads planted online to discredit and haul insults at those with opposing views forget; that their leader is president for all, regardless of party affiliation. He’s my president. They also forget that their leader is one of the architects of Zambian democracy.[pullquote]
When he walked the corridors of power, he did so with a swagger unmatched. Some cabinet ministers scampered, forgetting they were senior to him.
[/pullquote]
What they don’t know is that in 1970, Sata resigned from UNIP because of KK’s dictatorial tendencies and his desire to create a one-party state. Sata participated in the creation and consolidation of UPP. He was expressing his democratic right as enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political rights.
Again, on September 24, 1991, he resigned from UNIP after labeling KK a dictator and joined Aka, Chitala and others in the Movement for Multi-party Democracy. With bravado, he demanded equal say and participation in the politics of our country. He was raunchy, brusque, gruff, impertinent, and unapologetic about it. His contribution to the demise of UNIP and eventual defeat of KK is exceptional. KK knows it.
So, when he concluded his oath with “So help me God” we thought real democracy had come to Zambia. Barack Obama sent him a note: “The hard work of a living democracy does not end when the votes are tallied and the winners announced; instead it offers the chance to reconcile and to advance greater security and prosperity for its people.”
For ten years, from 2001 to 2011, opposition leader and presidential candidate Sata was a fearless and audacious “democrat.” Through cunning and devious methods, he captured the hearts of the Kaponyas and hid his desires in the slogan “Donchi Kubeba,” coined by Guy Scott.
Opposition leader Sata undermined his opponents and scared off his enemies. In the art of persuasion he was matchless; in haughtiness he was unequalled; and in verbal attacks unbeatable.
[pullquote]When Mwanawasa tried to frustrate him, he ripped apart a cabbage at a PF rally in reference to Mwanawasa’s poor state of mind. At the same rally he said that Mwanawasa’s brain was just picked from the tarmac after an accident and packed in his head.[/pullquote] I repeat: “he was the only politician in the country who enjoyed freedom of expression to the full.” His pervasive lack of respect for others was astounding. HH, Chipimo, Nawakwi, and others could not express themselves in the same combatant and vituperative manner.
When FTJ preferred Mwanawasa to him, Sata severed their friendship and called him a plunderer, whose thinking was “as tall as he was.” When Mwanawasa tried to frustrate him, he ripped apart a cabbage at a PF rally in reference to Mwanawasa’s poor state of mind. At the same rally he said that Mwanawasa’s brain was just picked from the tarmac after an accident and packed in his head. Come on now PF fellas, who says such stuff about an opponent? Is this how heartless and shameless some of you have become—just for the want of power?
Where Sata my idol failed me
Let me add one more, because this is where my idol has failed me. When Mwanawasa suffered a stroke PF leader Sata called for the appointment of three doctors to investigate the president’s illness. He also requested vice president Kunda to convene the cabinet within three days to discuss Mwanawasa’s health.
Question: why can’t Nevers Mumba, or HH, or indeed any of the opposition leaders, comment on the president’s health? Why can’t they too request Zambian doctors to examine the president and tell us what really is going on? Why can’t vice president Guy Scott lead the discussion of Sata’s health in parliament?
Better still, why can’t the president himself address the rumors surrounding his health and bring the matter to a close? KK’s doctors often updated the nation on his health. Why can’t the incumbent do the same?
Further, my idol has lamentably failed at democracy. On October 14, 2011, president Sata assured the nation that he would respect human rights and fundamental freedoms both which are embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
During his maiden speech to parliament Sata made it categorically clear that the PF government would ensure “that democracy, good governance and the rule of law as well as an enabling environment are essential for national development.”
But after his speech, the president drove back to State House and began to work against his own pledge.
But after his speech, the president drove back to State House and began to work against his own pledge. Suddenly he didn’t want anyone to enjoy the same freedom of expression he had championed. Feigning to promote the common good, he adopted the mantra “what Sata does, no one should” and his supporters accepted his self-seeking stance. Just now he’s getting closer to wiping out the opposition and going beyond his two terms.
Worse still, frenzied loyalty bordering on lunacy is setting in. Beneficiaries like Frederick Chinsala have the audacity to propose crazy stuff like erecting statues of Sata around the country in the manner of Saddam Hussein. Don’t give people like Chinsala leadership roles, they are dangerous, destructive, and retrogressive. They are the breeders of dictatorship.
As for me, I shall continue to exercise the same freedom of expression politician Sata imparted on me. I shall be as intrepid, daring, and as brash as he was. President Sata advocated for democracy, now it is his duty to protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms, and not disregard or abuse them.
ULP President Sakwiba Sikota has accused Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services and Chief Government Spokesperson Kennedy Sakeni of distorting of Mr. Robert Amsterdam’s statement. In a statement to the media Mr Sikota said that at no time did Mr Amsterdam attack and/or insult the people of Zambia, by calling them “useful idiots”.
Earlier in the day Mr Sakeni released a statement to the media saing that Government had strongly condemned former President Rupiah Banda’s lawyer, Robert Amsterdam’s remarks that Zambians calling for the lifting of his client’s immunity were ‘useful idiots’.
“This is really unacceptable especially that the insults are coming from an outsider. It also shows how unpatriotic the people he is representing despite the country having very educated legal practitioners,” Mr Sakeni’s statement read
Responding to a statement distributed by Sakeni’s office claiming that the Zambian people were “insulted” by information regarding the misconduct of the Patriotic Front, Amsterdam issued the following statement:
“It is very meaningful that Minister Sakeni has been reduced to peddling misinformation to deceive the Zambian people,” said Amsterdam. ”Anyone can go to my website and see exactly what I said, which related to Fred M’membe disrespecting Zambian citizens by publishing false news. If this is all that the Minister of Information has to say with regard to the long list violations and abuses committed by the PF government, then we must conclude that he agrees with the accusations.”
“I demand a retraction and apology from Mr. Sakeni immediately, whose defamatory statement represents a clearly intentional attempt to mislead and provoke the Zambian people. Such dishonesty is unbecoming of a serious government official, and a sign of the PF’s failure to respond to the interests of the public.”
Below is the full Statement from Sakwiba Sikota
STATEMENT BY SAKWIBA SIKOTA, SC, PRESIDENT OF ULP ON MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING SERVICES AND CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON PRESS STATEMENT ON MR. ROBERT AMSTERDAM
We wish to take issue with Government’s distortion of Mr. Robert Amsterdam’s statement.
Mr. Robert Amsterdam did not attack and/or insult the people of Zambia.
Mr. Amsterdam at no stage said that Zambians are idiots. All he said according to press reports is that “…The two men (M’membe and Nchito) have already allegedly abused their powers to force the government to help them avoid paying back a debt to the Development Bank of Zambia, and now, they are asking citizens to play the role of ‘useful idiots’ to support the lifting of former president Banda’s immunity without even knowing why,”.
At no time did Amsterdam say that Zambians are idiots. It is an undeniable fact that the Post Newspaper is trying to find whoever will support their agenda on the immunity issue even if the persons they use have no idea of what exact wrongs President Banda is alleged to have committed.
There is a clique of persons who want to whip up sentiments against the former President. What Mr. Sakeni and people who are trying hard to sway the mood of Zambians into calling for the removal of immunity should do is to clearly spell out the particulars of the offences that they say President Banda committed. Todate we have not been given the “Matrix” of offences President Banda is alleged to have committed in the manner that the Post Newspapers did with former President Frederick Chiluba.
Mr. Sakeni himself has admitted that the State does not have a case to present to Parliament to call for the removal of President Banda’s immunity. What would you call a person calling for removal of President Banda’s immunity in the face of Mr. Sakeni’s admission that the State is still trying to gather facts to support such a move?
We wonder why some people are panicking to the extent of using fronts such as unprofessional tabloids and compromised NGOs to insult the dignity and integrity of the Zambian people by asking them to support calls for immunity when no clear case has been articulated to warrant such a move. In mideveal Europe trial by ordeal was used where people were tried without due process and asked to clear themselves by going through some horrific and irrational ordeal.
We believe that this government has been investigating President Banda since September 2011 and to date as confirmed by Mr. Sakeni they have not found a case worthy of bringing before Parliament. If the State cannot even articulate what wrongs President Banda is said to have committed how do they expect him to “clear his name”?
Mr Sakeni says that President Banda should wait for the due process of the law to clear his name. Article 18 of our Constitution, which contains provisions to secure protection of the law, has these important principles which we wish to remind Mr. Sakeni and the tabloids and NGOs he has enlisted to do his work;
(a) the presumption of innocence. This means one should not talk of someone having to clear themselves when no competent court has found them with a case to answer.
(b) The right to be informed in detail the nature of the offence charged.
(c) The right to adequate time and facility for the preparation of their defense.
(d) The right to legal representation of ones choice.
(e) The right to a fair hearing where you do not have a compromised accuser or prosecutor.
(f) The right to be tried by a competent Court and not in the press. Our Courts are at Church Road and Chikwa Road and have not as yet been re-located to Bwinjimfumu Road.
It would appear that the State is hell bent on prejudicing the case against President Banda as everybody from the Republican President, his vice, the Chief Government Spokesperson and even NGO’s who should champion transparency and fairness are all making prejudicial statements and trying to whip up sentiments.
The former President through his lawyers requested the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to set out what the allegations against their client were but the JIT failed to provide the information. How can the former President answer to charges that are not even disclosed to him?
This Government should demonstrate its commitment to the rule of law by upholding the principles set out in Article 18 of our Constitution. This includes ensuring that it does not deceive people with false news and attempt trials by headline.
First Quantum Mineral (FQM) has said it will never involve itself in tax avoidance activities and will progressively increase the amount of taxes due to the Zambian government as more of its mining units start production.
FQM Resource optimization manger John Gladson said as a matter of conscience the owners of FQM will not involve themselves in tax avoidance and would increase taxes to the Zambian government to KR10 billion per year by the end of 2015.
The company owns 80 per cent of the shares in Africa’s biggest mine, Kansanshi Mining in Solwezi and is developing other mining units within the Northwestern Province of Zambia.
Mr Gladson said in Solwezi during the tour of FQM flagship, Kansanshi Mining, by media heads and other journalists from various media houses, that the firm was committed to paying all the taxes due to the government.
He said that it was disheartening that some investors have chosen to be avoiding the taxes, thereby robbing the Zambians of the much-needed resources for local development.
He said that instead of sticking to their tax obligations some companies have invested heavily in the engagement of astute lawyers who painstaking study the Zambia laws for loopholes which they take advantage of to avoid paying some taxes.
Mr Gladson said FQM was happy to remain the biggest taxpayers among the mining companies operating in the country and will gladly continue paying all the stipulated taxes.
He said FQM projected to start paying total taxes of US$2 billion per year from the 2015 when more of its mining units start production.
Earlier in his presentation, Kansanshi Mining acting general manager, Alan Delaney said the mining house has paid up KR7.8billion in corporate tax for the period 2005 to 2012 and another KR1.5 billion in mineral royalty for the same period.
Last year alone, he said, the firm paid a total of KR3.1 billion out of which more than KR2 billion was in corporate tax, with the rest being in mineral royalty and pay as you earn for its employees.
The company has increased its workforce made up of mainly local people from 3,354 in January 2009 to 9000 by May last year.
Mr Delaney said the Kansanshi was involved in various projects, in health, education and other sectors under its corporate social responsibility area.
The two-day visit by the senior journalists which started on Thursday was expected to end yesterday afternoon.
First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda is shown copies of the book ‘The Future Has Arrived’ by author Grieve Sibale at the book launch in Lusaka
Former President Kenneth Kaunda has commended Airtel-Zambia for donating US$50,000 towards the publication of his book.
Dr. Kaunda said works towards the publication of his book were first announced in 2007 but had since stalled due to financial challenges.
He said due to Airtel’s corporate social responsibility, the work will resume and the story for the struggle for independence, colonialism and apartheid will be told for posterity.
Dr. Kaunda said this in Lusaka today when he received the donation at Airtel Head Office.
He was hopeful that his book will be published by the end of September this year.
He noted that investing in the history of the nation will help the young people to understand what the freedom fighters fought for.
Dr. Kaunda added that once published, the book will contribute in explaining the country’s history, social and educational values to future generations.
And Airtel Board Chairman George Sokoto noted that the organisation decided to donate money in order to enable the country read about what took place during the independence struggle and Dr. Kaunda’s contributions be documented.
Mr. Sokoto said the book will richly help in understanding the business, economic, and political decisions that Dr. Kaunda made on behalf of the country.
Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) Northern Coordinator Peter Chungu has expressed worry over attitudes of some public and private organisation workers who are portraying a negative stance towards the r development of the nation.
In an interview with ZANIS in Kasama yesterday Mr Chungu called on workers in the province to change their attitudes towards work and develop a sense of hard work to provide quality service to the nation.
He said the attitude of casual approach towards work, reporting late for duty and knocking off early from work has greatly affected the development of the nation.
Mr Chungu also said the long queues in acquiring health services and banking institutions should be stopped and corrective measures be taken as people lose a lot of man hours of production at their work places.
He has disclosed that Labour Day celebration preparatory meeting will soon start and appealed to all organisations in Northern Province and Kasama in particular to participate without fail.
Mr Chungu said his office will not take kindly to any organization which will shun this year’s Labour Day celebrations as the day is an International Workers day.
The ZCTU Northern Coordinator saluted the mother body for initiating and opening ZCTU offices in the ten Provinces to coordinate the operations of unions in the nation.
Mr Chungu also thanked the office of the Northern province Permanent Secretary for allowing ZCTU leadership to attend Provincial Development Coordinating Committee (PDCC) meetings.
Meanwhile, Mr Chungu has called for calm among all unionized members in the nation as their leaders have started negotiations for new conditions of service.
Mr Chungu urged national leaders to work hard in negotiations with government in order to improve the low conditions of service to their members.
He called on people in the nation to desist from politicising the bargaining process at the expense of the many suffering public workers.
The ZCTU Regional Coordinator said this year’s Labour day will include musicians and many other working partners and will concluded by holding a working dinner with government officials to chart the way forward to developmental programmes for Northern Province.
Part of the remaining infrastructure at Kasaba bay along the shows of Lake Tanganyika in Nsama district of Northern Province yesterday. The place is famous for the beautiful attractions the area is endowed with
Construction of the K46 billion Kasaba Bay International Airport in Northern Province is expected to be completed in 2014.
Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications, Panji Kaunda, today told Parliament that government has allocated K46 billion towards the airport project which is expected to be completed next year.
ColKaunda said most of the works have been done except for the run way which he said has been delayed by the Rural Roads Unit which withdrew its equipment so that it could be used elsewhere.
The Deputy Minister assured that House that the project would be completed once the Rural Roads Unit brings back the equipment to wind up the remaining works.
Col Kaunda was responding to Chimbamilonga Member of Parliament, Hastings Chansa, who wanted to know when the construction of the Kasaba Bay Airport will be completed and the parts of the project which is remaining.
Mr Chansa also wanted to know what has caused the delay in the completion of the project and how much money is required to complete the works.
And Government has assured Zambians that the country will successfully migrate from analogue broadcasting to digital broadcasting by 2014 and areas that are experiencing poor ZNBC signals will finally be enjoy quality broadcast services.
Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, Kennedy Sakeni, told parliament that government is aware that some parts of the country are experiencing poor television signals which he said will only be addressed when the country switches over to digital broadcasting.
Mr Sakeni said government cannot afford to buy new transmitters for few areas that are experiencing poor signals but will only manage to migrate to digital so that all districts countrywide experience quality services.
He said it would be costly to purchase transmitters which he said would cost government not less than K4m rebased for a single transmitter.
He said the country was supposed to migrate this year as per SADC countries’ agreement but could not do so due to some challenges.
The Minister was responding to a question raised by Nchelenge MP, Raymond Mpundu, who wanted to know when ZNBC television signals would be improved in Kawambwa, Nchelenge and Chiengi districts.
The debate on ZNBC poor signals in rural areas was echoed by both Sinda MP, Levy Ngoma, and Vubwi MP Eustarckio Kazonga, who wanted the Minister to categorically confirm if people in the rural areas will continue experiencing poor signal.
Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba has refused to comment on the events that transpired yesterday where Foreign Affairs Minister Given Lubinda was relegated to the back bench.
Mr Kabimba , who is now acting as Minsiter of Foreign Affairs referred all queries to the Chief Government spokesperson, Kennedy Sakeni.
“If you were in Parliament you should have heard what the Speaker said. That is all”, he said
Sources in Government have confirmed that Given Lubinda has with immediate effect been dropped from his ministerial post.
“Yes it is true that Mr Lubinda has been removed from his ministerial position. This is all we know right now but we will give you fresh information soon,” the sources said.
During Parliament, Kabompo West MP Charles Kakoma raised a point of order, asking why Mr Lubinda had continued to sit at the back.
In response Speaker of the National Assembly, Patrick Matibini said that there had been charges that had necessitated the change in sitting arrangements.
“There have been charges that have necessitated that (sitting arrangement) I have been informed and I hope the public relations at State House will comment,” Dr Matibini said.
The embattled Patriotic Front (PF) Kabwata Member of Parliament occupied the back-bench during Parliamentary sessions yesterday but on Wednesday, Mr Lubinda was seen in the front role where he normally sits.
Mr Lubinda’s seat was occupied by his former deputy, Effron Lungu.
Mr Lubinda was currently facing disciplinary hearing on charges of treachery after being accused of aligning himself with the opposition MMD and the UPND.
The other charges were that he leaked information to the online publication, Zambian Watchdog and the Daily Nation newspaper.
The PF disciplinary committee was also expected later this month to make a ruling on his disciplinary case but it was highly likely an expulsion would be the outcome.
Mr Lubinda resigned from the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) before joining the ruling party.
Zanaco coach Keagan Mumba says the Zambia national team players who have come through to keep fit with them have brought a positive attitude to his team.
A number of foreign-based Zambia players have been keeping fit while off-season at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka.
Isaac Chansa, Christopher Katongo and Stopilla Sunzu have all been spending time off with Zanaco training.
“Christopher Katongo and Stopilla have been training with us to keep fit,” Mumba said.
“It is good for us because it is inspiring our players.”
Midfielders William Njobvu and Chisamba Lungu have also spent time training with Zanaco.
