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THE Chipolopolo Soccer Fans Association (CSFA) yesterday gave the national soccer team a thunderous send-off as they left for South Africa for a training camp ahead of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations finals
Soccer fans in the country have urged the Chipolopolo boys not to underrate any of the opponents in their group stage at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa.
Zambia Voluntary and Soccer Fans Association (ZAVOSOFA) Peter Makembo says the national team needs to ensure that they defend the cup by winning all their games.
Makembo told ZANIS sports in an interview in Lusaka today that what the Chipolopolo boys need to know was that every soccer fan in the country was looking up to them to reach the finals and win the cup for the second time as reigning African champions,
He added that soccer fans have confidence in the national team adding that their chances of returning the cup were high as the Chipolopolo boys have trained hard.
Makembo pointed out that the boys should coordinate and play as a team stating that this would be an added advantage on their side.
Meanwhile, Chipolopolo boys Brass Band Supporters Chairperson Chisenga Lwipa has called on the national team to have confidence in themselves during their games.
Lwipa said the supporters were happy with the team that Coach Herve Renard has lined up for the games at the AFCON.
He added that the supporters would ensure that they rally behind the national team to offer the necessary support.
The title holders will open their defense against Ethiopia this afternoon before taking on Nigeria four days later and conclude with Burkina Faso on January 29.
FILE: Tourism minister Sylvia Masebo and PF General secretary Wynter Kabimba chatting during a rally in Mufumbwe
Patriotic Front Secretary General Wynter Kabimba has clarified that his appointment to the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) board is for representation of the Ministry of Justice.
Mr. Kabimba who is also Justice Minister said that the appointment is not in his personal capacity, but that the position is for any representative from the Ministry of Justice as required by the law.
He said that this in effect means that other than the Minister, any personnel, such as the Attorney General, Permanent Secretary, and many others from the ministry, can sit on the board to represent the Ministry of Justice depending on the issues under deliberation, as well as the level of expertise and input needed at any given time.
[pullquote]But speaking during the announcement of the board, Masebo said Mr. Kabimba had been included to the board in order to influence the PF vision in ZAWA as he is a lawyer in wildlife policy and law.[/pullquote]
Mr. Kabimba said that it will be worthwhile for all Zambians to rally behind the efforts being made by the Minister of Tourism Sylvia Masebo to address the many challenges at ZAWA, which are as a result of previous mismanagement.
The Minister of Justice is therefore pleased that his Ministry will render its much needed expertise in finding solutions to the problems at ZAWA by collaborating with the line ministry and at board level.
Mr. Kabimba said that in a statement made available to media news by PF Media and Publicity Director Chanda Mfula.
Among the stakeholders who have criticized Mr. Kabimba’s appointment to the ZAWA board are the Young African Leaders Initiative which has appealed to President Sata to reverse the decision of Tourism Minister Sylvia Masebo to appoint Mr. Kabimba as a member of the ZAWA board.
They have contended that the decision shows the highest degree of political patronage in the decision-making process.
But speaking during the announcement of the board, Masebo said Mr. Kabimba had been included to the board in order to influence the PF vision in ZAWA as he is a lawyer in wildlife policy and law.
Zambia Direct Democracy Movement (ZDDM) leader Edwin Sakala has accused former first President of Zambia Kenneth Kaunda of being a Patriotic Front recruiting officer.
Mr. Sakala who was speaking yesterday when he addressed members of the press at Court Yard Hotel in Lusaka said Dr. Kaunda instead of uniting the political party leaders has been in the forefront dividing and misleading politicians in the country.
Dr. Kaunda during one of the general elections told the Zambian people that President Sata was not a presidential material but it is surprising to see Dr. Kaunda today stand up in public and again call out the Zambian people to support President Sata, he said.
Mr. Sakala said it was time that President Sata called for an inter-party meeting and tables the issues affecting the country. He further stressed that the PF government cannot manage to stand alone and find solutions but that they need the support from every Zambian.
He noted that it is very sad to see that most politicians spend their productive time quarrelling at the expense of sharing productive ideas for the benefit of all Zambians.
Meanwhile ZDDM vice president Charles Kafumbo has said his party will any time this week go and camp, fast at the police Headquarters until the police assures them of professional police operations.
Mr. Kafumbo said it is sad that the police have continued to take a partisan role and persecute politicians at the expense of their role to protect citizens.
He said President Sata should further declare a month of prayers for the country after the country has in recent months recorded a number of ritual murder cases.
Mr. Kafumbo said the ritual killings could be a sign that the country is under a curse that needs to be broken.
The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) has challenged Justice Minister Winter Kabimba to tell the nation the clear roadmap for the constitution making process.
FODEP executive director McDonald Chipenzi says it is still not enough just to assure the nation that the final draft constitution will be ready in June this year.
Mr. Chipenzi says what matters most is for the government to clearly state where the final draft constitution will be submitted to.
He says it should be clearly stated whether the final draft will be submitted to president Michael Sata or the referendum commission.
Mr. Chipenzi says unless there will be a clear explanation from government; the citizens of the country should not be blamed for speculating over the process.
A suspected thief has died after allegedly being brutally beaten and partially burned by an angry mob in Lusaka’s Matero Township, police have confirmed.
The suspect died on the way to the University Teaching Hospital where he was being rushed for treatment.
The incident happened around 02:00 hours on Saturday morning, at house number 5719 on Chitimukulu Road, where the suspected thief, identified as Lucky Mwiinga, was caught disbanding a radio system (worth KR 5, 900) in a car that was parked inside the yard.
Police spokesperson Elizabeth Kanjela said the owner of the house was awakened by a strange noise outside the house and when he woke up, he saw a man jumping the wall-fence leaving his colleague inside the car.
At this point, the owner of the car used his remote control to lock the doors to the car, and called for help.
Neighbours rushed to the house only to find the suspected thief locked in the car and when he was removed, the angry mob descended on Mr Mwiinga beating him up.
Mr Mwiinga, 35, was interrogated and asked to call a relative and he provided a mobile number for his uncle, who was contacted and when he reached the scene, he found his nephew had his legs burnt with plastics.
“The suspect was then rushed to Chingwele Clinic where he was referred to UTH but he died on the way,” Ms Kanjela said.
Police had recorded a statement from the complainant which would be the basis to launch investigations and that anyone who took part in the mob justice would be pursued to face murder charges.
“We have always advised members of the public to desist from taking the law into their own hands. Suspects should be taken to the Police so that they face justice in the courts. We have launched investigations and anyone caught will face murder charges,” she said.
Meanwhile Police in Solwezi are holding a Kalulushi man for firing gunshots and threatening to kill a person at a nightspot.
In the early hours of Saturday, John Makwena of house number 02 Kariba Township in Kalulushi, was alleged to have threatened to kill Steven Salo of Kyawama Township in Solwezi.
“The identified man was armed with a pistol and did fire shots in the air. One expanded cartridge of a Star Pistol was brought to the Police Station as exhibit. Following investigations the suspect was found at a lodge and it was discovered that the firearm was not licensed,” Ms Kanjela said.
The pistol was confiscated while the suspect was arrested and charged with possessing an unlicensed firearm.
In Eastern Province, a man died on the spot while four others sustained injuries when the vehicle they were on strayed off the road and overturned on the Chipata-Mfuwe Road on Saturday evening.
“Involved was Joseph other names are not known yet. The accident happened at Chikumbe area when he failed to negotiate a curve due to excessive speed and in the process he went-off the road and overturned.
“The injuries to the driver are not yet known as he ran away after the accident while the deceased who was identified as Daniel Zulu age not known of Matula High School died on the spot and his body was now in Chipata General Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem,” Ms Kanjela said.
The other casualties are Sofety Ndumwa, Cornelious Tembo, 34, Ethel Mbewe, 35, all of Mutala Basic School, and that they were currently receiving treatment at Chipata General Hospital.
She called for members of the people to assist in the apprehension of the runaway driver.
Zesco United midfielder Innocent Mwaba is set to join Mozambique’s Ferroviario Maputo on a two-year loan deal.
Zesco secretary Justin Mumba said the two clubs have agreed the transfer of the 22 year old midfielder.
“Innocent’s deal to join Ferroviario is almost complete. We have been having talks with the club (Ferrroviario) for the past few weeks and are satisfied the player can move to Mozambique for two seasons,” Mumba said in a statement posted on the Zesco United website.
The ex-junior international Joined the Ndola side from Zesco Luapula five seasons ago.
Meanwhile, Zesco have confirmed the transfer of midfielder Potipher Zulu to Zanaco.
Zesco Chairman Kenneth Muteto said:”The club can confirm that Potipher Zulu as left the club after we agreed with Zanaco that he joins them.”
Zesco has this month recruited midfielder Tom Bakala from Roan United, striker Chileshe Kabwe from Konkola Blades and defender Dan Mulaye from Ndola United.
President Sata Shaking hands with Stopilla Sunzu when he visited the national Soccer Team
Herve Renard says letting Stopilla Sunzu attend trials was the best way get 100 per cent out of his star defender at the 2013 Africa Cup.
Renard said on Sunday in Nelspruit that Sunzu is 200 per cent ready despite missing the entire weeks training to attend to trials at struggling English Premiership club Reading.
“Stophila Sunzu left for five days exactly,” Renard said at Protea Hotel in Nelspruit.
“Why I let him go to England I think you know better the African culture.
“Meaning if you think of forcing one player to stay in camp to lose a chance of his lifetime he won’t play at a 100 per cent for the tournament one week after.
“His dream is to play in the premier league.”
Sunzu returned to camp on Friday while he awaits a final outcome of talks between his club TP Mazembe and the English club.
Meanwhile, Renard has declared Zambia ready to defend their title.
Zambia kickoff their defence against Ethiopia on January 21 in a Group C game at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.
“We are here to defend our title it was a big honour to get the title in 2012,” Renard said.
“Now it is time to look to the future and the future starts tomorrow.”
Delegates at the just ended Muchinga Province Constitutional Consultative Convention ( MPCCC ) have retained almost all contentious clauses as contained in the first draft constitution.
And the Technical Committee Drafting the Zambian Constitution TCDZC has observed that the overwhelming participation of delegates at the convention is a clear demonstration of the resolve for Zambians to have a people driven constitution.
MPCCC chairperson Patrick Chibuye commended delegates for putting aside both personal and political interests to contribute to the strengthen of the work that the technical committee has done to the process.
Father Chibuye noted that the spirit that delegates exhibited at the just ended convention is unprecedented in the country\s history in constitution making process since independence.
He said this at the closure of the weeklong MPCCC in Mpika District last night that saw the retention of several contentious clauses that include the 50 per cent plus one winning threshold for a presidential candidate, running mate, death penalty among many others.
And TCDZC member Simon Kabamba commended delegates that included MPs from the Province, Senior Chief Nkula of Chinsali, Senior Chief Kopa of Mpika and Chief Kafwimbi of Isoka districts respectively.
Mr. Kabamba said the delegates should be proud of the process which they can proudly call their own unlike in the past processes that failed.
The MPCCC validated resolutions that the District Convention past such as the contentious Proportional Representation and the Christian Nation clause among others.
The Convention also elected four other delegates to join the Provincial chairperson and the vice as sole representative to the National and Sector Groups Convention slated for Lusaka in April.
Agriculture and Livestock Deputy Minister Luxon Kazabu
Government says private Investments plays a positive role in stimulating the growth of food production and the agriculture sector in general.
Agriculture and Livestock Deputy Minister Luxon Kazabu says this growth can be achieved when private investments are targeted at the most critical stages of the agriculture value chain, which he said were serious challenges being experienced.
The Deputy Minister cited the Leather Industry, Hatcheries, Agro-product processing, Forestry as specific areas in which private investments are required in Zambia.
He was speaking in Germany today when he made a presentation at the ongoing 2013 International Green Week and Global Forum for Food and Agriculture in Berlin.
This is contained in a statement to ZANIS by First Secretary of Press and Public Relations at the Zambian Embassy to Germany Yvonne Shibemba.
The minister said the PF Government will continue to explore strategies that will facilitate and support private investments into the agriculture sector including the establishment of joint ventures both foreign and local.
Mr. Kazabu also said that the Zambian National Agriculture Policy does provide for the participation of both public and private institutions in the development of the agriculture sector.
The Deputy Minister said a coherent policy framework and well-targeted public investments focusing on public goods such as agricultural research, rural infrastructure and education could help enhance agriculture investment.
In concluding his presentation Mr. Kazabu extended an invitation to potential German investors to come to Zambia and invest in Livestock farming and crop farming.
Others in the delegation attending the Forum included Deputy Director of Agric-Business and Marketing Kezi Mbita Katyamba, Acting Deputy Director, Policy and Planning Michael Isimwaa and Principal Agriculture Research Officer Louis Chikopela, all under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
The Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) is a political meeting that focuses on vital issues related to the future of the global Agro-food industry.
The Forum, which is held annually in Berlin, draws participants from civil society, the scientific and business communities.
This year the forum has attracted over 80 Ministers from around the world.
A number of Mkushi residents yesterday protested against the health workers in the district., prompted by Health Deputy minister Patrick Chikusu ‘s an unexpected visit to the District Hospital in the area.
The irate residents demanded that Dr Chikusu addresses them so that they could inform him about the laissez –faire attitude currently prevailing at the district’s biggest hospital.
However, the residents were unable to meet with the deputy minister because at the time of the protest, he was in a special meeting with the hospital staff.
They were, however, addressed Mkushi District Commissioner, Christopher Chibuye, who assured them that he had taken note of their concerns and would relay the information to the deputy Minister so that he can take relevant action.
Among the issues raised by the residents were that the health workers were lazy, rude, and incompetent.
They said the health workers spend most of the time chatting with one another instead of attending to patients.
One of the residents, Chilando Mwanza, who tending her sick child at the hospital complained that some officers were busy browsing the internet instead of attending to the patients.
Mrs. Mwanza said people in Mkushi district have lost confidence in the government hospital and instead resort to private hospitals and clinics because Mkushi District Hospital has nothing to offer apart from drawing undeserved salaries.
She appealed to the Ministry of health to reshuffle the workers because some of them have overstayed their welcome in the district and that they are no longer a factor to the people of Mkushi, who need and are entitled to better health service delivery.
And Chipego Michelo said he is not happy with the workers’ carefree attitude which has immensely affected the delivery of health services in the district.
Mr. Michelo said the workers seem not to care about the welfare of the patients as they go about their personal programs instead of doing their job.
He said the hospital opens at 08:00hrs and most of the time, the staffers commence their work around 10:00hrs, amidst which they chat in between work, with their colleagues.
He said the residents have tried to complain to management over the poor work attitude but that nothing has been done to change the situation because the management itself is not so different from their subordinates.
Mr. Michelo said the only remedy for this is to reshuffle the workers or dismiss them so that new and interested workers can take up their positions.
And addressing the irate residents, Mkushi District Commissioner, Christopher Chibuye, said government will look into the issues raised by the residents.
Mr. Chibuye said the PF government does not encourage laissez-faire attitude in all government institutions.
He said President Michael Sata has already given a warning to civil servants to report for work on time and avoid unnecessary chatter during working hours.
He warned that civil servants who do not adhere to the President’s directive would be dismissed immediately.
He, therefore, appealed to the residents to be vigilant and play the watchdog role thereby informing government about the occurrences in government institutions as way as the attitude of the workers.
Mr. Chibuye said the citizens are very important to government and that all civil servants, and health workers in particular, should ensure that they do their job effectively, otherwise they will be fired.
He, finally, assured the residents that he will relay the information to the deputy minister so that appropriate measures are put in place to address their concerns.
President Sata addresses Zambia National Team players at Protea Hotel Nelspruit in South Africa -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
President Michael Sata has called on the Zambia National Soccer team in Nelspruit, South Africa, to fully apply their energy and prowess when they step into the pitch tomorrow until the end of the tournament.
And government has announced that the players will each get a cumulative allowance of US$90, 000 (about KR478,000) should the team retain the trophy this year.
Youth and Sport minister Chishimba Kambwili announced this immediately after the President delivered his goodwill message to the players.
Sata, who was accompanied by First Lady Christine Kaseba, urged the Chipolopolo boys to utilize their youthful energy and play with vigor to retain the African football trophy which they won last year.
He said youthfulness is associated with victory noting that young people successfully fought for the independence of Zambia and other countries.
He said the Chipolopolo team has worked very hard in the past to reach the level at which they are hence the need to apply the same spirit of hard work in the ongoing AFCON tournament.
The President said this today when he addressed the boys at Protea Hotel in Nelspruit (Mbombela).
Sata told the team to win the tournament again to honour the national team which perished in Gabon about 20 years.
“You people you need to reflect. You have a debt to pay. We lost a strong team in Gabon who were young like you and you have to prove that our brothers did not die in vain in Gabon,” he said.
He said he decided to visit the team to deliver a message from the Zambia that they were confident that the team was going to retain the prestigious continental trophy.
And Minister of Youth and Sport Chishimba Kambwili has announced that the players will each get US$90,000 if they retain the cup.
Kambwili announced this immediately after the President delivered his goodwill message to the players.
He further said each player will get US$20,000 if they qualify to the finals of the 2013 AFCON tournament.
And Football Association of Zambia president Kalusha Bwalya says the success of the team has been based on the organization between his association and the Ministry of Sport.
Bwalya said the player were disciplined and determined to retain the cup.
President Sata trying to wear the Chipolopolo Jersey with help from First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba as Sports minister Chishimba Kambwili looks on at Protea Hotel Nelspruit in South Africa-Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
Meanwhile, national team Coach Herve Renard, said the team was ready to kick off the tournament tomorrow because it was physically and mentally prepared.
Renard said the President’s visit to the team was a big morale booster to the team adding that it underscored the support of the Zambian people.
And team captain Christopher Katongo has thanked the President for the visit saying it was the first time in history for a President to visit the team in camp.
Zambia is playing against Ethiopia tomorrow before meeting other group C mates Nigeria and Burkina Faso later this month.
Other teams jostling for the trophy are South Africa, Cape Verde, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Ghana, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Morocco and Tunisia.
The rest are Central African Republic, Togo and Mali.
Group A teams have one point each as they all drew nil-nil yesterday. The group A teams are South Africa, Cape Verde, Angola and Morocco.
Zambian players will get US$90,000 each if they retain the Africa Cup title in South Africa.
Sports minister Chishimba Kambwili said in Nelspruit today that the bonus will be cumulative should Zambia negotiate all six games all the way to the February 10 final at Soccer City.
“Overall the Zambia national team will be paid US$90,000 each for lifting the trophy,” the sports minister said.
“That is a cumulative figure from the first game I the group stage game to the final.”
Meanwhile, President Sata visited the team at Protea Hotel in Nelspruit this afternoon on the eve of their opening Group C game.
“Zambia should be a team which they should fear on the whole continent,” said President Sata in his address to the team on Sunday afternoon.
Zambia kickoff their defence of the Africa Cup crown on January 21 at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.
Tourism minister Sylvia Masebo and PF General secretary and Justice minister Wynter Kabimba chatting during a rally in Mufumbwe
The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is appealing to President Sata to reverse the decision of his Minister of Tourism to appoint her fellow Minister, Hon Wynter Kabimba, as a member of the Zambia Wildlife Authority Board and instead consider appointing other able members of society who are less burdened with the pressures of running public affairs. Hon. Masebo’s decision to appoint her fellow Minister shows the highest degree of political patronage in the decision-making process.
[pullquote]
government had in March last year appointed the same Mr. Kabimba to the Zamtel Board and he was also later appointed to the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) and now the ZAWA Board.
[/pullquote]
We are aware that government had in March last year appointed the same Mr. Kabimba to the Zamtel Board and he was also later appointed to the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) and now the ZAWA Board. We therefore wonder if Zambia and the PF in particular is short of people who can be in those boards and whether leadership is the preserve of the few people in the PF administration.
The appointing Mr. Kabimba to more than one position gives an impression that there is a serious shortage of competent human resource in ruling PF. What is so special with Mr. Kabimba that he is burdened with responsibilities of sitting on three boards in addition to his other two demanding portfolios? What extraordinary skills does one man who, no doubt is one of the powerful men in the PF administration, which cannot be found in hundreds other legal practitioners, in thousands members of the ruling PF, and in the millions other Zambians? YALI believes that Zambia is bigger than any one of us and that even that the PF is bigger than Mr. Kabimba.
[pullquote]We therefore wonder if Zambia and the PF in particular is short of people who can be in those boards and whether leadership is the preserve of the few people in the PF administration.
[/pullquote]
President Sata and his administration must give young people and more women a chance to work with them in the running of government as this would also prepare the youth for leadership. We note that President Sata has done a good job in appointing women to positions of authority but it is high time the appointing authority consider appointing more young Zambians to positions of responsibilities and begin to mentor them for leadership.
“The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.”
(Proverbs 16:23, NKJV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
The scripture tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. God Himself spoke the worlds into existence by the creative power of words. Think about that for a moment — you can bless your future with your words, or you can curse it.
There are many influences over our words. In the heat of the moment, we can let our emotions tell us what to say. We can listen to what others say and allow their opinions and ideas to influence our words. We can even be influenced by what we watch on TV, the internet or read in the news. But notice what today’s verse tells us that a wise person does — a wise person listens to their heart and lets their heart teach them what to say. As a believer, when you listen to your heart, you are allowing the Spirit of God to influence your words. When you speak from your heart, you are speaking from the heart of God.
Today, listen to your heart. Take time to be still and quiet before the Lord. Allow Him to teach you what to say. As you submit your words and ways to Him, He will direct your path and lead you into victory in every area of your life!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father God, thank You for giving me power in the words of my mouth. Help me to stay tuned in to You by listening to my heart. Teach me to use my words to always speak life and blessing over myself and others in Jesus’ name. Amen.
