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A legendary Mporokoso inventor Charles Mumba has invented another machine as way to maximize the potential in hydro energy.Mr Mumba unveiled the water compressor to the public when Northern Province Permanent Secretary Hlobotha Nkunika paid a courtesy call at his farm in Mporokoso today.He said hydropower generation should not be a problem when Zambia has the potential to utilize its abundant water resource.Mr Mumba who bemoaned the continued low voltage being experienced in Mporokoso district said he was capable of supplying electric power to more than 250 households in the area.
He revealed that he has the gift of brains that he must put to full use and benefit the local people.Mr Mumba told the Permanent Secretary that the newly invented water compressor was using the same water, which runs the turbines that generate sufficient power at his farm.
[pullquote]Mr.Mumba generates his own electricity at his farm and said he was capable of supplying electric power to more than 250 households in the area.[/pullquote]
Mr Mumba however bemoaned lack of support from the Zambian government whom he alleged to have been reluctant in assisting him in putting material to generate power since he started the project nine years ago.Mr. Mumba said he was ready to supply 1 megawatt of electricity to Mporokoso community if government could secure him two 500 kilowatts generators.
And Northern Province Permanent Secretary Hlobotha Nkunika has described Charles Mumba as an indigenous genius who uses simple but viable technology to generate power from water.Mr Nkunika said Mr Mumba’s efforts must be embraced by government so that he could assist in reducing the power deficits the nation is facing.
Mr Nkunika said Mr Mumba has proved to the nation that he was capable of assisting in increasing power generation and encourage the technology advancement of the modern times.
The Permanent Secretary was amazed that a man with humble education could be a beacon of science and technology.
Mr Mumba first invented the turbines by using a tractor shaft, then improved the generation plant in 2010 and this year (2013) he has invented a water pump compressor that pumps water to irrigate his crops.
If anyone knows the whereabouts of Michael Mutale who was last seen in the early hours of Saturday 2nd of February in Kitwe, Parklands please contact 095 073 4925 or 097 870 1872
He was wearing a checked shirt and a grey trousers.
President Michael Sata has with immediate effect appointed Itezhi tezhi UPND Member of Parliament Hon. Greyford Monde as Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
This is contained in a press State statement issued by George Chellah special assistant for press and public relations.
“…I have appointed you Deputy Minister and have assigned you to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock,” read President Sata’s letter to Hon. Monde in part.
President Sata says he is confident that Hon. Monde will perform to his expectations and that of the Zambian people.
Meanwhile, President Sata has swapped Commerce minister Hon. Robert Sichinga with his Agriculture counterpart Hon. Emmanuel Chenda.
The changes are with immediate effect.
Road Development Agency (RDA) has announced that plans to upgrade the Great North Road to dual carriage way from Lusaka
to the Copperbelt have reached an advanced stage.
In a notice published in the media yesterday RDA said that they would by February 28, 2013 be awarding the contract to the preferred bidder to undertake the project.
In October last year RDA had invited companies to provide consulting services for the techno-economic study, detailed engineering design and tender documents in preparation for the upgrading to dual carriage way of 210km from Lusaka to Kapiri Mposhi.
The tendering documents that were closed in November last year have since been evaluated and the contract would be awarded by February 28.
The construction of the dual carriage way from Lusaka to the Copperbelt would help reduce the high rate of road traffic accidents with the recent one being that involving a Post Bus where more than 50 people died last week in Chibombo.
The move would also make it easier for other road users to overtake trucks which normally use the route to ferry goods to and from the Copperbelt and other neigbouring countries.
Last week more than 50 people died after the bus they were travelling in collided with a truck in Chibombo along the Lusaka Kabwe road.
Meanwhile, the RDA has awarded a contract to Synohydro Zambia Limited to re-engineer the Kapiri Mposhi weighbridge in Central Province at a cost of KR 26.5 million.
RDA spokesperson Loyce Saili confirmed the signing of the contract for the re-engineering of the weigh Bridge in a statement released in Lusaka yesterday.
The Contract was signed on Wednesday February 6, 2013 between RDA and Synohydro Zambia Limited.
Ms Saili said that the re-engineering of Kapiri Mposhi weighbridge would bring relief to bulk transporters who had been complaining about the poor state of the weighbridge for some time.
The scope of work involves construction of delivery and parking areas, construction of a weighbridge house and offices, construction of side and miter drains and construction of filter lanes.
Other works include installation of road signs and road line markings, construction of weighbridge platform and other equipment.
Ms Saili said the works commenced after the signing ceremony and were expected to be carried out within eight months and RDA was confident the contractor would carry out quality work within the contract duration.
THE Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) has with immediate effect suspended the Road Service Licence for City Express Bus Services limited which operates between Lusaka and Solwezi.
RTSA has since warned that it would not tolerate dangerous driving and some motorists driving under the influence of alcohol and disregarding road traffic regulations.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday, RTSA executive director Zindaba Soko announced the suspension of licence No.0073854 which runs fleet No.LSK 484
Mr Soko said the suspension of the licence was a result of numerous complaints on bad state of the bus by members of the public.
“RTSA received a complaint from a passenger on 15th January 2013 concerning the bad state of the bus belonging to City Express Services limited which operates from Lusaka and Solwezi.
“RTSA undertook to inspect the busses for City Express Services limited and found that of the four that were inspected, their conditions were not suitable for ferrying passengers,” Mr Soko said.
He said no such buses should be used for public transportation until further notice.
He said the agency suspended the licence because City Express Bus Services limited failed to avail the motor vehicles for re-examination hence violated conditions under which their licence was issued.
He said the agency wrote to City Express Services limited to avail the entire fleet for re-examinations at RTSA headquarters within a stipulated period and that the proprietors only availed two of their busses contrary to requirements contained in the letter sent to them.
The Road Traffic Act No.11 of 2002, provides the director to consider section 108 (16) which states that ‘A road service licence may be revoked or suspected in whole or in part or its terms of conditions may be varied by the director on the ground that any condition subject to which the licence or a variation was granted has not been complied with.’
Mr Soko said among the conditions under which a road service licence was granted, was a roadworthy vehicle with valid certificate of fitness.
He, however, said City Express Services limited failed to avail the motor vehicle for re-examination and violated conditions under which their licence was issued.
“All vehicles traversing on our public roads must be certified roadworthy and especially the public service vehicles otherwise the safety of other road users cannot be assured,” he said.
He warned that RTSA would not allow such lawlessness and appealed to all bus owners and passengers to ensure public service vehicles were roadworthy at all times.
He said the agency would publish in the Government gazette and media names of drivers and motorists who were recently arrested for traffic offences on dangerous driving and under influence of alcohol.
Among other drivers found to have committed offences in connection to drunken and dangerous driving and recommended that their licences be revoked or suspended include, Martin Musonda who caused an accident in Mpulungu while driving dangerously in which six lives were lost on January 11, 2012.
Charles Lungu caused an accident by hitting into a tree on January 18, 2013, along Perranyatwa road while drunk while Victor Banda, unregistered driver with a provisional drivers’ licence while driving a Toyota Corolla disregarded the stop sign on the junction of Great East road near Roman Catholic and hit into an Ipsum registration number ABP 6060.
Mr Soko said RTSA had also forwarded cases to the courts where unscrupulous individuals had been found with false documents purported to be licences and motor vehicle registration certificates.
Speaking at the same occasion, RTSA principal licencing officer Pumi Mfwankila said the agency had submitted to the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications a proposal on a road accident fund for consideration to assist accident victims.
The multi million Kwacha ‘Big Concession’ electrification project in Mumbwa may become a white elephant because public institutions and the other beneficiaries have not met the target of conducting internal wiring of their structures.
This came to light yesterday during a sensitization stakeholders’ meeting held in the office of the District Commissioner.
Rural Electrification Authority (REA) Community Mobilization Officer Naomi Sidono expressed concern that some public institutions such as schools and health institutions have not met the requirement of doing internal wiring of their structures despite the project nearing completion.
Mrs. Sidono said the jointly funded European Union [EU] and government project agreed with public institutions that REA would only drop the service cable up to the shackle while the wiring will be done by the beneficiaries.
She wondered how the institution will manage to meet the monthly electricity costs if they were having difficulties to raise funds to do electrical wiring of their buildings.
Mrs. Sidono also expressed concern at Zesco’s alleged failure to educate the electricity beneficiaries in the farming block on the procedures and amounts involved for one to be connected.
But Mumbwa District Medical Officer Christopher Dube said Kaindu Rural Health Centre had already been wired while the remaining health centers will be completed by end of March this year.
The meeting agreed to involve investors in the farming block to help the Ministry of Education to wire the buildings.
The schools that need wiring are Kaindu, Big Concession, Kashinka, Kabwanga and Kalenda.
Government has started construction works to turn Ndeke Clinic in Kitwe into a modern hospital.
Bupe Ward Councilor John Chilupula told ZANIS in Kitwe in an interview yesterday that funds for the project are already available and some works have already begun.
Mr. Chilupula said the hospital will help de-congest Kitwe Central Hospital which is the only government Hospital in the district.
He said the opening of a modern hospital in the area will accord the people of Ndeke and Kitwe access to modern health facilities.
And Mr. Chilupula also revealed that Nkana Water and Sewerage Company have completed the renovation of three water tanks in Ndeke.
He said with the completion of the renovations, the water supply in the area will improve.
He said Ndeke and the surrounding townships have had a problem of water supply which was very erratic.
Meanwhile the Civic Leader has revealed that the road connecting Nkana East and Ndeke Village residential areas will be completed and commissioned by December this year.
He said the 6 Kilometre road stretch will be worked on by China Geo Ltd at a cost of KR118 000.
The bridge to join the two residential areas on the same road has already been completed.
Chief Government Spokesperson Kennedy Sakeni has strongly reacted to the press conference held by opposition paties in johannesburg , south Africa, labelling it as a ‘paid for’ Press conference. Mr Sakeni accused former President Rupiah Banda of scheming to spearhead the suspension of Zambia from the Commonwealth based on unfounded accusations.
According to Mr Sakeni, Mr. Banda‘s insinuations during his press conference held in Rosebank in South Africa by some Zambian opposition political leaders should be proved beyond all reasonable doubt for Zambia to be suspended from the commowealth.
However, the office of the former Rupiah Banda has just released a statememt staing that Former President Rupiah Banda was not at today’s press conference.
Below is Mr Kennedy Sake’s full press statement.
STATEMENT BY MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING SERVICES AND CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON HON. KENNEDY SAKENI, MP ON ALLEGATIONS OF INTIMIDATION BY OPPOSITION POLITICAL PARTIES
As Government we challenge former president Rupiah Bwezani Banda to come out clean over today’s press conference held in Rosebank, South Africa by some embattled Zambian opposition political leaders who include UPND’s Hakainde Hichilema, MMD’s Nevers Mumba and ULP’s Sakwiba Sikota.
During this ‘paid –for’ press conference, the so-called opposition leaders accused this Government of among other things; harassing, intimidating and attacking members of the opposition; that His Excellency, Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata is trying to enforce a one-party state; that President Sata is stoking ethnic tensions in the country and they further proceeded in a preposterous manner to call for the suspension of Zambia from the Commonwealth on account of these alleged violations and human rights abuses.
As Government, we are aware of Mr. Banda’s direct links to these immature and embarrassingly unpatriotic fruitless schemes. For example, is it a coincidence that Mr. Banda has been to South Africa twice in a week; he first left on 6th February accompanied by Mr. Dickson Jere and returned on 7th February; only to leave again for the same destination the following day – 8th February, 2013. And on 9th February, 2013, Pastor Mumba accompanied by Pastor Nakachinda similarly left for South Africa; only to be followed by Mr. Hichilema, who was accompanied by Mr. Jack Mwiimbu on 10th February, 2013. The result of these hasty and deceitful trips is today’s sponsored press conference in Rosebank!
Our word of advice to Mr. Banda and his newly constituted ‘defence’ team of Pastor Mumba, Mr. Hichilema and Mr. Sikota is that the matters he is facing shall be justly determined within the Zambian jurisdiction. Therefore, let them make no mistake because this PF Government is resolved to seek justice with regards to Mr. Banda and his children’s alleged involvement in the plunder of this country’s public resources. We shall follow the laid down legal procedures and processes to seek justice for the Zambian people.
No amount of political blackmail and media stunts will stop us from fulfilling this campaign promise we made to the Zambian people. The allegations of corruption against Mr. Banda and his family were not only made by us; they were also made by some of his newly found friends like Mr. Hichilema and also there was heightened international concern about the levels of corruption in Mr. Banda’s Government. Prompting Mr. Banda to tell international donors at that time to pack and go.
The truth of the matter is Mr. Banda is facing a credible investigation. And this Government has accorded Mr. Banda respect so far as his legal rights and freedoms are concerned. We therefore wonder what Mr. Banda is scared of to hastily convene a press conference by proxy in South Africa, which he could have done here. If Mr. Banda has done nothing wrong, let him face the law enforcement agencies. In as far we are concerned there are no human rights abuses or violations; Mr. Banda is alleged to have committed criminal offences and like every citizen he needs to answer to those allegations and he shall be accorded the full due process of the law.
As for Pastor Mumba, who himself is in court for suspected abuse of public resources; we urge him as a Man of the Collar to take time and reflect on his lies and cheap deceit. Our colleagues in opposition should have the courage and honesty to face the consequences of their previous misdeeds. They accuse us of intolerance and yet the same people complaining on foreign soil are the largest beneficiaries of our political tolerance.
When Mr. Hichilema made a reckless statement over a sovereign state of Sudan and alleged that the ruling PF was recruiting militias in that country, he was given an opportunity to retract his statement, which he rudely turned down. Today, the matter is in court and according to the documents filed in the Lusaka High Court Mr. Hichilema is arguing that he is entitled to alarm the nation since it’s a democracy; there is freedom of expression.
Let them know that there is nothing democratic about intentions to sow despondency and anarchy in a country. In fact, today’s act on foreign soil by these disgruntled opposition leaders alone is a serious indictment on their preparedness and eligibility to lead this country. It’s very clear that they are not ready for the task they so much long for. Who takes pride in discrediting a country they aspire to lead? It’s totally wrong; unAfrican and falls short of the elementary dictates of patriotism and focussed leadership.
Hon. Kennedy Sakeni MP MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING SERVICES AND CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON 12th February, 2013
Below is statement released by Former President Rupiah Banda’s office
THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA
OFFICE OF THE FOURTH REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT
Press Release
PRESIDENT BANDA DID NOT ATTEND JOHANNESBURG MEETING
LUSAKA, 12thFebruary, 2013— We wish to correct the impression created by some sections of the media that His Excellency Rupiah Banda, the Fourth President of the Republic of Zambia, was allegedly among the people that attended the press conference of Zambian opposition political parties and civil society organisations in Johannesburg today.
It is our sincere hope that this record can be put straight for the benefit of the general public.
________________________________________________________________________
Mr Abraham Vandeem being led to a holding cell after appearing in court
A 74-year -old retired Mkushi farmer accused of causing the death of over 50 people involving a post bus and a truck in Chibombo area of the Central province today appeared before Kabwe Magistrate Court.
Abraham Vandeem appeared before Principal resident Magistrate Court John Mbuzi for the reading of the charges which took almost 45 minutes in a full to capacity court room and he responded that he understood the charges.
This is in matter in which the accused person whilst driving a Toyota Land Cruiser registration number ABH 2214 is alleged to have caused the death of 51 people by dangerous driving contrary to section 161 of the Road Traffic Act No.11 of 2002 of the laws of Zambia.
Magistrate Mbuzi said the accused could not take plea because the matter charged is tried by the High Court and that would have to wait for instruction from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to commit the case to the High Court.
The accused person has been denied bail pending court appearance.
Earlier lawyers representing the accused Mulilo Kabesha from Kabesha and Company and Paul Mulenga from Woods and Company applied to the court for the bail saying the case the accused person was faced with was bailable and that there are ready to meet the bail condition once the court grants the suspect bail.
Mr Kabesha contended that the accused person was a well known person who has invested heavily in the country and was of fixed abode and that he has problems and that keeping in cells will be unfair.
He said his client has heart, legs, and lung problems and prayed to the court to grant him bail.
But State prosecutor Susan Mwkalombe objected to the application saying the accused was a foreign national who could leave the country without the knowledge of the state and asked for fairness in the application considering the gravity on the matter at hand.
But in respond Mr Kabesha said the beauty of the Zambian law it does not discriminate and argued that as far as the law is concern any person is innocent until proven guilty.
In his ruling Magistrate Mbuzi denied the accused bail on the grounds of his nationality while the said investment in Zambia has not been tabulated by the defence.
He said due to the gravity of the offense committed he was denying him bail and adjourned the matter to february26, 2013 for another mention and remanded in custody.
The accused who was using a walking stick was later taken to the holding cell within the court premises before been whisked away.
Leaders of both civil society and major opposition political parties have gathered in Johannesburg to reaffirm their joint commitment to multiparty democracy in Zambia and to publicly urge the Commonwealth to appoint an envoy to undertake an independent investigation.
The opposition and civil society representatives are endorsing a petition filed on January 25th, 2013 before the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat for referral to the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG).
The 40-page report, http://tinyurl.com/CommonwealthZambia , prepared on behalf of victims of human and civil rights abuses by the Coalition for the Defence of Democratic Rights (CDDR), presents evidence showing “serious and persistent” violations of the principles of the Commonwealth’s Harare Declaration by the Patriotic Front government of President Michael Sata.
Victims call for provisional suspension of Zambia from Commonwealth pending investigation
President Michael Sata accused of inciting ethnic violence, abusing law enforcement bodies to persecute opponents, and judicial interference
Report cites wide-ranging violations of freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and attacks on civil society
“We may be diverse in our interests, agenda, and political positions, however we are here today united in the belief that Zambia must respect basic rights and freedoms according to the law,” said Robert Amsterdam, an international lawyer who assisted the CDDR in the preparation of the Commonwealth filing.
“It is our position that the current government has repeatedly broken the law and violated the rights of both civil society and opposition political parties. We are asking to the Commonwealth to fulfill their commitment to expanding the role of the CMAG as stated in October 2011, and appoint an envoy to conduct an independent investigation into these violations.”
The participants endorsing the Commonwealth petition gathered in Johannesburg include Dr. Nevers Mumba, President of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), Hakainde Hichilema, President of the United Party for National Development (UPND), Edwin Sakala, President of the Zambia Direct Democracy Movement (ZDDM), Sakwiba Sikota, President of the United Liberal Party (ULP), and Former Republican President Rupiah Banda.
The document presented to the Commonwealth presents detailed information on the unlawful nature of detentions of leaders like Dr. Mumba, who was arrested and jailed three times in just two months.
It also highlights the police brutality and use of violence against Hichilema and other UPND members. Citing statements made by President Sata ordering the army to fire upon Zambian citizens in the breakaway region of Barotseland, the report raises urgent concerns over incitement of ethnic violence by the current Zambian government.
“This is a government that has behaved in a criminal fashion, and average Zambian citizens are suffering greatly from their destructive and selfish policies,” said Dr. Mumba.
“If you objectively look at the pattern of abuses committed by this government, not just against opposition parties but also civil societies and business competitors of their allies, it is difficult not to conclude that we are on the road back towards the one-party state,” said Hichilema.
The opposition and civil society representatives have agreed to explore legal coordination to ensure that the Zambian government’s attack on freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are brought to the attention of the international community before further damage is caused. The parties gathered here see the accelerated pace of repression in Zambia as tied to the brutal fight for succession going on within the ruling Patriotic front Government.
Zambia’s sensational boxing heroin, Esther Phiri has quit boxing. It is believed that frustration has forced Esther Phiri to quit the sport, following the descision by Zambia Professional Boxing and Wrestling Control Board (ZPBWCB), a boxing motherbody, to slap her promoter and trainer, Anthony Mwamba, with a three month ban.
“It is with a heavy heart that I have reached this decision to retire from active boxing a sport I love so much. But I could not continue because of the many frustrations from the people entrusted to run the affairs of the sport,” Esther said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday.
“People might think I have lost my senses but this is the best decision to take and I did not even tell my manager whom I know is annoyed with my decision,” she added.
Esther said it was embarrassing for a World Champion to have her trainer banned from active boxing champion wondering how the board expects her to train without her instructor, who is banned from all boxing activities.
She said she did not agree with the ZPBWCB decision to impose a 90 days ban on Mwamba, whom she said, the board would have called to correct him if indeed they had found him wanting.
“I was really hurt when I heard that my manager has been banned. It was so embarrassing to me as a World Champion. How do people around the World say about a champion whose manager has been banned and striped off his boxing licence?
The decision may be long overdue, but Esther according to Muvi TV Sports News, said that there was a lot of jealous individuals that have worked hard in tarnishing her image.
The household female boxer retires professionally unbeaten, having won her last fight against Zimbabwe’s Monalisa Sibanda in the Women’s International Boxing Association and World Boxing Organisation title fight last year.
Early last month, Esther hinted that she may not get back in the ring after admitting that she had become overweight for the sport, and claimed she had achieved all a boxer could achieve.
Meanwhile, National Heavyweight Boxing Champion Francis ‘Galagata’ Zulu says the quitting of Zambia’s sensational boxing heroin, Esther Phiri, is a big blow to the boxing fraternity.
Zulu says Esther was an inspirational boxer to both old and new comers and her decision to quit has rather come just too early.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today, Zulu said it was no doubt that Esther lifted the boxing sport in Zambia.
He said boxers in the country would respect her decision to resign from boxing though it is too painful.
He described the quitting as a move that has un-settled many stakeholders who have received the decision with great shock.
“It is too early for Esther to quit boxing and it is a big blow to the nation because she lifted the boxing fraternity in particular and Zambian flag higher.
“I respect her decision to resign from boxing but we cannot force her to remain in sport,” Zulu lamented.
He thanked the government and other private institutions that rendered support to the female boxing legend and six-time world boxing champion and that it should not relent but to continue rendering support to the remaining active boxers.
Zulu has urged female Zambian boxers to emulate Esther by working very hard to lift the boxing fraternity.
File: Some Zambia sugar shareholders plucking sugar cane during the conducted tour of the Zambia sugar factory
ActionAid International Zambia Country Director Pamela Chisanga has maintained that the new investigation carried out by her organization which has exposed Zambia Sugar Company’s tax avoidance is a true reflection of the situation on the ground.
Speaking at a public forum in Lusaka this morning, Ms. Chisanga said the report on the avoidance of tax by Zambia Sugar is not a fabrication of facts but exposes a serious anomaly that needs to be addressed.
Ms. Chisanga said that the report which is a result of experts going through the records of the multinational company and tracing its activities both locally and internationally provides an example of how the country is losing revenue through tax avoidance by big multinational companies.
She said there is need therefore for government to ensure that investors in the country live up to their obligation of remitting taxes.
Ms. Chisanga said that particular attention must also be paid on formulating mechanisms that will seal loopholes for tax avoidance.
Speaking at the same occasion, Center for Trade and Policy Development (CTPD) Executive Director Savior Mwambwa said Zambia has had various reports similar to the one released by ActionAid.
Mr.Mwambwa observed that going forward; Zambians must take up the challenge of ensuring that they pressurize government to formulate strict legislation to seal loopholes in the taxation system.
And an academician from the University of Zambia Dr. Mathias Mpande says tax avoidance is not a responsible way of running any government and that no country can negotiate with the private sector on the basis of taxation.
[pullquote] Banking giant Barclays is today expected announce the shutdown of its tax avoidance unit, which gave advice to large companies on how to avoid paying out tax[/pullquote]
Dr.Mpande said that there was need to stop the siphoning of money drawn from Zambia’s resources.
Meanwhile, Youth Vision Zambia Executive Director Amos Mwale has said that the blame game should not arise in the Zambia Sugar tax avoidance case.
Mr. Mwale told Qfm news that there is need to establish how the institutions mandated to collect taxes in the country failed to detect the anomaly.
He said that Zambians are yearning for a clear explanation from government and Zambia Sugar Company in order to settle the dust.
Meanwhile, Banking giant Barclays is today expected announce the shutdown of its tax avoidance unit, which gave advice to large companies on how to avoid paying out tax.
It is thought new chief executive Antony Jenkins will reveal his plans to repair the bank’s battered reputation and overhaul its culture and practices following a string of damaging scandals today.
The scandal-hit bank is also due to deliver its annual profits and the long-awaited results of a strategic review.
Mr Jenkins is expected to say on today “There are some areas that relied on sophisticated and complex structures, where transactions were carried out with the primary objective of accessing the tax benefits.
“Although this was legal, going forward such activity is incompatible with our purpose. We will not engage in it again.”
Zambia Army’s Rev Major Delix Veck Siluyele during the funeral of the Post Bus accident victims at Mutengo cemetery in Ndola on Feb 11,2013-Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Zambia Army’s Rev Major Delix Veck Siluyele during the funeral procession of the Post Bus accident victims at Mutengo cemetery in Ndola on Feb 11,2013-Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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President Michael Sata and First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba laying wreaths at the graves of the Post Bus accident victims at Chimutengo cemetry in Ndola on Febraury 11,2013-Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba at the late Beli Namutowe’s funeral house on Feb 10,2013. Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Kitwe Funeral of Charles Mwila Mulenga, 45, Gilbert Tembo, 16, and Sydney Fulai, 31 who died in the accident
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Kitwe Funeral of Charles Mwila Mulenga, 45, Gilbert Tembo, 16, and Sydney Fulai, 31 who died in the accident
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Zambia Army personnel during the burial of Post Bus accident victims at Mutengo cemetery in Ndola on Feb 11,2013-Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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The coffins of the Post Bus accident Victims at Mutengo cemetery in Ndola
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Zambia Army personnel during the burial of Post Bus accident victims at Mutengo cemetery in Ndola on Feb 11,2013-Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Zambia Army personnel during the burial of Post Bus accident victims at Mutengo cemetery in Ndola on Feb 11,2013
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Kitwe Funeral of Charles Mwila Mulenga, 45, Gilbert Tembo, 16, and Sydney Fulai, 31 who died in the accident
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President Michael Sata and First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba leave Chimutengo cemetry in Ndola after the burial of the Post Bus Accident victims on Febraury 11,2013-Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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President Michael Sata and First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba laying wreaths at the graves of the Post Bus accident victims at Chimutengo cemetry in Ndola on Febraury 11,2013-Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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President Sata and Dr Kaseba at the funeral in Ndola
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President Michael Sata and First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba laying wreaths at the graves of the Post Bus accident victims at Chimutengo cemetry in Ndola on Febraury 11,2013-Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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FDD leader Edith Nawakwi, Felix Mutati and Bank Governor Dr Gondwe at the funeral of Selina Mulenga 57, who was among the 53 people who perished in a road traffic accident involving a Lusaka-bound Post bus
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Given Lubinda and Finance Minister at the funeral of Selina Mulenga 57, who was among the 53 people who perished in a road traffic accident involving a Lusaka-bound Post bus
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Coffin of Selina Mulenga 57, who was among the 53 people who perished in a road traffic accident involving a Lusaka-bound Post bus
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Finance Minister at the funeral of Selina Mulenga 57, who was among the 53 people who perished in a road traffic accident involving a Lusaka-bound Post bus
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Finance Minister at the funeral of Selina Mulenga 57, who was among the 53 people who perished in a road traffic accident involving a Lusaka-bound Post bus
Zambian Journalists matching during the World pres Freedom Day celebration in Lusaka
By Field Ruwe
There are no media heroes in Zambia, no “Pulitzer” winners. There’s never been because Zambian journalists have been reduced to cowards, puppets, and copycats. Authoritarian ventriloquists, KK, FTJ, LM, RB, and the incumbent President Michael Chilufya Sata have used undue power and influence to instill fear in some of our best journalists and render the profession redundant.
Actually, Sata has completely destroyed the media. Times of Zambia, Zambia Daily Mail, ZNBC, should not be referred to as state-owned media, but propaganda houses and the people in them must be called propaganda peddlers.
There is no such a thing as a “state-owned media.” There shouldn’t be. The media should not be funded by the state, but the public. It should not support or be affiliated to the political party in power or to any political party for that matter.
While the head of state may censor content which he deems illegal, immoral or unfavorable, he must not use the media as a personal tool to solidify his authority. He must not appoint and fire media chief executives and threaten young reporters who express opposing views. Any head of state with such a tendency is called a dictator.
What has made the Zambian journalist capitulate to cowardice is job insecurity, threats, intimidation, and uncalled for arrests by the party and its government. It is political power.
How intimidation of the Zambian journalist began
Former president Kenneth Kaunda set a precedent. Rather, David Yumba began it all. Yumba was a popular Bemba announcer who joined the then Central African Broadcasting Corporation in the late 1940s as a playwright of a series called “Ukupindilo Mwela.” He worked with some of Zambia’s first broadcasters, including Alick Nkhata, Andreya Masiye, Edwin Mlongoti, Stephen Mpashi, Edward Kalete, and Edward Mungoni.
After independence Yumba was known to spend part of his newscast praising Kaunda. He would start his radio broadcast with the slogan Kumulu ni Lesa, Pansi ni Kaunda (In Heaven is God, on Earth is Kaunda) and other clichés before he got to the actual news. We liked it, and so did KK. What Yumba did not realize was he was paving KK’s path to demi-godliness.
KK’s real clashes with the media began in 1967 with the Case of the Unwholesome Fowl. It was sparked by a Lusaka butcher named Carlo Ottino who presented a rotten Christmas turkey to vice president Reuben Kamaga’s wife.
Outraged UNIP youths stoned and ransacked the butchery because they could not “tolerate any white chap treating us like in the colonial days.” The Times of Zambia in its editorial described the youths as “young fools” and “party thugs.” KK lambasted the Lonrho-owned paper and cautioned reporters.
In the same year, the relationship between him and his childhood friend Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, dipped. Kapwepwe, a journalist-turned-politician (trained in India 1951-55), and Minister of Foreign Affairs at that time, challenged vice president Reuben Kamanga for the position of deputy leader of UNIP and won.
[pullquote]The Times of Zambia in its editorial described the youths as “young fools” and “party thugs.” KK lambasted the Lonrho-owned paper and cautioned reporters.[/pullquote]
When KK hesitated to appoint Kapwepwe as vice president, he faced open criticism from reporters at the Times of Zambia. Editorials and comments by the Times of Zambia, among other pressing issues, would force KK to succumb.
As early as 1967, it had become clear that KK was preparing to convert the Zambian society to his Philosophy of Humanism. He knew that Kapwepwe and freedom of the press would stand in his way. Their differences deepened and in 1970, Kapwepwe resigned.
When the Times of Zambia, under the editorship of Richard Hall became critical of African socialism, among other issues, KK ordered the then Managing Director of Lonhro Limited, Tom Mtine, to fire Hall and the president himself appointed his press secretary, Dunstan Kamana as Editor-in-Chief.
To the dismay of KK, Kamana proved to be an advocate of freedom of the press. He encouraged reporters like Mike Pearson to continue pointing out inefficiencies and corruption in the UNIP government. In 1971, KK moved Kamana to Dairy Produce Board and in 1972, he recalled Vernon Mwaanga from the United Nations to succeed him.
In December of the same year, KK banned the opposition ANC and declared Zambia a one-party state. His move marked the end of freedom of the press in Zambia. The intimidation of journalists and the eroding of the profession had begun. All journalists were either “humanists” and UNIP royalists, or enemies. You had to tag along with KK or get fired.
A big scare did its rounds in the media in 1975 when Bill Saidi and several other journalists were fired by KK. Saidi writes in his memoirs that the letter was delivered to him at the Times of Zambia Ndola office.
It read in part: “I have been following very closely your work as a journalist. I have been particularly concerned about your misconceptions regarding our approach to nation-building in this country…Consequently, your performance continues to be inconsistent with the philosophy and spirit of the paper which must be the mouthpiece of the Party…I am, therefore, left with no option but to fire you with immediate effect.”
Reporters were frightened. They had no choice but to become peddlers of KK’s philosophy of humanism and UNIP propaganda. Young “award material” like Patu Simoko, Samu Zulu, Mike Moono, Smokie Hangaala, Desmond Mubiana, Arthur Simuchoba, Hicks Sikazwe, Arthur Yoyo, Clara Sikaneta, Emmanuel Nyirenda, Bandawe Banda, and others, were stripped of their talent, style and charisma and put under surveillance.
They could not write freely nor could their contemporaries; Charles Chipanta, Patrick Fungamwango, Geoffrey Zulu, Godfrey Malama, Nedson Sichula, Wellington Kalwisha, Patches Lwenje, Fred Muule, Dave Sakala, and others.
[pullquote]When KK hesitated to appoint Kapwepwe as vice president, he faced open criticism from reporters at the Times of Zambia. Editorials and comments by the Times of Zambia, among other pressing issues, would force KK to succumb.[/pullquote]
And KK was firm about it: “the journalistic profession, in all its ramifications and specifications, must develop as an integral part of the humanist transformation of Zambia just as those who practice it are an integral part of its people.” Security agents were “planted” to keep an eye on those KK perceived as perfidious.
When these men and women chose the profession of journalism they were trying to fulfill their dreams of becoming the best at what they did. Some wanted to be stars and compete with other journalists around the world. They dreamt of writing some of the best stories.
They learned in school that journalism was all about truthfulness, accuracy, and objectivity, that it was impartial. They learned codes of practice and ethics. They sharpened their pens, but KK blunted them. At press conferences he intimidated them and called them “stupid idiots.” They were afraid—very afraid. Many would retire, age, or die without proper encomiums.
Journalism under FTJ Chiluba
Enter FTJ—like a thief who comes at night. In 1991, KK was a wounded buffalo. IMF, food riots, coup attempts, had sapped what was left of his energy. Journalists of the newly created Weekly Post, Mike Hall, John Mukela, Masautso Phiri, Jowie Mwiinga, Arthur Simuchoba, and others, took advantage of KK’s exhaustion and pounded him left, right, and center.
“We were waiting to see how long it would take for us to be locked up,” Jowie Mwiinga told Jane Perlez of the New York Times in 1991. “But we’ve been here five months.”
Encouraged by the Weekly Post’s support for the MMD, FTJ made the media a part of his “democratic” agenda.
“We must not fear criticism from the people,” he declared, “that should only make us work harder.”
It was all a fluke. In 1993, journalists would be back where they were before 1991—in a dungeon of snakes. Rattled by rumors to overthrow his government by UNIP in a plot code named “Zero Option Plan”, allegedly engineered by Cuthbert Nguni and Wezi Kaunda, FTJ’s demeanor took a 360-degree turn. He ditched democracy for authoritarianism and became intolerant of criticism. The little Freedom of the press left was wiped out. Times of Zambia and the Zambia Daily Mail were solidified as propaganda papers for the MMD.
Fred Mmembe
File:Former Information Minister Fackson Shamenda (l) and Post newspapers owner Fred Mmembe clench hands after a meeting in Lusaka
Notice how I do not include Fred Mmembe on the list of seasoned journalists in Zambia. Although he is one of the founders of The Post, he is not a journalist per se, even with a certificate by correspondence. He has never sat in a journalism class, worked as a reporter, and risen through the ranks. Mmembe is first and foremost an accountant. When he left his vocation to launch the Weekly Post with Mike Hall, John Mukela, and Masautso Phiri, he was a dough-keeper.
In Zambia, like in many other countries, journalism is often mistaken for some form of art. Anyone with a sense of purpose can declare himself a journalist. All he needs are basic writing skills, inquisitiveness, obstinacy, and the ability to toil.
And yet many things go into the training of a journalist. A professional journalist is one conversant with the history of journalism, its law and ethics; one who is trained in media writing, including editorial composition, news gathering, reporting, and newspaper administration.
Mmembe is self-taught.—through observation. It shows in all his editorials. He is still unfamiliar with the structure of a journalistic sentence. What has made Mmembe a “star” is his use of forbidden journalistic language; some of it derogatory and disdainful.
Armed with words like “stupid,” he led the onslaught against Kaunda, Chiluba, Mwanawasa, Banda, and portrayed them as dictators. He also hurt the PF opposition leader Michael Sata—badly. For that he was awarded the MISA Press Freedom Award; the International Press Freedom Award, and the Committee to Protect Journalists Award.
[pullquote]There are many other deep wounds Mmembe has inflicted on Sata. Here is another: “this man (Sata) will do anything to be elected but Zambians will not be fooled.” Mmembe must count himself lucky to be where he is today.[/pullquote]
Mmembe was headed for “greatness” until September 23, 2011. It was the day Sata crushed The Post. He knew that to have a firm control over the media he had to cripple Mmembe first, and he did. He stripped Mmembe of his personnel and slew him.
We all know that Sata can’t stand Mmembe. Here are some of the reasons. In May 1992, The Post ran an editorial that described Sata as a political prostitute who “survived vetting on several occasions;” that he exhibited “riotous behavior,” and “intolerant behavior on television. The editorial ended with the words “there is nothing honorable about this dishonorable man.”
In January 1993, The Post published a story that Sata had diverted a government grant of K1.6bn for his own benefit. The paper described Sata as “petty and unscrupulous” and urged Chiluba to fire him.
On September 14, 2006, Mmembe in his editorial entitled “Sata is not our messiah” wrote: “It is not difficult for anyone to realize or guess why Mr. Sata today has become the most ardent defender of people who plundered public resources. This is because they are his financiers.”
There are many other deep wounds Mmembe has inflicted on Sata. Here is another: “this man (Sata) will do anything to be elected but Zambians will not be fooled.” Mmembe must count himself lucky to be where he is today.
Michael Sata
Sata, here referred to as “King Cobra,” has turned The Post into a PF mouthpiece. With that the Zambian media has died. A Zambian journalist dare advocate for freedom of the press. He will be arrested and thrown in the TB-infected cells, cautions government spokesman Kennedy Sakeni. Sakeni’s bully and aggressive rhetoric is atrocious. Utterances like “the law will catch up with them” are a stark reminder of how dangerous it is to be a journalist in Sata’s country.
Such is the reason Zambian journalists are cowards. How I wish Sakeni could first arrest Amos Malupenga at his ministry, George Chellah at State House, and Fred Mmembe at The Post for slander, defamation, libel and other past “crimes” before he starts to persecute innocent professionals.
Sakeni should not apply legal and regulatory pressures to silence critical voices. When he reads what he perceives as defamatory or libelous, he must be quick to rebut or decant like his predecessors did. He is a Public Relations Officer.
[pullquote]Sata, here referred to as “King Cobra,” has turned The Post into a PF mouthpiece. With that the Zambian media has died.[/pullquote]
He must hold regular press briefings to defend and clear the air. Hiding in threats exposes him as a perverse cabinet minister and chief spokesman who has no clue what journalism is about. He must be careful; he could turn out to be the worst Chief government spokesman in our history.
Our journalists are brave professionals, who given freedom to factually report, will be world-renowned heroes. They went to college to learn how to write with candor. They have the potential to be great. All they need is freedom of the press!
There can never be media heroes in a country where there is no freedom of the press. All Zambian journalists must be brave enough to fight laws that limit them to propaganda peddling. The profession of journalism expects those who chose it be as tough as steel. Don’t be a coward; stand up for your professional right!
Opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema has charged that the country should forget about recording a bumper harvest under the Patriotic Front government.
Mr. Hichilema said that the late delivery of farming input coupled with the effects of the army worms will contribute to a poor harvest this year.
Speaking to QFM news, Mr. Hichilema said that unless the PF government changes its agricultural policy, the country will never record bumper harvests as was the case in the previous regime.
He said that it is time President Michael Sata started acting on all the promises made during the campaigns stating that time is already running out and that citizens cannot wait any more.
Mr. Hichilema said that it is very unfortunate that the PF government is proving to the people of Zambia in a very wrong way of running away from its responsibilities.
