MMD loses Kapiri, Lukulu West seats

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January 30, 2013

FILE: MMD cadres during the Press conference held at party president Dr.Nevers Mumba's residence — FILE: MMD cadres during the Press conference held at party president Dr.Nevers Mumba’s residence

The opposition MMD has suffered another setback after the Supreme Court this morning nullified the election results of Lukulu West and Kapiri Mposhi Constituencies.

The Supreme Court has upheld the High court’s ruling of nullifying the election of MMD’s Misheck Mutelo as Member of Parliament for Lukulu West on account that there was corruption, bribery and illegal practices.

Last year, Judge Emelia Sunkutu declared the election of Mr. Mutelo null and void stating that the evidence before her indicated that the election was not free and fair but Mr. Mutelo appealed to the Supreme Court.

The results of the Lukulu West elections were petitioned by Patriotic Front losing candidate Eileen Imbwae.

The election of Kapiri Mposhi Member of Parliament Lawrence Zimba has also been nullified and the development means the country will undergo another by elections as per requirement in the current Constitution.

And the MMD leadership has described the development as unfortunate and regrettable.

MMD National Treasurer, Mwansa Mbulakulima, however states that the MMD, being a democratic party, respects the court ruling to nullify the two seats.

Mr. Mbulakulima further states that his party will always be prepared to participate in any elections that may take place in the country as it believes in the rule of law.

QFM

Danish tourist drowns at Kundalila Falls in Serenje

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January 30, 2013

42

Danish tourist drowns at Kundalila Falls in Serenje

A Danish national yesterday drowned at Kundalila Falls in Serenje as she was trying to take pictures.

Serenje District Commissioner Charles Mwelwa and the police officers who rushed to the scene found that the body of the deceased had already been retrieved from the falls by the community.

The deceased was identified as Anne Nelson, 18, who was among other tourists that were touring Kundalila Falls.

And the Director of Eventua Zambia, Motto Green, explained that the incident happened around 11:00 hours when Ms Nelson was trying to take pictures.

Mr Green added that the deceased did not realize that she had reached the edge of the falls and slipped off.

Meanwhile, Mr Mwelwa has expressed sadness over the loss of life of the Danish tourist.

He said government was putting in place measures aimed at promoting tourism in the country and that it is unfortunate to start losing tourists who are contributing to the development of the country.

Mr Mwelwa has since appealed to the National Heritage Conservation Commission to put in place measures that would identify danger sites at the falls as this was the third time a ~~white~~ foreign national has died at the same area.

He has however thanked the community surrounding Kundalila Falls for the help they rendered in retrieving the tourist’s deceased body which is lying in Serenje District Hospital mortuary.

ZANIS

Elias Chipimo: Parallel Universe Series No. 2 – A People-driven Constitution

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January 30, 2013

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THE PARALLEL UNIVERSE SERIES

ISSUE NUMBER 2: DELIVERING A PEOPLE DRIVEN CONSTITUTION

Introduction

We continue with our second instalment in our “Parallel Universe Series” in which we point out the issues that the Patriotic Front are expected to address now that they are in power, in order to ensure that they live up to their governance responsibilities to the people. Last week, we issued a statement on the mealie-meal crisis. Given the complicated nature of the maize story, the statement we issued was longer than many would have been prepared for but there was no simple way to break down the problem. We can predict that the price of mealie-meal will eventually start to rise again and will only be kept low at great cost to the country. This is because once current stocks run out – and depending on next year’s harvest – we may end up having to import very expensive maize. In order for people to be able to continue to afford mealie-meal, Government will have to carry the extra costs. This is likely to have a serious impact on the ability of the PF to implement its already tattered development plans.

Wavering commitment

This week, we look at the foot dragging by the Patriotic Front on the Constitution. Towards the end of last week, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Kennedy Sakeni suggested that the PF administration might not hold a referendum prior to the introduction of the much anticipated new Republican Constitution. The promise of a new Constitution was not only a clear campaign promise but was repeated by the Republican President less than one month after his swearing-in ceremony. This week, therefore, we highlight the lack of commitment by the PF administration to a people-driven Constitution-making process and set out NAREP’s proposals on how this process can be undertaken in a manner that will: (a) save resources; and (b) deliver a more people-driven document that can stand the test of time.

The promise

Let us start with the words that were uttered by President Sata during the official opening of Parliament on 14 October 2011:

“… the PF government attaches great importance to good governance and we are committed to delivering a new people driven constitution within ninety days. To this effect, we are in the process of consulting stakeholders with a view of establishing a committee of experts to review the recommendations of all previous constitutional review commissions in order to come up with a draft people’s constitution. The draft constitution will be subjected to a referendum and subsequently presented to parliament for enactment.”

There were several problems with this statement. First, as we had immediately pointed out after the announcement was made, it was not going to be possible to deliver a draft “people-driven” Constitution within 90 days. Some commentators and so-called experts said that it was simply a matter of drafting a document that would then be circulated and that such drafting could be accomplished within 90 days. They, however, missed the point. In order for the constitution to be people-driven, the draft would need to be put to the people for their comments otherwise it would be a Technical-Committee driven constitution and not a people-driven one. 90 days was clearly not going to be enough time to draft a new document as well as collect the views of people from across the country.

In the end, the drafting process was only completed 6 months after the President’s address with the initial report being released on 30 April 2012. We are now approaching the one year mark and all the indications are that the revised draft Constitution will only be ready in June (14 months after the initial draft was released). On top of all this, the costs associated with the current process are astronomical: in the 2012 budget, the PF administration allocated K95 billion (rebased K95 million) for the Constitution making process and in this year’s budget they have allocated an additional K15 billion (rebased K15 million).

While the cost of creating a new constitution will always be high because of the nature of the exercise required to be undertaken, the manner in which the funds are being spent needs to be reconsidered. There can be no doubt that the Constitution is an important document and that it is our best hope of ensuring that political power is not concentrated in too few hands or used excessively or abused. However, as we allocate resources towards such an exercise, we need to remain mindful of the many challenges that the majority of our people are going through:

poverty and ignorance through lack of accessible quality education remain a hindrance to many, particularly those living in rural communities
access to electricity is only available to 23 per cent of the population (approximately 3 million people out of over 13 million) and out of these, only 3 per cent of rural homes (390,000 people) have access
poor road infrastructure cuts off many from any gains of development which are unevenly distributed even in the urban areas where many have no access to clean drinking water and safe sanitation.

It is for these and other reasons that any government in Zambia must be a careful steward of the limited resources that are available for development. Allocating and spending K110 billion (rebased K110 million) on a Constitution-making process should therefore be very carefully scrutinised.

The challenge

Making a constitution that will stand the test of time is not easy because to really carry the goodwill of the people, it must involve the people. And this is where the challenge lies. Unlike the drafting of the American Constitution by what were known as the Founding Fathers, our recent history has shown that our politicians rarely have the needs of the people in mind when they are carving out power for themselves. Their decisions are primarily based on how they can tailor the laws to exclude perceived political enemies and ensure a continued hold on power. To avoid facing such an outcome in the current process, we need a framework for debating the constitution that will involve as many people as possible.

But involving the people requires us to ensure that we have access to the people. This is not easy because over 60 per cent of our population (over 8 million people) live in rural locations. We have a vast country that stretches over 750,000 square kilometres across terrain that is not easy to navigate. Populations in rural communities are generally found in clusters and they often have to navigate hostile terrain to access the most basic of services like healthcare and school. Every year children and adults die trying to cross fast-flowing streams that cut off their communities during the rains and many are left to die in homes because they cannot access even the most simple of healthcare facilities.

[pullquote]You have to question the so-called wisdom of repeating the same approach that has been consistently applied in every Constitution-making process, namely the holding of limited sessions in various provincial and district locations with select groups of participants.[/pullquote]

When you consider this, you have to question the so-called wisdom of repeating the same approach that has been consistently applied in every Constitution-making process, namely the holding of limited sessions in various provincial and district locations with select groups of participants. It is important to understand that the total number of submissions in every Constitution review process that Zambia has undertaken since independence has produced less than 14,000 written and oral submissions. This amounts to approximately 0.1 percent (or a mere 10 percent of 1 percent) of Zambia’s current population. Clearly, the approaches of the past have been tried, tested and have failed to ensure that the voice of the people has truly been heard.

In order to be effective, we need a process that can ensure that even those with limited vocabulary or understanding of the English language and those that have not advanced themselves in formal education, can still have their say. This will not be done by limiting translations to the seven official local languages. It will not be done by relying on district and provincial tours. What is required is new and innovative thinking and strangely enough, something very positive that the PF administration has done since they came into power can help hugely to achieve a more widespread and cost-effective approach to Constitution-making, as we explain in setting out the way forward.

The way forward

NAREP has always favoured a three-step approach to constitution-making. It is an approach designed to ensure that we have the full participation of the public while at the same time, making the most effective use of our public resources and delivering a people-driven document in a timely manner.

The first step would be to put in place a clear roadmap on the constitution-making process that would be protected by an Act of Parliament. The roadmap would determine the timing of the various actions as well as the final date for enacting the new Constitution. Parliament would also pass or implement laws that would introduce the following institutions:

A Boundary Commission (which would address the creation of any new constituency boundaries)
A Referendum Commission (that would prepare for the impending referendum on the implementation of the new Constitution)
An Independent Court (which would address constitutional issues and protect the Constitution-making process).

The second step is to identify those areas of the constitution in which there is little public disagreement about the desired change. This would include the decision to have a fixed date for the next election. Incumbent administrations like to be the ones that determine when the next election will take place but this does not provide a level playing field for all parties wishing to contest elections. If everyone knows exactly when the next election will be, no one will be taken by surprise and the incumbent administration cannot manipulate the timing. The issue of dual citizenship is another example. It appears that only certain individuals within the PF are unaware that dual citizenship is something that benefits Zambians and not foreigners. These steps are important because to carry out a proper exercise will take time. Seeking to make some preliminary amendments will allow the PF to show goodwill to the general public and demonstrate the seriousness of the PF administration in seeking to promote the introduction of a people-driven constitution.

[pullquote]It appears that only certain individuals within the PF are unaware that dual citizenship is something that benefits Zambians and not foreigners.[/pullquote]

The third step would be to involve community radio stations in promoting debate on the Constitution and collecting responses from the general public about the various provisions. This would be the most extensive radio education exercise ever conducted. Information about the Constitution would be aired in local communities in the local language of each particular community and would not be confined to the official local languages. It was after all, Nelson Mandela who wisely noted that speaking to a person in a foreign language speaks to their mind but speaking to them in their own language speaks to their heart. National and community radio stations have the means to promote and accurately record discussions on even the most complicated matter in the constitution and they can do this in the language of the community that they serve.

[pullquote]National and community radio stations have the means to promote and accurately record discussions on even the most complicated matter in the constitution and they can do this in the language of the community that they serve.[/pullquote]

Further benefits of utilising national and community radio stations are that they have the widest possible reach in even remote locations where people have no access to television and print media. Both of these information dissemination methods are not able to successfully address the lack of literacy and the need for people to understand the provisions of the Constitution in their own language. Only community radio can do this efficiently. The PF has done a tremendous job in promoting the proliferation of community radio and should not squander the opportunity to make the most of this platform for delivering its development agenda. An additional benefit is that the funds spent using this approach will benefit local communities because the money will be channelled to the many young entrepreneurs that own the majority of local radio stations as well as non-Governmental organisations that can be commissioned to prepare the content for rural education and discussions on Constitutional matters.

Conclusion

The process of creating a new Constitution is never easy and will come with great cost. It is important to understand that if the exercise is to be done right, it cannot be rushed. The PF administration must embrace the opportunity to deliver a document that will stand the test of time. If they abandon their politicking and focus as much energy on delivering a people-driven constitution as they seem to be prepared to do in dealing with their perceived political foes, they will leave a positive legacy on future generations.

Elias C. Chipimo

NAREP President
25 January 2013

Saileti Laments Zambia’s Exit

Sports

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January 30, 2013

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Ex-Zambia striker Zeddy Saileti has lamented Chipolopolo’s premature
exit from the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

Zambia became the first Nations Cup defending champions in 21 years to
be eliminated at the group stage since Algeria’s failure in 1992.

In an interview, Saileti, a member of the Zambia team that finished as
runners-up at the 1994 Africa Cup in Tunisia, said it was regrettable
for the defending champions to be knocked out in the first round.

The Nkana assistant trainer has since called for changes in the national team.

“It’s bad for champions to be eliminated but in football it happens.

We tried our best nothing happened we just have to go back to the
drawing board,” Saileti said.

“Now it’s time to infuse in young players, previously (2012 AFCON) the
old players performed well but now (2013 AFCON) Zambia has done
nothing,” the former Finland based striker added.

Zambia’s AFCON 2013 in Pictures

Photo Gallery

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January 30, 2013

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President Sata with First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba and Zambia's High Commissioner to South Africa Muyeba Chikonde leaves Hyatt Hotel in South Africa for the official opening of AFCON in SOuth Africa — President Sata with First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba and Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Muyeba Chikonde leaves Hyatt Hotel in South Africa for the official opening of AFCON in South Africa

2.

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President Sata being helped to put on a Chipolopolo Jersey by First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba as Sports minister Chishimba Kambwili looks on

4.

President Michael Sata greets the Zambia official on arrival in Nelspruit, South Africa where President Sata addressed the National Team players

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President Sata and First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba admires the Chipolopolo Jersey presented to them by National Team Captain Christopher Katongo

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captain Chris Katongo presenting a Jersey to President Sata

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President Sata trying to wear the Chipolopolo Jersey by First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba as Sports minister Chishimba Kambwili looks on

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Ntional team Players Listening to President Sata at their training base

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President Sata addresses Zambia National Team players at Protea Hotel Nelspruit in South Africa

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President Greeting National team Players

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President Sata National Team players at Protea Hotel Nelspruit in South Africa where President Sata addressed the National Team

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First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba, President Michael Sata, Sports minister Chishimba Kambwili, FAZ President Kalusha Bwalya and South African premier singing the National Anthem at Protea Hotel Nelspruit in South Africa where President Sata addressed the National Team

14.

First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba and President Michael Sata singing the national Anthem at Protea Hotel Nelspruit in South Africa where President Sata addressed the National Team players

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Winnder of the AFCON Competition to go and watch Zambia in SA — Winner of the AFCON Competition to go and watch Zambia in SA

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Zambia Soccer fans sponsored by Barclays before they departed for AFCON

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National team Players at the training Ground

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National team players at the training camp base

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Collins Mbesuma dribbles way past Ehipian Defenders

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Collins Mbesuma celebrates Zambia's only goal at AFCON from open play — Collins Mbesuma celebrates Zambia’s only goal at AFCON from open play

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Mbesuma shields the ball against the Ethiopian Defender

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Chris Katongo fights for the ball in the match between Zambia and Ethiopia

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Chisamba Lungu in Zambia Vs Ethiopia Match

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Zambia's goes down for Zambia's informous soft penaulty against Nigeria — Zambia’s goes down for Zambia’s infamous soft penalty against Nigeria

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Mbombela Local Municipality Executive Mayor Cathy Dlamini came around visiting the national team

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Zambia playing against Burkina Faso in their last match at AFCON 2013

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Vice President Guy Scott with some cabinet Ministers cheering the Zambia squard on during Zambia Vs Burkina Faso match

Herve Renard slams CAF for not allowing Zambia to represent Africa in the Confed cup

Sports

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January 30, 2013

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National Coach Renard at the training ground

Zambia coach Herve Renard has criticised African football’s ruling body CAF for not allowing them the chance to represent the continent at this year’s Confederations Cup.

According to MTNfootball.com website, Zambia, having won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012, would normally be flying the flag for Africa in Brazil, where the African flag-bearers will face world and European champions Spain, Uruguay and little Tahiti.

But due to CAF’s decision to switch the Nations Cup from even to odd-number years to avoid every second tournament clashing with a World Cup, it will be the winners of the 2013 Nations Cup, and not Zambia, who go to South America.

Renard, speaking out in the aftermath of his defending champions’ first round elimination Tuesday, felt Zambia should have been given the opportunity in a face-off against the team who will be crowned 2013 Nations Cup winners on February 10 in Soweto.

“CAF are very happy that Zambia are not going to the Confederations Cup, they think we are not sexy or famous enough to represent Africa — that’s the truth,” said the Frenchman.

He added: “It would be fairer if the winner between the 2012 Nations Cup champions and the 2013 winners went.

“But it never entered their thinking — CAF don’t want us to go. They made their decision, and it is the 2013 Cup winners who will represent Africa, not us.

“Unfortunately, we were only champions for one year.”

Zambia’s title defence ended prematurely when they suffered three successive first round stalemates to leave them stranded in third place in Group C behind Burkina Faso and Nigeria.

Despite becoming the first champions since Algeria in 1992 to fail to progress to the knockout stages, Renard praised his players.

“Everybody is sad but my players did their maximum, and I’m very proud of them.

“I loved my team tonight, I can’t play with eight defenders, if there is someone who is responsible then it’s me, not my players.

“It’s better to have won something in your life than always qualify for the quarter-finals, but never win anything.”

As for his own future as Zambia coach, Renard, who once had a brief spell at English lower-league side Cambridge United, intimated that he would still be in the post to supervise their qualifying campaign for the 2014 World Cup.

“Zambia’s not like other places in the world,” he said in a reference to the way some national coaches are asked to fall on their swords straight after a setback such as the one suffered by the fallen champions.

Zambia’s captain for the night, goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene, suggested the threadbare and sandy Mbombela Stadium pitch had played some part in Zambia’s downfall.

“The pitch contributed — we weren’t quite as efficient in front of goal. But I’m not disappointed, we were pressing them hard,” he said after the tense goalless stalemate.

ZANIS

ACC arrests 4th year student at UNZA for corruption

General News

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January 30, 2013

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Female students at the University of Zambia in their dormintary. The university faces an acute shortage of accommodation — File: Female students at the University of Zambia in their dormitory. The university faces an acute shortage of accommodation

The Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested a fourth year student at the University of Zambia for suspected corrupt practices involving K3 Million (KR 3000).

Phillip Siame, a fourth year student in the school of Education was arrested on 28th January 2013 and charged with one count of corrupt transactions by or with private bodies contrary to section 20 as read with section 41 of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012.

Details are that, Siame, on dates unknown but between 1st May 2012 and 30th June 2012 corruptly solicited for and actually received K3 million (KR 3000) cash gratification from a Lumbwe Chiwele as an inducement for Siame to facilitate the allocation of a bed space to Lumbwe Chiwele’s daughter at the University of Zambia, a matter involving a public body.

He was released on bond upon satisfying the conditions which were two (2) working sureties plus K2 million (KR 2000).
Siame appeared in Court yesterday, 29th January 2013 before Magistrate Astridah Chulu for plea.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge, and trial commences on 14th February, 2013.

PF cadres convicted of illegal land allocation escape jail time as judge issues a suspended sentence

General News

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January 30, 2013

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Six Patriotic Front cadres have been sentenced to three months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months for illegal land allocation in Lusaka.

Lusaka Magistrate, Emmie Masoja Mbewe, in passing her sentence told the six convicts that she had considered all they had said in their mitigation but that there is need to deter other would-be offenders in society.

Magistrate Mbewe said such cases have been rampant in society but that some people have been doing it because of ignorance for the law and influence from other people.

She, however, warned the six that she had suspended the three months for twelve months in which they should not commit any offence failure to which they risk being sent to prison.

The six cadres, namely Shadrick Mumba, aged 27, Philip Mwanza, 21, Richard Phiri, 24, Ackim Mwanza, 26, Clement Kamwandi, 30, and Clive Mweemba, 27, all of Lusaka’s Kanyama Township, were found guilty of criminal trespass last week.

Particulars of the offence were that the six on October 16, 2012, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, unlawfully did enter the premises of Zama Mkwamadzi with intent to destroy his property.

Last week when the matter came up, magistrate Mbewe advised the six cadres who complained of the bad state of the prison cells to go back and campaign in the cells so that the cells can be improved since they claimed to be coming from the ruling party.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Mbewe has sentenced Clement Kamwandi to three months imprisonment with hard labour for assault contrary to Section 248 of the Penal Code Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Kamwandi is alleged to have assaulted Mackmore Mbote, a nephew of Mr Mkwamadzi after he tried to stop Kamwandi and other persons unknown as they attempted to trespass on his uncle’s plot.

ZANIS

Girl narrates how bishop Matongo sexually abused her

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January 30, 2013

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Chisamba businessman Joshua Matongo , with long beard, at the magistrates court complex in Lusaka

A victim in the defilement case involving a famous Chisamba farmer and businessman of Baba Joana Church, Bishop Joshua Matonga, yesterday narrated the ordeal.

The 14-year-old girl of Chipata Compound in Lusaka who appeared before Lusaka Magistrate, Betty Malupenga, told the court that Bishop Matongo told her that he had been having sex with all the women at his farm, a situation which he said made the women to have soft skin.

The girl told the court that bishop Matongo told her that since she moved to his farm women at the farm did not respect her because she did not have sex with him.

The girl, who is currently in Grade Eight, told the court that she joined the Baba Joana Church sisterhood as per condition that her father left before he died.

She said her father told her that at the time she would turn 14 years old she should join sisterhood at Baba Joana’s Church.

She said last year when she turned 14, her mother prepared all that was required for her to join the sister hood.

The girl narrated that on February 10, last year, she went to Baba Joana Church to join where she was welcomed and introduced to the church as the new sister.

She further said after a week of staying at the church in Marapodi Compound in Lusaka, other sisters from Mr Matongos farm came to congregate and later went with her to the farm.

She explained that during the first week of her stay at the farm in Chisamba she was meant not to help out in doing any household chores or farm works.

Further, the girl said after two weeks, Bishop Matongo asked her to accompany him to the farm where she first touched her breast.

The girl said the first time he touched her on her breast she thought she might have had an insect on her shirt that he may have removed from her but to her surprise he did that twice during the same day.

She explained that on that day she did not know what to do about what happened but decided to go in her room and pray.

The girl, who confirmed to the court having not known Mr Matongo on a personal level, explained that after three days from the first field encounter bishop Matongo invited her to the field again where he told her that she should not be crossing her legs when sitting, adding that such behaviour was tantamount to closing up for him.

“Your honour, he told me that he was ever ready. He then told me that just like the mango tree grows and bares fruits so was I as I had started developing breasts, while pointing at the mango tree in the farm,” narrated that girl.

The girl narrated that after a few days, bishop Matongo sent another girl who had also gone there for sisterhood to call her whist he was in the house.

“Your honour when I entered the house I found bishop Matongo sitted on the bed with his trousers below his waist. As I was taught to be obedient as a sister I knelt down and asked why he called for me. He told me that he wanted her to search for his shoe but to my surprise he grabbed me from the back and pulled me on his bed,” narrated the girl.

The courageous girl, who was visibly strong to stand the group of people in an almost fully packed courtroom, explained that bishop Matongo forced himself on her, leaving her to bleed profusely.

The girl explained that from that day she promised herself to find a way to escape that place, adding that there was no one she could share the sad story with as she was told that all the women at the farm had sex with the same man.

She told the court that during the time she was being abused, a group of women were around and could hear her scream but no one could come to her rescue.

“Your honour, after what happened I started limping but he brought some medicine that I should take but I did not drink because I was not happy and safe staying there,” said the girl.

She said as a time came for bishop Matongo to go for a camp meeting in Zimbabwe, he left K50,000 for the five of us that were left to take care of the farm.

It was at this point that the girl and two others decided to run away from the farm and return to Lusaka as they all confessed to have been sexually abused by bishop Matongo.

Meanwhile in cross examination, Defence Lawyer, Kelvin Bwalya, asked the girl if her parents did not explain what it took for one to join sisterhood at bishop Matongo’s church.

Mr Bwalya also wondered how the church lost some money when the girls ran away as they were suspected to have broken into Mama Stephan’s house who was keeping the church’s money.

Bishop Matongo stands charged defilement of two girls contrary to Section 138 (1) Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offence are that on dates unknown but between June 1 and October 31 while in Chisamba, Matongo had carnal knowledge of girls under the ages of 16.

ZANIS

CCZ condemns continued publication of nude photos

General News

editor

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January 30, 2013

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The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) has condemned the persistence of some media houses for publishing nude photos despite wide condemnation.

Speaking to ZANIS in an interview yesterday, CCZ General Secretary, Rev Suzanne Matale said CCZ is disappointed that some media houses have continued to publish nude photos with impunity in this era when the country is struggling with gender based violence.

Rev Matale stated that CCZ will continue to condemn such acts until the situation changes.

She expressed concern that exposing children to such indecent photos will promote bad behaviour as children do whatever they see.

Rev Matale said there is a danger of nudity becoming a norm if nothing is done to stop the bad morals the concerned media are promoting.

And Rev Matale has expressed concern at the lack of a proper regulatory system to monitor churches in the country.

She stated that the lack of this regulatory system is the cause of criminals posing to be pastors just to swindle people.

Rev Matale cautioned members of the public to be weary of people who call themselves pastors without any proof, as there are many false prophets who have invaded the country.

ZANIS

LCC intercepts, destroys beef for not satisfying the criteria for public consumption

Health

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January 30, 2013

12

The Lusaka City Council (LCC) yesterday morning burnt a total of 549.9 kg of beef for not satisfying the criteria for public consumption.

LCC Assistant Public Relations Manager, Mulunda Habeenzu, disclosed to ZANIS that the local authority intercepted the two open vans carrying the meat as they were about to enter Lusaka from Chibombo district.

Mr Habeenzu explained that the drivers of the intercepted vans did not have documents to prove that the meat had been inspected by health authorities and fit for human consumption.

He further explained that the drivers had also contravened the Public Health Act Regulation Number 42 which demands that the vehicle carrying the meat must be of van type, totally covered, braced with iron and be dust and weather proof.

Mr Habeenzu noted that the offenders did not meet this criterion as they were using open vans to transport the meat, thereby exposing the meat to dust.

He explained that after explaining the offences to the two people transporting the meat, they were agreeable and surrendered it to the council.

Mr Habeenzu said the meat has since been burnt and offenders set free.
H e said this is because the Act states that offenders can be set free if they surrender the meat.

Mr Habeenzu cautioned businessmen who deal in food stuffs to avoid inconvenience and adhere to the Public Health Act.

He stated that inspection of meat and other food will not be restricted to Lusaka only, adding that the LCC will work with district councils countrywide to ensure that food being sold to the public meets health standards.

ZANIS

Lusaka Constitution Convention introduce attendance register to deal with delegates just coming for allowances

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January 30, 2013

29

Lusaka Constitution Convention introduce attendance register to deal with delegates just coming for allowances

The Lusaka Provincial Consultative Constitution Convention, which opened on Monday, has agreed to introduce an attendance register which will be conducted in the morning and afternoon to deter delegates from absconding from sessions.

Some members of the convention observed that the number of delegates is decreasing, a situation which might leave the house with few people if measures are not put in place.

Fr Gabriel Mwanamwale, a delegate from Chongwe District, observed that some delegates are only interested in the financial gain and not the core duty to represent their various districts and sectors.

Fr Mwanamwale noted that some delegates were not present on the second day after getting their allowances for logistics which he said meant that they were only concerned with the financial gain and not the constitution.

The Catholic Priest further suggested that a register be introduced besides the normal registration forms in order to identify candidates who are skipping sessions after receiving allowances.

The clergy man observed that the trend might continue if the house pays a deaf ear on it, hence the need for the house to agree on the punishment for perpetrators.

In response to the proposal, chairperson of the convention, Fr Leonard Chiti, advised delegates to realize the trust the people they represent have bestowed on them by appointing them as delegates to such an important forum.

Fr Chiti urged all delegates to be responsible enough by ensuring that they observe punctuality and avoid absenteeism which he said is slap on the face of the people they represent.

He ruled in fovour of the proposer that a register be called in the afternoon as well but strongly urged delegates to regulate themselves.

Meanwhile, another delegate has called on the members of the Technical Committee on Drafting the Zambian Constitution not to interfere with the deliberations.

Elijah Ngwale, a delegate representing people who are blind, stated that members of the committee should allow delegates to debate freely without being ruled out or interjected.

Mr Ngwale noted that the presence of members of the technical committee might instil fear in some delegates but his fellow delegate, Charles Mumena, dispelled such sentiments, saying their presence is to explain certain terms and articles that most delegates cannot comprehend.

And Deputy Chairperson of the Technical Committee, Julius Sakala, assured the house that the committee will not in any way influence and interfere in the deliberations.

Dr Sakala stressed that his members are only in the house to offer consultancy aid if called upon and to observe how delegates are tackling clauses and articles.

The convention, which opened on Monday, has entered day two and the house has started discussing the district resolutions in their respective thematic groups.

Ten working groups have been formulated to closely look at various articles as submitted by seven districts of Lusaka province.

ZANIS

SIM registration as the process is absolutely free-ZICTA

General News

editor

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January 30, 2013

10

Some sim registration agents are charging customers who wish to register their cards, the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) has disclosed.

Speaking during a ZICTA workshop for the Parliamentary Committee on Information and Communication, ZICTA Deputy Director General Magarette Mudenda said it was unfortunate that some sim registration agents are making the sim registration process complicated by demanding for a fee from people registering their cards.

Ms. Mudenda has since reminded members of the public that they are not supposed to pay for the sim registration as the process is absolutely free.

A number of people in rural areas are the victims of these unscrupulous agents.

And Ms. Mudenda has assured members of the public not to worry about their phone conversations because that no mobile service provider has the capacity to monitor phone calls even after sim card registration.

She said it was important that fears of deprivation of privacy be dispelled as sim registration is only meant to create a database that will help in quality service delivery.

She further said ZICTA has deliberately not set the deadline for sim registration as it still wants to access the response from the public.

And reacting to a concerns raised by Senga Hills Member of Parliament Kapembwa Simbao who wanted to know how old people who do not have national registration cards will register their card, Ms. Mudenda said ZICTA will issue a directive to mobile phone service providers to apply the same criteria used for minors.

Meanwhile, ZICTA Head of Information and Consumer Protection Katwamba Mwansa revealed that 48 out of 52 African countries had already done sim registration by October last year.

Mr. Mwansa explained that the exercise was meant to protect members of the public by helping in tracking criminals.

And ZICTA Projects Manager Bwalya Mwango disclosed that ZICTA will soon put up 144 GSM towers in chiefdoms countrywide.

Mr. Mwango said these towers will cost KR 240 million.

He said out of a total of 288 chiefdoms in Zambia, 118 do not have GSM service.

He explained that ZICTA also hopes to transform the education sector through Information Communication Technology systems (ICTs).

Mr. Mwango said the biggest challenge ZICTA was facing in promoting ICTs was the lack of a local computer manufacturing company.

He said this makes ICT equipment expensive.

He also cited the lack of inclusion of ICT in the education curriculum as another challenge.

ZANIS

ZICTA to open police forensic laboratories to help curb cyber crime

General News

editor

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January 30, 2013

8

The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) will soon open regional forensic laboratories under the Zambia Police to help curb cyber crime.

ZICTA Cyber Security Manager Choolwe Nalubamba said currently, it was hard for police to track down cyber criminals due to lack of knowledge and infrastructure.

Mr. Nalubamba said this in a presentation to the Parliamentary Committee on Information and Communication during a ZICTA workshop in Lusaka today.

He explained that the regional laboratories were meant to help scale up security of internet users countrywide.

Mr. Nalubamba noted that currently, law enforcement agencies were responding slowly to cyber crime.

He revealed that ZICTA has also formed a Computer Incidence Response Team (CIRT) which conducts awareness programmes on internet safety.

Meanwhile, ZICTA Licensing Manager Isaac Nonde said only 5,000 post boxes were currently in existence countrywide.

These post boxes are serving a population of about 12 million people.

Mr. Nonde said ZICTA has also embarked on a project to replace broken street name posters and to number houses that have no house numbers.

He said some human settlements did not have any street names or house numbers, making it difficult to effectively delivery services to such places.

Mr. Nonde also explained that the project will be done in two phases.

He said the first phase, which is the pilot phase currently being done in Lusaka at the cost of KR 5 million, will be completed in the next 60 days.

He said another KR5 million will be spent in implementing the project on the remaining part of Lusaka which will not be covered in phase one.

Mr. Nonde said KR4 million will be used for the similar project in Livingstone.

He said ZICTA will have to source for more funds to roll out the project to other parts of the country.
Mr. Nonde said the exercise will help improve the response of emergency systems in the country, adding that it will also help revive the physical delivery of mail and parcels.

ZANIS

It’s Our Fault Says Renard

Sports

sports

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January 30, 2013

122

Isaac Chansa with an opportunity to score that went begging

Herve Renard puts on a brave face after Zambia’s embarrassing exit from the 2013 Africa Cup on January 29 at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit earned them the tag of outgoing champions.

A 0-0 draw against Burkina Faso on Tuesday night was enough to boot the 2012 champions out of this year’s Africa Cup and end a 20-year record previously held by Algeria who exited the 1992 tournament with one point at the preliminary round.

“We had three draws and it was not enough to qualify. It is our fault,” Renard said.

Renard lamented that their biggest mistake was failing to beat a 10-man Ethiopia who outplayed them and rally to force a 1-1 draw in their opening Group c match on January 21.

“We have gone nine games at the Africa without losing which is a good record but it is not enough since we are not reaching the quarterfinals,” Renard said.

Meanwhile, Renard also justified his reasons for the historic benching of his faithful captain Christopher Katongo from the game after the player had come under heavy attack following his uninspiring display in Zambia’s last two Group C games.

“This football and in football there is competition,” Renard said.

“We don’t only have one striker in or squad. You need to be efficient.”

Zambia finished third in Group C on three points, two behind leaders Burkina Faso and Nigeria who advanced to the February 3 quarterfinals in first and second place.

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