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The Ministry of Education’s neglect of the Career department

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File:Some Lusaka based pupils captured during the national youth symposium in Lusaka

By Passionate Educator

Editor, allow me to express my disappointment on some Provincial Education Officers, District Education Board Secretaries and other personnel for failing establish Career and Counseling department as instructed in the circular released on July 22, 2012. The circular said all learning institutions should be equipped with qualified people to carry out career activities so as to assist student, but until now nothing or little have been done.

It is clear that in Zambia Parents, administrators, teachers and students still wonder just what it is school counselors do on a daily basis. Why do we need school counsellors anyway? On a daily basis, school counselors are involved in character education, violence prevention, career planning and much more. In our nation, learners have benefited very little from the current system. School counselors are an important part of the educational leadership team and provide valuable assistance to students regardless of whether they work in an elementary school or middle school, high school or beyond. Today’s education requires school counsellors who are vital members of the education team and not ceremonial members as it has been. This is because they help all students in the areas of academic achievement,personal/social development and career development, ensuring today’s students become the productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow.

But in Zambia education gives students knowledge which they fail to apply in real life situations and this is a work of the career and guidance.
The minister is a psychologist he has more knowledge on this one and I strongly believe this department will be as important as those in UK
and USA.

In this regards, I call upon the Minister of Education and the newly appointed permanent secretary to ensure the functioning of career department in schools become a reality. They should also be motivating these service providers, pay them according to their qualification.Special responsibility allowance should only be given in special cases when the school do not have a qualified teacher in the subject. One wonders why the ministry of education have continued giving responsibility allowance to teachers offering career and counselling services to learners instead of calling those with relevant papers and stop resource wasting.

The unions should also take interest in this so that the education in Zambia can give learners what they need outside the classroom. They should also stand for those teachers with qualifications in Psychology, Guidance and Counseling and recognize the importance work they offer in learning institutions.

They have to be paid as per their qualification after all scales in the ministry are given in regards to certificate, diplomas and degrees not for subjects one offers. I hope PTUZ, ZNUT, SESTUZ AND BETUZ carry out this task which has never been tabled before and help their members.To you with qualifications in this field demand your dues from your able government since your representative have never done that. Hold union your union leaders responsible for being treated you like this for a long time.

Standard Chartered Bank Zambia CEO wins the “CEO of the Year” Award in Zambia

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STANDARD Chartered Bank managing director Mizinga Melu
STANDARD Chartered Bank managing director Mizinga Melu

Standard Chartered Zambia PLC Chief Executive Officer, Mizinga Melu was awarded the CEO of the Year Award during the ZICA 2012 Annual Gala Dinner by the Deputy Minister of Finance Hon. Miles Sampa at the Hotel Inter-Continental in Lusaka on Friday, 7th December, 2012. The award was in recognition of her visionary and outstanding leadership to the Bank.
Mrs. Melu leads a Bank that has been recognised for its leadership in financial performance and delivery of high quality innovative products and services.

Standard Chartered has in the recent past received the Bank of the Year Award in light of its strong international presence, and the breadth of projects that it has undertaken to broaden its product offering and service quality.

With over 106 years of on-the-ground presence and expertise, Standard Chartered Bank consistently delivers convenient and innovative banking products and services to clients operating in Zambia. Pioneering services, such as Priority Banking, and award-winning channel technologies, like Internet Banking, have strengthened the Bank’s franchise considerably in Zambia’s increasingly competitive environment in 2012.

Standard Chartered continues to make a difference in the community. As part of its US$1 million “Seeing is Believing” eye-care programme in North Western Zambia as well as another US$1 million eye-care programme in Southern Zambia, the Bank has also refurbished Choma and Monze Hospital Eye Units and donated cataract kits, eye microscopes and a bipolar cautery.

Standard Chartered Bank is integral to the development of Zambia as demonstrated by our continued position as the lead bank in the retail, agriculture and mining sectors. Mrs Melu stated “We are proud of the standards we have set, and we say a big thank you to our customers for their loyalty and continued support. We could not have done this without them.”

TAZARA and Zambia Railways sign co-operation deal between the two railways

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Chief Executives of Zambia Railways Limited Clive Chirwa
Chief Executives of Zambia Railways Limited Clive Chirwa

THE Chief Executives of Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) and Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL), Mr Akashambatwa Mbikusita-Lewanika and Professor Clive Chirwa, over the weekend signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide for the enhancement of co-operation between the two railways.

Mr Mbikusita-Lewanika said that the meeting with his counterpart had advanced the process of defining and mapping out how best to smoothen and expand rail transportation across rail systems, with the aim of better facilitation of trade and development in Southern and Eastern Africa.

“The signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Zambia Railways and TAZARA is to be followed by a comprehensive agreement on business cooperation and implementation arrangements,” Mr Mbikusita-Lewanika said.

This is contained in a statement released by TAZARA public relations manager Conrad Simuchile.

Mr Mbikusita-Lewanika expressed gratitude for Prof. Chirwa’s “encouraging contribution towards a renewed and reinvigorated chapter in the relationship between the twin railway systems, following the decision by the Government of Zambia to revoke the concession of ZRL.”

He affirmed that “TAZARA was committed and eager to cooperate with ZRL to determine and implement the progressive and good business goal of proving railway customers with a seamless service between Lubumbashi and Dar es Salaam.”

And Prof. Chirwa during the same signing accepted TAZARA‘s invitation to travel later this month to Dar es Salaam for the next round of discussions, where the main business agreement shall be finalized and signed, together with agreements for operational arrangements.

The two Chief Executives are later expected to meet with their counterpart in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Chief Executive for SNCC), in order to bring the Congolese Railway systems on board with these joint efforts to increase the rail market share on the Dar es Salaam Corridor from the current unsatisfactorily low 10% to 40% within the shortest possible time.

This is a proposition being passed on from a business meeting held in Dar es Salaam a few weeks ago, at which senior officers of ZRL and TAZARA agreed to join efforts and resources towards reviving and enhancing rail traffic levels on the Dar es Salaam Corridor and providing customers with a seamless service.

The objective is for the railway systems to allow each other’s locomotives and wagons into each other’s railway spheres, when it makes business sense and when it is in the interest of customers.

This is intended as a contribution to reducing the cost and inconvenience of doing business with railways systems, by avoiding forcing customers to tranship cargo at Kapiri Mposhi.

Zone 6 Roundup: Gold Rush Hits Judo

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Zambia had a bright Sunday on day two of the Zone 6 Youth Games when the Judo team produced a medal haul.

Zambia won five gold medals, three silver and one bronze on the first day of the two-day Judo event taking place at the Olympic Youth Development Centre.

Abigail Chindele won gold in the 48KG so too did Nokutula Banda in the 62KG event and Memory Kanyemba also picked up gold in the 44KG.

And in the boys category, Steven Mun’gandu and Joshua Nyondo also won gold.

Meanwhile swimmer Ralph Goveia won Zambia’s second medal in the pool.

Goveia won a bronze in the 200 meters individual medal.

He joins Tilka Paljk who won bronze in the girls 50 meters breast stroke.

And boxing medal hopes are looking bright after all seven boxers won their opening bouts on Saturday at Mulungushi International Conference Centre.

 

In session two on day two on Sunday, light welterweight Charles Lumbwe lost his first fight losing 7-6 to South African Richard Da Silva.

They were wins in that midday session for lightweight Lawrence Mukuta and welterweight Ben Sakutamba over Babui Tshephang of Botswana and  South African Robert Khumalo respectively.

North Western Province Constitution Delegates unanimously call for a Federal State

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North Western Province MPs at the Development Meeting
FILE: North Western Province MPs at the Development Meeting

Delegates at the just-ended Provincial Constitution Convention in North Western Province have unanimously resolved to change the system of governance from a unitary to a federal state.

Three traditional leaders, namely Chief Munjimanjovu, Senior Chief Kanongesha and Chieftainess Nyakuleng’a submitted that a unitary state does not blend well with some clauses in the preamble of the draft constitution such as commit, recognise and uphold.

They further submitted that a unitary state was a recipe for dictatorship.

And Solwezi Central Member of Parliament, Lucky Mulusa, submitted that the people of North Western Province stood for a federal state.

He said that even if a federal system of governance was not adopted nationally, history will remain to the future generations to learn that the people of North-Western Province stood for it.

Meanwhile, Committee Member, Mwangala Zaloumis, said the draft constitution was written based on a unitary State, hence certain elements will have to be redone.

Ms Zaloumis explained that if the whole nation adopted a federal system of governance then the whole draft constitution will have to be revisited.

And Professor Patrick Mvunga explained that the previous constitution commissions, namely the Mvuinga, Mwanakatwe and Mung’omba have adopted for a unitary State.

ZANIS

Kapoko’s acquittal disappoints British government

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Former ministry of health human resources manager Henry Kapoko (c)

As Zambia today joins the rest of the World in Commemorating the International Anti Corruption Day, the British government is disappointed with the acquittal of former Ministry of Health Human Resources Manager Henry Kapoko who was facing various counts of corruption.

British High Commissioner to Zambia James Thornton has however welcomed the move by the Anti corruption Commission to appeal the Magistrate court’s decision.

Mr. Thornton says the Anti corruption Commission is the country’s cornerstone in the fight against graft and that his government looks forward to key financial management reforms in Zambia.

He says his government will help the country in bringing to justice those found wanting of corrupt practices.

And ACC Chairperson Judge Timothy Kabalata says with the prevailing political will shown by the PF government, the corruption crusade will yield positive results.

Judge Kabalata has since urged all Zambians to take an active role in ensuring that the vice is successfully eradicated.

Meanwhile, Transparency International Zambia Chapter Vice President Kalungu Mwansa says there is need to go beyond the domestication of International conventions against corruption and fight graft head on.

Mr. Mwansa observes that the fight against by the PF has not translated into tangible results.

QFM

Sata hails the church for assisting govt fight against GBV

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Michael Chilufya Sata, President of the Republic of Zambia
President Sata

President Michael Sata has praised the Church in Zambia for their dedicated role in assisting Government fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the nation.

President Sata said the Church in the country should be hailed for partnering with the Ministry of Gender and Child Development in eradicating GBV which has been on the increase in the country.

Mr Sata said this when he officiated at the Inter-Denomination Church Service marking the end of the commemoration of the 16 days of activism against Gender Based Violence held at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka today.

The Head of State also praised the United Nations System in Zambia which has also contributed greatly in the fight against the vice and urged them to continue with the good gesture.

Mr Sata said the 16 days of activism, which was held on the theme “Gender Based Violence (GBV) Zero Tolerance Now”, was in line with Government’s motives in fighting the ugly vice which he said needed to be tackled as a matter of urgency.

He stressed that Government draws a lot of strength from the support given by the Church in Zambia in trying to eradicate the vice.

“We are, therefore, more determined as Government and the nation at large to stand as one to create peace, harmony, joy and love so that every man, woman, boy or girl feels safer at home, outdoors and anywhere at any time in the nation,” President Sata said.

The Head of State further disclosed that Government has put in place measures in place to address such concerns and more effort is being directed to ensure that safety and peace among people in the nation are secured at all times.

Mr Sata also stressed that the church should continue praying for love, peace, joy and prosperity to continue abiding in all Zambians and residents alike, adding that Gender Based Violence goes against the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation.

“As Zambians, we need to defend the human rights of men, women, boys and girls whose lives have been turned upside down due to the painful impact of Gender Based Violence which usually manifest in fear, harm, destruction and murder,” he said.

He noted that such survivors depend on people’s voices so that their suffering and bondage can be removed, not just today, but forever.

And speaking earlier, Minister of Gender and Child Development, Inonge Wina, thanked President Sata for his tireless effort in fighting Gender Based Violence in the country.

Ms Wina said she is optimistic that the Patriotic Front administration will, as a matter of urgency, address the scourge in the quickest possible time.

She said there is no doubt that Government will fulfil the resolutions which were made at the Great Lakes Summit held in June, 2012, which declared zero tolerance to Gender Based Violence among member states.

The Gender Minister also thanked the church and co-operating partners for their marvellous support to Government in fighting the scourge.

Meanwhile, First Republican President, Kenneth Kaunda, said Gender Based Violence should never be tolerated in the country.

Dr Kaunda, who narrated how he loved her 66 year old late wife, Betty, said his late wife was there for him in every situation and urged men and women in the country to emulate such behaviours.

The former Head of State also praised the First Lady, Christine Kaseba Sata, for her dedication in the fight against breast and cervical cancers as well as Gender Based Violence in the country

Dr Kaunda noted that whenever the First lady went for an international gathering outside the country, she always brought glory to the nation due to her marvellous works.

He urged Dr Kaseba to continue supporting her husband as he presides over the affairs of the beautiful nation, Zambia.

And Christian Council of Churches president, Alfred Kalembo, said women have suffered enough at the hands of ruthless husbands and called on those who perpetrate the vice to be dealt with severely.

Dr Kalembo said husbands and wives should learn to love one another if cases of Gender Based Violence were to be eradicated in Zambia.

He said the church should continue fighting the vice until it is eradicated completely in the nation for the victims to be able to enjoy their lives in a peaceful environment.

And Zambia Episcopal Conference Secretary General, Cleopas Lungu, who spoke on behalf of the three church mother bodies, said the church will not rest but continue working with Government and other co-operating partiers in fighting Gender Based Violence in the country.

Fr Lungu appealed to civil societies in the nation not to leave the fight against the vice to the church and Government alone but join hands together in order to win the battle.

He lamented that so many lives of late have been lost in the country and called on all those involved in the scourge to double their efforts in fighting Gender Based Violence.

ZANIS

Some PF Ministers are working with MMD-Kabimba

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PF Secretary General Wynter Kabimba
PF Secretary General Wynter Kabimba

PF Secretary General Wynter Kabimba has made a shocking revelation that some serving cabinet ministers have divided loyalty between the PF and other political parties.

Mr. Kabimba said there are some senior PF members including Ministers, MP’s and members of the party’s Central Committee that have divided loyalty.

He said he is extremely concerned that such members are traitors and are selling confidential party information to other political parties.

“Let me say this to the nation that as Secretary General of this party, I’m extremely concerned that some of our senior members including Ministers are working against this party, they selling information to the MMD to bring confusion to the PF.”

Mr. Kabimba advised the general PF membership to be on the lookout for such members and ensure that the interests of the party are safeguarded.

The PF Secretary General was speaking in Lusaka this morning when he officially opened the PF Lusaka Province Consultative Conference.

[pullquote]“I don’t subscribe to these democratic theories that the party should be separated from government because in 2016, Zambians will not ask government workers questions, they will be asking you and me whether we have delivered on our promises.”[/pullquote]
And Mr. Kabimba has told PF members that they will only get appointed to senior party or government positions if they exhibit high levels of loyalty to the party.

He said President Michael Sata will only appoint loyal PF members to key positions adding that those that show lack of loyalty will be left out.

Mr. Kabimba said the PF is the only party that can offer better services to its members since it is the party in government and urged all members to stay united.

“This is where the honey is, some of these parties only have bees, in the PF, you will find the honey and the bees,” Mr. Kabimba told a cheering crowd of party leaders.

Meanwhile, Mr Kabimba stated that the PF has a duty to supervise all government programmes and operations.

He said PF members should take an interest in ensuring that all civil servants are delivering according to the expectations of the party.

Mr. Kabimba said he would not hesitate to recommend that any civil servants frustrating the PF programmes be fired immediately.

He said PF members have the mandate to ensure that their government workers adopt the party programmes.

“I don’t subscribe to these democratic theories that the party should be separated from government because in 2016, Zambians will not ask government workers questions, they will be asking you and me whether we have delivered on our promises.”

“Our party will be an authority on all government programmes,” Mr. Kabimba declared.

The gathering attracted party leaders from all districts in Lusaka province included the realigned Chirundu and new districts such as Shibuyunji and Rufunsa.

Mayuka Stays benched At Southampton

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Chipolopolo striker Emmanuel Mayuka has continued warming the bench at his English Premiership side Southampton ahead of next month’s Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

Mayuka was an unused substitute in Southampton’s 1-0 win over Reading at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday.

Jason Puncheon’s second-half goal earned Southampton a vital victory against Reading, lifting the Saints out of the bottom three and leaving the Royals second bottom and six points from safety.

Mayuka has played six times for Southampton since joining the team from Swiss side Young Boys in August.

His last played for Southampton was on November 5 in a 2-0 away loss to West Brom.

On 30 October, Southampton manager Nigel Adkins handed Mayuka his first start in his side’s 3-0 League Cup quarterfinal loss to Leeds United.

Meanwhile, South Africa based striker Collins Mbesuma continued with his tip-top form in the ABSA Premiership on Saturday scoring a goal in Orlando Pirates’ 1-1 draw against Kaiser Chiefs in the Soweto Derby.

Mbesuma scored in the first half for the Buccaneers, but Lehlohonolo Majoro’s eighth League goal of the season meant Chiefs got the draw – and maintain their three-point lead in the standings.

Pirates thought they had a second when Mbesuma netted after what looked like a backpass by Katsande, but the assistant referee ruled it offside and the striker was replaced by Benni McCarthy after 71 minutes.

Coach Herve Renard is this week expected to announce the provisional Chipolopolo squad ahead of the 2013 Africa.

Acting As If…..

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By Mazala Zulu

One of the most powerful secrets of success is something that you already know and did very well as a small child.

I remember as a child, my friends and I would pretend to be pilots, teachers, or doctors and we did it very well. Simply because at that time we were that person we wanted to be. As an adult, you can tap into your creativity by acting like the person you want to become. Acting as if you are already where you want to be sends powerful commands to your subconscious mind to find creative ways to achieve your goals.How would you act if you already had achieved your dream? What type of clothes would you be wearing? Who would you have as friends? How would you treat others? Would you have more self-confidence? Have a better attitude? Would you take more time to spend with your loved ones?

Most people I know think that if they have a lot of money, they could do the things they want to do, and then they would be much happier. In fact, the reverse is true. The outer experience of acting as if creates the inner experience – the millionaire mind-set – Have you noticed that there is a pattern with real successful people, it being here in Zambia or around the world? They exude self-confidence, they ask for what they want, and they are not shy to say what they don’t want. They think anything is possible, they take risks and celebrate their successes. They save a portion of their income and share a portion with others. You can do all of these things now, before you ever become rich and successful. By doing so, you start drawing to the people and you bond with your subconscious mind that will help you achieve your goals.[pullquote]How would you act if you already had achieved your dream?[/pullquote]
You may not be able to fill your closets with expensive Italian suits and designer clothing right now. But you could invest in one or two really great outfits, so that when you do need them, they are there. When you dress like you have already made it, you will look the part, and successful people will naturally be attracted to you and invite you to participate with them.

I recently attended a seminar, and in their programme they had an exercise called – “Come as You’ll Be going for a Party”-. Everyone socializes with other participants as if they were at a cocktail party. However, they must act as if they have already achieved all of their financial goals and have everything they want in life.After about ten minutes, we stopped and were asked about the exercise and the participants had to share how they were feeling. People reported feeling excited, passionate, positive, supportive, generous, self-confident, happy and content.We were then asked to look at our inner feelings – both emotional and physiological – were different, even though in reality our outer circumstances had not changed. We had begun to feel like millionaires simply by acting as if we were.

When acting as if…. The proper order is to first identify who you want to be when you’ve achieved your goals, create an inner state of happiness, confidence and abundance.Then do the actions that go along with being that new person. Because these actions are inspired from your inner state of success, they’ll ultimately lead you to achieving your goals and having all the things you ultimately desire.

TIP: Being successful is not a hard task, we just make it so complicated ourselves.

What counts – President Sata’s Decree or Democracy?

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President Michael Sata
President Michael Sata

By Rev K.Kaoma

When I questioned whether President Sata was practicing the politics of “animal farm” – where his cadres are above the law – PF adherents rancorously attacked me. My worries are confirmed – ACC can only investigate top PF officials with presidential consent. So much for “zero tolerance policy against corruption” – PF style! After I analyzed Nevers Mumba’s leadership in MMD and warned that his party was at the blink of extinction, his cadres did not see the light until now – at least if they can read the signs of the time. And when I wrote on UPND President Hakainde Hichilema and his failure to shed off his party’s image as a tribal party, his cadres called me all sorts of names. In the end, I have received praise from MMD, UPND and PF cadres – depending on which party I critique.I am encouraged by such responses since they enhance democracy in the nation. In fact, I wish all newspapers and writers took my stance – call a spade a spade. I am used to being criticized – having written for international audiences in both popular and academic media. But such reactions also expose grave misapprehension of democracy in our nation. [pullquote]Zambia is bigger than PF, MMD or UPND.[/pullquote]

Belonging to a party does not mean relinquishing our rights to question the judgment of our politicians. We have the duty to defend democracy, not only in the nation but in political parties as well. Politicians will use their powers to build their personal cults if left without accountability. So we should not give HH a pass when he and his followers utter tribal statements in the nation. Neither should we praise Nevers Mumba’s when his followers attack Major Richard Kachingwe. Moreover, we should not justify President Sata’s public humiliation of the ACC officials and the shielding of Kabimba. Regardless of our party affiliations, these actions are not just “unfortunate” as Madam Edith Nawakwi wants us to believe – but detrimental to good governance.Please let us build a culture of rule of law at all levels. There is no PF, MMD, or UPND Zambian – we have “One Zambia” and “One Nation!” We all carry one passport – Zambian, and Zambia is bigger than PF, MMD or UPND. Like UNIP, these parties may disappear before our own eyes, but Zambia will remain. It is from this perspective that I write my articles.

Across the globe, we are known for our love of country. Such pride is not matched by economic development, nonetheless. We remain among the least developed nations. The so called “The University of Zambia” remains a historic ruin – incomplete and with no books, halls of residences or adequate staffing. Our hospitals are only by name, while district and city councils are nothing but ruling party’s organizing “tuntemba” – social services are almost non-existent. Does this gloomy state of affairs warrant President Sata’s declarations – bringing development by one man’s decree? I beg to differ.[pullquote]“Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.”[/pullquote]

Personally, I don’t believe that the president is all knowing or that all his declarations should automatically translate into policy. We are a democracy – rule of the people, by the people, for the people. People ought to have a say in matters that affect them. It seems we are slowly redefining democracy to be “rule of the president, by the president, for the president.”Ruling by presidential declarations is nothing new to Zambian politics. In our 48 years of independence, political rhetoric overshadows rational decision-making. Just after independence, President Kaunda declared that Zambians should form cooperatives. When this failed, he declared that Zambians should go back to the land. These programs were heavily funded but failed to achieve their intended results. Under Chiluba, the sale of houses and liquidations of companies are examples. Aside from making politicians rich, these programs failed as well. President Levy Mwanawasa declared the Nchito led “Task Force on Corruption.” We spent millions of dollars on this project but failed it failed. By the way, what happened to the Winter Maize project? President Rupiya Banda’s ideology of the solar geyser and mobile clinics programs followed this tradition. It is said, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.”

[pullquote]Failure to do so, no matter how many declarations you will make, they will go with you once you leave office and your officials will be hurled into our now famous filthy prisons. Just ask those who worked with Banda and Chiluba – it is the reality of Zambian politics![/pullquote]

In my forthcoming book, Raised Hopes, Shattered Dreams, I advocate infrastructure development as essential to economic development. I also call for more investments in higher education and other social services. President Sata seems to be doing exactly this. However, in a democracy, he needs to do it with the people. The PF government has repeatedly told us that the civil service is highly corrupt and must be cleansed. Well, before addressing “rampart corruption,” the president has already started investing in expensive ventures – stadiums, link Zambia, universities, new provincial headquarters in Southern and Muchinga Provinces, new districts and of course Zambia National Service for high school leavers without telling us how much they will cost or how they will be funded.

Needless to say, these moves will aid PF victory in 2016. All these projects will create much needed jobs for PF cadres and chief among them is the District Commissioner. Such appointees will provide PF with an extra advantage in mobilizing voters in many areas. On the economic front, however, the creation of districts has budgetary implications. What is the cost of running one district? How many civil servants are expected to staff it? What infrastructures do we need? How about transportation and communication needs?Worse still, the President declared new universities at the time when current ones are on life machine – no books, adequate staffing and even basic university services. So why open new ones before upgrading old ones to international standards? I guess very few Zambians can answer these questions. Stephen A. Quick is right. Presidential declarations or ideological programs fail because they are “characterized by multiple, ambiguous and non-measurable goals; high expectations, political popularity, resource availability, politicized leadership of the implementation organization and immunity from public criticism.” For instance, under which ministry are these projects being managed? How is the money being accounted for and who manages these funds? These are important administrative and policy issues that deserve critical analysis by all concerned Zambians.

Here then is my word to PF; provide us with a comprehensive national development plan. Thereafter, give us an opportunity to adopt it as our national development plan. Once we own it, we will ensure that every government that comes to power will honor it. Failure to do so, no matter how many declarations you will make, they will go with you once you leave office and your officials will be hurled into our now famous filthy prisons. Just ask those who worked with Banda and Chiluba – it is the reality of Zambian politics!

Reach Out

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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
(Matthew 25:40, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

The way to tell how mature you are is by the way you treat people who can’t do anything for you. We can all be kind to the boss. He may give us a promotion. We can all be friendly to the popular person at school. If they like us, everybody will be our friend. That’s easy. But if we’re going to live the way God intends, we’ve got to learn to be good to everyone. Jesus said, “When you do good to the least of these, you’re doing it unto Me.” When you go out of your way to befriend the person that everyone shuns, Jesus said, “It’s like you’re doing it unto Me.”

Instead of rushing by the parking lot attendant you see at work each day, why don’t you take time to see how they’re doing? That person at the office that others ignore, why don’t you reach out to them and share the love of Jesus? We build the kingdom of God one life at a time. Show love, show His goodness, tell people about salvation through Christ. As you reach out and help others, just like a boomerang, that help will come right back to you, and you’ll move forward into the blessing and destiny He has prepared for you.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I desire to always honor You. Help me to see the needs of the people around me. Help me to treat them the way You would treat them. Show me how to help others rise higher and sow good seeds into them in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

MMD clears the debt with the Registrar of Societies

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

The MMD has settled its controversial three hundred and ninety million Kwacha statutory fees with the Registrar of Societies.

Both MMD President Dr. Nevers Mumba and Registrar of Societies Clement Andeleki has confirmed the development after a closed door meeting.

Dr. Mumba told journalists that he visited the Registrar of Societies this morning to reaffirm his party’s position for dialogue whenever they were contentious issues that needed to be ironed out.

The former ruling party had not been paying statutory fees for its branches, a move that compelled the Registrar of Societies to de register the former Ruling party.

Registrar of Societies, Clement Andeleki said that his office is not there to persecute any organisation.

Mr. Andeleki has refused to comment on Dr Mumba’s alleged dual party membership with the Reform Party and the MMD.

Meanwhile, THE opposition MMD is facing a more than K90 million law suit for failure to refurbish its former headquarters at the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) building in Lusaka.

The party has been given a seven-day ultimatum in which to settle the outstanding amount.

NAPSA has pegged K90,629,994.96 for repair works at Lusaka House.

This is contained in a letter signed by NAPSA Legal Secretary Mutinta Mulonda, dated December 6, 2012, obtained by the Times in Lusaka yesterday.

“Following the conversation this afternoon between your Ms Sue Clayton and the undersigned, we would like to re-confirm our instructions for issuance of litigation against the MMD for the recovery of the sum of K90,629,994.96 for repair works at Lusaka House as soon as possible,” Ms Mulonda stated in the letter addressed to the company lawyers.

And in correspondence from the NAPSA lawyers to the MMD legal representatives, Messrs SBN Legal Practitioners, and copied to the NAPSA legal secretary, the law firm stated that “our client advises us that your client has failed to carry out any refurbishment of the Lusaka House property as agreed or to make any payment to enable our client to undertake the works.

“We have been instructed to demand payment of K90 million to our client within 7 days from the date hereof failure to which we shall institute legal proceedings to recover the same plus interest at the Bank of Zambia lending rate. It is our desire to see this matter settled ex curia,” the letter reads.

The MMD occupied Lusaka House during the time it was in power but relocated to Rhodes Park afterwards.

Solwezi chiefs threaten to boycott constitution convention

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A family in Solwezi district narrating folk tales

Traditional leaders sitting at the Provincial Constitution Convention in Solwezi yesterday threatened to boycott the proceedings after they claimed that their views were not being adopted in the draft constitution.

Chieftainess Nyakuleng’a, together with Chief Mujimanjovu, both threatened to leave the house because they felt their presence was not relevant towards the convention.

This was after their proposal to completely remove clauses (3) (a) of Article 63 of the draft constitution was thrown out by delegates.

The article states that “a person shall not be compelled to perform, observe, participate in, or be subjected to, any cultural practice or rite: or (b) from, join contribute, maintain allegiance to any cultural, traditional or linguistic, association, organisation, institution or entity”.

The chiefs contended that this was not part of the culture and traditions of Zambia and would derail traditional values and culture of the people of Zambia.

Chieftainess Nyakuleng’a complained that they, as chiefs, were not being given a chance to table their views which she said was not fair.

And Chief Mujimanjovu said a constitution that is people-driven also has to incorporate cultural practices.

He emphasized the need to protect Zambia’s culture and not to bring foreign elements as traditional leaders are custodians of culture.

The house, then, adjourned the matter to today for reconsideration and voting either to remove the two clauses or retain them.

This was after some delegates sympathized with the traditional leaders and resolved to reconsider the clauses in question.

Meanwhile, delegates to the convention resolved to do away with the death penalty and instead opted to include life imprisonment as a replacement to the death penalty.

They said life imprisonment was better because they felt that death was not punishment enough as the convict would have died and not learn any lesson from their deeds but being in prison would teach them a lesson.

They further resolved that the media should not be state-owned but public owned.

ZANIS

SCSA Zone Six organising committee thanks stakeholders

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Acting Vice President Wynter Kabimba with Southern Africa team leaders after they received certificates at the official opening of the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa (SCSA) Zone 6 games at Nkoloma stadium in Lusaka yesterday
Acting Vice President Wynter Kabimba with Southern Africa team leaders after they received certificates at the official opening of the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa (SCSA) Zone 6 games at Nkoloma stadium in Lusaka yesterday

The Supreme Council for Sport in Africa (SCSA) Zone Six games Local Organizing Committee has thanked everybody who was involved in the organization of yesterday’s official opening ceremony of hosting the Zone Six games at Nkoloma Stadium.

The committee noted that being the first time that Zambia was undertaking such a task in the context of the Zone Six games the event as successful.

It said at a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday that the event was not devoid of shortcomings as the organisers put everything together to ensure the opening ceremony was successful.

ZANIS Sports reports that the Committee noted that the ceremony and the games will be positively remembered by all those who took time to watch from the stadium and homes through the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC).

It thanked the government for having sent a representative, Acting Vice President, Wynter Kabimba, who is also Minister of Justice, to grace the occasion.

The Committee further stated that while it was doing its best to ensure that everything runs smoothly during the games, it appreciated encouragement and advice where they fall short.

It said the organisers are dedicated to ensuring that all concerns that they may rise will quickly be dealt with in the shortest possible time.

The Committee further noted the opening ceremony at Nkoloma showcased Zambia’s heritage through dance and song in the way the participants were accorded a warm welcome as they entered the stadium.

It has since encouraged Zambians to turn up in large numbers at different venues to offer the same kind of supportive atmosphere as witnessed at Nkoloma.

Zambia is hosting the Zone Six games from December 4th to December 17th.

ZANIS

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