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MMD youths in Lusaka have given its party leadership a 14 days ultimatum in which to call for a an urgent national executive committee (NEC) meeting to sort out the deepening wrangles that have rocked the former ruling party.
The youths have threatened of serious demonstrations if NEC fails to call for a meeting to iron out the differences within the 14 days ultimatum.
The youths wants MMD NEC to hold an urgent meeting to address issues of the invalidation of MMD president Nevers Mumba, National secretary Major Kachingwe’s expulsion and the alleged dual citizenship of Dr Mumba.
They further want NEC to also touch on issues of finances, expenditure and allowances.
“We demand the following: discuss the so called MMD repentance, we want the NEC to make it very clear on the boundaries between the new MMD and the MMD that we know and we belong to.
“We demand that a Quorum be formed. Infact all NEC members must attend” read a statement signed by Lusaka Central Youth Chairperson Jacob Mtonga and Kabwata Constituency youth Chairperson Lesley Chikuse.
Mr Mtonga and Mr Chikuse further demanded for minutes of the NEC to be made public to them and that NEC should deliberate on the issues without being emotional and following the party Constitution.
They said as youths, they did not recognise any suspensions and expulsions in the party until such a time when the full NEC meeting would be held.
Mr Mtonga and Mr Chikuse charged that the failure by NEC to call for a meeting and iron out the wrangles within 14 days would result in youths taking the matters personal which would attract serious demonstrations.
File: Education Minister John Phiri (r). On the left is deputy Minister David Mahumba.
OVER 280,000 pupils out of the total number 0f 337, 706 who sat for Grade seven examinations this year have been selected to grade Eight.
Education minister John Phiri says a total number of 337 706 pupils entered for the grade Seven examinations and only 304, 429 pupils sat for the examinations.
Dr Phiri who announced the results at the ministry headquarters in Lusaka yesterday said the results represent a progression rate of 93.49 percent.
He says Grade eight classes will open on January 14th 2013 with a grace period of two weeks.
Dr Phiri has disclosed that all the pupils who sat for the examination in Luapula, Eastern, Copperbelt Northwestern Central and western Provinces have been selected to grade 8.
He says the 2012 examinations recorded four malpractices involving three teachers and nine pupils.
Dr Phiri says the three teachers have been suspended while the nine pupils were expelled from school in a move meant to send a serious warning that government will not tolerate malpractices.
He says the malpractices involved stealing of examination papers to aid candidates.
Dr Phiri praised all key stakeholders who participated in the examination and urged them to continue with the same spirit.
Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, Kennedy Sakeni, says the Freedom of Information Bill (FoIB) is expected to be presented in Parliament in the first quarter of 2013.
Mr Sakeni revealed the development when he paid a courtesy call on Northern Province Permanent Secretary, Hlobotha Nkunika, in Kasama yesterday.
And Mr Sakeni has said that the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) will soon start operating at the Mass Media Complex in Luaska.
He added that the PF Government advocates for the freedom of the press because it is imperative, especially in a democratic dispensation that the media should be allowed to operate freely.
And Mr Sakeni has urged media practitioners to cover events freely and factually so that the nation is well informed
Meanwhile, Northern Province Permanent Secretary, Hlobotha Nkunika, has praised Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) workers in the area from good performance in informing the nation on the development in the area.
Mr Nkunika said he was happy with the hard working spirit exhibited by officers in the province despite being understaffed.
He, however, appealed to the minister to assist the department in the province with transport and state of the art equipment.
Mr Nkunika cited the non-availability of an editing suite for television content, saying the officers suffer a lot to process the news and pipe stories to the head office.
And commenting on the printing press under construction at Kasama’s ZANIS offices, Mr Nkunika said the progress is seen although the contractor has had problems of sourcing timber.
The Information Minister is in Northern Province for two days on a familiarization tour.
THE Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) has collected K117 billion from the K206 billion disbursed since its inception in 2008.
This year alone, the commission has collected K13 billion translating into a 44 per cent loan recovery since the CEEC enhanced its debt collection methods countrywide.
CEEC communications and public relations manager Glenda Masebe said as a way of recovering money from all its debtors, the commission had sent out debt collectors to all the 10 provinces.
“We wanted to decentralise our debt collection methods as part of the serious debt recovery exercise that we embarked on. As a commission we have an obligation to collect money from people who got loans so that others can access it too,” she said.
Ms Masebe said the commission was mandated to ensure it empowered citizens and that if those who obtained loans hold on to the money, it defeated the whole revolving nurture on which the fund is premised.
She said the other role of the CEEC was to narrow the gap between the poor and the rich as well as ensuring that joblessness was brought to minimal levels.
“This is a revolving fund but if those who obtained loans are not paying back, it means other people will not benefit from such a well-intended initiative,” she said.
Yesterday, CEEC repossessed farm number 417A within Kavu area in Ndola which the owner DSK Import and Export used as collateral to borrow K250 million in 2009.
The loan had tenure of three years but the DSK only paid K8 million in that period and despite numerous reminders by the commission to the debtor to service the loan forced CEEC to send bailiffs.
Ms Hilda Ngoma, a teacher at Yengwe Basic School who was one of the tenants at the affected farmhouse got caught up in the mess as she was thrown out of the house in pounding rainfall.
The commission also repossessed an abattoir in Itezhi Tezhi belonging to Vingette Meat Processing Limited which had never paid anything to service a K1 billion loan obtained in 2008 on a four year tenure.
In Solwezi, CEEC got a house belonging to Sunrise Milling in lieu of a
K243 million debt.
The CEEC is further set to pounce on 40 other defaulters.
Ms Masebe said the repossessed items would soon be advertised for sale.
Given Lubinda and Press secretary Presidential affairs George Chellah
The Chairpersons for all the seven constituencies in the Lusaka district have accused Kabwata Member of Parliament Given Lubinda who is also Foreign Affairs Minister of mobilizing United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres to welcome him at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport on Wednesday.
Speaking to the media yesterday, the chairpersons maintained that Mr Lubinda was disloyal, treacherous and a spy in the ruling party and that it was therefore wrong to continue keeping him in the party.
The constituency chairman noted that none of the cadres that welcomed Mr Lubinda at the airport on Wednesday were from the ruling party as the parliamentarian had organized the supporters from the opposition UPND.
“All the chairmen are here and they can attest to that because there was no PF cadre from any ward who was assigned to go to the airport and we aware that those cadres were from the UPND,” he said.
At the same briefing, Chawama constituency chairman, Robert Chikwelete who is also former Lusaka mayor, said the happenings to Mr Lubinda was a wakeup call to PF leaders in Government.
“This is a truly warning to all the leaders that if you don’t tow in party lines, you will be recalled the same way we are recalling Mr Lubinda.
“I know there are some of our councilors that were organizing the UPND cadres to welcome Mr Lubinda at the airport but this should be a timely warning to them,” he said.
Matero constituency chairman, Morgan Ng’ona said that Mr Lubinda should relinquish his position because he had failed to tow towards the party line.
[pullquote]“We further warn him not to report for work on Monday or he will be forced out of his office because we are ready to defend the party,”Mr Ng’ona said.[/pullquote]
“We are disappointed with Mr Lubinda’s statement in today’s Post (yesterday’s edition of The Post) and we are demanding for his resignation immediately.
“We further warn him not to report for work on Monday or he will be forced out of his office because we are ready to defend the party,”Mr Ng’ona said.
GENDER minister Inonge Wina has condemned opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema for once again bringing the status of women into disrepute over his alleged remarks for single women to deny their PF boyfriends sex.
Ms Wina who is also PF national chairperson said it was unacceptable for Mr Hichilema to perpetuate the marginalization of women through exhibiting negative perceptions by alluding to women’s sexuality as mere sex objects.
Mr Hichilema was on Thursday was quoted in the Post Newspaper as having appealed to single women in opposition political parties to deny their PF boyfriends sex in protest of the governance system in the country.
But Ms Wina said in a statement yesterday that Mr Hichilema’s conduct showed his amount of ignorance, disrespect, disposition and lack of appreciation of the role of women in society and national development.
“ I strongly condemn this consistent level of abuse of women especially in the use of foul language that is being perpetuated especially by Mr. Hakainde Hichilema who is aspiring to carry the title of president of the republic of Zambia; and hoping to preside over national affairs including those of women” Ms Wina said.
Ms Wina further said that Mr Hichillema’s statement implied that women were personal possessions of men, not fit for governance and leadership positions in the development of the country.
“This is degrading and utterly disrespectful to the women, mothers and girls,” she said.
Ms Wina urged political leaders at all levels including Mr Hichilema and all men and society at large to refrain from using abusive language.
She encouraged political players to exhibit exemplary behaviour in society.
Ms Wina had on September 14, 2012 issued another statement on the use of abusive and degrading language against women in reference to Mr Hichilema’s attacks on Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) president Edith Nawakwi where he had urged Ms Nawakwi to go and look for something at the market when she had run out of what to cook in the kitchen.
And PF women in Lusaka Province have joined in condemning Mr Hichilema, with their chairlady Margaret Mumba describing the UPND leader as exhibiting childish and defamatory politics.
“We are deeply hurt and offended by his unthinkable remarks over the so-called opposition single women to deny PF boyfriends sex. How can someone who day-dreams to be a President of the Christina Nation expose his careless tongue to the people he wants to lead?
“When is Hichilema going to grow up, mature and begin to behave like a civilized leader? As women, we feel insulted and assaulted. Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a crime and Hakainde has continued to commit this crime through his careless and uncultured tongue,” she said.
Ms Mumba said in a statement that the PF women in Lusaka have since given Mr Hichilema a one week ultimatum in which to apologise to the Zambian women as they were fed up with his insults, failure to which they would march to his home.
The women further condemned Mr Hichilema for describing President Michael Sata as a “monster”, saying that was an insult to the Office of the President.
“We are ready to sponsor Alangizi (traditional marriage counselors) to begin teaching Mr Hichilema best practices in leadership. Hichilema needs spiritual deliverance for his tongue to be tamed,” she said.
Zambia face Tanzania in a friendly game on Saturday at the National Stadium in Dar-es-Salaam in what will be the African champions final game for 2012.
The friendly will also be the first of four warm-up games Zambia is playing ahead of their title defence in South Africa next month with three more to follow in January.
Meanwhile, Saturdays friendly will see all South African-based players including Kennedy Mweene and Collins Mbesuma excused due to their final club commitments for 2012 last Tuesday and Wednesday.
However, Christopher Katongo, Isaac Chansa and James Chamanga are expected t headline the friendly.
“The target is today we are about 60 percent of Chipolopolo and 40 percent of local player’s young players,” assistant coach Patrice Beaumelle said.
“So it (The Tanzania friendly) is to give the opportunity to young players.
“It is good to see them do not forget that last year that a player like Nathan Sinkala and he made all the games for the Africa Cup it is important for the technical bench to give all the players a chance.
“At the end of the day we have to build the best team and prepare to defend the title.”
Meanwhile, one of the players hoping to impress include Power Dynamos midfielder and 2012 Zambia player of the year Mukuka Mulenga.
Mulenga has already received one cap on December 5 in a 2-1 away loss in a friendly against Saudi Arabia.
And in Mweene’s absence, NAPSA Stars goalkeeper Kalililo Kakonje is back in the team after injury and time on the sidelines but will have competition from Red Arrows keeper Daniel Munyau and Joshua Titima of Power.
Meanwhile, the meeting will be the two sides first since November 27, 2010 when Zambia beat Tanzania 1-0 in a CECAFA Cup Group A opener at the same venue under ex-coach Dario Bonetti.
Five Opposition political parties have cancelled their rally which was scheduled to be held tomorrow in Lusaka’s Mtendere township.
UPND Deputy Spokesperson Edwin Lifwekelo has confirmed the cancellation to ZNBC News in a telephone interview.
Mr. Lifwekelo says leaders of the Five political parties are currently held up in a consultative meeting at the UPND Secretariat to strategizing on the way forward.
The five opposition political parties are UPND, MMD, United Liberal Party, Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD) and Zambia Direct Democracy Movement (ZDDM).
Mr. Lifwekelo says the leaders will also craft a new Notice to be resubmitted to the Police.
Meanwhile, Lusaka Province Police Commissioner Joyce Kasosa says by ten hours this morning, the opposition political parties had not yet resubmitted their notice.
-President Michael Sata has described the recent hike in mealie meal prices as unjustified and unacceptable.
And President Sata has told Agriculture and Livestock Emmanuel Chenda that he expects the millers to reach a rational consensus that does not only serve their interests but more significantly, the consumers’.
Mr. Sata said his administration will do everything possible to curb exploitation and maintain the price of mealie meal at satisfactory levels in order to insulate the general populace from bearing the effect of unjustified hikes.
This is contained in a press statement released to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Lusaka today by Special Assistant to the President, George Chellah.
President Sata disclosed that the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has offloaded an initial 112, 000 metric tonnes of maize on the market and will continue to do so in the subsequent months.
“Therefore, there is no reason or justification why there should be a shortage of mealie meal in any part of the country,” President Sata said.
He told millers and other stakeholders in the sector to do the right thing as opposed to taking positions that will undermine consumer interests and the industry itself in the long term.
President Sata further urged other millers to emulate APG, Simba, Mpongwe, Olympic and African Milling companies among others that have begun to reduce the price of mealie meal.
“Let them take a leaf from other millers that have begun reducing the price of mealie meal such as APG, Simba, Mpongwe, Olympic and African Milling among others,” he added.
Meanwhile, Millers Association of Zambia (MAZ) have with immediate effect reduced the prices of mealie-meal, association acting vice chairperson Chisha Phiri has said.
Mr Phiri said in an interview yesterday that the reduction was as a result of the Government’s move to offload sufficient maize stocks to the millers in the country.
He said the prices of a 25 kilogramme breakfast which was sold between K60, 000 and K 61, 000 had reduced to K55, 000 and K50, 000 for roller meal of the same quantity on wholesale prices.
“I want to confirm that Government has offloaded about one metric tones of maize stock to the millers and it has instructed us to also reduce the prices of the commodities with immediate effect,” Mr Phiri said
He was confident that the reduction of the commodity by the millers would also result into reduced prices of mealie-meal sold by retailers at about K58, 000 countrywide.
On Thursday, the African Milling Company (AMC) reduced mealie-meal prices to K50,000 and that it would print the recommended retail price on all its bags.
Previously the recommended retail price was K55,000 per 25 kilogramme bag of breakfast mealie meal.
Bank of Zambia Communications Manager Bessy Mwanza talks to Currency and Rebasing Project Manager Morris Mulomba after a press briefing
The Bank of Zambia has finally taken decisive action to stop banks from charging excessive interest rates by introducing a lending cap.
According to a statement issued by the central Bank, no bank should charge lending rates higher than 18.25 percent.
Head of Public Relations, Kanguya Mayondi said that the move is meant to make borrowing from commercial banks more affordable and equitable to different classes of borrowers.
Mr Mayondi said that the maximum effective annual lending interest rate that commercial banks can charge any borrower will not exceed 18.25 percent.
He said this cap is arrived at by adding a factor of 9 percent to the Policy Rate which currently stands at 9.25 percent.
The Bank of Zambia will periodically revise the factor applicable on the Policy Rate in response to changes in economic fundamentals and the Policy Rate itself.
This measure takes effect from the 2nd January, 2013 when these conditions will apply on new loans written.
Mr Mayondi said that existing loans will, however, be allowed to run their course on the current terms unless refinanced.
On Thursday, Vice President GUY SCOTT said lending rates in zambia are too high and are suffocating investment.
[pullquote]He, however, reiterated that some ATM machines would not be functional on January 1, 2013 as the calibration process was still underway, but that the Central Bank had instructed to ensure that the “downtime” for the machines should not be for too long.[/pullquote]
He has challenged the PTA bank and Banks of Zambia Governor, Michael Gondwe to find a solution to the problem.
Meanwhile, the Bank of Zambia has distributed the rebased Kwacha to all parts of the country in readiness for the change over on January 1, 2013.
Rebasing Project Manager, Morris Mulomba said that the central bank will use the post office network and the National savings and credit bank to disburse the new currency.
He however noted that being the rainy season, some parts of the country might experience challenges in accessing the notes.
BOZ has also discouraged the issuance of post-dated cheques before the currency rebasing programme comes into effect on January 1, 2013.
Mr Mulomba said issuance of post-dated cheques would cause problems in the banks’ systems.
“We have discouraged the issuance of post-dated cheques because post-dated cheques will cause problems. The systems in the banks will not know that this cheque was issued before the change-over date because the post-dated cheque will have a date after the change-over date,” he said.
Mr Mulomba has also assured the public not to worry about the chequebooks they were using currently as they would still remain valid after the currency was rebased and thus there was no need to change them.
Mr Mulomba explained that the same cheques and chequebooks could still be used even after January 1, 2013, but the determining factor of payment would be the date when the cheque would be issued.
He said the cheques issued before the change-over date (January 1, 2013) would be paid in the old (un-rebased) currency, but those issued after the change-over date would be paid using the rebased currency.
Mr Mulomba stated further that if a cheque was issued before the change-over date, but was presented for payment after January 1, 2013, then payment would be in the rebased currency.
“So, people shouldn’t worry, you know, they just need to put the correct date on the cheque,” he said.
He noted further that electronic payments would be the same as cheques in terms of payment as they would be dependent on when instructions would be issued.
Mr Mulomba added that there would also be no need for people to change their Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, but that the figures appearing on the machines would change after the change-over date, but would be indicating un-rebased currency before the change-over date.
He, however, reiterated that some ATM machines would not be functional on January 1, 2013 as the calibration process was still underway, but that the Central Bank had instructed to ensure that the “downtime” for the machines should not be for too long.
By Chanda Mapoma
In my eyes
The continent of Africa is heart-shaped
And it’s history, a love letter to it’s promise
I definitely
See peace in the jigsaw pieces of our destiny
Child
Hang on to the wings of your die hard dreams
Why not fly?
I see inside of you the burning hope that their spit couldn’t douse
Let loose your braids and free your mind
Smile
If for no other reason then because your past has passed
I see a pyramid on your grave
It would be a shame if you lay in it
With your mind still enslaved
Princess
Rest assured that the beat in your chest
Is what keeps the world dancing
I see your strength in generations
First class girl from a third world nation
Bare your chest and let your heart song sing
The spirit yearns (only)
The simple things
They say the eyes are a window to the soul
So
I’m going to kneel by the banks of the Nile
And stare, wide eyed at my reflection
Don’t disturb me until I glimpse my purpose
Until we see that we are the brain drain if we came
For greener grass
But alas
Who do you expect to irrigate your motherland?
I see independence actually meaning something
The ‘dependence’ we are in ‘in’
Is in many ways worse
Than the curse
Of colonialism
I see young Africans who put their God before their flag, and their flag before themselves.
I shield my eyes from the sun
Set at an angle unique to home
‘till I realize that’s only the light
from the future we must own.
Patriotic Front Matero constituency Chairman Morgan Ng’ona (centre) is flanked by his Chawama and Mandevu constituency counterparts Robert Chikwelete (left) and Moses Makasa at a press briefing in Lusaka
Seven Patriotic Front Lusaka Constituencies are demanding the resignation of Kabwata Member of Parliament who is also Foreign Affairs minister Given Lubinda.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday morning, Matero constituency chairman Morgan Ng’ona flanked by Mandevu, Munali and Chawama constituency chairmen, said the party is disappointed with Mr Lubinda’s conduct.
Mr Ng’ona has accused Mr Lubinda of betrayal and treachery.
He says the party will recall any member of parliament that is not observing party rules.
The PF constituency chairmen have threatened to force MR. lubinda out of office he reports for work on Monday.
But when contacted for a reaction, Mr. Lubinda says he had no comment.
Patriotic Front Secretary Wynter Kabimba recently gave a seven day ultimatum to Mr. Lubinda within which to exculpate himself on allegations of disloyalty to the party.
BUT Mr. Lubinda says he has exculpated himself over his alleged collaborating with opposition UPND and MMD Members of Parliament to discredit some of PF’s decisions and policies.
Chipolopolo captain Christopher Katongo with security staff at Victoria Hospital where the national soccer team underwent free medical checkups before departure for Tanzania for this weekend international friendly match
2.
NATIONAL soccer team players ,Victoria Hospital director Janesh Naik(left) and some staff pose for a picture after national team underwent medical check up as demanded by the Confederations of Africa Football (CAF) before the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations finals in South Africa
3.
Southern Province Permanent Secretary Dr. Chileshe Mulenga was upset with the working culture he found at Kaloma district hospital.Here is he emphasising on the time to report for work to Acting Nurse In-Charge Philip Safuli after he found that most medical personnel were not in by 07:45hours
4.
Southern Province permanent secretary Chileshe Mulenga (middle) asks why a trolley is laying idle outside the Kalomo district hospital as acting nurse in charge Philip Safuli (left) looks on during an impromptu visit to the hospital
5.
Senior Chief Mboroma of the Lala people in the Luano Valley.Luano is now a district
6.
The Minister of Home Affairs, Honourable Edgar Lungu, hands over a Residency Permit to Phillipa, while her father, Jose and the out-going UNHCR Representative, looks on
7.
Jose and his daughter, Phillipa, former Angolan refugees, show-off the newly acquired permits
8.
18-year-old Patience Makina,during the Meet Miss Pageant Zambia 2012 Finalists Cocktail Party at the LIV Night Club in Lusaka
9.
North-Western province Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) Regional Coordinator Peter Kabaso (middle) talks the driver of the truck Tenford Chikundula (l),who escaped unhurt when a truck he was driving registration number ACT 1961, ferrying 500 x 50 kgs of FRA maize slipped off the Kabompo- Kasangiko bridge on the Ntambu- Solwezi road on Wednesday.
10.
The trailer of the second truck belonging to Radikal Business Solutions of Kitwe ferrying 500x 50kilograms Food Reserve Agency (FRA) maize slips of the Kabompo – Kasangiko bridge into the Kabompo river and closed off the road,blocking other road users coming into and going out of Ntambu area in Mwinilunga on Wednesday.
11.
North-Western province Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) Regional coordinator Peter Kabaso (standing on a concrete block) assessing the condition of the Kasangiko bridge in chief Ntambu’s area while Dave Kazembe,a local resident shows Mr Kabaso the condition of the bridge in Mwinilunga
12.
Northern Province Permanent Secretary (PS) Hlobotaa Nkunika (left) looking at devastation caused by Army worms in Kantashya basin.
13.
Southern province Permanent Secretary ( left) and Livingstone Airport manager Joseph Mumbi ( right) escort First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda to the VIP lounge at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula international when he arrived in Livingstone for a short holiday
14.
First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda on arrival at the Islands of Siankaba luxury lodge in Livingstone.On hand are Livingstone Mayor Aggrey Njekwa(middle) and Southern province Permanent Secretary Chileshe Mulenga (right)
15.
First Lady Dr.Christine Kaseba, during a panel Session at the launch of the findings and implications of the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2012 at the Royal Society in London
16.
Police fought running battles with residents of Chamboli and Wusakile townships who wanted to loot cobalt from a truck which overturned at Wusakile roundabout when the driver lost control. Above is the truck blocking the road and causing traffic congestion
17.
H.E. Mr. Makayat Safouesse Lazare, Ambassador of the Republic of Congo to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union and member of the au Sub-committee on Refugees, hands over a symbolic cheque to Minister of Home Affairs, Hourable Edgar Lungu, while the former UNHCR Representative looks on. This was at the Ministry of Home Affirs when the AU donated US$100, 000 to UNHCR to support local integration of former Angolan refugees
18.
Kasama Arts Theater club dancers handing over an Irish AID book let to Northern Province Permanent Secretary Hlobotaa Nkunika (Left), Irish AID Programmes Manager Fackson Nyanga and Senior Chief Mwamba’s representative (Bwalya Kombe depicting the 30 years the Irish Programmes have been carried out in Northern Province at Wamulungu Lodge in Kasama
19.
Northern Provincial Permanent Secretary Hlobotaa Nkunika (rt) greeting the wife of Irish Aid Designate Ambassador Finbar O’Brien (middle) and Irish AID Designate Ambassador Finbar O’Brien (l) at Wamulungu Lodge in Kasama
20.
Café Royale customers share the dance floor with Ngoni arriors.This was during Café Royale’s first birthday celebration in Lusaka.
Various stakeholders have expressed concern over Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba’s recent statement suggesting that he rejected a bribe from a named company which approached him in an effort to win the contract for the supply of crude oil to Zambia.
This is a matter he is being investigated by the Anti Corruption Commission.
The Zambia Youths Association in the Fight against Corruption (ZYAFAC) says the statement by Mr. Kabimba is an attempt to dilute people’s perception on the ongoing investigations.
In an interview with Qfm news, Association Executive Director Rickson Kanema says Mr. Kabimba is a learned legal practitioner who understands the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) Act very well.
Mr. Kanema says offering a bribe is an offence under the ACC law and wonders why Mr. Kabimba did not report the company in question to the ACC.
He has therefore challenged the Justice Minister to furnish the ACC with information and report the same company to relevant authority for attempting to corrupt a public official.
And Zambia Union of Financial Institutions and Allied Workers (ZUFIAW) president Cephus Mukuka says Mr. Kabimba’s remark is an attempt to pre-empty the ongoing probe by the ACC.
Mr. Mukuka has told Qfm that Mr. Kabimba should have kept quite and allow the Anti Corruption Commission to present its findings to the Zambian people.
In a separate interview, International Fellowship of Christian Churches (IFCC) President, Bishop Simon Chihana says Mr. Kabimba’s statement is aimed at influencing the public opinion on the matter in order to come out clean.
Bishop Chihana says the Justice Minister should wait for the ACC to clear him of his corruption allegation and not seeking to prove his innocence in the public eye by making statements that are capable of jeopardizing the investigations.
Zambia Council for Social Development Country coordinator for local governance capacity development and support project Humphrey Sikapizye says the justice minister’s statement puts the findings of the ACC at risk.
Chiefs from Eastern province have asked for the copies of the 2013 budget (yellow book) so that they closely follow projects which government is implementing.
The chiefs said the yellow book would enable them to move at the same pace and speak the same language with government in terms of development.
Reading the resolutions on behalf of other chiefs in Chipata, chief Madzimawe of the Ngoni speaking people, who is also outgoing House of Chiefs Chairperson, said it was difficult to follow what government was doing because of not having copies of the yellow book.
The traditional leaders made their decision during the consultative meeting for chiefs which was organised by government through the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs.
He argued that chiefs were also key partners in the process of developing the country hence the need for them to have copies of yellow books.
“As chiefs, we are also a major stakeholder in the development process of our country but we regret that the yellow book is only given to Members of Parliament and cabinet ministers leaving us and putting us in an awkward situation to follow what is happening sometimes in our own chiefdoms,” chief Madzimawe lamented.
And the chiefs have appealed to the Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection to carry out a national land audit in Zambia to establish the total land in the country.
The traditional leaders demand to know how land in Zambia was being allocated and utilised.
The chiefs alleged that customary land was being abused by the state hence the need to ascertain the hectors they were entitled to issue out to their subjects and to other potential investors including government developmental projects.
And Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkandu Luo said she would forward traditional leaders’ concerns to the Head of State on the matter.
Professor Luo told the traditional leaders to submit the resolutions to President Michael Sata so that he can address their plight.
