Here is the profile of Zambian footballer Sunzu who inked a deal with English Premier league side Arsenal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOP-I_Q0Egw
BY KAPA187
UPND has never championed ethnic politics-Mweetwa
The opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) has angrily reacted to accusations by the Patriotic Front (PF) that it is championing politics of tribalism when Zambia is a unitary state.
UPND deputy spokesman, Cornelius Mweetwa, says such attacks are unwarranted, arguing that the opposition party has never championed ethnic politics.
Mr. Mweetwa says his party is saddened by the remarks made by PF Secretary General, Wynter Kabimba, at the PF Southern Province consultative meeting in Choma that the UPND leadership is tribal
He told ZANIS in Choma today that all what Southerners are asking for is fairness in the distribution of the national cake as well as government service delivery.
Mr Mweetwa said it is unfortunate that Southern Province, which contributes greatly to the country’s economy, has continued to lag behind in developmental issues, hence the reason people seem to have disassociated themselves from the rest of the country.
He pointed out that the tribal xenophobia being perpetrated by some politicians against Tonga speaking people should not be entertained as it will promote division in the country.
Mr Mweetwa said the UPND is concerned with the government in implementing the relocation of provincial administration to Choma as the Provincial Minister, the Provincial Permanent Secretary and other government institutions have continued operating from Livingstone.
He said the situation is not so for Muchinga Province where the relocation process has been sped up with most of the provincial offices being moved to Chinsali.
Mr Mweetwa has also refuted claims that the PF is slowly gaining popularity in the province, adding that the opposition UPND is still strong and intact.
He further added that people of Southern Province cannot vote for the PF in its current form unless it addresses a number of issues that have greatly affected the people such as delayed provision of farming inputs and others.
ZANIS
“Sata is a Dictator ” says opposition
Five opposition leaders this morning held a Press Briefing at the UPND secretariat at which they denounced what they termed Dictatorial tendencies by President Michael Sata and the PF government.
The opposition leaders bemoaned the continued denial by the Zambia police permits to hold public rallies.
The police are reported to have blocked the joint political rally which was supposed to be held in Mutendere Township in Lusaka this weekend by the opposition.
Speaking at the same occasion MMD leader Nevers Mumba said the opposition will defy the government until their fundamental freedoms are respected.
Dr. Mumba added that the opposition will fight until the last drop of their blood for the good of the country.
The meeting was attended by the United Party for National Development (UPND), United Liberal Party (ULP), Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD) and the Zambia Direct Democracy Movement (ZDDM).
“As opposition political parties, we shall not sit and watch but we shall fight back and ensure we have our rights. We shall suffer together, walk together to the prison until Zambia is free,” Dr Mumba said
UPND president Hakainde Hichilema said the denial by police to give the parties a permit despite early notification was a sad development.
He accused President Michael Sata of allowing Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary General who is also Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba of going round to start campaigning for 2016 elections while Police were stopping the opposition from holding their rallies.
ULP leader Sakwiba Sikota accused Government of de-gazetting Chief Nkana on the Copperbelt following Dr Mumba’s visit on the traditional leader last week.
Mr Sikota said Government should realize that the freedom of associations and movements were fundamental rights of Zambians and that people should not be denied their rights by the Police.
And ADD president Charles Milupi implored Government to concentrate on improving the welfare of citizens in areas of education and health.
“We shall now carry out door to door campaigns to sensitise Zambians against these bad policies. Let Government concentrate on improving various sectors,” Mr Milupi said
ZDDM leader Edwin Sakala vowed that opposition leaders would come up with an effective approach to counter react on police’s move to deny theme a permit.
After the briefing, journalists were denied an opportunity to have access to the police letter of denial which MMD spokesperson Dora Siliya said contained some bad legal issues against the parties.
Open letter to FDD President Mama Edith Nawakwi
I bring you love and fraternal greetings from the heartland of the Copperbelt! Madam President, ever since PF assumed office, we have longed for your leadership and judicious voice on a number of burning issues afflicting our beloved nation. And when you accompanied President Sata to Brazil, some of us were deeply troubled and concluded that the country has finally been “robbed” of one of the few illustrious daughters of the soil that could stand up and boldly speak out for the majority of poor citizens.
May I remind you that while some of the so called politicians were cowering in fear or cunningly supporting the botched 3rd term campaign debate in favour of Frederick J. Chiluba in 2001, you wasted no time in joining forces with other progressive citizens to oppose the vile attempt to defile and rape our republican constitution!
The press statement that you issued regarding MMD MPs who can be said to be eating with both hands is a relief to most of us; it could not have come at a better time like this one. In the said statement you observe that and I quote, “These aimless MMD MPs should go to UTH orthopaedic department where they will be greeted with accident victims who have been on operation waiting list for the past one year and do not know when the operation will be undertaken as the department has no surgical provisions such as needles, switches, sculptors and other life serving surgical provisions to carry out life serving operations.”
Indeed what some of these MMD MPs and councillors are doing or contemplating to do is not only grossly immoral but day light robbery of our meagre resources! Unconfirmed media reports suggest that at least K3 billion is expended on each parliamentary by election; now, imagine how many lives could be spared or uplifted if such colossal sums of money were channelled toward such vital sectors as health and education as opposed to the unnecessary by-elections.
There comes a time in life when people MUST stand up and say enough is enough! Madam Nawakwi, enough is enough; we can’t allow selfish politicians such as MPs to be carelessly helping deplete our treasury by shamelessly switching political parties like prostitutes! I am earnestly appealing to you to immediately start mobilising your party and indeed other like minded citizens to stop this repulsive rot! The least that you can do is not to necessarily endorse such upcoming parliamentary by-elections by participating in them, but simply going to into constituencies where these elections are being held to explain to the electorate the pathetic situation in our hospitals, and how funds that will be wasted on by-elections could best be allocated to health or agricultural sectors. And once you’re departed from this cruel world Madam; rest assured that people shall live to remember that in this country, there lived a Nawakwi that
surely loved her country. Thank you,
By a disgusted citizen!
First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda responds to his critics
FIRST Republican President Kenneth Kaunda has urged Zambia to support the Government of President Michael Sata because the current Head of State is a progressive and hard working leader.
And Dr Kaunda has dismissed assertions from some sections of society that he had re-joined active politics.
Speaking upon his arrival in Livingstone yesterday at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport, Dr Kaunda said there was need for the people of Zambia to give President Sata support because he meant well for the country.
Dr Kaunda, who is currently in Livingstone on a holiday until Sunday, was received at the airport by Southern Province permanent secretary Chileshe Mulenga, Livingstone Mayor Aggrey Njekwa, Livingstone town clerk Vivian Chikoti and Airport manager Joseph Mumbi among others.
“I have no problems in supporting President Sata because I am supporting an innocent man. President Sata is looking after me well and I urge Zambians to give him more time to lead Zambia in a good way,” he said.
[pullquote]“I have no problems in supporting President Sata because I am supporting an innocent man. President Sata is looking after me well and I urge Zambians to give him more time to lead Zambia in a good way,” he said.[/pullquote]
He said under the leadership of President Sata, Zambia would achieve great things as the country would change for the better.
Dr Kaunda said he was happy with the hard work of President Sata whom he said had continued from where he left when he was leading the country many years ago.
On claims that he had re-joined active politics, Dr Kaunda dismissed the assertions saying he retired from active politics many years ago.
He also said there was need to build the country and embrace the One Zambia One nation motto.
Dr Kaunda recalled that when late former President Frederick Chiluba took over from him, he wanted to destroy him by even putting into prison.
“When he put me in prison, I stopped eating drinking and shaving my hair until I was forced by the former Tanzania president Julius Nyerere who also said that he would stop eating drinking shaving until I started eating drinking and shaving,” he said.
Dr Kaunda said he fasted and shaved his hair because said he wanted to know why he was arrested and put in prison.
He remembered that after he was released from prison, he found prison officers at his home and a lot of armed police officers looking after his house for about six months.
And speaking at the same function, Dr Mulenga thanked Dr Kaunda for the contribution he made to develop the country.
He noted the education sector had made a lot of impact as a lot of people were during Dr Kaunda’s time as President.
Mr Njekwa also thanked Dr Kaunda for recognizing the chiefdom of Musokotwane as he was a grandchild of the chiefdom.
Zambian Government’s Banning of Opposition Rally Unlawful
The announcement that Inspector-General of Police Stella Libongani had issued orders refusing to grant permission for a joint opposition rally represents an unlawful violation of the Zambian peoples’ right to free and fair assembly, said the Coalition for the Defence of Democratic Rights (CDDR).
The combined opposition rally, which is planned take place in the Mtendere township in Lusaka and will address the issues of the arrest of opposition leaders and the current spate of food shortages, was jointly proposed by members from the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), United Party for National Development (UPND), Alliance for Development and Democracy (ADD), United Liberal Party (ULP), and the Zambia Direct Democracy Movement (ZDDM). The opposition parties notified the police of their intention to hold the rally together in response to repeated refusals to grant permission for individual rallies.
“There is absolutely no basis under the Zambian constitution or international law for the police to arbitrarily and preemptively ban peaceful political gatherings for no reason,” said Robert Amsterdam, counsel to the CDDR. “The Patriotic Front administration is in violation of several international agreements that guarantee basic rights to its citizens, such as free and fair association and the right to public assembly.”
Reports of the denial of the permit to the opposition parties follows upon controversial statements by Minister of Justice Wynter Kabimba, who recently stated that Zambian people “want a one-party state,” and that the government would seek to “close down” certain Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
“The international community and donor institutions must remind the Zambian leadership of its international commitments, and ask them to instruct Inspector-General Libongani to reverse the order to ban the Mtendere rally,” said Amsterdam. “There is a clear pattern of abuse to these recent events in Zambia, as basic principles of democracy appear to be under attack.”
Representing a broad array of opposition parties, political figures, and private citizens, Coalition for the Defence of Democratic Rights (CDDR) is a legal defence alliance formed in Zambia in the fall of 2012 in response to increasing harassment and interference by the authorities and related parties. More information on the CDDR’s activities can be read at http://cddr-zambia.org.
Zambia´s By-Elections in Perspective
By L. Tembo
By and large, Zambia´s political landscape has in the recent past witnessed a rise in the number of preventable and unwanted by-elections especially at parliamentary level. The recent November 8th Mufumbwe by-election which saw the renegade Steven Masumba retaining the seat and now the looming Mpongwe by-election necessitated by the resignation of it´s area member of parliament Mr.Gabriel Namulambe (MMD) speaks volume.
However, getting down to the nitty-gritty, the basis and circumstances upon which these by-elections are held, reveals the gloomy picture of the political standing on the part of some of our legislators. Greedy,selfishness and the lust for acquisition of enomous wealth on the expense of the majority poor has taken centre stage of our political atmosphere. In as much as we appreciate the provisions in our current constitution vis-a-vis, freedom to choose and belong to any political party of choice, politics of the “belly” as opposed to offering “service” to the community has seen our country loosing billions of Kwacha´s for unnecessary by-elections.
For a small growing economy like ours, spending monies on an un-planned and budgeted activities will not help us in any way but rather have a severe ripple effect on the general welfare of the people. The large sums of money spent on these by-elections and campaigns could in one way or the other be used for construction of social services such as schools, health facilities, roads to name but a few instead of everytime lobbying for monetary assistance from the western countries. Aren´t we ashamed? It is really a paradox that a poor Europe and America vis-a-vis natural resources availability could still be feeding a rich Africa and Zambia in particular.
[pullquote]For a small growing economy like ours, spending monies on an un-planned and budgeted activities will not help us in any way but rather have a severe ripple effect on the general welfare of the people[/pullquote]
In as much as we appreciate and espouse working together of opposition political parties with the rulling government so as to foster development, It is in my strongest oppinion that any responsible and mature government of the people by the people for the people should not concentrate on dividing the opposition by way of wooing it´s members of parliament for unjustifiable government positions so as to keep itself in power in perpetual and weaken the opposition, but rather, it should focuss on formulating sound economic policies that would uplift the living conditions of the citizenry and eventually that provides a basis upon which to win trust and the mandate to rule.Alas! The situation at hand seems far from reality and difficult to comprehend.
In conclusion, more often than not, I tend to wonder whether the “concept” of relinquishing one´s opposition parliamentary seat in order to join the party in government has any space to fit into a political arena such as ours. The cost that comes with it is indeed mammoth to comprehend. For as long as poverty continues being our companion, the very founding tenets of our constitution such as the freedom of association to any political party of choice will always crash with the selfish and greedy personal needs of the people given the mandate to rule and better our social, political and economic status quo.
Cadres petitioning Lubinda’s removal are hired – Davis Chama
Patriotic Front suspended former Lusaka Province Chairman Davis Chama says party cadres who have petitioned Secretary General Wynter Kabimba to have Kabwata Member of Parliament Given Lubinda removed are hired by those who feel threatened by Mr. Lubinda’s hard work.
Mr. Chama has charged that the 144 petitioners do not hold the opinion of Kabwata constituency residents who hold their Member of Parliament in higher esteem and voted for him whole heartedly.
He says it is unfortunate and highly suspicious that all these developments are taking place when Mr. Lubinda who is also Foreign Affairs Minister is out of the country on official duties.
Mr. Chama says it is therefore clear that a high ranking official of the ruling party is engineering and mobilizing cadres to denounce Mr. Lubinda.
He observes denouncing Mr. Lubinda whose appointment is supported by the Republican President is merely rebelling against the appointing authority.
And Mr. Chama notes that such a development has the potential to further deepen the already existing divisions in the party.
He has since urged PF officials to stop playing to the gallery but seek to resolve internal issues privately.
QFM
Current political atmosphre not inspring to young generation of leaders-Wina
Patriotic Front (PF) Chairperson for Women Affairs Inonge Wina says the current political differences is only discouraging young leaders to become politicians.
Mrs. Wina says the current misunderstandings, confusion and physical violence that have characterized the political scene has negative effects on the future development of the youths in the country.
She noted that if the existing political differences are not resolved in the most efficient manner it can positively impact on the young generation to view politics as a dirty game.
[pullquote]She noted that if the existing political differences are not resolved in the most efficient manner it can positively impact on the young generation to view politics as a dirty game.[/pullquote]
ZANIS reports that saying this in a statement in Lusaka today, Mrs. Wina said there is need for politicians to channel their views and issues in a manner that will motivate and prepare young people to be responsible citizens.
Mrs. Wina, who is also Gender Minister, further urged all political players in the country to be sensitive to the needs of children and youths who she said are the future leaders.
She has since called on political players to address political grievances using existing and well designed structures in order to advise and correct each other in the interest of the public.
ZANIS
PF never promised to abolish the Public Order Act-Kabimba
Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary General Wynter Kabimba has said that the PF never promised to abolish the Public Order Act. Reacting to accusations in an Interview on ZNBC yesterday that the PF had u-turned on its earlier stance to amend the Public Order Act, Mr Kabimba said the party was merely concerned with the manner it was being applied.
“We were critical of the enforcement of the Public Order Act and not its content. We never said that we would abolish it but its application was not credible,” Mr Kabimba said.
Mr Kabimba further said that it was important for security wings to continue familiarising themselves with the application of the Act to avoid political misunderstandings.
And Mr Kabimba maintained that there is no room for party members that compromise loyalty and discipline as this can derail developmental focus.
In an apparent reference to Foreign Affairs Minister Given Lubinda who facing charges of treachery, Mr Kabimba said it was important for the PF to have a strong and disciplined membership and not allow elements of disloyalty.
[pullquote]“We were critical of the enforcement of the Public Order Act and not its content. We never said that we would abolish it but its application was not credible,” Mr Kabimba said.[/pullquote]
“The party monitors the operations of Government and Government can only deliver on development if it has a disciplined and loyal membership, the two elements are co-related and there is no compromise on these principles.
“The party has to protect itself from members that are divided because they threaten the existence of the party and its vision. Just the way the human body acts, when there is an intrusion, the white cells come out to fight and protect it so that it continues to function properly,” Mr Kabimba said.
Mr Kabimba, who is Justice Minister, dispelled reports of infighting in the ruling party but that it was the issue of ensuring that discipline and loyalty were maintained.
“If people are singing a hymn in Church, you cannot be saying Amen, you have to follow procedure and as a party, we have a procedure which members must follow,” he said.
He said the survival of the party was paramount and cases such as that facing Mr Lubinda should not be judged politically.
Mr Kabimba cited the expulsion of outspoken South African youth leader, Julius Malema, from the ruling Africa National Congress, as a case study that political parties should emulate to avoid being derailed from focusing on development.
Commenting on the defections from the crisis-hit MMD, Mr Kabimba said the PF should not be accused of causing the problems in the former ruling party but on a failed leadership.
“The defections cannot be attributed to the PF, even the troubles that any opposition party is experiencing. If members want to leave, it is not us (PF) to blame but it’s the failed leadership of that party that should be blamed,” he said.
He added that the PF would not accept any member without scrutinising them especially those in the MMD that were alleged to have been corrupt.
Kalaba Rested For Tanzania Friendly
Zambia coach Herve Renard has confirmed that Rainford Kalaba will be rested for this Saturday’s friendly away to Tanzania in Dar-es-Salaam.
The playmaker from TP Mazembe in DR Congo is still recovering from a groin injury he sustained in October.
“Of course he won’t play against Tanzania because he has just restarted training and he is not training with the team,” Renard said.
“He is only training alone to work on his fitness meaning in the remaining five weeks and half he will be ready for the AFCON.”
Kalaba sustained the injury on October 10 in a CAF Champions League semifinal game in Lubumbashi against Tunisian clubs Esperance that ended 1-1.
However, Renard said Kalaba will be in the team to Dar-es-Salaam this weekend after returning from Thursdays CAF awards gala in Accra where he is a nominee for best African-based player.
Meanwhile Zambia travel fly out to Tanzania on Wednesday on a Kenya Airways flight via Nairobi.
The friendly will be Zambia final match engagement for 2012 before heading to Johannesburg on December 26 for final training camp.
Taifa Stars Confident Ahead of Zambia Friendly
Tanzania assistant coach Sylvester Marsh believes The Taifa Stars will hold their own when they host Zambia on Saturday in Dar-es-Salaam despite no-shows by some key players.
The Taifa Stars are sweating on the availability of their TP Mazembe strikers Mbwana Samatta and Thomas Ulimwengu.
Both players have failed to report for training camp with just three days before hosting Zambia on December 22 in Dar-es-Salaam.
“Zambia are a top team, they are champions of Africa, so we must raise our performance for this match,” Marsh told the Tanzania Daily News.
But Marsh remained upbeat that Ulimwengu and Samatta, who have failed to return calls despite being cleared by Mazembe for the friendly, will turn-up for training.
“We’re still unsure about Samatta and Ulimwengu because they have not reported for training,” Marsh said.
“We would like to have them at least from today so that they can train with the rest of the team for the remaining few days and be ready for Saturday’s match.”
Mansa Impala Milling appeal to government to supply adequate maize to meet demand
Mansa Impala Milling Company Proprietor Gerald Ngabwe has appealed to government through the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to supply adequate maize to the company in order to satisfactorily serve customers.
Mr Ngabwe said government should come to the company’s rescue in terms of providing enough maize stock to the company to avoid the escalating prices which have not only hit Luapula but other parts of the country.
He made the appeal in Mansa today when Commerce and Industry minister Bob Sichinga visited the company.
Mr Ngabwe said so far he was happy with support he’s receiving from FRA despite the company not receiving enough grains.
Mr Ngabwe, who said he started his company in 1997 with only a small capital, explained that his company has now managed to increase investment to commendable levels.
He added that he’s also managed to employ a good number of local people in Mansa and further stated that the number of employees has continued increase.
Mr Ngabwe also noted that his company provided services to several districts in Luapula among them Mansa, Samfya, Mwense, and Nchelenge.
ZANIS
PF members advised to handle Lubinda’s case well as Kambwili warns petitioners
Patriotic Front (PF) member Opper Hamiyanze has said that allegations leveled against Kabwata Member of Parliament are a serious gamble which needs to be handled in an amicable manner.
Mr. Hamiyanze has told QFM news that the PF members to desist from involving themselves in an unconstitutional manner by calling for the removal of Mr. Lubinda when his case has not even been heard the central committee of the PF party.
He added that confusions relating allegations leveled against Mr. Lubinda are just portraying a bad picture to the international community especially now when the Minister of Foreign Affairs is on duty representing Zambia abroad.
Mr. Hamiyanze has since suggested that the PF cadres wait for the Party secretary general Wynter Kabimba to table his allegations before the top leadership for scrutiny.
Mr. Kabimba has accused Mr. Lubinda for leaking government information to the privately owned media.
Meanwhile, PF National Youth Chairman Chishimba Kambwili has advised the youth and other party cadres to desist from demonstrating against Foreign Affairs Minister Given Lubinda and to stop ‘playing to the gallery.” but allow the disciplinary organ handle the matter ‘quietly.’
[pullquote]“As a founding member, I cannot support that, tomorrow it will be other senior members being petitioned, we must act now and stop this,” Mr Kambwili said[/pullquote]
“PF cannot be allowed to be run in an undisciplined way. The acts by the cadres are acts of indiscipline of the worst kind,” he said.
He said Mr Lubinda was a senior member of the PF and that if there were issues that needed to be resolved, organs of the party should be allowed to deal with the matter without attracting public attention.
He said Mr Lubinda was a member of the Central Committee, MP and Minister, who deserved to be respected.
“It is uncivilised for people to start protesting against a member of the party. We cannot allow PF to be run the same way MMD was run.”
“As a founding member, I cannot support that,” he said. “Tomorrow it will be other senior members being petitioned, we must act now and stop this,” he said
Mr Kambwili said Mr Lubinda was currently in The Gambia representing President Michael Sata on official duty and reports from home about impending disciplinary action against the Foreign Affairs Minister were damaging to the country’s reputation.
Major Kachingwe expulsion irreversible-Nevers
MMD President Dr. Nevers Mumba has said that the recent expulsion of Major Richard Kachingwe from the party cannot be overturned.
Dr. Mumba said the decision to expel Major Kachingwe was done by the National Executive Committee in accordance with the party’s constitution.
“That is now water under the bridge,” Dr. Mumba said.
“We are focused on moving forward and we will not be distracted.”
He said no individual is bigger than the NEC as it is the supreme organ of the party outside the convention.
The MMD leader also cautioned senior party members to desist from discussing party affairs in the media.
He was referring on Saturday’s statement issued by Vice President for Administration Brian Chituwo that an urgent NEC meeting shall be held to discuss the expulsion of Major Kachingwe and the invalidation of his presidency of the party.
[pullquote]We should avoid the attempt of dragging this party further in the mud. We should remain resolute as our enemy is vicious and wants to destroy this vibrant party.[/pullquote]
“We should avoid the attempt of dragging this party further in the mud. We should remain resolute as our enemy is vicious and wants to destroy this vibrant party. My appeal is to my friends in the NEC, please let’s avoid rushing to the media over these party affairs.”
Meanwhile, MMD vice president for administration Brain Chituwo has refused to further comment on the statement he issued over the weekend. Dr. Chituwo said that he would not make any further comments in addition to the comprehensive statement he issued on Saturday.
“My brother… I have just told myself that I will not say or issue more comments from what I said. I think I already said something so I, can’t comment more,” Dr Chituwo said
And MMD Vubwi MP Eustarkio Kazonga refused to make any comment regarding the current party affairs issues. He said, “I think for now, there is no comment from me”