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and Provincial regional Secretary Everest Chela. The Secretary General in Kasama to officiate at the Party Provincial Indaba
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Pictures this Week
and Provincial regional Secretary Everest Chela. The Secretary General in Kasama to officiate at the Party Provincial Indaba
Use recommended ARVs, govt. advised people on ART
Government has said all new drugs and health practices can only be approved for a particular usage in Zambia when they have been certified by the Pharmaceutical Regulatory Authority (PRA).
Reacting to recent research that suggested that truvada can be used as a preventive drug for HIV/AIDS, Dr. Chikusu said the medicine can only be used for such once it is recommended by the Pharmaceutical Regulatory Authority (PRA).
He told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that the Pharmaceutical Regulatory Authority is still conducting research on truvada to ascertain whether the drug can still be used for HIV/AIDS prevention other than for the already established AIDS disease.
Dr. Chikusu has since urged people on antiretroviral (ARVs) drugs to continue using the recommended drugs which he said the country has in abundance.
He said government will not accept health practices that would endanger the lives of people.
Meanwhile, Dr. Chikusu has disclosed that the Traditional Health Practitioner’s bill will only be tabled in parliament when government completes the consultation process with various stakeholders.
He said the bill is still in draft form while government is studying the programme of rationalising traditional remedies into conventional medicine.
Dr. Chikusu has however said government is committed to promoting certain traditional herbs that do not endanger the lives of the people.
ZANIS
Macky 2 releases new video “Addicted”
Zambian Hiphop superstar Macky 2 released his latest video for the song “Addicted”
By Kapa187
Diabetes leading cause of death in non-communicable diseases
Government has called for concerted efforts in combating diabetes which is a public health concern and a major cause of premature death among non-communicable diseases in Zambia.
Minister of Health Joseph Kasonde has since urged politicians, traditional leaders and religious leaders to promote healthy behaviours which are critical to preventing non communicable diseases.Dr. Kasonde also cautioned Zambians to be careful with their diet if they are to avoid suffering from diabetes.
He was speaking at Chilenje Clinic today during the commemoration of the World Diabetes Day which was held under the theme ‘Protect Our Future.
Dr. Kasonde disclosed that about 3.3 percent of the Zambian adult population has diabetes adding that the figure is likely to rise as the population grows.
Meanwhile, Lusaka Province Medical Officer Tackson Lambart called for increased health education on non-communicable diseases such as diabetes.
Diabetics Association of Zambia president Susan Tembo said her association is committed to fighting diabetes.
Dr. Tembo said the association has since trained 150 health workers in diabetes management and control.
Movie review : Ted
Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane brings his boundary-pushing brand of humor to the big screen for the first time as writer, director and voice star of Ted. In the live action/CG-animated comedy, he tells the story of John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg), a grown man who must deal with the cherished teddy bear who came to life as the result of a childhood wish…and has refused to leave his side ever since.
PROS
- Very funny movie with an interesting story line
FAVOURITE QUOTES
Ted: Yea, why dont you finish that story in an email and send it to me.
Ted: Thunder buddies for life!
Narrator: Now if there’s one thing you can be sure of, it’s that nothing is more powerful than a young boy’s wish. Except an Apache helicopter. An Apache helicopter has machine guns AND missiles. It is an unbelievably impressive complement of weaponry, an absolute death machine.
CONCLUSION
Basically if you are a fan of the cartoon series “Family Guy” this is a must watch movie for you . It is an extremely funny comedy with a very obscene humor, which curiously doesn’t come out offensive from a teddy bear’s mouth – and also a movie that is surprisingly warm and sincere, showing Ted as a complex character and making him totally believable with a flawless animation job.
RATING
5 out of 5
By Kapa187
Is Sata out to destroy MMD?: The Fallacies of Opposition
By Rev K.Kaoma
The revocation of MMD’s official opposition status in the House of Parliament is saddening. With little astuteness, MMD could have avoided this disastrous state of affairs. Sadly, the party seems to believe that Nevers Mumba’s honorary doctorate, political experience and the title of pastor give him extraordinary powers to be all over the map – picking up every fight on the way. How on earth does he expect to fight two battles at once, President Michael Sata and his opponents within MMD? Pastor Mumba is an outsider in MMD and he will only lead the party with ultimate humility. More still, one does not need political science 101 to understand that unlike UPND and PF, MMD does not have regional stronghold at the moment. So unless he wakes up to this crude reality, MMD’s days are numbered on the Zambian political front.
It is a fact that MMD is new to opposition politics. The myth that it will bounce back to power in 2016 is not just naïve but delusional at its best. Sata’s PF was born at the time of leadership struggle within the MMD after its 10 years in power. He strategically built his following by appealing to the masses’ frustrations over perceived MMD failures. As soon as he realized that Mwanawasa had re-created himself from being Chiluba’s handpicked “playboy” into a champion of anti-corruption, Sata jumped on the bandwagon – throwing his once endorser, the late President Frederick Chiluba, under the bus. Sata even went to an extent of reconciling with his once avowed enemy, Levy Mwanawasa. This strategic positioning bought Sata popularity in most major cities and Northern parts of Zambia.
Unlike Patriotic Front, however, MMD lacks the strategy for winning popular support. Rather, its leadership holds the misconception that just as Sata bulldozed his MPs during Rupiya Banda’s reign, Mumba can do the same. This is a huge gaffe. Sata’s MPs were mainly in his strongholds – Luapula, Northern, Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces – so he could intimidate them. Those who disobeyed him risked their seats. “Rebel MPs” – as they were openly called – also knew it and successfully blocked their expulsion from the PF – making by-elections impossible. After the 2011 elections, most of them will never be heard of in Zambian politics again.[pullquote]The myth that MMD will bounce back to power in 2016 is not just naïve but delusional at its best.[/pullquote]
But Sata’s political context was so different from that of the MMD today, whose MPs are mainly from neutral constituencies (swing constituencies in American political language), which can flip to any political party. Such constituencies are likely to favor PF over UPND due to many dynamics that usually work for the ruling party – from police to organizational advantages. Since Sata has assured MMD MPs of adoption should they be expelled, we may see massive exodus to PF. However, Sata’s assurance will have little or no impact on UPND, whose MPs are mostly from its stronghold – Southern Province.
I have nothing against MMD and Pastor Mumba. If anything, I would like to see the party survive for the development of democracy in Zambia. I believe that MPs should have constitutional powers to change parties since it is within their democratic rights to do so. However, I am opposed to unnecessary by-elections. We should be spending that money on providing health care and feeding our starving children in the nation. MPs should be allowed to switch parties without fear of victimization – the situation which will reduce the state and party president’s powers, encourage MPs to represent their people’s interests and save us hard needed cash. I submit that this will have its own shortfalls[pullquote]in politics, there are no permanent enemies, and no permanent friends – only permanent interests.” Each time MMD loses by-elections, PF gains not just an extra seat but the public perception that MMD is finished[/pullquote]
On a different note, I am very concerned with President Sata’s undemocratic pronouncement on the adoption of to be expelled MPs. Who counts in democracy – the president or the people? The imposition of Stephen Masumba on Mufumbwe even after he had lost the PF primary elections shows how the cult of the “big man” is undermining democracy in the country. It is shameful that playboy Masumba now owes his political life to Sata and not to the electorate of Mufumbwe. No doubt, Sata is using his power to get his cronies into government in order to reposition himself for the 2016 elections. This dejected situation will erase all structures of accountability and lead to massive corruption and mismanagement of national resources.
That aside, MMD needs to change its strategy. The majority of its MPs are likely to retain their seats should they re-contest under PF. After all, PF is strategically going after MPs in constituencies it knows it will win in by-elections. Here then is my counsel to my fellow pastor, Nevers – grow up when dealing with your MPs. Storming State House will buy you fifteen minutes of fame but not votes. As leader of a political party, you have no role in parliament. In fact, until you are lucky to be elected president, (which is not likely in 2016) your contributions will be through your MPs. By losing the official status of opposition, you weakened your position of influence in the nation.
Let me remind you that MMD MPs are after securing their jobs as opposed to seeing you in plot one. Politicians, it is said, always think about the next election. It is now on you to sell yourself to the people; telling them why they should vote for you. Again, you do not have the economic or geographical capital to bully your MPs – Sata does. You yourself did exactly the same when you accepted to serve as republican Vice President – dumping your own party for the sake of Kwachas.
Finally, learn to read the mood of the nation with humility. Liberate your MPs from your authoritative grips – political parties are not churches where people are afraid of going to hell should they differ with their pastors. Let MMD MPs cooperate with PF on popular issues and oppose it when the nation needs them to do so. Remote controlling them will only lead you into losing credibility and destroying your party. As it is said, “in politics, there are no permanent enemies, and no permanent friends – only permanent interests.” Each time MMD loses by-elections, PF gains not just an extra seats but the public perception that MMD is finished. The choice is yours – go ahead and expel all MPs working with PF or show maturity and leave them to work with PF so that MMD can reorganize again. Humility and not arrogance is the mark of a great leader. I pray and hope you are listening.
Kabimba challenged to explain legality of First Lady’s office
The Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) youth wing has implored Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba to explain the legality of the office of the First Lady.
FDD national youth Chairperson Antonio Mwanza has told Qfm News in an interview that the approval of the K1.5 billion budget allocation to the office of the First Lady is a source of concern.
Mr. Mwanza says it is unfortunate that the office that is not constitutional can have access to tax payers’ money.
He says it is therefore important for the government to explain to Zambians the legality of the office of the First Lady to warrant an allocation in the country’s national budget.
Mr. Mwanza says government should not institutionalize corruption as this will have adverse effects on the country.
QFM
Nkana, Mighty Clash in Barclays Cup Curtain-raiser
Nkana and Mighty Mufulira Wanderers on Saturday clash in an exhibition match at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
The two legendary clubs renew old rivalries in a curtain-raiser match during Barclays Cup final between defending champions Power Dynamos and cup debutants Napsa Stars.
Nkana coach Zeddy Saileti confirmed on Thursday that the exhibition match is on in Ndola and is scheduled to kickoff at 12:30 hours.
“Yes, the game is on. We are playing against Mighty in Ndola. We want to ensure that all our players have a feel of the match,” Saileti said.
Nkana and Wanderers last clashed in September 2009 in a Faz Division One North match played at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka that the former won 2-1.
That same year, Nkana went on to bounce back to the Faz Super Division while Wanderers remain stuck in the lower division.
Wanderers first suffered demotion in 2002 before briefly making a return for one season in 2005.
Katele Kalumba salutes President Sata on Prof Clive Chirwa’s appointment
Former Finance Minister Dr Katele Kalumba says the appointment of automotive expert Professor Clive Chirwa as chief executive officer of Zambia Railways Limited is a wise decision by President Michael Sata.
President Sata announced the appointment of Prof Chirwa yesterday.
Dr. Kalumba has described Prof Chirwa as a man with vast knowledge in technology and various areas of economic development.
He said Prof Chirwa has worked in the diaspora for many years and specialised in the area of automotive as well as other fields relating to technology as he also lectured in Universities in the field of automotive aspects.
Dr. Kalumba stated that there is no doubt that Professor Chirwa will improve the railway system in the country which he said was in a deplorable state.
He also described Professor Chirwa as a man of credibility, discipline, sober character and that he is professionally capable of improving the railway sector which he said is vital in a developing nation like Zambia .
And former Home Affairs Minister Lameck Mangani said President Michael Sata’s decision should be supported all Zambians.
He noted that Professor Chirwa has vast knowledge in automotive aspects and urged Zambians to support the president’s choice if the railway industry in the country was to improve
President Michael Sata today appointed Professor Clive Chirwa as Zambia Railways Limited Chief Executive Officer.
Prof. Chirwa replaces Mr. Knox Karima, who has been retired in national interest.
The President said he has deemed it appropriate and opportune to appoint Prof Chirwa as Chief Executive Officer of Zambia Railways Limited for a period of five years.
The Head of State noted that the railway line has deteriorated beyond description during the concession to Railway Systems of Zambia, which the Government recently terminated.
Prof. Chirwa is a distinguished Professor of automotive and aerospace structures and also chair of automotive and aerospace engineering.
He is also Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Crashworthiness and Advisor to UK, Australia, USA, EU, Japan, Canada and Singapore government on trans -safety among many other internationally recognized credentials and achievements.
ZANIS
Ngambela Sinyinda was an impediment to the process of dialogue with Government -Mubunda Chief
The Mbunda and Nkoya tribes of the Western Province have welcomed the resignation of Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) Ngambela, Clement Wainyae Sinyinda saying he was an impediment to the process of dialogue with Government over the Barotseland Agreement.
The outspoken Ngambela Sinyinda resigned his position citing lack of protection from the office of the Litunga.
In his resignation letter dated November 10, 2012, Mr Sinyinda accused the Litunga, the paramount chief of the Lozi, of neither sufficiently protecting his office nor according it the authority it deserved, among other reasons.
Chief Chiyengele of the Mbunda said the Ngambela was the source of problems surrounding the Barotseland Agreement especially his strong stance to agitate for the secession of Western Province.
“We the Mbundas feel that his resignation is an issue that cannot go without commenting on. The Ngambela was someone very oppressive to other native tribes of Western Province and it is good that he has resigned.
“It is good that he has gone as he was going to cause divisions and continue to cause confusion in the Province because of his stance to call for the secession of this part of the country from the rest of the country, which we Mbundas have been against,” Chief Chiyengele said in an interview yesterday.
In a separate interview, the Nkoya Cultural Association also expressed similar views over the Ngambela’s resignation.
Association chairperson, Lytone Kaushuku said the resignation had been long overdue and blamed him for the confusion surrounding the Barotseland Agreement.
“This decision has been long overdue, because he should have left a long time ago. If we look at the confusion and the fracas surrounding this issue, he (Ngambela) is the one responsible because of his line of thinking in calling for the secession,” Mr Kaushuku said.
He said the stance that was being taken by the Ngambela had contributed to the loss of lives over the Barotseland Agreement.
He accused the Ngambela of being anti-Government in the manner he pushed for the secession and not welcoming views of other tribes in the province.
“The Nkoya speaking people have been against the secession but he came out strongly to push for it without considering other tribes in the province wanted to dialogue with Government and find an amicable solution.
“It is important that we work with the Government of the day in finding solutions that will continue to bring peace and promote unity among our people and not divisions. So we want the process of dialogue to follow suit following his resignation and I pray that we will take that route,” Mr Kaushuku said.
He said it was important stakeholders pushed for an agenda of development in Western province instead of calling for secession.
But the Groups Liaison Committee (GLC) of the Barotse National Activists comprising the Barotse Freedom Movement (BFM) Barotse National Youth League (BNYL) Linyungandambo and Movement for the Restoration of the Barotseland (MOREBA) described Ngambela Sinyinda’s resignation as a blow.
“The development is a devastating ‘blow below the belt’ to the Barotse cause of which we are aware that Ngambela Sinyinda was genuinely passionate about and has escalated to unprecedented levels since taking over as Ngambela of the Kingdom of Barotseland,” the GLC said in a statement.
The GLC said Mr Sinyinda’s resignation was however a minor setback and that they were consoled by the fact that Mr Sinyinda would remain Ngambela until he handed over the instruments of power.
“We can hope that the conditions that led to his declaration of intent to step down can be seriously addressed so that tranquility can return to this Kingdom and that we can forge ahead with the struggle,” the GLC said.
Investment pledges total US$4.3 billion
The Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry has received investments pledges totalling to over US$4.3 billion from investment missions government undertook in 10 countries.
Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry Bob Sichinga said this will result in the creation of an estimated 33,000 jobs.
Mr. Sichinga disclosed that his ministry has so far received investment pledges worth US$678 million in the manufacturing sector, with expected corresponding job creation of 8,700.
He told journalists at a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday that the investment pledges are expected to take off as soon as all other relevant matters are accomplished.
He said government is planning to undertake more investment missions to attract a wide range of investors as it does not believe in what he termed as a one nation focus investment strategy which was the case in the previous government.
Mr. Sichinga stated that his ministry is also developing a framework for implementing joint ventures within the country between foreign investors and Zambians, while simultaneously offering investor facilitation services to Zambians abroad who wish to invest back home.
And the Minister said the development of the Multi-Facility Economic Zones (MFEZ) is progressing well with the Chambishi MFEZ having already implemented 60 percent of the projects while the Roma Industrial Park stands at 30 percent.
He said the Lusaka South and Lusaka East MFEZs are currently at 10 percent, while the Lumwana and Sub-Sahara gemstone are still at start up stage with five percent implementation due to difficulties in attracting probable investors in the park.
Mr. Sichinga further disclosed that Sub-Sahara gemstone has established a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with an infrastructure value pledged investment of US$945 million and with a potential in excess of US$145 million partner in a joint venture.
He said the Chambishi MFEZ now houses 19 enterprises including three Zambian companies, adding that indications on the ground show that other firms have expressed interest in locating in the zone.
He said five more enterprises are expected to establish their businesses before the close of 2012.
Mr. Siching said while the total pledged investment for the development of the Chambishi MFEZ is more than US$945 million for infrastructure and other facilities, the pledged investment by investors to date amounts to approximately US$1 billion.
He said so far US$322 million has been invested in capital equipment by companies who have set up in the zone.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sichinga said Zambia’s drop in ranking on the World Bank Ease of Doing Business was not a comprehensive measure of the business environment in the country because the ranking on the ease of doing business did not measure all aspects of the business environment.
The Commerce Minister stated that though Zambia’s ranking on the World Bank Ease of Doing Business Report has dropped, Zambia’s ranking regionally is favourable and ranks above the regional average.
He said Zambia is third in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), sixth in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and ninth in Africa on the ease of doing business.
Mr. Sichinga attributed the drop in ranking to data that was used by the World Bank in the 2013 report that did not include reforms that were undertaken in the last one year.
He cited the electronic registry for business licenses, the one-stop-shop for business registration and the online name search facility as some of the reforms that were not taken into account in the report.
Mr. Sichinga stated that it was unfortunate that the World Bank, Doing Business Reform Project Team that collected the data did not contact the Private Sector Development Reform Programme (PSDRP) to verify or confirm any reforms that were undertaken in the past year.
The World Bank 2013 Doing Business Report that was released on October 23, 2012, indicated that Zambia’s ranking dropped by ten places to 94 out of 185 countries.
ZANIS
FODEP supports Speaker’s decision on MMD
The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) says Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Patrick Matibini acyed within the law when revoking the recognition of the MMD as the official opposition party in parliament.
FODEP Executive Director Macdonald Chipenzi said Dr. Matibini followed the law which prescribes how a political party can be recognized by meeting certain criteria.
Dr Matibini revoked the recognition of MMD as the official opposition party in parliament yesterday following its dwindling numbers in the House from 53 to 51 members which goes against the provision of Article 84 (4) the Republican constitution to satisfy the provision of forming a quorum
Mr. Chipenzi told ZANIS in an interview that it was however FODEP’s considered view that Dr. Matibini should have used his discretion to recognize the former ruling party in parliament.
He explained that a precedent was set in 1992 when United National Independence Party (UNIP) fell below the required number and the then MMD controlled parliament recognized UNIP as the official opposition.
The FODEP Chief implored the opposition MMD to work extra hard in future by elections if they are to retain its former status as the official opposition political party in parliament.
Mr. Chipenzi further implored opposition political parties in parliament to continue providing effective checks and balances to the Patriotic Front (PF) led government.
And Mr. Chipenzi has described the alleged pending expulsion of 9 MMD Members of Parliament serving in government as unfortunate and unnecessary.
Mr. Chipenzi urged the MMD leadership and the affected Members of Parliament to find an amicable solution that will avert possible costly by elections.
He advised the affected MPs to torn down and respect the provisions of the MMD party constitution and leadership to avoid expulsions that can result in costly by elections.
Mr. Chipenzi also advised the MMD leadership to continue exercising maximum restraint and engage the affected MPs in order to reconcile divergent views .
He pointed out that Article 71 of the current constitution is very clear on the status of a Member of Parliament who decides to cross over to another political party.
ZANIS
Suspected PF cadres attack UPND cadres at Parliament building
United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres, led by party secretary general Winstone Chibwe and deputy spokesperson, Edwin Lifwekelo were yesterday attacked at Parliament building by suspected PF cadres.
The UPND cadres were at Parliament to present a petition meant to stop the allocation of K1.4 billion to Zambia’s fifth President’s retirement home.
The suspected PF cadres arrived in different minibuses and threw stones at the unsuspecting UPND cadres forcing journalists and security personnel at the Parliament gates to run for safety. Quick action by police quelled the confusion leading to the arrest of the 18 suspected PF cadres.
Lusaka Police Chief, Joyce Kasosa confirmed that the 18 had been detained and were being screened to ascertain who were involved in the unruly behaviour.
“We have apprehended 18 people during the confusion at Parliament, though we have not charged them yet as we are still screening them,” Ms Kasosa said.
When calm was restored, Mr Chibwe proceeded to hand the petition to UPND Kabompo West Member of Parliament (MP), Lufuma Ambrose.
First Lady asks public to speak against the rising abuse of girls and young ladies
First Lady Christine Kaseba has called for unity from various groups and the general public to speak against the rising abuse of girls and young ladies from all forms of negative vices such as abuse, violence and defilement.
She said adults should be guiding lights for girls by giving them moral, spiritual and material support to keep their candles burning even as they faced countless hurdles.
DR Kaseba said this when she was being installed and budged as a Patron for the Girl Guide Association of Zambia at State House today.
She believed that given the right guidance and support, young girls would lift many families and nations out of economic woes.
“I am proud to be associated with the Girl Guide of Zambia which remains very strategic and unique, playing a very critical role in shaping the lives of girls and young women to become responsible citizens and at the same time providing them with opportunities to embrace change and make informed choices,” she said.
She said the situation of young women and the wider issues of gender should be seen in the broader perspective of diversity and indiscriminate approach through provision of good leadership governance skills.
She was impressed that the Girl Guide Association of Zambia was actively involved in advocating major global issues such as human rights and social injustice.
Dr Kaseba commended the Association for its continued stance to champion the rights of girls and young women in various forms through their vision of creating a better world where the voice of girls and young women impacted decisions on issues that affected them.
She advised young women that their well being depended on the strategic thinking, skills and energies to break the stereotype norms, laws and practices that discriminated and violated their rights.
Youth and Sports Development minister Chishimba Kambwili said the Association would benefit from the expertise of the First Lady as she was a role model of many young women in Zambia.
Mr Kambwili, however, commended all women’s association to speak out strongly on the issue of defilement that was on an increase.
He said means and ways of ending the defilement of girls which was currently on an increase should be found.
He commended the Association for mentoring the girls and young women in the country to become better females.
And the Association chief commissioner Mary Nambela thanked the First Lady for accepting to be the patron and noted that the girls would learn greatly from her wisdom.
Faz Will Not Pursue Case After Team Bus Attack
The Football Association of Zambia will not file any official complaint against SAFA after an attack on the team bus on Wednesday.
The Zambia team bus was stoned as it left Soccer City at the end of the Nelson Mandela Challenge against South Africa that the latter lost 1-0.
Zambia goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene was reportedly hurt during the attack.
Faz spokesperson Erick Mwanza said they will not pursue any case after two juveniles were arrested for their alleged role in the incident.
“Yes Kennedy was in pain he did not bleed profusely but was in pain. He is fine and did not need to go to hospital after receiving treatment from the team Doctor,” Mwanza said.
“But out appeal was not an act by ordinary and good and well meaning citizens but rather two children who were acting in an unpremeditated manner.
“There was no animosity between FAZ and SAFA.”