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MMD president Nevers Mumba(l) MMD national Chairman Kabinga Pande and MMD Vice President for Politics Michael Kaingu(R) during the press conference this morning
The MMD National Executive Committee (NEC) has expelled national Secretary Major Richard Kachingwe from the party with immediate effect.
MMD national Chairman Kabinga Pande made the announcement during a news conference held at party president Nevers Mumba’s residence in Lusaka this morning.
Mr Pande said the NEC resolved to expel Major Kachingwe at its meeting held yesterday for alleged misconduct in accordance with article 19N of the party constitution.He said Major Kachingwe’s letter to invalidate Dr. Mumba’s presidency was illegal and invalid.He accused Major Kachingwe of single handedly invalidating the election of Dr. Mumba without authority from NEC or the national convention.
Mr.Pande also announced that Senga Hill Member of Parliament Kapembwa Simbao has since been appointed national Secretary on interim basis until elections for the new national secretary are held.
He also dispelled media assertions that the party is divided saying Major Kachingwe’s case was purely a matter of discpline and that the general MMD membership is united behind the leadership of Dr. Mumba.
Mr. Pande further revealed that media reports indicating that Major Kachingwe had obtained an injuction aganist Dr. Mumba are incorrect.
He said the Lusaka High Court refused to grant Major Kachingwe the injuction without hearing from Dr. Mumba’s lawyers.
Mr. Pande also condenmed the manner in which MMD cadres attacked Major Kachingwe at the party secretariat.
Party president, Nevers Mumba, vice president for political affairs Michael Kaingu, Party Spokesperson Dora Siliya and deputy national secretary Chembe Nyangu were also in attendance.
Mr. Pande said the ongoing fight between the party and the registrar of societies is already a known issue to all Zambians.
Meanwhile MMD Vice President for Politics Michael Kaingu said the MMD has no problem paying the K90 million statutory arrears to the Registrar of Societies by Friday.
“We paid over K360 million arrears to Andeleki’s office.We don’t have a problem clearing K90 million anyday,” Dr. Kaingu said.
MMD party president Dr.Nevers Mumba has called on MMD leaders countrywide to remain resolute.He said MMD is a mother of all democracy and will continue to exist even after he had served his full term as party leader.
MMD cadres during the Press conference held at party president Dr.Nevers Mumba’s residence
Issues surrounding recent events in the MMD can be analyzed from different angles. However, in this article I wish to concentrate on only one angle. That is whether Major Kachingwe can succeed at law to have the courts invalidate the election of Nevers Mumba as MMD president. It is my opinion that it would be very difficult, in not impossible for Major Kachingwe to succeed at law. I am quite concerned that in our democracy, the High Court has been called upon to rule on matters to do with internal party disputes far too many times. It should be noted that the courts of law are not the best avenue to resolve political differences. This insatiable appetite for politicians to use courts for each and every of their political squabble is a drain on the meager resources of our judiciary. Indeed, instead of having our judges concentrate on major issues such as crimes and other civil matters or indeed constitutional matters, boggling them down to deal with fine issues of political differences is not just right. This trend has been encouraged by this entitlement that Zambians, especially, politicians have come to expect. Filled with corruption and stolen splendor, it is not enough that these gentlemen and ladies have so much going well for them, their lack of appreciation manifests itself in their abuse of the court process. The Zambian High Court has seen far too many political bickers – and this must stop. On that note I must now dwell on the issues of whether Major Kachingwe can succeed or not. But in order to do so, I should state first of all Major Kachingwe’s version of facts.
Major Kachingwe’s version of Facts
Major Kachingwe alleges that Nevers Mumba being a member of another political party is disqualified from being President of the MMD.
That being the case it fell upon him, as National Secretary to act and invalidate the election of Nevers Mumba as MMD President.
If he does not act as National Secretary, the MMD risks being deregistered by the Registrar of Societies.
It is within his power to appoint an acting president and in this case, Michael Kaingu should act as president in place of the invalidated Mumba.
I will argue on each of these issues raised by Kachingwe.
First, Major Kachingwe argues that Nevers Mumba is a member of another political party and as such he cannot hold membership in the MMD. This question can only be answered by fact. Is Nevers Mumba a member of another political party? Nevers Mumba says he is not a member of any other political party. To prove his point, Kachingwe retrieved records from the Registrar of Societies, which still lists Nevers Mumba as president of the Reform Party. According to Nevers, the Reform Party was disbanded or dissolved and its last returns where filed in the year 2008. In this case, then following Kachingwe’s arguments – the only evidence he has that Nevers Mumba is a member of the RP are the returns. But it has been since established in both common sense and in law that records held by the Registrar of Societies do not necessarily convey present reality. A person does not become a member of a society simply because records at the ROS states so.
[pullquote]The Zambian High Court has seen far too many political bickers – and this must stop.[/pullquote]
If indeed those records belong to 2008, they cannot be relevant to the question to be decided today. Either by mistaken repeated practice or by rampant ignorance, the role that the ROS is playing in internal club matters is increasingly becoming more political and more confusing. Memberships, or directorships of a registered society are deemed to have changed at law, when the said society so decides. This has nothing to do with when the ROS is informed. As with a company, once a board of directors or any appointing authority, as the case may be, changes directors – right at that moment of the change – the said changes are deemed to have taken place. The Registrar plays no legal role in effecting this change. The Registrar as the name suggests only registers and does not determine the legal position of the change. So if Andeleki has records from 2008 and has not been informed that Mumba is no longer president of RP, that Andeleki has not been informed of the change does not invalidate the change.
Second, Major Kachingwe argues that since he is the National Secretary of the MMD it fell upon him to act and invalidate Mumba’s election. This thinking is seriously flawed both at law and at common sense. In order to discuss this matter it is important to note first of all the nature of the MMD as a body. The MMD is a club. It is registered under the Societies Act. It is not a legal person. It is not a corporation. It is a body of individual members who have elected a board to run the affairs of this club. This board is known as the National Executive Committee. The NEC then delegates its powers to a National Secretary to administer the MMD. As such, policy-making power remains with the board while administrative power is delegated to the National Secretary. Given that the election of Nevers Mumba was conducted after a policy decision from the NEC it becomes impossible for a National Secretary to invalidate the policy decision made by a board. It is not within the power of an operative like Kachingwe to invalidate the actions of his board. The least he could do is to present before the NEC issues that his has seen with its decision.[pullquote]Indeed, without a policy decision from the NEC that reconsiders the position of Nevers Mumba – Kachingwe cannot unilaterally act. He does not have that power.[/pullquote]
He cannot go it alone and act. On this matter then Kachingwe cannot succeed. A party president like Nevers, everywhere be it in Zambia or everywhere else in the Commonwealth posses some residual power to lead and offer policy direction for his party. In other words, Nevers Mumba can give speeches and offer guidance as to how the MMD will react to national policy matters. This power can never be conceived as belonging to the National Secretary as well. For example, even with PF, Wynter Kabimba cannot invalidate Sata’s election and what Sata says offers policy direction for the PF and not what Wynter says. The same applies to Winston Chibwe in UPND. What Hichilema says serves as a policy directive while Chibwe’s words cannot be held in the same esteem. An operative like a national secretary must always defer to his principal. It is a simple principle. What then are the consequences of Kachingwe’s action? Indeed, without a policy decision from the NEC that reconsiders the position of Nevers Mumba – Kachingwe cannot unilaterally act. He does not have that power.
Third, Kachingwe argues that if he did not act, then the MMD risked being deregistered by Andeleki. Obviously, Kachingwe’s thinking here does not smell good. Actually it stinks of corruption, unreasonableness and utter silliness. I must digress here a little bit. Clubs and societies in Zambia, are customarily said to have “constitutions.” This is what deceives many of our people into thinking that a club constitution acts just like a republican constitution. This is obviously not the case. The law recognizes that clubs exist for a common purpose. Clubs then come up with its rules and regulations of how it will govern itself.
[pullquote]In fact, that is what happened when Mwanawasa and the NEC decided to freeze the position of Vice-President. Not withstanding that the MMD constitution provided for a position of Party Vice-President, the MMD sitting as a board decided to suspend its own constitutional provision by adhering to its president’s policy direction to not elect a vice-president.[/pullquote]
However, it still remains with the members of the group and indeed with its board to change and modify its rules as it goes. The courts of law cannot force a club to enforce its own rules if that club changes or refuses to enforce some rules. At one time Justice Nyangulu ruled in the case of UNIP provincial party membership. Judge Nyangulu read the UNIP constitution so strictly that he invalidated the election of an Eastern Province provincial chairman because he was resident in Lusaka contrary to the UNIP constitution. On appeal, the Supreme Court reversed Nyangulu. Again this was due to a principle at law, that clubs should be able to run their affairs without subjecting them to strict legalities. Indeed, not withstanding what a club constitution says, if members or any group so gathered and recognized by the said society decide to suspend particular rules – the club is within its right to do so. In fact, that is what happened when Mwanawasa and the NEC decided to freeze the position of Vice-President. Not withstanding that the MMD constitution provided for a position of Party Vice-President, the MMD sitting as a board decided to suspend its own constitutional provision by adhering to its president’s policy direction to not elect a vice-president. The lesson then is still valid today. Anyone who could have taken Levy and the NEC to court over the matter was not going to succeed. In this case then, if the NEC has now decided to have an election where Mumba gets elected as MMD president, Kachingwe cannot force the NEC to follow its own rules. The law is as simple as that and there is precedence to this effect. Kachingwe could not unilaterally act.
Fourthly, Kachingwe’s actions are so obviously wrong that he even went ahead to appoint an acting MMD president. This has never been heard of. The National Secretary of any political party cannot unilaterally act to appoint who his superior is going to be. In the MMD hierarchy, just as is the case with other parties, the president is the principal, then the two vice presidents, then the chairman and his deputy and then the secretary and his deputy and so on. However, in the event that a president is invalidated, it would be the NEC to decide who should act as president. Kachingwe’s decisions are marred with an invisible hand that it would be interesting to know why he had pick on one of the veeps to be an acting president. I would not be too wrong to imagine that Kaingu was obviously unimpressed by this dubious gesture.
Fifthly, Kachingwe argues that his has power under the MMD constitution to discipline MMD members. Definitely, the MMD National Secretary does have so much power. But unfortunately, that power does not include disciplining unilaterally, his superior. Nevers Mumba is Kachingwe’s principal. He couldn’t have that power to discipline Nevers. For his obvious amateurish behaviour, I am concerned that Kachingwe received a beating for it. All should condemn violence of any kind. And definitely seeing a grand father hauled out by cadres was a sorry sight to see. I wish him very well as he recovers from his beating. I also wish the police all the best as they apprehend the suspects and bring them before the courts of law. But for now, Kachingwe is in court and obviously; I can predict that he will receive another beating – at the hand of the law this time around. My only prayer and hope is that it does not hurt too much.
Note: This article is not intended to offer any legal opinion. It is intended for academic and political debate. For specific legal advise, Zambians are encouraged to consult members of the Zambian Bar.
The completed Olympic Youth Development Centre,swimming pool
After a frantic four days of filling up water in the newly constructed swimming pool at the Olympic Youth Development Centre, management at the center have confirmed that the facility is now ready for the Zone 6 games.
Many feared that the OYDC swimming pool whose construction commenced only three months ago would not be ready for the Zone 6 games which starts off this week.
However OYDC Director Clement Chileshe confirmed that the pool is now ready for use and was scheduled to be handed over to the Ministry of Sports Monday afternoon.
“We have set a record of putting up this world class facility in three months, many people thought we would not be able to achieve this but due to close cooperation and hard work, we have succeeded,” said Chileshe.
He said the pool required around 4 million litres of water and management had to seek help from other government departments and the defence wings to fill up the pool.
“The water requirement was too much for Lusaka Water and Sewerage, so we had to call for reinforcements from ZAF, ZNS and the Army including the private sector for us to get the requirements amounts of water to fill up the pool.”
“As we are speaking, the electronic board is working perfectly, the warm up area is ready and we are just waiting for the hand over.”
He said the new swimming pool could be rated as one of the best in Africa adding that Zambia should be proud that it now has world class sporting venues.
Zambia hosts the 5th edition of the Supreme Council of Sports in Africa Zone Six Games will run from December 4 to 17.
President Michael Sata with Agriculture and Livestock Minister Emmanuel Chenda, Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba, Defense Minister Geoffrey Mwamba and Home Affairs Minister Edgar Lungu after meeting with traditional leaders at State House
By Dr Charles Ngoma
What happened at the offices of the Anti Corruption Commission with respect to the scheduled interview of Hon Wynter Kabimba SC was a disgrace. The Anti Corruption Commission is an arm of the Executive and is commissioned by the President. What Honourable Kabimba did with the Patriotic Front cadres is to give a two finger salute to the President who is the appointing authority.
If the person who is the custodian of Justice in Zambia, is himself suspicious of the process of the rule of law to which he is collectively and individually party, what hope do the rest of the ordinary citizens have?
Honourable Kabimba should either apologise or resign his post. He is not fit to be in government and if he is not fired, there is something seriously wrong with the governance of the country.
Even those in opposition have never behaved in this manner at any time in the history of our country. It beggars belief that a member of government, a law maker, refuses to cooperate and abide by the very laws that he has appended his signature to.
An interview is not a charge, so why is he jittery? Further more, he wrote to the ACC to expedite the process, and now plays monkeys with it!
FILE: Community development deputy minister Jean Kapata greets President Sata ,Lameck Mangani and defence minister Geoffrey Mwamba
The ruling Patriotic Front says it is illogical for anyone to insinuate that the PF is behind the confusion in the opposition MMD.
PF Mandevu Member of Parliament Jean Kapata says the Patriotic Front has nothing to fight over with the MMD because it is already a finished party.
Ms. Kapata says the PF has no time to waste on the MMD because it will never rise again.
Speaking to QFM NEWS, Ms. Kapata says there is nothing more the PF would want from the MMD as the most important thing it needed was achieved, which is to remove the party from power.
And Ms. Kapata, who is also Community Development, Mother and Child Health Deputy Minister, says the manner in which MMD National Secretary Major Richard Kachingwe was treated by MMD cadres is embarrassing.
She says Major Kachingwe, being a father, deserves respect adding that it is good that the police are making progress in their investigations.
Meanwhile, Chief Government Spokesperson Kennedy Sakeni says the Patriotic Front government will not allow anyone to disturb the plans it has for the people of Zambia.
Mr. Sakeni says whoever is against the pronouncements being made by government should simply continue with their political rhetoric because the people of Zambia are at hand to judge for themselves.
He says it is surprising how some politicians are opposing the creation of districts when it is being done to reduce the distance that people cover to access social services.
Speaking to QFM News, Mr. Sakeni says government will not be shaken because the people against its developmental agenda are not fighting government but the citizens of Zambia, who are the major beneficiaries of the services being provided.
He says any well meaning Zambia can never be negative on issues that are aimed at lightening the burden of the people.
The Central province constitution convention has opened in Kabwe today with over 160 delegates from all sectors of society participating in the consultative forum.
The convention, which runs from today 3rd to 8th December at Misuku Lodge in Kabwe, is being attended by government officials, traditional leaders, the church and civil society groups, political parties and the business community among others.
The delegates are drawn from all the seven districts in the province. Officiating at the convention in Kabwe this morning, Central Province Minister Phillip Kosamu called for a serious approach to the draft constitution in order to produce a constitution that will stand a test of time.
Mr. Kosamu implored delegates at the convention to diligently analyse and represent recommendations made by the community at the district level before they can make their own contributions for the good of the people.
He further urged delegates to objectively choose credible and bold representatives to the national and sector group convention, who are able to confidently and exhaustively represent the resolutions that will be arrived at during the ongoing provincial forum.
The provincial minister has since commended the Technical Committee on Drafting the Constitution for making steady progress and accommodating the interests of the people.
Mr. Kosamu further thanked the Ministry of Justice for funding the constitution making process saying this demonstrates government’s commitment in prioritizing the interests of the people.
Meanwhile, Technical Committee on Drafting the Zambian Constitution team leader for Central province Reuben Lifuka said his team has so far adhered to the terms of reference given by President Michael Sata to produce a people driven constitution.
Mr. Lifuka also explained that the provincial convention will seek to analyse recommendations made at district level and make changes which will culminate into a draft copy that will later be presented to the national and sector group convention.
The national and sector group convention is the last stage in the constitution making process.
And speaking last evening when he featured on a Radio Maranatha talk show, Mr. Lifuka expressed confidence that the constitution making process has scored a number of successes and will complete the process within the stipulated time.
The 17 member technical committee team was appointed by President Michael Sata on 16th November and commenced work on 1st December 2011.
The team was mandated to finalise and present the final draft constitution to the President and subsequently to the people of Zambia by 30th June 2013.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Technical Committee Drafting the Zambian Constitution (TCDZC) Annel Silungwe has expressed optimism that the people of North-western province will actively participate in the constitution making process.
Justice Silungwe said he was hopeful that people in the region will make contributions that will bring about a constitution that Zambians will be proud of.
He said this when he paid a courtesy call on North-western Province Permanent Secretary Augustine Seyuba at his office in Solwezi today.
He was flanked by Mwangala Zaloumis and Patrick Mvunga who are members of the Technical Committee Drafting the Zambian Constitution.
Justice Silungwe is in the area to kick start the provincial constitution convention.
He explained that there has been some delay in starting the provincial conventions due to late submission of district consultative forum reports.
And North-western Province Permanent Secretary Augustine Seyuba assured the Justice Silungwe’s entourage that the people in his region were ready to contribute in order to come up with a constitution that will stand the test of time.
Mr. Seyuba has since commended the team on the Technical Committee Drafting the Constitution for the good work it was doing so far. He expressed hope that the contributions will make a positive difference to the next constitution of Zambia.
The convention has drawn more than 200 delegates from within the province. Among the delegates are senior Chief Kanongesha and Chieftainess Nyakulenga.
MMD national secretary Richard Kachingwe has outlined the full details of what necessitated him to take the action of invalidating the election of the party’s president Nevers Mumba. The details are contained in a writ of summons filed by MMD lawyer Hobday Kabwe at the Lusaka High Court where Major Kachingwe is seeking the nullification of the election of Dr. Mumba as president of MMD.
In addition to wanting the court to quash and cancel any instructions and decisions made by Dr Mumba purporting to expel him from the MMD, major has also applied for an order of injunction restraining Dr Mumba from holding himself as MMD party president until the matter was disposed of.
He said Dr Mumba should be stopped from performing or purporting to perform the functions of the party presidency. He said the relationship, conduct, powers and obligations of members
of the MMD were regulated by the party Constitution. Maj. Kachingwe said the powers and functions as vested in the national secretary by the party Constitution included powers to ensure discipline and taking disciplinary actions against officers and members of the party.
Reasons for Major Kachingwe’s Actions
Major Kachingwe said in October, this year arising from the duties, he filed statutory returns with the Registrar of Societies, but the office of the Registrar of Societies refused to accept the
party’s filing citing anomaly because Dr Mumba who appeared as the party president on the documents was still president of the Reformed Party (RP).
Maj Kachingwe said he informed Dr Mumba about the position of the Registrar of Societies that returns and notice of change of office bearers could not be accepted until the anomalies were rectified or Dr Mumba resigned his position as RP president.
He said despite his advice to Dr Mumba that he urgently needed to resign his position, Dr Mumba had remained adamant prompting the Registrar of Society to issue the MMD party with the last warning ending on December 7, this year.
The MMD is supposed to file notice of change of office bearers and annual returns by that date.
He said Dr Mumba’s adamant stance left the MMD in precarious position and as such he was left with no option but o invalidate his election in the interest of saving the party.
Maj Kachingwe stated that on November 30 2012 he informed Dr Mumba of the invalidation of his election and advised members of national executive committee (NEC) that Dr Michael Kaingu would take over the party presidency on an acting basis.
He contended that surprisingly in a counter reaction, Dr Mumba sent some thugs and hooligans to harass and beat him up.
He further held a media briefing and purported to expel Major Kachingwe from his party position as national secretary when he had no powers or locus standi.
He said the invalidation was also in requirement of the Republican Constitution under Article 34 (3) (d).
He said Dr Mumba was inducing, persuading and promoting a culture of violence within the party and was procuring thugs to break the law by beating innocent members of the party.
Maj Kachingwe contended that democratic dispensation would suffer crisis and a possibility of deregistration by the Registrar of Societies.
Register of Societies Clement Andeleki supports Kachingwe view
According to the Register of Societies, former Republican President Rupiah Banda is still MMD Party President and does not recognise Nevers Mumba as he is still the leader of the Reform Party (RP) whose details show that that Dr Mumba’s RP had not been deregistered and Dr Mumba was still heading the party.
In a letter dated, September 27, 2012, referring to the change of office bearers for the MMD following party elections, Mr Andeleki said the party had not notified his office about the change of office holders.
“I write to refer to the above captioned subject matter and I notice that despite that you had elections on May 25, 2012 and changed office bearers, you have to date not filed any documents to my office to change office bearers. As you are aware, the Societies Act requires that you notify my office within 14 days from the date of such change of office bearers,” Mr Andeleki stated.
The Registrar did not recognise, Dr Mumba because of his dual membership and had requested the MMD to resolve the matter.
“Dr Mumba is therefore not recognised as MMD Party president as he had neither dissolved the Restoration Party (RP) nor relinquished his position as Party president nor has there been correspondence that he was the new MMD president.
“You must notice that failure to notify my office of change of office bearers constitute an offence punishable under the Societies Act. However, as we had discussed earlier, I hope that you have resolved the matter pertaining the dual membership of Dr Mumba,” Mr Andeleki said.
Questions Demanding Answers
There are still answered questions that might be raised by the other side of of this issue. It is not clear whether the Reformed Party (RP) was update with their filling with the Registrar of societies. If it is found that the RP party had not filed any returns for many years, as claimed by Dr Mumba, then the next question will be to find out why Mr Andeleki failed to de-register the RP in the same manner he almost de-registered the MMD.
Dr Mumba is on record that Dr Katele Kalumba did re-admit him to the Party. If that is the case, why has Katele Kalumba not come out in public to support or refute Dr Mumba’s statement?
The other question will be concerning the former President Rupiah Banda. If the registrar of society recognise him as the party President, what are the implications of his current status?
Muchinga provincial minister Charles Banda (l ) visiting the launch site in the company of his permanent secretary Charles Sipanje (second left) China China Jiangxi chief engineer Peng Xuan and other government officials to ensure that preparations for the launch are well done
All is set for the launch of the one trillion kwacha Chama- Matumbo Road Construction Works in Chinsali District of Muchinga Province by President Michael Sata on Wednesday this week.
The road construction which is one of the major projects to be undertaken in the province will create 1000 new jobs during the construction period which is expected to last for two years.
In coming Muchinga Province Minister Charles Banda told ZANIS in Chinsali today that preparations for the launch of the long awaited road which is part of the 8000 Kilometers Link Zambia Project under phase one have advanced.
Mr. Banda said the road contractor China Jiang Xi is already on site and has mobilized almost all the equipment needed to commence the works.
Mr. Banda who visited the launch site in the company of his Permanent Secretary Charles Sipapanje said he is impressed with the preparatory works which have been done so far.
And China Jiang Xi Chief Engineer Peng Xuan said his company is ready to commence the works that include construction of three bridges.
Mr. Xuan said 3 camps have been formed with one group starting from the junction of the Muyombe Lundazi Road passing through Chama Boma in order to ensure that the project is completed in time.
He said that a good number of the required equipment has since arrived with more expected to come in the next few days and will be distributed to all the 3 camps.
Meanwhile the commissioning of the US$4.1 million Shiwangandu Mini Hydro Power Station in Chinsali district by President Michael Sata has also been set for Wednesday this week.
Muchinga Provincial Minister Charles Banda who confirmed the development to ZANIS today said the Shiwangandu Mini Hydropower Station Project which was undertaken by ZESCO and its partners has been fully completed and ready for commissioning.
Mr. Banda said the Mini Hydropower Station will be powered by water from a dam made on Mansha River and will supply electricity to all the surrounding areas in Shiwangandu and others.
Shiwangandu Mini Hydro Power Station which will supply 1mega watts of electricity took 2 years to be constructed.
THE Bank of Zambia has maintained the policy rate for the month of December at 9.25 percent. According to a press statement released yesterday by BoZ head of Public relations Kanguya Mayondi, the Monetary Policy Committee made a decision at its November 2012 meeting to maintain the Policy Rate at 9.25% for December 2012.
The Committee noted that inflation projections for end-December 2012 remain broadly in line with the target of 7.0 percent. A projection was also made that Inflationary pressures were expected to be moderated by relatively stable prices of some vegetables, reflecting an improvement in seasonal supply.
In addition, the price of maize grain and maize products is expected to remain stable as the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) supplies maize to the millers in December.
However, the Committee noted that there may be upward risks to inflation during December 2012 arising from the following the global grain deficit that may induce higher domestic and imported grain prices.
The lagged effects of the recent exchange rate depreciation as it may result in higher prices of imported goods and expected increases in prices of beef products mainly on account of demand arising from the festive season and fish prices as the fish ban comes into effect on 1st December 2012.
The Committee weighed these risks and was of the opinion that the moderating factors will outweigh the upside risks for inflation and therefore decided to maintain the policy rate at 9.25%.
Kabimba with PF cadres at the Anti-Corruption Commision Offices
The interview by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) officers with Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary General Wynter Kabimba over alleged oil contract deals today flopped after he refused to be interviewed alone.
Mr Kabimba who is Justice Minister was summoned today by ACC at 15:30 hours but arrived five minutes before the scheduled time and was welcomed by several PF cadres.
Upon arrival, Mr Kabimba was received by ACC public relations manager Timothy Moono and other officials who ushered the Minister inside the building while the cadres also made their way in.
Mr Kabimba was taken upstairs by some ACC officers who earlier persuaded him to leave the party members outside so he could be interrogated alone in one of the offices.
But Mr Kabimba insisted that the matter he was summoned for, was of public interest because it had been all over in the press and there was no way ACC officers could demand to interrogate him alone.
“I want to see the officer who is supposed to interrogate me… because I fixed an appointment at 15:30 hours and infact, I came here five minutes before. I don’t want to paraphrase my statement to the media.
“There is nothing to hide in this matter all what I want is the media and all these people around to be present when you interrogate me,” Mr Kabimba told one of the ACC officers whilst on upstairs offices.
After conferring with an indentified ACC officer for some minutes, Mr Kabimba was then asked to go back to the waiting room to enable the officers prepare the room that could contain all people who accompanied him.
At the waiting room, several senior ACC officers pleaded with Mr Kabimba to interrogate him alone stating that the matter was ‘confidential’ but the cadres responded that “We are here to support and protect our S.G and this matter is of public interest and anybody can attend it,”
At this point, ACC deputy director general Irene Lamba appeared and told Mr Kabimba that the interrogation could only go ahead in absence of cadres and the media.
She said,” Honourable, this matter is confidential, there are a lot of people around its not possible to do our work,” but Mr Kabimba assured her that the cadres were harmless and if anything bad happened he was going to be held responsible.
After a short talk, Mr Kabimba was told to leave the offices by Ms Lamba who said the commission would make fresh arrangements to interrogate him but the cadres also responded that they would not give up in supporting their S.G the next time ACC would summon him.
Mr Kabimba was disappointed that ACC officers had failed to interrogate him after making all his efforts to avail himself before the commission to interrogate him in an open manner.
Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) President Dr Nevers Mumba has revealed that he will hold a press briefing tomorrow to reveal the full details of misdeeds by the MMD national secretary Richard Kachingwe .
Dr Mumba said he did not want to give piece-meal information about what was happening in the party, but rather hold hold a press briefing on the matter give the full details.
“I won’t comment today. I don’t want to give answers in piece meal. I will probably issue a comprehensive statement tomorrow to help the media and the people understand misdeeds and the game my brother Kachingwe has been playing,” he said.
Meanwhile, Police have apprehended MMD Lusaka Province chairperson Watson Mtonga in connection with the beating of MMD national secretary Richard Kachingwe over the weekend, Lusaka Province Police chief, Joyce Kasosa has confirmed.
Ms Kasosa confirmed in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that Mtonga was currently in detention and that Police were still hunting for other youths that were involved in the fracas at the MMD secretariat, where Major Kachingwe was hounded out of his office following deepened wrangles in the MMD.
“We have so far only apprehended one suspect, a Mr Mtonga who is in detention, we have not yet charged him as Police officers are still in the field searching for more culprits,” Ms Kasosa.
File:A woman displays her voter and National registration cards
By Mr.Musonda
In Zambia there is tribalism by law.Our national registration cards are tribalist.Why do you ask me the village I come from and for my chief ? Does it mean to be a Zambian is not enough unless you have a village and chief? In most case someone has never been and will never go to the village.In this way the registration brings with it a sense of tribalism and regionalism which is bearing fruit of conflicts in Western province and North-Western province particularly in Zambezi where the Lunda and Luvale fight.
We need a system in Zambia which identifies us Zambians not of a particular square area in Zambia. My suggestion to concerned Zambians and MPs is to push for registration that will do away with this colonial system which worked then to control the number of villagers going town.In colonial times villagers had to get permission from whites to go to town and so needed Icitupa.[pullquote]Please stop giving people too many numbers NRC number, driving license number,passport number, NAPSA number, Bank number, school Examination number,govt employee number why can’t we just have one number for everything[/pullquote]
Every Zambian at birth must be given a number, this can be done at the clinic.This number can then be used for any public service needed.This number should be used for examinations, driving licenses, passports, banks, NAPSA number and in all forms of registration which need to be given a number.All
information of education should be entered at a central database. So that if I apply for a job and they need to verify my qualifications they can just contact the central system. At every city council when giving plots they should know the persons number so that if a need arises they can trace the person so easily.
When a person dies the information needs to be captured by the central system so that at the end of the year its known how many people died in that year.Such a system will also aid in the ontrol of foreigners and corruption. It will be easy to check if a person has a genuine passport in just a matter of minutes.
Please stop giving people too many numbers NRC number, driving license number,passport number, NAPSA number, Bank number, school Examination number,govt employee number why can’t we just have one number for everything.
Mps I leave this to you and concerned NGOs do us good on this issue.
Justice Minister Winter Kabimba is this afternoon expected to appear before the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) for questioning over corruption allegations leveled against him.
Mr. Kabimba is alleged to have received kickbacks for facilitating the awarding of an oil supply contract to Trafigura.
ACC Public Relations Officer Timothy Moono has confirmed that Mr. Kabimba has been invited by the commission for questioning.
Mr. Moono could however not provide the exact time the Justice Minister is expected to appear at the commission.
Earlier in October this year, the commission launched investigations into corruption allegations against Mr. Kabimba and his defence counterpart, Geoffrey Mwamba.
Mr. Mwamba is accused of corruptly soliciting a contract to supply electricity poles to ZESCO.
Meanwhile President Michel Sata has said the campaign against corruption embarked on by his government has no sacred cows.
In his speech to launch the international anti corruption week, ahead of the international anti corruption day which falls on 9th December, President said his government will not relent in devising strategies and enacting laws that will ensure the eradication of poverty.
President Sata said corruption retards social, political and economic development of a country by diverting the scarce national resources from the intended areas of investment.
He said it also raises levels of poverty, promotes social injustice, distorts facts and figures associated with governments’ expenditure thereby leading to poor service delivery both in public and private sector.
Mr Sata added that corruption undermines the rule of law, reduces investor confidence and frustrates developmental programmes.
He further stated that corruption also facilitates crime and increases the gap between the rich and the poor.
President Sata notd that for a long time Zambia has experienced sufferings at the few hands of unscrupulous and selfish individuals who have demonstrated no regard for other people’s rights and privileges.
He has pledged that his government will not cast a blind eye to these challenges while a few individuals continue to rob the country of hard earned resources.
President Sata said his government will not shield anyone or in any way be selective but will professionally and impartially execute its mandate.
[QFM]
Major Richard Kachingwe being dragged to the road by MMD youths
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THE First Lady Dr. Christine Kaseba is welcomed by Central Province Minister,Phillip Kosamu during the world Aids day in Chibombo
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EDUCATION Minister (front), UNICEF country representative Iyorlumun Uhaa (middle) and Ministry of Education Deputy Permanent Secretary Christine Mayondi touring stands during the Ministry’s Health Day commemoration in Lusaka
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EDUCATION Minister John Phiri presents a hamper to Lusaka Girls Basic School teacher Monica Mukwanga who is living with HIV/AIDS at the Ministry’s Health Day commemoration in Lusaka
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Chibombo High School Cutural groupe doing what they know best during the world Aids day in Chibombo
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Barrick Lumwana acting managing director Guy Cordingley (right) and a Ministry of Health official display a cheque for K100 million donated to Meheba Rural Health Centre for the rehabilitation of the laboratory and purchase of equipment that supports CD4 count machine on the eve of the International Wolrd AIDS Day at Lumwana Pleasure Resort on Friday
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Ms Esnart Musonda, a physically challenge person on ART for five years, giving testimony during this year’s International World AIDS Day held at St.Joseph’s Mission Hospital grounds in Lufwanyama
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Central Province PF Chairperson Benson Chali’s speech at World AIDS Day
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From left to Right : Chipata District Commissioner, Kalunga Zulu, Eastern Province Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary, Zachariah Lunhanga and his Acting Assistant Secretary, Agness Chinyama during an interpfaith candle light service at Reformed Church in Zambia in Chipata
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EASTERN Province Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary, Zachariah Luhanga (l) and Chipata District Commissioner, Kalunga Zulu (r) light a big candle during an inter-faith candle light service held at Reformed Church in Zambia ( RCZ) in Chipata
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CONGREGANTS with their lit candles during a candle light inter-faith service held at Reformed Church in Zambia (RCZ) in Chipata
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DEFENCE Minister Geoffrey Mwamba with his Home Affairs counterpart Edgar Lungu arrive at Litunga palace for a closed meeting with the King at the weekend
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DEFENCE Minister Geoffrey Mwamba (middle) with his Home Affairs counterpart Edgar Lungu (right) flanked an Induna arrive at Litunga palace for a closed meeting with the King
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Serenje District Commissioner Charles Mwelwa and Mansa District Commissioner Mirriam Kauseni inspecting the accident scene after a bus accident where one person died on the spot and 47 others were injured
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Mwame Bus Services was travelling from Luapula to Lusaka when it overturned last week on Wednesday night killing one person on the spot and left 47 others hospitalized. Here, Kizito Kaseketi being evacuated
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Mansa District Commissioner Mirriam Kauseni visiting one of the accident victims Fred Kalebwe who is nursing serious injuries in Serenje District Hospital after a bus accident where one person died on the spot and 47 others were injured
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Serenje District Commissioner Charles Mwelwa and Mansa District Commissioner Mirriam Kauseni visiting one of the accident victim Joseph Mwape who is nursing serious injuries in Serenje District Hospital
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CHIEF Chamuka of the Lenje-speaking of Chibombo District arrives at Nkonje Community School on Wednesday to witness its handover
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FROM l to r : JAPANESE Non-Governmental Organisation, Second Hand, representative Yukine Tamura, Tokushima International Cooperation (TICO) country representative Chika Setoguchi, Momboshi Upper Basic School head teacher Lucky Mumba, Nkonje Community School head teacher Trevor Siadunka and Rural Development Committee secretary Chama Chibwe display the certificate of completion of Nkonje Community School
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A Mascot for Zone Six Games
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One of the Buses for use during the Zone Six Games
