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Suspect in the killing of Chinese miner in Sinazongwe nabbed

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Collum Coal Mine Shaft
Collum Coal Mine Shaft

Police in Sinazongwe in Southern Province have arrested the man, suspected to be behind the murder of Collum Coal Mine Supervisor, Wu Shenghai, on August 4, 2012.

Southern Province Police Commissioner, Charity Katanga, confirmed the arrested Sylvester Siachebani, 27 of Siabajele village in chief Sinazongwe.

In a telephone interview, Ms Katanga said the suspect was arrested at Kandambwe Basic School and that Siachebani is mine shaft operator at Shaft 3 at Collum Coal Mine.

“Police around 13:00 hours on the 10th October, 2012, arrested Sylvester Siachebani, 27 of the Siabajele village in chief Sinzazongwe at a funeral house in Sinzeze,” she said.

She said murder master mind of 50-year-old miner, Wu Shengzai, in Sinazongwe was arrested on Wednesday around 13:00 hours at a funeral house in Sinazeze.

Ms Katanga said he would be charged with the murder Mr Wu contrary to Section 200, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

She said Siachebani was commonly called savage by his peers and that he is currently in custody in Choma.

ZANIS

President Sata meets Emperor Akishito of Japan

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President Micheal Sata with the first lady Dr christine Kaseba  having an Audience with  Emperor Akihito and the Emperess of Japan at the Imperial residennce in Tokyo
President Micheal Sata with the first lady Dr christine Kaseba having an Audience with Emperor Akihito and the Emperess of Japan at the Imperial residennce in Tokyo

PRESIDENT Michael Sata has met with Japanese Emperor Akihito in Tokyo, Japan. The President met Emperor Akihito at the imperial residence located within Tokyo this morning.

President Sata who was accompanied by First Lady Dr. Christine Kaseba was received at the imperial residence by Emperor Akihito and his wife Empress Michiko.

From Hotel New Otani where the he is lodging, President Sata and the First Lady were driven in a royal car provided by the monarch, a symbol of highest honour accorded to a visiting Head of State.

According to Japanese culture, the Emperor of Japan is the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people.

Emperor Akihito who is a ceremonial figurehead under a form of constitutional monarchy is head of the Japanese Imperial family with functions as Head of State.

He is also the highest authority of the Shinto religion.

Yesterday, President Sata met Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda at which he stressed strong desire that Japan should increase investment levels in Zambia.

The President who is in Japan on a tight schedule is wooing Japanese investors to come to Zambia and invest in various sectors of the economy.

President Micheal Sata with the first lady Dr christine Kaseba  having an Audience with  Emperor  Akihito and the Emperess of Japan at the Imperial residennce in Tokyo
President Micheal Sata with the first lady Dr christine Kaseba having an Audience with Emperor Akihito and the Emperess of Japan at the Imperial residennce in Tokyo

ZANIS

Three file in nomination papers for Mufumbwe

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Steven Masumba for Patriotic Front (PF) lifted by PF cadres on his way to file for nomination
Steven Masumba for Patriotic Front (PF) lifted by PF cadres on his way to file for nomination

Three candidates out of five vying for Mufumbwe Parliamentary seat have successfully filed in their nominations here today.

The three, who successfully filed in their nomination papers, include Steven Masumba for Patriotic Front (PF), Stafford Mulusa for Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) and Steven Kamwengo for United National Independence Party (UNIP).

However, Independent, Mulondwe Muzungu, announced his withdraw at 11:10 hours while National Restoration Party (NAREP) candidate, Kelvin Kaputula indicated his decline before the exercise started at 09:00 hours.

Mr Masumba filed in his nomination papers first few minutes before 10:00 hours under escort of Republican Vice-President, Guy Scott, who arrived in the town around 08:15 hours to give support to his party’s candidate.

He was followed by Mr Mulusa for MMD who filed in his nomination papers around 13:10 hours under the escort of the Party President, Nevers Mumba followed by UNIP’s Steven Kamwengo at 14:30 hours.

Both PF and MMD candidates enjoyed good crowds of supporters escorting them to the civic centre while UNIP had a small countable number of supporters.

The atmosphere during the nomination period was generally calm as police, clad in riot gear continued keeping an eye on the people to ensure peace and order.

And Vice-President, Guy Scott, has implored people of Mufumbwe district in North-Western province to vote for Patriotic Front (PF) candidate, Steven Masumba, in next month’s by-elections to enhance easy flow of development in the province.

Dr Scott said the PF government is determined to be part of the development in North-Western Province and see to it that the province becomes a very good part of Zambian history.

He said the PF has decided to field Mr Masumba as their preferred candidate because it is the party’s principal that a person who creates a vacancy by way of resigning to join the party should be given the opportunity to get back his seat.

Dr Scott said this when he addressed a rally in Mufumbwe to introduce Mr Masumba to the people of Mufumbwe just after Mr Masumba filed in his nomination papers today.

He said the party believes that they would rather lose an election and abide by its principals rather than win and break the principals.

Dr Scott advised PF old members to support and harmonize with Mr Masumba together with other Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) members he moved with to the PF.

The Vice-President advised Mr Masumba to work hard and not disappoint the electorates when he is sent back to parliament to represent them.

Speaking at the same occasion, Mr Masumba urged all those supporters he moved with from the MMD to work together with the government of the day if reasonable development is to be achieved.

The Mufumbwe Parliamentary seat fell vacant following the resignation of Mr Masumba from the MMD to join the ruling PF recently.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has set November 8, this year as
by-election day for the Mufumbwe seat.

Earlier, Chief Munyambala said traditional leaders in the district will try their level best to provide a Member of Parliament from the ruling party because they want development to flow easily for the betterment of their people.

And Chief Mushima Mubambe’s representative, a Mr Mumba, applauded government for earmarking Kasempa-Kaoma road for tarrying, saying the development will ease transportation for Western and North-western provinces people.

The chiefs said this when Dr Scott briefly held a chat with them before he proceeded for a short rally to introduce Mr Masumba.

ZANIS

Nsanda’s RDA appointment is an insult to engineers

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File: Willie Nsanda is interviewed by journalists at State House.

Former Works and Supply Minister Mike Mulongoti has strongly condemned the appointment of PF senior party cadre Willie Nsanda as Board Chairman of the Roads Development Agency.

Mr. Mulongoti said Mr. Nsanda’s appointment is an insult to the many engineers who are capable of supervising the operations of the RDA.

“We do have highly qualified professionals in this country. What are we telling them? Are we saying only PF cadres can be entrusted to run big projects in this country? Mr. Nsanda questioned.

“Bringing Mr. Nsanda to the RDA is wrong, on principle, that position should be held by a seasoned Engineer because you are interested in operational efficiency and not appeasing political functionaries,” he said.

Mr. Mulongoti was speaking this morning when he appeared on a “Face the Media” radio programme on Radio Phoenix.

The Former Minister also maintained that the transfer of RDA to State House will compromise the office of the President.

“I used to tell one former President that involving State House in the awarding of contracts would bring him problems and yes it did and am afraid the same would happen with Mr. Sata if he wants to take over RDA,” he said.

Mr. Mulongoti added that State House’s involvement in RDA operations has further demoralized the engineers at the RDA.

“These engineers have been trained at a great cost to this nation and we are busy frustrating them and other countries are eyeing them. Most of them have left for big opportunities in East Africa and they are doing well,” he said.

K500 billion Aids agreement historic – NAC

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MCDMCH Deputy minister Jean Kapata, NAC Chairperson Bishop Joshua Banda and NAC Director General Dr Clement Chela attending the plenary sessions at the 19th International AIDS conference in Washington DC
File:NAC Chairperson Bishop Joshua Banda and NAC Director General Dr Clement Chela attending the plenary sessions at the 19th International AIDS conference in Washington DC

The National Aids Council (NAC) has appealed to all recipients of the global fund to strengthen their capacity to understand what the fund is meant for so that the resources can be used for the intended purpose.

The Global Fund and the Zambian government yesterday signed a new agreement of US$102 million (about K500 billion) for HIV programmes to be implemented by the Churches Health Association of Zambia.THE Global Fund (GF) to fight HIV\AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB) and malaria gave Zambia the grant to continue supporting the national HIV/AIDS responses in the country.

NAC board chairperson Bishop Joshua Banda said the signing of the new agreement is historic not only because of the huge amount involved but also because of the significant demonstration of confidence in the country’s response framework.THE Global Fund (GF) to fight HIV\AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB) and malaria gave Zambia the grant through the Churches Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ) to continue supporting the national HIV/AIDS responses in the country.

Bishop Banda said it should be realized that now that the resources are huge, the responsibilities are also bigger.
Speaking in an interview, Bishop Banda says accountability and transparency should be enhanced adding that areas that have had loopholes in the past should be tightened to avoid a repetition of what transpired at the ministry of health.
He said he is confident that the monitoring and evaluation systems are now much stronger.

The signing of the single stream funding grant was a consolidation of four grants which had since made Zambia the only country in the region to have successfully done so.

From the grant, over 404,275 people would be counselled and tested, 80,479 placed on treatment, 84,000 males circumcised and 70,050 orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) would receive care and support.

Global Fund head – grant management programmes division from Geneva, Eldon Edington praised the Zambian Government for implementing measures to ensure resources in the health sector reached the intended purposes.

Mr Edington said in Lusaka yesterday at a signing ceremony that he was impressed with the Zambian Government’s efforts to fight HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria in all parts of the country.

“I am very glad to be here to sign this agreement with Zambia today. This new grant will increase Global Fund’s investments of high impact interventions that will help Zambia reach universal access of HIV treatment,” he said.

He said Zambia had continued to make tremendous strides in the fight against major diseases using GF resources and that his organisation would also continue to invest in the country’s health sector.

Mr Edington said Zambia had been rated among high countries making positive impacts in combating various diseases such as HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria by working with various cooperating partners.

Health Minister Joseph Kasonde said the signing of the single stream funding grants, which brought K500 billion into Zambia, would target high impact areas to support efforts in the fight against major diseases.

He said Zambia was privileged to have been a recipient of GF grants since inception in 2002 in which K2.5 billion had been disbursed, helping the country in areas of HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria fight.

Dr Kasonde said the Government, through the Sixth National Development Plan (SNDP), had prioritised health-related Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs) and was impressed with CHAZ for its concerted efforts to improve the health sector.

“The Government health care financing through the Ministry of Health and its partners is focusing on exploring ways of introducing alternative means of financing the provision of health services to raise additional revenue, promote efficient utilisation of Government health facilities, equity and delivery of quality health care services,” he said.

Dr Kasonde said the Government had embarked on a process to have a comprehensive health care financing strategy and was also considering setting up a national health fund.

The fund would start operating a social health insurance scheme with public servants being an entry point, adding that there would be a clear roll out plan for private and informal sectors.

Interview with UK based singer/songwriter /entrepreneur ELAKA

 Ethel “Elaka” Gondwe is a singer ,songwriter and entrepreneur .  We recently had an interview with her ;

KAPA187:   Who is Elaka?

ELAKA: Elaka is a singer/songwriter and actress, a lover of art and the arts. I am passionate about what I do and my heritage, I am a very proud Zambian; I think I even irritate people on how much I love being Zambian lol

KAPA187:   I assume you started singing at a young age .what was your motivation to get serious about music?

ELAKA:  Yes I did start singing at a young age, I was part of my school choir, but I suffered from low self-esteem and so I did not tell people for a long time that I wanted to sing professionally. My turning point I would say happened when I entered an inter-house school competition and it was myself, singing an ensemble with another girl and a pianist to accompany us, I actually choked and eventually got into it and sung my part. We did not win the competition cause of my hesitation to start my part however, it was very well received by teachers and my peers and that is when I realized that I could do it. When I completed high school however I never pursued music and was set to just focus on College and University but then I lost not one but two sisters one year after another they were 20 and 27 and I realized that life is way too short not to follow your dreams. As well as Whitney Houston, Dolly Parton, Mariah Carey and the likes being my inspirations, my motivation was the death of my sisters.

KAPA187: You have performed with a number of Zambian and international acts, how has that influenced your artistry?

ELAKA:  It has influenced me in so many ways, stage performance, vocal projection, song writing and image and branding as an artist, I have learnt a lot and taken it on board. More importantly it has influenced me to stay true to myself in the songs I write. People sometimes focus too much on vocals and they forget why people decide to pursue music in the first place, because for me it is about the song, music is universal, and from watching and performing with other artists I have learned that if they can help my life with just that one song or that amazing performance, then if I can help someone else out there, even if it’s just one person, with my song(s) then I have lived my dream.

KAPA187:    Tell us about your song “My Africa”, how did it come about and what was the concept of the video.

ELAKA:  My Africa, was originally written as My Zambia, the original melody I wrote the song to was the drop leaf rhythm from Jamaica, I love that rhythm which had over 12 artists write lyrics to the same beat, and I thought that was amazing that one song can be turned into different songs just by the different lyrics and different artistic flairs, and I remember hearing artists like Jah Cure have such captivating lyrics which made me feel compelled to write something to the song and the first thing that entered my mind was My Zambia and the melody just fell in with it. My lyrics were inspired through a situation where I was experiencing a communication breakdown with my family back home, and it was appearing as though things were amazingly glamorous for me here whilst things were not so great back home. So I wanted to relay a message that basically says I might be here but I am still there for you, sometimes im unable to help out with certain situations but that does not mean that I have forgotten and im not still trying to help. It changed to My Africa as it came to light that many are found in my type of position who are far from family and friends and can relate to what I am talking about, so I thought it best to broaden it for them too.

 

The video’s script was written by Nord Graham Car, the concept was to get into my head and the turmoil of remembering home whilst living this supposed westernized lifestyle with my friends; you see what appears to be the younger me watching my every move, and I find myself in a forest that crosses between going home to try and help the ones I left behind and straddling the two worlds as I toss and turn in bed. So it pretty much goes back and forth on that concept.

KAPA187:   Apart from music you are also an entrepreneur, what inspired you to take the risk of starting your own business as opposed to working for someone.

ELAKA: Yes I am an entrepreneur, I am from a blue collar background, my parents worked hard and established themselves pretty well when I was growing up so a business structure is not new to me so I studied for a BA Hons degree at Westminster University, as I have always known that I needed to have a business or two where I can invest my money in when I make money from my music. I eventually ventured into starting my business as I could no longer straddle working for someone else and putting in those hours for them and having time to complete my own projects, it was one or the other, that and the fact that I don’t think I like being told what to do anymore lol

KAPA187:   Tell us about your company Effycom Productions

ELAKA: Effycom Productions I founded in 2008 when I was working for a record label, I was the manager and managing everything around the office. So with that I improved my skill set on the music industry, and developed a great network within the industry. I also spent time doing a lot of research before I embarked on pushing the company forward. I created the company as a means of helping other artists as it was not easy for me to find the right information and find the right people to showcase myself when I was starting off, I wanted to give people the opportunities that were not available to me when I was starting out. Today I am happy to say that I have established that foundation that can assist other artists, and I have expanded it into others within the entertainment industry so I help models, actors, designers, dancers etc. Effycom Productions is a record label, management company and also specializes in graphic design, event promotions, PR, branding, marketing and general consultancy, and through the hard work I put into the company it has earned 4 award nominations and winning two, one being a BEFFTA Award under Best Event Promoter 2010 and a UKZAMBIANS Excellence award under Promoter of the year 2012. I have previously managed UK artists, Strictly D, Dawn May, Sheya and Zambian based Zone Fam and Roberto. I am currently managing UK Based artist Ivy-May, myself as Elaka and I have signed Zambian based artists Ruff Kid, Paul Da’Prince, DJ Len and Nana. I also have two models signed to Effycom who are based in Zambia, Claudia Zimba and Wika Kawina. My company has been contracted to coordinate shows for big companies like SBTV, and Channel AKA and established a great working relationship with individuals at companies like MTV UK/Base Africa, MNET,  Channel O, BEN TV, VoxAfrica TV, Sony BMG, Universal and the list goes on.

KAPA187:   What challenges have you faced in your company?

ELAKA: The challenges like all businesses are plenty, I have had clients not pay for the work they hired my company for, I have had artists going diva on me, I have suffered great loses when events go pear shape unexpectedly, but I would not trade that for anything, because that is how as a business we learn and grow and improve, I find it to be a wonderful experience. Even the fortune 5 companies experience setbacks, as far as I am concerned I am only just getting started, there is plenty of room for improvement.

KAPA187:   You also have a clothing line, what style of clothes do you offer and what sets them apart from other designs.

ELAKA: My clothing line is called ElHry clothing, my line is an extension of myself and expressing myself through clothing. I think what sets mine apart from the rest is my love for colour and my boldness to experiment with and go with what my gut feels like. My non-conformist attitude to life allows me the creativity to come up with the different patterns that people can enjoy wearing.

KAPA187:    What is Queen of Zambia UK about?

ELAKA: Queen Of Zambia UK is a beauty pageant that aims to promote beauty with a purpose. I established Queen Of Zambia UK as a means of getting the girls based here in touch with their roots. I grew up in the UK, but I was fortunate enough to hold on to my roots and heritage and I can still speak Nyanja and Bemba, and I discovered that there are plenty of young women who have been here a while and do not seem to remember or know much about Zambia and its culture. So the pageant is there to get the girls to learn about our cuisine, our cultural backgrounds and tribes so that people around the world can know more about Zambia. The pageant is a not for profit organization so one of the other aims for it is to help the needy in Zambia, it is still growing but I am hoping in time it will make a difference for those that are suffering in Zambia. We have established communication with The Flip Flop Compassionate who are a Zambian based charity, whom we are working on creating greater awareness for the charity so that they can help more children and young people in gaining skills for life. (You can contact them to offer donations in terms of money, food, clothing or facilities by visiting their facebook page via this link https://www.facebook.com/pages/Flip-Flop-Compassionate-Zambia/393893450657255?fref=ts )

KAPA187:   How do you manage your time among all your ventures?

ELAKA: The beauty of having your own business is that you have no one to answer to and your time is yours, so making time for all my projects even if not easy requires me to really coordinate my schedule, I tend to multi task a lot that way I get more than one thing completed at the same time. I have late nights and early mornings so that part is rather wild but I am used to it now. I also have interns that assist me from time to time so it allows me to meet necessary deadlines.

KAPA187:   Is music something you see yourself doing 10 years from now or will you concentrates on building your businesses

ELAKA: I still see myself practicing both music and my business in 10 years from now, and as my business is within the same industry the two go hand in hand, my music supports my business and my business supports my music so it is a win win situation.

KAPA187:   What words of encouragement do you have to other Zambians especially woman about being an entrepreneur.

ELAKA: To my fellow Zambians, I say do not let anyone first of all tell you that you cannot achieve anything. If you have a dream and are willing to work hard at it, you need to go for it, the road is not guaranteed to be a sooth one, but nothing good comes easy. Make sure you put in your research,  read study books on your chosen business, or take classes or attend seminars and workshops, talk to people ask questions and really put in the time and effort to secure your business. More importantly Zambia being one of the only few countries in Africa that has never been war torn, let us show our unity in supporting one another, that is how we grow as  a people and as a nation.

THE MUSIC

MY AFRICA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Picd1fqSPY0

 

ELHTY  CLOTHING

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By Kapa187

Ghana Not Distracted By Zambia’s 3-Point Gain

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Ghana FA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi says the Black Stars will not be distracted by the boardroom points awarded to Zambia in the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Chipolopolo have jumped to the summit of group D after they won their protest against Sudan for fielding an ineligible player during their world cup qualifier in Khartoum in June this year.

The disciplinary committee of the world governing body ruled that Saif Ali, was not qualified to feature for the Nile Crocodile after receiving accumulated yellow cards in previous competitive matches.

But the country’s football chief insists the Black Stars will remain focus for the challenge ahead.

“We will not want to be distracted by this decision. We will not want to be influenced negatively by this decision,” Nyantakyi told a Ghanaian local station Peace FM.

“We want to remain as focus as ever and try to win all the games ahead of us. We win all our matches and then we are on top of our group with good score line.

He added: “That notwithstanding we’ve discussed and explained to the players that we must just go ahead and win our games. “

“They must all redouble their efforts. They have to tune their minds and build their psyche stronger than before because the obstacles ahead are now going to be more difficult than we previously knew.”

The Black Stars are currently in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, fine-tuning ahead of this weekend’s decisive 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Malawi in Lilongwe.

Man sentenced to 2 years with hard labour for hurting cows that grazed his field

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A hot spring in the kafue flood plains in Itezhi-Tezhi district in Southern Province and its part of the district’s tourist attraction area

Itezhi tezhi magistrate Munalula Mubita yesterday sentenced a 35-year-old man of chief Kaingu’s chiefdom in Itezhi tezhi district to two years imprisonment with hard labour for injuring two herds of cattle after they grazed and trampled on his seedlings.

Kalumiana Kalumiana, 35, from Chief Kaingu’s chiefdom in Itezhi tezhi who appeared before Itezhi tezhi magistrates Munalula Mubita was charged with two counts of injuring animals contrary to section 334 of the penal code cap 87 of the laws of Zambia.

The court heard that on 16 September 2012, the owner of the two oxen, Lawrence Katiamba returned from the bush where he had gone and received information that his two oxen were critically injured by Mr Kalumiana.

The court further heard that Mr Katiamba also found Kalumiana stabbing his oxen with an axe and that the two oxen sustained serious injuries.

Mr Katiamba and other villagers managed to apprehend Kalumiana and took him to the police together with the two oxen where he readily admitted to the charge.

Kalumiana and the oxen were later taken to a district veterinary officer who examined the two oxen and issued a report.

[pullquote]“The rightful thing was for you to secure the animals and take them to the owner and demand for compensation” he said .[/pullquote]

The incident report tendered before court by Itezhi tezhi District Veterinary Official said he was called to do an inspection on a two oxen suspected to have been stabbed with an axe.

Findings of the District Veterinary Department were that the oxen were seriously injured and sustained deep cuts.

Kalumiana in mitigation said he was a first offender, “I stabbed the animals because they grazed and trampled upon my vegetable. I am married, and I plead for leniency and I promise not to repeat what I did.” Kalumiana said.

And in sentencing Kalumiana, Magistrate Mubita said that stabbing two oxen with an axe because they grazed and trampled on the vegetables was inhumane.

“The rightful thing was for you to secure the animals and take them to the owner and demand for compensation” he said .

ZANIS

It’s necessary to participate in constitution making-Chirundu DC

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Chirundu District

Chirundu District Commissioner Maxwell Syamalimba has said it was absolutely necessary for people to participate in formulating the constitution because it was the highest law of the land.

Mr. Syamalimba expressed gratitude that for the first time in the history of the constitution making process in Zambia, government has deemed it necessary to undertake a truly bottom-up approach in the constitution making process.

He said this during the official opening of a three days district consultative forum held at in Chirundu yesterday.

He said the draft constitution contains most of the provisions that the people of Zambia have been yearning to have in the constitution.

Mr. Syamalimba said the district consultative forum has convened primarily to obtain the views of the people in the district on the first draft constitution.

The District Commissioner stated that for the constitution making process to maintain its legitimacy and produce a constitution that will stand the test of time, there is need for the district consultative forum to play its part.

He called upon the members at the forum to ensure that every comment that has been received is carefully considered.

He further told forum members to put aside personal interests and work for the common good of the people as they deliberate.

Mr. Syamalimba also urged the chairperson of the forum to be firm but fair and ensure that the meeting fulfils its objectives within the given time.

He has since thanked government through the Ministry of Justice for providing financial resources for convening the forum.

ZANIS

Government committed to reducing hunger and poverty by 2015-Wina

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Gender minister Inonge Wina
Gender minister Inonge Wina

Government says it committed to ending hunger and poverty by the year 2015.

Speaking during the Heifer Passing- On- Gifts Ceremony of 40 dairy heifers and 4 bulls to 40 families of Balaka and Masengo women groups in Kabwe district today, Gender and Child Development Minister Inonge Wina said government prioritizes the agriculture sector as an engine for the country’s development.

Ms. Wina observed that proper management of small holder dairy farming has the capacity to provide steady income.

She commended Heifer International for the initiative to empower women adding that the cooperation between the Balaka and Masengo cooperatives which own a milk collection centre and a dairy processing plant for cheese, yoghurt and packaged milk is an indicator that only with hard work and focus, rural communities can overcome some of the challenges they encounter.

Ms. Wina appealed to the families receiving the dairy cattle to be more assertive in taking care of the animals in order to enhance productivity.

And Heifer International Chief Operating Officer Steve Deene stated that Heifer has remained committed to promoting sustainable livelihoods and empowerment of women through the Pass-On-the-Gift project which was launched sometime in February in 2011.

Mr. Deene explained that the project was aimed at empowering women in agriculture specifically women farmers through the promotion of integration of livestock and crop production to generate sufficient food and income security for vulnerable families.

He disclosed that the project is aimed at reaching 2000 families in Kabwe and Kapiri Mposhi districts using a sustainable approach to community development through the promotion of livestock agricultural input and training in agricultural production as well gender equity.

The Passing-On-Gift project is a programme where families that receive livestock have to pass on the First offspring and training to other vulnerable groups and families.

ZANIS

President Sata invites Japanese investors to invest in Kawambwa Tea Company

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President Michael Sata with Japanese Prime minister Yoshihiko Noda
President Michael Sata with Japanese Prime minister Yoshihiko Noda

PRESIDENT Michael Sata is concerned with the low number of Japanese tourists coming to Zambia.

And President Sata has invited Japanese investors to consider investing in Kawambwa Tea Company in Luapula Province.

ZANIS reports that speaking in Tokyo, Japan yesterday when he met that country’s Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, President Sata said the number of Japanese tourists coming to Zambia has been unimpressively low.

The President said this is despite Zambia and Japan enjoying diplomatic relations dating back to the time of Zambia’s independence.

This is according to a statement released to ZANIS in Tokyo today by President Sata’s Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations, George Chellah.

President Sata has encouraged Japan to seize the investment opportunity as Zambia co-hosts the 2012 UN World Tourism Organisation general assembly with Zimbabwe.

He said Japan could explore possibilities of investing in the tourism sector apart from its nationals coming to Zambia as tourists.

President Sata also urged the Japanese national airline to consider establishing a direct flight to Lusaka to help promote tourism between the two countries.

The President also said Zambia and Japan should consider easing restrictions of movements of people of the two countries by relaxing conditions on visa requirements.

And president Sata has invited Japanese investors to come to Zambia to invest in the Kawambwa Tea Company in Luapula Province.

The president said government is ready to give the tea company to the Japanese investors.

President Sata has, since urged Japan to also invest in the agricultural sector.

He said since the Japanese are good in textile, they would do well to support the production of cotton in Zambia.

ZANIS

Opposition MPs walk out of parliament, forcing VEEP to issue motion to adjourn proceedings

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The Law makers

OPPOSITION Members of Parliament (MPs) walked out of Parliament on Wednesday evening to protest an apparent reference of the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) process by the former ruling MMD and the opposition UNPD as a conduit of corruption.

The protest by the opposition bench was triggered after Home Affairs deputy Minister Stephen Kampyongo stated that the partnership between the MMD and the UPND to support the NCC process was a corruption scheme.

The opposition bench trooped out of the House at the peak of debating President Michael Sata’s speech, amid jeering from the right-wing, comprising the ruling PF MPs.

Vice President Guy Scott issued a motion to adjourn proceedings, 15 minutes later as the House could not continue the business of the day minus the presence of other MPs.

Mr Kampyongo was during his presentation responding to concerns raised by Lunte MP, Felix Mutati (MMD) over the current Constitution making process and the need to ensure that Zambians were unveiled an all-inclusive national document.

“Some members of the opposition were bundled at a hotel to be taught what to say and they took part with the MMD in corruption through the Constitution making process,” Mr Kampyongo said.

He advised fellow MPs to desist from engaging in divisive politics saying this had the potential to influence political party supporters.

He said Zambia would greatly benefit from peaceful politicking which was a prerequisite to promoting peace and unity.

He emphasised that it was for the country’s benefit that the opposition worked hand-in-hand with Government to spearhead national growth unlike being antagonistic.

He also advised that the Zambia Police should be left to operate independently unlike the current situation where some opposition members were attacking the security wing based on accusations that it was partisan.

He said the Police service was there to provide peace and stability and should not be judged to be in support of any political side.

Mr Kampyongo’s concerns on the need to work together was also echoed by his Labour counterpart, Ronald Chitotela who said Government’s open-door policy was a healthy channel to propel the country’s growth agenda.

Mr Chitotela said Government was committed to deliver on its election promises and it had already anchored itself to doing so, through various developmental projects that were taking place around the country.

“We are ready to work with all Zambians despite their political affiliation. Peace is cardinal in our country and when we speak as MPs, let us ensure that we preach peace,” he said.

He said the road infrastructure development plan would be a catalyst for growth of the nation.

On job creation, Mr Chitotela said his Ministry was working to establish data on how many Zambians were looking for jobs in various fields to understand which sectors were hard-hit with a shortage of professionals.

He said all investors were welcome to operate in Zambia but that they should respect local labour laws.

Dick Ngwenya Makes Dramatic Return As Warriors Coach

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The sudden departure of Coach Dick Ngwenya from struggling FAZ Super Division side Indeni has shocked the club.

Ngwenya ditched Indeni on Tuesday to rejoin his old club Kabwe Warriors.

Indeni Secretary Steven Sinyinza said the club did not expect Ngwenya to leave the club in the manner he did.

“He just tendered the letter of resignation yesterday (Tuesday) citing personal reasons,” said Sinyinza.

Indeni have elevated assistant coach Daniel Bwalya to the role of head coach.

“The assistant Daniel Bwalya will stand in for him in the interim capacity,” he said.
Ngwenya resigned from Division One South leaders Warriors last July and joined Indeni as a replacement for Emmanuel Siwale who was fired
in May.

With five games remaining before the end of the Super Division, Indeni are currently bottom of the table with 20 points in 25 matches.

GRZ Offers Zambia $5000 bonus for Uganda Win

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Government has announced that the Chipolopolo Boys will receive $5000 each as winning bonus if they beat Uganda in Saturday’s decisive 2013 Africa Cup qualifier away in Kampala.

Revealing the pledge, Sports Minister Chishimba Kambwili said government wanted to motivate the team ahead of the crucial encounter.
“When they win they are supposed to get $3000 but we will give them $5000. This is a crucial game, we have decided to increase winning bonus so that we can encourage the team to out and win the Uganda game and qualify to go and defend the Africa Cup,” Kambwili said.

He emphasised that government expect Zambia to beat Uganda at Namboole Stadium.

“We don’t expect anything less than a win, as government we have done everything for the team, we have secured a charter flight with Konkola Copper Mines and we have camped the team in South Africa,” Kambwili added.

Guy Scott apologises to Small Scale farmers, defends GBM and Wynter Kabimba

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Eastern Province Minister, Charles Banda, welcomes Republican Vice President, Dr. Guy Scott, at Chipata airport. Dr. Scott is in Chipata to officially open the SOS Children’s village.
Eastern Province Minister, Charles Banda, welcomes Republican Vice President, Dr. Guy Scott, at Chipata airport. Dr. Scott is in Chipata to officially open the SOS Children’s village.

Vice President Guy Scott has apologised and appealed to small scale farmers to remain calm as government is working on modalities to quicken the payment process of farmers that supplied their maize to Food Reserve Agency (FRA).

Dr. Scott explained that government is aware of the effects that late payment will have on farmers hence is working hard to ensure that the situation is improved and that all farmers are paid their dues before November.

Dr. Scott said this when he featured on a live special interview on Breeze FM in Chipata today.

“Some people are saying PF is “Paya Farmer”. It is not true that we have come to kill the peasant farmers in rural areas. In fact, we want to support all emerging farmers in order to create employment and fighting poverty in rural areas” he said.

He disclosed that government has received an additional K41 billion which is still not enough to pay all the farmers for them to prepare in time for the next farming season.

He said to this effect the Ministries of Finance, Justice and Agriculture have recorded progress in borrowing funds to give to banks that will in turn pay farmers for the maize supplied to FRA.

[pullquote]“Some people are saying PF is “Paya Farmer”. It is not true that we have come to kill the peasant farmers in rural areas. In fact, we want to support all emerging farmers in order to create employment and fighting poverty in rural areas” he said.[/pullquote]

The Vice President alleged that some challenges in the crop marketing season were caused by the previous government and that the PF government is working hard to address the problems in order to tighten up the supervision and control of money being released for farmers.

He further noted that government is committed to improving the wellbeing of small scale famers by improving the input supply and the whole crop marketing process.

Meanwhile, Dr. Scott has maintained that government will not interfere with the operations of law enforcement agencies in its quest to fight corruption.

He said government will also not intervene even in the issue of two cabinet ministers that have been accused of involving themselves in corrupt activities.

He explained that the continued calls that the two ministers should resign are unjustifiable adding that the two are just facing allegations and have not yet been found guilty.

Dr Scott said that Defence Minister together with his Justice counterpart have the right to continue serving in government until the Anti-Corrorruption Commission (ACC) establishes the validity of the allegations leveled against them.

“The two ministers were merely accused of committing a crime and allegations will merely be allegations until they are proven guilty by the courts of law. Allegations do not implicate anyone, it does not make someone a witch until proved otherwise,” he said.

The Vice President stated that government will wait upon the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) investigation report before coming up with a decision on the matter.

The ACC has launched preliminary inquiries on the possible elements of corruption following reports of corrupt allegations involving Defence Minister Geoffrey Mwamba and his Justice counterpart Wynter Kabimba.

On PF internal power struggle, Dr Scott said what was currently happening was merely some internal wrangles that could be sorted out within the party hierarchy.

He however explained that there could be some new members that had joined the party with ambitions of succeeding the President that might want to play their own cards.

And Dr. Scott has expressed confidence that the PF will scoop the forth coming Mufumbanzi ward by-election in Petauka slated for November 8, 2012.

He said PF will use this by-election as a litmus test and prove to people that it is a party of all Zambians and has presence everywhere.