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.

ZANIS

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.

 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

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.

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.