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Dr Kaunda overcome with emotion during the funeral of Mama Betty Kaunda
First republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda paid a moving tribute to his late wife Mama Betty Kaunda who died last week in Harare, Zimbabwe.
During a requiem service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross attended by acting President Alexander Chikwanda, vice President Guy Scott, ministers, former president Rupiah Banda, opposition leaders, diplomats and people from all walks of life ,Dr Kaunda in his tribute to his late wife read on his behalf by Pius Kasutu described his late wife as a pillar.
Dr Kaunda described his wife’s death on 19th September, 2012 in Zimbabwe were she had gone to visit her daughter Musata as very unexpected.
He also described his companionship with his wife of 66 years as a fruitful journey.
The first president recalled how his marriage to Mama Betty Kaunda was destined to be when his mother Helen Kaunda in 1928 assisted in the birth of a baby who would later turn out to be her daughter in law in 1946.
Dr Kaunda recalled how President Michael Sata’s father in 1946 in Mpika acted as the go-between in his marriage negotiations for Mama Betty.
He also described his late wife as a great activist for Zambia’s independence, leading fellow women to strengthen the struggle for freedom despite the dangers involved.
Dr Kaunda said Mama Betty Kaunda actively supported the struggle for independence and the family, remaining strong in his absence and looking after the family.
And the first President attributed what he achieved to Mama Betty Kaunda to a greater part.
Mama Betty Kaunda who was born on 17th November 1928 will be put to rest today at the Kaunda farm Estate near State Lodge in Lusaka.
Vendors display their merchandise on the railway line in Kabwe. Not only is this is a health hazard but it also highlights the lack of concern by owners of the railway line (RSZ or ZR) and the police.Picture sent by LT blogger
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People scavenging for scrap metals from mine dumps in Kabwe. We all know that Kabwe mine and the nearby soils are highly polluted with the toxic metal lead. I am sure ZCCM-IH knows about these people but is not doing anything to protect their property as well as the environment. By LT blogger
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Part of the accident wreckage in which a 57-year-old locomotive driver died on the spot after the Tanzania-Zambia Railways Authority (TAZARA)train he was driving failed to stop, went off the rails and landed into a river on 17th September
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Part of the train accident wreckage that claimed the life of TAZARAs longest serving and most experienced locomotive driver Ali Kilumanga
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ZESCO Limited officials inspect the waters at Lake Kariba where the utility firm generates power
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The dam wall at the Kariba North Bank Power station
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The dam wall at the Kariba North Bank Power station
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The entrance into the Kariba North Bank Power Station under ground system
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Driving into the Kariba North Bank Power Station under ground system
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ZESCO Limited officials inspect the Kariba North Bank Power Station extension programme, which is expected to increase the power generation capacity for Zambia
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ZESCO Limited officials inspect the Kariba North Bank Power Station extension programme, which is expected to increase the power generation capacity for Zambia
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The central control system at the Kariba North Bank Power Station under ground centre
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Construction workers conducting maintenance works on the G4 unit, which failed to generate power after rehabilitation. The loadshedding schedule has been extended
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Construction workers doing expansion works for under ground cable at the Kariba North Bank Power Station
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Northern Provincial Minister Freedom Sikazwe (l) handing over chlorine to Sakamulwa village section for purification of water
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Mpulungu resident draws water from an unsafe well at Sakamulwa village where cholera has broken out near Lake Tanganyika
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Passengers disembark from a Railway Systems of Zambia passenger train in Kafue
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Finance Deputy Minister Miles Sampa launching Zambia’s US$750million-worth bond at Deutsche Bank’s Fixed Income Trading Floor on Wall Street in New York, USA, on Thursday 13 September, 2012. This was after his telephone call with Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda, who endorsed the transaction. photo by Chibaula D. Silwamba GRZ
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Women wearing dresses made from sacks singing and dancing during the Chambo chalutanga traditional ceremony of the Fungwe people of Mafinga district in Muchinga province
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Mafinga MMD Member of Parliament Catherine Namugala joining in the traditional Dolo dance with Chambo Chalutanga traditional ceremony organising chairperson ( in suit) Chance Kabaghe at Thendere in Mafinga district of Muchinga Province
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Ambassordor Frank Mutubila presents his credentials to the President of Italy Giogio Napolitano
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Ambassordor Frank Mutubila talks with Italian President Giogio Napolitano after presenting his credentials
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Left is Alexious Mulemba, Former Nyimba Secondary school Student, currently based in Qatar in the Middle East, as Director IT & Business Excellence for Toyota & Lexus Qatar. Presenting Football Jerseys, he donated to his former school, Nyimba Secondary School, To Dr Phiri, the Zambian Minister of Education, in Dr Phiri’s Office.
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Alexious Mulemba, donating the Jerseys to Nyimba Secondary school, receiving the the Football Jersey was The Senior Teacher Mr Tembo (Left) accompanied by the Sports Master (right).
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Alexious Mulemba,a Zambian based in Qatar with students and Teachers of Nyimba Secondary School.Mr Mulemba requested for Zambians in the Diaspora and at Home to visit their Former schools and help out.’Let us not sit back and wait for the Government, but as Professionals and Young Zambians, we can be part of the solution to the challenges,’he said
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Over 500 Fish and Rice mongers from the West Bank of the Zambezi River in Western Province come to squat at Mulamba Harbour in Mongu District
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Over 500 Fish and Rice mongers from the West Bank of the Zambezi River in Western Province come to squat at Mulamba Harbour in Mongu District
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Mongu marketers welcome the Zambian rebased kwacha and appealed to the Bank of Zambia to consider translating the publicity materials such as posters into local language (Lozi)
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Mongu marketers welcome the Zambian rebased kwacha and appealed to the Bank of Zambia to consider translating the publicity materials such as posters into local language (Lozi)
The much-touted historical US$750 million which has taken the country’s financial markets by storm is finally ‘safely’ in a special account at the Bank of Zambia, deputy governor for operations Bwalya Ng’andu has disclosed.
Speaking in an interview on the sidelines of a garden party hosted for Princess Anne by British High Commissioner to Zambia James Thornton in Lusaka on Wednesday, the deputy governor said the wait is finally over.
“The money is waiting or sitting in an account in the central bank right now as we speak,” Dr Ng’andu said. “it came in as per schedule last week on Wednesday and is now simply awaiting government direction for implementing projects.”
Dr Ng’andu also said contrary to the belief that the Eurobond funds would ‘immediately’ strengthen the Kwacha, it would in fact take a lot more than just the Eurobond for the currency to gain strength.
“The basic principle is that we must earn foreign currency from several other commodities beyond copper,” Dr Ng’andu said. “the bond money will only start affecting the Kwacha’s strength once the government starts pumping it into capital projects, not by just sitting in an account in the central bank.”
The deputy governor, who was part of the government team that conducted the road shows in New York and London led by Deputy Finance Minister Miles Sampa, told the Daily Mail that, “I am still excited and overwhelmed by the response we got from investors…whoever had any doubt regarding our credibility as a country I think had their doubts dashed.”
Meanwhile, Barclays Bank Zambia Ltd, the joint lead managers and book-runners for the US$750 million, says the bond will further increase Zambia’s “visibility to the international investor community”.
In a statement, Barclays says the bond will further “set an international pricing benchmark for future issues and provide access to long-term projects for capital funding, to both public and private entities.”
The Zambian government has stated that the Eurobond will be used for infrastructure building which is expected to create thousands of jobs within five years.
Gender Minister Inonge Wina has said that the recent attacks on women by some political leaders only shows that there is a leadership vacuum in the country.
Ms. Wina said that the attacks launched by some political leaders which has also trickled down to their youth followers is unfortunate and shows the low level of upbringing.
Speaking to QFM, Ms. Wina said that political leaders should always realize that leadership is not just made up of men alone but also women hence the need to respect the role that women play in providing leadership to the nation.
She said that if the current leadership being exhibited by youths is not controlled, she fears that there will be no hope for the country.
Ms. Wina said that it should be realized that gender based violence is not only based on violent acts but also the use of bad language against women.
Rehabilitation work on the 69-kilometre stretch of Pedicle Road that was being carried out by Fratelli Locci Construction company
Over 470 Fratelli Locci Construction Company workers staged a peaceful protest in Ndola yesterday and appealed to government and the Road Development Agency (RDA) to review the decision to terminate the K113 billion Pedicle Road contract, to avoid loss of jobs.
Speaking in an interview in Chipulukusu, group spokespersons Sarah Mwalilino and Thomas Munkodya appealed to government to review its decision or take on all the affected workers.Mr Munkondya said government must consider the plight of workers at Fratelli Locci, an Italian construction company, by ensuring that their jobs are secured.
“We have left things on site unattended to. Some of the road equipment worth billions of Kwacha is stuck at Nakonde border following the decision by the RDA to terminate the contract,’’ Mr Munkondya said.
“We expect government to explain what is going to happen to our jobs.”[pullquote]We have left things on site unattended to. Some of the road equipment worth billions of Kwacha is stuck at Nakonde border following the decision by the RDA to terminate the contract[/pullquote]
He said the PF government must have guided Mr Locci rather than terminating the contract, adding that government has the power to make things right.
And Ms Mwalilino appealed to government to review its decision and ensure that no worker loses their job.
On Tuesday, RDA executive director Bernard Chiwala announced the termination of the contract given to Fratelli Locci, to upgrade the Pedicle Road, saying the awarding of the contract was irregular.
Mr Chiwala said the agency had taken steps to ensure that a new contractor is appointed without delay, to ensure that works on the road are expeditiously carried out as planned.
He said the agency will continue to review all road contracts to promote transparency and accountability.
Agriculture and Livestock Minister Emmanuel Chenda yesterday told parliament that civil servants will no longer benefit from the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) as it is meant for vulnerable but resourceful farmers.
Responding to a question by Mapatizya MP Clive Miyanda (UPND), Mr Chenda said though some civil servants had in the past benefited, the programme was for the vulnerable farmers.
He said that civil servants belonging to co-operatives could participate in other activities they could not benefit from FISP because they were in gainful employment.
He said that the government would this year spend more than K865 billion on the FISP and that it was looking at ways of decentralizing the issuance of certificates to co-operatives in order to reduce the cost.
Earlier Agriculture and Livestock deputy minister Rodgers Mwewa said the government had made improvements to the FISP by including sorghum, groundnuts and cotton seeds.
Responding to Mwembeshi MP Austin Milambo (UPND), Mr Mwewa said farmers would have a choice of what crops they wanted to grow. He said only farmers from established co-operatives existing for more than one year and without any outstanding payments would benefit from the FISP.
Another deputy minister in the same ministry Luckson Kazabu said the government intended to buy one million tonnes of maize at a cost of K1.3 trillion in the current crop marketing season. He said farmers were supposed to be paid for the supplied maize within 30 days after supplying.
He said from next week the FRA would start paying farmers that had not yet been paid adding the delay was partly because the agency was unable to borrow extra money due to problems encountered in the past.
Mwata Kazembe speaking at his palace in Mwansabombwe when a team of Airtel Zambia delegation led by Airtel Human resource Director Mumbi Mwila (second from left) paid a courtesy call on him at his palace shortly before the handing over ceremony of the classroom block to the Government.
Senior Chief Mwata Kazembe of the Lunda people in Luapula Province has praised Airtel Zambia for constructing a 1X3 classroom block at a cost of K225 million in his chiefdom.
The Mwata said the construction of the classroom block at Kabumbu Primary school would improve the standard of education at the institution as it will motivate the learners.
ZANIS reports that Mwata Kazembe was speaking at his palace in Mwansabombwe yesterday when a team of Airtel-Zambia officials lead by Airtel Human Resource Director Mumbi Mwila paid a courtesy call on him shortly before handing over the classroom block to Government.
And Mrs. Mwila said Airtel has several social responsibility programmes that include the construction of school infrastructure in all the ten provinces of Zambia.
Meanwhile, Mwata Kazembe has implored Airtel to also consider building toilet facilities at the school in order for the pupils to have a complete conducive learning environment.
Mwata Kazembe has since cautioned teachers against absconding classes or risk being chased from his Chiefdom.
The Traditional leader has also warned his subjects against vandalizing the newly donated classroom block.
He urged other business houses to emulate Airtel Zambia.
A Grade 9 pupil Justina Chabu giving a vote of thanks after handing over ceremony of the classroom block to the Government. At the back is the newly donated classroom block.
The Patriotic Front has charged that MMD president Nevers Mumba is making it impossible for Zambians to respect his leadership.
PF Media and publicity director Chris Mfula said in a statement yesterday that it was disgraceful for Dr Mumba,who was also a Pastor,to endorse the actions of his Vice President who decided to tear President Michael Sata’s speech to parliament.
He said the PF membership was not surprised by Pastor Mumba’s stance because there was a striking similarity between his and Mr Kaingu’s behaviour.
“There is, therefore, nothing surprising when one individual decides to support the actions of another of his kind. But PF sympathises with the other MMD leaders because they now will not just have to deal with one, but two intemperate top most leaders,” he said.
He said Dr Mumba should realise that there was no need for him to support any action against President Sata or the PF government.
He said the MMD president must begin to take a more responsible approach to leadership and embrace values that would help his party contribute constructively to the maturation of the country’s democracy.
He maintained that Mr Kaingu should be expelled from Parliament to avoid setting a dangerous precedent.
And the Ruling Patriotic Front (PF) in Namwala District has condemned the tearing of the Presidential speech for the official opening of parliament by Mwandi Member of Parliament and MMD vice President Michael Kaingu.
In an interview with ZANIS, Namwala PF District Secretary Michael Mwansa Shabashaba said that the behaviour of Mr. Kaingu is not expected to be displayed by a parliamentarian.
Mr. Shabashaba added that if Mr.Kaingu was not in favour with some elements in the speech he would have used the normal parliamentarian procedure as opposed to acts he described as being violent.
He said the action further shows the calibre of the MMD leadership which he said has no leadership in the house.
Mr. Shabashaba said any progressive Zambian deserved to condemn the action of Mr. Kaingu.
Emmanuel Mbola of FC Porto in Portugal is expected to join the Zambia Under-20 camp in Lusaka this Sunday.
Coach Herve Renard who has taken temporal charge of theUnder-20 reigns from Keagan Mumba said he is happy with the response from the players in camp so far.
“So far everyone is around except Mbola who is expected on Sunday,” Renard said after Thursday afternoon training at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka.
“The new call ups have settled well and now there is no problem it is also official that Mbola is part of us all the documentation is in place.
“It is about adding experience in the team.”
Mbola will join the team as the bench tries to shore-up its suspect defence that shipped in two soft goals in the 2-2 draw against Mali on September 22 at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.
Zambia must beat Mali on October 6 in the two sides 2013 African Youth Championship final leg qualifier to book their place at next march’s finals in Algeria.
Police in Itezhi-tezhi have arrested a Chinese national working for Hua Jiang Investments at Itezhi-tezhi High School for assaulting a Zambian worker.
Itezhi-tezhi District Commissioner Roy Nang’alelwa revealed this to Central Province Permanent Secretary Anna Mwitwa when she paid a courtesy call on him, today.
Mr. Nang’alelwa said the Chinese national who is a supervisor is currently being investigated and police have been directed to thoroughly investigate the matter.
He said the Chinese national is currently in police custody and has been charged for assault.
Mr. Nang’alelwa, however, said he has no problem with the Chinese nationals working for Itezhi Tezhi Hydro Power Company.
He said the contractors enjoy good relations with the community unlike their counterparts working at Itezhi Tezhi High School who seem to be experiencing communication challenges.
He also commended the Chinese nationals for responding favourably to government’s directive on the minimum wage.
Mr. Nang’alelwa said the Chinese contractors have welcomed the directive and have already adjusted the wages of their workers.
Minister of Finance and National Planning Alexander Chikwanda
Acting President and Minister of Finance, Alexander Chikwanda says agriculture developed to its fullest potential will not only ensure national food security but create the much needed jobs and hard currency earnings through exports of food and other agro products.
Mr. Chikwanda said, during the state dinner held in honour of Princess Royal Princess Anne at Hotel Intercontinental yesterday that, agriculture will be a major thrust in order to eradicate poverty as Zambia strives for higher economic growth.
He noted that the Princess’ attendance of the Royal Agricultural Show Society of the Commonwealth held in Livingstone, on the day her arrival, is an illustration of the seriousness and commitment she gives in the execution of her noble tasks.
Mr. Chikwanda further said it is very important for the country that Princess Anne has nodded and encouraged the efforts in the agricultural sector, adding that the Princess will act as an ambassador to the investor community especially those that would have an inclination for large scale agriculture.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chikwanda observed that stimulating development in far flung rural areas is still a real challenge for government.
He noted that government has spent its inaugural year creating conditions to put the economy into top gear for the next year.
He said Her Royal Highness Princess Anne’s visit to Zambia is a testimony which underscores the cordial relations between the United Kingdom and Zambia.
Col Panji Kaunda (r) in the company of Chinsali district commissioner Evelyn Kangwa (c) and her Mpika counterpart Moses Katebe (second from left) together with Mpika adminsitrative officer (l) Alice Obe called on him this morning to ask for forgiveness for changing the burial site for the former first lady.
A small ant-hill will be buried in the half grave that was prepared for the former First Lady Mama Betty Kaunda at Lubwa Mission in Chinsali District of Muchinga Province where she was initially to be buried.
Senior Chief Nkula of the Bemba speaking People of Chinsali disclosed this in Mpika today when Colonel Panji Kaunda in the company of Chinsali District Commissioner Evelyn Kangwa and her Mpika counterpart Moses Katebe, visited the chief this morning to ask for forgiveness.
Chief Nkula said since the grave was dug halfway, he will ask his Indunas to go there and perform some rituals, which will include picking an ant-hill within the area and burying it in the grave in order to appease the ancestral spirits.
The traditional ruler said that traditionally, the grave that has been dug is not allowed to stay overnight or for some days without burying someone there.
He said that having had some changes in the burial program of the former first lady and following an apology logged by the eldest son of the Kaunda family, he has accepted the apology and will proceed to do some rituals.
The chief said there is no problem in the former first lady being buried in Lusaka adding that what has caused the change is something very serious and has allowed the Kaunda family to proceed with the burial in Lusaka.
He said he will also find time to visit first Republican President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda so that he can officially mourn Mama Kaunda who died at the age of 83.
Senior Chief Nkula of the Bemba people at his old palace in Mpika today
Chief Nkula who is yet to shift to Chinsali said Mama Kaunda contributed greatly during the liberalisation struggle adding that she will be greatly missed by many Zambians.
Earlier, colonel Panji said he had decided to visit the chief and ask for forgiveness following the changes that have been made with regards to the final resting place of her mother.
He said it was not easy to change the programme adding that personally, he wanted his mother to be buried in Chinsali, but that due to other circumstances beyond the family’s control, the burial site had to be moved from Chinsali to Lusaka.
He said that it was not easy to make the changes and therefore asked the chief on behalf of the family for forgiveness, especially that arrangements at the burial site had started.
“Your Royal Highness the grave was dug halfway and this is what has forced us to come back to ask for forgiveness because it is untraditional to abandon a grave that has been dug,” said Colonel Kaunda.
Mama Betty Kaunda died in Harare, Zimbabwe, last week on Wednesday.
She was born to Kaweche Banda and Milika Sakala Banda in Chitulika village in Mpika district of Muchinga province on November 17, 1928.
Mama Kaunda went to school at Mbereshi Girls and did her training at Mindoro Ecumenical Women’s Program in Kitwe and worked as a teacher in Mufulira.
She was the wife of First Republican President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda who ruled Zambia from 1964 to 1991 when his ruling United Nation for Independence Party (UNIP) lost to Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD).
The former first lady is survived by a husband, 8 children, 30 grand children and 11 great grand children.
Kitwe-based Fifa referee Gladys Lengwe has promised to do her best at the 2012 Africa Womens Championship in Equatorial Guinea.
Lengwe has made history by becoming the first female Zambian ref to be selected to officiate at a major continental championship.
Lengwe has told Radio Icengelo in Kitwe that she was cheered by the appointment.
“This is good, I feel happy. I have been looking forward to this,” she said.
” I have been working hard for this and it’s a dream come true,” stated Lengwe.
She promised to do her best at the tournament.
“I am not just going there as a participant, who knows I may officiate in the final. I will do my best,” Lengwe said.
Lengwe who officiates in the Super Division has been on the referees roaster since 2000.
