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File: FAZ Media liaison offficer, Eric Mwanza with president Kalusha Bwalya
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) says it will not interfere in the selection of the national team players to take on Uganda.
FAZ Communications Manager Erick Mwanza says selection FAZ will ensure that the selection of national team players will remain a preserve and exclusive privilege of the Chipolopolo boys coach, Herve Renard.
ZANIS reports that Mwanza noted that it is the coach’s job and sole responsibility to select national players to play in the matches.
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Mwanza said FAZ takes a lot of pride in the independence of the technical staff who are well qualified, proficient and understand better than anybody else the workings and specific technical, tactical and other needs of the team.
Meanwhile, Mwanza disclosed that Chipolopolo boys winger, Clifford Mulenga, has not been called to the squad for the match against Uganda just like other players who are performing equally well, enjoying top form and are regular scorers in top European leagues such as Roger Kola (Belgium), Fwayo Tembo (Romania), Given Singuluma (DRC) and Collins Mbesuma (RSA).
He also said the coach monitors all Zambian players abroad and requires no reminder about who is performing or not, scoring or not.
Mwanza said all the players who were not selected for the October 6 camp will be called regardless of any present form, debate, articles in print or discussions because the 24 the coach has selected for this final qualifier are the ones best suited for this job.
He added that the focus should never be on any individual player especially the ones not selected for any particular assignment.
Mwanza said the team is bigger than any player and the coach knows who and what builds his squad.
“Remarkable Voice with an Amazing Look” “A True Talent”
These are some of the things that others in the industry are saying about Zambian born, London raised singer / songwriter Katongo. With musical influences such as Miriam Makeba, Brenda Fassie, Michael Jackson and Mariah Carey, it’s no wonder this very talented young lady, effortlessly blends Afropop and R&B in her own musical compositions.
With fan favourites such as “Tonight”, “So Good” and “Something Bout the Way” it’s understandable why this up and coming artist has been nominated for the UK Zambians Singer/Songwriter of the year award and why she continues to garner online media attention and African radio airplay. With her recent invitation to be a guest performer on Sky TV 182’s ‘Sporah Show’, we see no evidence of Katongo’s popularity slowing down.
Kapa187: What made you decide to take up music seriously?
Katongo: I always wanted to sing, but I didn’t know how I could break into the industry. When I got to university I met several other musicians/songwriters. I started doing session work for producers, which developed into me recording my own material and gaining recognition from music managers/agents and independent music labels. I then realised I could take music on as a career and not just a hobby.
Kapa187: Describe your style in 3 words
Katongo: Afropop meets R&B
Kapa187: Your EP “My way” was well received, I especially liked the song “Something bout the Way” For those who have not heard the EP yet, tell us about it and where can they get a copy.
Katongo: Thank you I am glad you like it. Well my EP is a reflection of my life at the time that I wrote it. It centre’s around my experiences as a young woman. It is a contemporary fusion of pop, Afrobeat and R&B. Over its 6 track duration I take the listener on a journey starting with fast paced tracks like ‘So good,’ and the slowing it down with tracks like Cactus Agony featured ‘Something bout the way’.
The EP is available on ITunes, Amazon, Rhapsody and many more and it can be downloaded from my website www.KatongoMusic.com
Kapa187: Songs like “move your body” ,”so good” and “Tonight” have a nice dance ,fist-pumping, club feel to them. What inspires your music?
Katongo: I am inspired by so many things. But mainly I aim to write honestly so whatever i am experiencing in my life I try to convey in my music. When I was writing my EP I was heavily inspired by dance music and afrobeats whilst emotionally, I was inspired by love. So when you listen to the EP a lot of that comes across.
Kapa187: Your video for “Tonight” has over 20 000 views on YouTube which is a great achievement. How was the experience of making the video, what was the concept behind it.
Katongo: I still can’t believe that so many people were/are interested in watching my video. I am so grateful for the love. The concept was quite simple; we wanted something that literally depicted the lyrics of the song. So at one point you see me reminiscing the love I had with my ex boyfriend, and at another you see me moving on, happy and enjoying life with my friends.
Kapa187: Will you be releasing a full length album in the near future?
Katongo: Yes, without a shadow of doubt. I am already in the studio working on new material and I am very excited to release it soon.
Kapa187: What do you think about the current state of Zambian music, Which Zambian artists would you like to work with in the future?
Katongo: I am a huge fan of Zambian Music, and I am very proud of the fact that Zambian musicians are successfully competing with major label Nigerian, Kenyan and South African artists. The music production quality in Zambia is great.
With regards to who my favourites are, well, I am a huge fan of Cactus Agony, not only because he features on my EP but because he has such an amazing voice! And I am also a big fan of JK and Exile.
Kapa187: Do you have any plans of touring in Zambia?
Katongo: I would love to tour Zambia, and Africa as a whole one day soon. I’m sure that i will do so in the near future.
Kapa187: Apart from music you also do charity work .Tell us about your work with “Africans United Against Child Abuse” (AFRUCA).
Katongo: I have been a supporter of the charity for over 2 years. I am in awe of the difference they make in children’s lives in the UK and in Africa. I have always wanted to be a part of organisations that protect children and when i heard about them i was quick to support their work. Once I affiliated with the charity I was granted the opportunity to speak at the Houses of parliament and I have been keen to get involved in more ever since. One day I hope to have my own children’s charity.
Kapa187: What has been the best moment in your music career?
Katongo: There have been several amazing moments and i have met some amazing people thus far in my career. I really can’t choose one moment. But to be honest with you, it hasn’t been meeting famous people, working with famous people or doing video shoots and photo shoots that have made me happiest, it has been the time spent in the studio creating and then presenting my music to the world. So I guess the best moment for me was working on my EP and completing it over a 10 week period.
Kapa187: Is there anything your fans will be surprised to know about you?
Katongo: This is a hard question, well I think people would be surprised to know that I have a Bachelor of Science degree in International relations and that I was the only female and lead vocalist of a band called Dynasty, we considered ourselves the younger ‘black eyed peas’.
Kapa187: Any last words for your fans
Katongo: Thank you for your love and support; I am humbled by your messages and words of encouragement.
Maureen Lilanda released a new video for the song “Mwana Wanga”
Mwana Wanga is performed by legendary Maureen Lilanda for the Develop Zambia 10101 music compilation,an initiative of the Zambian Institute for Sustainable Development(ZISD) to raise funds and awareness for its Breaking the Chains of Poverty in Zambia scholarship program. It is undoubtly the biggest Zambian charity music compilation with artists such as Exile, Maureen Lilanda, JOB, Winston Moyo singing songs on HOPE.A staff funded Zambian initiative for Zambians. It is our way of expressing our love for country.
Vice President Guy Scott has observed that the agricultural sector in Zambia has remained unchanged for the past 50 years.
Dr Scott says agricultural sector has not moved due to the land tenure system which is customary as well as state and hoped that the Commonwealth Agricultural Conference currently taking place in Zambia will greatly benefit the sector.
The Vice President said this at the 25th Commonwealth Agriculture Conference being held in Livingstone under the theme is “Africa’s role in world food production”.
At the same occasion, Her Royal Highness Princess Anne of the United Kingdom, who is in the country, said that needs to improve food and energy by 50 per cent and provision of fresh water by up to 30 per cent by the year 2030.
Princess Anne said she is encouraged by the number of young people who are engaged in agricultural activities and hoped that they will be embedded in agriculture in order to allow the transfer of knowledge.
The Princess said Zambia has potential to develop in both the agricultural and tourism industries due to its rich soils and wildlife.
The Princess has since thanked the Zambian government and the Agricultural and Commercial Society of Zambia for its contribution to the agricultural sector.
The conference has representatives from 14 countries which include Australia, Botswana, Canada, England, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua Guinea, and Scotland. Others are United States of America, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Luapula Province Minister Benson Kapaya inspecting the pedicle road project last week
The Road Development Agency (RDA) has with immediate effect terminated the pedicle road contract that was signed between RDA and Fratelli Locci on August,5, 2011, at a tender sum of K313 Billion.
Speaking at a media briefing this morning, RDA Acting Director and Chief Executive Officer, Bernard Chiwala, disclosed that the contract was terminated after a review of the procurement processes in awarding the contract showed that the procurement procedures were flouted.
Mr Chiwala said RDA has since taken steps to ensure that a new contractor is appointed with minimum delay and works on the pedicle road are expeditiously carried out as planned.
He said on August 14th this year, RDA formed an integrity committee meant to foster integrity and honesty in procuring contracts, encourage transparency, and promote proficiency.
Mr Chiwala said the committee will continue to investigate and analyze the procurement processes undertaken in several other contracts to ensure transparency in public contract procurement and management.
Government has assured the Zambian people that the country will have a constitution that will reflect the calls and wishes of the masses.
Justice Minister, Wynter Kabimba, reiterated that government is not going to have a hand to manipulate the process of the constitution-making process as it wants justice and fairness to prevail for all Zambians to have their voices heard and respected.
In an interview with ZANIS at his office, Mr Kabimba emphasised that the Patriotic Front (PF) government wants to see a constitution that is people-driven and not one which is government inclined.
He said Zambia will not at any time import into the constitution any foreign material but will stand in support of what the citizens will desire.
He further disclosed that yesterday he had a fruitful meeting with the Technical Committee on Drafting the Zambian Constitution.
And Mr Kabimba, who is also PF Secretary General, maintained that his party is still being strengthened in all the ten provinces across the country.
Wife to Zambia’s gallant freedom fighter Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, Chilufya Kapwepwe with Col. Panji Kaunda at Kapwepwe farm this morning. PICTURE BY JONATHAN MUKUKA/ZANIS
First Republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda’s first son Panji insisted that his mother will be buried in Chinsali and nowhere else.
Colonel Kaunda’s statement came a day after his younger brother Kaweche said his father had given a green light to have his wife buried in Lusaka.
“You must ignore any statement about burying my mother anywhere else other than Chinsali. That is where the Kaunda roots are,” Col Kaunda said.
The Deputy Minister of Works and Supply said his grandfather, uncles and everyone else close to the Kaundas are buried in Chinsali and no one is going to change the tradition now.
He said the tradition was set by his grandfather who refused to be buried in Malawi, then Nyasaland.
“When my grandfather was asked where he wanted to be buried, he said bury me here…. this is my home not Malawi. Why should we change that now?” he asked.
According to the program released, Secretary to the Cabinet Rowland Msiska said that Government, in consultation with the Kaunda family and Dr Kaunda, had resolved to bury Mama Betty at their farm estate in Lusaka’s State Lodge.
Dr Msiska confirmed the development , saying burial will take place on Friday as earlier announced.
He said burial will be preceded by a church service at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross from 10:30 hours and that all mourners must be seated by 09:45 hours.
“Guided by the Kaunda family and Dr Kaunda, a decision has been made to bury Mama Betty at the farm estate which is situated behind the State Lodge police station, off Leopards Hill Road,” Dr Msiska said.
File picture:Give us a bribe…Traffic police officers confront a public service bus driver at Longacres in Lusaka
A police officer, cornered by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) receiving a bribe from a teacher, attempted to swallow the money but failed.
The ACC has arrested the police officer in Kabwe for suspected corrupt practices involving K800,000.
Changano Changano, a police constable, was arrested on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 for allegedly soliciting for a bribe from a teacher so that he could discontinue a case of theft against him.
This is contained in a statement issued in Lusaka yesterday by ACC corporate affairs officer Jonathan Siame.
Upon realising that he had been discovered, Mr Changano attempted to swallow the money but did not succeed.Mr Siame said the police officer was arrested while receiving a bribe after a tip led the ACC officers to the scene.
Mr Changano is alleged to have asked for K800, 000 from the local teacher and actually received K500, 000 as an inducement for him to discontinue the case.
The ACC has recorded awarn and caution statement from Mr Changano.
From Left to Right, Tilyenji Kaunda, Defence Minster Geoffrey Mwamba, Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Acting President Alexander Chikwanda at UTH today
First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda has been discharged from the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) where he was admitted since Friday last week for an ailment and would be ready to attend the burial of his late wife Mama Betty Kaunda slated for Friday this week.
UTH managing director Luckson Kasonka confirmed in Lusaka yesterday that Dr Kaunda was stable and only needed more rest.
Dr Kasonka said Dr Kaunda would require privacy to continue his rest. His sudden illness on Friday left mourners and members of the public bewildered.
He said Dr Kaunda was discharged by midday yesterday and all that was being awaited were modalities to ensure the former President continued to rest.
“The former President, Dr Kaunda has been discharged, he was discharged by 12:00hours today but we have to ensure that he continues to rest but his condition is alright now,” Dr Kasonka said.
Dr Kaunda fell ill on Friday last week ahead of church service in honour of his late wife, Mama Betty Kaunda.
His condition led to the delayed burial programme for former First Lady Mama Betty Kaunda who died in her sleep while visiting her daughter in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, on September 19, 2012.
Mama Betty was initially supposed to be buried in Chinsali but the Kaunda family had decided that she be put to rest in Lusaka.
Earlier before Dr Kaunda’s discharge, Dr Kasonka said UTH medical specialists worked round-the-clock to ensure that Dr Kaunda’s condition improved and was ready to bury his late wife.
Dr Kasonka said that Dr Kaunda had a high temperature and was weak from suspected dehydration and a respiratory infection.
Dr Kasonka said Dr Kaunda was placed on anti-biotics and was in his jovial mood.
“We are treating him and want to ensure that he is stable so that he attends the burial of his wife. He is very stable for now and we should be discharging him any time. I want to reassure the nation that we will restore him to good health and I thank the medical staff for making him stable,” he said.
Dr Kaunda was visited at the hospital’s E-21 ward, the VIP section by acting President Alexander Chikwanda, Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba and visiting Princess Anne of the United Kingdom, who is in the country as part of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
Mama Maria the wife of late Julius Nyerere viewing the body of the late Mama Betty Kaunda
Mama Betty Kaunda, who died on September 19 in Harare, Zimbabwe, will be buried in Lusaka on Friday, September 28 at the residence Farm Estate situated behind State Lodge off Leopards Hill Road.
Acting Secretary to the Cabinet, Rowland Msiska, announced in a press statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka today.
Dr Msiska said this follows the guidance by the Kaunda family and her husband, the first republican president, Dr Kenneth Kaunda.
Prior to that, Dr Kaunda’s son, Kaweche, said his father made the ‘difficult’ decision to change the venue of his wife’s burial place after extensive discussions with close family members.
The burial of Mama Betty Kaunda was earlier announced that she would put to rest in Chinsali district in Muchinga province.
He said the burial procession will be preceded by a church service at the cathedral of the Holy Cross at 10-30 hours.
The Acting Secretary to the Cabinet has since advised all mourners to be seated by 09:45 hours.
Dr Msiska added that international sports events will be held as scheduled and will follow international standard practice of observing a minute of silence while sportsmen and women must wear black armbands.
Meanwhile, President Micheal Sata has extended the period of national mourning, which was declared in honour of Mama Betty, for five days ending Friday September 28, 2012 after burial on Friday.
During this period, all flags will continue to fly at half-mast and activities of an entertainment nature should be postponed or cancelled.
Dr Msiska said in the meantime, the first president, Dr Kaunda, continues to receive treatment at the University Teaching Hospital and has made considerable progress
Meanwhile, A Non-governmental organization in Kitwe has appealed to political party leaders to provide leadership to their party members in order to avoid all forms of violence during the burial of the late Mama Betty Kaunda, this Friday.
Democratic Governance and Human Rights Advocates (DEGHA) National coordinator Gerald Mutelo expressed sadness at the behavior portrayed by cadres at the requiem service for the late Mama Betty Kaunda which was to be held at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka over the weekend.
Mr. Mutelo who strongly condemned all the political party cadres for the violence caused on Saturday, added that Mama Betty Kaunda’s funeral is for all Zambians and that everybody is free to mourn and pay their last respects.
This was in a press statement made available to ZANIS in Kitwe today.
He also noted that those who caused violence have no respect for the dead and urged them to apologize to the Kaunda family.
Mr. Mutelo further appealed to the police to arrest without fear, anyone causing violence either from the ruling or opposition parties.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mutelo has urged all political parties and independent candidates to avoid unnecessary cause of bye- elections because billions of money used for by elections could be used to alleviate poverty in the country.
He encouraged voters in Mufumbwe to vote for the candidate of their choice in the coming by election slated for November 8, 2012.
He further appealed to the electorate to avoid all kinds of violence but rather have peaceful campaigns based on issues not tribe or character assassination.
Opposition UPND Livingstone Member of Parliament Howard Sikwela sandwiched between PF 1 and 2-President Michael Sata and Vice President Guy Scott when he launched the Link Zambia-8000 road project in Lusaka today
Livingstone UPND Member of Parliament Howard Sikwela has dispelled reports suggesting that he has resigned from his party to join the Patriotic Front.
Reverend Sikwela has told ZNBC News in an interview that he is still committed to the UPND.
He says President Michael Sata’s recent revelation that he has expressed interest to work with government has been blown out of proportion by some people.
Rev. Sikwela says there is nothing wrong with an opposition MP working with government for development because MPs pledge allegiance to the president when they are being sworn in.
On Thursday, President Sata said he is willing to work with the opposition and that Rev Sikwela had shown interest to work with the government.
President Sata was speaking when he officially the launched the Road Project 8000 in Lusaka which is an attempt to link Zambia through a good road network.
Meanwhile Rev. Sikwela has bemoaned the pace of development taking place in the tourist capital.
Rev. Sikwela says no meaningful development has taken place in Livingstone as Zambia prepares to co-host the United Nations World Tourism Organisation –UNWTO- Conference next year.
President Micheal Sata addressing UN General Assembly sixty seventh session
President Michael Sata, yesterday demanded that Africa must have permanent seats on the UN Security Council.
Addressing the High-Level meeting on the Rule of Law in the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York, President Sata urged Africans to “stand up and be counted”.
“Since the League of Nations up to today, Africa is more of a spectator than a participant. We have no permanent members in the Security Council and yet we represent 54 members in this House,” said President Sata. “We cannot talk of rule of law when we are not respecting each other. Therefore, all Africans must stand up and be counted. We must become permanent members of the Security Council.”
The League of Nations was the forerunner of the United Nations.
President Sata’s statement is in line with the Committee of 10, commonly known as C10, which is an African Union (AU)-formation advocating for Africa to have two permanent seats on the UN Security Council with veto powers and extra two non-permanent seats to address the historical injustices that Africa suffered and to adhere to the geo-political realities of the modern times.
Zambia and Namibia are two countries that represent the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region on the C10.
Out of the 193 members of the UN, Africa has 54 states, making it the continent with the highest number of UN member states.
Currently the UN Security Council is composed of five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States of America — and 10 non-permanent members of which only South Africa, Morocco and Togo are from Africa. The non-permanent seats are on a two-year regional rotation basis.
Princess Anne talking to First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda when she visited him at the University Teaching Hospital
Visiting United Kingdom Princess Anne has today visited former President Kenneth Kaunda at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH).
The Princess arrived at the hospital around 10:15 hours and ushered into the fast track VIP ward by the hospital’s senior management.
During the closed-door meeting Princess Anne wished Dr Kaunda well.
Briefing journalists after the visit, UTH Managing Director, Lackson Kasonka, assured that Dr Kaunda was responding well to treatment and had made steady progress in his recovery.
Dr Kasonka explained that the former president was admitted to the hospital with high temperature and suspected malaria.
He said after various investigations Dr Kaunda was suspected to have minor chest infections which he could have picked from trips he made before he was brought to the hospital.
Dr Kasonka said the high temperature is also suspected to have been picked from the environment at the funeral house.
He said when he was picked on Saturday he was weak and had high temperature but has since stabilised and the temperature has come down.
Dr Kasonka said currently the former President is being treated for suspected malaria but he is well and is expected to be discharged from hospital by the end of today or tomorrow.
He assured the nation that a team of doctors are currently doing everything possible to ensure Dr Kaunda gains his strength.
Dr Kasonka said the restrictions were made to ensure the former first President is not stressed up but rather have enough rest.
He has further thanked Zambians for their concerns about the health of Dr Kaunda and urged them to continue with prayers for his quick recovery and join the rest of the mourners in mourning his wife.
Dr Kasonka said Zambians should rest assured that Dr Kaunda is all right and making steady progress as he even watched the match between Manchester United and Liverpool.
He dismissed rumours currently speculating that the former President is very ill because of the restrictions to visitors who would want to see him.
The Royal Princess who arrived this morning is in the country to celebrate Princess Elizabeth the Second’s diamond jubilee.
Early this morning the visiting Princess called on Acting President, Alexander Chikwanda, at his office and held a closed door meeting were economic issues were discussed.
MMD Vice President for political Michael Kaingu has accused the PF government of failing to identify its own challenges in the one year it has been in power.
Mr.Kaingu argues that this is evidenced from the continued verbal attacks on the former ruling party‘s performance at the expense of other development issues.
He has accused the PF of failing to deliver on its campaign promises hence its continued blame on the MMD in order to divert attention from pressing issues on the ground.
Mr.Kaingu said this today in Choma when he addressed district officials at Crystal Lodge.
He has accused the PF government of lacking developmental ideas that can take the country‘s economy forward.
Mr.Kaingu said it is unfortunate that the PF government is condemning the former ruling party when it is currently riding on the MMD‘s good economical gains.
He claimed that the PF government s’ achievement in the reduction of interest rate is as a result of good economic policies initiated by the opposition MMD in the Mwanawasa led regime.
Mr.Kaingu urged Zambians to respect and appreciate the MMD through its former finance minister Ngandu Magande for having created a properly defined economic agenda that the country has continued to pursue despite the change of government.
The Mwandi Member of Parliament said government is playing with words at the expense of serious matters that need urgency attention.
He called on the MMD members to boast about the good economic policies they have left that the ruling government is bragging about.
And speaking at the same function MMD National Youth Secretary Tobias Kafumukache urged the PF government not to champion personalized policies aimed at enriching them.
He said despite the more money in the pocket slogan preached by the PF most Zambians have continued wallowing in poverty.
Mr.Kafumukache said government should be held accountable for its promises.
The Zambia Police Service command in the north western province has declared that it is ready to handle the Mufumbwe parliamentary by- election scheduled for November 8, 2012
Provincial police Commissioner Eugene Sibote said in Solwezi today that police have adopted a plan for the Mufumbwe by election which will ensure adequate policing of the electoral process from nomination day to the post election period.
Mr Sibote who did not elaborate on details of the security plan said police have made adequate preparations to ensure that the forthcoming by election is violence free.
He said the Police Service is going to deploy enough security officers to the area as one of the measures to ensure that peace and order is maintained in Mufumbwe.
The police commissioner also said that the service has engaged all the political parties participating in the Mufumbwe by election as key stakeholders to holding a peaceful by election.
He however stated that police will not hesitate to take action against anyone who will come into conflict with the law during and after the by election campaigns.
Mufumbwe Constituency experienced fierce violence during the April 2010 by-election.
The parliamentary seat fell vacant early this morning following the resignation of MMD Member of Parliament Steven Masumba who resigned to join the ruling Patriotic Front-PF.
