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File picture:Senior chief Kanongesha being carried on his traditional chair during the Chisemwa cha Lunda traditional ceremony in Mwinilunga
VICE-PRESIDENT, Guy Scott says the North-Western Province is a very important economic region and no longer a ‘Cinderella province’.
The Vice-President made these remarks when he officiated at this year’s Chisemwa Cha lunda traditional ceremony at Senior Chief Kanongwesha’s palace in Mwinilunga yesterday.
Dr Scott who made his fourth trip to the province in two months disclosed that President Sata had delegated him to frequently visit the province.
Dr Scott said apart from huge economic potential, North-Western was also culturally very rich and that he was very proud to be given the responsibility to visit the area regularly.
The Vice-President said there were a number of projects taking place in the province less than one year since the Patriotic Front (PF) government took over.
He said government had created Ikelenge district and several other districts would come in future.
“I want to assure you that we are committed to the development of the province, the district and the chiefdoms. We’ll never let you down as a government,” Dr Scott said.
Meanwhile, there was near confusion when alert security men briefly manhandled young submissional soldiers who surged forward towards the Vice-President as he was completing his official opening speech.
The youths who had small axes had moved forward to go and give Dr Scott the axes as a token of appreciation.
It was later explained by an official from the chiefdom that the gesture was the Lunda way of showing appreciation.
THE number of children in Zambia dying before their fifth birthday has declined by 57 percent since 1990, from 193 under-five deaths per 1,000 live births, to 83 in 2011.
World-wide, the number of children dying has nearly halved from 12 million in 1990 to 6.9 million in 2011.
This is according to new figures released by UNICEF which show that during the last two decades, the world has made huge strides in reducing child deaths through new vaccines, better health care, investments in education and strong commitments from governments.
Minister of Community Development, Mother and Child Health, Joseph Katema said the report made news that Zambia should be proud of.
“The story of child survival in the past two decades is one of striking success and unfinished business. Country after country has shown that prioritising and investing in child survival and improving children’s early years mean fewer deaths, better lives and long-term benefits for societies as a whole,” Dr Katema said.
The release by UNICEF and its partners, however, states that despite this progress, about 150-200 Zambian children still die every day from preventable causes.
The report also indicates that South Asia and Sub Saharan Africa carry the highest burden of child mortality and further tells that children from poor rural areas are more likely to die before their fifth birthday than those in urban areas.
In realisation of this, Dr Katema said a concerted push is needed to ensure that all children, no matter where and to whom they are born, survive and thrive.
“The good news is that we collectively have the knowledge, tools, treatments, and technology to save millions of lives every year” he shared.
“We know that the biggest killers of young children here in Zambia are pneumonia, diarrhoea, malaria, HIV and AIDS, and neonatal conditions – all causes that can be prevented or diseases that can be treated at a relatively low cost.”
The report also shows that inexpensive solutions such as vaccines against measles, polio and mother-to-child transmission of HIV, oral-rehydration salts and zinc to treating diarrhoea and antibiotics for pneumonia, lie within reach.
In addition, UNICEF studies show that when women receive proper prenatal care, and have access to skilled birth attendants and to emergency obstetric care, the benefits for mothers and their babies are enormous.
“But let me emphasise this: Saving lives is not only about health interventions. Access to improved water and sanitation, hand washing with soap, exclusive breastfeeding, and better nutrition for mothers and babies is crucial if we want to prevent the needless deaths of countless women and children,” maintained Dr Katema.
“Education is another part of the equation. A child born to a woman who can read is much more likely to live past his or her fifth year birthday than one born to an illiterate mother. Every extra year of a mother’s schooling reduces the probability of an infant dying by up to 10 per cent.”
The message is unequivocal said Dr Katema, adding that child deaths could radically be reduced in Zambia and the world over.
He said sound strategies, scale-up of known and effective interventions, adequate resources and above all, political will were imperative.
Under the banner of Committing to Child Survival: A Promise Renewed, UNICEF and partners are inviting governments, civil society, faith based organisations and private sector to unite around the clear and compelling goal: to give every last child the best possible start in life.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Amos Malupenga
GOVERNMENT is taken aback by the civil society task force on freedom of information for accusing it of not being transparent.
Ministry of Information permanent secretary Amos Malupenga said if Government had not been transparent on the draft of the Access to Information (ATI) bill, it would not have constituted a task force.
“We came up with a taskforce in the name of transparency as Government and we put a team of civil society organisations to avoid suspicion,” Mr Malupenga said.
Mr Malupenga said in an interview yesterday that it was surprising that the same taskforce which he gave the freedom to choose a spokesperson and chose him (Mr Malupenga) has today gone to the press accusing Government of not being transparent.
Mr Malupenga said Government is committed to ensuring the ATI bill is launched for public scrutiny, debate and input.
He said before the end of this year, Government will launch the AIT bill as the Attorney General (AG) has finished going through the draft.
Mr Malupenga explained that the AIT bill would have been launched by now but was waiting for the input from the AG who has informed his ministry that few amendments need to be made to the draft bill.
He said: “The AG has perused the ATI draft bill and minor adjustments based on modern law are supposed to be done and this will be done this week.”
Mr Malupenga said the civil society task force should be sincere because the Patriotic Front (PF) government has made its stand clear concerning the Freedom of Information Bill and Independent Broadcasting Act (IBA).
He said his ministry has developed an open door policy and is ready for dialogue.
Mr Malupenga said on Friday, he met Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) officials who went to discuss with him on University of Zambia radio station.
He said after the discussion, he met MISA representatives and discussed the IBA and the Freedom of Information Bill.
Deutsche Bank head of bond syndicate Nigel Cree (left) and Zambia?s Finance Deputy Minister Miles Sampa in New York on 13 September, 2012. PHOTO | CHIBAULA D. SILWAMBA | GRZ
Germany’s Deutsche Bank says Zambia’s US$750 million international bond is exceptional and terrific for an inaugural bond of an emerging market country.
Speaking at Deutsche Bank Offices on Wall Street in New York City in USA, Deutsche Bank head of bond syndicate Nigel Cree said foreign investors were interested in Zambia’s economy.
“This is an exceptional and terrific result for an inaugural bond deal from the emerging markets countries,” Mr Cree said. “The response from the global investors from Asia, Europe and the United States was overwhelmingly positive to the story that Zambia was telling about their [Zambians] economy and the future of their economy.”
Deutsche Bank and Barclays Bank were the lead managers and joint book runners for Zambia’s bond.
And Bank of Zambia deputy governor – operations, Dr Bwalya Ng’andu says the Government’s prudent management of the economy and political stability are attracting foreign investors.
Dr Ng’andu, who was part of the Zambian delegation that undertook a two-continent roadshow seeking investor to back Zambia’s US$750 million bond, said the success of the tour was a vote of confidence.
“The fact that we got so many investors coming demonstrates confidence that there is political stability in the country, which is important for them, and that the way we are managing our economy is prudent and effective, and they are happy with it,” said Dr Ng’andu.
Dr Ng’andu said Zambia had now built “a relationship with investors” which would be relied upon whenever the country wants to mobilise resources.
The central bank’s deputy chief said the US$750 million bond had set a benchmark at which Zambia could access future credit from the international market.
“It’s also a benchmark which the private sector can use to borrow money from the international market,” said Dr Ng’andu.
Zambia successfully issued its inaugural 10-year bond on Wall Street, the world’s topmost financial hub, to the tune of US$750 million last Thursday. This was on account of the exceedingly large order book with a total subscription of US$11.9 billion, at least 24 times over the intended US$500 million, making it the largest order book for sub-saharan Africa.
This statement was made available to the media by Zambia’s First Secretary for Press and Public Relations Permanent Mission at the United Nations in New York, Mr CHIBAULA D. SILWAMBA.
Zambia Under 20’s preparations for this Saturday’s 2013 African Youth Championship qualifier against Mali hit a snag after the proposed friendly with a DR Congo youth team was aborted on Saturday.
According to team coach Keagan Mumba, the proposed friendly was cancelled after immigration officers on the DR Congo side denied the Junior team entry into Lubumbashi for unknown reasons.
Mumba regretted the turn of events.
“Unfortunately the clearance on the DR Congo side was not given, so we were turned back,” he revealed in Kitwe.
“It’s a pity we have never had a test match, so we would have loved to play one international friendly like our friends in the Under 17.
The friendly match in Congo could have given us a litmus test but we have to do with what we have,” Mumba added.
He stated that the team would continue with their training program at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe the venue for the qualifier.
Mumba said his side was looking forward to the second round, first leg match.
Power Dynamos coach Beston Chambeshi says they are ready for any team in the Barclays Cup semifinals.
Draws for the October 27 Barclays Cup semifinals are expected to be conducted this week by FAZ following Saturdays quarterfinals games.
Power beat Kabwe Warriors 1-0 to advance and keep teir hopes of retaining the Barclays Cup alive.
“We prepared for anything. It is nice we are still in the race as defending champions,” Chambeshi said.
“In cup football you can play a good game but the most important is to qualify.”
Power secured their semifinal passage in the 87th minute after winger Simon Bwalya finished off a rebound after Warriors goalkeeper Kelvin Musonda had parried Kennedy Mudenda’s initial effort.
Nkana beat Green Eagles 2-1 in Sunday’s Faz Super Division Week 24 match at Kitwe’s Arthur Davies Stadium to move into 8th place on goal difference.
Striker Evans Kangwa scored a stunning free kick in the 38 minutes after Nkana speed winger Phlegon Kaunda was brought down outside the box.
Six minutes later, ex-international midfielder Kebby Hachipuka headed in an expertly executed Aubrey Zulu free kick just outside the box for an equaliser.
Hachipuka’s celebration was cut short after he was hit by a bottle of water thrown by a suspected Nkana fan.
After the interval, the game seemed to be heading for a draw before teenager sensational Reynold “Sate Sate” Kampamba inked the winning goal for Nkana in the 76th minute from a long range effort.
Ten minutes later, Kaunda had a chance to increase Nkana’s lead but directed his low shot into the legs of advancing Eagles keeper Satchmo Chakawa.
Other Super Division games were suspended due to Saturday’s Barclays Cup action.
Ndola Business man- Master Real driving past with his Hummer
By Mazala Zulu
Ask for what you need
Asking for what you need is probably the most underutilised tool for people. And yet, amazing requests have been granted to people simply because they’ve asked for it!
Whether its money, information, support, assistance, or just time, most people are afraid to ask for what they need in order to make their dreams come true.
We might be afraid of looking needy, ignorant, helpless, or even greedy. More than likely, though, it is the fear of rejection that is holding us back.
Do you ask for what you want or are you afraid of rejection? Remember rejection is just a concept. There is really no such thing as rejection! Being rejected doesn’t hold you back from anything. Only YOU hold yourself back. When you realise that there’s no merit to rejection, you’ll feel more comfortable asking for things.
There’s a specific science to asking for and getting what you want or need in life. And while I recommend you learn more by studying The Aladdin Factor, here are some quick tips that help me and might help you get started:
Ask with a positive expectation. Ask as if you expect to get a “yes.”
Don’t start with the assumption that you can’t get it. If you are going to assume, assume you can get an upgrade. Assume you can get a table by the window. Assume that you can return it without a sales slip. Assume that you can get a scholarship, that you can get a raise, that you can get tickets at this late date. Don’t ever assume against yourself.
Be clear and specific. I was at a seminar, and we were asked, “Who wants more money in their life?” most of us did, someone who raised their hand was given 10 Kwacha, asking, “Is that enough for you?” “No, the person replied? Well, how would I know how much you want? How would anybody know?”You need to ask for a specific number. Too many people are walking around wanting more of something, but not being specific enough to obtain it.
Ask repeatedly. One of the most important Success Principles is the commitment to not give up.
Whenever we’re asking others to participate in the fulfillment of our goals, some people are going to say “no.” They may have other priorities, commitments and reasons not to participate. It’s no reflection on you.
Just get used to the idea that there’s going to be a lot of rejection along the way to the brass ring. The key is to not give up. When someone says “No”— ask for the reason.
Because when you keep on asking, even the same person again and again…they might say “yes”…
…on a different day
…when they are in a better mood
…when you have new data to present
…after you’ve proven your commitment to them
…when circumstances have changed
…when you’ve established better rapport
…when they trust you more
…when you have paid your dues
…when the economy is better
…and so on.
Kids know this Success Principle better than anyone. They will ask the same person over and over again without any hesitation.
Getting a good perspective on rejection and learning how to ask will make a world of difference for you as you work towards your goals. Practice asking and you’ll get very good at it! You’ll even speed your progress by getting what you need, or improving yourself in order to get it later.
Remember, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE… if you dare to ask!
Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Margaret Bwanga-Miyoba says government has spent over K35 billiion on selected rural electrification projects in the region most of which are scheduled for completion the end of this year.
Mrs. Miyoba says it is gratifying to note that government has started connecting rural areas in her province to the national grid while far flang areas are being electrified through the use of solar energy.
Mrs. Bwanga-Miyoba expressed happiness that most of the rural areas in her province will be connected to the national grid for the first time to allow people living in remote areas also enjoy the benefits that come along with electricity.
The Permanent Secretary noted that people of Luapula province who are predominantly peasant farmers and fishermen will find other means of income generation once the power projects are completed.
She added that people will also be able to increase their working hours and improve production thereby also improving their economic status.
ZANIS reports that Government through the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) is currently implementing 4 big projects in Luapula province and one in Kaputa district of Northern Province which is also considered to supply power to Luapula region once fully utilised.
In Samfya, the State has embarked on the electrification of public institutions such as Schools, Clinics Markets and local courts in Katanshya, Chinsaka, Kapata East and Twingi areas.
Under this project, a 33KV Auto-closer will be installed at the source of the line going to Chipango area across Bangweuru and installation of a 500KVA 33/11KV ground-mounted transformer at Chiano area to supply Chilubi and Mbabala Islands at 11KV.
The same line will be extended from Chipango area to cover about 45 kilometers to Katanshya, Chinsaka, Kapata, Twingi and surrounding areas.
All the works under this project will cost about 11.8 billion and the contractor, Twamb Investment Limited has done 70 percent of the total projet.
In the same district REA has started a first of its kind mini solar grid which will be located at the shores on Lake Bangweuru and connect thousands of people living around this area.
And in the newly established Chipili District the REA is constructing a total of 18.88km of 11KV overhead transmission line which tees-off from the existing Mansa 11kv line at Mutipula turn off which will electrify all public institutions around the area at a cost of K4 billion.
While in Kaputa, the second phase of the project to install a 100 KVA 33.04KV distribution transformer to supply Kaputa High School and a 500KVA 33/11 KV transformer to be installed at ZESCO Kaputa Substation has been done at a total cost of about K8.5billion while phase one which was done in 2010 gobbled about K11.3 billion.
PATRIOTIC Front (PF) youths in Muchinga Province say they fully support the appointment of Wynter Kabimba as Justice Minister.
ZANIS reports PF Provincial Youth Treasure Lawrence Kabwita said in an interview in Chinsali today that as youths from the ruling party in the province, they fully support the appointment of Party Secretary General, Wynter Kabimba as Justice Minister.
Mr. Kabwita said Mr. Kabimba who is a senior party member and a senior lawyer deserves to be Minister of Justice.
He added that the PF youths in the area have all the confidence in Mr. Kabimba and that he will deliver according to the expectations of the Zambian people.
Mr. Kabwita who was franked by his provincial youth chairperson, Justine Mutale said just like the appointing authority has the confidence in Mr. Kabimba; it is the resolve of the youths in the province that they rally behind Mr. Kabimba and pledge to fully support him.
He said that there is no problem in Mr. Kabimba holding the post of party secretary general as well as being a Minister adding that this is not the first time in Zambia‘s history that we have a cabinet minister who is also a chief executive officer of the party.
During the MMD Government, Dr. Katele Kalumba at some point held a cabinet portfolio when he was party national secretary and he executed his duties very well adding that even Mr. Kabimba is capable of delivering in both positions.
The PF youths in Muchinga Province have also condemned some party officials in Lusaka who are reportedly holding dark corners meetings with students to reject the appointment of Mr. Kabimba as Justice Minister.
Party youth treasure Kabwita said people holding dark corner meetings to discredit the party if found should be dealt with severely so as to serve the image of the party adding that this is no time for bickering in the party but time to work and delivery on the promises made to the people during the campaigns.
“As youths we are committed to ensure that the party delivers on its campaign promises and we will not support anyone who tries to disturb the party machinery as well as trying to disturb the Government which is in a hurry to bring development to the country,” said Mr. Kabwita.
The Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross today celebrated the Eucharistic Golden Jubilee to mark its 50th anniversary, under the theme “Jesus the Way the Truth and the Life.”
And President Michael Sata led high level government figures and other dignitaries such as First Republican President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda and Cabinet Ministers, U.S Queen Elizabeth’s representative amongst others to grace the occasion.
And Anglican Lusaka Diocese Bishop David Njovu says t the cathedral Church which is the mother church holds a special place in many people’s hearts.
Mr. Sata in his official speech said that the country needs more priests in the church to spread the word of the Almighty God who came for the sinful and not the righteous.
He stated that government commends the Anglican Church for being instrumental throughout the ( past ) decades in signifying the life of the nation and the lives of ordinary Zambians.
Mr. Sata explained that as a result of this , Zambia was today a rare oasis of peace. He consequently reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that spiritual guidance is enhanced in the country.
The Republican President further observed that without spiritual guidance, state affairs will be ineffective and therefore, the need to support the church.
He called on the church to help in curbing depraved practices such as corruption, misuse of public funds, Gender Based Violence amongst others.
President Sata has further urged the church to fight all these practices which are an act of self-centredness and encouraged youths to embrace Christian values.
He extended his congratulations and warm wishes to the church of the Silver jubilee . He appealed to Zambians to preserve icon structures such as the cathedral and restated that government will knock on the door of the church seeking guidance on all matters pertaining to national development.
Meanwhile, Anglican Lusaka Diocese Bishop David Njovu said the cathedral which is the mother church holds a special place in many people’s hearts and is special because this is the 1st day the president is performing his duties as the republican president to officiate in the cathedral.
Mr. Njovu stated that the cathedral is a place of prayer and reconciliation which signifies national unity, peace and oneness of purpose.
He explained that the cathedral is a place where the country gives thanks to God for the many blessings in the country adding that it is also a place where believers petition God during difficult and trying times such as funeral services.
Over the decades, the cathedral has continued to play a central role in Zambia’s spiritual affaires, has been used for national thanks giving services, in guiding the nation and is a symbol of Christ’s lordship over Zambia which has now become even more significant with the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation.
Former President Kenneth Kaunda,President Sata and Vernon Mwanga share a light moment during the requiem Mass of George Kunda at the Cathedral of the Chld Jesus In Lusaka.Courtesy State House press unit
By Barnabas Mwansa
Good governance, democracy and effective opposition political parties are critical pillars for economic growth and development.
Following the most recent events in Zambia, the country risks striding back on this bench mark, thereby impacting negatively on the growth and development that Zambia has gained in recent years. Politicians should realize how important conditions of good governance, democracy and effective opposition political parties play in poverty eradication and growth for development. Such conditions attract foreign direct investment, international community trust and thriving economic conditions for growth.
Opposition parties
Clearly the current political dispersion exposes serious weakness in Zambia’s political systems. The two largest opposition political parties; MMD and UPND lack credibility in pushing the country forward. These political parties have serious challenges of misguided political leadership to marshal required effective opposition political parties in Zambia to create a climate for development.
The leadership of both UPND and MMD suffer from ego, overly rated ambition for power and pride, such that it overcrowds their effective participation on important national matters that affect the citizenry and poor people. They could be more effective by engaging government and the ruling party in debating policy frameworks on how to develop the country. Particularly, pushing policies that address the needs of poor people such as improving access to clean water and sanitation, quality healthcare, education, rural and agricultural development, and debate macroeconomic policy frameworks required for growth and development, critically contributing to poverty eradication, employment creation and addressing inequalities.
Zambia is facing serious challenges of low infrastructure, low energy capacity of both electricity and oil, poverty, youth unemployment and weak legal systems. These are issues HH and pastor Nevers Mumba should be lobbying PF government to improve, and provide policy frameworks on how to go about address these daunting challenges.
PF response
Regrettably the PF government response to these opposition parties has been very hopeless. The Zambian people voted the PF government in office to restore political order and reconciliation, maintain peace and stability, both economically and politically cracked down by the MMD government while in power. But the PF government is not demonstrating that ability.
I observe there is serious lack of political tolerance and political dialogue since PF came into power. This is not good for democracy and the sooner the PF government realizes that the better.The PF government needs to show cunning in the way they are handling national matters and protect fundamental principles of good governance, democracy and create an environment in which effective opposition political parties can flourish. More importantly, adhere to upholding human rights and human freedoms enshrined in our constitution. Freedom of expression, freedom of association and freedom of assembly because it is on these basis Zambia is built.
It will not do any good for the PF government to use government machinery to settle old political scores against it opponents in the name of maintaining peace and order. Actually such practices are tantamount to abuse of state power and authority.Political tolerance is a critical ingredient to good governance and democracy. The police and our legal systems should act in a more professional and sane manner as they discharge their duties and not to be used as tools of oppression.
In my view PF ought to govern Zambia differently from MMD, because it is on that basis they were voted into power. I mean the real change the Zambian people were looking forward to and not what we are seeing now.
I believe the PF government do not recognize how much their practice in government overall impacts on growth and development. Well, the simple message is that how they handle Mr. HH and pastor Nevers Mumba or any other opposition party in the country impacts greatly either negatively or positively on good governance, democratic and human rights records.
But beyond that, it impacts on loss of international community credibility of the government and foreign direct investment confidence, both of which hurt the economy and adversely impact on poverty reduction.
Media
Sadly to note, the media is not being helpful in highlighting the implications of weak political governance systems and how much it impacts on the country’s development.
Understandably, the Post newspaper which used to be an adamant defender of good governance and democratic tenets has a compromised political situation which hinges on their business and survival. The paper has turned itself into a defender of individuals who own it and as a political tool for business survival.
The independent media on which democracy can be built is polarized in Zambia with less to expect from them.
Civil Society
No one expected that civil society in Zambia would lose it voice so easily as it has done in most recent months.
This country has had an admirably strong and vibrant civil society that could mount pressure on the government and get things done. Where has the civil society gone? Civil society is a platform on which citizenry can effectively engage with government and articulate their aspirations and hopes.
The civil society has been a pillar holding government and opposition political parties accountable in their actions and political debates. Some individuals from civil society got government appointments and took away the vibe in Zambian civil society. Because of these individuals the country has an endless constitution making process without defined expected month or year when the country will have a solid constitution. Obviously this process is costly to the nation at the expense of tax payer’s money.
But like I have argued throughout this article, the development of this country will not depend on a few elite powerful individuals, some of them suffering from political ego and ambitions, others from business ideologies and many for their personal glory. But in the collective action of all of us in building on the foundations of good governance, democracy and effective opposition political parties that can add value to the development of our beloved and great nation.
A senior member of the opposition Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) Brebner Changala says the looming appointment FDD leader Edith Nawakwi as republican vice president has no blessing of the party.
Mr. Changala says the FDD is convinced that their leader is joining the patriotic front government.
He says it is surprising that Ms. Nawakwi has embarked on attacking opposition political parties at the expense of mobilizing her party which he says she has run down since taking over from late Christone Tembo.
Mr. Changala has since pointed out that it will be prudent to leave the party which she has allegedly damaged.
UPND party deputy spokesperson Edwin Lifwekelo has castigated Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) leader Edith Nawakwi and called her a job seeker.
He says Ms. Nawakwi has failed the women in politics by depleting the gains made by ate FDD president Christone Tembo.
Mr. Lifwekelo says under late General Tembo, FDD had more than 22 Members of Parliament but that the party has one MP under Ms. Nawakwi.
And Mr. Lifwekelo says a cabinet reshuffle is looming in the PF government which will see Ms. Nawakwi take up the position of Republican Vice President while Dr. Guy Scott is set to become minister without portfolio.
He claims that Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda will be retired to pave way for Bob Sichinga.
