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Northern Province Permanent Secretary Emmanuel Mwamba
NORTHERN Province permanent secretary Emmanuel Mwamba says 34 of the 79 schools in Mpulungu have remained closed since the third term started on September 3, due to the cholera outbreak in which 118 cases have been recorded so far.
Mr Mwamba said in an interview yesterday that Government through the Ministry of Health, is still observing the situation in the affected areas.
He said the schools include some community and government and that government may decide to open the schools next week, once the outbreak is satisfactorily contained.
“We are reviewing the situation and if it improves, we might open the schools by next week. We are monitoring the situation closely and we have so far managed to contain the outbreak,” Mr Mwamba said.
Mr Mwamba said cholera cases have soared to 118 and that there have not been any new cases in the past six days.
He said only two people are currently admitted to hospital and are being treated for cholera as the outbreak has been generally contained.
And Mr Mwamba said all is set for United States Ambassador Mark Storella’s cycling tour of USAID-funded projects in Kasama and Mpulungu.
He said Mr Storella and his delegation are expected in Kasama today and will immediately begin the approximately 30 kilometers tour by bicycle.
Mr Mwamba said Mr Storella is also expected to mourn Paramount Chief Chitimukulu during his courtesy call on Chief Chimba, who is acting Chief Chitimukulu.
“The unique aspect of this tour is that Mr Storella and his team including all provincial officials will be cycling throughout,” he said.
FILE: ARCHBISHOP Ignatius Chama (left) hugging Minister of Defence Geoffrey Mwamba
THE Government has described as blatant lies claims being peddled by United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema that he has uncovered a conspiracy to have him assassinated.
And Police in Kafue impounded two buses ferrying only male passengers from Southern Province suspected to have come to attend an aborted UPND public rally in Kanyama Township.
Reacting to Mr Hichilema’s disclosure at a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday, Defence Minister Geoffrey Mwamba has since appealed to Zambians to ignore such seditious information, saying people should instead preach messages of unity and love.
Mr Hichilema alleged that he had information that police officers and Patriotic Front (PF) cadres planned to assassinate him and other party officials at yesterday’s aborted public rally in Lusaka’s Kanyama Township.
“It is a dark today. We have information that Dr Solomon Jere and one Judge Ngoma, who has been given a job at ZESCO, held a meeting to disrupt the UPND rally in Kanyama, we further have information that some cadres were carrying machetes to attack us at the rally,” Mr Hichilema said.
The Kanyama rally was called off after scores of police officers in riot gear sealed off the venue at Kanyama grounds, as early as 04:00 hours.
But Mr Mwamba said the Government had no hatred for Mr Hichilema and that it was saddened to hear that the UPND leader and other party officials were peddling lies about a planned attempt on their lives.
“This is a very serious and seditious matter which will be thoroughly investigated. As Government, we have nothing to do with Mr Hichilema and maybe he is just scared of something or maybe it could be that letter of some Tongas under Oath group, who are threatening to kill more Bembas.
“He just wants to portray a bad picture about the Government because Government can’t waste time to eliminate HH…for what? We have serious issues to do, such as developing Zambia and not what Mr Hichilema is alleging,” Mr Mwamba said.
He said the Government was also saddened that Mr Hichilema could not come out in the open to condemn the letter authored by the underground group, ‘Tongas under Oath’, who stated that they had killed three Bembas and poisoned more.
He said Mr Hichilema’s silence on the matter could raise concern saying as a political leader who vied for the highest office, he needed to condemn such threats of a tribe wanting to rebel against another.
“If he doesn’t condemn authors of the letter going by the name Tongas Under Oath, people will wonder because we expected him to condemn it as a leader instead of talking about plots to eliminate him,” he said
Mr Mwamba said President Michael Sata had not marginalised the people of Southern Province and he had continued to embrace every citizen regardless of their tribe because the country was founded on the principal of One Zambia One Nation.
He described Tongas as hardworking and loving people and that those who wanted to cause division between them and Bembas trading on tribal lines, would face the wrath of the law.
Mr Mwamba said the late UPND leader Anderson Mazoka worked towards uniting all tribes in the country and when he pursued his education in Northern Province, he embraced all Bembas.
A check at the Kanyama grounds found scores of police officers, who were deployed, turning away UPND cadres, a situation which prompted, Mr Hichilema to hastily hold a press briefing.
He alleged that Dr Jere was working under directions from President Sata to disobey the Court order for UPND to hold the rally after police reversed its decision to allow the party to hold the rally yesterday.
Mr Hichilema said Police had stopped UPND cadres in the most cruel manner to hold the rally when the party went through all rightful procedures and wondered why the PF was scared of his party having a rally.
Mr Hichilema also accused Chief Government spokesperson Kennedy Sakeni of fabricating a letter allegedly issued by the ‘Tongas Under Oath’to accuse UPND of formulating it.
Mr Hichilema said UPND would review the legal process at the court today.
Alliance for Development and Democracy leader Charles Milupi accused President Sata of destroying democracy and that what the Head of State had done was a political persecution.
And police in Kafue impounded two buses ferrying only male passengers from Southern Province suspected to have come to attend an aborted UPND public rally in Kanyama Township.
The passengers told police at the check-point that they were travelling to Lusaka to attend a wedding ceremony, while others stated that they were coming for kitchen party.
“The statements about the reason for their visit to Lusaka raised suspicion that is how we impounded the buses and want to find out who the owners are. We turned the passengers back and impounded the buses, but we are highly suspicious that they were coming to attend a kitchen party,” Dr Jere said.
ZESCO Managing Director,Cyprian Chitundu has assured the people of Western Province that the power utility company is working at restoring supply to the area .
Some parts of the Province are experiencing erratic power supply after a vandalised pylon fell.
Speaking after an on the spot check of a vandalised pylon at Kalobolelwa in Sesheke district, Mr. Chitundu said the company is on the ground to erect a temporal line to restore power within 24 hours to Senanga,Mongu,Kaoma and many other parts of the province.
Flanked by his management team, Mr Chitundu revealed that pylon number 1216 was cut from the base although nothing was stolen from it making the case unique.
Western Province other than Sesheke district has had no hydro electricity since Saturday morning when the pylon was cut from the base by some unknown people.
A rally called by the United Party for National Development-UPND- in Lusaka’s Kanyama compound has failed to take off after police sealed off the venue.
This is despite a court order that clearly gave the party a go ahead.
Police were deployed to the area to make sure no one gathers at the intended venue.
And some opposition political party presidents have claimed that the Patriotic Front-PF- government is turning Zambia into a one party state.
United Party for National Development-UPND- leader, Hakainde Hichilema, president of Alliance for Democracy and Development-ADD-Charles Milupi and leader of Zambia Direct Democracy Movement-ZDDM- Edwin Sakala, have charged that the current political scenario is no different from politics of the UNIP era.
And political analyst Dante Saunders has criticized the current political situation in the country.
ALLIANCE for Democracy and Development (ADD) president Charles Milupi
Patriotic Front youths on the Copperbelt province have challenged Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD) President Charles Milupi to condemn the action taken by Barotse activists to tear copies of the draft constitution.
The youths have said that if Milupu condemned progressive regulatory measures by ZICTA to register all phone sim cards, he should not remain mute over irresponsible activities by his kinsmen.
They said that the failure by Milupi to condemn such an action will vindicate allegations in the media that he is into regional and tribal politics.
In a statement to QFM by PF Copperbelt province youth chairman Menyani Zulu and secretary Chanda Kabwe, the two youth leaders say they are aware that certain politicians from western province have a hidden hand in fueling Barotse wrangles and inciting citizens to rise against the Government.
They said that the recent happenings in western province puts national unity and peace at risk, as some Barotse activists who have refused to be part of the constitution making process seem to be on a mission to agitate for political violence.
They state that Zambians should realize that unity and peace should be upheld because it is a favorable environment for both local foreign investments.
The two political youth leader has since urged law enforcers not to hesitate in arresting any person or activist inciting citizens to rise against the Government as such amounts to treason.
Chipolopolo coach Herve Renard has expressed dissatisfaction with Zambia’s 1-nil victory over Uganda in Saturday’s Africa Cup qualifier at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Zambia struggled to beat The Cranes and needed a 21st minute lone goal from skipper Christopher Katongo to emerge winners.
Renard said the African Champions were not efficient on Saturday.
” I will be a liar if I tell you I am very happy with the result, I am not. But football is like this we have to be strong and we will be strong in Kampala. We have to be strong and well organised,” he said.
Renard however remained confident that Zambia will qualify for next year’s AFCON to be staged in South Africa.
“I have a target to take Zambia one more time to the Africa Cup, especially in South Africa. Today we didn’t conceide a goal, I think this is a very positive thing.
Return leg is in Kampala on 13 October.
Uganda coach Bobby Williamson said he was proud of his side.
“You are never happy when you lose a game.”
CHIPOLOPOLO coach Herve Renard has admitted that the 1-0 in over Uganda in yesterday’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier was below expectations.
The Frenchman, however, remains optimistic his team will qualify to defend the Africa title in South Africa after the second leg scheduled for October 13 in Kampala.
He said during a press conference at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium that his team has a chance to redeem itself in the second leg.
“We had a chance to score more goals but we did not. We were not efficient today. We have to be strong and be well-organised in Kampala.
I am happy that we did not concede any goal, it is a positive thing but I will be a liar if I say I am happy with the result, I am not because we had an opportunity to score but we did not,” Renard said.
His Uganda counterpart Bobby Williamson said Zambia played better and deserved to win.
He said the Chipolopolo were well organised but that the slender loss gives Uganda an opportunity to win in Kampala and qualify for the finals.
“I am happy but also disappointed. We tried our best,” he said, also noting that the side is youthful and missed a couple of key players.
Chipolopolo skipper Christopher Katongo said he is happy with a win, noting that it is never easy to maintain a winning streak as champions.
“A win is a win, that’s what is important. We will go to Kampala with a 1-0 lead but it is not going to be easy,” Katongo said.
Uganda skipper Andrew Mwesigwa believes both teams have equal chances of qualifying to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations finals despite Zambia taking the lead in the first leg.
Former President Kaunda was excited with the fans who cheered the Chipolopolo throughout the match although he expected an avalanche of goals.
Football Association of Zambia president Kalusha Bwalya said Zambia created enough chances especially in the first half.
“It was a good game. We won…a win is a win despite the score line but we have to ensure we go to Uganda to record another positive result,”Kalusha said.
Minister of Sport and Youth Chishimba Kambwili said he is happy with the result but not the score line.
Kambwili assured the fans that the Chipolopolo will record a positive result in Kampala and that government will do everything to ensure the team is adequately prepared for the return match.
The Zambia Voluntary Soccer Fans Association patron Peter Makembo said the slender win puts the Chipolopolo on a rough road and that there is need for improvement in the second leg if Zambia is to pull through.
“As fans we are happy with the win but we are not comfortable with the score line but all the same, we need to improve. If we can go there score a goal or two and defend then we are done,” Makembo said.
Chipolopolo Soccer Fans Association chairman Yotam Mwanza said Uganda will start as favourites in Kampala but that does not give them an edge over Zambia.
POLICE will arrest those who will gather for the United Party for National Development (UPND) rally in Kanyama today, according to acting Inspector General of Police Peter Chingaipe.
He says although they are privy to correspondence between UPND acting secretary general Walusiku Lyambela and the Attorney General (AG), the police are not party to the action.
“As police we wish to inform members of the public that the office of the acting Inspector General of police has seen a copy of the order to apply for leave for a judicial review between Mr Lyambela and the AG. However, we are not a party to this action,” Mr Chingaipe said.
He said by Friday close of business the AG had not confirmed being served with any court process regarding the matter.
Mr Chingaipe said the police have communicated with UPND regarding the intended rally which has thus been canceled.
Early last week the UPND had notified police about their intention to hold a rally at Twashuka Basic school grounds in Lusaka’s Kanyama but Lusaka commanding officer Solomon Jere said the rally could not go ahead because police had a shortage of manpower.
Dr Jere said it had deployed police officers to beef up security at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola where the Zambia national soccer team was playing Uganda for the Africa Cup qualifier yesterday.
THE Railway Systems of Zambia (RSZ) says it will not take the government to court.
This follows President Sata’s directive to new Minister of Justice Wynter Kabimba to review the Zambia Railways concession agreement.
RSZ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Benjamin Even said to their understanding the matter should not reach the courts.
“The matter could be dealt efficiently through the provisions of the agreement or simple dialogue.
“We will respect and cooperate with any process determined by the Zambian authorities regarding the future of this concession,” he said.
Mr Even was speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday.
He said RSZ fully appreciates the fact that the railways they are operating are a Zambian asset, which belongs to the Zambian nation.
He said their obligation as concessioners is to operate and improve infrastructure and to hand it back to the government at the end of the concession period in better condition.
Mr Even said the concession process was done in the most transparent manner led by the World Bank, which appointed reputable consultants according to its standards.
He said, “The state of the 100 year-old infrastructure and other challenges and matters raised were not all foreseen in the concessioning process by the parties.”
This does not mean that the process was not good, but could be addressed through open dialogue, Mr Even said.
And RSZ has nothing to do with the disposal of assets such as real estate and scrap as this was the property of Zambia and under Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL), Mr Even added.
Mr Even said all assets transactions, real estate and scrap are and were done solely by ZRL. ZRL are also responsible for the operating of Mulobezi rail line as well as Chipata- Muchinji railway line.
He said RSZ has invested more than US$50 million well above the contractual obligation.
Mr Even said the company has 1,000 employees who are paid on time although its facing severe vandalism.
And Railway Workers Union of Zambia acting president Nathan Zulu appealed to his fellow workers to remain calm as government and RSZ resolve the matter at hand.
Mr Zulu also urged his fellow workers not to vandalize RSZ property and maintain discipline as they await the outcome of the review.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice…”
(Romans 12:15, NKJV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
When a friend or family member succeeds, gets promoted, or experiences an unexpected break in life, how do you respond?
Some people wonder, “What about me?” Others criticize or say, “It won’t last long.” But really, the way you respond to other’s success will determine the level of your own success. Whether you respond in a negative or positive way, you are sowing seeds for your future. That’s why scripture tells us simply to “rejoice with those who rejoice.” God wants you to be successful. His commands are for your good. He doesn’t want jealousy or strife to enter your life or rob you of His blessing.
Today, make it a point to find someone who is celebrating and celebrate with them. Congratulate them on their success no matter how small it seems in the natural. Rejoice with those who rejoice, sow seeds of blessing, and open the door for victory in your own life in return!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, thank You for Your hand of blessing not only on my life but on the lives of the people around me. I choose to rejoice in You, and I choose to rejoice over Your victory everywhere I go in Jesus’ name! Amen!
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia has expressed concern over the reduction in the radius transmission of University of Zambia UNZA Radio, from 1000 watts to 260 watts by the Zambia Information, Communications Authority (ZICTA).
This follows threats by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga who recently warned to suspend UNZA Radio license on allegations that the station was providing a platform for advancing partisan interests.
MISA Zambia vice chairman Nalumino Nalumino wondered how ZICTA has gone against the law as stipulated under the license of the radio station.
According to the license provisions, the radio station is supposed to operate within a radius of up to 1000 watts and it is expected to expire in January 2013.
Mr. Nalumino says the reduction in the radius has put the radio station at a risk of breaching its contractual obligations with its advertisers.
He tells QFM in a statement that the adjustment is uncalled for as it is an infringement on freedom of expression which is a core value of MISA Zambia.
Mr. Nalumino has since called for the implementation of the Independent Broadcasting Authority IBA so that broadcast media regulation can be independent of political interests.
MISA Zambia has since written to the Permanent Secretary at Ministry of Information seeking an audience with him to discuss these issues that have recently happened.
The MISA Zambia vice chairperson says there is need for the government to realize that the country’s Constitution provides for such freedom because it is a fundamental right which is even recognized by various international instruments that Zambia has ratified.
File:A dormitory in a boarding school in rural Zambia
By Charles Mwewa(Author:Zambia – Struggles of My People)
Rafeeah Mulla, a Grade Nine pupil at International School of Lusaka,in a Zambia Daily Mail newspaper clip of Saturday, November 5th, 2011 titled, “Zambia, 50 Years from Now,” laments:
Zambia`s current population is thirteen million. I estimate that fifty years from now it may double to twenty-six million; putting enormous strain on our meagre resources, such as food, clothing, hospitals,
infrastructure and so on. To keep up with our increasing population,Zambia needs to have a much larger economic growth rate than it has had in the last fifty years, especially if it wants to enjoy a better
living standard in 2061 which I know we can achieve, if we are really determined.
The astute student goes on and prescribes the parameters necessary to enable Zambia emerge as a strong nation in terms of its economy and democracy: “For us to advance, we need a safe and peaceful country.” Mulla then praises the efforts the country has made in developing democratic institutions and cultural edifices which collectively will and has continued to define Zambia as a free and accommodating nation.
On September 25th, 2011, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon hailed Zambia for setting “an example for the rest of Africa and the wider world about how power can be transferred peacefully.” In fact,Zambia has been transferring power smoothly and peacefully since its creation in 1964. The UN Chief was on record for having chided other African nations to emulate Zambia in allowing democracy to flourish. [pullquote]despite Zambia being placed as one of the favourable recipients of donor aid in poverty reduction programmes,there was nothing tangible to show for it in terms of bettering the lives of the majority poor[/pullquote]
However, as it is often mused, democracy has been a feature of the African social mosaic even in pre-colonial days. The yardstick for measuring democracy in Africa has always been the Westernised concept
of freedom and democratization, which have often been the holding of “free and fair” elections and the nudge for freedoms and other fundamental human rights to be deeply entrenched into the political fabric of the nation. That, truly, is commendable and even attractive at best. But what has been overlooked is the fact that democracy or good governance has not been African predominant problem.
Social and economic indicators in so-called war-torn African states and the peaceful nations are not any different. It will be imprudent to farce that Nigeria, for example which has had a good share of coups
since its independence, lags Zambia in terms of economic development.The 54 states of Africa all have had one aspect of political or military struggle or the other. They all are, to a larger extent,products of a colonial past, a past imbued with tribal disruptions and political insipidity. That said, it cannot be construed as a blame-balm for Africa`s future problems.
The past, notwithstanding, Africa`s biggest problem is poverty, and this has nothing to do with what happened in the colonial or post-colonial eras. Those eras, of course, contributed, but cannot be used as an ante for harangue. In fact, unfortunate events like colonialism should now equip Africa to deal with future problems effectively. Credit must be given to African leaders for trying to run their governments under very difficult circumstances, but more can and must be done. There can never be any excuse for poverty – it dehumanises the soul and pulverises a people`s best intentions.
The current government in Zambia, in the run-up to the September 20th,2011 elections recognised poverty as “Zambia`s biggest problem.” Dr. Guy Scott, now Vice-president of the Republic of Zambia, is on
record as having said that, “ordinary Zambians had been left out of the current growth in the country.” In Zambia, despite the enormous economic spurts boosted by increased copper production, the conditions
of the common person have not changed.[pullquote]Poverty is inimical to a people`s future well-being; it is a nation`s enemy number one, and as such it must be combatted and defeated at all costs. Corruption, abuse of resources and neglect of industries which have been cited as causes of poverty in Zambia, are,in fact, the symptoms of poverty, and not the causes of it[/pullquote]
This is a norm, so it seems,regardless of which government is in power. Of course, there are those who think, erroneously, that under Kenneth Kaunda Zambia performed very well in economic terms. But this is only a case of short-sightedness, as Kaunda himself was defeated in the elections in 1991 because the people, and the International Financial Institutions,then, observed that the only remedy to the precarious Zambian economic facia was the Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs). SAPs had become anathema, a case of throwing the baby with the water.
In the wake of the Euro Crisis in 2011-2012, such theorising has been taken by events. SAPs regime is no longer seen as a panacea to Africa`s, and indeed Europe`s, decaying economic conditions. The two late Zambian presidents, Frederick Chiluba and Levy Mwanawasa, introduced economic liberalism in Zambia. Under this economic framework, the socialistic regime of Kaunda was replaced by one of free-market competition. Those who depended on hand-outs became the real victims of the new economic structure. Kaunda was no longer there to dish out cooking oil, mealie meal and so on.
Under the Rupiah Banda`s regime, people still recognised poverty as the biggest problem. Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) challenged former president Banda to make poverty a priority in the Post of Thursday, March 31st, 2011. And Marylyn Celli, a governance advocate, was bemused that despite Zambia being placed as one of the favourable recipients of donor aid in poverty reduction programmes,there was nothing tangible to show for it in terms of bettering the lives of the majority poor.
Indeed, each year, Zambia and many other African countries, receive aid from donor governments and the
co-operating partners. But poverty, for which majority of these funds is acquired, never seem to rescind; the people are not better than before aid was acquired.
The University of Zambia (UNZA) student body have been challenging governments to explain their plans for ending poverty in Zambia. Kelvin Chitala, one of the UNZA Student Union leaders once said that, “Zambians were in need of a government that would champion poverty eradication countrywide.” This,unfortunately, has been a song for many years since Zambia attained to its political independence.
Zambia has a problem of poverty. According to Marcos Rodrigues, Cuban Foreign Deputy Minister, “Africa has enough talent to solve the continent`s problems.” And what President Michael Sata calls the “fruits of independence” can only be prosperity, which has eluded the Zambian people for over 40 years. Indeed, like former Bank of Zambia Governor, Dr. Caleb Fundanga, said, “Disparities between the rich and the poor will exist,” however, this should not deter the Zambian governments from fighting this scourge.
Of course, corruption is a sister problem to poverty, but poverty supersedes corruption. In many cases, it is poverty which breeds corruption. Curbing poverty is the first step towards eradicating corruption.
African institutions have not been strengthened enough to attain to a system of imbedded checks and balances, like the West have. And the war that must be fought and won should be poverty, even before fighting other national scourges. Poverty is inimical to a people`s future well-being; it is a
nation`s enemy number one, and as such it must be combatted and defeated at all costs. Corruption, abuse of resources and neglect of industries which have been cited as causes of poverty in Zambia, are,in fact, the symptoms of poverty, and not the causes of it.
The cancer that is eating up Zambia is poverty. It must be fought with all the might that government possesses. President Michael Sata and his government must ensure that their fight is the fight against
poverty. The dignity of the people of Zambia depends on it. The future of Zambia relies on it. And the sanity of a people is in pursuance to it. Poverty is Zambia`s enemy number one, and it must be conquered at
all cost!
The Lusaka High court has given a court order to the Zambia police restraining them from interfering with the planned UPND political rally scheduled to take place tomorrow in Lusaka’s Kanyama area at Twashuka Basic School grounds.
This means that the UPND rally will go ahead without the presence of the police.
Mr. Siakalima told QFM news last evening that lawyers representing the UPND had contested the matter in court after the Zambia police Lusaka division attempted to stop the rally from taking place.
Earlier Zambia Police had insisted they will not allow the United Party for National Development (UPND) to hold their scheduled rally in Lusaka’s Kanyama area on Sunday. Police spokesperson Elizabeth Kanjela said the rally had been cancelled for security concerns.
Ms Kanjela said in a statement yesterday that police had formally informed UPND officials and members and advised them not to attend the rally. She warned that police would arrest anyone who would attempt to attend the rally, and charge them with unlawful assembly.
“We therefore advise all those intending to attend not to do so. Whoever will act contrary to this advice will be arrested and charged with unlawful assembly,” Ms Kanjela said.
Earlier, Lusaka police commissioner Solomon Jere said the meeting cannot take place because police have a shortage of manpower after deploying police officers to beef up security at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, where the Zambia national soccer team is playing Uganda for the Africa Cup qualifier today.
But UPND president Hakainde Hichilema said that the move was an act of suppression by the authorities. Mr Hichilema said in an interview that police had no excuse to cancel the meeting because the two events are scheduled for different days.
He wondered why police initially granted the party a permit to hold the meeting, yet they were aware about the match today.
“The football match is on Saturday [today] and our meeting is tomorrow, why should they cancel our meeting on Sunday? This is suppression. Why should we be denied an opportunity to have a rally on Sunday when football is being played a day before?” he asked.
PATRIOTIC Front (PF) youths in Lusaka have backed their Copperbelt counterparts’ stance on the alleged partisan activities by the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia.
In a statement issued in Lusaka yesterday, PF Lusaka Province youth chairperson Kennedy Kamba said the reaction by MISA Zambia that it condemned William Banda’s alleged attempt to ‘kill’ a journalist to the outside world raises questions.
Mr Kamba wondered why MISA Zambia never issued a statement to the local media as well as it did when the police teargased United Party for National Development cadres at Lusaka Central police station recently.
“Secondly, what is MISA Zambia’s primary interest? Is it to defend a defenceless journalist or an opposition party cadre? It is clear that MISA Zambia lacks credibility. The current free media environment in the country is because of the PF’s good policies and has nothing to do with MISA Zambia,” he said.
He challenged MISA Zambia to be truthful to both the public and its sponsors, Irish Aid, on issues of accountability.
Mr Kamba said MISA Zambia should explain to its donors and the nation why some of its board members have allegedly not been retiring imprest and explain how it has been using donor funds.
“We also know that while MISA Zambia is trying to discredit government, it has been engaging in illegalities by not complying with statutory requirements such as submission and payment of annual returns,” he said.
The United Party for National Development (UPND) has challenged ZANACO to explain how information about its leader’s K360 billion wealth found itself in the public domain.
UPND presidential advisor Douglas Siakalima says ZANACO should explain how the information about Mr. Hichilema which is supposed to be confidential found itself in the public domain.
He added that Mr. Hichilema as a client of ZANACO is entitled to confidentiality of his account information.
He stated that the release of information on Mr. Hichilema’s account at ZANACO is likely to cause loss of public confidence in the commercial bank by other clients.
Mr. Siakalima in an Interview with QFM News said that government’s information on how much money Mr. Hichilema has in his account could only have been accessed using state machinery.
He added that it is therefore illogical for the PF government to claim that the document indicating how much wealth Mr. Hichilema has was made available by one of the UPND members of parliament.
Mr. Siakalima has further challenged the government to explain what was seditious was about the document that was circulated to the media indicating how much wealth the UPND has.
And Mr. Siakalima has further wondered why President Michael Sata has started questioning Mr. Hichilema wealth when the economic environment in the country favors entrepreneurship.
He added that President Sata should be seen to be a leader that promotes wealth creation among Zambian citizens rather than pointing accusing fingers on hardworking individuals such as Mr. Hichilema.
