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FIVE members of a Zambian family of five yesterday died in a road traffic accident in the border town of Kasane in Botswana when the vehicle they were travelling in lost control after a tyre burst before flipping several times.
Only the father, identified as Emmanuel Kanswe, 51, who was the driver of the Toyota Prado, survived and is admitted to Gaborone Hospital in Botswana.
Those killed in the accident were Matilda 48, wife to Mr Kanswe, three sons and a daughter.
A close family member, Regina Yalubamba identified the four children as Kunda 22, (daughter) and three sons; Mfunta, 18; Chama, 15, and Chibwe, 13.
Ms Yalubamba, who is the sister to Mr Kanswe confirmed the death of the five family members in an interview yesterday.
It is believed that one of the front tyres burst while the car was in motion resulting in the accident which claimed five lives on the spot. The brand new Toyota Prado rolled several times.
Ms Yalubamba said the five were on their way to Francistown in Botswana.
‘They came from Chingola and were travelling to Francis Town in Botswana before they met their fate at Kasane town in Botswana,” she said.
She said Mr Kanswe had been working as a metallurgist at one of the mines in Botswana from last year and was in Zambia to pick his family so that they could join him.
“This time the family was joining him in that country. The wife and her daughter came from Chingola and linked up with the three sons living in Livingstone where the husband had come to meet them.
“On their way back, he had a front tyre burst which led to the accident and subsequently the overturning of the vehicle,” she said.
Ms Yalubamba said the five bodies were in a private mortuary in Kasane
waiting for postmortem to be conducted today.
She said the funeral gathering is at 26-13th Street in Nchanga South in Chingola and that the bodies would be transported to Chingola for burial.
In Kitwe, Thomas Kapumpe reports that an employee of Kuko Mining is believed to have been crashed to death when the driver of the truck he was on lost control and overturned after the drive shaft broke.
The accident happened around 16:00hours at Sabina near Mwambishi stream the Tipper Truck registration number ACL 8737 belonging to PQ&C Investment carrying low grade copper material lost control.
The truck was carrying 20 tonnes of the material from Kitwe to Bolo Mining in Chambishi.
A Times Crew that arrived at the scene, found the employee who sat on the passenger side still trapped in the hose of the truck as the Fire Brigade and Power Tool Transport were trying to remove him.
Intestines believed to be of the employee were picked from outside the truck and packed in a sack.
According to eye witnesses, the universal joint of the truck broke causing the driver to lose control.
AFTER NEW REVOLUTION COMES NEW ORDER,BUT BEFORE THAT COMES OPPORTUNITY
Now time has come when we youths of Chambishi have decided to take over from were the forum left because its too much of promises that never come to pass.
Why do we have to be kept like orphans in our own land and with our own money by Kalulushi when atleast 90% of the annual revenue that they have comes from Chambishi? Bibilically even orphans are cared for.We are saying Zambia is a christian nation ,but everything is being robbed from us by leaders who also call them selves christians.
Governance
Politically we have come to understand that the district is just too big for one member of parliament and its resulting in him failing to fulfill our needs and expectations.
Other factors like the government offices only being in Kalulushi which is far from Chambishi has made it difficult for Chambishi to benefit from anything that the local investors give the district.
In terms of registration of our children,we always have to go to Kalulushi and you have to spend money for transport about k50000.Think of people living in Zambia compound where even K5000 matters.So in short most of our children in Zambia compound are not registered as Zambians even though they live around the town.
Education
Education is one of the main things the government should look at now.Honestly such a big town like Chambishi with a total population of over 30,000 having one secondary school? Were on earth will the children or youths finish school? That’s what leads them to turn into criminals knowing they won’t finish school…Compare how many secondary schools are in Kalulushi and yet the population is almost the same as Chambeshi.
Health care or lack thereof
In Chambishi mothers are dying and failing to deliver because we lack facilities.eg operating theatres , scan machine , X-ray but in Kalulushi they have and yet we are in the same district.
There is lack of man power at our clinic.Chambishi has grown in such a way that we need our own local hospitals where we will have our own doctors and other machines.A large number of people are dying every year while in transit to Kitwe central hospital of which it’s about 30km from Chambishi .Why do we have to be losing lives while we have resources and land to make our own? Business
EVERYBODYS LIFE IS IMPORTANT AND COUNTS.
Why do marketeers always have to find it difficult doing their business and people not buying their goods thinking they are roten?
Chambishi now is a town with mixed race and cultures.We have foreigners around who need to be supporting local marketeers instead of going elsewhere.To my understanding that’s one way of employing people because many will be motivated to open up their own businesses.
If NAKADOLI can be built.Why can’t we do the same if we were on our own.(a district) We can just ask local investors to help because we are the same people who breathe their chemical fumes from the mines.We thank them for their coming.
Imagine bringing PEP-STORE and SHOPRITE,not forgetting many banks where you will even be able to deposit NOT only withdraw.
If you can declare us to be a district it will be one way of creating employment to many local people who are still unemployed.
Water problems despite having the Kafue river
Why do we always have problems with water in Chambishi when Kafue river the main copperbelt water supplier has passed through the township? This is an example of how unfair and biased the Kalulushi municipal council is to our township.
Economy
People is Chambeshi a compound or Township? Then why are we treated like we area compound? The same municiple council gets money from us through land rates and taxes but we see nothing they do for us in Chambeshi but always in Kalulushi.
Imagine if we were on our own as Chambeshi district,this CHINA ECONOMIC ZONE the Chinese are building would have been finished by now but due to Kalulushi people who see no sense in it,its still not finished.When its finished how many people do you think can be employed? Thousands I swear.
Transportation
How many bus stations are in Kalulushi?Imagine in Chambeshi we have even turned council offices into a bus station.In short we have no proper bus stations.But we are just picked from the streets..….imagine if we were a district we could have our own direct bus terminus to all Copperbelt towns….
Going to Mufurila you need to go to Kitwe the Mufurila.How much can you spend and how much time?
The importance of having a district status is we will have own government offices…meaning decisions will be made and definately by the people who are based here who know what the problems are.Even the government of today supports decentralisation. How can you be decentralised when you are treated as an orphan or begger?
The Lusaka City Council (LCC) will fast-track the court papers of a young couple caught in the old cemetery in Rhodes Park, spokesperson Henry Kapata said yesterday.
“Our legal unit has reached an advanced stage to prosecute the two youngsters who strayed into the cemetery around 21:00 hours last week and tried to get intimate on a tombstone.
“What they did is tantamount to committing criminal trespass because the graveyard is out of bounds for any social or sexual activity,” he said.
He said the ‘couple’ has already been informed of their rights regarding the offence they will be tried for and their parents have been duly informed of the mischief.
“Their parents are very embarrassed that the young man decided to take the girl to the graveyard,” Mr Kapata said, “that shows no respect for the dead.”
Mr Kapata said the graveyard is only open for visits between 08:00 hours and 16:00 hours “and any visit after that is a trespass and attracts prosecution led by the council…we are serious about respecting the dead.”
The council spokesman said the city fathers want to ensure that graveyards are respectable and sacred places, not places where people can go and have sex or sell beer from.
The couple will appear before the council court next week, Mr Kapata said.
Some road rehabilitation projects left by the MMD government are still progressing. Here, a grader from Sable Construction levelling gravel and stones on the once rugged Katima Mulilo road in Lusaka. The road will be upgraded from two lanes to four lanes to ease congestion on the stretch.
THE poor road network and traffic jams in the capital will soon be a thing of the past following the launch of the K1.7 trillion urban road rehabilitation project by the Road Development Agency (RDA).
The four-year project, which is expected to commence in a few months, involves the rehabilitation of about 400 kilometres of existing city roads.
The RDA has signed a memorandum of understanding with AVIC International Project Engineering Company, to undertake the project that is also expected to create thousands of jobs.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lusaka yesterday, RDA executive director Bernard Chiwala said the project includes widening selected roads with high traffic volume and providing an interchange solution for the Kafue roundabout.
“The project will involve re-engineering selected junctions to improve the flow of traffic flow and construction of bus bays along selected routes, as part of road safety measures,” he said.
Mr Chiwala assured the public that the construction works will not inconvenience motorists because the contractors will work on 10 kilometres at a time, which will be handed over to the city council upon completion.
He said the project is a milestone in the improvement of roads in the country, adding that the RDA also intends to roll out road rehabilitation projects in Chingola and Kabwe.
The RDA will further launch the resettlement plan for the rehabilitation of the Mufuchane Bridge in Kitwe next month.
Earlier, AVIC International Project Engineering Company vice managing director Gong Jiayan said the firm is committed to undertaking the project, aimed at upgrading the road network to modern standards.
“We are sure that through this project, the flow of traffic in Lusaka will improve,” he said.
Mr Jiayan said apart from improving the road network, the firm will subcontract local contractors and create more jobs.
At the same occasion, Lusaka deputy mayor Theresa Funda hailed the project, saying the current poor state of roads has resulted in high motor vehicle maintenance costs and increased travel time.
Ms Funda, however, called on the public to avoid vandalism of road infrastructure and signage.
COMMERCE Trade and Industry Minister Bob Sichinga has assured that Government will only offer Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) to an equity partner who will present a proposal that has the best package on job creation.
Speaking recently when he met SASOL executives in Johannesburg, South Africa, Mr Sichinga said Government was looking for an equity partner in NCZ, who would provide value addition as opposed to converting existing infrastructure as storage for imported finished products.
This is according to a statement issued yesterday by first secretary for press at the Zambian High Commission in South Africa Patson Chilemba.
The minister said besides SASOL, there were other investors who had shown interest in investing in NCZ and government would offer the company to an investor who offered the best conditions at the right value.
He urged companies operating in Zambia to list on the Lusaka Stock Exchange (LuSE) to encourage local participation in the economy.
Finance Deputy Minister Miles Sampa enlightened SASOL executives on the issuance of Statutory Instrument (SI) No.33 of 2012 which banned the use of foreign currency in local business transactions.
Mr Sampa said the measure had no effect on business transactions as payment for international transactions would continue to be made in foreign currency, and that the financial system would facilitate the transfer and conversion into Kwacha and vice versa.
Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Muyeba Chikonde urged SASOL executives to utilise the presence of the mission to facilitate the flow of information and to explore the available investment opportunities in Zambia.
Mr Muyeba said NCZ needed to be revitalised as it was the lifeline of Kafue town.
SASOL expressed interest to explore investment opportunities in Zambia in areas of gas, fertiliser, asphalt and explosives.
SASOL is organised into four business clusters – the South Africa energy cluster, international energy cluster, chemical cluster and other associated agri-businesses.
During another meeting with executives from Sterlitzia Holding, a company specialised in funding social and humanitarian projects at low interest rates, Mr Sichinga said Government planned to have clusters in districts using comparative advantage in the production of particular goods.
He said the undertaking required funding at low cost such as the one offered by Sterlitzia for them to be viable.
In another meeting with Loita Capital Partners, Mr Sichinga expressed concern that Zambia had been unable to utilise its export quota under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) due to lack of capacity.
He said Government was of the view that involving Loita Capital Partners would enable many Zambians access capital to enable them export.
In response, chairperson and chief executive of Loita Capital Partners Justine Chinyanta said the company was willing and ready to work with Government in meeting its development objectives.
The meeting with Loita was aimed at revitalising the agreement previously signed to support exports.
The Ministry of Finance has allayed fears that the planned issuance of Zambia’s debut USD 500 million sovereign bond is in near collapse after it was reported that potential investors had expressed concerns over the attractiveness of the bond.
The Zambian Government under the MMD administration had long planned to enter market and borrow over USD 500 million for massive infrastructure development and other capital projects.
The 2008 global economic crisis and the 2011 general election forced the project to be put on hold but the PF administration quickly restarted the project upon assuming office.
At the end of May 2012, the Ministry of Finance announced that Barclays and Deutsche Bank had been picked as book runners while US law firm White and Case will act as legal adviser.
Rising concerns over policy inconsistencies by some top PF government officials and a volatile political environment have however added to concerns that the bond issuance might be a flop. [pullquote]“Yes we were supposed to have started a major investor roadshow to market our issuance this August but we had to push that to a later date due to some technical and logistical challenges.”[/pullquote]
But Ministry of Finance Chief Economist Akapelwa Imwiko said in an interview that the project to sell the first sovereign bond by a Sub Saharan country this year is firmly on course.
Mr. Imwiko said significant progress has been made and expressed confidence that Zambia will go to the markets before the end of the year.
“We are progressing well, am in the technical committee working with our book runners and our legal advisers and I can tell you that there are no major hiccups,” Mr. Imwiko said on the sidelines of a two media training on economic reporting in Lusaka.
He however admitted that the international roadshow which had targeted to hit a number of selected European and US cities had to be postponed.
“Yes we were supposed to have started a major investor roadshow to market our issuance this August but we had to push that to a later date due to some technical and logistical challenges.”
On concerns that the timing of the issuance might hurt the pricing of the bond, Mr. Imwiko said the Ministry is aware of such concerns and will keep a close watch on the markets to ensure that the recent volatility does not affect the bond issuance.
“We are watching the markets closely, we want to go live when we see that the markets are now more stable, we don’t want to be caught off guard and so we have heightened the level of preparedness,” added Mr. Imwiko.
[pullquote]“Admittedly, what people could be referring to as policy inconsistencies are merely minor policy adjustments meant to fit into the broader PF vision of people centered development,” he said.[/pullquote]
“What we don’t is a situation where the markets are ready and we are not ready, so timing is everything.
He also parried concerns that the PF administration lacks a clear policy direction on a number of key economic issues.
“The truth is that we are still implementing and operating within the same key macroeconomic framework, guiding us is the Sixth National Development Plan and the Vision 2030, so broadly, we are within course.”
“Admittedly, what people could be referring to as policy inconsistencies are merely minor policy adjustments meant to fit into the broader PF vision of people centered development,” he said.
Mr. Imwiko has since advised those criticizing the PF over its economic policies to familiarize themselves with some policy documents such as the 2012 national budget and the Sixth National Development Plan.
LAP-GreenN, the Libyan Investment Authority’s international telecommunications arm, is deeply concerned by the recent action taken by the Zambian authorities against LAP-GreenN and its employees, ahead of its upcoming court case in Zambia.
It warns that: “the government’s deplorable behavior is severely damaging Zambia’s international reputation”.
LAP-GreenN wishes to express its strongest possible objections to the disgraceful and unacceptable treatment of its employee and former Chief Financial Officer of Zamtel, Adnan Hayee, who was recently incarcerated in a Zambian jail from 17 to 20 August and who was only re-united with his anxious wife and family on the 26 August. Mr. Hayee recounts the story.
“On the morning of 17 August 2012, when five Zambians claiming to be ‘Immigration’ employees entered my house forcibly without a warrant, a nightmare started. I was initially refused a lawyer, my house was searched my (legitimate) work permit was demanded, and I was forcibly taken to the police station, where totally false allegations were made against me, and where I was left alone and very worried, for the rest of the weekend.
“On the Monday morning, my lawyer saw me and spent the whole day trying to ascertain charges and get me released on bail, but as there were no charges this was impossible. In the early evening after my lawyer had left, the Immigration staff came, denied me further access to my lawyer, and took me to the Airport.
“They took my possessions, including my phone, made me sign some documents, exit-stamped my passport with ‘deportation’, and I was bundled on a flight for Dubai. Thus ended five days of trauma, and humiliation for me, the reasons behind which are still a mystery; I just thank God that my family are now safe.”
A LAP-GreenN spokesman stated today:
“The recent unprovoked events against current and former employees by the authorities in Zambia and the grossly inaccurate and defamatory campaign in the press against these innocent people are totally unacceptable; no laws were broken by Mr. Hayee, and he was legitimately residing in Zambia until his children finished their current school term, before leaving.
“It is especially disappointing that the Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Edgar Lungu, has now been personally implicated in these serious actions. We also regret the local media reports, which created confusion and distress by wrongly stating that Mr Paulsen, Zamtel’s former managing director, and not Mr Hayee, had been deported.
Not only is the Zambian government’s action highly insulting to Mr. Paulsen and Mr. Hayee, but in Mr. Hayee’s case, he and his family have been subjected to unconscionable stress and anguish. This is a serious affront to LAP-GreenN and an insult to the largest single investment that has ever come to Zambia.
“We believe this policy of deliberate harassment will severely damage Zambia’s international reputation and harm the environment for foreign direct investment. The Zambian authorities risk reversing all of LAP GreenN’s impressive achievements turning around the under-performing, state-owned Zamtel in a move that will only damage the country.
The message this action sends to foreign investors is that Zambia is neither a safe nor profitable place in which to do business.[pullquote] The company is seeking market-value compensation to the amount of $480m, which is the value of the shares at the time the Zambian Government seized them.[/pullquote]
“We are determined to continue the pursuit of our full legal rights and interests in relation to Zamtel through the courts in Zambia and are fully prepared to prosecute until justice is served. Whilst seeking legal redress, LAP GreenN remains willing to enter into discussion with the Zambian authorities in good faith to find an outcome that is positive for both sides in the dispute.”
LAP GreenN is prosecuting for the return of its legitimately acquired 75% equity stake in Zamtel, which was unilaterally appropriated by the Zambian government in January 2012.
Failing this action, the company is seeking market-value compensation to the amount of $480m, which is the value of the shares at the time the Zambian Government seized them.
This reflects the significant investments and improvements made by LAP GreenN since their purchase of Zamtel in June 2010. In addition, LAP GreenN is seeking damages for the substantial losses it has suffered as result of the illegal seizure.
LAP GreenN completely refutes the Zambian government’s claim that the original transaction was illegitimate and stands ready to defend the legitimacy of that transaction. In the 18 months that LAP GreenN managed Zamtel it made significant improvements to the under-performing, state-owned company, leading to dramatic and unprecedented growth and prosperity, including a 50% increase in revenues.
After significant investment in infrastructure, the subscriber base was increased by 600%, and there was a 100% increase in the number of base stations. Not only did Zambian customers benefit from vastly superior network performance and customer service, but the 25% holding of the government increased in value by nearly US$100m.
Government has disclosed that the country recorded $4.1 billion in investment pledges of the approved projects during the first six months of 2012.
Chief Government Spokesperson Kennedy Sakeni in a statement released to QFM News today says the investment pledges are expected to create 18,778 job opportunities for Zambians.
Mr Sakeni adds that increased investment pledges represent aan increase of about 37% when compared with slightly over US$3 billion during the same period in 2011 with corresponding increase in expected employment opportunities from 17,999 in 2011 to 18,778 representing 4% increase.
He says preliminary statistics for the first quarter of 2012 also indicate an increase of 96.2% in Non Traditional Exports from US$305.9 million recorded in 2011 to US$600.2 million recorded in the same period in 2012.
Mr Sakeni says Zambia is on course to achieve economic prosperity under the leadership of President Michael Sata and that the PF Government has achieved a number of successes since taking over Government in September 2011.
And Mr Sakeni says the economy is poised to register a positive growth for 2012 with a GDP projection of above 7 percent, single digit inflation rate, decreasing rates and more than US$2 billion in foreign reserves.
He says the PF government is committed to ensuring that good economic performance translates into tangible poverty reduction and wealth creation especially at grass root level.
Mr Sakeni adds that the PF Government welcomes positive criticism and equally expects all stakeholders including opposition leaders like UPND’s Hakainde Hichilema to give due praise when presented with facts on the country%u2019s economic performance.
The Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) has today paid K300 million out of the K392 million the former ruling party owes the department of the Registrar of Societies in accrued statutory fees.
This is for 42 registered branches of the MMD, which threatened the former ruling party’s continued existence after it was threatened with deregistration.
Chief registrar of societies Clement Andeleki has confirmed the development to QFM News.
Mr.Andeleki says the MMD has committed to pay the remainder of 92 million Kwacha in the next three weeks.
He has since urged other societies to emulate the MMD and further reiterated his warning that the department will not hesitate to take action against any defaulting registered association.
Recently, Mr. Andeleki issued a 21-days ultimatum to the MMD to settle the outstanding balance, failure to which the party was going to be deregistered but the MMD assured him that they would pay.
Meanwhile, the Zambia National Marketeers Association (ZANAMA) has not yet received notification on the decision of the Minister of Home Affairs Edgar Lungu to throw out its appeal seeking the revocation of a deregistration order.
Recently, Chief Registrar of Societies Clement Andeleki deregistered ZANAMA on grounds that the association failed to serve its intended purpose by engaging in partisan politics.
ZANAMA general-secretary, Enock Chifuka has told Qfm news in an exclusive interview that the association is not aware of any decision by the minister regarding its appeal.
Mr. Chifuka said that for as long as the association has not yet been communicated to on the latest development, its operations at the market will continue.
He has further requested Mr. Andeleki to return the property belonging to ZANAMA which he is alleged to have seized when he made as impromptu visit to Chisokone market.
Mr. Andeleki has directed the Kitwe City Council to take over the running of Chisokone Market saying the fact that Minister rejected ZANAMA’s appeal, his deregistration order stands.
Zambia star Emmanuel Mayuka has described as a dream come true for him to move to England after his £3m switch to Southampton.
The 21-year-old Zambia striker on Tuesday moved from Swiss side Young Boys Berne to ‘The Saints’ on a five- year deal.
He becomes only the second Zambian to play in the EPL after Collins Mbesuma’s unsuccessful stint at Portsmouth six years ago.
“Most footballers dream of playing in England. For me, this dream is coming true,” Mayuka told Young Boys official website.
“I want to thank everyone who has supported me in the last two years, thank you. I will keep time with the Young Boys in your memory and never forget.”
This week, Mayuka tweeted that he was considering a move to another English Premier League side, Queens Park Rangers.
The former Kabwe Warriors striker has now moved to promoted Southampton after a successful two and-a-half years at Young Boys, where he scored 32 competitive goals after the Berne club snapped him from Israeli Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Mayuka was part of Zambia’s 2012 Africa Cup-winning team where he scored three goals to win the tournament’s golden boot award.
Basement Entertainment is a UK based Zambian events management and promotions company set out to promote Zambian cultures and performing acts in the UK as well as parts of Europe.
KAPA187: How did Basement entertainment come about?
Basement entertainment: Wow, this takes us back; we came about out of the desire to do things differently and put the fun back into Djing.
In the early 2000s there was a group of us young Zambians, mostly students who used to come together at a friend’s flat at weekends and just play music the way we liked, putting our own stamp, swag and identity on it. Those early days developed our style, when you see us ‘performing’; you get a glimpse of how we chill.
Bugz Money DJ Snypa
The founder members of the crew are Mr. Evans Miyanda (Team Patron), Oscar Miyanda (DJ Snypa), Harry Miyanda (Bugz Money), Milton Besa (DJ Milton Besa)…. ha ha ha…the only DJ who does not want a DJing name…lol! Other guys later joined us John Chinode Chisengalumbwe (Mc Jc Chinode II), Shawn L Sibamba (Big Shawn), Ray Nyakuchena (DJ Raypower our first Dual Zambia/Zimbabwean team member) and Andre Gordon (DJ Dre, our first Caribbean team member)with others on rotation across the UK. Our virtual existence in Zambia shall soon be a reality once our current mini team in Lusaka has completed logistical planning to operate in Zambia.
DJ Dre DJ Ray power
It was actually at Milton’s penthouse in South East London (he lived above a shop, typical student accommodation….ha ha ha.) where we came up with the name because his place felt like a basement though it was an upstairs flat and for some reason we were always there socializing, he could never get rid of us.
DJ Milton Besa Big Shawn
Mc Jc Chinode II
KAPA187: What services do you provide?
Basement entertainment: We started out as DJs and were known as the Basement crew, until we branched out to music production when we co- produced Zambian musician TY2’s UK music project titled Nu Beginin’ (Featuring his hit love song NIKUKONDE) in 2008, produced and recorded at Iguana studios in Brixton, South London at which time we changed our name to Basement Entertainment, which felt more business like, well, or so we thought.
Amongst other services, we provide public announcement systems on a corporate level e.g. one used during President Michael Sata recent visited to the UK, at the UK Zambian community dinner reception hosted at the Zambian high commissioner’s residence. We also provide music entertainment services, boasting of an all out experienced international DJ line-up, capable of handling any occasion around the world plus event venues, added to that, our in-house voice over artists, presenters with various event management and promotions solutions are on hand to provide a service, be it Zambian or other through our business networks across the UK. We also have an online presence where we host our very own online radio show (THE SHOW) at http://www.basemententertainment.co.uk/ showcasing Zambian music and Dancehall music as enjoyed in the UK anchored by DJ Snypa, DJ Dre and Mc John Chinode II, supported by a live channel broadcast on Aggie rounds radio, UK.
Outside all these activities we work as volunteers with a UK based charity Butterfly tree that is headed by Jane Kay Bailey; Supporting rural communities in Zambia decimated by the HIV/Aids pandemic, providing safe water, feeding programs, improved health and education facilities with an orphan sponsorship program as well as supporting the fight against malaria in Zambia where together with the charity released a song titled “Change For The Better” performed by Ty2, Kaufela, Late Crystal Shawn and Lillian Mweene produced and recorded at raising sound studios in Livingston, Zambia. (Find out more on how you can help atwww.thebutterflytree.org.uk)
You could say we are all round entertainers but also with a social responsibility for those in need back in Zambia.
KAPA187: What is your opinion on the music industry in Zambia?
Basement entertainment: The scene is heading in the right the direction, we are particularly impressed with the strides made by Zambian hip hop, the industry now gets it, they are establishing an identity founded on being Zambian, they are not trying to imitate the American scene which is a major plus.
The management side of things still poor but there is room for it to develop; we think artist management and the industry regulatory system as a whole is still in its infancy. Zambian musicians are VERY creative and that is what they should concentrate on, issues like PR, marketing, legal and in general artist management should be handled by someone else not a friend. We are not saying it is not happening right now, we are just saying that there is a scope for growth and improvement.
KAPA187: Which artists do you think are the best at this moment?
Basement entertainment: Truth be told, there far too many to mention.
KAPA187: How do you promote Zambian music in UK, how has been the response?
Basement entertainment: We have a major platform with our online radio show as well as our mobile disco team with affiliation to some major UK radios and clubs. The response has been overwhelming, the emails, comments on our site and the feeling we get when we play out shows how much the music is loved by Zambians across the UK though this trend has grown as well within other communities where we have delivered the sounds from Zambia. We think mostly out of nostalgia, it is that connection with home. Zambians in the UK appreciate the music even more than people in Zambia especially judging by the requests we get as well as the missing home factor..
KAPA187: Do you think Zambian comedians get enough exposure as compared to musicians?
Basement entertainment: Music is universal as they say; it is that factor that makes it more penetrative. Comedy is relative and if you cannot relate, it just is not funny. Issues like language are just some of the limiting factor or a major barrier for it to be accessible especially out here in the UK.
To make that transition from performing on the local scene to the international scene is not as easy for comedians as it is for Musicians that is the challenge.
KAPA187: Who are some of your favorite Zambian Comedians?
Basement entertainment: Our very own Mc John Chinode II, you can catch him on our radio show. We like Bob Nkosha, Bikiloni and Diffikoti to mention but afew.
KAPA187: It would seem easier to promote music internationally than a comedy act, due to cultural differences, what is your approach to promoting them and making sure they get enough exposure
Basement entertainment: We can only do so much; the onerous is pretty much on the artists themselves and their management companies. We can only expose what they present to us, we feel they need to really work on this aspect; they need to push and get their stuff out there where even a local Nigerian, English Man or Jamaican can relate.
KAPA187: What other art forms do you cater to?
Basement entertainment: The Art of Life and staying safe especially amongst the youth, live by the rules. They are there for a reason to stay alive! Lol!
KAPA187: How can the artists’ get in touch with you?
Basement entertainment: Zambians world over should always remember Local is better. There is only one Zambia in the world which we all know is not going anywhere for generations to come. Let us, as Zambians support and stand by what’s Zambian if our industry is to move forward. Beside Zambia is the only home we have, lets be proud of the furniture we’ve put in it and in this case our entertainment industry it not always that international is better.
Finally, we are always looking for Zambian DJ’s and presenters for various community projects in your location, if anyone out there is interested contact us.
Change For The Better by TY2 ft Crystal Shaun, Kaufela & Lillian Mweene
Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD) president Charles Milupi
CHIEF Government spokesperson and Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Kennedy Sakeni has strongly reacted to a press statement made by ADD leader Charles Milupi that his interaction with the people in the Eastern Province showed that the people in the province were dissatisfied with the PF Government.
In a press statement made available to the media, Mr Sakani said Mr Milupi deliberately ignored to mention the fact that PF has gained popularity in Eastern Province since last year’s general elections.
Below is the Full Press Statement
STATEMENT BY HON. KENNEDY SAKENI, MP, MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING SERVICES ON ALLEGATIONS BY ADD LEADER CHARLES MILUPI THAT THE PF GOVERNMENT HAS FAILED TO DELIVER ON ITS PROMISES
It is day dreaming for ADD leader Charles Milupi to assume that the PF Government has lost popularity because of its alleged failure to fulfil campaign promises.
Mr Milupi says he was making this statement from Katete in Eastern Province and that his interaction with the people in the Province showed that they were dissatisfied with the PF Government.
But Mr Milupi deliberately ignored to mention the fact that PF has gained popularity in Eastern Province since last year’s general elections. The PF now has a parliamentary seat in Eastern Province where it did not get any seat in last year’s tripartite elections.
This is a sign of the confidence the people of Eastern Province and the country at large, have in the PF Government under the leadership of His Excellency President Michael Chilufya Sata.
The fact of the matter is that PF’s popularity is nationwide. That is why it won last year’s tripartite elections with a resounding mandate from the people of Zambia. But opportunists like Mr Milupi cannot acknowledge this for obvious reasons.
The PF Government has a five year mandate and it has so far done less than a year. It is therefore cheap politicking for Mr Milupi to expect the PF Government to deliver all its election promises in less than a year it has been in office.
Contrary to Mr Milupi’s baseless allegations, the PF Government is on course to deliver development to the people of Zambia in accordance with its promises and programmes.
We promised to deliver a people-driven Constitution within the shortest time possible. True to our commitment, a Technical Committee Drafting the Republican Constitution, has released the first Draft which has been distributed to all parts of the country for public comment and scrutiny. We are confident that sooner than later, Zambians will come up with a new Constitution they will proudly call their own and which will stand the test of time.
This Governnment has deepened and widened the fight against corruption so that the country’s resources do not end up in the pockets of a greedy few. We have since restored the Abuse of Office Clause in the ACC Act which the previous Government had removed at the height of their loot and plunder of public resources.
As a result, during the past 11 months of the PF Administration, there has been renewed and sustained donor confidence which had waned following the wanton plunder of public resources during the MMD rule.
We have increased the pace of devolving power from the centre to the people, as enshrined in our Constitution. This can be seen in the creation of the 10th Province (Muchinga), and several new districts around the country.
Our commitment to gender parity is unprecedented as can be seen in the landmark appointments of the womenfolk to high and influential positions in the Public Service and other sectors of the country.
As for Eastern Province where Mr Milupi claims to have been speaking from, only last Saturday, President Sata, through Finance Minister Hon. Alexander Chikwanda, announced a massive roll-out of a developmental master plan for the Province which will see the PF Government spend over K567 billion on infrastructure projects.
From the foregoing, it is clear that this Government is on the right path to deliver to the people of Zambia and will not allow itself to be derailed or delayed by the likes of Mr Milupi who have no agenda for this country.
Hon. Kennedy Sakeni, MP MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING SERVICES
PATRIOTIC Front (PF) secretary-general Wynter Kabimba has appealed to Zambians not to lose hope as the party will deliver on its promises.
Mr Kabimba said the coming of the PF to power was just the first step in restoring dignity to Zambians.
He was speaking in an interview on Monday.
“We are conscious of the challenges the Zambian people are facing. Our appeal is that they must not lose heart now because they have come a long way,” Mr Kabimba said.
Mr Kabimba said the PF will not disappoint the Zambians but will deliver on all its promises.
“Our members have remained faithful for 10 years and the PF will not let anyone down. We have just come into power,” he said.
Mr Kabimba also appealed to the opposition to co-operate with the government, as it tries to make the economy better and create jobs.
“Anyone who means well for this country will co-operate with this government, so that it delivers development to everyone,” he said.
Mr Kabimba said the PF under the leadership of President Sata is offering selfless service to people.
“The redemption of this country lies in the PF and I call upon everyone to support this cause,” he said.
And Mr Kabimba said the PF runs an all-inclusive government, which is why it embraces the opposition.
He said at no time has the PF tried to buy off the opposition.
“Chipimo and Nawakwi are not singing praises for Sata. They criticise Government and do so responsibly,” he said.
THREE chiefs from Petauke in Eastern Province led by Chieftainess Mwanjawanthu, Chief Sandwe and Chief Mumbi called on President Sata at State House
PRESIDENT Sata has urged traditional leaders to forget the differences they had with the Patriotic Front (PF) when it was in the opposition and make a fresh start.
Mr Sata says chiefs are an important component of development and they should forget what transpired in the past, especially during election campaigns.
The President said this at State House yesterday when he met three chiefs and five indunas from Petauke in Eastern Province.
This is according to a statement released by the President’s special assistant for press and public relations George Chellah.
The traditional rulers, who held a closed-door meeting with the head of State, are Chieftainess Mwanjabantu and chiefs Mumbi and Sandwe.
Mr Sata, who was flanked by Minister of Home Affairs Edgar Lungu, who is also acting as Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs, and Energy permanent secretary George Zulu, assured the chiefs of his Government’s commitment to ensuring equitable distribution of resources in developing the country.
“We are greatly humbled that you requested to pay us a visit. This is how it should be. We must forget what transpired during the campaigns and make a fresh start,” President Sata said.
The President said Government is keen to learn from traditional leaders, the specific areas of developmental needs, now that preparations for the 2013 budget have reached an advanced stage.
“I will instruct Eastern Province Minister Charles Banda to take time and visit all chiefdoms in the region, so that we can have first-hand information on the problems you are experiencing.
“We are Africans and we need to respect and uphold this dignified institution of chieftaincy,” President Sata said.
He urged traditional leaders to continue safeguarding and promoting the interests of their subjects.
Mr Sata said chiefs are an essential component in governance, adding that they (traditional leaders) should represent the interests of their subjects.
During the same meeting, the traditional leaders commended the President for granting them an opportunity to engage him on various matters relating to their chiefdoms.
The chiefs assured President Sata that they will continue to pray for his administration to enable him preside over the affairs of this country in peace and harmony.
They also expressed happiness with President Sata’s decision to establish the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs, which they said underscores his commitment and desire to work with traditional leaders in national development.
The traditional leaders also thanked the President for the road works carried out in some chiefdoms such as Chief Sandwe’s area and requested him to ensure Government constructs more schools, hospitals and provides electricity.
