By Pezzy Kudakwashe

Zambians gave the PF government the mandate to rule in return for good governance and development as they promised during campaigns and any efforts aimed at taking the country backwards should be rejected by every Zambian.

Former ambassador to Libya and Zambian academician Dr Mbita Chitala pointed out that the only way forward for the PF government was through good governance which can only be provided by a constitution that will stand the test of time.

Dr Chitala said all the problems Zambia was currently facing were due to the absence of a good constitution.

He said until the constitution issue was resolved, Zambians will never cease to face the problems they are currently going through.

Dr Chitala said a good constitution will address all the power imbalances, wage issues and some undemocratic tendencies that surface from time to time.

Dr Chitala urged the PF government to quickly come up with a roadmap on when the referendum should take place so as to end the constitutional making crisis once and for all.

He was speaking over the weekend on a program called “Democracy Now” on Zambia Blog Talk Radio.

Dr Chitala called on the Zambian Diaspora community to give every support to ensure that Zambia comes up with a constitution that represents the will of the people.

Meanwhile, over the weekend, Justice Annel Silungwe said the Technical Committee has made it a point to consult extensively on the constitutional making process in order to achieve an inclusive and people-driven constitution

Justice Silungwe, who is the chairperson of the technical committee on drafting the Zambian constitution said the committee wants the constitution to derive its legitimacy from the people.

“We have consulted with the blind, the youth, children, church organisations, trade unions, professional bodies, the judiciary, Electoral Commission of Zambia, civil servants, Public Service Commission and Members of Parliament,” he said.

Justice Silungwe also said that the comments that have been received during the first phase of the consultation process, indicate that members of the public have an interest in the constitution making process.

He said interesting issues have emerged from members of the public in the media with some comments showing that the people understood the proposed clauses in the draft constitution; while in some cases more explanations are needed on certain clauses.

President Michael Sata’s press aide George Chellah was among government officials that came out strong to defend yet another diplomatic boob by the Zambian head of state at a regional summit on Friday in Maputo.

A popular website Zambian Watchdog reported that President Sata threw in a joke, albeit, in bad taste when a brewing conflict between Malawi and Tanzania was mentioned at the Sadc meeting.

Zambian President Micheal Sata interjected the chairperson’s speech to joke about the border dispute between Malawi and Tanzania.

When opening the summit earlier, Mozambican President Armando Guebuza said the regional bloc will also have to confront a brewing border conflict between Malawi and Tanzania.

But Sata saw an opportunity to joke.

“If they start fighting we are going to host the refugees,” he shouted from his seat.[pullquote]“If they start fighting we are going to host the refugees,” he shouted from his seat.[/pullquote]

The information immediately went viral in Malawi and Zambia prompting Zambian foreign affairs minister Given Lubinda to summon a harstily arranged press briefing in Maputo.

Malawians, on their breaking news facebook page, took to derogatory references of the Zambian leader calling him all sorts of names.

And as Lubinda was responding to the Zambian Watchdog story, Chellah took to the defence of his boss on facebook where a Zambian journalist based in the United Kingdom Gershom Ndhlovu questioned advisors of President Sata on diplomatic issues.

Chellah, who assumed his position as press aide after being a successful conduit of Sata’s falsehoods during campaigns when he was a reporter for the PF propaganda wing – The Post, accused those against the head of state of being bitter.

In supporting a blogger – Tina Nyirenda – who defendend President Sata from the Zambian Watchdog story, Chellah stated; “Zonda uzalema [hate until you are tire]…@Tina Nyirenda great interventions. However, my advise to you is that, not until you understand what oils the anti-Sata machinery, you will defend, explain and clarify continuously.

“Of course, they know its not true but they are bitter and would want to take advantage of some people’s gullibility and convey hate messages and jaundiced accounts of events.

“Strangely, even certain people you respect fall prey to such. Personally, am always in stitches because they have become so predictable and have lost value. Theirs is a lost cause, which is riding on tired legs…sooner than later it shall dock in its rightful place, in HELL. I feel so lazy to debate matters conveyed through certain irresponsible blogs. I strongly feel insulted when asked to comment,” he said.

According to Chellah’s account in the discussion, President Sata has his own way of capturing people’s attention – probably including his fatal diplomatic boobs making fun of a looming border fight between two neigbhours.
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“@Tina, you and I who attended this event [and] know how independent minds, I mean people who were listening to Michael Sata speak for the first time received his maiden speech.

“Right in the conference hall, I overheard one minister from one of the countries within the region remark: “…that is Michael Sata from Zambia, this man has a special way he captures his audience’s attention,” he added.

Chellah’s comments did not go without challenge. Ndhlovu, a former Zambia Daily Mail journalist and now hosts a talk show on an internet radio Crossfire Blog, told Sata’s spokesperson; “ It is not a question of kuzonda and kulema [hate until you tire]. There are those of us who want the best out of our leaders and the best out of country.[pullquote]“No one is calling you out of your name. Gershom called you out and now you tell us you’re only debating him? Do you see how you sound? Because we disagree with the way your party leader conducts himself doesn’t make us any less patriotic. What is being asked of you who claims to know about progressive discourse is to perhaps pass on the same knowledge where it is so plainly lacking,” she said.[/pullquote]

“This is why you, the people close to Mr Sata, should play your role so that we achieve the best out of our leaders and our country. Veiled barbs are not very helpful. You cannot, and in this case the head of state, cannot please everybody. Yeah, if the president performed like we have been corrected by those who were there, then kudos to the president and the entire team.”

It was another contributor Mwamba Vieso Okoro who told off Chellah to stop being primitive in defending President Sata.

“Well said Gershom Ndhlovu, kuzonda and kulema is primitive politics George Chellah. You sound like an illiterate cadre but I guess you can’t help it see[ing] we know who butters your bread,” she said.

Another contributor Emmanuel Chisanga laughed off Chellah’s defence of President’s Sata’s diplomatic flip; “Kuti waseka [It’s laughable]. It appears no one is permitted to voice a difference of opinion with the establishment, lest one wants to be labeled an empty head or much worse. Kwaliba? [Is that so?]”

When Ndhlovu chipped in to Chellah to find a moderate way of correcting misrepresentation by his boss if it arose in the course of President Sata’s duty, he arrogantly conceded but was met with full force by yet again Mwamba Vieso Okoro.

“No one is calling you out of your name. Gershom called you out and now you tell us you’re only debating him? Do you see how you sound? Because we disagree with the way your party leader conducts himself doesn’t make us any less patriotic. What is being asked of you who claims to know about progressive discourse is to perhaps pass on the same knowledge where it is so plainly lacking,” she said.

Chellah was then forced to drop all his comments on the discussion as he could, seemingly, not withstand the level of debate that was emerging.

President Sata is not knew to disgraceful behaviour each time he leaves the country. He was a disaster in Botswana, Angola, Zimbabwe, United Kingdom and now Maputo.

Later, Chellah announced on his facebook page he would permanently log off drawing massive reaction that pleaded with him to stay on so as to continue gauging the mood in the country and pass on to the head of state.

[Source: Zambia Reports (zambiareports.com]

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
(2 Timothy 1:7, NLT)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

God’s desire is that we continually progress, that we reach higher heights and go to new levels. Oftentimes, as soon as we make the decision to step out in faith and obey God, the enemy brings in fear to try to stop us. He’ll bring thoughts like, “What if you fail? What are other people going to think? You don’t have what it takes.” He’ll do his best to use fear to try to convince us to shrink back and stay where we are.

The Bible says that fear is a spirit. It plays on our emotions and holds us back. But the good news is that we have power over fear! The Bible says that perfect love casts out all fear. When we receive God’s perfect love, we will have confidence about the future because we know His plans are for our good. I’ve heard it said that fear is an acronym for False Evidence Appearing Real. Understand that fear is a lie. Today, choose to believe God’s Word and receive His love so that you can overcome fear and move forward into the good life He has prepared for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, thank You for taking me to new levels. I know You have equipped me with a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. Fill me with Your confidence and assurance to embrace everything You have for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Internationally acclaimed law scholar Muna Ndulo has stressed the need to have the ongoing constitution reforms backed by a legal frame work.

Prof Ndulo said having a legal framework to govern the constitution making process will protect the process from political interference.

He said past experiences in constitution making have shown that a process which is not legally backed is open to interference from politicians.

Prof Ndulo was speaking last evening in Lusaka during a public discussion organised by the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) on the constitution making process.

Prof Ndulo who is also dean of Law School at Cornell University in the United States of America also cautioned Zambians against leaving the duty of making a new constitution to politicians.

He said the civil society should take an active role in ensuring that the constitution speaks to the aspirations of the people.

Prof Ndulo said the constitution should act as an autobiography of the citizens which should represent their diverse interests.

He also cautioned Zambians to guard against importing values and principles that have worked elsewhere into the ongoing process.

Prof Ndulo said as much as there is need to ensure that the new constitution meets internationally accepted standards, the values of the local people should be respected.

He said countries such as the United States of America that are actively pushing the gay rights agenda do not have such rights enshrined in their constitution.

Meanwhile, the Zambia Association of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (ZAGO) has proposed that Article 28 of the draft constitution which stipulates that life begins at conception be revisited.

ZAGO Secretary General Dr. Swebby Macha explained that the association is concerned that the article may have implications on access to reproductive health services.

Dr. Macha observed that there is still debate across many fields on the conception of life and advised that the Republican Constitution should avoid such controversies.

Dr. Macha said if adopted, Article 28 of the draft constitution would effectively outlaw the Termination of Pregnancy Act (TOP) of 1972.

He said ZAGO recommends that Article 28 of the draft constitution should simply state that every person has the right to life.

Dr. Macha said the article relating to life as provided for in the current constitution is adequate adding that such provisions should be maintained.

He however expressed happiness that the expanded Bill of Rights in the draft constitution has adequately covered the sexual and reproductive health rights.

Dr. Macha was speaking in an interview with Journalists in Lusaka on the sidelines of a one day consultative meeting on the draft constitution.

Prominent Lusaka lawyer and opposition United Liberal Party leader Sakwiba Sikota has urged the ruling Patriotic Front to respect the existence of opposition political parties in the country.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Qfm News, Mr. Sikota says recent attempts by government to instill fear in the opposition will be an exercise in futility.

Mr. Sikota says Zambians must not allow any individual to turn the country into a Police state adding that modern politics calls for collaboration between competitors.

He states that if Zambia is to thrive democratically, political stakeholders must be committed to ensuring that they respect one another and engage in constructive debates on issues of national importance.

Mr. Sikota has therefore urged government to be accommodative of ideas from the opposition adding that doing so is the only way the country is going to attain meaningful development.

He points out that the interests of the majority Zambians who are desperately in need of development should be above the political divide.

QFM

MMD Chisamba Member of Parliament Moses Muteteka has said that the motor vehicle theft charges slapped on him are mere misrepresentation of facts.

The Chisamba MP was yesterday arrested for fraudulently and without reasonable excuse or lawful authority converted a Mitsubishi Canter Registration number ABX 3529 valued at 75 million into a personal property pretending that he had purchased it when in fact not.

Mr. Muteteka said that he initially bought two vehicles, his personal vehicle worth K 92 million and another one for the constituency, worth K 75 million kwacha from the same source.

He explained that he consulted the constituency committee and decided to instead give the constituency his personal vehicle, which he said was in a very good condition because he wanted the best for his constituency.

In an exclusive interview with QFM, Mr. Muteteka said that there is nothing wrong with what he did adding that the only misunderstanding is the swap that was made.

Mr. Muteteka, who is also MMD youth national chairman, has accused the Patriotic Front Government of twisting facts.

Mr. Muteteka said that he is ready to clarify the matter before the courts of law.

QFM

KAPA187:  How has your Music Career been since you moved to Ukraine?

Ariel : Its soared, I have been exposed to different stages and styles of Music hence broadening my music knowledge and helping me Grow musically too. Been able to perform with some of the Best Live bands there and working with good producers has just helped shape my career positively.

KAPA187:   You recently released the Video for the Award nominated Song “Smile Again” how has the response been?

Ariel : The response has been great and humbling. The views on Youtube and other Music Charts on social networking media have been great. Its been submitted to some major TV Channels and I will let you know when you can start to request for it on those Medias.  The song is picking up momentum on our Local TV and Radio Stations as well.

KAPA187:  What is the song about and how did you come up with the concept of the Video?

Ariel  : The song talks about God been there through the Darkest moments of our lives, which are often referred to as “Rainy Days” and him just telling us that am with you all the time and you will Smile Again no matter what you go through.

We wanted a video that would be simple and easy to understand as well as corresponding to the message of the Song. We discussed and brainstormed with Anton Ovcherenko of Ukraine (Antonov Film) for 2-3 months prior to the shooting until we settled for the scenery we thought painted the actual colour of the song. Anton did all the directing of the Video alone.

KAPA187:   How did it feel having your song nominated for the Indie Music Channel Awards in the USA? Where you disappointed that you did not win?

Ariel : It was one of the best moments of my life, unexplainable. I did shed a few tears too. Every time I sit down to work on something musically, I mostly look at the Globe and my Music been acceptable everywhere based on quality.  It was a great encouragement, been the only African too in my categories.

I was slightly disappointed not to pick the 2 Awards, but the most important thing for me was the nomination and representing my country.

KAPA187:  Are you working on an album? Tell us what we can expect from it.

Ariel : Yes. We haven’t put a date yet but early next year, it should be ready. The album will have a lot of Soul and the songs will based on realities and hence easy to relate to. With most of the songs written, the album will be like reading through your own Diary and will provoke your mind to think and act. It’s a “Sit down and Listen” Album.

KAPA187:  You are currently in Zambia; do you have any shows lined up for your fans to get a chance to see you live?

Ariel :  We have a show on the 18^th at Bitter Sweet Poetry night, will be doing a few songs live and will give away a few free DVD’s of the Video to some lucky people. We will have one last show before I return to Ukraine but we haven’t confirmed the date yet. Its going to be Live as well.

KAPA187:  What is your opinion on the current state of Zambian music and in-particular the music videos. Which ones have stood out for you?

Ariel : It is good that the Industry is growing but we need quality control on the Music that is going on Radio and TV.

I have seen some great Videos, especially from MT, Tivo, Ground Zero and Inzy. Vichani by Magnum 44, JK’s Pistol, Salma’s Wonderful World, Mutinta’s State of Affairs and Eddie Black ft Peezy Cable’s are amongst the finest I’ve seen this year. Keep it up guys.

KAPA187:  What challenges have you faced in your music career and how have you overcome them?

Ariel  :  Mostly its been lack of professionalism and seriousness from some organizers of events. Most of them don’t take art with the seriousness it deserves.

We overcome it by not performing at short notice and making sure all is in place for us to give people the very best we can.

KAPA187:  How can your fans get your music?

Ariel : They can download and listen to my Music on the following sites and get download links as well:

www.reverbnation.com/iamariel

Youtube – Ariel Zambia

Face Book – Ariel the Artist

T witter – ArieltheArtist

KAPA187:  Any last words?

Ariel :  I want to thank God for the successes so far, I am nothing without him.

Thanks to my family, friends and fans for the support. Elite Records, Team Ariel and Artisteq Vibes for the love. All the producers and Artists I work with to make good music. Lets keep the fire burning.

I would also like to thank you for having me and always supporting me.

THE MUSIC

Smile again

By Kapa187

Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) president Nevers Mumba says the party will not defend any of its members convicted of corruption.

Speaking during a media briefing at the party secretariat this morning, Dr. Mumba has since proposed to the next sitting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) that any leader in the former ruling party who has been convicted by the courts of law should step down and allow the due process of the law to take its course.

Dr. Mumba has also proposed the formation of the Anti Corruption Committee within the MMD to monitor any activities that could perpetuate the corruption tag in the party.

He says the committee shall also work with the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) to expose the alleged corrupt practices that have engulfed the Patriotic Front.

And Dr Mumba has accused government of scheming to persecute MMD leaders using investigative and security wings.

He has since stated that in determining the fate of any leader facing corruption allegations, the party shall distinguish between political harassment and a case based on justice.

And Dr. Mumba has described the just ended party retreat as successful.

He said a number of changes have been made which shall be submitted to the NEC for final adoption.

He says the party has also appointed an adhoc re-branding committee which will look into the recommendations made at the retreat in preparation for the unveiling of a new MMD to the Zambian people.