Join our community of SUBSCRIBERS and be part of the conversation.
To subscribe, simply enter your email address on our website or click the subscribe button below. Don't worry, we respect your privacy and won't spam your inbox. Your information is safe with us.
Former Luapula Member of Parliament Peter Machungwa has charged that the Patriotic Front government has fallen short of people’s expectations.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Qfm news, Dr. Machungwa said it will be difficult for Zambians to have faith in a government that has drifted away from its campaign promises.
Dr. Machungwa’s statement comes in a wake of an appeal by republican vice president Guy Scott on Zambians to have faith in the PF administration stating that it is on course to implement its campaign promises.
The former Luapula Parliamentarian has described the Vice President’s appeal as unnecessary stating that government needs to get to work as opposed to offering lip service to Zambians.
Dr. Machungwa has singled out high unemployment levels as one area that needs urgent attention and further urges the government to accelerate the implementation of their employment strategies.
File:Praying ...Bishop Joshua Banda and Bishop Joe Imakando (r)
Northmead Assembly of God overseer Bishop Joshua Banda says there is need for issues surrounding the arms of government to be resolved in a comprehensive manner.
Bishop Banda noted that it is important that the operations of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary do not disadvantage each other.
The clergy has also noted that it is also important for the political leaders to stop politics of name calling but instead embrace dialogue on issues of national importance.
Bishop Banda has since urged the church to continue praying and offering spiritual guidance to the country’s governance system.
Bishop Banda was speaking to QFM news in an interview.
POLICE in Kapiri Mposhi arrested a man and two of his sons who attempted to sell four of his other children at over K200 million for alleged economic reasons.
Jones Chiinga, 48, and two of his sons Noston 24 and Nickson 29, were arrested and charged with the offence of conspiracy to murder contrary to the Laws of Zambia.
According to police sources, the trio is alleged to have attempted to sell the siblings to a named Pentecostal church in Kabwe in a suspected ritual act that would have resulted in the children being sacrificed for blood.
Central Province Police chief Solomon Jere who confirmed the development said police received a tip from a member of the said church that Noston and Nickson had approached the church and were advertising four children for sale.
Dr Jere said a three-year-old girl was being sold for K70 million, a 21-year-old boy was going for K60 million while the balance was to come from the sale of the other two children whose identities were not yet established.
Dr Jere said Nostone and Nickson were spotted at Light House Community Church in Kabwe where they ‘advertised’ the sale of the four people.
He said an alert member of the public, tipped the police about the development on Wednesday last week and they followed up the matter.
Dr Jere said police officers rushed to the church and disguised themselves as Satanists clad in black dresses and pretended to be interested in buying the four people.He said Nostone and Nickson then tabulated the prices for the people on sale.
Dr Jere said the first victim was the suspects’ younger brother identified as John Chinga, 21 and their niece Yvonne Chinga aged three.
Dr Jere said K141 million was negotiated for the other two relatives whose identity and location is yet to be ascertained.
He said after negotiations, police officers, Nostone and Nickson proceeded to meet their father who was keeping the victims who were to be sold first.
Dr Jere said it was then that the father (Jones Chinga) informed police officers that there were many more people on standby for sale.
But after realising that the ‘potential buyers’ were police officers, Chinga offered to give them a canter truck so that the matter could end there.
The suspect is said to also have told the officers that he wanted to sell his relatives because they were allegedly planning to kill him.
Dr Jere said it was then that Chinga and his two sons were apprehended and are currently in police custody.
“We wanted to get the vehicle and use it to slap him with another charge but it was not available at that time. The officers also found John and Yvonne who were up for sale with Chinga. The location of the two other victims is yet to be established,” Dr Jere said.
The three, all of Mabinga village in Chipepo area of Kapiri-Mposhi District, were detained at Kasanda police station and were expected to appear in court soon.
Chipolopolo Goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene has donated a set of jerseys to his former side’s Kitwe United, Kafue Celtic, Paramilitary and State House Football Clubs worthy about K15 Million.
Mweene of South Africa’s Free State Stars confirmed this when he donated kit worthy K 3 Million to Kitwe United at the Civic Centre on Monday afternoon.
The keeper said he wants to payback to the teams that helped him to be where he is.
Mweene hoped that the donation he has made to Kitwe United would motivate the Buchi Boys in their quest to bounce back to the Super Division.
“For me this is something I have wanted to do. I am taking this opportunity to pay back to teams where I am coming from,” he said.
“I think this donation will work to their (Kitwe United) advantage, I have seen they are doing well in the league, what a good time to make a donation,” Mweene added.
Receiving kit on behalf of United, Kitwe Mayor Chileshe Bweupe saluted Mweene for the gesture.
Chipolopolo Striker Jacob Mulenga says he does not doubt that Zambia will qualify for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations to be held in South Africa.
Zambia will be in July’s draw for the Africa Cup qualifiers final round to be played over two legs on 7-9 September and 12-14 October to decide the 15 finalists joining hosts South Africa at the 2013 finals.
Speaking in Kitwe, Mulenga of Dutch side Utrecht, said Zambia has proved that it can beat any team by winning the Africa Cup earlier this year.
He noted that the current crop of players in the national team are experienced after playing together for years.
“I am not worried about the qualifiers Africa Cup, World Cup. We have already played against the best and we’ve beaten the best,” Mulenga said.
“The only thing that can keep us back or destroy us is ourselves because we have already proved we can beat everyone one,” he added.
And Mulenga says he is looking forward to bouncing back into the national team after recovering from the injury which him out of the Chipolopolo squad that won the Africa Cup.
“I am just looking forward to play in the national team again it’s been a while. I thank God I am back and I expect a lot from myself although my place in the national team is not guaranteed,” he stated.
The 2013 Africa Cup qualifiers final round will feature the successful sides from the first rounded which ended over the weekend plus 16 teams that competed at this year’s AFCON in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
Acting President Alexander Chikwanda today led people from all walks of life to attend the first memorial service for the former second republican president Fredrick Chiluba who died on 18th June last year.
Speaking at a Church service held at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross Mr. Chikwanda described the late former president as a gallant son of Africa who brought liberalization in critical sectors such as the economy and airwaves.
Mr. Chikwanda say second republican president the late Fredrick Chiluba laid a very firm foundation for strong economic growth.
Mr. Chikwanda Economic reforms that Dr. Chiluba under took during his tenure such as the structural adjustment Programme had long term benefits which have since started manifesting.
The acting president notes that Dr. Chiluba was a leader who withstood pressure and made unpopular decisions in the best interest of the country.
He noted THAT DR. Chiluba will also be remembered for being a vibrant peace broker in the region.
Mr. Chikwanda was speaking when he led scores of people during a memorial service held in honor of Dr. Chiluba who died last year on the 18th of June.
People that attended the service include first republican president Kenneth Kaunda, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Mukondo Lungu, Deputy Chief Justice Florence Mumba, Service Chiefs, Cabinet and deputy ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, Permanent Secretaries.
Others were leaders of the opposition political parties who included UPND’s Hakainde Hichilema, MMD chairman Michael Mabenga, NRP’s Cosmo Mumba and Heritage party’s Godfrey Miyanda.
After the church service mourners proceeded to Embassy Park for a wreath laying ceremony.
And Bible Gospel Church of Africa (BIGOGA) overseer Peter Ndhlovu who used to be Dr. Chiluba’s clergy said in his homily that the humiliation that the former president went through after he left office should not happen to any other leader.
Bishop Ndhlovu also noted that what has led to an increase in corruption cases in the country is lack of fear of God among the people.
The clergyman adds that corruption will only be eradicated once people begin to fear God and observe his principles.
Bishop Ndhlovu has since called for politics that will be anchored on respect adding that politics of naming calling need to be put to a stop.
United party for National Development (UPND) President Hakainde Hichilema has said President Michael Sata did not invite him for RIO trip because the Head of State knows that he would not accept such an offer.
Mr Hichilema claimed that he would only travel on trips that serve the interests of the Zambians and not the ruling party.
Meanwhile, Mr Hakainde Hichilema has questioned why Germany ambassador to Zambia Frank Meyke is in Zambia if he is of the view that diplomats need not to be engaged in country’s internal matters.
Mr. Hichilema says the diplomats are mandated to help find solutions to problems that may seem to affect the international community.
The opposition leader who thought that the ambassador Meyke could have been misquoted by the media added that Zambia is part of the global village and therefore would be nothing wrong with the opposition leaders to seek an audience with the international community on the issues that seem to affect the country.
And Mr. Hichilema has also condemned the Electoral Commission of Zambia decision’s to award a contract to Smith and Ouzmman of the United Kingdom to print ballot papers for the country’s forthcoming parliamentary by-elections for Chama North, Muchinga and Livingstone and 11 local government elections.
Mr. Hichilema noted that the government should have lived up to its earlier promise that ballot papers would be printed locally adding that doing so would have helped create jobs for the youths in the country.
Meanwhile, UPND spokesperson Charles Kakoma says the party has information that the police have been instructed to arrest its leader Hakainde Hichilema. Mr. Kakoma told Qfm news this afternoon that according to its sources, President Michael Sata issues this directive to the police before leaving for Brazil yesterday.
He said lawyers defending Mr. Hichilema have expressed that the police could plan to arrest their client without notifying them.
Police last week recorded a warn and caution statement to Mr. Hichilema for claiming that government had sent its cadres to train as militias in Sudan.
Mr. Kakoma further said the UPND is deeply concerned that the Police are being controlled by politicians in government who are trying to sort out opposition leaders.
Second republican President for Zambia for Frederick Chiluba
Hundreds of people from all walks of live on Monday morning gathered at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka for the first memorial service of former President Fredrick Chiluba .
Acting President Alexander Chikwanda, deputy speaker of the National Assembly Mukondo Lungu, Dr Chiluba’s widow Regina, former first lady Vera Tembo and several government were in attendance.
Opposition political party leaders who included UPND leader, Hakainde Hichilema, Heritage party President Godfrey Miyanda, National Revolution President Cosmo Mumba and MMD National Chairman, Michael Mabenga were also present.
The service which drew various church leaders from the three church mother bodies started at about 10 hours on Monday morning.
Mr. Chikwanda says the memories of Zambians are still fresh over Dr. Chiluba’s achievements of liberalizing the economy, airways and his home empowerment scheme.
Earlier Bible Gospel Church in Africa overseer, Bishop Peter Ndhlovu encouraged the gathering to continue depending on God all the time.
And Mrs Chiluba has thanked Zambians for turning up in numbers to stand with the family and remember Dr Chiluba.
The gathering later proceeded to Embassy Park for the wreath laying ceremony.
Meanwhile, former Cabinet Minister Mundia Sikatana who died on Thursday last week at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka will be buried at the Memorial park on Tuesday in Lusaka.
The burial will be preceded by a Valedictory session at the Supreme court and a church service at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross.
President Michael Sata has declared Tuesday, a day of National Mourning for the former Cabinet Minister.
The President has also accorded Mr. Sikatana a State Funeral.
Mr. Sikatana served as Agriculture and Foreign Affairs Minister during the Presidency of President Levy Mwanawasa.
The funeral is being held at his farm in Lusaka West off old Mumbwa road.
During the period of national mourning, all flags will fly at half mast and activities of entertainment in nature should be cancelled or postponed.
This is contained in a statement made available to ZNBC News by Secretary to Cabinet Evans Chibiliti.
STANDARD Chartered Bank managing director Mizinga Melu
The Economic fundamentals for Zambia have been very positive at the micro and Macro- levels.
Speaking at a Q1 Performance media briefing in Lusaka today, Standard Chartered Managing Director Mizinga Melu, says the Zambian economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience while facing numerous global economic challenges emanating from the Euro-Zone.
Mrs Melu says this has had an impact on commodity prices as global consumer demand filtered into the international commodity markets.
Government has made a number of policy adjustments and changes in the first five months of the year, she said.
These include the increase in regulatory requirement for banks, introduction of the monetary policy rate and the regulation on quoting prices and making payment in foreign currency.
She says Standard Chartered therefore believes that these policy changes will result in the financial sector playing a more significant role in the development of the country.
The Zambian flag flies along the Presidential flag characterised by the Coat Arms
Cooperating partners are concerned about Zambia’s declining performance in the Poverty Reduction Budget Support process.
Poverty Reduction Budget Support chairman, Mike Hammond says government is not committed to improving public financial management, agriculture and roads.
Mr. Hammond has since called for open discussion on government priorities and strategies for development.
He was speaking during the Poverty Reduction Budget Support review meeting held in Lusaka.
But Governments has reiterated its unwavering commitment to address the issues raised by cooperating partners.
Secretary to the Treasury, Fredson Yamba says government will constructively engage cooperating partners in dialogue to ensure it meets targets set in the Poverty Reduction Budget Support programme.
Mr. Yamba also thanked cooperating partners for their support to the Poverty Reduction Budget Support which he said would impact positively on improving the live standards of Zambians.
Poverty Reduction Budget Support programme is a vehicle through which cooperating render financial support to government poverty reduction programmes.
Jay Rox of Zone Fam Releases the single Banibelesha featuring Slap Dee and Names album – The album will officially be titled “Mvesesani.” This is another self produced single from the man Mr.Roxa himself…as the album release draws nearer.
Roxa just completed a photoshoot done by Yemba for Balistiq Photographty for his album art and will also be putting out the final tracklist for the public in order for them to know what to expect. He will also be shooting two music videos that will be released back to back.
Roxa will also be working with Mfumu for his graphic designs and MT Productionz for the first two videos.
The album promises to be a combination of both local and international hits! With production from Jay Rox and a host of other producers such as Taz and Dida Steez.
FDD President Edith Nawakwi-Zambia is ready for a Woman President
Forum for Democracy and Development President Edith Nawakwi has become the second opposition leader to be invited for the Rio conference in Brazil on climatic change by president Michael Sata.
She joins National Restoration Party -NAREP- President Elias Chipimo, who will be accompanying President Sata.
President Sata, says he invited the two opposition leaders because matters of national development cut across partisan lines.
He says a meaningful and progressive opposition is an essential ingredient to national peace, stability, development and poverty reduction.
Mr Sata says the PF Government looks forward to different ways of working with the opposition.
He says the country should never lose focus but always appreciate that Zambia’s greatest assets are its people and rich natural resource endowment.
Mr Sata says it is important for politicians to rise above partisan lines and aim for constructive engagement.
President Sata is among the key speakers at the high-level conference, which will be attended by a number of world leaders and heads of Governments.
This is contained in a statement released by his Special assistant for Press and Public relations – George Chellah.
Directed by Tivo Shikapwashya, “Wonderful World” is Salma’s first Video from her forth coming album soon to be released on So’ Good Entertainment. It is an amazing video and song.
File:Spokesperson for the Constitution making committee Simon Kabanda speaking during a press briefing on the extension of the constitution making period
THE Civil Society Constitution Coalition has appealed to President Sata to appoint a referendum commission which will make preparations for holding of a referendum.
This is according to a statement signed by 24 civil society organisations.
“If Zambians are to be assured of a constitution whose bill of rights and the entire content is one that is acceptable under international human rights standards, there will be need for a referendum,” the statement reads in part.
The coalition said the current process by the technical committee does not define an end in itself thereby rendering it vulnerable to both manipulation and being abandoned on the way.
The coalition also urged Government to ensure that a comprehensive budget that supports the process is quickly drawn and made public to instil confidence in the constitution making process.
“Lack of transparency in the use of the State finances leads to mistrust by members of the public when expenditures are not explained,” the statement said.
The coalition said in March this year, the Ministry of Justice indicated that a budget would be made public but that this has not been done to date.
The coalition also recommended to Government to take to Parliament a bill that will legally protect the technical committee drafting the new constitution.
“The current process lacks sound legal backing and protection. The technical committee’s work risks being politicised and watered down in the end,” the statement reads.
Some of the civil society organisations that make up the coalition include Action Aid International Zambia, African Women Millennium Initiative in Zambia, Anti-Voter Apathy Project, Church of God, Citizens’ Forum, Civil Society for Poverty Reduction and Hope for Human Rights.
Others are Infotainment Movement, Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection, Save the Children, Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes, Transparency International Zambia, Treatment Advocacy and Literacy Campaign, The People’s Indaba, and Women and Law in Southern Africa and Women in Law and Development in Africa.
The Zambia AIDS Law Research and Advocacy Network, Zambia Civic Education Association, Zambia Community Based Natural Resources Management Forum, Zambia Land Alliance, Zambian Union of Financial Institutions and Allied Workers and the Zambia Women Media Association are also members of the coalition.
The cold weather now being experienced in Zambia will continue and may get worse next month in five provinces and could be
periodically be interspersed with drizzles or light rains.
Zambia Meteorological Department director Jacob Nkomoki said in response to a press query yesterday that five provinces were next
month expected to experience mainly cool to cold temperatures, windy and cloudy to overcast skies which may periodically result into
drizzles or light rains.
The rains which would be associated with ‘Guti’ conditions which were expected to occur in Southern, Lusaka, Central, Eastern and Muchinga Provinces of Zambia.Guti is a cool moist southeasterly airflow which causes cloudy conditions. If this condition becomes well established it results in widespread drizzle and rain in places.
Mr Nkomoki has since advised members of the public to follow daily weather forecasts in print and electronic media to avoid being caught
unaware.
Mr Nkomoki is also Permanent Representative of Zambia to the World Meteorological Organisation.
“As we approach July, the country may experience mainly cool to cold temperatures, windy and cloudy to overcast skies which may periodically result into drizzle or light rains.
“These rains are associated with “GUTI” conditions especially over Southern, Lusaka, Central, Eastern and Muchinga Provinces,” he said.
He said the country was currently in the winter season and it was expected that there would be periodic advection of cool to cold air
from the southern oceans.
“This will result into cool, windy and cloudy weather affecting the eastern half of the country over the next couple of days,” he said.
Mr Nkomoki however said the nights were expected to be cool to cold especially over Western half of Zambia.
He said members of the public should follow the daily weather forecast in print and electronic media so that they were not caught unaware.
He called on parents to ensure their family members especially children were kept warm.
Mr Nkomoki, however, cautioned people to use braziers properly to avoid unnecessary accidents.
