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Nine people, including a nine months old baby have been crushed to death, while six others are nursing serious injuries during a stampede.
Over 5, 000 people converged at Great Lakes Products (GLP) after word went round that the proprietor Sahran Salim was in town to employ casuals workers.Northern Province Permanent Secretary Emmanuel Mwamba said the stampede happened after the crowd grew tired of waiting for the gates to Great Lakes Products to be opened after waiting from around 04:00 hours in the morning.
“At 07:30 hours, the crowd became impatient and overpowered the guard and stormed into the premises. It was during the ensuing stampede that the death of the 11 people occurred,” he said.Mwamba said Salim who is Kitwe based often visits Mpulungu where he engages part-time workers.
Mr.Mwamba said Mpulungu District medical officer, Mukuka Sampa confirmed that eight people were taken to the hospital dead. He said 38 victims were treated and discharged while six are still admitted because they are in a critical condition.Mpulungu District Hospital is planning to evacuate patients to Mbala General Hospital.
Mwamba has directed Mpulungu District administrative officer Monday Chapewa and Mbala District Commissioner Best Kabulembe to collaborate all efforts from Northern province in order to handle the crisis effectively.He has also directed the deputy Police Commissioner Lackson Sakala to
also rush to Mpulungu and coordinate the security matters.Mwamba said health authorities were overwhelmed in Mpulungu and might require some corpses to be transferred to Mbala.“I have also directed Provincial medical officer, Jelita Chinyonga to rush to Mpulungu and coordinate medical matters and ensures that she
assembled a medical team from Kasama, Mbala and Mpulungu to deal with the situation,” Mr Mwamba said.
Those who died in the stampede are Elizebeth Nakazwe of Musende village, Doris Nalungwe Mupata village, Purity Chansa 13 of Muzabwera village and Ruth Nanyangwe 40 of Mupata village all female, seven
months old baby Kapembwa Mwimanzi, Lizzie Mwimanzi 37 all of Mupata village, Mary Namwinga 56 of Makola village and Luse Ngaona of Muzabwera village.
” I was born in india and brought up in oman & zimbabwe before moving to zambia.which I consider to be the greatest blessing of my life and shall be ever grateful to God and my parents for raising me there.inclined towards the artistic side since the age of 3,my first performance was in front of 600 for a play,while I was still in nursery.my urge to perform began from there and is present till date.while moving between oman and india in my early childhood days,I took up dancing professionally and started with the hardest of them all.Indian classical.my passions had to be left mid-way when my father got a job in harare in 1997 and we had to move there.my parents new how perfoming on stage gave me a new high and a meaning to life and were upset that they couldn’t help me out to pursue it further in harare.
The best thing ever happened in 1999. my father who was still working got posted in Lusaka.I can say that’s when my life began. I schooled at The International School of Lusaka where Performing Arts was given a lot of respect and encouragement.I actively took part in the plays there and swore that this would be a profession I would take up when I grow up.I also continued my dancing and performances outside school within our local community.I finished school early.wrote my Grade 12’s when I was merely 14 and a half.post that,I did a diploma in softwares and later I took up CIMA at ZCAS.
Due to some life threatening illnesses, I had to be rushed to India for a surgery. It was intended to only be a month long stay. While I was recovering and shopping to head back home, I was discovered by a CEO of a modelling agency and was asked to meet them the following week. My mother and I casually went for the meeting, deciding to have a small photo shoot for fun. That decision changed my life. Opportunities kept flooding and I cancelled my trip back to zambia deciding to stay back, pursue acting and modelling and also complete my studies. I’ve successfully been the face of Maybelline New York, well known corporate offices, garments and beauty products. I’m also actively doing theatre which is an industry on its own here. I have also been on the cover page of one of the best magazines in India a few times.
It has now officially been 2yrs since I’ve decided to take this up as a full time profession.took lots of breaks in between.had lots of ups and downs and finishing my studying was priority.Even though I’m Indian,I’m still considered an outsider since I’m not raised here.it was a big challenge for me initially but no more now.I’m a permanent resident of zambia and I’m proud to be one.having a mix of zambian and indian ethics have kept my feet on the ground.never have I once forgotten where I come from and that I still represent a lovely country.I always mention Zambia where ever I am and in whatever I do because I am incomplete without being a Zambian.my future intentions are to put Zambia in the spotlight and let the world know what a beautiful country it really is.The Chipolopolo boys have already worked hard for it and I intend to work harder.I also intend to give back to a place that gave me bautiful life by building a school and hospital for the under priviliged and orphaned.
As every Zambian, my motto is also the same. and it shall be till my last breath… “ONE ZAMBIA,ONE NATION” ”
Former republican Vice president Enoch Kavindele says the Patriotic Front’s inconsistencies in Economic policy will cost the party in future elections.
Mr. Kavindele says it is important that the government is consistent on the economic policy statements being made.
He says it is important for the government to win the people’s confidence by being consistent in order to remain in power beyond 2016.
He noted that inconsistencies in policies are also likely to scare away investors which might result in negative consequences for the economy.
Mr. Kavindele said investors do not take kindly to inconsistencies as they might pack and leave before government realizes it.
He said for development to be guaranteed in the country, there is need for focus and consistency on the part of the Patriotic Front government.
Former Works and Supply Minister, Mike MulongotiFormer Information and Broadcasting Minister Mike Mulongoti says there is need to expedite the enactment of the Freedom of information Bill.
Mr. Mulongoti has since advised Members of Parliament to unanimously rally behind the Bill once the house resumes.
In an interview with Qfm news, Mr. Mulongoti underscored the importance of the Bill stating that once enacted, it will empower Zambians to follow up on government’s developmental agenda.
He said parliament has to exercise the same unity shown on the abuse of authority of office clause to support and subsequently put into effect the FOI Bill.
Government recently charged that it will do everything possible to ensure that Freedom of Information (FoI) bill is made into law by August this year.
File:Former labour Minister Austin Liato with his wife and sympathysers at the Lusaka magistrate court
Convicted former labour minister Austin Liato has been granted a K50 million cash bail pending appeal to the High court with two working sureties in his own recognisance.
Principal magistrate Aridah Chulu in granting bail this morning also ordered Mr Liato to be reporting to Lusaka Central Police every two weeks.
Magitrate Chulu has further ordered Mr. Liato to surrender his passport to the senior clerk of court.
The former labour minister was last week slapped with a two years jail sentence with hard labour after being found guilty of taking pecuniary advantage of money suspected to be proceeds of crime.
This is in the matter in which Mr Liato was facing one count of being in possession of K2.1 billion suspected of being proceeds of crime contrary to section one (1) of the forfeiture of proceeds of crime Act number 19 of 2010 of the laws of Zambia.
The K2.1 billion was unearthed from the ground at his Mwembeshi farm were he had buried it.
He became the first high-profile figure of the previous MMD Government facing corruption charges to be convicted.
Mama Betty Kaunda, President Sata, First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba and Dr Kaunda during the Investure ceremony at State House
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President Sata Decorates Mama Betty when he honoured her during the Investure ceremony at State House for her distinguished bravely during the fight for independence
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President Sata shakes Mama Betty Kaunda's hand after he honoured her during the Investure ceremony at State House.
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President Sata and First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba cut the cake during the African Freedom Day commemoration at State House
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President Sata honoured PF Secretary General Wynter Kabimba for his professional legal advice regarding various bodies and local government authorities as well as his contribution towards the first Draft Constitution
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President Sata honoured ZANIS Technical Director, Wamunyima Muwana for his commitment to duty and hard work
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President Sata interacts with some diplomats accredited to Zambia during the African Freedom Day commemoration at the Freedom Statue
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President Sata chats with some freedom fighters during the African Freedom Day commemoration at the Freedom Statue
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A surviving freedom fighter Abel Mulenga sings a song during the Commemoration of African Freedom Day in Kasama.
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A group of freedom fighters participate in independence songs during the Commemoration of African Freedom Day in Kasama.
file:“The RUINS“ UNZA - University of Zambia student residence
A professor of Economics at the University of Zambia Vakentesh Seshamani has observed that the manufacturing industry in the country needs huge investment.
Professor Seshamani told Qfm in an exclusive interview that the industry plays a critical role in national development and further on government to revitalize the industry.
He explained that the industry has great potential to contribute meaningfully to the Zambia’s economy by creating more job opportunities for the majority of the people.
Professor Seshamani pointed out that high interest rates and an unfavorable business environment have adverse effects on the economy.
He therefore urged government and other stakeholders to put in place measures that would maximize local and foreign investment in the country’s manufacturing industry.
Former PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda with former Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations Mr.Dickson Jere
FORMER President, Rupiah Banda’s son Andrew, is today expected to appear before Government investigative wings for further interrogation.
Mr Banda, who is Zambia’s Deputy High Commissioner to India, was on May 1, this year interrogated in connection with his alleged solicitation of two per cent payment made on all road contracts offered to an Italian company, Fratelli Locci.
Joint Government Investigative Wings public relations officer, Namukolo Kasumpa, said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that Mr Banda would appear for interrogation in Woodlands at 10:00 hours.
“Mr Banda will appear at 10:00 hours for an interview and more details would be issued afterwards,” she said.
It is believed that the agreement between Fratelli Locci and Mr Banda was signed in July, last year.
Mr Banda was also being investigated on allegations of receipt of suspected proceeds of crime.
He is alleged to have received more than K195 million from the Italian company, which was engaged for road projects by the Road Development Agency (RDA).
Two weeks ago, the investigative wings were studying the documents Mr Banda submitted over his alleged solicitation of two per cent payment made on the road contracts.
Ms Kasumpa said investigations in the matter had continued, while verification of the issues that came up during the previous interview with Mr Banda was also being done.
VICE-President, Guy Scott has expressed doubt over the running mate clause proposed in the Draft Republican Constitution being workable in Zambia. The first Draft Constitution has recommended that the Republican President and his vice should be running mates in an election.
Dr Scott, however, said the Patriotic Front (PF) Government would not influence Zambians on their input to the Draft Constitution. Speaking when he featured on Musi-Oa-Tunya Radio in Livingstone on Saturday night, Dr Scott said his remarks on the presidential running mate clause were personal.
“We are not forcing clauses in the first Draft Constitution on people. I have my doubts on the Presidential Running Mate Clause. This is my personal opinion,” he emphasised. The Vice-president yesterday left Livingstone for Lusaka after a two-day working visit.
On the Parentage Clause, Dr Scott said a lot of Zambians were excluded in the current Constitution and he was happy that the first Draft Constitution had removed a clause which excluded many Zambians on account of parentage.
He said he was an interested party in the Parentage Clause because he was currently one of the many Zambians who were excluded on the basis of the existing Constitution.
Asked on why he had not acted as President whenever President Michael Sata was out of the country, Dr Scott said it was the prerogative of the Head of State to appoint who should act at any particular time.
On the election of Dr Nevers Mumba as MMD president, Dr Scott said the former ruling party had a lot to do to redeem its credibility. He said Dr Mumba would just be there with a few people in his party even if he had been elected as MMD president.
Dr Scott also said the PF Government had made several efforts to create jobs for Zambians while commercial bank interest rates had been reduced. PF Southern Province chairperson, Joseph Akafumba, said he had applied to re-contest the parliamentary seat. Mr Akafumba said he would abide by the decision of the PF Central Committee on whether to adopt him or not.
He also defended the decision by Dr Scott to donate K13 million to Livingstone’s Potters Market, saying the market needed funds for development.
Meanwhile, the Vice-President has supported calls for the mining companies to consider processing copper into final products locally as opposed to exporting raw products. Dr Scott said it was the desire of the PF Government to add value to local products as much as possible.
He, however, said the challenge to value-addition was on how far the process could be enhanced practically. Speaking at a media briefing at Royal Livingstone Hotel yesterday, Dr Scott said the Government would like to encourage companies to invest in processing plants.
Dr Scott also said the concern of the PF Government was to ensure tax compliance to the existing tax structure as opposed to reintroducing a windfall tax in the mining sector. “There is no need to change the tax formula for the mines, but our concern is to ensure tax compliance. If the current tax system was compliant, there would be no calls for the reintroduction of windfall tax,” he said.
Dr Scott also said there was under-development in Livingstone despite the city being the country’s tourist capital.
He said although visitors at Sun International Hotel were given newspapers from around the world and the hotel environment looked like that of South Africa, people outside the premises were living in abject poverty.
Zesco United heaped more pressure on National Assembly’s woeful form this season when they beat their guests on Sunday in a Faz Super Division Week 11 game in Lusaka.
The Faz super Division leaders defeated winless Assembly 1-0 at Woodlands Stadium to move four points clear at the top of the table on 27 points from 11 matches played.
Zesco however were made to work very hard for the victory to maintain their unbeaten league run against Assembly stretching back to 2005.
But Assembly came close to giving Zesco an early scare to try and end that run when Laughter Chilembe saw his free kick parried out for safety by Zesco goalkeeper Jacob Banda in the 17th minute in what was the first halfs’ major highlight.
Zesco in the second half were better in attack while Assembly showed little bite if any upfront.
The visitors secured their hard fought for points on 75 minute when midfielder Khondwani Mtonga headed in the game’s lone goal from an Innocent Mwaba free kick.
Assembly remain rooted at the bottom of the Super Division table with four points from 11 games and still in search of that elusive first league win of the campaign.
ZRFU National League leaders Diggers coach Robert “Plough” Kang’ongwe believes the Kitwe side needs to put in extra effort in the remaining matches in order to maintain their lead.
Diggers have gone into the current mid-season break after opening up a two-point lead at the summit of the table.
In an interview, Kang’ongwe said Diggers are under pressure to perform well and win the league title which has eluded the club since 2007.
” It has been a trying season and the pressure is on the team to perform especially that we want to pay-back to our sponsors,” he said.
Kang’ongwe expressed happiness with his team’s display half way into this year’s campaign.
“So far we have played well, apart from the loss we suffered against Arrows (8-3),” he added.
He repeated that Diggers’ target this year is to win the league which is being defended by second placed Arrows.
“We need to work extra hard, our goal this season is to win the league. Every one here at the club has to work hard.” he said.
Customs clearing agents in Nakonde district of Muchhinga Province who staged a protest
Calm has returned at Nakonde border post following Zambia Revenue Authority-ZRA management’s discussion with the aggrieved parties. On Saturday clearing agents at the border post staged protests disrupting operations alleging that some ZRA officers are corrupt and charge exaggerated fees to the public.
A statement released to the media by ZRA Corporate Communication Unit says the authority has launched investigations on the allegations raised by the clearing agents. ZRA has called on all stakeholders to pursue the option of dialogue with respective authorities.
Customs clearing agents staged a protest to press for the removal of alleged corrupt customs officers who have formed a cartel with some of the clearing agents to defraud the Government by under valuing goods.
The agents have complained that some Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) workers at Nakonde have been conniving with some agents to under value goods such as second hand Japanese cars.
The agents have said some ZRA workers secretly allow some motor vehicles to pass through the border without paying tax under what is called ‘soecial delivery. Special delivery was banned by station commissioner Kwegyer Msimuko sometime back, but the curtail of ZRA workers have been breaking the law.
The agents have particularly named a Ms Chama from ZRA Nakonde as the major culprit in the whole saga.
Business came to a stand still at Nakonde border in Muchinga Province following protests by the clearing agents.
Meanwhile, armed police have been deployed to keep vigil in the customs clearing yard at the border post.
The agents are demanding for, among other things, the removal of alleged corrupt customs officers.
Trucks and small vehicles coming into Zambia are marooned at Tunduma, a border town on the Tanzanian side as there is no one to facilitate there entry into Zambia.
The protesting agents have also passed a vote of no confidence in their Zambia f Freight and Forwarders Association (ZAFFA) leadership for allegedly failing to represent them adequately.
A Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) reports that the customs cash office and the ZRA ASYCUDA clearing room closed.
Clearing agents were found gathered outside the customs yard while customs officers were spotted chatting in the ASYCUDA room.
Team leader of the protesting agents Kelvin Malama said they have decided to protest by refusing to present any entries for clearing any vehicle or goods because of alleged rampant corruption among some named officers.
Malama alleges that some named officers have made a cartel with some clearing agents and they under value goods at the expense of the much needed revenue.
He said cited an example of a Toyota Progress car which was under valued and paid duty of less than K10 million on 24th May this year adding that a Toyota Spacio is being cleared for as little as K7.5 million because some corrupt officers are conniving with certain clearing agents.
Malama said that this cartel of customs officers conniving with some agents was putting them out of business adding that the named agent who was conniving with the customs officers is managing to clear as many as 26 vehicles in a day which areall allegedly under valued.
“Under valuing goods is a serious offence because the Government loses billions of the much needed revenue at the end of the day and this is the money that we need as a country to put up good roads, construct hospitals and schools, “said Malama.
Malama also disclosed that some agents were changing the model numbers for the vehicles they were clearing so as to pay less duty.
The protesting clearing agents are also unhappy that despite the commissioner of customs Kwegyer Msimuko having banned the special delivery facility because it was being abused, some customs officers still connive with some agents to use the banned facility.
And independent investigations carried out have revealed that some agents were allegedly changing the commodity code to enable them under value goods and pay less than the expected duty.
The commodity code which is being used to defraud the Government is
commodity code number 87032290 for a Toyota Corolla.
Investigations revealed that about 26 vehicles were cleared on 24th May 2012 by the named agent which were actually under valued and these included a Mitsubishi pick up on CC number 20716, Toyota Avesis on number 20545, Volvo on number 21995 and Toyota progress on number 22988.
Malama said the protesting agents want auditors to be dispatched to Nakonde to investigate the anomalies.
ZAFFA chairperson for Nakonde Marks Mbulo when reached for a comment said he would only comment after talking to the assistant commissioner who was not in the office at the time.
Efforts to get a comment from the assistant commissioner Msimuko failed as he was not in office by press time.
FILE: Dond Haitao Project manager China New Era demonstrates how the stone crushing machine works to Western Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwano during the inspection of works on the Sesheke- Senanga road
Northern Province Minister Freedom Sikazwe has asked Chinese investors to assist government stamp out corruption in the construction sector.
Mr. Sikazwe says government is concerned with some foreign contractors that are bribing their way into winning contracts for capital projects like road construction.
He said the Patriotic Front Government has made it clear that corruption will not be tolerated in any sector of the country’s economy.
Mr. Sikazwe stated that Chinese contractors just like any other investors must compete for contracts based on their capability to do the work and not on bribery.
He observed that the growing trend where corruption has infiltrated the construction sector has resulted in shoddy works on most capital projects in Northern Province.
Mr. Sikazwe however said the government has put in place measures to detect and prosecut anyone found wanting for corruption related offences.
The Minister was speaking when the President for Chinese Association in Zambia Roger Lee paid a courtesy call on him at his office in Kasama recently.
And Mr. Lee has pledged to sensitize all Chinese Investors doing business in the country on the need for them to refrain from any acts of corruption in their dealings.
He said the Chinese Government is in full support of President Michael Sata and his administration’s fight against corruption in the country.
Mr. Lee explained that his visit to Northern Province was aimed at exploring business opportunities for Chinese firms in different sectors of the economy.
He observed that the northern region provides numerous investment opportunities for Chinese investors in sectors such as bridge and road construction as well as tourism.
Mr. Lee further has since offered to market the investment potential of Northern Province to many Chinese firms in a bid to enhance investment in the area.
“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”
(Romans 8:28, NIV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
No matter what you may be facing, no matter what trial you may be going through, God has a plan to turn things around in your favor. He is working behind the scenes, and He is working for your good!
Are you a believer in Jesus? Do you love Him? Then you are called according to His purposes. Right now, He is orchestrating the right people to come across your path. Right now, He is orchestrating the right opportunities to open up to you. Right now, He is arranging things in your favor. You may not see it in the natural, but look with your eyes of faith today. Show your love for the Father by obeying His Word. Come before Him with an open and humble heart and trust that He is guiding you. Keep standing. Keep believing. Keep hoping. Keep declaring His Word and meditating on His goodness, knowing that He rewards the people who seek after Him!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Thank You for working all things together for my good. Give me Your strength and peace today and fill me with Your faith which overcomes the world in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
Zanaco moved into second place on the Faz Super Division table after a 3-0 home win over Nakambala Leopards at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka today.
Midfielder Maonga Kabuku put Zanaco ahead in the 8th minute before striker Lewis Macha scored the second in the 36th minute to give The Bankers a 2-0 lead into the break.
Teenage striker Moses Phiri broke his duck for the 2012 season with Zanaco’s third goal in the 75th minute.
Zanaco swapped places with Faz Super Division champions Power Dynamos who finished 1-1 draw at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.
Zanaco move to second place from third on 23 points, two more than Power who replaced them in third position on 21 points.
Power meanwhile, had to come from behind to draw with Roan after Zachariah Simukonda had put Roan ahead in the 27th minute.
The home side had Simon Bwalya to thank to see them share the points.
Zanaco and Power will remain second and third respectively for another seven days irrespective of the result on Sunday when leaders Zesco United visit bottom of the table National Assembly at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka.
Zesco head into their away game leading the table on 24 points from 10 matches played this season.
Fourth placed Red Arrows on 17 points play their Week 11 game this Wednesday when they visit newcomers Konkola Mine Police at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.
Faz Super Division Week 11 Results & Fixtures
26/05/2012
Zanaco 3-Nakambala Leopards 0
Green Eagles 1-Napsa Stars 2
Indeni1-Green Buffaloes 1
Forest Rangers 0-Konkola Blades 1
Nchanga Rangers 1-Nkana 1
Power Dynamos 1-Roan United 1
27/05/2012
National Assembly- Zesco United
30/05/2012
Konkola Mine Police-Red Arrows
[standings league_id=21 template=extend logo=false]
Nine people, including a nine months old baby have been crushed to death, while six others are nursing serious injuries during a stampede.
