Advertisement Banner
Thursday, July 10, 2025
Advertisement Banner
Home Blog Page 4464

Rally Champion Mohammed Essa’s cheers turns into tears

Puma International Motor Rally Champion Mohamed Essa and his navigator Stead pop champagne at the prize giving ceremony in Lusaka

Moments after young rally driver Mohammed Essa had won the 2012 Puma-Energy Zambia International Motor Rally on Sunday, his joy turned into a nightmare as he was involved in a road traffic accident that claimed a life.

Zambia Police spokesperson Elizabeth Kanjela confirmed the development in Lusaka that Essa has since been charged with causing death by dangerous driving contrary to section 161 of the Road Traffic Act No.11 of the 2002 and would appear in court soon.

Kanjela said the accident happened on Sunday night around 20:30 hours along Kafue Road opposite Metropolitan School.

This was when a motor vehicle, a Subaru Impreza, registration number N15, belonging to Essa, aged 22, of Plot D1/D379A, Makeni hit an unknown pedestrian aged between 30 and 35, who was crossing the road.

She said the pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and died upon arrival at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) and that the body was still lying in the mortuary awaiting identification and burial.

Kanjela said Essa was arrested around 21: 00 hours and was released on bond on Monday around 09:00 hours.

Essa, who is co-driven by Zimbabwean Greg Stead, won his maiden Zambia International Rally title on Sunday to open up a 27-point lead in the ongoing eight-legged FIA African Rally Championship (ARC).

Zambia Motor Sport Association (ZMSA) vice president Sam Ching’ambu expressed sadness at the accident that led to the untimely death of a pedestrian but dismissed allegations that Essa was driving under the influence of alcohol as perceived by the public when in fact he does not take alcohol.

Ching’ambu said a the Lusaka Sports Motor Club that the accident was regrettable as it coincided with hosting of the 2012 Puma Energy Zambia International Motor Rally which Essa won to take over lead of the Africa Rally Challenge (ARC).

2012 Zambia Motor Rally ace Mohamed Essa in action at Lusaka Motor club.

He said rally events ended at 18:30 hours on Sunday and that ZMSA will not take action on Essa as the matter was personal because he was driving his personal vehicle after the rally function at the Lusaka Motor Club had ended.

Ching’ambu said ZMSA will let the law take its course as the accident was now a criminal matter under investigations by the police.

He said the accident would have happened to any other person be it a sportsman adding that the local authority should take keen interest on happenings on the road because the bridges erected were not been used by pedestrians.

“For the record, Essa does not drink and even when we had a thank you party he brought his own champagne to celebrate and he left here after the function driving his personal car and has a license with the Road Traffic and Safety Agency (RTSA). So whatever happened was a personal matter which should not attract punishment from ZMSA,” he said.

Ching’ambu, who was flanked by Paul ‘Poncho’ Monge, expressed confidence that Essa will be able to pull himself through this difficult time and re-refocus on wining the ARC Kenyan Safari rally which takes place on June 8 to10.

Meanwhile, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) Africa region vice-president sport, Surinder Thatthi has said Essa has potential to become Africa’s top driver.

“The FIA African Rally Championship (ARC) 2012 is currently being led by a Zambian Mohammed Essa and this youngster has shown great promise over the last few years as the next top driver hope for Africa.

“Having narrowly missed a place in the Pirelli Rally Star selection and being noted as a very promising talent by the FIA selectors,Zambia can be proud that they have another new ‘star’ who has come of age,” said Thatthi, who navigated legendary Satwant Singh.

He said Zambian rally drivers hold the record with the highest number of wins in the ARC with eight-time African champion Satwant and his nephew Muna Singh who has won the continental title twice.

Surinder said before the start of the 2012 season, the Confederation of African Countries in Motorsport (CACMS) members decided at an annual congress held in Cape Town to try one year with no registration for the ARC drivers and co-drivers.

“We want to see if drivers who might start later in the year like we had ‘Joda’ from Madagascar in 2011 who started late but scored very well but was not eligible for he did not do the north and south region events as required. Let’s see how this works and conclude at the end of this year if ARC registration is good for us or not,” he said.

New Video by song bird ,Scarlet

So Good Entertainments Scarlet released the video for her song Tino Farra.

By Kapa187

Number of people accessing draft copies of the constitution placed at parliamentary constituency offices still low

11
File: Eastern province Permanent Secretary Euleria Syamujaye about to receive copies of the Zambian draft constitution from Edith Muwana in Chipata.

The number of people accessing draft copies of the constitution placed at parliamentary constituency offices is low.

A snap check by ZNBC news in Lusaka revealed that members of the public are not coming forward to access and make submissions.

At Kabwata constituency office, the professional assistant Racheal Muvumbo has told ZNBC that the office received four hundred copies of the draft last week but bemoaned the low turnout.

A check at Lusaka Central constituency office revealed that only one person had passed through the office as at 11 hours on Tuesday.

Professional assistant at the office Jacqueline Lukumba has attributed the low turn out to lack of adequate sensitization.

And a member of the public that was found collecting draft copies at the office called for extensive sensitization to encourage other members of the public to collect the document.

Violet Kafula says it is important that people know where to collect draft copies so that every member of the public is given an opportunity to make submissions to the constitution making process.

And a check at Chawama constituency office situated on Findeco house found the office locked.

Fifteen days have elapsed since the draft constitution was launched on April 30.

Members of the public have been given forty days to read and make submissions on the draft document.

On Monday the technical committee drafting the constitution disclosed that officers have been dispatched to all districts to distribute draft copies to public institutions.

ZNBC

Street vendors will continue trading on the streets for now-Deputy Minister

21
Vendors sale second hand clothes in the Central Business District of Lusaka. President Michael Sata has ordered that the vendors should not be remmoved from the illegal trading places

Government’s ban of street vending will only be effected once alternative places are found for the vendors. Local government deputy minister, Forrie Tembo said that the vendors for now will continue trading on the streets.

Recently Local Government Minister, Nkandu Luo announced the ban of street vending. Lusaka and other major cities in the country have been overwhelmed by street vendors adding to the filthy environment.

And Local Government and Housing Minister Professor NKandu Luo has advised Councils not to use force to remove street vendors. Professor Luo says councils should instead dialogue with the vendors.

The minister said President Michael Sata neither allows nor supports vendors but that he is against harassment of the vendors.

ZANIS reports that Professor Luo was responding to complaints from Lundazi Council Chairman Godfrey Mapili.

Mr. Mapili has complained that vending has become uncontrollable in the area and that the council is spending 15 million kwacha monthly on garbage collection.

Meanwhile, Professor Luo has disclosed that her ministry dissolved the Local Government Service Commission because it was inefficient and corrupt.

She says her ministry is in the process of revisiting and streamlining the Commission so that it becomes accountable and transparent .

ZANIS

Airtel launches second season of Airtel Rising Stars football talent search in Zambia

6
Airtel HQ in Lusaka
Airtel HQ in Lusaka

Airtel Zambia today announced the details of the second round of Africa’s largest youth football initiative – the Airtel Rising Stars soccer talent programme that aims to focus on identifying and nurturing budding soccer talent from the grassroots onto a national stage. The second season of the program – which follows a hugely successful inaugural year –provides a platform for upcoming soccer talent under the age of seventeen to showcase their skills to leading scouts and coaches, giving them an opportunity to further their football skills.

Speaking at the launch of the program Airtel Zambia Marketing Director, Mr. Navdeep Kapur said: “Last year’s extremely successful tournament is testament to the fact that football has a unique ability to connect and empower communities, as well as to create a positive community impact from the grassroots to a national level In our first year alone, we had countrywide participation from all provinces followed by an elimination process to select the 9 teams that participated in the national championships. This great turnout made it clear to us that we were on the right track with this tournament, which is why we are so eager for it to kick off this year.”

This year, ARS is being launched under the campaign “Zambitious,” which encourages the Zambian youth to rise above any challenges to achieve their dreams.

And speaking on behalf of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President, Mr Lee Kawanu said, “We welcome a new partner and sponsor, Airtel who has committed and is dedicated to uncovering and nurturing young talents who tomorrow will carry our flag, defend our colours and bring glory in the orange and green colours of the Chipolopolo. In Zambia we have enormous spirit, great ambition and an enviable amount of determination. And with various partners and sponsors coming on board to give a push to these talents and the administration, there is no measuring how high we can go”.

Mr. Kawanu added, “The coming on board of new partners and sponsors demonstrates too that the current situation in Zambian Football is one that is full of potential. With the right mind-set and the Zambian people behind us we have an opportunity to reach even greater height. From an administration and technical point of view I believe we have the right people in place. Perhaps not enough people, but these numbers can be augmented over a period of time when our financial situation is able to sustain some more qualified staff members. Through partnerships like the one we are unveiling today; we can meet the above shortfalls”.

Similar to last year, the program will be organized in the format of regional and national tournaments, and will culminate in an exclusive football camp under the tutelage of professional coaching staff. Top teams from each participating country will compete against each other for the title of Airtel Rising Stars African Champion.

And speaking during the launch, Director of Sports Mr. Bernard Nakachinda thanked Airtel and FAZ for coming together and strengthening the quality of soccer in Zambia “I am very proud and pleased to be here today to launch a programme and officially herald the start of a partnership between the Football Association of Zambia and Airtel Zambia. Government is proud of this partnership and the investment that Airtel is bringing into football development and the value and greater benefits that the platform of the Football Association of Zambia will bequeath to Airtel”.

The pan-African football tournament, which will span 16 Airtel markets across the continent, is designed to provide a platform for upcoming soccer talent under the age of seventeen to showcase their skills to leading scouts, coaches and have an opportunity to further their football skills. The initiative targets youths across the country and provides a structured platform for scouts, coaches, football authorities and other partners to tap into a vast pool of upcoming talent.

Airtel will spend close to K3 billion in this year’s tournament, which is double the amount spent from last year’s event. As a unique aspect of this year’s tournament, Airtel Zambia will also be awarding K400, 000.00 for each goal scored during the final games to each team, to be used towards the players’ education.

The Airtel Rising Stars registration will kick-off on 14 May 2012 and close on 30 June 2012; this is expected to draw participants from all ten provinces in Zambia. The registration forms will be available from all Airtel centres and at Football Association of Zambia offices (Football House).

President Michael Sata swears in Tribunal to investigate the alleged misconduct of suspended Judges

59
Malawian Judge,Chikopa take Oath MALAWI High Court Judge, Lovemore Chikopa has arrived in the country to commence sittings of the tribunal established to investigate alleged impropriety of three local judges.President Michael Sata talks to Judge Chikopa (r) during the swearing -in ceremony at State House
Malawian Judge,Chikopa take Oath MALAWI High Court Judge, Lovemore Chikopa has arrived in the country to commence sittings of the tribunal established to investigate alleged impropriety of three local judges.President Michael Sata talks to Judge Chikopa (r) during the swearing -in ceremony at State House

Republican President Michael Sata has sworn-in Malawi High court Judge Lovemore Chikopa and three other members of the tribunal expected to investigate the alleged professional misconduct of the three suspended Judges.

The tribunal will investigate the alleged interference in the case involving the Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ) and Post Newspapers Limited, JNC investment holdings and Mutembo Nchito.

The tribunal is expected to complete its investigations within two months but may recommend to the President its own timeframe should need arise.

Other tribunal members sworn-in include former High court Judges Naboth Mwanza and Thomas Ndlovu while Chipili Katunase Magayane is the secretary.

The suspended Judges to be investigated by the tribunal are Supreme Court Judge Philip Musonda, and High court Judges Charles Kajimanga and Nigel Mutuna.

And President Sata has urged the tribunal to embrace the principles of Justice as they investigate the alleged unprofessional conduct of the three suspended judges.

President Sata noted that natural justice demands that the accused persons are given an opportunity to be heard.

QFM

BOZ revokes licenses for Bullion, Golden Coin and Chuvic bureau de change outlets

14
Bank of Zambia
Bank of Zambia

The Bank of Zambia has revoked operating licenses for Bullion Bureau de change, Golden Coin Bureau de change and Chuvic bureau de change limited.

Bank of Zambia Head of Public Relations Kanguya Mayondi in a statement released to QFM News says this is in accordance with Regulation 14 of the Banking and Financial services Regulations of 2003.

Mr Mayondi says the decision of the Registrar or the Bank of Zambia will remain in force unless reversed by the Registrar or by the Bank of Zambia, as the case may be, or set aside by a tribunal on appeal or by a court.

He states that the revocation of the licenses means that the three Bureaux de change have ceased to operate or conduct any bureau de business.

Mr Mayondi however, states that the revocation of the licenses does not relieve the bureaux de change of any obligations they may have incurred or assumed during the period of validity of their licenses.

Meanwhile, The Drug Enforcement Commission has arrested a Lusaka businessman for being in possession of US Dollar counterfeit notes.

DEC Public Relations officer Samuel Silomba says Mando Chisoke, 62, a businessman of 35/11 Chunga Compound in Lusaka has been arrested for being in possession of US $27,000 counterfeit notes.

Mr Silomba says the suspect was apprehended from Town centre in Lusaka.

Meanwhile, the Commission in Southern province has arrested Rana Vitangi,33,a businessman of Chilenge South for being in possession of obscene materials.

Mr Silomba says the suspect was apprehended in Kazungula for being in possession of 23 DVDs containing pornographic materials.

And in the past two (02) weeks, the Commission has arrested a total of 143 people country wide for cultivating and trafficking in different quantities of cannabis.

Mr Silomba says among those arrested is Lukato Tom, 35, a peasant farmer of Katongo village in Sesheke, for cultivating 200 kilogrammes of cannabis plants.

Also arrested is Kayombo Musangu, 23, of MCLOP Compound in Sesheke for trafficking in 5.8 kilogrammes of loose cannabis.

All the suspects will appear in court soon.

QFM

Judge Lovemore Chikopa arrives in Zambia

24
:Malawian High Court Judge Lovemore Chikopa with a protocol officer from ministry of Foreign Affairs when he arrived in Zambia at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.

Judge Lovemore Chikopa has arrived in readiness to start Tribunal sittings to probe the conduct of three suspended judges. Judge Chikopa arrived in Zambia last night aboard a South African Airline.Judge Chikopa is widely known in Malawi for delivering remarkable judgements.

When asked by Nyasa times about the assertions that he is too junior to head a tribunal which is tasked to probe a case involving two senior judges from the Zambian Supreme Court, Justice Chikopa laughed off saying for any judge no case is small or big because it is a matter of determining justice adding that he has enough experience and qualified expertise to competently handle the matter.

“The law will take its course in this matter based on natural justice. I will ensure that the wheels of justice will move in a just manner,” said Justice Chikopa.

But Justice Chikopa was quick to say that heading the Zambian tribunal is a challenge that he is not taking lightly emphasizing that he will approach it with respect, integrity and its due gravity.

“I am not looking at it as a personal achievement, rather it is national duty. This is not about me as an individual it is about my country Malawi and a lot of other stakeholders. I am proud that the Zambian government has invested its trust into the Malawi Judiciary.

“I will do the best of my ability to face the challenge and to prove those who think otherwise about Malawian Judges. All the Zambian government is asking is justice and I on behalf of the Malawi Judiciary will administer justice with due impartiality. This means that the Malawian Judiciary is doing something commendable in this part of Africa,” said Justice Chikopa.

He added: “I’m also happy and proud that President Sata and his government have confidence in my professional aptitude. This is great for our country,but it must also be noted that Malawian Judges are professional and over the years have done tremendous job in other countries within the continent and beyond.”

President Michael Sata on April 30 suspended three judges and constituted a tribunal to investigate alleged corrupt activities in the Judiciary

Judge Chikopa will be assisted in the case by retired judges Naboth Mwanza and Thomas Ndhlovu.

The three are Supreme Court Judge, Philip Musonda, and two High court Judges, Charles Kajimanga and Nigel Mutuna who would remain suspended pending recommendations of the tribunal.

According to the terms and reference on Justice Mutuna, the tribunal would inquire into his conduct in relation to the manner in which he presided over hearing and determination of the case of Development Bank of Zambia versus Post Newspaper limited, JCN Holdings limited and Mutembo Nchito.

The tribunal would specifically inquire into charges that Justice Mutuna misbehaved or acted incompetently when he proceeded to hear and determine the matter without a formal order transferring the matter from Justice Albert Mark Wood before whom the matter had been heard.

It is alleged that Justice Mutuna misbehaved or acted incompetently when he proceeded to hear and determine the matter in total disregard of evidence available to him that clearly demonstrated that Justice Wood’s independence as a Judge had been interfered with in the course of proceedings relating to the matter.

Justice Mutuna allegedly misbehaved or could have acted incompetently in the circumstance of the matter when he proceeded to deliver judgment in a matter in which the plaintiff had expressly indicated that it no longer intended to proceed with matter as a result of which it filed a notice of discontinuance.

On Justice Musonda and Justice Kajimanga, the tribunal would inquire into their relation in the matter in which they interfered in and illegally retrieved or caused the retrieval of cases of Development Bank of Zambia versus the Post Newspaper limited, JCN Holdings and Mutembo Nchito and Finsbury Investment limited versus Antonio Vetriglia and Manuela Sebastiani Vetriglia the matter from Justice Wood.

Justice Musonda and Justice Kajimanga allegedly misbehaved or acted incompetently when whilst acting together they conspired to pervert the course of justice by retrieving or causing the retrieval of records relating to matters from Justice Wood during the due execution of his judicial functions as Judge of the High Court of Zambia.

The tribunal is expected to give recommendations President Sata within a period of two months or such other period as the tribunal would reasonably recommend.

Last Week/Wkend in Pictures

52

1.

The Generation Impact Foundation has honoured freedom fighter Mama Kankasa with the Virtuous Woman award. Here, Standard Chartered Bank Managing Director Mizinga Melu presents the award to Mama Kankasa at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka

2.

The Generation Impact Foundation has honoured freedom fighter Mama Kankasa with the Virtuous Woman award. Here, Standard Chartered Bank Managing Director Mizinga Melu presents the award to Mama Kankasa at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka

3.

Broadcasting, Information and Labour Minister Fackson Shamenda walks his daughter Chimbala down the aisle

4.

Vice president Guy Scott with the bridal party during the wedding ceremony for Information, Broadcasting and Labour Minister Fackson Shamenda's daughter Chimbala and former State House aide Arthur Yoyo's son Sakalima son Sakalima in Lusaka.

5.

Former president Kenneth Kaunda with Lusaka Mayor Daniel Chisenga (r) and deputy Mayor Thresa Mfunga after witnessing the signing ceremony of the $355 million compact to reduce poverty through economic growth through infrastructure investment in Lusaka

6.

Some of the Tujilijili consignment that was surrendered at Kitwe Civic center by a named distributor in Kitwe

7.

Some people from Sabina township trying to salvage bags of mealie meal from a truck belonging to African Milling truck. The vehicle crushed in a nearby stream after losing control along Kitwe - Chingola road

8.

Some people from Sabina township trying to salvage bags of mealie meal from a truck belonging to African Milling truck. The vehicle crushed in a nearby stream after losing control along Kitwe - Chingola road

9.

Muchinga province permanent secretary Charles Sipanje with Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Paul Mihova on Lubu Bridge in Chinsali which is the proposed source of water for government in the area.

10.

President Michael Sata receives the affidavit of oath from Luapula permanent secretary Anna Mwitwa Mubanga during the swearing in ceremony at State House

11.

DEPUTY Minister for Justice Alfridah Mwamba inspects the dilapidated roof at Munkonge Local Court Magistrate’s house during her tour of Local courts in Northern Province

12.

DEPUTY Minister for Justice Alfridah Mwamba (r) tours Munkonge Local court building in Kasama with the Local court Clerk Bright Kaluba (l) and Provincial Northern Local courts Officer Musonda Munyenyembe.

13.

Football fans watch the Napsa Stars versus Nkana football club match at Edwin Imboela stadium in Lusaka

14.

Napsa Stars' Bitwell Phiri and Nkana defender Joseph Kamalondo in a tussle during the FAZ-MTN super league match played at Edwin Imboela stadium in Lusaka

15.

Nkana defender Joseph Kamalondo and Napsa Stars striker Harry Milanzi fight for balls possession during the FAZ-MTN Super League match played at Edwin Imboela Stadium in Lusaka

I have no intention of challenging President Michael Sata’s constitutional power-Judge Phillip Musonda

56
Judge Philip Musonda
Judge Philip Musonda

Suspended Supreme Court Judge, Phillip Musonda, has said that he has no intention of challenging President Michael Sata’s constitutional power of banning him and setting up a tribunal to investigate him and two other judges.

He said this in a statement issued yesterday by his lawyer, Mumba Kapumpa of Mumba S Kapumpa Advocates. Mr Justice Musonda said it was not his intention to challenge, condemn or denounce President Sata’s constitutional authority to suspend him and his colleagues and set up the tribunal.

He said he had never been a politician and had never consulted a politician on any matter concerning the setting up of the tribunal. Mr Justice Musonda appealed to all concerned parties to respect his desire to have the matter settled in a dignified and equitable manner as “justice is for all”.

And University of Zambia Students Union (UNZASU) says interest groups should allow the tribunal set up to probe alleged impropriety of three suspended judges to conduct its work to ensure the due process of the law takes its course.

Union secretary general, Sishekanu Mwauluka said non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and political parties should accord the judicial officers a chance to clear themselves of the allegations levelled against them.

“We believe the tribunal is a platform that will accord all the concerned parties an opportunity to be heard in a fair and amicable manner and further instill people’s confidence in the conduct of the judicial arm of Government,” he said.

Mr Mwauluka said in a statement in Lusaka yesterday that the union viewed the recent actions as a mark of desperation and fear on the part of the accused and opposition political parties.

He wondered whether the concerned parties were not embarrassed that before the tribunal started its work, Mr Justice Musonda had already asked for early retirement.

Others suspended were High Court judges, Charles Kajimanga and Nigel Mutuna.

Mr Mwauluka wondered what the opposition parties’ reaction would be if the tribunal cleared the judges of the allegations.

He reminded Zambians that when Chief Justice Ernest Sakala appointed a tribunal to probe former Communications and Transport minister, Dora Siliya over the Zamtel evaluation, the decision was welcomed by most Zambians and that Ms Siliya was found wanting by the tribunal.

The chief justice used the Ministerial and Parliamentary Code of Conduct to appoint the tribunal.

Ms Siliya, who had quit her ministerial position, took the matter to court where she was acquitted by Judge Phillip Musonda.

“What has changed today? Let us allow the due process of the law to take its course even in this matter,” Mr Mwauluka said.

He said it was for this reason that UNZASU supported judicial reforms that would clean up the judicial system.

Opposition political parties have condemned the suspension of the three judges.

The parties have also “rejected” the appointment of Malawian High Court Judge, Lovemore Chikopa as chairperson of the tribunal.

[Times of Zambia]

Turmoilous Chati High school in Kalulushi fails to open

9
File:Pupils in Chipata

Pupils at Chati High School in Kalulushi have not reported for school this term for fear of being arrested after they rioted and broke school
property the previous term.

And teachers at the school have vowed not to return to classes until all the pupils who took part in the violence last term are brought to
book.

This has created so much anxiety and uncertainty among the pupils and parents who are concerned that the school calendar and pupils’
performance during examinations would be greatly affected.

Before the close of the previous term, pupils at Chati High school rioted. In the ensuing violence, the slogan chanting pupils broke
school property and burnt the house of head teacher Charles Mpofu. Mr Mpofu sustained major injuries in the inferno.

The riot was instigated by the death of a pupil who committed suicide after the school authorities refused to take her examination fees,
which were submitted late.

The Parent Teachers Associations chairperson Amon Kafwali said the pupils at Chati High School had not reported for classes although the
teachers were ready to resume lessons for the second term of the school calendar.

He said many pupils especially those in examination classes would miss out on important lessons.

Mr Kafwali said the pupils should report for lessons since the teachers whom they offended had forgiven their transgressions.

The PTA was concerned about the matter.

“I confirm that the situation at Chati High School is very bad because pupils have not been reporting for classes since the second term
started on Monday, May 7th, 2012 when the schools re-opened, but teachers are reporting for work and they are just sitting and sun
basking because there no pupils to teach.”

“I am appealing to the pupils that they should start attending classes because teachers are very willing to teach them. We have been
monitoring the situation at the school and speaking to the teachers who have been assuring that pupils were not going to be victimized in
any way despite what they did last term,’’ he said.

But the head-boy at Chati High School, Daute Mudenda said pupils had decided to stay away from school because there was a rumour that they
police would nab them following their riotous behaviour last term.

“The bad thing is that pupils such as grade nines and grade 12s are missing lessons which they should have been preparing for their
examinations later in the year.

Mudenda said it was not true that teachers were ready to resume classes for the second term. He said the teachers are not reporting
for classes even for the small number of pupils that attempted to go for lessons earlier in the week.

“As head-boy for this school, I have been going to class but the teachers are not showing up although they had been reporting for work.

“My appeal to the teachers is that they should consider their position because their action is affecting many other pupils who did not take
part in last term’s riot at the school.

‘Pupils have not yet stared reporting for classes the reason is that there is a rumour going round pupils will be arrested the moment they
start reporting for classes.

Chief Mazdimane not impressed with restrictive clauses in Draft constitution

13
File:Chief Mazdimawe chairing the House of Chiefs when the house resumed sitting in Lusaka

Chief Mazdimawe of the Ngoni people of Eastern Province says the proposal in the Draft Constitution which allows chiefs to be sued in the courts of law in the course of their duty will remove respect and dignity from traditional leaders.The chief also said chiefs should not be restricted only to traditions and customs but should work as partners with government so as to supplement government’s developmental programmes.

“ Restrictions for chiefs is not enough, we are supposed to be partners with government if we are restricted only to traditions and customs that’s not enough because we have been talking about these all our lives, we need to talk about development because are at the grassroots,” he said.

The traditional leader who is also the chairperson of the House of Chiefs said the traditional leaders were at the grassroots and understood what projects should be embarked on.

Chief Mazdimawe said traditional leaders required laws and legislation that would support and protect them during their reign.He said the traditional leaders should be protected by the law.

According to the recommendations in the Draft Constitution on Chieftaincy and House of Chiefs, the institution of chieftaincy together with its traditional councils as established by customary law and its usage is subject to the constitution.

The proposed constitution says Parliament shall not enact legislation which confers on any person or authority the right to accord or withdraw recognition to or from a chief for any purpose or any way derogates from the honour and dignity of the institution of chieftaincy.

The institution of chieftaincy shall be a corporation sole with perpetual succession and capacity to sue and be sued and hold assets or properties in trust for itself and the people under a chief’s jurisdiction.

Chief Mazdimawe said the house of chiefs would meet in the first week of June during which they will make their submissions to the draft constitution which they feel would be needed for the chiefs.

Other recommendations are that the house of chiefs for the Republic which shall be an advisory body to the Government on traditional or customary matter referred to it by the President or as may be provided by or under enact of Parliament.

The House of Chiefs shall consist of five chiefs from each province elected by the chiefs in a province.

Court building in danger of collapse in Kasama

9
DEPUTY Minister for Justice Alfridah Mwamba inspects Munkonge Local Court Magistrate’s house during her tour of Local courts in Northern Province

Deputy Minister for Justice Alfridah Kansembe Mwamba has expressed great concern at the dilapidated court buildings and lack of accommodation for court officers at Munkonge Local court in Kasama district.

Speaking during the on spot check to court buildings and staff houses at Munkonge Local Court in Kasama over the weekend, Mrs. Mwamba said the court building is in a deplorable condition needing urgent attention.

She said the building where court sessions are conducted has serious cracks and the wall can collapse any time strong winds and heavy rains occur.

DEPUTY Minister for Justice Alfridah Mwamba (r) tours Munkonge Local court building in Kasama with the Local court Clerk Bright Kaluba (l) and Provincial Northern Local courts Officer Musonda Munyenyembe.

Mrs. Mwamba who is also Lukashya Member of Parliament (MP) pointed out that the lives of court officers, clients and people who attend court sessions are in danger needing to be safe guarded.

She added that if fair justice has to be administered, the court building at Munkonge has to be looked into without delay.

The Deputy Minister said she was in Northern Province to assess court structures and said the PF Government has attached keen interest to improve the situation so that court matters are administered in the expected manner.

Mrs. Mwamba also said the Government is concerned about its public workers and wishes to address problems they are faced with.

DEPUTY Minister for Justice Alfridah Mwamba inspects the dilapidated roof at Munkonge Local Court Magistrate’s house during her tour of Local courts in Northern Province

Meanwhile, Munkonge Local Court Clerk Bright Kaluba commended the Justice deputy Minister for paying a visit to the court so that Government gets aware of problems judicial workers are facing.

Mr. Kaluba disclosed that the court has no safe where to keep Government revenue and feared that funds could be stolen and his life is also in
danger.

He also revealed that the Local court has only one staff house for the Local Magistrate while other officers swat in other Government houses.

DEPUTY Minister for Justice Alfridah Mwamba (r) tours Munkonge Local court building in Kasama with the Local court Clerk Bright Kaluba (l) and Provincial Northern Local courts Officer Musonda Munyenyembe.

Mr. Kaluba also said the local court has only one toilet.He added that water is another problem as they collect water some 2 kilometers away which causes a big burden on court officers at the court.

The Deputy Minister was accompanied by Northern Provincial Local Court Officer Mrs. Musonda Munyenyembe and Northern Provincial Administrative
officer Vincent Phiri.

 

 

[ZANIS]

Opposition political party leaders are supporting corruption-Sata

21
President Michael Sata receives the affidavit of oath from Zambia's Ambassador to France Solomon Mbuzi during the swearing in ceremony at State House

President Michael Sata has taken a swipe at opposition political parties in Zambia who instead of representing the poor are more interested in the affairs of the rich and corrupt.

Mr Sata said politicians were supposed to speak for the poor who were a vulnerable in society.

President Sata said made the remarks at State House during the swearing in ceremony of Zambia’s Ambassador to France, Solomon Mbuzi, Senior Permanent secretary at the ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Daisy Ng’ambi and Luapula province permanent secretary Anna Mubanga.

“As Africans where there are nashala neka (one man) political parties are going to these foreigners thinking they can assist. I can not see
a political party calling itself worth representing the poor people go and defend corruption,” he said.

Counseling Mr Mbuzi on his appointment, Mr Sata said his main focus as he goes to France is to look at what is good for Zambia and not meddle
in the political affairs of that country.

“Your main interest is what is good for Zambia and don’t worry about the internal politics,” he said.

Meanwhile, President Sata has expressed concern at the high levels of corruption at the ministry of Lands as regards to land allocation.

He urged Ms Ng’ambi to reorganise the ministry so that Zambians could benefit from the land resource.

He said there was corruption in the distribution and allocation of land which should be brought to an end. Mr Sata said councilors and
the office of the Commissioner of Lands were equally not an exception to corruption allegations in the land allocation process.

“We should bring some sanity. I know when the land Act was enacted we said land is for Zambians but today in markets, there are people who
are not Zambians because market is land,” he said.

On the appointment of Ms Mubanga as Luapula province permanent secretary, Mr Sata said the country had so many problems in the provinces.

Mr Sata urged Ms Mubanga to widely tour the province and consult traditional leaders on how best to address the developmental challenges in the area.

He said Zambia could only develop if the problems which were being faced in the provinces were resolved.

Draft Constitution: 14 Days to swear in President-Elect unrealistic

16
President Michael Sata is presented with a Bible at the inauguration ceremony at Supreme Court in Lusaka
President Michael Sata is presented with a Bible at the inauguration ceremony at Supreme Court in Lusaka

Political Scientist Alex Ng’oma has charged that the 14 days recommended in which the President-elect must be sworn is unrealistic. Dr N’omba said that no petition case can be concluded in two weeks and therefore calls for more time.

Many stakeholders have objected to the recommendation indicating that the winning Presidential candidate must be sworn in within 14 days, contending that the provision is not different from the provision in the current constitution which stipulates that the winner is sworn- in within 24 hours.

Their argument is that under the recommendation in the first draft constitution, the President-elect can still be sworn in within 24 hours as it falls within the recommended 14 days hence there is no difference.

Dr N’omba has welcomed the recommendation of the system of proportion representation by the technical committee of experts in the drafting of the constitution.

Dr. Ng’oma who is also Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) president has told Qfm news that submitting a list of preferred candidates to the Electoral Commission of Zambia can enable the commission to simply select the runner up in case the front runner falls out.

He said the system is progressive has it allows the minority of political parties to have a say in national affairs.

The political scientist has since downplayed concerns of accountability and allegiance being raised by various stakeholders stating that Members of Parliament will be accountable to the public once the system is adopted.
QFM