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THE Ndola High Court has declared Lunte Constituency MMD Member of Parliament (MP), Felix Mutati, as duly-elected.
Patriotic Front (PF) losing candidate, Emmanuel Chilubanama, had petitioned the election of Mr Mutati on allegations of corruption, bribery and intimidation.
Mr Chilubanama had alleged that Mutati had on September 15, 2011 donated desks to Kabwesha Community School in Lunte Constituency.
Mr Chilubanama had also asked the court to nullify Mr Mutati’s election on grounds that his wife, Grace Chipalo, a medical doctor specialised in eye treatment distributed medicines at James Mutati Village, in Lunte Constituency shortly before the September 20, 2011 general elections.
Mr Chilubanama contended that the distribution of medicines was meant to woo people to vote for Mr Mutati.
He had also alleged that Mr Mutati on September 14, 2011, distributed food to the electorate at Mukupa Kaoma Village and asked them to vote for the MMD.
Mr Chilubanama said the PF cadres were being intimidated by the MMD cadres who were in the habit of disrupting meetings.
When passing judgement, High Court Judge Munalula Lisimba said there was credible evidence before the court that the donation of the desks to Kabwesha Community School was a Government programme under the Constituency Development Fund and that Mr Mutati had no control on how and when the desks were to be donated.
Judge Lisimba said the petitioner did not adduce any credible evidence to the court relating to the flouting of the Electoral Code of Conduct.
“Thus none of the electoral offences have proved to be widespread or to the satisfaction of the court. There is no evidence adduced to the effect that the voters in Lunte Constituency were unable to vote for the candidate of their choice.
“It is, therefore, clear before this court that the election of Felix Mutati was free from illegal practices, hence the petition is dismissed with costs,” Mr Justice Lisimba said.
Local Government and Housing Minister Nkandu Luo on April 16, this year signed Statutory Instrument Number 23 of 2012 banning Tujilijili and liquor licences for 15 companies.
But the companies through their lawyers Siakamwi Chikuba, Ronald Hatoongo and Noel Siamundo from AED Advocates challenged the minister’s decision.
They had filed a notice of application for leave to apply for judicial review which High Court Judge, Dominic Sichinga Sichinga has since granted.
Justice Sichinga however,dismissed the application to stay Government’s decision to ban the manufacturing and supply of the high-potent spirits packaged in sachets, popularly known as Tujilijili.Leave for an application for judicial review has, however, been granted.
In his ruling, Mr Justice Sichinga said though he had granted the companies permission to go ahead with the judicial review, the same would not work as a stay.
“Upon hearing counsel and upon reading the affidavit in support of the application for judicial review, leave is here by granted. The same will not operate as a stay against the minister’s decision,” Mr Justice Sichinga said.
Before Mr Sichinga granted the application, Mr Chikuba had argued that the 15 companies were affected by the minister’s decision of revoking of their licences which were issued in respect of manufacturing, importing, exporting, and selling or supplying of liquor.
Mr Chikuba said his clients were holders of investment licences granted by the Government and were also employers of more than 2,000 workers who would be affected if the ban went ahead.
He said the minister’s decision was ultra-vires and beyond the powers vested in her.
“Our contention is that the Liquor Licensing Committee is the body bestowed with powers to revoke or cancel any liquor licence but the minister went beyond her powers under 5.53 of the Liquor Licence Act by cancelling the applicants’ licences,” Mr Chikuba said.
He argued that although the same Act gave the minister powers to revoke any licences, there were procedures outlined for revocation such as giving notice to the companies affected, but this was not done.
Mr Siamundo said even where notice was given, the Act required that the rules of natural justice should be upheld by giving the affected companies an opportunity to be heard and also to show cause why their licences should not be revoked.
“We submit that the minister had no powers to revoke all these licences as she is not the issuing authority and this renders her decision illegal, improper and unreasonable,” he said.
Mr Hatoongo said his clients’ legitimate expectation was breached by the minister’s decision as they had the right to be heard in conformity with the provisions of the Liquor Licence Act.
Foreign Affairs Minister Given Lubinda introduces transport Deputy minister Lieutenant Colonel Panji Kaunda to chinese Foreign Affairs minister Yang Jiechi in Beijing Wedneday
CHINESE Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu has assured Zambia of continued support in all sectors of economic development.
Mr Hui said in Beijing yesterday that the relationship between Zambia and China dating back to the pre-independence era had stood the test of time.
He was speaking when he met Zambia’s Foreign Affairs and Tourism Minister Given Lubinda.
Earlier, Mr Lubinda held a closed-door meeting with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi at Diayutai.
Mr Yang said his country is happy that relations between the two countries had been improving.He said China appreciated Zambia’s active involvement in promoting sound relations between the two countries.
Last evening, Mr Lubinda was expected to attend a dinner hosted by Sino-hydro Company of China.
The minister will today hold a meeting with Zambian Embassy staff before flying to the Chinese commercial city of Shanghai.In Shanghai, the Mr Lubinda is expected to visit the branch of the Huawei Company before visiting Shanghai Expo Exhibition and the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition.
Mr Lubinda has hailed the warm bilateral relations between Zambia and China.
The minister yesterday delivered a special message from President Michael Sata to the Chinese government and described Beijing as an all-weather development partner.
Finance Deputy Minister Miles Sampa, Transport Deputy Minister Lieutenant Colonel Panji Kaunda and other senior Government officials are in Mr Lubinda’s entourage.They arrived in Beijing Tuesday 15:30 hours Zambian time.
File: Former Zambia Army Commander Geojago Musengule bundled in a police van after a Lusaka magistrate court jailed him
THE Lusaka High Court has rejected a bail application by incarcerated former Zambia Army commander, Geojago Musengule and his co-accused person, Amon Sibande.
Musengule and Sibande’s appeal against a four and three-year jail sentence, respectively were upheld by the High Court and have since appealed to the Supreme Court.
A panel of three High Court judges; Florence Lengalenga, Elita Mwikisa and suspended Charles Kajimanga, dismissed Musengule and Sibanda’s application for bail, pending appeal on grounds that it could not succeed.
The ruling was made before Mr Justice Kajimanga was suspended by President Michael Sata on Monday.
Musengule and Sibande were facing charges of abuse of office of authority and corruptly inducing a public officer.
“This is not a proper case where the court could exercise leniency and grant the applicants bail pending appearance.
“In our considered opinion, the application is not likely to proceed in the Supreme Court. The duo will have served a substantial part of the sentence before the appeal is heard,” they said in a judgement delivered last week.
The duo was jailed on seven counts of abuse of authority of office, corrupt practices by a public officer and corrupt practices with a public officer contrary to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Act Number 42 of 1996.
Musengule had submitted that his appeal might succeed in the Supreme Court.
He said he would suffer irreparable damage if the bail application was denied which could not adequately atone for by awards.
The judges dismissed the duo’s grounds of appeal because they lacked merit.
The Lusaka magistrates’ court jailed Musengule for four years, while Sibande was slapped with three years but the two decided to appeal against their conviction in the Lusaka High Court.
The Lusaka High Court upheld their convictions and said the magistrate’s court was on firm grounds when it convicted them.
As Zambia tomorrow joins the rest of the world in commemorating the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), government has given a go ahead to the media to launch the Zambia Media Council- ZAMEC to regulate professional conduct of Journalists.
ZAMEC which is aimed at creating a free media that is responsible to promoting quality journalism that facilitates citizenry demands and sensitivities was not launched last year in the previous MMD regime due to the latter government changing goal posts.
Information, Broadcasting and Labour Minister Fackson Shamenda says the media is free to set their own agenda in their noble role of informing, educating and entertaining the public.
Mr Shamenda said this on both Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation-ZNBC radio and television on the eve of the WPFD which falls on May 3.
The global theme for this year’s WPFD is “New Voices: Media Freedom Helping to Transform Society while the national theme in Zambia is “Access to Information: A Prerequisite to a Transformed Society.”
Mr Shamenda explained that the Patriotic Front government inherited a public media that had suffocated under heavy political patronage and interference in the previous MMD government adding that the public lost confidence because the media was highly compromised, unprofessional and acted un-ethically.
Mr Shamenda, who is also Chief Government Spokesperson, said the PF government has embarked on a wide range of measures to reposition the media as a voice of the voiceless, eyes and ears of the public.
He said the PF government has decontrolled, deregulated and depoliticized the media saying the media are no longer a preserve of the party in power.
Measures put in place to reposition the media in the country include the process towards the enactment of the Freedom of Information bill which is underway and the Independent Broadcasting Authority bill which is being actualised and will soon be announce.
Mr Shameenda also revealed that the PF Government has embarked on a project to set up television stations in all the 10 provinces of the country to accord the local people a voice in the governance and developmental issues in their localities.
He further disclosed that the digital migration agenda is gaining momentum in line with the 2015 deadline set by the International Telecommunication Union.
Government is further addressing the poor or non- existence of radio and television, poor infrastructure and other technological inadequacies such as accessing to internet especially in rural areas.
He reiterated government’s determination to ensuring that public access to information as a prerequisite to a transformed and prosperous nation is attained.
Mr Shamenda stated that the two themes were timely in line with the PF government’s agenda to empower citizens with information so that they participate effectively in the governance and development of the country.
FILE: A Toyota Hilux overturned along Maamba - Batoka road near Mamba Township in Sinazongwe District in Southern Province.
The number of road traffic accidents in Zambia has been reducing since 2006. This has been disclosed by Road Transport and Safety Agency -RATSA Director Frederick Mwalusaka.
Mr Mwalusaka says the number of Accidents and fatalities are further expected to reduce this year. Mr Mwalusaka says this will come about as a result of the joint enforcement strategy on road safety, which was launched recently.
The strategy focuses on enhancing monitoring systems to increase compliance to road and traffic rules. Mr Mwalusaka was speaking at the Road Transport and Safety Agency -RATSA media breakfast in Lusaka on Wednesday.
Zambia has been ranked number 182 in terms of road traffic accidents out of 192 countries by the World Health Organisation-WHO. The survey was conducted in 2010.
And The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) has disclosed that the automated motor vehicle inspection centre at Mimosa in Lusaka will become fully operational within the third quarter of 2012.
The agency is also expected to procure mobile examination equipment which will be used in other towns.
About two billion three hundred and fifty million kwacha will be spent on the fixed equipment at Mimosa while K12.8 billion will be spent on the procurement of four mobile units.
RTSA chief executive officer Frederick Mwalusaka noted that the agency has for a very long time been ill-equipped in motor vehicle examinations where officers are still using human judgment to determine the road worthiness of motor vehicles.
Mr. Mwalusaka disclosed that a contract has already been executed with a Germany firm called Maha, to supply the equipment after obtaining a “no objection” from the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA).
He was speaking in Lusaka this morning during the end of first quarter media briefing.
And Mr. Mwalusaka says the agency is working on ensuring that learner drivers countrywide are subjected to the same procedure when obtaining drivers licenses.
He says the agency is aware of some people leaving Lusaka and opting to get their licenses in other town because of the stringent procedure.
Mr. Mwalusaka says drivers should realize that it is not a desire of the agency that some people fail in getting licenses but it is its mandate to ensure that only qualified drivers are offloaded on the roads.
And RTSA principal examinations Officer Joseph Nkamba has warned members of the public to be wary of driving schools that promise to obtain drivers licenses on behalf of the learner drivers.
Mr. Nkamba says driving schools are not mandated to issue licenses to drivers as it is a sole responsibility of the agency.
He says most of the driving schools that promise to obtain drivers licenses on behalf of a student at a very cheap price operate illegally.
FILE: MMD's Major Richard Kachingwe (c), Micheal Mabenga (l) and PF's Mumbi Phiri during palm sunday clebrations.
The leadership of the opposition Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) has distanced itself from the activities of the Die-hard youth wing,led by Bowman Lusambo.
MMD National Secretary Major Richard Kachingwe says the party does not recognize the die-hard youth wing and any other structure because they are not part of the party structure.
Major Kachingwe says the party does not recognize any youth structure apart from the one being chaired buy national youth chairperson Moses Muteteka.
Speaking to QFM in an interview, Major Kachingwe observes that some members of the party are so passionate about the party to the extent that they even over do things.
Major Kachingwe denounced the die-hard youth wing in the presence of its coordinator Bowman Lusambo who could not even defend himself.
He has since advised all party members to work within the confines of the party structures noting that any structure outside the party will never be recognized.
MINISTER of Sport, Youth and Child Development Chishimba Kambwili
Government has finally reached an agreement with four mining companies operating in Kalulushi district for the sponsorship of division one North teams.
Division one teams Kalulushi Modern Stars and Chambishi Football Club were at the verge of collapse due to lack of sponsorship.
The four mining company have agreed to take up the sponsorship of two once famous clubs after meeting Sports Minister Chishimba Kambwili and his delegations who called on them.
Chambeshi Metals and Chambeshi Copper Smelter have agreed to take up the sponsorship of Chambeshi FC while Chibuluma Mine will support Kalulushi Modern Stars together with Africa Non-Ferrous Mining Company (NFCA) which has also been directed to follow suit.
During the meeting NFCA proposed to support its own club, NFCA Dragons to which the Minister advised that it be incorporated into Kalulushi Modern Stars.
Mr Kambwili stated that Kalulushi is a small town which requires one strong team hence the need for the two clubs to merge if they were to favourably compete with other teams.
He reminded the four mining companies that government is the shareholder of the mines through ZCCM holdings saying this was the reason why government is always giving guidance.
He told the representatives from the mines to meet the executives from the two clubs for budget preparations.
He further urged the mines to appoint officials who will be working with the clubs executive to ensure accountability in the use of funds.
And Chambishi Metals Chief Executive Officer Hira Singh said the company is ready to start sponsoring the team after meeting the club executives.
He stated that his company will soon sit with co-sponsors Chambeshi Copper Smelter to strategise on the package.
Details of the package has however not been disclosed while the sponsorship is expected to start next season as mining companies have developed their budget and the football season is underway.
Former Labour Minister in the Frederick Chiluba administration, Newstead Zimba says opposition leaders who boycotted yesterday’s Labour Day celebrations should consider themselves irrelevant.
Mr Zimba noted that Labour Day is a platform where Union labour leaders, leaders of political parties have an opportunity to meet government leaders to share and exchange ideas on how to tackle challenges faced by public service workers.
Mr Zimba, who was also Zambia Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) General Secretary, said Labour Day is not only for government and the labour movement to celebrate but for all because it is commemorated world-wide and Zambia is not an exceptional.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today, Mr Zimba who also served as Information Minister took a swipe at the opposition political parties who conspicuously absented themselves from the Labour Day celebrations despite being invited by government to be part of the event which cut across party lines.
“First of all, why stay away from such a national event, staying away means opposition parties should declare themselves irrelevant because Labour Day is not only for the government but for all of us,” Mr Zimba said.
The former ruling party, Movement for Multiparty Democracy-MMD, United Party for National Development-UPND, National Restoration Party-NRP, Alliance for Democracy and Development-ADD, United National Independence Party-UNIP, Forum for Democracy and Development-FDD and Heritage Party were all missing at the event.
The only political party present at the celebrations was the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) with some members clad in the party regalia and gave solidarity of the national event.
Secretary to the Cabinet Evans Chibiliti revealed that he invited all the opposition political parties and regretted that the opposition did not honour the invitation.
Yesterday Zambia joined the rest of the world in commemorating the Labour Day.
Republican President Michael Sata graced the event in Lusaka where he said his administration will target youths in job creation because they make up 68 percent of the Zambian population and constitute a larger number of unemployed people in the country.
This year’s Labour Day was commemorated under the theme “enhancing workers’ rights for sustainable national development”.
Power Dynamos today suffered their first league defeat of the season in a rescheduled Faz Super Division Week 3 game away to Nchanga Rangers.
Rangers recovered from their poor showing against Zanaco last Saturday were they lost 1-0 against their 10-man hosts to shock Power by the same margin at Nchanga Stadium in Chingola on Wednesday.
A 55th minute goal from striker Bonwell Mwape helped Rangers back to winning ways after suffering their first league defeat of the season away to Zanaco on April 29.
Mwape dribbled past Power’s defence on the right wing before slotting in a low shot past Joshua Titima in goals.
Power stay put in second place on 13 points while Rangers rise from seventh to fifth position on 11 points after six games played.
KAPA187: What attracts you to music production and what made you take it seriously?
…as Sampson: I always had the habit of grinding my teeth together trying to make drum beats and coming up with melodies so when I finally got the chance to come up with tracks I was hooked. It’s really fascinating to me – the idea of building an idea from nothing.
KAPA187: Who are some of the artists you have produced for ?
…as Sampson: Under my …as Sampson project, the majority of my work is instrumental but I’m currently trying to get some work done for 2 artists based in Geneva – Shan Malaika and Genevan Heathen. Also planning on building with Geneva based rapper, Jace Abstract. He’s really good. As a hip-hop producer I have worked with 2 Zambian rappers, Malachite and Chanda Mbao. I featured on a Familia track as a rapper back in ’08.
KAPA187: What is it about french style house that got you hooked on to hit?
…as Sampson: I’m really into funky music from the 70’s and 80’s so it was natural for me because French House borrows heavily from this kind of music but what I appreciate about it is it’s got that ready for the club style thump but it’s melody driven. I love all kinds of House music but French House just gets me in a good mood.
KAPA187: Do you feel more creative freedom when making french style house music as opposed to hiphop.
…as Sampson: Yeah, to be honest I feel like the majority of Hip-Hop these days is driven by everything but the music. People are too concerned with “swag”, street cred and things of that natural rather than the actual art form. When it comes to French style house it’s all about you and the music. Either you’re good or you’re bad. I definitely will rap again in future but I don’t find Hip-Hop an inspiring genre at the moment.
KAPA187: How did the name …as sampson come about , what does it mean.
…as Sampson: It’s actually really random. My mum doesn’t like the fact that I keep a mini afro, so during one of her rants about me getting a hair she said “you think you’re Sampson or something” and it stuck with me. I put the “…as” on the front because it kind of implies I’m playing the role of Sampson aside from my regular student life and my other musical projects.
KAPA187: Your music has been featured on a number of blogs and some compilations ,how that make you feel
.…as Sampson: It makes me feel really good, because I’m fortune to be able to spend weekends in my room making songs that people all over the world connect with. It’s strange to me because I never really expected all the support. I’m thankful, though. I really am.
KAPA187: Tell us about your upcoming E.P ” Sans Success Sans Excess Sans Sex ” .What does the title mean and what can you fans expect from it.
…as Sampson: With my EP, its sound is really going to take from my influences but with my own spin on them, of course. It’ll have a very 80’s sound. The word sans is French for “without” and someone is considered to have made it when they have fame, money and women. I put a positive spin on this, because I see these as obstacles in a sense and its just informing the listeners to expect nothing but what’s important from the project – good music.
KAPA187: Do you feel your style of music is embraced in zambia ?
…as Sampson: No, not really to be honest. It’s not really that popular here in Europe right now. People are still really into Electro Pop and Progressive House, but the curve is shifting. Music is changing and it seems French style house and Nu Disco are making quiet the comeback.
KAPA187: Apart from music what other interests do you have . Is there is anything that for fans will be surprised to know about you.
…as Sampson: I don’t know if it’ll surprise anyone but I’m a movie buff. I watch at least 6 movies a week. Some of my ideas for my music is inspired by movies. I’m also into travelling, would do it more often if I could. It’s kind of cool to just get up one day and go somewhere you’ve never been and try socialize with new people. It can be inspiring.
KAPA187: Who or what inspires and drives you both in music and in life.
…as Sampson: My family and girlfriend definitely push me to be better at music and in life. The idea of knowing that doing something I love could possibly be beneficial in all of us in the long run makes me happy and makes me want to keep at it. I’m also inspired by musicians who have great bodies of work but still don’t forget to have fun.
KAPA187: In 10 years i will be …..
…as Sampson: a hopefully a successful artist/producer with several great projects under my belt in different genres. Also hoping to have a studio of my own by then so I can help other artists get where they need to be. They are so many talented people out there but they don’t really have an outlet. I’m also hoping by then I would have mastered playing a couple of instruments. My sound can only get better.
…as sampson is featured on the just released Funkadeli Compilation
The nine Zambian players involved in the 2011 Finnish match fixing scandal hopes of further reprieve have been hit after Fifa extending its ban to worldwide until April 2013.
Fifa said in a statement that the two year ban from the Finland Football Federation was binding in all football motherbodys’ member states.
“In its fight against match-fixing and its determination to protect the foundation of sport and fair play, FIFA has taken another important decision. The Chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee extended sanctions imposed by the Disciplinary Committee of the Finland Football Federation on six players as to have worldwide effect. On 3 April 2012, the Finland Football Federation banned the players Godfrey Chibanga, Chileshe Chibwe, Steven Kunda, Christopher Musonda, Chanda Mwaba and Nchimunya Mweetwa on taking part in any football-related activity on grounds of match-fixing and unsporting behaviour for a period of two years as from 6 April 2011, date on which the players were provisionally suspended,” the statement read.
The news is a bog blow for three Faz Super Division clubs.
Promoted Napsa Stars and National Assembly have been the hardest hit.
Napsa has three players on his roaster for 2012 namely Mweetwa, Musonda and Chibwe.
Assembly on the other hand will miss midfielder Donwell Yobe who has been a creative force in their last three games scoring two goals he has played in since Faz lifted their local ban a last month.
Power Dynamos have striker Francis Kombe and defender Kunda.
Former Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia Executive Director Bishop Paul Mususu says the suspension of the three Supreme and High court Judges confirms the need for separation of powers in the governance system of the country.
Bishop Mususu says the situation where the head of State is empowered to make such decisions might erode the judicial confidence in the country.
He says justice system might be compromised if such powers are left with the president.
He says judicial matters are some of the issues that need to be addressed in the constitution.
Bishop Mususu has also hoped that the tribunal set up by the President will not raise concerns of a pre-determined outcome as has been the suspicion with the commissions of inquiry.
Bishop Mususu explained to QFM news this morning that the tribunal should act in a very fair manner in order for fair justice to prevail.
THE Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) and Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) have welcomed President Michael Sata’s decision to suspend three judges and the setting up a tribunal to probe alleged misconduct.
President Sata on Monday suspended Supreme Court Judge Philip Musonda, High Court Judges Nigel Mutuna and Charles Kajimanga.
A tribunal was immediately set up to investigate the judges’ conduct relating to the cases of Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ) versus Post Newspapers Limited, JCN Holdings Limited and Mutembo Nchito and Finsbury Investment Limited versus Antonio Ventriglia and Manuela Sebastian Ventrilia.
LAZ president James Banda said the association supported President Sata’s decision and that the head of State possesses the power to proceed in the manner he has done.
Mr Banda said in a statement in Lusaka yesterday that Article 98 of Constitution gives the President powers to set up a tribunal to investigate the conduct or misbehaviour of any judge.
“We, as an association did request for an inquiry surrounding the matters mentioned in the terms of reference for the tribunal set up by the President. It is not our intention to comment on the merits or lack thereof of the allegations against the Honourable judges. That is for the tribunal to determine,” said Mr Banda.
He said at annual general meeting (AGM) held on April 28, 2012 LAZ resolved that under the new Constitutional Order the judiciary should be reconstituted and that, pending the creation of the Order, other matters of concern identified by the public and raised by the LAZ should be addressed immediately.
Mr Banda said the matters include corruption, incompetence and undue delivery of justice and that the resolutions match with President Sata’s action to set up the tribunal.
LAZ expected the president to set up similar tribunals when the association or any other citizen of the country brought to his attention a credible allegation of misconduct on a part of a Judge.
He said LAZ had trust that the President, in setting up any tribunal would look at the complaint and not the complainant or the judges involved.
Mr Banda noted that the power to set up a tribunal should not at any time be used to hound or intimidate any judges who were perceived to be “anti-established.”
He said LAZ was, however, pleased that Mr Sata has committed himself to only use the power when clear grounds existed in accordance with the Constitution.
“As the President stated in his briefing to the Press, the fight against corruption must be all embracing and must be anchored on the basis of equality before the law,” he said.
TIZ executive director, Godwell Lungu said in a statement yesterday that the position taken by Mr Sata was not unique because even in Kenya four senior judges were found unfit to hold office.
“The position taken by the President is not unique as only a week ago on Wednesday, April 23, 2012, four senior Kenyan judges were found to be unfit to hold office, as declared by a board charged with vetting judicial officers.
“Among those sent home were the president of the Court of Appeal Riaga Omollo and Appellate judges Samuel Bosire, Emmanuel O’Kubasu and Joseph Nyamu,” Mr Lungu said.
He said the President was on firm ground and within the Constitution when he made the decision.
An Armcor security guard salutes President Sata during Labour day celebrations
PRESIDENT Sata says his administration will target youths in job creation because they make up 68 percent of the Zambian population and constitute a larger number of unemployed people in the country, in line with the PF government’s manifesto.
The President says value-addition to raw materials produced in the country will be the route to job creation.
“My government will promote investment in manufacturing industries which will create employment, particularly for the youth who account for 68 per cent of our population,” President Sata said.
The President was speaking during Labour Day celebrations at the Freedom Statue in Lusaka yesterday, attended by hundreds of workers from both the public and private sector.
On value addition to raw materials, Mr Sata observed that Zambia is predominantly a producer and exporter of raw materials, with few manufacturing industries hence the need to prop up swiftly the manufacturing sector.
He said the absence of industries that convert raw materials to finished goods has robbed the country of the opportunity for job creation including increased foreign earnings.
Mr Sata said there is urgent need to develop and implement appropriate strategies and programmes that will facilitate employment creation adding that “the focus of the Patriotic Front government is to ensure that economic growth translates into increased job opportunities”.
The theme for this year’s Labour Day celebrations is ‘enhancing workers’ rights for sustainable national development’.
President Sata also called on the workers to desist from illegal work stoppages at all costs. He said it is regrettable that the country has experienced wildcat strikes that have been counter-productive and irked investors.
He said it is important for stakeholders to clearly understand that work stoppages retard economic growth and impact negatively on overall national development.
He said the PF government expects trade unions and employers to use the established channels to address current and emerging labour concerns.
“This is crucial to creating and sustaining peaceful and harmonious industrial relations, which are key to fostering investor confidence and national development,” the President said.
Mr Sata told the workers that high levels of productivity can only be attained through a positive work culture and attitude.
“Government is determined to change the work culture characterised by poor attitude towards work, which includes absenteeism, reporting late for work and negative attitude towards clients,” he said.
He called on employers to create a work environment in which workers feel valued, recognised and respected as this will enhance productivity.
He said his administration is aware that conditions of service for some public service workers need to be improved.
He said the PF government is committed to improving conditions of service in a sustainable manner, as evidenced by the recent package contained in the collective agreement with public service unions in April, 2012.
Government recently awarded civil servants salary increments of between four and 15 percent.
“I am aware that poor salaries and conditions of service prevail in the private sector and in some cases they are in contravention of the law,” he said.
He said there is need for a strong legal and policy framework on labour for government to address the many challenges the country faces regarding labour and industrial relations management.
Mr Sata said government will review and amend labour-related legislation to ensure that the rights of workers are safeguarded.
The President congratulated workers, who demonstrated outstanding performance in their discharge of duties and were honoured with awards in recognition of their contribution to respective organisations.
Various organisations and individual workers were awarded during the celebrations.
Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Labour Fackson Shamenda said 250 private, public and non-governmental organisations and institutions took part in the celebrations.
Mr Shamenda said this year’s Labour Day celebrations were unique as they are the first to be held under the PF government.
He said last year’s salary and improved conditions of service negotiations between the Government and public workers unions lasted over six months, at which public workers got a raw deal.
He said under the PF government, negotiations for salaries and conditions of service for public workers lasted 10 days and public service workers got more than what they had bargained for.
He said the PF government has also revised the taxable threshold from K1 million to K2 million to improve the public take-home pay.
